Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site. 0108263 License for publishing multimedia online Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349 You are here: Business Chinese Premier Li Qiang will attend the opening ceremony of the seventh China International Import Expo (CIIE) and relevant events, and deliver a speech, a spokesperson announced Sunday. The seventh CIIE will be held from Nov. 5 to 10 in Shanghai, said He Yadong, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce. 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West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Puerto Rico US Virgin Islands Armed Forces Americas Armed Forces Pacific Armed Forces Europe Northern Mariana Islands Marshall Islands American Samoa Federated States of Micronesia Guam Palau Alberta, Canada British Columbia, Canada Manitoba, Canada New Brunswick, Canada Newfoundland, Canada Nova Scotia, Canada Northwest Territories, Canada Nunavut, Canada Ontario, Canada Prince Edward Island, Canada Quebec, Canada Saskatchewan, Canada Yukon Territory, Canada Zip Code South Carolina Army Guard Air Defenders Deploying to CENTCOM By Staff Sgt. Tim Andrews, South Carolina National Guar dOctober 31, 2024 EASLEY, S.C. -- A departure ceremony was held Oct. 19 for South Carolina Army National Guard Soldiers deploying to support Operation Inherent Resolve in the CENTCOM area of responsibility. The Battery B, 2nd Battalion, 263rd Air Defense Artillery Battalion, 263rd Army Air and Missile Defense Command, will provide air defense in theater in a deployment that is the first of its kind for this unit. Operation Inherent Resolve's Mission is to defeat ISIS in the Combined Joint Operations Area to enable whole-of-coalition governmental actions to increase regional stability. "Being the first of anything is a really fascinating experience. This unit has been the first for the National Capital Region mission," said U.S. Army Capt. Christopher Campion, commander, Battery B, 2nd Battalion, 263rd ADA. "To be able to go over to CENTCOM for this unit for the first time, it means a great deal to us." Friends and family members attended the ceremony to show their support as the Soldiers prepared to embark on their mission. U.S. Army Maj. Gen. R. Van McCarty, the adjutant general for South Carolina, said the Soldiers were ready. "Your Guard has been busy, and they have been deployed for an ongoing basis since 9/11 to do the things that we ask of our state and the nation of our Soldiers, your Soldier, your loved ones," said McCarty. "Today is not an easy day folks. I have been to many sendoff ceremonies since 9/11, but I'll say this: I have talked to Maj. Gen. Frank Rice, commander of the 263rd AAMDC, his deputy Brig. Gen. Richard A. Wholey Jr. I've talked to Col. Ridgeway. I've talked to a number of the leadership within our air defense community. Your Soldiers, your loved ones, they are trained and ready for this mission." U.S. Army Col. David Ridgeway, commander, 678th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, agreed. "There's no doubt that you are the subject matter experts, and you're the best in the Army in air defense," said Ridgeway. U.S. Army Lt. Col. Micah Shipe, commander, 2nd Battalion, 263rd ADA Battalion, applauded the dedication of Battery B. "I really can't say enough about the training that these Soldiers have been through over the past year and what I have seen these Soldiers do," said Shipe. "I've been looking forward to this day, and I'm looking forward to the day that I get to see you get off the plane and come back to this community." Sgt. Caleb Wagner, an Avenger crewmember assigned to B Battery, 2-263rd ADA Battalion, said he looks forward to the mission. "This is my second deployment, but this is my first time to the CENTCOM area," Wagner said. "I feel great going on this deployment. We've got a good group of Soldiers who love their families, and we're going to go over there and do great things." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Chinese way of war vs. military culture: topic of latest CASO panel By Sarah Hauck, The Army University Public Affairs Office November 1, 2024 THE ARMY UNIVERSITY, FORT LEAVENWORTH, Kansas -- The ongoing Russo-Ukrainian conflict continues to alter the geopolitical situation in Europe and the Indo-Pacific Command region. The latest Cultural and Area Studies Office panel, recognizing the National Defense Authorization Act's definition of China as a pacing threat, focused the discussion on the Chinese way of war and the People's Liberation Army. Dr. Mahir J. Ibrahimov, CASO Director, set the stage for the session by introducing the topic, and the Brigadier General Mark W Siekman, Deputy Commanding General, U.S. Army Reserve, Combined Arms Center, who provided senior leader opening remarks. Panelists from various Command and General Staff College and Army University departments, analyzed whether or not a clear Chinese way of war is present within the PLA's current state of their air, ground force, maritime and even historical background as a pacing threat, or if it is more of a cultural adaptation. "If you've heard GEN Flynn, the current USARPAC commander, he would argue, China is the most consequential threat, in the more consequential theater, and in the most consequential time," Siekman said. Chinese recovery from Century of Humiliation More than a dozen unsuccessful conflicts, spanning more than 100 years, to include the Century of Humiliation, as discussed by Dr. Geoff Babb, Department of Military History, CGSC, can be described as a prologue to the PLA today. "The Century of Humiliation does not belong to Chinese Communist Party but rather the people of China and is highlighted by the Chinese Communist Party and Xi Jinping," he said. Pre-People's Republic of China, Babb discussed, faced humiliating defeats to Britain, France, and the United States, the later creating the foundational distrust between the U.S. and China that stands today. The PRC is primarily focused on protecting borders and sovereignty which drives the military and economic decisions of leaderships like Xi Jinping's, who faced turning a country's dismal combat track record around. The introduction of Communist China to the military environment created, what could be argued, a way of war vice a military culture to rejuvenate the nation. "The Chinese are, in my opinion, strategically defensive and operationally offensive," Babb said. "When that might change or is that changing is unclear, but they're certainly building the military forces to be able to do that." The PRC's influence of the PLA is not something to be overlooked, Babb pointed out, highlighting the New Golden Age with the implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative and Treasure Fleet, which combines merchant and military ideals, and the Restored Wall with A2AD. Each of the three could suggest the PRC's values and shared understandings, or culture, have created a bridge to the PLA's way of war. Three P's and Two Hows to Understanding PLA's Ground Force Modernization Proximity to politics, professionalization, and principles plus how the PLA is seeing itself in modernization and how we make sense of what PLA is trying to do was the framework for understanding the PLA's modernization efforts presented by Lt. Col. Jason Haub, Advanced Strategic Leadership Studies Program, School of Advanced Military Studies. The PLA, having seen nearly a dozen major reforms, was brought to its current theater command structure, thanks to Jinping spurring another massive reform in 2016. Decisions like this for the PLA are dual tracked through the PRC and PLA, Haulb explained, making it difficult for the PLA ground forces' modernization to remain a headline priority. The most recent restructuring jeopardized the PLA ground force's status within the larger PLA, suggesting a military culture shift, that could create barriers to the PLA's attempted professionalization. Further, these PRC driven military adjustments continue to cloud the clarity of what the Chinese way of war is. "PLA ground forces are not the top priority in terms of modernization effort, and probably have some of the largest hurdles as they grapple with what is this new joint structure, joint theater command structure and how the PLA will fight," Haub said. Haub described PLA as a problem solving, learning organization, with a ground force that has a breadth of catching up to do to remain a near threat to the U.S. "I think it is important to have the framework of a Chinese way of war but to also understand, when we put that aside, how we assess things for what they are and not simply limit ourselves to view things only through an overly sensitive cultural lens," he said. Air and space Chinese way of war China continues struggling with engine manufacturing and modernization, creating disproportionate aircraft improvements, that hold them back from competing equally with the U.S. air modernization effort. This, however, is not enough to continue the narrative of the exponential U.S. - Chinese air/space gap. "The capability gap is rapidly shrinking in both the air and space domains. It's more concerning now in the air domain. Given a bit more time, it is quite plausible that the PLAAF will outstrip the U.S. Air Force in terms of numbers," Dr. John Modinger, Associate Professor, SAMS, and retired Air Force said. When it comes to above the ground combat, the Chinese have adopted, what Modinger described, as a "copying and pirating" approach to remaining a competitive threat. Most air and space craft in the Chinese war portfolio are near identical mimics of American versions. While not completely aligning with the definition of a Chinese way of war, Modinger offered that the number of crafts and satellites in the U.S. technology constellation is what separates the two nations. "We see increasing evidence of the Chinese mirroring the United States," he said. "Not going with their own way of war, but in fact paralleling our developments, if not stealing our technology." China goes so far with this technique as to recruit the pilots manning the top-of-the-line U.S. air and space crafts, Modinger explained. Add to the air and space pot a 550% increase in the number of Chinese launched satellites, the gap above the clouds continues to shrink. Space and air are competition lanes the U.S. continues to lead not just China, but the world, in terms of technology and use. However, Modinger pointed out that the closing gaps should be noted. "China will continue to increasingly drop from 'near' peer competitor to pacing threat or peer threat," he said. Chinese Maritime Triple Threat The Chinese PLA Ground Force is seemingly shackled from rapid modernization due to the cumbersome collaboration with the PRC, and the PLAFF must resort to looking off the U.S.'s paper to remain competitive in the sky. On the sea, the Chinese way of war is harder to define due to a simple lack of actual combat tested instances. Dr. John Kuehn, DMH, CGSC, began his discussion suggesting the Chinese fight at sea is primarily defensive. "It is built on a doctrine of local area dominance, which is extensive anti-access, area denial systems," he said. In the way of war vice military culture lens, Kuehn suggested, overall, the Chinese lean culturally, strategically defensive, and operationally offensive. The Chinese Navy is the most individualized, meaning not mimicking the U.S. counterpart, of those within the PLA in terms of size and regional location. The Chinese Navy tonnage exceeds that of the U.S.'s but with a majority being surface ships. The size and variety of maritime presence is largely a question mark of capability, Kuehn said, due to the Chinese naval history being river based. Outside the riverbanks, the PLA Navy's contemporary mission is the defense of the first island chain from Hokkaido in the north down to Singapore. This fits the Chinese approach to security, to strategy, to warfare, which is using the weaker to undermine the stronger," Kuehn said. "Use of mines. Use of coastal warfare. Use of non-belligerent tactics. Use deception. For the Chinese this looks like anti-cruise ship missiles, anti-ship ballistic missiles. Missile batteries ashore." Additional supplements to the Navy are the Chinese's enormous Coast Guard and "bully" of maritime security, militia. "The Coast Guard has some of the biggest cutters in the world," Kuehn said. "They have at least 50 cutters that are big enough to be used as a second Navy." This trio of maritime protection using (illegally) water cannons, shouldering, intel collection and missile use makes the PLA Navy an aspect of Chinese combat power worth understanding. "This is an area, where on continuum of conflict the Chinese has choices and they are already executing them with their very high handed and sort of bullying approach to maritime security especially in the South China Sea," Kuehn said. Whether the four areas of PLA modernization are seen as a clear definition of a Chinese way of war or a rather a semi-contemporary adopted military culture, the challenge Chinese military forces present to U.S. national security is one of importance and need of attention. This panel is part of a seminar series discussing issues of operational and strategic importance to the U.S., which CASO in coordination with CGSC, universities, think tanks, interagency and other partners conduct every two to three months, which is also live streamed on CGSC's Facebook page. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Congratulations on Historic Botswana Elections US Department of State Press Statement Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State November 1, 2024 The United States congratulates the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) and President-elect Duma Boko on their historic victory in Botswana's 2024 elections. Botswana's free elections reflect the voice of the people of Botswana in shaping their future. The United States reaffirms our support for Botswana's long-standing commitment to democracy and our shared partnership rooted in common values. We also commend President Dr. Mokgweetsi Masisi for his leadership and appreciate his commitment to democratic principles, as demonstrated by his pledge to support the next government and his commitment to a peaceful transfer of power. We are proud of our strong partnership with Botswana, its people, and its leaders on advancing trade and investment opportunities, winning the fight against the spread of HIV/AIDS, and cooperating on climate resilience and wildlife conservation. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Treasury Issues Final Rule Expanding CFIUS Coverage of Real Estate Transactions Around More Than 60 Military Installations U.S. Department of the Treasury November 1, 2024 WASHINGTON -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury (Treasury), as Chair of the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), in close coordination and cooperation with the U.S. Department of Defense (Department of Defense), issued a final rule that significantly expands its ability to review certain real estate transactions by foreign persons near more than 60 military bases and installations across 30 states. Pursuant to legislation that Congress passed in 2018, CFIUS has the authority to review certain real estate transactions near specified military installations and to take action in appropriate circumstances. Nearly 60 military installations will be added to an existing list of military installations around which CFIUS has jurisdiction over real estate transactions and CFIUS jurisdiction around nearly 10 existing installations will be extended. This latest update expands the reach of CFIUS's real estate jurisdiction while maintaining its sharp focus on national security. "The Biden-Harris Administration will continue to use our strong investment screening tools to advance America's national security and protect our military installations from external threats," said Secretary of the Treasury Janet L. Yellen. "This final rule will significantly increase the ability of CFIUS to thoroughly review real estate transactions near bases and will allow us to deter and stop foreign adversaries from threatening our Armed Forces, including through intelligence gathering." "Today's final rule is a significant milestone in safeguarding critical U.S. military and defense installations," said Assistant Secretary for Investment Security Paul Rosen. "The expansion of CFIUS jurisdiction around more than 60 military installations across 30 states highlights the work of CFIUS to be nimble and responsive to the evolving nature of the threats we face in the context of foreign investment that raises national security concerns." CFIUS jurisdiction over real estate transactions, provided by Congress in the Foreign Investment Risk Review Modernization Act of 2018 (FIRRMA), allows CFIUS to review the purchase or lease by, or concession to, a foreign person of real estate in the United States that is in close proximity to a military installation or another facility or property of the United States Government that is sensitive for reasons relating to national security; could reasonably provide the foreign person the ability to collect intelligence on activities being conducted at such an installation, facility, or property; or could otherwise expose national security activities at such an installation, facility, or property to the risk of foreign surveillance. The CFIUS regulations governing real estate transactions identify a subset of military installations around which certain real estate transactions are covered under CFIUS's jurisdiction. The Department of Defense, a member of CFIUS, regularly assesses its military installations and the geographic scope established under the CFIUS regulations to ensure appropriate application in light of evolving national security considerations. This final rule is the result of a recent comprehensive assessment conducted by the Department of Defense regarding its military installations. The final rule enhances CFIUS's authorities through the following key changes: Expands CFIUS's jurisdiction over certain real estate transactions to include those within a one-mile radius around 40 additional military installations; Expands CFIUS's jurisdiction over certain real estate transactions to include those within a 100-mile radius around 19 additional military installations; Expands CFIUS's jurisdiction over certain real estate transactions between 1 mile and 100 miles around eight military installations already listed in the regulations; Updates the names of 14 military installations already listed in the regulations to better assist the public in identifying the relevant sites; and Updates the locations of seven military installations already listed in the current regulations to better assist the public in identifying the relevant sites. The final rule will become effective 30 days after publication in the Federal Register and is available at https://www.cfius.gov/. ### NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ethiopia: Statement by High Representative Josep Borrell to mark two years of the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement European External Action Service (EEAS) 02.11.2024 EEAS Press Team Today marks two years since the signing of the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement (CoHA) between the Government of Ethiopia and the Tigray People's Liberation Front. The implementation of the CoHA has delivered on important developments such as restoration of basic services, humanitarian access and the return of some Internally Displaced Persons. While acknowledging the complexity of the process, the EU calls on all parties to redouble efforts to ensure that implementation continues for the benefit of all Ethiopians living in the northern part of the country. At the same time, we continue to urge for a peaceful resolution to ongoing conflicts in the country. Human rights must be respected at all times, in accordance with Ethiopia's continental and international obligations. In this regard, a credible and victim-centred Transitional Justice process, for which the Government of Ethiopia has undertaken preparatory work, is vital. We urge all parties to engage in the ongoing National Dialogue, which must be fully inclusive, in particular as regards the voices of women and youth. The EU is ready to deepen our engagement with Ethiopia on the basis of April 2023 Foreign Affairs Council Conclusions. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Senior Hamas official terms US ceasefire proposal "deceptive" IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Nov 2, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- A senior Hamas official has criticized a recent US proposal for a short-term ceasefire in the Gaza war, calling it deceptive and insufficient to address Palestinian demands. Izzat al-Risheq says the proposal does not include provisions to fully halt Zionist attacks, withdraw occupying forces from Gaza, or facilitate the return of displaced Palestinians, which are essential conditions for Hamas. The official also accused Israel and the United States of employing what he described as a "role-switching" strategy in Lebanon, similar to tactics used in Gaza, to maintain pressure on the Palestinian resistance. This approach, he said, reflects a broader effort to delay negotiations and use the ceasefire as a cover to continue military operations. Sami Abu Zuhri, another Hamas leader, stated that the proposal, which offers only a temporary truce, fails to meet the movement's core demand to end the ongoing violence against Palestinians. Speaking to Al Jazeera, he insisted that only a complete cessation of attacks and tangible steps towards their demands will be considered acceptable. 9341**2050 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hezbollah launches drone attack on Israel's Palmachim Airbase IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Nov 2, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- Hezbollah of Lebanon has announced a drone attack against Palmachim Airbase in Tel Aviv, Palestinian occupied territories. In a statement on Saturday, Hezbollah said the attack was carried out by several combat drones. It added that all the targets were directly hit. Palestine's Sama news agency has also said that sirens could be heard in Acre and Nahariya and some Zionist settlements in northern parts of the occupied lands. Local media have also reported what they referred to as a second phase of missile shots by Hezbollah into Zionist bases in Galilee. Hezbollah also announced that its combat drones directly hit Glilot military base in the suburbs of Tel Aviv. Earlier today, Zionist media said that 15 missiles crossed Lebanon into the occupied lands. They added that sirens were heard in Galilee and Haifa. 9341**2050 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 3 Israeli soldiers killed in Gaza Strip IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Nov 2, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- Media sources have reported that three soldiers of the Israeli regime were killed and their armored vehicles destroyed during operations by Hamas' Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades in the Gaza Strip. The Zionist media reported that two security incidents occurred in the Gaza Strip yesterday evening and this morning, resulting in several soldiers being killed and wounded, according to the Palestinian news agency Shahab on Saturday. Israeli media announced that the number of casualties among the Israeli army has risen to three since this morning in the Gaza Strip. Accordingly, Al-Qassam Brigades released a statement reporting that multiple Israeli soldiers were killed and injured in an explosion at a pre-bombed building in the Jabalia refugee camp, located in the northern Gaza Strip. Also, Al-Qassam Brigades announced that they destroyed a "D9" military bulldozer belonging to the Israeli regime using "al-Yasin 105" anti-armor rockets in the western area of the Jabalia refugee camp. Several Israeli soldiers were also reported killed or wounded during this operation. Additionally, Hamas' Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades confirmed the destruction of two Israeli army bulldozers in the same region. The Zionist regime waged its war on Gaza on October 7, 2023, after the Palestinian resistance movement, Hamas, carried out a surprise operation into the occupied territories in retaliation for the regime's ceaseless atrocities against the Palestinian people over the past seven decades. With the war continuing unabated and amid a rising civilian death toll in Gaza, resistance movements and groups in the region, including Lebanon's Hezbollah, Yemen's Ansarullah, and Iraq's fighters launched military operations against US and Israeli interests in an effort to exert pressure on the regime to end its genocidal war. 3266**2050 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iraqi resistance conducts drone strikes on Israeli port of Eilat IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Nov 2, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- The Islamic Resistance in Iraq says it has carried out four drone attacks on the Israeli-occupied port of Eilat. In a statement on Saturday, the coalition of resistance groups in Iraq said it was behind the drone strikes on "four vital targets" in Eilat, all conducted within one hour. The Islamic Resistance in Iraq is part of the Axis of Resistance, which has been conducting retaliatory operations against the Israeli regime in support of the Palestinians in Gaza. In its statement, the Iraqi resistance group said the drone attacks were in response to the Israeli massacres of civilians, including women and children, in Gaza and Lebanon. In recent months, the Iraqi resistance group has targeted vital Israeli positions in occupied territories, including in Haifa, Eilat and Golan Heights. 4353**2050 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hezbollah conducts fresh missile, drone attacks on Israel IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Nov 2, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- Lebanese Resistance Movement Hezbollah has conducted seven missile and drone operations against Israel in response to the regime's aggression on Lebanon and Gaza. Hezbollah said in a statement early Saturday that the operations targeted multiple Israeli settlements and the regime's forces in southern Lebanon a day earlier. According to the statement, missiles were fired at gatherings of Israeli soldiers in two separate attacks in the town of Khiam located in southern Lebanon. Also, Israeli settlements in Kiryat Shmona, Kfar Giladi, Karmiel, and Ma'alot-Tarshiha were targeted by missiles and drones. Hezbollah has stepped up its operations against Israeli targets after the regime intensified its air aggression on Lebanon on September 23 and launched a ground offensive days later. The Israeli regime has meanwhile increased attacks against Palestinian civilians in Gaza. Israeli media reported on Friday that Hezbollah fired 4,600 missiles and drones toward Israeli-occupied territories in October. They said 64 Israeli soldiers and 24 settlers were killed as a result of Hezbollah's operations in that month. 4194**9417 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Lebanon death toll approaches 2,900 amid escalating conflict IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Nov 2, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- Lebanon's minister of environment has announced that the Israeli regime's recent airstrikes caused an increase in the death toll in Lebanon to 2,897, following the martyrdom of 30 more civilians. According to a report from Al-Ahed News Agency on Saturday, Nasser Yassin stated that the Tel Aviv regime conducted 120 airstrikes on Lebanon over the past 24 hours, with 61 targeting Nabatieh, southern Lebanon, 41 hitting the south, 12 striking the capital city Beirut, and six aimed at Baalbek, bringing the total number of attacks to 11,767 since the onset of hostilities. Yassin noted that in the past 24 hours alone, 30 civilians were martyred, and 183 others were injured, bringing the total number of wounded to 13,150. The total number of civilian martyrs has now risen to 2,897. He also mentioned that 1,132 centers have been established for displaced persons, with 945 currently at full capacity. He added that 188,298 people, comprising 43,802 families, are currently housed in temporary shelters. However, the actual number of displaced individuals is significantly higher. More than 10,000 residents fled Baalbek following recent Israeli threats on Thursday. Since September 23, nearly 359,805 Syrian citizens and 175,215 Lebanese have crossed into Syria from Lebanon. The Israeli regime's army initiated extensive attacks on southern Lebanon on September 23. In response, the Lebanese resistance movement Hezbollah began targeting Israeli military sites and settlements in northern occupied Palestine, launching hundreds of rockets and engaging in direct combat against Israeli forces. 4208**9417 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iraqi resistance targets vital Israeli base in northern occupied Palestine IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Nov 2, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- Iraqi resistance forces have targeted an important Israeli base in the north of the occupied Palestine in a drone strike. In a statement on Saturday, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq said it carried out the operation in response to the occupying regime's massacre of civilians, including women, children and the elderly. In a related development, the Iraqi resistance said it launched six drone operations on Friday against some bases in the north, center and south of the occupied territories. The Islamic resistance in Iraq has already warned it would intensify its attacks on the Israeli bases if the regime continued its aggression against the Gaza Strip and Lebanon. 1483**4354 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 2 more Israeli forces killed in N Gaza: Reports Iran Press TV Saturday, 02 November 2024 9:03 PM Israeli media outlets have reported the death of two more Israeli forces in the northern part of the Gaza Strip, where the Israeli military is facing increasingly stiff resistance. Reporting on Saturday, the outlets said the forces belonged to the military's Givati Brigade, an infantry force, adding that another trooper was seriously injured during confrontations with Palestinian resistance fighters. The fatalities occurred after the troops entered a booby-trapped house in the city of Jabalia. The structure lies near a residential building that was blown up following the intrusion of a group of Israeli troops, resulting in the death of four of the forces earlier this week. The Israeli military itself has admitted that four of its forces had been wounded across Gaza over the past 24 hours. A day earlier, fighters with the armed wing of the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas released a statement, announcing their killing and wounding of as many as 15 Israeli troops during a complex operation in northern Gaza. Palestinians have stepped up their resistance operations in the face of intensified Israeli aggression in northern Gaza that has claimed the lives of more than 1,000 people over the past weeks. Announcing the death toll, Mahmoud Basal, Gaza's chief of civil defense, recently said, "The occupation deliberately destroys more than one building in each airstrike to cause the highest number of martyrs." The fatalities are among the 43,300-plus Palestinians, who have been killed as a result of the Israeli regime's October 2023-present genocidal war on the territory. Women and children comprise the majority of the victims. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israel plans to displace Palestinians in occupied West Bank: Senior Hamas official Iran Press TV Saturday, 02 November 2024 6:59 PM A senior official with the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas has warned of Israel's plans to annex the West Bank and drive Palestinians out of their villages, as the regime's troops continue their deadly raids on the occupied territory. "We warn of the grave danger posed by the plans led by the extremist occupation regime and illegal settler groups to displace the residents of Palestinian villages in the occupied West Bank," Mahmoud Mardawi said in a statement on Saturday. He went on to say that the Israeli regime's current actions in different areas across the West Bank constitute a "serious plan targeting Palestinian presence" in the occupied territory. Mardawi further noted that the occupying regime "seeks to alter the demographic reality and complete its West Bank annexation plan, which has already resulted in the seizure of thousands of acres of Palestinian land over the years." The latest development came after Israel's far-right minister Bezalel Smotrich called for the full annexation of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip earlier this week. Speaking at a recent summit in occupied al-Quds, hosted by Israel for an American evangelical audience on Monday, Smotrich asserted that Israel should unequivocally declare there would be no Palestinian state. Smotrich, who has a history of making outrage-inciting comments and provoking Palestinians, repeated his proposal of expanding Israeli settlements within the West Bank and other occupied territories. Israel has ramped up its aggression against Palestinians across the West Bank since October 7 last year, when it launched a genocidal war against the Gaza Strip. Hundreds of Palestinians have been killed and thousands of others injured by Israeli settlers or troops across the occupied territory since the onset of the war. There has also been a sharp increase in violent assaults by extremist Jewish settlers across the West Bank. More than 700,000 Israelis live in over 230 settlements built since the 1967 Israeli occupation of the West Bank and East al-Quds. The international community views the settlements as illegal under international law and the Geneva Conventions due to their construction on the occupied territories. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hamas rejects temporary truce offer, calls for complete ceasefire in Gaza Iran Press TV Saturday, 02 November 2024 5:27 PM A high-ranking member of the Palestinian Hamas resistance movement has rejected proposals from mediators Egypt and Qatar for a short-term truce in Gaza as "misleading", stating that the initiative does not include a lasting ceasefire. Izzat al-Rishq, a member of the Hamas's political bureau, said on Saturday that the proposals put forward do not include conditions that the movement considers essential, such as a permanent cessation of Israeli attacks, the withdrawal of the occupation forces from the Strip and the return of the displaced to their areas. "We engage positively with any proposals and ideas that guarantee an end to the aggression and the withdrawal of occupation troops from Gaza," he stated. The Hamas official noted that Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu is stalling the conclusion of a comprehensive and permanent ceasefire to buy time, and is using negotiations as a cover to continue his aggression against Palestinians in Gaza. "The role-playing game between the occupying regime and the US administration continues in Lebanon, just as it does in Gaza," Rishq pointed out. An official Hamas source revealed on Friday the details of the discussions held by a Hamas delegation with Egyptian and Qatari mediators, stating that the ideas include a temporary ceasefire for a few days and increasing the number of humanitarian aid trucks allowed into the Gaza Strip, in addition to the possibility of a partial exchange of captives and prisoners between the two sides. The source explained to al-Aqsa television channel that the proposals do not meet the urgent humanitarian needs of the Palestinian people to achieve security and stability, and do not include rebuilding the damaged infrastructure or re-opening the crossings, especially the Rafah crossing, which is considered a lifeline for the people of the coastal territory. Senior Hamas leader Taher al-Nunu had already warned on Thursday that the group would reject any proposal for a temporary halt to the fighting. A top Hamas official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told AFP news agency on Friday that the group had responded by restating its position that "what the Palestinian people want is a complete, comprehensive and lasting ceasefire". NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hezbollah strikes Israeli military base in northern occupied territories Iran Press TV Saturday, 02 November 2024 2:37 PM The Lebanese resistance movement Hezbollah says it has launched a barrage of missiles at an Israeli air base in the northern part of the occupied territories in retaliation for the occupying regime's ongoing aggression against the Arab country. In a statement released on Saturday, Hezbollah said it had fired "a salvo of rockets" at Israel's Glilot military base of the 8200 Military Intelligence Unit on the outskirts of Tel Aviv at 2:30 am local time. The resistance group further noted that it had targeted twice the Zevulon military industries base near the northern city of Haifa with missiles. Hezbollah also said it had carried out drone strikes at Palmachim Airbase, located a few kilometers south of Tel Aviv, earlier in the day. It also stated that it had launched rockets at the northern occupied town of Safed, while the Israeli military said that sirens were activated following the arrival of "suspicious aerial targets" from Lebanon. Meanwhile, a missile attack on the central occupied territories has left 19 people injured. The Israeli ambulance service reported moderate to minor injuries, with the wounded transferred to nearby hospitals in the town of Tira. Hezbollah has also carried out missile and drone attacks against five Israeli settlements in the Galilee, the occupied Golan Heights. According to Israeli media, a drone struck a factory near the industrial area of Nahariya, while explosions were heard near Ramat David, an Israeli air force base located just 20 kilometers (12 miles) southeast of the city of Haifa. Since late September, Israel has launched an intense air and ground onslaught against Lebanon after nearly a year of cross-border exchanges with Hezbollah over the war in Gaza. The regime's intensified aggression against Lebanon has seen it either attacking targets across the country without prior notice or issuing such notices minutes before launching its strikes. Hezbollah has been responding to the aggression with numerous retaliatory operations, targeting the occupied Palestinian territories. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Nov. 1: 'Axis of Resistance' operations against Israeli occupation Iran Press TV Saturday, 02 November 2024 12:30 PM By Press TV Website Staff Amid Israel's genocidal war on Gaza, which has killed more than 43,300 Palestinians so far, as well as the ongoing genocide in Lebanon, 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 Friday, November 1, are as follows: Al-Qassam Brigades' operations on Nov. 1: Detonated a highly explosive device in the incursion zones in the Al-Balawneh neighborhood of Tulkarem, occupied West Bank, during the raid on the camp. In a complex operation, targeted an Israeli military personnel carrier with an Al-Yassin 105 shell, and targeted a house where 12 soldiers were holed up with a TBG shell. While 3 soldiers were escaping towards a Merkava tank, it too was targeted with a highly explosive device in the Al-Qasasib area in Jabalia, northern Gaza Strip. Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades' operations on Nov. 1: Engaged in fierce clashes with Israeli forces and their military vehicles storming the town of Jaba', south of the city of Jenin, with machine guns. Targeted the command and control headquarters of the Israeli army in the Juhr Al-Dik area with 107 mm short-range rockets. Al-Quds Brigades' operations on Nov. 1: Targeted an Israeli military armored bulldozer during its incursion on the outskirts of the new camp north of Al-Nusseirat in the central Gaza Strip with a guided 107mm missile. Targeted command and control sites and positions of the Israeli military around Abu Jarad station east of Rafah city with a barrage of 107mm rockets. Hezbollah's operations on Nov. 1: Targeted a gathering of Israeli forces in the Al-Maslakh neighborhood, south of the town of Al-Khiam, with a large rocket barrage. Within the framework of the warning issued by the Islamic Resistance to a number of settlements in the north, targeted the settlement of "Karmiel" with a barrage of rockets. Within the framework of the warning issued by the Islamic Resistance to a number of settlements in the north, bombarded the "Ma'alot Tarshiha" settlement with a barrage of rockets. Within the framework of the warning issued by the Islamic Resistance to a number of settlements in the north, bombarded the "Kiryat Shmona" settlement with a barrage of rockets. Targeted a gathering of forces south of the town of Khiam with a qualitative rocket barrage. Targeted the "Kfar Giladi" settlement with an attack drone. Within the framework of the warning issued by the Islamic Resistance to a number of settlements in the north, targeted the "Kiryat Shmona" settlement with two attack drones. Islamic Resistance in Iraq's operations on Nov. 1: Targeting a vital Israeli military site in Tel Aviv with a drone Targeting vital Israeli military sites in the occupied Golan Heights twice with drones Targeted Dimona radar facility in the occupied southern Palestinian territories. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address A dynamic group of 59 Australian technology companies, ranging from established industry leaders to promising startups, recently embarked on a strategic mission to Malaysia and Singapore. Led by Austrade, the Australian governments trade and investment agency, this initiative aimed to tap into the burgeoning digital economies of these Southeast Asian nations. The myriad opportunities in Malaysia, Brunei and Singapore were shared with Australian technology companies during a one-week mission in October. The mission was the second visit to Malaysia and Singapore this year under the Australia-Southeast Asia Business Exchange program. Led by Daniel Boyer, Austrades Deputy CEO, Policy and Programs, the Digital Gateway to Southeast Asia delegation included 59 Australian artificial intelligence (AI), cyber security and digital health companies. They came from a cross-section of the Australian innovation ecosystem, mixing major players like Telstra, Aspen and Icon Group, homegrown unicorns such as AirTrunk and Atlassian, and emerging award-winning tech providers like Foxo, Baidam and Advanced Health Intelligence. A Digital Odyssey The delegation, a diverse mix of AI, cybersecurity, and digital health firms, sought to: Identify and Pursue Opportunities: Explore the vast potential of Southeast Asias digital landscape. Explore the vast potential of Southeast Asias digital landscape. Forge Strategic Partnerships: Connect with key government agencies, industry associations, and potential partners to foster collaborations. Connect with key government agencies, industry associations, and potential partners to foster collaborations. Showcase Australian Innovation: Highlight Australias cutting-edge technologies and expertise in areas like AI, cybersecurity, and digital health. Highlight Australias cutting-edge technologies and expertise in areas like AI, cybersecurity, and digital health. Leverage the Digital Economy Agreement: Utilize the Australia-Singapore Digital Economy Agreement (DEA) to streamline trade and investment between the two countries. By participating in this mission, Australian tech companies gained invaluable insights into the unique challenges and opportunities presented by Southeast Asian markets. They were able to: Understand Market Dynamics: Gain a deeper understanding of local market trends, consumer preferences, and regulatory environments. Gain a deeper understanding of local market trends, consumer preferences, and regulatory environments. Build Strong Relationships: Establish connections with key decision-makers and industry influencers. Establish connections with key decision-makers and industry influencers. Validate Product-Market Fit: Test the viability of their products and services in the Southeast Asian context. Test the viability of their products and services in the Southeast Asian context. Accelerate Growth: Secure new business deals, partnerships, and investments to drive growth and expansion. Growth drivers As Southeast Asia continues its rapid digital transformation, Australian tech firms are well-positioned to capitalize on the regions immense potential. By leveraging strong government support, innovative technologies, and a strategic approach, Australian companies can play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Southeast Asias digital economy. Key factors driving the digital economy in Southeast Asia include rising mobile internet penetration, supportive government policies, and a tech-savvy, youthful population eager for online solutions. Countries like Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Thailand have particularly high growth rates in e-commerce, fintech, and digital infrastructure, sectors where Australian companies have strengths and experience. The market is projected to reach an estimated $300 billion by 2025, according to reports from Google, Temasek, and Bain & Company, with e-commerce and digital financial services expected to account for a significant share of this value. Australian tech companies, from SaaS providers to fintech and e-commerce platforms, are well-positioned to meet the increasing demand for digital transformation, particularly in areas like logistics, financial technology, cybersecurity, and digital education. Keep up to date with our stories on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. At least 19 Israelis injured in Hezbollah's fresh missile, drone operations Iran Press TV Saturday, 02 November 2024 9:01 AM At least 19 Israelis have been injured in a missile attack by the Lebanese resistance movement Hezbollah on the central occupied territories, amid the regime's daily aggression on southern Lebanon. The Israeli police said 19 people in the town of Tira in the Sharon region were injured after the military reported the launch of "three projectiles from Lebanon" early on Saturday. Israeli media cited the occupation army as saying that around 15 rockets were fired from Lebanon and triggered sirens across northern Israel. Some five rockets fired at the Upper Galilee were mostly intercepted, reports said, adding that some 10 rockets were also fired at the Haifa Bay area and Galileae, with the military claiming that some were intercepted while others fell in open areas. Separately, two rockets fired from Lebanon at the northern Golan Heights struck open areas, according to the Israeli military. Missile, drone strikes on occupied territories Hezbollah also announced that it had launched rockets at an Israeli intelligence base near Tel Aviv in the early hours of the day. The Lebanese resistance group said in a statement that its fighters "fired at 2:30 a.m. (0030 GMT) a salvo of rockets at the Glilot base of the 8200 military intelligence unit in the suburbs of Tel Aviv." Hezbollah also said it had launched several drones from Lebanon at northern Israel, setting off sirens in the Haifa area for about half an hour. The Israeli military said one of the drones was shot down and another drone impacted a factory building in an industrial zone near Nahariya, providing no further details on the extent of damage and possible casualties. The resistance media reported that Hezbollah's drones had penetrated large areas in the north and the sirens were activated in the Ramat David area, southeast of Haifa. The Lebanese resistance movement on Friday carried out fresh retaliatory operations against Israel, targeting several settlements and military positions of the regime. Israel has been carrying out bloody acts of terror and aggression across Lebanon after the occupying regime unleashed its genocidal war on the Gaza Strip. At least 2,865 people have been killed and 13,047 others injured in Israeli attacks on Lebanon since early October last year, according to the country's health ministry. In late September, the regime assassinated Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, head of the Lebanese resistance movement Hezbollah, in a strike in southern Beirut. Since then, Hezbollah has increased its retaliatory attacks against Israeli targets and vowed to continue its fight in support of Gaza and Palestine, and in defense of Lebanon. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 50 children among 84 people killed in 'brutal massacres' by Israel in Gaza Iran Press TV Saturday, 02 November 2024 3:21 AM Two Israeli attacks on residential buildings in northern Gaza have killed 84 Palestinians, including more than 50 children, Gaza's Government Media Office has said. "The Israeli occupation army commits two brutal massacres by bombing residential buildings belonging to the Shalayel and Ghandour families in northern Gaza Strip, resulting in more than 170 civilians being affected, with 84 martyrs including over 50 children, and dozens missing and injured," the Government Media Office said on Friday. It said 84 people were "massacred" as no civil defense crews, medical services or other relief services were available in the area amid an Israeli siege and continuing bombardment. "These crimes come as the occupation army targets civilian families in residential buildings populated by civilians and displaced individuals, consisting of several stories," the statement said. "This coincides with the absence of civil defense teams, medical services, or relief teams, as they have been targeted and rendered non-operational by the 'Israeli' occupation for almost a month. These crimes also coincide with the collapse of the health system in northern Gaza, with hospitals destroyed and out of service," it added. The buildings belonged to the Shalayel and al-Ghandour families, it said. The Gaza government called on the international community to uphold its obligation to protect civilians, adding that it holds Israel and its allies - the US, France, the UK and Germany - responsible for the ongoing "genocide" in Gaza. "We call on the international community and international and UN organizations to urgently and immediately fulfill their humanitarian role and duty to protect civilians and safeguard hospitals and health institutions," the statement said. "We also reiterate our demand for the entry of surgical medical teams and ambulances and the restoration of civil defense operations to save lives, as its targeting constitutes a crime against humanity, which the international community regrettably remains silent about," it added. Entire Gaza population "at imminent risk of dying' Meanwhile, the Palestinian Red Crescent Society (PRCS) said it was evacuating patients from al-Awda and Indonesian hospitals in northern Gaza amid the ongoing Israeli siege. The Palestinian group evacuated 21 patients in coordination with the International Committee of the Red Cross, it said on X. The UN Inter-Agency Standing Committee earlier warned that the situation in northern Gaza is "apocalyptic." It said that its entire population is "at imminent risk of dying from disease, famine and violence." Israel unleashed a genocidal Gaza onslaught on October 7, 2023, after Hamas-led resistance groups carried out a surprise operation against the usurping entity in retaliation for its intensified atrocities against the Palestinian people. So far, the occupying regime has killed at least 43,259 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and injured 101,827 others in the besieged Gaza, according to the latest official tally. In its brutal aggression, Israel has deliberately targeted buildings and tents sheltering displaced Palestinians and committed war crimes. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address To Lam moves to secure full term at pinnacle of Vietnamese power Commentary: Lam seems to have succeeded in getting all his ducks in a row to win a full term in January 2026. By Zachary Abuza 2024.11.02 -- To Lam's recent relinquishing of the presidency of Vietnam is no sign of weakness or a challenge to his leadership. It was a logical step toward securing a full term as Communist Party general secretary. In a system that prides itself on collective leadership, there was consternation within the Communist Party of Vietnam, or CPV, about Lam's rapid accumulation of power over the past year. The National Assembly has been signaling since August that this transfer of power would happen. For Lam, the presidency was just a stepping stone. While he seemed to enjoy the diplomatic function and traveled to eight countries in his brief five month tenure, and there's a logic to the most powerful person being the country's top representative, his priority is getting elected to a full term with his team at the 14th Party Congress in January 2026. While Lam may be the CPV general secretary, he still needs the support of the party Central Committee, and there are other power centers that he has to contend with. He has nothing like Xi Jinping's hold over the Communist Party of China. Stacking the Politburo The 18-member Politburo elected at the 13th Party Congress in January 2021 has fallen to a low of 12 members. Lam has moved to fill the ranks. There have been five new Politburo members elected since May, including his protege, Luong Tam Quang at the Ministry of Public Security, or MPS. Lam promoted Quang, who hails from his home province of Hung Yen, to a full general in his final days in the presidency. New Politburo member Le Minh Hung - whose father was To Lam's mentor at the MPS - chairs the CPV's Organization Commission, which oversees all mid- to senior-level party appointments. Politburo promotions Lam is moving to elevate two additional people to the 15-member Politburo. Minister of Construction Nguyen Thanh Nghi, who has been tipped to be promoted to deputy prime minister at the 14th Congress, if not sooner. The U.S.-educated Nghi is the son of former Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung. Upon election to general secretary, Lam traveled to Ho Chi Minh City where he held a high profile meeting with the former prime minister. Southerners are angry that they are even more underrepresented on the Politburo than usual, and Lam needs to shore up relations with Dung, an important southern power broker. The second likely appointment is Tran Luu Quang, now head of the Central Committee's Economic Commission and formerly deputy prime minister. This appointment is overdue for Quang, who is a candidate to be prime minister. While the elevation of Nghi and Quang is politically expedient for Lam, there's an economic rationale for the move given the dearth of economic experience on the Politburo. Lam understands that the party's legitimacy comes through performance. Lam is not just stacking the Politburo; he's appointing allies, especially those from his home province of Hung Yen, across key party positions. Lam installed another MPS deputy, Nguyen Duy Ngoc, as the head of the Central Committee office, a very powerful behind-the-scenes position in personnel issues and agenda setting. Lam now has his eyes and ears at the nerve center in the Central Committee. Ngoc also serves on the CPV's 12-member Secretariat, which runs the party's day-to-day affairs. Institutional checks Also new to the Secretariat is Le Minh Tri, who heads the Central Committee's Civil Affairs Committee and is the prosecutor general of the Supreme People's Procuracy. Le Hoai Trung, Lam's top foreign policy adviser, who has been by his side in all foreign trips and meetings, also serves on the Secretariat. Lam is also moving to neutralize opposition. He appointed Vu Hong Van, a police major general also from Hung Yen, as deputy chairman of the Central Inspection Commission. Its chairman, Tran Cam Tu, is the one person on the Politburo who could cause the general secretary some trouble. He heads an investigative body with powers to investigate senior leadership that's beyond Lam's control. And as a reminder that Lam is not in complete control, on Oct. 25, the Politburo elected Tu as the standing chairman of the Secretariat, over Lam's preferred candidate, Nguyen Duy Ngoc. The other institutional check is the People's Army. While armies tend to dominate politics in Southeast Asia, in Vietnam, power is the security police, a reflection of the regime's fear of popular color revolutions. In addition to Lam and Luong Tam Quang, there are four other members of the Politburo who came up through the Ministry of Public Security. Many have looked to the military as an institutional check on the MPS, which is why the election of Luong Cuong to the presidency on Oct. 21 is seen as so important. Gen. Cuong is a career political commissar, becoming the chief of the Vietnam People's Army's General Political Department in 2016. As the top party official in the military, he also served on the Secretariat since 2016, becoming its standing chairman when Truong Thi Mai was forced to resign in May. In addition to Cuong, Minister of National Defense Phan Van Giang serves on the Politburo. Shoring up army ties Lam has been trying to build ties to the military. As general secretary, he is concurrently the chairman of the Central Military Commission, the highest defense decision-making body. In that capacity, he routinely meets with different military units and leadership. Lam's also trying to carefully make his mark on personnel. He promoted Trinh Van Quyet, the current head of the General Political Department, to the Secretariat. He promoted three other senior officers from Hung Yen Province, including Deputy Minister of National Defense Hoang Xuan Chien, and Lt. General Nguyen Hong Thai, the commander of Military Region 1, which borders China. Even if the generals aren't happy with a cop as chairman of the Central Military Commission, Lam is slowly putting his people into leadership positions. And all this matters, because the army comprises 11-13% on the Central Committee, the largest single bloc. Lam understands that getting allies into key positions should make himself unassailable just over a year from now at the 14th Congress. Through Luong Tam Quang, he can continue to investigate rivals. Other allies are in charge of personnel selection and drafting key party documents. The Communist Party of Vietnam has a culture of collective leadership - a norm that Lam briefly violated. By ceding the presidency, especially to a military man, he neutralizes some of the opposition to him, while giving up very little real power. In his consolidation of power, Lam took down eight different rivals on the Politburo since December 2022, a period of unprecedented political churn. Any more turmoil could be counter-productive. Lam seems to have succeeded in getting all his ducks in a row to be elected to a full term in January 2026. So rather than see the relinquishing of the presidency as a sign of weakness, it's more accurate to think of it as a sign of growing political strength. Zachary Abuza is a professor at the National War College in Washington and an adjunct at Georgetown University. The views expressed here are his own and do not reflect the position of the U.S. Department of Defense, the National War College, Georgetown University or Radio Free Asia. 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 November not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The 2 Candidates Fighting To Become Moldova's Next President By RFE/RL's Moldovan Service November 02, 2024 In a November 3 presidential runoff, Moldovan voters will choose between pro-EU incumbent Maia Sandu, who won the first round with 42 percent of the vote, and former Prosecutor-General Alexandr Stoianoglo, who secured 26 percent with backing from the pro-Russian Socialist Party of Moldova (PSRM). While the position of president is technically a ceremonial position in Moldova, holders of the office often wield considerable political influence. RFE/RL's Moldovan Service introduces the candidates, their campaigns, and the controversies that are complicating their careers. Maia Sandu: Firmly In The EU Camp A Harvard graduate and former employee at the World Bank, Maia Sandu became Moldova's first female president with a landslide victory in 2020. After winning with a strong pro-EU message and promises to fight corruption and reform the judiciary, Sandu has had her work cut out for her in her first term with an economy ravaged by the coronavirus pandemic and rising geopolitical tensions with Russia. The 52-year-old Sandu first rose to prominence in 2012, serving as the country's education minister. After an unsuccessful presidential bid in 2016, she briefly served as prime minister three years later when her party allied with the PSRM. As president, Sandu was instrumental in securing Moldova's candidacy to join the European Union in June 2022, an achievement given extra urgency following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine a few months earlier. Praised for her integrity by some, Sandu has also been criticized for the slow pace of judicial reform and for failing to revive Moldova's struggling economy. In a televised presidential debate on October 27, Sandu admitted that the promised judicial reform -- including combating corruption and overhauling the Prosecutor-General's Office -- had been slow and vowed such measures would be more efficient in the future. Throughout her presidency, Sandu has been criticized by pro-Kremlin political parties who have accused her of stoking conflict with Moscow. In December 2022, she was chastised for limiting freedom of expression after she suspended the licenses of six pro-Russian TV channels for "dissemination of false information." In her campaign for reelection, Sandu has pledged to maintain peace, improve living conditions (Moldova is the poorest country in Europe), and join the EU by 2030. After a narrow victory in the referendum on EU membership, which was held simultaneously with the first round of the presidential election on October 20, Sandu alleged that Moldova was the target of unprecedented fraud and that "criminal groups" and "foreign forces" tried to buy 300,000 votes. She stopped short, however, of disputing the results. With Moldovan police accusing fugitive oligarch Ilan Shor of being responsible for the vote-buying scheme, Sandu was criticized -- including by her challenger -- for presenting inadequate evidence and for exaggerating the numbers of Moldovans affected. (The police said that 138,000 people were beneficiaries of the vote-buying scheme, not 300,000). Alexandr Stoianoglo: Hard To Pin Down Alexandr Stoianoglo's past experience as Moldova's prosecutor-general between 2019 and 2021 has had significant bearing on the thrust of his presidential campaign: justice. The 57-year-old has promised that, if he becomes president, he will ensure the "triumph of law over defamation." As prosecutor-general, Stoianoglo was widely criticized for his failure to address high-level corruption. Most notably, he was accused of inaction in the cases of Veaceslav Platon, an oligarch involved in the disappearance of around $1 billion from the country's banks, and Shor, who was caught on camera giving PRSM leader and former President Igor Dodon a suspicious-looking bag. Despite being the most popular candidate among the Moldovan diaspora in Russia and supported by the pro-Kremlin PSRM, Stoianoglo says he has no political affiliation and rejects accusations that he is "Moscow's man." He has rejected accusations of corruption, abuse of office, and illicit enrichment, saying that all the purported evidence has been fabricated by Sandu's administration. Stoianoglo has absolved himself of some of the criticism, however, winning a case at the Strasbourg-based European Court of Human Rights related to his suspension from the position of prosecutor-general. Politically, Stoianoglo is hard to pigeonhole. While he is a member of a pro-EU coalition in parliament, he has sometimes taken pro-Russian positions -- for example, by refusing to vote for a resolution condemning communist-era atrocities. His reaction to the war in Ukraine has also been ambiguous: He expressed a "negative attitude" toward the conflict but did not directly condemn Russia for the invasion. His approach to Moldova's drive to join the European Union has also been marked by prudence. While he boycotted the referendum on the EU constitution and has criticized the pace and implementation of EU-mandated reforms, he recently proposed that he sign with Sandu a joint declaration supporting Moldova's European path. This ambiguity has led to accusations of political opportunism and hypocrisy. Despite his typically anti-EU stance, he is also a Romanian (and thus EU) citizen, and his daughter reportedly works at the European Central Bank. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/moldova-president-runoff- election-sandu-stoianoglo/33181059.html Copyright (c) 2024. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Armed Supporters of Former Bolivian President Morales Seize 3 Military Units Sputnik News 20241102 BUENOS AIRES (Sputnik) - Armed supporters of former Bolivian President Evo Morales have seized three military units in the Cochabamba Department, President Luis Arce said. "We inform the Bolivian people and the international community that armed groups linked to Evo Morales have seized three military units in the tropical part of Cochabamba, taking military personnel and their families hostage, threatening their lives," the president wrote on Telegram. In addition, the protesters seized the military's weapons, which is a crime, Arce said. Law enforcement officers, backed by the military, began a large-scale operation to unblock roads in Bolivia occupied by Morales supporters early Friday morning. The road blockade, which has been going on for 19 days, has cost Bolivia $1.7 billion. At least 70 people, including nine civilians and 61 police officers, have been injured during the entire road blockade and clashes between protesters and police. According to President Luis Arce, the road blockade has disrupted the work of small and large businesses, and has damaged the tourism sector and the country's prestige. The protesters are unhappy with rising food prices and fuel shortages in the country. In addition, they want to stop the investigation against Morales, who is suspected of human trafficking and the corruption of a minor. Bolivia will hold presidential elections in 2025. Arce and Morales want to run for president. Both represent the country's largest left-wing Movement for Socialism. Within it, there are groups that support Morales, and there are organizations that support the current president. Morales, whose supporters have been blocking major roads in the country and clashing with police for 19 days, has declared a hunger strike and called for dialogue. After seven hours of clashes with protesters, police have unblocked one of the difficult sections of the road connecting Cochabamba with western Bolivia, El Deber newspaper reported. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Second COHA Anniversary US Department of State Press Statement Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State November 2, 2024 On November 2, 2022, in Pretoria, South Africa, the Government of Ethiopia and the Tigray People's Liberation Front signed the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement (COHA), ending a devastating two-year war. The United States worked with the African Union, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, and the United Nations to lay the groundwork for peace. Today, on the second anniversary of the COHA's signing, we reflect on the war's tremendous human toll, remember the victims, and honor Ethiopian citizens working to build a more peaceful future. The United States welcomes important progress made on implementation of the COHA. Most importantly, the guns in Tigray remain silent. Internally displaced persons have returned to their homes and basic services have been restored. The scheduled start of the Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration campaign this month is a critical step to consolidating the peace. We also welcome the April 2024 publication of Ethiopia's Transitional Justice Policy and the completion of the Transitional Justice Implementation Roadmap as important building blocks to achieving accountability and reconciliation. Much work remains, however, to fulfill the commitments and promise of the COHA. We call on the Government of Ethiopia to accelerate actions to facilitate the voluntary return of all people displaced by the conflict, arrange the full withdrawal of non-Ethiopian National Defense Forces from Tigray, and demonstrate an ongoing commitment to victim-centric transitional justice and a credible and inclusive National Dialogue. These steps are necessary to ensure the COHA signatures lead to a durable peace. Finally, the United States calls on all parties to end the violence in other parts of the country, especially Amhara and Oromia, and to resolve disputes at the negotiating table. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Gaza: Strike hits health centre as polio vaccine campaign resumes in ravaged north 2 November 2024 - The long-awaited final phase of a UN-supported polio vaccine campaign began on Saturday in bombarded, besieged northern Gaza even as reports emerged that one vaccination centre had been hit during a humanitarian pause, according to UN agencies on the ground. Hours after the campaign rolled out, reports indicated that a healthcare centre in the north had been hit, injuring six people, including four children, in a location where a humanitarian pause had been in place, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) chief. "We have received an extremely concerning report that the Sheikh Radwan primary healthcare centre in northern Gaza was struck today while parents were bringing their children to the lifesaving polio vaccination in an area where a humanitarian pause was agreed to allow vaccination to proceed, " said Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus in a social media post. He said a WHO team was at the site just before. "This attack, during humanitarian pause, jeopardises the sanctity of health protection for children and may deter parents from bringing their children for vaccination," he said. "These vital humanitarian-area-specific pauses must be absolutely respected." Campaign unrolls despite challenges "To overcome challenges posed by the volatile security situation and constant population movement, robust micro plans have been developed to ensure the campaign is responsive to the significant population shifts and displacement in the north following the first round in September," the UN agencies for health, WHO, and for children, UNICEF, said in a statement. UN organizations and partners began phase one in September and have had more than 200 teams on stand-by since 23 October to unroll the campaign's final round, which had been delayed by constant Israeli airstrikes, clashes on the ground and no assurances of the required humanitarian pauses to stop the fighting during the delivery of the vaccines. Polio had been eradicated in the Gaza Strip 25 years ago, but the ongoing war triggered multiple health crises, with a 10-month-old being diagnosed with the paralysing virus earlier this year, prompting health officials to organize a campaign in the war-torn Israeli-occupied territory. Restrictions persist The campaign will be delivered by 216 teams across 106 fixed sites, 22 of which have been added to ensure increased availability of vaccination in areas where recently displaced people are seeking refuge, according to UN agencies. There will also be 209 social "mobilisers" deployed to engage communities and raise awareness around vaccination efforts, they explained. However, the agencies warned that health workers will not be able to reach all of the children who require a final dose of the vaccine. "The final phase of the campaign had aimed to reach an estimated 119,000 children under 10 years old in northern Gaza with a second dose of novel oral polio vaccine type 2 (nOPV2), however, achieving this target is now unlikely due to access constraints," the agencies warned. Despite the lack of access to all eligible children in northern Gaza, the Polio Technical Committee for Gaza, which includes the Palestinian Ministry of Health, WHO, UNICEF, the UN agency for Palestine refugees, UNRWA and partners, decided to resume the campaign. The plan aims to mitigate the risk of a long delay in reaching as many children as possible with polio vaccines and the opportunity to vaccinate those recently evacuated to Gaza City from other parts of the northern Strip. Extended humanitarian pauses The time period for the humanitarian pauses has been extended by two hours and is expected to run from 6am to 4pm daily, WHO and UNICEF said. As in the first two phases, vitamin A will also be co-administered to children between age two and 10 in the north to help boost overall immunity. The campaign in northern Gaza follows the successful implementation of the first two phases of the second round in central and southern Gaza, which reached 451,216 children - 96 per cent of the target in these areas. A total of 364,306 children aged between 2 and 10 years have received vitamin A so far in this round. Regional impact To interrupt poliovirus transmission, at least 90 per cent of all children in every community and neighbourhood must be vaccinated, which will be challenging to achieve given the situation, the agencies said. A delay in administering a second dose of nOPV2 within six weeks reduces the impact of two closely spaced rounds, decreasing immunity, according to the UN health agency. WHO has also cautioned that having a significant number of children miss out on their second vaccine dose seriously jeopardises efforts to stop the transmission of the virus and could also lead to further cases in the Gaza Strip and neighbouring countries. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russo-Ukraine War - 02 November 2024 - Day 983 Su M Tu W Th F Sa 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While GlobalSecurity.org takes utmost care to accurately report this news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. On 24 February 2022, Ukraine was suddenly and deliberately attacked by land, naval and air forces of Russia, igniting the largest European war since the Great Patriotic War. Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a "special military operation" (SVO - spetsialnaya voennaya operatsiya) in Ukraine in response to the appeal of the leaders of the "Donbass republics" for help. That attack is a blatant violation of the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. Putin stressed that Moscow's goal is the demilitarization and denazification of the country. The military buildup in preceeding months makes it obvious that the unprovoked and dastardly Russian attack was deliberately planned long in advance. During the intervening time, the Russian government had deliberately sought to deceive the world by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace. "To initiate a war of aggression... is not only an international crime; it is the supreme international crime differing only from other war crimes in that it contains within itself the accumulated evil of the whole." [Judgment of the International Military Tribunal] The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that Ukrainian defenders continue to decisively thwart the Russian enemy's attempts to advance deep into Ukrainian territory, giving him an effective fire effect, exhaustion across the entire frontline. In total, since the beginning of this day, there have been 167 combat clashes. Russian zagarbniki launched one missile and 56 air strikes on the territory of Ukraine, using one guided missile and 81 cab. In addition, the Russians have engaged 437 kamikaze drones and carried out more than three thousand shells on the positions of Ukrainian troops and settlements. In the Kharkiv direction, Ukrainian troops repelled 8 Russian attacks in the areas of vovchansk and gatishya-7 attacks repelled, 1 more attack is ongoing, the situation is controlled. In the Kupyansky direction, Russian forces 13 times attacked the positions of Ukrainian defenders in the areas of Pi any, Zagrizovy, Petropavlivka, Green Grove, Kruglyakivka, Kolisnikivka and Lozova. Ukrainian defenders repelled seven attacks, six more are currently ongoing. In the Lyman direction during the day, Russian zagarbniki 16 times attacked the positions of Ukrainians near Grekivka, Terniv, Yampolivka, Torsky and Serebryansky forest. Currently, two fights are being sharpened. To the same time, the Russian opponent actively applied aviation, causing twenty-four air strikes with uncontrolled missiles. In the sivers 'komu direction throughout the day, Russian forces committed seven offensive actions in the areas of ivano-daryivka and viymki. In the Kramatorsky direction, one combat confrontation near the Predtechiny has been recorded, which has been successfully repelled by Ukrainian defenders. By dropping three controlled air bombs in the Toretsky direction, the Russians attacked the positions of defense forces eight times. The main efforts of the attack were concentrated near the settlements of Toretsk and Scherbinivka. Currently, one combat encounter continues. Since the beginning of this day, in the Pokrovsky direction, the Russians have tried 11 times to break through Ukrainian defense near the settlements of Mykolaivka, Rumin, Krutiy Yar, Selidove and Vyshneve. There is still one battle going on near Krutoy Yar. The Russian enemy suffers significant losses - today in this direction 229 occupiers were defecated, 87 of them - irrevocably. Also destroyed two tanks and two enemy's BMPs. In the Kurakhiv direction, the Russian enemy is also active - 51 times attacked Ukrainian positions near the settlements of Illinka, Novoselidivka, Novodmitrivka, Gostre, Maksimilyanivka, Antonivka, Konstantinivka and Katerinivka, nine battles - continue. According to detailed information, 180 occupants were damaged, 66 of them - irrevocably, in addition, one car was destroyed and two armored vehicles and one artillery system were damaged. In the vremivs komu direction, the Russian zagarbniki carried out 14 offensive actions near trudovogo and maksimivka. The four clashes are still going on. The enemy made an aviation strike in the areas of Novodarivka, Bogoyavlenki, Maximivka and Velika Novosilka, dropping six CAB and applying 30 NAR. In the orihivs komu direction, Ukrainian troops repelled 4 Russian attacks near novoandrivka, robotinyogo and small tokmacki. So far, there is one Russian attempt to advance in the direction of Ukrainian positions near Novoandriivka. In the pridniprovsk direction, Ukrainian troops repelled three Russian attacks near the cossacks camps, dnipro and the cossack island, the Russian opponent had no success. In other directions, the situation has not changed significantly. The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation reported that in Kharkov direction, the Sever Group of Forces inflicted fire damage on formations of 42nd Mechanised Brigade, 71st Jaeger Brigade of the AFU, 107th, 116th, and 129th territorial defence brigades close to Glubokoye, Volchansk, Stroeyevka, and Perovskoye (Kharkov region). One counter-attack launched by assault detachments of the AFU 57th Motorised Infantry Brigade was repelled. The AFU losses amounted to more than 60 troops and two motor vehicles. One field ammunition depot was destroyed. The Zapad Group of Forces liberated Pershotravnevoye (Kharkov region). Russian troops hit units of the 14th, 44th, 116th mechanised brigades, 3rd Assault Brigade of the AFU and 1st National Guard Brigade near Petropavlovka, Golubovka (Kharkov region), Stelmakhovka, Nadiya (Lugansk People's Republic), as well as Serebryansky forestry. One counter-attack launched by an assault detachment of the AFU 14th Mechanised Brigade was repelled. The AFU losses amounted to up to 470 troops, a tank, two U.S.-made M113 armoured personnel carriers, four motor vehicles, a Polish-made 155-mm Krab self-propelled artillery system, a U.S.-made 122-mm M198 howitzer, a 152-mm D-20 gun, three 122-mm D-30 howitzers, a UK-made 105-mm L-119 gun, two Anklav-N electronic warfare stations. Two ammunition depots were wiped out. The Yug Group of Forces improved the tactical position. Russian units hit formations of 24th, 72nd, 33rd mechanised brigades and 79th Air Assault Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine near Chasov Yar, Yelizavetovka, Kurakhovo, and Dalneye of the Donetsk People's Republic. One counter-attack launched by an assault detachment of the AFU 46th Airmobile Brigade was repelled. The AFU losses amounted to up to 800 troops, ten motor vehicles, a Polish-made 155-mm Krab self-propelled artillery system, a 152-mm D-20 gun, and a 122-mm D-30 howitzer. The Tsentr Group of Forces liberated Kurakhovka of the Donetsk People's Republic. Russian units engaged manpower and materiel of 23rd Mechanised Brigade, 59th Motorised Infantry Brigade, 95th Air Assault Brigade, 35th Marine Brigade, 101st and 109th territorial defence brigades close to Dzerzhinsk, Kalinovo, Voznesenka, Sukhaya Balka, and Druzhba (Donetsk People's Republic). Five AFU counter-attacks were repelled. The AFU losses amounted to up to 535 troops, an armoured personnel carrier, three armoured fighting vehicles, three motor vehicles, a Grad MLRS combat vehicle, a 152-mm Dana self-propelled artillery system, a 152-mm Msta-B self-propelled artillery system, a 152-mm D-20 self-propelled artillery system, a 122-mm Gvozdika self-propelled artillery system, and a 122-mm D-30 howitzer. The Vostok Group of Forces' units continued advancing to the depths of the enemy's defence. Russian troops hit formations of 58th Motorised Infantry Brigade, 152nd Jaeger Brigade, 48th Assault Battalion of the AFU, 37th Marine Brigade, 21st National Guard Brigade close to Razdolnoye, Velikaya Novoselka, Uspenovka, Makarovka, and Oktyabr (Donetsk People's Republic). The AFU lost up to 115 troops, an infantry fighting vehicle, three armoured fighting vehicles, ten motor vehicles, a U.S.-made 155-mm Paladin self-propelled artillery system, and a French-made 155-mm Caesar howitzer. Three field ammunition depots were destroyed. The Dnepr Group of Forces engaged manpower and hardware of 110th, 117th mechanised brigades, 141st Infantry Brigade, 128th Mountain Assault Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, 121st, 124th, and 126th territorial defence brigades close to Novodanilovka, Stepnoye, Kamenskoye (Zaporozhye region), Veletenskoye, Sadovoye, Krupitsa, and Nikolskoye (Kherson region). The AFU losses amounted to up to 65 troops, three motor vehicles, a Grad MLRS combat vehicle, a 152-mm Akatsiya self-propelled artillery system, and an Anklav-N electronic warfare station. One ammunition depot was wiped out. Operational-Tactical Aviation, attack UAVs, Missile Troops and Artillery of the Russian Groups of Forces engaged the power infrastructure facility used for the AFU, the Kraken nationalist formation command post, the infrastructure of a military airfield, a fuel base of the AFU, a workshop for the production of strike UAVs, as well as clusters of enemy manpower and military hardware in 149 areas. Russian air defence systems shot down four U.S.-made ATACMS operational-tactical missiles, three French-made Hammer aerial guided bombs, and 50 aircraft-type unmanned aerial vehicles. In total, since the beginning of the special military operation, 647 aircraft, 283 helicopters, 35,169 unmanned aerial vehicles, 585 anti-aircraft missile systems, 19,023 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 1,484 MLRS combat vehicles, 17,176 field artillery guns and mortars, and 27,930 units of support military vehicles have been neutralised. The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation also reported that the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation continue the operation to neutralise an enemy group, which broke into the territory of Kursk region. The Sever Group of Forces continued offensive actions in which the units of 21st, 22nd, 41st, and 115th mechanised brigades, 17th Tank Brigade, 82nd and 95th air assault brigades, 36th Marine Brigade, 112th, and 129th territorial defence brigades of the AFU suffered losses near Daryino, Leonidovo, Nikolayevo-Daryino, Novoivanovka, and Plyokhovo. The Group's units repelled four enemy counter-attacks in the direction of Kamyshovka and Novoivanovka, and thwarted AFU attempts to attack in the direction of Daryino and Leonidovo. The AFU losses amounted to up to 30 people killed and wounded; seven AFU servicemen surrendered. Army aviation and artillery inflicted losses on the clusters of manpower and hardware of 21st, 41st, 47th, and 61st mechanised brigades, 17th Tank Brigade, 80th, 82nd, and 95th air assault brigades, 36th Marine Brigade, 1st Special Operations Brigade, 112th and 129th territorial defence brigades of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and 17th National Guard Brigade of Ukraine near Aleksandriya, Viktorovka, Guyevo, Daryino, Zelyony Shlyakh, Kazachaya Loknya, Kolmakov, Kruglenkoye, Lebedevka, Leonidovo, Martynovka, Makhnovka, Mirny, Nizhny Klin, Nikolayevo-Daryino, Nikolsky, Novoya Sorochina, Novoivanovka, Novy Put, Plyokhovo, and Cherkasskoye Porechnoye. Operational-Tactical Aviation and Missile Troops hit concentration areas in the Sumy region and reserves of 21st, 41st, 61st, 115th mechanised brigades, 17th Tank Brigade, 95th Air Assault Brigade as well as 129th Territorial Defence Brigade of the AFU close to Basovka, Belovody, Vodolagi, Zhuravka, Loknya, Miropolye, Pavlovka, and Khoten. During the day, the AFU losses were over 250 troops, an armoured fighting vehicle as well as an artillery gun, a mortar, and three motor vehicles. Seven AFU servicemen surrendered. Since the beginning of hostilities in Kursk region, the AFU losses were more than 29,100 troops, 180 tanks, 101 infantry fighting vehicles, 106 armoured personnel carriers, 1,063 armoured fighting vehicles, 780 motor vehicles, 255 artillery guns, 40 MLRS launchers, including 11 of HIMARS and six of MLRS made by the USA, ten anti-aircraft missile launchers, seven transport-loading vehicles, 58 EW stations, 12 counter-battery warfare radars, four AD radars, 25 units of engineering vehicles and other materiel, 13 counterobstacle vehicles, one UR-77 mine clearing vehicle, five armoured recovery vehicles, and one command post vehicle. The operation to neutralise the AFU units is in progress. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Australia-Indonesia Defence Cooperation Agreement enables largest combined joint activity in recent history Issued by Defence Media 3 November 2024 The Australian Defence Force (ADF) and Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) will conduct the largest combined joint activity in recent history, Exercise Keris Woomera from 3 November 2024. Keris Woomera highlights the ongoing cooperation between Australia and Indonesia, strengthened by the recent signing of the Australia-Indonesia Defence Cooperation Agreementthe most significant defence agreement in the history of our bilateral relationship. Approximately 2,000 total personnel from the two nations, drawn from the Navy, Army, and Air Force, will participate in the exercise, while approximately 35 TNI personnel will deploy on board HMAS Adelaide in Darwin to conduct integration training with ADF personnel. Commencing this week in Indonesia, the exercise will feature air, maritime, amphibious, and follow-on land operations, and a humanitarian assistance and disaster relief evacuation scenario. Keris Woomera will culminate with a combined joint live-fire exercise consisting of tanks, artillery, infantry and attack helicopters. The exercise is part of Indo-Pacific Endeavour 2024, Australia's largest international engagement activity in the region. Quotes attributable to Chief of Joint Operations, Vice Admiral Justin Jones AO, CSC, RAN: "Exercise Keris Woomera gives the ADF and TNI the opportunity to test our combined capabilities across the sea, land and air employing the most complex scenarios. "By training together, our forces build upon shared tactics, techniques, and procedures to enhance interoperability and readiness to respond to shared security challenges in the region. "I would like to thank the sailors, soldiers and aviators deployed on HMAS Adelaide, and ashore in Indonesia. I look forward to observing the exercise alongside my TNI counterparts and friends." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address White Paper of DPRK Institute of Enemy State Studies Betrays Criminal Colors and Miserable Plight of Puppet Yoon Suk Yeol Korean Central News Agency of DPRK Pyongyang, November 3 (KCNA) -- A spokesman for the Ministry of National Defence of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea made public on October 27 the final results of investigation into the case of a ROK-borne drone's serious encroachment upon the sovereignty of the DPRK, thus fully bringing to light the plot hatched by hideous criminals. The provocative wanton violation of the sovereignty of the DPRK is a product of the last-ditch effort of the Yoon Suk Yeol regime seeking to defuse its worst ruling crisis brought by its totally bankrupt internal and external policies through perpetration of shocking provocations on the Korean peninsula and to prolong its renaming days full of crimes. The DPRK Institute of Enemy State Studies on Saturday released a white paper disclosing the criminal colors and miserable plight of Yoon, a puppet rare to be found in other parts of the world, who adds to his crimes in a bid to escape the pitfall of ruin. The white paper says "Yoon's disastrous policy" has exposed the ROK to the danger of a nuclear war. Puppet Yoon's two and a half years in power were continuity of the "deadly gamble" that has exposed the whole ROK to the danger of a nuclear war. The puppet, gripped by the idea of hostility, let out such reckless remarks as "large-scale punitive retaliation", "not ruling out a war", "readiness for war escalation", "absolute preparations for war" and "end of regime" at security events held on different occasions, including the "June 25 war memorial day" and the "ROK army day", and at such security-related meetings as the meeting of major army commanders and the central combined defense meeting. Such abusive language worked as dangerous sparks thrown into a heated arsenal. Worse still, the puppet pushed the situation to an unpredictable phase by unhesitatingly abrogating the September 19 military agreement, the last safety gear for ensuring peace of the Korean peninsula, not content with malignantly slandering it as a "unilateral one beneficial only to such enemy as the north". The puppet has driven the situation to the brink of a nuclear war at breakneck speed by producing, together with his American master, such nuclear war declaration as "Washington declaration" in April last year, turning the ROK-U.S. alliance into a nuclear-based one and putting into full operation the ROK-U.S. nuclear consultation group and "guidelines for nuclear operation on the Korean peninsula". The puppet has got frantic in establishing the triangular military alliance with the U.S. and Japan and tightening the military nexus with even NATO, thus reducing the puppet ROK to a bridgehead for "Crusade in 21st century". The expended nuclear war saber-rattling targeting the DPRK and its neighboring countries and the reckless moves to turn the ROK into an advanced base of multinational armed forces, pursuant to the U.S. strategy for world domination, has made the whole land of the puppet ROK a double and triple target of nuclear powers around it. Not content with this, the puppet Yoon group staged such hideous anti-DPRK moves as the scattering of political motivational rubbish and the resumption of loudspeaker broadcasting under the pretext of "freedom of expression", drawing the minute hand of the puppet ROK security clock closer to the time of war. Its ever-worsening military moves resulted only in the paradoxical consequences of pushing the DPRK to stockpile its nuclear weapons at an exponential rate and further develop its nuclear attack capability. The white paper discloses the fact that ruined Yoon has brought about an era of despair driving the population into a veritable hell. It was the starting point of great disaster that a stupid, who hardly passed the official's qualification exam after experiencing nine rounds of its kind, came to the presidential office. Yoon's two and a half years in office has clearly proved that it is not excessive to have asserted that it would be better for a dog to sit in the Ryongsan presidential office rather than him. Soon after coming to power, he rigged up the horrible "prosecution Republic", as befits a former prosecutor enjoying wielding a sword. After giving major posts of over 30 power organs, including the puppet presidential office, to more than 180 gangsters of prosecutor, the puppet has blocked the anti-government struggle and staged a campaign to sweep away the political opposition camp under the pretext of "ensuring fairness". The retaliatory investigation into the ex-president, who set up a ladder of success for Yoon, and his whole family and attendants was intensified in an overall way, including investigation into their bank accounts and seizure and search of houses and villas, which stunned the public and aroused strong backlash from the opposition parties. Self-righteousness, diehardism, arrogance and arbitrary practices constitute another disgrace of Yoon's rule. The true colors of the "self-destructive rule" of Yoon's style are being fully revealed through the shattered economy and people's livelihood. The debts of major large enterprises, which allegedly seize the lifeline of the puppet ROK's economy, are the hugest ones ever in history, and the debt rate of enterprises reaches 173.6 percent, which is far beyond business assets. Closures of many businesses have been witnessed this year, too, as one million independent enterprises gave up their business last year and this year, while prices were skyrocketing due to puppet Yoon who knows nothing about the economy. Medical reform, related to the increased entrants to medical universities, met with strong opposition in medical field from the beginning and has not been executed for more than one year in the puppet ROK. Furthermore, the collective resignation of doctors caused a great confusion called collapse of the medical system. It is becoming more common practice that more than 13 000 people, equivalent to one division, have committed suicide every year, maintaining the world's record in suicide. This is the present reality of the puppet ROK advocating "freedom" and "equality". Great irony is that the power holder behind the curtain who enacted the tragedy of the "ruined ROK" is not puppet Yoon but his wife Kim Kon Hui. Choe Sun Sil had manipulated Park Geun Hye behind her in the past, but Kim Kon Hui has dominated Yoon Suk Yeol to interfere in the state affairs and be engrossed in illicit fortunes, posing herself as the president. The white paper says that a wrecked ship "Yoon Suk Yeol" is sinking. The ship "Yoon Suk Yeol", which set sail 30 months ago, blowing a siren of "fairness and common sense" and "freedom and peace", has got wrecked in the crisis of sinking without arriving even half at the opposite shore of his five-year term of office. The ship is now wrapped in violent waves and only sending an SOS in a hurry, without elation at the time of its departure. More than 200 sorts of irregularities and corruption committed by sycophantic traitors and the Yoon's whole family kowtowing to the U.S. and Japan and wealth of power gathered by the presidential office and "Yoon's core bureaucracy" are filled in the wrecked ship to accelerate its sinking. The Yoon's approval rate is in the line of 19 percent, a more dangerous numerical valve than Park Geun Hye who was sent to prison after the impeachment in the past. The support rate has rapidly declined in the sixties, the core supporters, to say nothing of the conservative forces who voted for the last presidential election, shaking the foundation of the Yoon Suk Yeol regime. In the whole of the puppet ROK, the struggle is now getting violent to oust puppet Yoon Suk Yeol so as to put an end to the misfortune, pain, disgrace and contempt it has experienced for two and a half years by making a wrong vote for him. Faced with the worst ruling crisis at present, puppet Yoon is making desperate efforts to find a way out for his existence in reckless criminal provocations against the DPRK. Fire can be extinguished by fire, but the crisis cannot be covered by crisis. The more desperately Yoon tries to escalate the present crisis and get rid of the abyss of ruin, the more deeply he will be suppressed by the thrice-cursed crimes he committed. The people's angry voice is shaking the whole of the puppet ROK with knell of punishment to drive a nail in the coffin of Yoon Suk Yeol, a living dead. -0- NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Two gold businesses in Ho Chi Minh City have been fined VND200 million (US$7,900) for selling gold of unclear origin on social media platforms, including TikTok and Zalo. According to the Ho Chi Minh City Market Surveillance Department, K.H Gold and Pawn Private Enterprise and K.B.N Gold Trading Co., Ltd., both located in Hoc Mon District, had been actively promoting and selling gold on these platforms. In coordination with the local economic police, the market surveillance team inspected the two businesses and temporarily seized four gold jewelry items valued at over VND100 million. This inspection was part of the HCMC Market Surveillance Departments plan to review e-commerce activities during the second half of the year. Social media trading of 24K gold has become prevalent, with certain groups on platforms like TikTok amassing more than 65,000 members. Daily posts related to buying and selling gold bars and rings are common, with prices exceeding market rates by VND1-3 million and reaching up to VND92 million per tael. In addition to sale listings, some social media accounts frequently post offers to buy gold rings from well-known brands such as Bao Tin Minh Chau, DOJI, and PNJ at mutually agreed high prices. Many residents also use social media to search for local gold sellers. Inspections of gold trading have been carried out across various localities due to significant fluctuations in domestic gold prices. These checks have not been limited to small businesses; major gold companies have also been subjected to scrutiny. In May, the State Bank of Vietnam announced a 45-day inspection plan targeting four major enterprisesSJC, DOJI, PNJ, and Bao Tin Minh Chauas well as two banks, TPBank and EximBank. These inspections focused on compliance with gold trading regulations, anti-money laundering measures, the issuance and use of invoices and documents, and tax obligations. Transcript of Weekly Media Briefing by the Official Spokesperson (November 02, 2024) India - Ministry of External Affairs November 02, 2024 Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Namaste and good afternoon friends. I welcome you to this Press Briefing. Thank you for coming on a Saturday. We had missed out this week on this opportunity. So we are here and the floor is open for questions. Srinjoy, Time Now: Sir in these recent days, you would have noticed statements by Canadian government officials, targeting a senior Indian Cabinet Minister. How do you react to it? Yeshi Seli, New Indian Express: This is Yeshi Seli from the New Indian Express. I also have a question on Canada. Jagmeet Singh has said that his party would like to introduce a motion to officially recognize the Sikh genocide in their Parliament. Your reactions? Ayushi Agarwal, ANI: Sir, this is Ayushi Agarwal from ANI. What is India's comment on the recent sanctions announced by U.S. against 19 private entities from India and two Indian nationals, allegedly for dual use technologies to Russia; and also did this issue come up during the telephonic talks held between our NSA and Jake Sullivan? Huma Siddiqui, Financial Express: Sir, I'm Huma Siddiqui from the Financial Express. Sir, the U.S. has been sending flights repatriating illegal Indians from there. Has this been discussed again with the American side, because they had a press conference and they mentioned that there are several other Indians that they will be sending over a period of time. Ileana: Ileana, TASS News Agency. Good afternoon. My question is also on U.S. sanctions. Can they have any impact on business in India of Indian companies; and yes, will you discuss it with your counterparts? And on the whole, what is India's position on such sanctions policy from American side? Thank you. Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: So, first let's take Srinjoy's question regarding latest Canadian target. We had summoned the representative of the Canadian High Commission yesterday. A diplomatic note was handed over in reference to the proceedings of the Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security in Ottawa on October 29th 2024. It was conveyed in the Note that the Government of India protests in the strongest terms to the absurd and baseless references made to the Union Home Minister of India before the Committee by Deputy Minister David Morrison. In fact, the revelation that High Canadian officials deliberately leak unfounded insinuations to the international media as part of a conscious strategy to discredit India and influence other nations only confirms the view Government of India has long held about current Canadian government's political agenda and behavioral pattern. Such irresponsible actions will have serious consequences for bilateral ties. Speaker: Sir, Hindi me. Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Humne kal Canada ke uchchayog yani dutawaas ke pratinidhi ko summon kiya tha, 29 October 2024 ko Ottawa mein Sarwajanik Suraksha aur Rastriya Suraksha par Sthai Samiti karwayi ke sandarbh mein ek rajnetik note us pratinidhi ko saunpa gaya hai. Us note mein bataya gaya ki Bharat sarkar upmantri David Morrison dwara Samiti ke samaksh Bharat ke Kendriya Grih Mantri ke bare me vyakt kiye gaye anargal aur niradhar sandarbho ka kade se kada virodh karti hai. Canada ke ucch adhikari Bharat ko badnaam karne aur anya desho ko prabhavit karne ki ek suvicharit ranniti ke tahet jaan bhuj kar antarrashtriya media ko niradhar aakshep leak karte hain, yeh rahasyodghatan us drishtikon ko ki pushti karta hai jo Bharat sarkar lambe samay se vartmaan Canada sarkar ke rajnaitik agenda aur uske vyawahaar ke taur tarike ke bare me rakhti rahi hai. Is tarah ki gair zimmedarana karwahiyo se dwipakshiya sambandho par gambhir parinaam honge. [Answer in Hindi: Approximate translation] We had summoned the representative of the Canadian High Commission yesterday. A diplomatic note was handed over in reference to the proceedings of the Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security in Ottawa on October 29th 2024. It was conveyed in the note that the Government of India protests in the strongest terms to the absurd and baseless references made to the Union Home Minister of India before the committee by Deputy Minister David Morrison. In fact, the revelation that high Canadian officials deliberately leak unfounded insinuations to the international media as part of a conscious strategy to discredit India and influence other nations only confirms the view Government of India has long held about current Canadian government's political agenda and behavioral pattern. Such irresponsible actions will have serious consequences for bilateral ties. Yeshi, your question regarding certain celebration that you referred in the Parliament; for long, we have been making our point very clear, our views very clear about extremism and the culture of violence and anti-India activities in Canada. This is our core concern with the Canadian government and we hope that they will take action against these activities. That is how we look at it. Ayushi, on the sanction of 19 Indian companies, we have seen these reports of U.S. sanctions. India has a robust legal and regulatory framework on strategic trade and non-proliferation controls. We are also a member of three key multilateral non-proliferation export control regimes: The Wassenaar Arrangement, the Australia Group and the Missile Technology Control Regime; and have been effectively implementing relevant UNSC sanctions and UNSC Resolution-1540 on Non-Proliferation. Our understanding is that the sanctioned transactions and companies are not in violation of Indian laws. Nevertheless, in keeping with India's established non-proliferation credentials, we are working with all the relevant Indian departments and agencies to sensitize Indian companies on applicable export control provisions, as also inform them on new measures being implemented that could impact Indian companies in certain circumstances. Regular strategic trade export control outreach events for Indian industries and stakeholders are being carried out by agencies of the Government of India. We are also in touch with the U.S. authorities to clarify issues. That also answers your question, Ileana. On deportation of irregular illegal Indians in the United States, you would have seen that recently we had some deportation from the United States. We have a regular dialogue with the United States on migration and mobility and the idea behind that is to create more avenues for legal migration. As part of this, our regular consular dialogue and arrangement, we have facilitated movement of people who are staying in the United States illegally or are part of irregular movement and this has been going on for some time. We hope that with this cooperation and our engagement with the United States on mobility and migration, we will be able to deter illegal immigration. Krishna Mohan Sharma, Bharat Express: Sir, Krishna Mohan Sharma, Bharat Express se. Canadian Prime Minister ne jo baatein kahi, unke jo representative keh rahe hain wo apni jagah par hai. Unhone hume enemies ke country ke list me daal diya hai. Humare jo ties hain unse, ye kitna aage tak chalne wala hai. [Question in Hindi: Approximate Translation] Sir, Krishna Mohan Sharma from Bharat Express. The things that the Canadian Prime Minister said, and what their representatives are saying, are on their side. They have placed us on the list of enemy countries. How long our ties with them will go? Rishabh MP, Times Now: Joint Secretary, good evening, Rishabh from Times Now. Sir, I have two questions both on Canada, one taking forward from Sharma sir. Sir, there is a report that suggests, from Canada, that India is involved in cyber-attack on Canadian government institutions and they have put us in a bracket which has North Korea, Iran among others there, and China as well. So, how do we respond to that? A. And B, there are reports that Indian diplomats in Canada are under surveillance. If we can have more details on that? Suhasini Haider, The Hindu: Mr. Jaiswal, this is Suhasini Haidar from the Hindu. You referred to the demarche against the Canadian Cd'A on the basis of the officials talking about leaking reports. Now in the reports that they have purportedly leaked is the description of a five-hour meeting between National Security Advisor, Ajit Doval and Canadian intelligence officials in Singapore; and they have given a specific date in October. I wanted to get a sense from you firstly, did the NSA in fact meet with Canadian officials in October to discuss the case and in particular the details about a gang run by a man called Lawrence Bishnoi. And if so, I wanted to get a sense from the government if for the last year the government has consistently said that Canada has given no evidence, dismissed any allegations made by Canada in the Nijjar killing, then why did the NSA actually go all the way to Singapore to meet with Canadian intelligence? Thank you. Raghavendra Verman, ZDF: This is Raghavendra Varma from ZDF, German Television. This is regarding India-China relations. Sir, following the disengagement at the border, has or will the economic ties improve? Has some measures already been taken? There were reports of denying Visa for the Chinese technicians in India. And connected to this is the conversation between the Indian and German Ministers in the metro talking about the delay in the German machinery made in China to India. How serious is that and whose jurisdiction is it to speak to the Chinese about that delay; will the Germans do or the Indian government has already done or what else has been done to normalize the economic relations and will that happen for the [inaudible]? Ashoke Raj, Zee News: Sir, Ashoke hun Zee News se. Mere do sawal hain. Ek, kya U.S. ne abhi Lawrence Bishnoi ke bhai ke bare me kisi tarike ka details share kiya hai for extradition. Mumbai police iski taftish kar rahi hai. Dusra, Bharat ki ek niji company hai jinhone ek letter likh ke Bangladesh ko kaha hai ki paise do aur bijli lo. Ispe kisi tarike ki jaankari MEA ko hai? [Question in Hindi: Approximate Translation] Sir, this is Ashok from Zee News. I have two questions. First, has the U.S. shared any details so far about Lawrence Bishnoi's brother in relation to extradition? The Mumbai police are investigating this. Second, there's a private Indian company that has sent a letter to Bangladesh asking for payment to get electricity. Does the MEA have any information on this? Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Dusra sawal aapka kya tha? (What was your second question?) Ashoke Raj, Zee News: Ek niji company hai jinhone ye kaha hai ki bijli lena hai to paise do. [Question in Hindi: Approximate Translation] A private company has asked for payment to get electricity. Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Mohan and Rishabh aap dono ka sawal ek hai ki Canada ne Bharat ko ek alag kism ke category me daala hai. Uske bare me aap humari pratikriya maang rahe hain. Ye jo categorization unhone kiya hai, ye apne cyber ka unhone ek report jaari kiya hai uske tahet kiya hai. So, I would like to answer this question for Rishabh for you as well. We see this appears to be another example of a Canadian strategy to attack India. Ki Bharat ko ek tarike se phir se attack karne ki ek ranniti hai. As I mentioned earlier, their senior officials have openly confessed that they are seeking to manipulate global opinion against India. As on other occasions, imputations are made without any evidence. To anargal baat keh ke Mohan ji aur niradhar baat keh ke aap humpe aarop thop rahe hain. Ye baat bilkul thik nahi hai. [Answer in Hindi: Approximate Translation] Mohan and Rishabh, both of you have the same question regarding Canada placing India in a certain category, and you're asking for our response to it. This categorization they have made is under a report they have released on cyber matters. So, I would like to answer this question for Rishabh for you as well. We see this appears to be another example of a Canadian strategy to attack India. As I mentioned earlier, their senior officials have openly confessed that they are seeking to manipulate global opinion against India. As on other occasions, imputations are made without any evidence. So, Mohan ji, by saying absurd and baseless things, they are accusing us. This is absolutely not right. Rishabh, on your questions regarding surveillance, yes, some of our consular officials were recently informed by the Canadian government that they have been and continued to be under audio and video surveillance. Their communications have also been intercepted. We have formally protested to the Canadian government as we deem these actions to be a flagrant violation of relevant diplomatic and consular conventions. By citing technicalities, the Canadian government cannot justify the fact that it is indulging in harassment and intimidation. Our diplomatic and consular personnel are already functioning in an environment of extremism and violence. This action of the Canadian government aggravates the situation and is incompatible with established diplomatic norms and practices. Suhasini, your question regarding the meeting, yes, the meeting did take place. I had in fact confirmed this earlier also, in the earlier Presser that we had. And I again reiterate that Canada so far has not shared with us any shred of evidence in the matter that you referred to. Suhasini Haider, The Hindu: Then, why did you meet with them? Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: There are several issues that you discuss when you meet. Raghavendra, your question on India-China economic ties, see, we had also issued a Press Release after our leaders met in Kazan. As agreed at the leaders' meeting in Kazan, relevant dialogue mechanisms at the level of Foreign Ministers and other officials will be utilized or used to stabilize and rebuild bilateral relations. We will let you know more when these mechanisms meet. We will let you know when these mechanisms meet to deal with issues of each other's interests and concerns. So, let these meetings happen and then we will have further developments, in regard to the question that you asked. As far as development regarding machinery, etc.; see, India-Germany collaboration or economic cooperation is a large canvas. We have several issues which arise from time to time. These issues are resolved. These issues are solved in an amicable manner. Hopefully, whatever issues that are there, it will also be resolved to the best of satisfaction of both sides. Ashoke, aapne baat kahi Anmol Bishnoi ki. Ye jo masla hai in sab chijo pe abhi investigation chal raha hai, chhanbin chal rahi hai. Aur ye sab jo baatein hain ye legal domain me aati hain. Aur chuki legal domain me aati hain, jo established procedures hain, uske tahet is masle pe karawahi hogi. Jaha tak apne baat kahi bijli Bangladesh ko bechne wali baat jo kahi, ye masla jo hai do party ke beech me hai. Ek contractual obligation hai dono ke beech mein: ek private organization, dusra Government of Bangladesh hai. Bharat sarkar is contract mein humara koi role nahi hai. Isliye mere pas apse isse jyada share karne ke liye koi abhi is waqt koi information nahi hai. [Answer in Hindi: Approximate Translation] Ashok, you mentioned about Anmol Bishnoi. The matter regarding all these issues is currently under investigation. And all these issues fall under the legal domain. Since this is within the legal domain, actions will be taken on this matter according to the established procedures. As for what you mentioned about selling electricity to Bangladesh, this issue is between two parties. There is a contractual obligation between them: one is a private organization and the other is the Government of Bangladesh. The Government of India has no role in this contract. Therefore, I do not have any further information to share with you at this time. Abhishek Jha, Independent Journalist: Hi sir, Abhishek Jha, independent journalist. My question is regarding Canada, there are reports that Canadian government has reduced number of Visas they used to issue to the Indians, if you can share some insight from that? And also, recently Canadian Opposition leaders have cancelled a scheduled Diwali event in Canadian Parliament. So, if you have any comment on that? Keshav Padmanabhan The Print: Good afternoon sir, Keshav Padmanabhan from The Print. This is also on Canada. The National Security and Intelligence Advisor, at the hearing said, that they had attempted to meet with the Indian side on the 8th of October, but no Visa was given. And then on the 10th of October in New York, their officials appeared, but the Indians didn't come. And then finally, on the 12th, they met in Singapore. So can you just sort of whether this timeline is indeed correct? And if there are any comments or reasons regarding their allegations of the same, sir. Thank you. Niraj Kumar, News 18: Sir abhi Israel mein Hizbullah ke taraf se kiye gaye humale mein chaar videshi nagariko ki maut hui hai, chaaro Thailand ke the. Bharatiya kaamgaar bhi waha kaam karte hain. Unki sthiti kaisi hai? Unki suraksha ko lekar kis tarah se Bharat sarkar nazar rakh rahi hai, kyunki haal ke waqt me Bharatiya kaamgaaro, workers ki sankhya bhi Israel me badhi hai. [Question in Hindi: Approximate Translation] Sir, recently, four foreign nationals were killed in the attack by Hezbollah in Israel, and all four were from Thailand. Indian workers also work there. What is their situation? How is the Government of India monitoring their safety, especially since the number of Indian workers in Israel has also increased recently? Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Ye aap Lebanon ki baat kar rahe hain, Israel ki baat kar rahe hain? [Question in Hindi: Approximate Translation] Are you talking about Lebanon or Isarel? Niraj Kumar, News 18: Isarel, sir. Tomomi Asano, Yomiyuir Shimbun: This is Tomomi Asano from the Japanese newspaper, Yomiuri Shimbun. My questions are about the BRICS Summit which happened last month. After the closing of the BRICS Summit, some media are reporting the names of the 13 countries listed as partner countries. So I just want to know, is this finalized or not? And if not, what is the remaining procedure? And when will they be disclosed officially? And I also want to know India's understanding for the definition of partner countries. What is the difference between the member countries? Thank you. Ajay Banerjee, The Tribune: Sir, good evening. I'm Ajay Banerjee of the Tribune. I seek a small clarification. The Foreign Secretary in his press briefing at Kazan had said the right time will come with regard to India-China talks for the next steps at the LAC. You just said that the bilateral meetings, let them take place, and the time will come. Have we set a timeline with the Chinese of the next two steps, the de-escalation and de-induction of troops along the LAC? Is there a timeline to it? Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Abhishek, your question regarding Diwali celebration, which was canceled. We have seen some reports in this regard. It is unfortunate that the prevailing atmosphere in Canada has reached high levels of intolerance and extremism. That is what I have to say in response to your question. The other question you also raised about a reduction in number of Visas by the Canadian government. We obviously are monitoring the well-being of our student community in Canada, as also the well-being of our professionals who are working in Canada. Our concern for the safety and security remains very strong. Niraj, ye bade dukh ki baat hai ki waha par Israel me hamle me chaar log hatahat huye hain abhi aur Thailand ke rehne wale hain jaise aapne bataya. Humare taraf se humara bada samuday hai waha par, kariban 25 se 30 hazar log waha par Israel me hain, kaam karte hain, karyarat hain. Humari jo Embassy hai, dutawas hai wo unse lagatar touch me hai. Unhone kai ek aapne dekha hoga ki travel advisory aur unko advisory bhi diya hai, kis parakar se apni suraksha ko behtar bahaal kare aur samay samay par Bharatiya dutawas se wo touch me rahe taaki hum unka behtar khayal kar sakte hain. Aapne ye bhi dekha hoga ki hum log kuch din pehle ek statement bhi hum logo ne diya tha jo West Asia me waha par ho haalaat hain us par, to main apka dhyan uss vaktavya par aakarshit bhi karna chahunga. [Answer in Hindi: Approximate Translation] Niraj, it is indeed very sad that four individuals have lost their lives in the recent attacks in Israel, they were from Thailand, as you mentioned. We have a large community there, with approximately 25,000 to 30,000 Indians working and residing in Israel. Our Embassy is in constant touch with them. You may have seen that they have issued travel advisories and advised them on how to ensure their safety and maintain regular contact with the Indian Embassy, so that we can ensure their well-being. You might have also seen that we had issued a statement a few days ago on the situation in West Asia, which I would like to draw your attention to. On BRICS Summit, yes, my understanding is that partner countries' status, 13 countries were admitted as partner countries. This was a decision which was collectively taken by the BRICS countries. Partner countries is different from a full membership. That is what I understand. As far as whether this particular issue has been closed or not at this point in time, this is my understanding that these 13 countries have become partner countries. Ajay, regarding your question about timelines of next steps, bilateral meeting, etc.; at this point in time, I don't have anything to update you on. Huma Siddiqui, Financial Express: Sir, this is regarding Taliban's recent diktat. They have said that they don't want a woman to hear another woman's voice. And India has always been sort of talking about the welfare and empowerment of women in Afghanistan. What does India think about it now? Ileana, TASS: I've got just one more question on this very important meeting which we all were witnessing on the sidelines of BRICS Summit between Modi, Prime Minister, and Chinese President Xi Jinping. So it took place on the sidelines of BRICS in Kazan. So how was it organized? Can we speak about some kind of role of the host of the Summit in this meeting, like maybe some mediation role? Or so, how was it organized in Kazan? Thank you. Rishabh MP, Times Now: Sir, can we have a confirmation that the disengagement in Depsang and Demchok area of Eastern Ladakh has been completed? And B sir, there are reports and claims being made that there are towers being seen along the LAC. One of the footage also has captured that. If we can have some information on that and what India know about those towers near LAC that is being presumed to be Chinese, sir. Keshav Padmanabhan, The Print: Sir, you didn't answer my previous question? Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: What? Keshav Padmanabhan, The Print: On the NSA's allegations sir... [Inaudible]. Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: So, Huma, on Taliban, you are aware of our position. Our position on this particular issue is very well known. So, that is where I'll stop. Ileana, yes, the meeting of Prime Minister and President of China took place in Kazan. It was bilaterally arranged and Kazan was the venue for it. This particular question was also posed to the Foreign Secretary, who responded very well in Kazan as well. Rishabh, on your question regarding disengagement and patrolling, you are all aware that on 21st October 2024, the last phase of disengagement was agreed upon between India and China. As a result, verification patrolling has commenced on mutually agreed terms in Demchok and Depsang. And as things move forward, we'll keep you updated on this matter. Rishabh: Verification patrolling. Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: It's called verification, yes, verification patrolling in both places. The other issue that you raised, the tower, I don't have any... I'll come back to you on this particular matter. Keshav, these issues that you've raised, these technical details I don't have, but I can tell you, as I've said, that the meeting took place in Singapore between our NSA and the Canadian NSA as well. With that, we come to the close of this Press Briefing. Thank you very much, ladies and gentlemen. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address IRGC: Israeli regime incapable of calculating Iran's decisive response Iran Press TV Saturday, 02 November 2024 11:21 AM A spokesman for the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) says the Israeli regime is incapable of figuring out Iran's retaliation, vowing a "definitive and decisive" response to the occupying entity's recent aggression on the country. Brigadier General Ali Mohammad Naeini, the IRGC's spokesman and deputy head of the Public Relations Department, was speaking on Saturday about Iran's retaliation against Israeli aggression on Iranian soil on October 26. The Islamic Republic has already launched hundreds of missiles on the Israeli-occupied territories as part of two retaliatory operations, dubbed Operation True Promise 1 and 2. "Iran is able to alter the enemy's perception in line with the strategy of disciplining and punishing those who violate [the country's] national security," Naeini said. "In fact, Operation True Promise ll was the beginning of the story of catching the Zionists off guard. Henceforth, Iran will always leverage the surprise factor in its operations against the Zionists and will show that the Zionists' calculation system is incapable of figuring out Iran's action." Touching on Iran's strong response to the recent Israeli aggression, the IRGC spokesman said the enemy should realize that the Islamic Republic will give a "crushing" response to any mischief. "I state clearly and firmly that the answer to the enemy's latest attack will be given definitively and decisively. The response will be beyond the perception of the enemy, thoughtful and powerful," Naeini said. "The enemy should learn that he cannot do any evil and he will undoubtedly receive a crushing response for his mischief." IRGC's Chief Commander Major General Hossein Salami had earlier in the week warned the Israeli regime of an "unimaginable" response for its recent act of aggression against Iran. On October 1, the Islamic Republic launched 200 missiles towards Israeli military and intelligence bases all over the occupied territories as part of Operation True Promise II. The operation came in response to more deadly atrocities by the regime against the country and other regional nations, including Israel's assassinations of the Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh, Hezbollah's leader Nasrallah and Abbas Nilforoushan, a commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC). The operation came six months after its prequel that saw the country firing more than 300 missiles and drones against the occupied territories in retaliation for deadly aggression by the Israeli regime that had targeted Iranian diplomatic facilities in the Syrian capital of Damascus earlier that month. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Leader: US, Israel will definitely receive 'teeth-breaking response' Iran Press TV Saturday, 02 November 2024 8:43 AM Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei has warned the United States and Israel that they will definitely receive a crushing response for their atrocities. "The enemies, both the US and the Zionist regime, should know that they will definitely receive a teeth-breaking response for what they are doing against Iran and the resistance front," he said in a meeting with students on Saturday. Iranian officials have pledged to avenge Israel's act of aggression targeting two Iranian border cities, Ilam and Khuzestan, as well as central Tehran in the early hours of October 26. "This is not merely a matter of revenge but a logical actionan approach aligned with religion, ethics, and the Sharia, in accordance with international regulations," Ayatollah Khamenei said. The Leader made the statements during the occasion to mark the US embassy takeover by Iranian students on November 4, 1979, known as the National Day of the Fight against Global Arrogance. "We are certainly doing everything necessary to prepare the Iranian nation to stand against arrogance, whether in terms of military readiness, armaments, or political actions, and thank God, our officials are currently engaged in this," the Leader said. The overall movement of the Iranian people and the country's officials, he said, is "definitely and justly aimed at confronting global arrogance and the criminal apparatus that rules today's world order. Rest assured, there will be no negligence in this regard." "The Iranian people and the country's officials will not hesitate or neglect this course. Rest assured." He also referenced the US embassy takeover, saying it was not merely a site for diplomatic and intelligence activity, but rather the headquarters of plotting to destroy the Islamic Revolution. Iranian students took over the embassy in Tehran, also known in Iran as the "Den of Espionage," less than a year after the Islamic Revolution toppled the US-backed Pahlavi dictatorship in 1979. Every year on the 13th day of the Iranian month of Aban, the Iranian nation, particularly the students, commemorate the event by staging rallies across the country, calling on all Muslims and freedom-seeking nations to resist against arrogant powers and not to succumb to their bullying. "For the Iranian nation, inspired by Islamic teachings, standing up against oppression is a duty. Confronting arrogance is a duty. Arrogance means comprehensive economic, military, and cultural domination and the humiliation of nations," Ayatollah Khamenei noted. He added that the Iranian people had been humiliated for years and, therefore, will certainly continue their struggle against global arrogance. Ayatollah Khamenei emphasized that the Iranian nation's rational, wise, and logical movement, aligned with human, Islamic, and international principles in confronting arrogance, must continue. "The continuation of the Iranian nation's path in confronting arrogance requires knowledge, thought, technology, and a roadmap," the Leader said. Ayatollah Khamenei also touched on longstanding US enmities toward the Iranian nation, saying, "The effort of historians who distort facts is to claim that the conflict between Iran and the United States began on November 4, 1979. This is a lie. The Americans clashed with the Iranian nation from the very start of the Revolution, even from years before, doing everything they could against Iranian nation." "American involvement and efforts in Iran were extensive, even before August 19, 1953," he said, referring to a CIA-orchestrated coup in Iran that overthrew the democratically elected government of Dr. Mohammad Mosaddeq. "However, the clearest evidence was on August 19. A national, popular government was in power in Iran, but the Americans entered the field, betraying the trust of a government that had naively trusted them. They overthrew that government and established the oppressive rule of the Shah. For many years, the Iranian nation directly experienced America's enmity." He said that the Americans staged a coup in Iran, set up SAVAK in the 1950s, and established a center of torture and pressure on fighters and freedom-seekers. So many young people, faithful individuals, and freedom-lovers were either killed, mutilated, or tortured by SAVAK's criminal agentsthe so-called Shah's intelligence agency, he added. SAVAK was established in 1957 with the assistance of America's CIA and Israel's Mossad. The agency was vested with far-ranging powers to use torture against those who expressed dissent against the West-backed Pahlavi regime. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address IRGC disbands four terror teams during drills in southeast Iran Iran Press TV Saturday, 02 November 2024 6:28 AM Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Ground Force has smashed four terrorist teams during a major counterterrorism exercise in the southeastern Sistan and Baluchestan province close to the border with Pakistan. General Ahmad Shafaei, spokesman for the "Martyrs of Security" drills, said IRGC forces killed four terrorists and captured eight others. The operation carried out in cooperation with the Intelligence Ministry's provincial office and police forces "dealt lethal blows to the terrorist teams acting as proxies for the enemy" on Thursday night, he said. IRGC units used sophisticated hardware and combat drones as they employed new reconnaissance and operational tactics to hit the terrorists. One of the main elements of a terrorist group involved in a deadly attack on police forces in Taftan was among those captured, Shafaei said. A sizable amount of ammunition and weapons was seized from the terrorists, he added. On October 26, 10 members of Iran's law enforcement forces were killed in a terrorist attack in the Gohar Kuh district of Taftan. The so-called Jaish al-Adl terrorist group claimed responsibility for the assault, which was one of the deadliest in the province in recent months. The group has carried out numerous terrorist attacks in Iran, primarily in the Sistan and Baluchestan province. Its tactics include the abduction of border guards as well as targeting civilians and police stations within the province to incite chaos and disorder. In January, Iran launched a military operation during which the headquarters of the Pakistan-based terrorist group was targeted in missile strikes, destroying its infrastructure. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address U.S. Slams Prison Sentence Against Ex-Consulate Worker In Vladivostok By RFE/RL's Siberia.Realities November 02, 2024 The United States has blasted a decision by Russian authorities to sentence a former employee of the U.S. Consulate in Vladivostok to a lengthy prison term on charges Washington has called baseless. "The United States strongly condemns Russia's conviction and sentencing of Robert Shonov, a former employee of U.S. Mission Russia," the State Department said in a statement on November 2. "The allegations against Mr. Shonov are entirely without merit, and his conviction is an egregious injustice." The statement said Shonov's "targeting under the 'confidential cooperation' statute highlights the Kremlin's blatant use of increasingly repressive laws against its own citizens." The Primorye regional court in Russia's Far East on November 1 sentenced Shonov to four years and 10 months in prison and ordered him to pay a fine of 1 million rubles ($10,280) on charges of "confidential collaboration with a foreign state." After completing his prison sentence, Shonov will have to spend an additional year and four months under parole-like restrictions. Shonov, 62, had previously worked for 25 years at the U.S. Consulate in Vladivostok, which closed in 2020. Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) alleges that from September 2022 until his arrest in spring 2023, Shonov served as an "informant for the U.S. Embassy in Moscow." His purported activities included collecting information on Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine and mobilization efforts, as well as analyzing their potential impact on public protest activities in the lead-up to the 2024 presidential election. The charges against him stem from a law enacted in July 2022 that criminalizes "confidential collaboration" with foreign entities. This legislation carries penalties ranging from three to eight years in prison, and its broad language often encompasses interactions with foreigners perceived as undermining Russian national security, with accusations frequently linked to connections with Ukraine. This case occurs against a backdrop of deteriorating relations between Moscow and Washington, which are at their lowest point since the end of the Cold War. The Kremlin's full-scale invasion of Ukraine has prompted waves of severe sanctions against Russia and much of its leadership, further straining diplomatic ties. Shonov's conviction underscores the heightened scrutiny faced by former diplomatic staff and the increasingly hostile environment for foreign nationals operating in Russia. The detention of foreigners is increasingly being seen as politically motivated, with the potential for these individuals to become bargaining chips in future prisoner swaps. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-vladivostok-consulate- shonov-prison/33185016.html Copyright (c) 2024. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's strategic consultations with Foreign Minister of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea Choe Son-hui 2 November 2024 10:17 2067-02-11-2024 On November 1 in Moscow, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held strategic consultations with Foreign Minister of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea Choe Son-hui. The strategic consultations took place amidst the consistent expansion of the relations between the two countries at a new strategic level in the spirit of the Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the Russian Federation and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, signed at the historic Russia-DPRK summit in Pyongyang in June 2024. Ahead of the consultations, the foreign ministers of Russia and the DPRK attended an unveiling ceremony for the memorial plaque in honour of the first official visit to the USSR, in March 1949, by Premier of the Cabinet of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea Kim Il Sung, at the Yaroslavsky Railway Station in Moscow. During the strategic consultations, the ministers had a thorough exchange of opinions on the practical issues of developing the bilateral relations. They focused on fulfilling the agreements reached during President of Russia Vladimir Putin's state visit to the DPRK in June 2024. Both parties confirmed their commitment to fulfilling the Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in full that formally elevated the traditionally friendly relations between Russia and the DPRK to a new qualitative level. During the exchange of opinions on the key international problems, the parties confirmed that their views on the current situation in the world are congruent. The shared understanding is that the escalation on the Korean Peninsula, in Northeast Asia and other regions has been provoked by actions of the United States and its satellites. The Russian side expressed full support of the measures being taken by the state leadership of the DPRK to contain the aggressive policy of the United States and its satellites, and to ensure peace and stability in the sub-region. The foreign ministers' strategic consultations make an important contribution to further development and expansion of the bilateral relations in line with the comprehensive strategic partnership between the Russian Federation and the DPRK. The parties agreed to continue their strategic consultations between the foreign ministers, and to continue the dialogue and exchanges between the foreign ministries at different levels. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia, N.Korea Committed to Implement Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty Sputnik News 20241102 MOSCOW, (Sputnik) - Russia and North Korea have confirmed their commitment to implement the agreement on a comprehensive strategic partnership. The Russian and North Korean foreign ministers have confirmed their commitment to fully implement the provisions of the agreement on a comprehensive strategic partnership, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Saturday. "Both sides reaffirmed their firm commitment to fully implement the provisions of the comprehensive strategic partnership agreement, which consolidated the reaching of traditionally friendly Russian-Korean relations to a new qualitative level," the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement following the consultations between Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and his North Korean counterpart, Choe Son Hui. Russia supports measures taken by the North Korean leadership to curb the aggressive policy of the United States and its allies in Northeast Asia, the statement read. It added that Russian and North Korean top diplomats agreed to continue strategic consultations, dialogue and exchanges between the diplomatic departments of the two countries at various levels. Russian and North Korean Foreign Ministers, Sergey Lavrov and Choe Son Hui, have expressed understanding that the main reason for the aggravation of the situation on the Korean peninsula is the actions of the United States and its allies, the Russian Foreign Ministry said. "During the exchange of views on the key international issues, the convergence of assessments by both sides on the current situation in the world was confirmed. There is a common understanding that the main reason for the aggravation of the situation on the Korean peninsula, in Northeast Asia and other regions is the provocative actions of the United States and its satellites," the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement following the talks between top Russian and North Korean diplomats. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Condemning Russia's Conviction of Robert Shonov US Department of State Press Statement Office of the Spokesperson November 2, 2024 The United States strongly condemns Russia's conviction and sentencing of Robert Shonov, a former employee of U.S. Mission Russia. The allegations against Mr. Shonov are entirely without merit, and his conviction is an egregious injustice. His targeting under the "confidential cooperation" statute highlights the Kremlin's blatant use of increasingly repressive laws against its own citizens. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address VOA Interview: UN special rapporteur details Russia's state-sanctioned torture By Ksenia Turkova November 02, 2024 Mariana Katzarova, United Nations special rapporteur on human rights in Russia, reported Tuesday on the human rights situation in Russia at the U.N. General Assembly in New York, describing torture as Moscow's main tool of repression. In an interview with VOA, Katzarova detailed how the Russian government has turned brutality into the new norm and how Russians are persecuted for their anti-war views. This interview has been edited for clarity and brevity. VOA: You came to Washington with a new report about torture in Russia. The torture system is not something new. Did it get worse during Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine? U.N. Special Rapporteur on Russia Mariana Katzarova: The main message of this report was about the state-sanctioned system of torture being a tool used in a widespread and systematic manner by the authorities for oppression and control of Russian society. Yes, it did get worse. First of all, because it's a tool in the war against Ukraine. For example, we don't even know how many. Still, thousands of Ukrainian civilians have been detained in the occupied territories of Ukraine by the Russian forces and then deported to Russia proper in Russian prisons. They're kept incommunicado. They have been tortured, including with electric shocks, with sexual violence, rape against them. Many of them haven't even been charged with any criminal offenses; they're just kept there kidnapped. I've seen pictures of some of them who have been tried in Rostov-on-Don in military courts. I mean, they look like [they're] coming from concentration camps. Also, after the terrorist attack in March in Moscow, it was kind of, you know, a new page was turned where the authorities almost legitimized torture, normalized it, almost encouraged it to be happening because they allowed it on the national television to show torture of the suspects, Tajik migrants. As it happened, the suspects in the Crocus [City Hall] attack, terrorist attack, [were subjected to beatings and torture] including the electric shock to the genitals of one of the suspects or [the] cutting of the ear. There was another transmission on television. These people were [nearly] dead and were brought in front of a judge, and the judge completely pretended that nothing was happening. VOA: Are you expecting any reaction from Russian officials regarding that report? Katzarova: I, of course, as a special rapporteur of the U.N. system, I hope that the Russian Federation will pay attention because governments around the world are in charge of protecting the rights of their citizens. If the Russian authorities are not interested in the protection of the human rights of their own people, this is shocking. I mean, that's why I'm hoping that they're not going to turn a blind eye, particularly when we're talking about torture, which is entirely outlawed by international law under all circumstances. VOA: You said you would like to have some constructive dialogue with the Russian officials. Is that possible? Katzarova: All special rapporteurs of the U.N. are independent experts the governments appoint, members of the U.N., to advise and present the truth about the human rights situation in these countries. Of course, in normal circumstances, I should have had a constructive dialogue with the Russian authorities. So far, it's been one way. It's a monologue. I'm presenting my report. They're reading it, but they're not answering. All I can say is that I am planning to send them my new letters. I do it every year after my mandate is voted on by the governments of the Human Rights Council. They're not allowing me to visit Russia to meet with all the Russian people, victims of human rights violations, lawyers, the government authorities, the ombudsperson for human rights. This is what we should be doing as special rapporteurs. VOA: What kind of role can the U.N. play in helping the victims? Katzarova: First of all, this report is shedding light on the continuing almost full, complete impunity for torturing ill-treatment. Various people of various targeted groups, starting with [the ones] I just mentioned, the Ukrainian detained civilians and POWs, but also from the Russian society. These are the LGBT persons who are pronounced as extremist organizations by the Supreme Court of Russia. These are the mobilized conscientious objectors and the mobilized men who refuse to fight and who are tortured as well, subjected to torture, to ... convince them to continue fighting or join the war against Ukraine. And, of course, now another targeted group where the political prisoners, they're being subjected to torture as conditions of detention. They're also a target for the authorities, of course, to begin with. Alexey Navalny spent something like 394 and 96 days in SHIZO, which is a special punishment cell. Also, anti-war activists have been subjected in administrative detention to something called Carrousel. They're kept for two weeks, then another two weeks until criminal cases are fabricated against them. And we know of deaths in custody of such activists under torture. VOA: If some Russian officials, let's say, Sergey Lavrov, would listen to us right now, what would you say? Katzarova: I would say, "Dear Mr. Lavrov, Your Excellency, please respect your own laws and most importantly, the international law and the rules of the United Nations. All the conventions that you have signed and ratified. And please respect the human rights of the Russian people. They're your people, and they deserve better than languishing in prisons. They deserve better than being herded, and then sent to fight in the war, which is not their war. So, please respect human rights and show the United Nations that you deserve to be a member of the Security Council and a beacon, a country to show the way for other countries that need to follow in your steps because you're one of the five permanent members of the Security Council. And please stop the war in Ukraine. The Ukrainian people and the Russian people suffered enough because of this aggressive war. What else can we do apart from shed light? Speak up, not be afraid, and wait for our messages and the truth to be heard. As we say in Bulgaria and other countries, the darkest time is before sunrise. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address U.S., South Korea express concerns over China's military drills around Taiwan ROC Central News Agency 11/02/2024 11:51 AM Washington, Nov. 1 (CNA) The United States and South Korea on Friday expressed concerns over China's recent "provocative actions" that saw its military stage large-scale exercises around Taiwan, which have raised tensions across the Taiwan Strait. In a joint statement released by the U.S. and South Korean governments after the 2+2 ministerial meeting for 2024, both sides emphasized the importance of stability across the Taiwan Strait. On Oct. 31, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin hosted a joint foreign and defense ministerial meeting with South Korea's Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Tae-yul and Minister of National Defense Kim Yong-hyun. "They (the four U.S. and South Korea officials) expressed concern over provocative actions, particularly the recent military drills around Taiwan that escalate tension and concurred that no further actions should be taken that could undermine peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait," the statement said. "Both sides emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait as an indispensable element of security and prosperity for the international community," the statement added. According to the statement, the U.S. and South Korea remained unchanged in their basic position about Taiwan, such as their wish for "the peaceful resolution of cross-Strait issues." On Oct. 14, the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) launched military drills code-named "Joint Sword-2024B," involving the army, navy, air force and rocket force, in the Taiwan Strait and areas to the north, south and east of Taiwan, as a "stern warning to the separatist acts of Taiwan independence forces." The Chinese military drills came only days after President Lai Ching-te () said in his Oct. 10 National Day address that China has "no right to represent Taiwan." Lai of the pro-independence ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) reiterated in the speech that Taiwan and China are not subordinate to each other. Political parties in Taiwan slammed China's military actions with the DPP saying it "strongly condemned" Beijing over the "irrational" and "provocative" exercises. It was the second large-scale military exercise since Lai took office on May 20. On May 23, The PLA staged the "Joint Sword-2024A" military drills around Taiwan. The 2+2 talks are the bilateral meetings Washington holds with its key allies in the region, such as South Korea, Japan and Australia. In the joint statement, the two U.S. secretaries and South Korean ministers also condemned the "deepening military cooperation" between North Korea and Russia, including continued unlawful arms transfers and the deployment of North Korea's troops to Russia to help it fight the war in Ukraine. According to sources from the U.S. and Japan, about 10,000 North Korean troops have been deployed in Russia and could join their Russian counterparts to take actions against Ukraine. The statement cited the American and South Korean officials in the joint meeting as saying the military cooperation between Russia and South Korea not only violated multiple United Nations Security Council resolutions but also prolonged the suffering of the Ukrainian people and threatened stability in the Indo-Pacific region and Europe. The statement said Washington and Seoul also condemned Russia's "brutal, unprovoked and unjustifiable" military actions against Ukraine and recognized the Russian behavior violated the U.N. Charter. "Both sides committed to enforce the current autonomous sanctions regime and actively pursue necessary measures together with the international community to deter further unlawful, reckless, and destabilizing behavior," the statement said. According to the statement, Washington and Seoul demonstrated their strong opposition to any unilateral attempts to change the status quo in the waters of the Indo-Pacific, while they recognized the importance of opposing unlawful maritime claims in the South China Sea. In the statement, the U.S. and South Korea also underscored the importance of maritime safety and security, upholding international law as reflected in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, such as freedom of navigation and overflight and other lawful uses of the sea, and peaceful resolution of disputes as essential for regional stability and prosperity. (By Chung Yu-chen and Frances Huang) Enditem/cs NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Taiwan expects Ukraine-tested weapons from US amid rising Chinese pressure By William Yang November 02, 2024 Taiwan is expected to receive several weapons that have been battle tested in Ukraine from the United States over the next few years. Analysts say those weapons can help bolster Taiwan's defense and strike capabilities amid growing military pressure from China. In the latest round of arms sales to Taiwan, worth about $2 billion, the United States plans to deliver three medium-range National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems, also known as NASAMS. The weapons include advanced AMRAAM Extended Range surface-to-air missiles. The proposed sales will help improve Taiwan's security and "assist in maintaining political stability, military balance, and economic progress in the region," the Pentagon's Defense Security Cooperation Agency said in a statement released October 26. NASAMS has been battle-tested in Ukraine and is viewed by experts as a significant elevation of Taiwan's air defense capabilities. Australia and Indonesia are the other countries in the Indo-Pacific region that have received the system from the U.S. Experts say that NASAMS has a high interoperation capability, and that the medium-range air defense system provides needed coverage in Taiwan's existing air defense capabilities. "Currently, Taiwan relies on Stinger missiles for short-range air defense while using the Patriot missile system or Taiwan's indigenous Tien Kung for long-range air defense, so NASAMS can help fill the gap of Taiwan's medium-range air defense," said Su Tzu-yun, a military expert at the Taipei-based Institute for National Defense and Security Research. He told VOA by phone that when NASAMS is incorporated into Taiwan's air defense system, it can improve the island's capabilities to deal with the increasingly frequent patrols the Chinese military is conducting around Taiwan. "As Chinese naval vessels and military aircraft increase the frequency of their combat-readiness patrols near Taiwan, the risk of abrupt missile attacks launched by Chinese vessels is also increasing, so acquiring NASAMS can further enhance Taiwan's capabilities to deal with these potential threats," Su said. In addition to the surface-to-air missile system, Taiwan's National Defense Ministry said the island is expected to receive 29 sets of the M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems, or HIMARS, from the United States between the end of 2024 and 2026. The rocket system has been credited with helping Ukraine destroy Russian weapons or equipment in the ongoing conflict. Apart from receiving HIMARS from Washington, at least 17 Taiwanese soldiers were trained to use the rocket system at a military base in Fort Sill, Oklahoma, this past August. After a post on the military base's official Facebook page showed Taiwanese soldiers participating in HIMARS training with counterparts from Romania and Estonia, which has since been removed, Taiwanese Defense Minister Wellington Koo said Friday that Taiwan had planned to send at least 30 soldiers to receive HIMARS training in the U.S. between February and October this year. Since Ukraine has used HIMARS to strike Russian military bases and weaken the Russian military's momentum, some Taiwanese experts say the systems potentially can be used to target Chinese military facilities in coastal areas. "The Taiwanese military can use HIMARS to hit some Chinese military facilities along the southeastern coast or target invading troops in different parts of Taiwan," said Chieh Chung, a research fellow at the Association of Strategic Foresight in Taiwan. Overall, Chieh told VOA by phone, the acquisition of NASAMS and HIMARS can enhance Taiwan's capabilities in conducting network-centric warfare and deter China from easily launching an attack against Taiwan. Other analysts say the series of U.S. arms sales to Taiwan reflects Washington's commitment to supporting Taiwan's self-defense capabilities, but China will interpret the latest developments as a provocation from Taiwan and the U.S. "Beijing will interpret this as changing the status quo [across the Taiwan Strait] nevertheless," Stephen Nagy, a regional security expert at the International Christian University in Japan, told VOA in a written response. China views Taiwan as part of its territory and repeatedly has vowed to reunify with the island, by force, if necessary. In response to the latest U.S. arms sales to Taiwan last week, Beijing condemned it and urged Washington to stop what it called dangerous moves that undermine peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. China showcases its naval capability The arms sales and training come as China's two aircraft carriers, Liaoning and Shandong, conducted a dual formation exercise for the first time in the disputed South China Sea from late September to October. Chinese military analyst Song Zhongping told the state-run China Daily newspaper that the exercise will allow the two Chinese aircraft carriers to "integrate and magnify the power" and "enable the fleet to better organize strikes and handle threats from air and sea." Chieh in Taiwan said China is showing the U.S. it could assert maritime claims in disputed waters in the Indo-Pacific region at a time when U.S. aircraft carriers are deployed to the Middle East. "Since the ongoing conflict in the Middle East has forced the U.S. to deploy its aircraft carrier groups to the region, China is trying to remind Washington that it can impose control over certain parts of the Indo-Pacific region amid an American absence," he said. Nagy in Japan said that while China can demonstrate its capability to operate aerial and naval assets near areas of potential conflicts in the Indo-Pacific region such as the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait such a formation also exposes the Chinese aircraft carriers as obvious targets for more experienced fighting forces. "Losing one or two of China's few aircraft carriers would have a very serious reputational cost for the Chinese Communist Party, and the U.S. and its partners understand this, so they are preparing for their scenarios," he said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Fire at UK's BAE Systems Facility Damages $1.6Bln Nuclear Submarine - Reports Sputnik News 20241102 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The United Kingdom's nuclear submarine HMS Agincourt worth 1.3 billion pounds ($1.6 billion) has been badly damaged in a that fire broke out at the site of the largest UK defense contractor BAE Systems on October 31, The Sun reported on Saturday, citing people familiar with the matter. The fire that broke out at the dock of the northwestern English port town of Barrow-in-Furness was caused by a sand-blaster explosion that ignited foam-like polymer paneling tiles of the submarine, the report said. "It was a bit like burning tires, but worse," the source told the newspaper. The fire sparked fears of potential Russian sabotage, but multiple official sources have since then confirmed that the situation was purely an industrial accident, The Sun reported. The police in the UK county of Cumbria said on Wednesday that two people had been taken to hospital for suspected smoke inhalation. The fire was put out only after 12 hours. Residents of Barrow-in-Furness were instructed to close windows and doors to avoid toxic smoke. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address White House Says New Ukraine Aid On The Way, As Kyiv Braces For Fresh Attack By RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service and Current Time November 02, 2024 The Pentagon announced a $425 million package of fresh security assistance to Ukraine under the presidential "drawdown authority," its 69th tranche of defense equipment since late 2021. The announcement came hours before authorities in Kyiv on November 2 said air-defense units were attempting to repel a fresh Russian air strike on the capital and warned civilians to remain in shelters. It also came just days ahead of U.S. elections on November 5 that could prove pivotal to ongoing Western support for Ukraine. The latest comments on the campaign trail by Republican nominee and former President Donald Trump have highlighted the divide between him and Democratic nominee Vice President Kamala Harris over U.S. support for Ukraine's defense amid the two-and-a-half-year-old full-scale Russian invasion. A clip from a campaign appearance in Warren, Michigan, showed Trump saying, "They got us into Ukraine. We should have never gone into Ukraine. If I was president, you would have never gone into Ukraine." The United States has spearheaded the international aid and material effort for Ukraine and has reportedly provided intelligence support, but is not believed to have considered sending troops there. Harris and some influential Republicans have insisted that U.S. support is essential to defending democracy and resisting Russian aggression in Europe and the West. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has spent months urging Western suppliers to allow Kyiv to use their advanced weaponry to strike deeper inside Russia, and this week accused them of inaction in response to Russia's alleged plan to deploy thousands of North Korean troops to Ukraine. Zelenskiy said late on November 1 that all countries who don't want the war to expand and spread to other regions of the world "need to act." U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said in September that the use of donated U.S. weapons for long-range strikes into Russia would not turn the tide of the war in Ukraine's favor. The United States and its allies previously ruled out their use to strike deep in Russia over fears that it could result in retaliation with nuclear weapons. Russian ex-President and senior security official Dmitry Medvedev was quoted by TASS as saying Washington was wrong if it believed Moscow wouldn't use nuclear weapons if its existence is threatened, agencies reported. He and other Russian officials have repeatedly warned of a potential nuclear response under certain conditions. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said late on November 2 that explosions had been heard in the Kyiv suburb of Vyshhorod and that "air defense forces are operating in the region and in the capital." "Stay in shelters!" he warned on Telegram, although details remained scarce as midnight approached. Earlier, an overnight Russian drone bombardment targeted Kyiv and other population centers, including Sumy in the northeast, injuring at least seven people. Ukrainian military officials said they had shot down all of the drones in that attack but that debris had ignited a residential building in Kyiv. Two people were injured when debris from a Russian drone fell on the 16-story building in the capital and ignited a fire, Ukrainian authorities said early on November 2. Klitschko said one of the victims required hospitalization. Emergency services extinguished the blaze. Meanwhile, five more people were injured, one of them seriously, in the northeastern city of Sumy when a Russian drone struck a nine-story building late on November 1, prosecutors said. Ukrainian officials accuse Russia of routinely targeting civilians, a charge Moscow rejects. Kyiv city military administrator Serhiy Popko called the hours-long drone attack part of Russia's "old and familiar tactics." Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-war-us- aid-drones-kyiv/33184792.html Copyright (c) 2024. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russian Defence Ministry reports on repelling AFU attempt to invade Russian territory in Kursk region (2 November 2024) 02.11.2024 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 continued offensive actions in which the units of 21st, 22nd, 41st, and 115th mechanised brigades, 17th Tank Brigade, 82nd and 95th air assault brigades, 36th Marine Brigade, 112th, and 129th territorial defence brigades of the AFU suffered losses near Daryino, Leonidovo, Nikolayevo-Daryino, Novoivanovka, and Plyokhovo. The Group's units repelled four enemy counter-attacks in the direction of Kamyshovka and Novoivanovka, and thwarted AFU attempts to attack in the direction of Daryino and Leonidovo. The AFU losses amounted to up to 30 people killed and wounded; seven AFU servicemen surrendered. Army aviation and artillery inflicted losses on the clusters of manpower and hardware of 21st, 41st, 47th, and 61st mechanised brigades, 17th Tank Brigade, 80th, 82nd, and 95th air assault brigades, 36th Marine Brigade, 1st Special Operations Brigade, 112th and 129th territorial defence brigades of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and 17th National Guard Brigade of Ukraine near Aleksandriya, Viktorovka, Guyevo, Daryino, Zelyony Shlyakh, Kazachaya Loknya, Kolmakov, Kruglenkoye, Lebedevka, Leonidovo, Martynovka, Makhnovka, Mirny, Nizhny Klin, Nikolayevo-Daryino, Nikolsky, Novoya Sorochina, Novoivanovka, Novy Put, Plyokhovo, and Cherkasskoye Porechnoye. Operational-Tactical Aviation and Missile Troops hit concentration areas in the Sumy region and reserves of 21st, 41st, 61st, 115th mechanised brigades, 17th Tank Brigade, 95th Air Assault Brigade as well as 129th Territorial Defence Brigade of the AFU close to Basovka, Belovody, Vodolagi, Zhuravka, Loknya, Miropolye, Pavlovka, and Khoten. During the day, the AFU losses were over 250 troops, an armoured fighting vehicle as well as an artillery gun, a mortar, and three motor vehicles. Seven AFU servicemen surrendered. Since the beginning of hostilities in Kursk region, the AFU losses were more than 29,100 troops, 180 tanks, 101 infantry fighting vehicles, 106 armoured personnel carriers, 1,063 armoured fighting vehicles, 780 motor vehicles, 255 artillery guns, 40 MLRS launchers, including 11 of HIMARS and six of MLRS made by the USA, ten anti-aircraft missile launchers, seven transport-loading vehicles, 58 EW stations, 12 counter-battery warfare radars, four AD radars, 25 units of engineering vehicles and other materiel, 13 counterobstacle vehicles, one UR-77 mine clearing vehicle, five armoured recovery vehicles, and one command post vehicle. The operation to neutralise the AFU units is in progress. Department for Media Affairs and Information NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russian Defence Minister congratulates servicemen of 114th Separate Motorised Rifle Brigade on liberation of Kurakhovka of Donetsk People's Republic 02.11.2024 Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov congratulated command and personnel of the 114th Separate Motorised Rifle Brigade on the liberation of Kurakhovka (Donetsk People's Republic). 'Successful operations of the personnel in Avdeyevka and Krasnoarmeysk directions are examples of courage and high professionalism. It is a reason why the enemy suffers severe losses and continues to retreat. Today, assault detachments of the brigade step by step approach full liberation of the Donbass and our general victory over the Neo-Nazism,' says the telegram of the Russian Defence Minister. 'The 114th Separate Motorised Rifle Brigade accomplishes tasks at key directions with honour. The soldiers wrote glorious pages of heroism in the history of the formation,' stressed Andrei Belousov in his congratulation paper. Andrei Belousov thanked the servicemen for the successful fulfilment of combat missions and their faithfulness to the combat duty, and expressed confidence that the 114th Separate Motorised Rifle Brigade would provide security of the Great Motherland and continue being loyal to the oath and the Fatherland. Department for Media Affairs and Information NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Kiev Loses Over 250 Soldiers in Kursk Region in Past Day - Russian Defense Ministry Sputnik News 20241102 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The Ukrainian armed forces lost over 250 soldiers in the western Russian region of Kursk over the past day, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Saturday. "Over the past day, the Ukrainian armed forces lost over 250 servicepeople, an armored vehicle, an artillery piece, a mortar and three vehicles. Seven soldiers of the Ukrainian armed forces surrendered," the ministry said in a statement. In total, Ukraine has lost more than 29,100 servicepeople and 180 tanks during the Kursk offensive, the ministry added. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address West's Goal in Ukrainian Conflict to Weaken Russia as Much as Possible - Russia's Medvedev Sputnik News 20241102 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The goal pursued by Western countries in the Ukrainian conflict is to weaken Russia to the greatest extent possible, so that it could not "raise its head," Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev said on Saturday. "Its goal is simple for the Western world, for the United States, for NATO. It is to weaken Russia as much as possible, so that we could not even raise our head, so that we knew our place and understood who is in charge in its 'earthly home,'" Medvedev said in an interview to RT broadcaster. Russia has been conducting a special military operation in Ukraine since February 24, 2022. President Vladimir Putin has said that the operation aims to "protect people subjected to genocide by the Kiev regime" for years. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has said that NATO member states are directly involved in the conflict not only by providing weapons to Ukraine, but also by training Ukrainian troops on their soil. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ukraine Sabotaging POW Exchange With Russia for Political Reasons - Moscow Sputnik News 20241102 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Ukraine is sabotaging the exchange of prisoners of war with Russia by making a "political performance" out of it, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Saturday. "This [prisoner exchange] is a political process for the Kiev regime. Moreover, they consider it as a tool to promote their interests in the media," Zakharova told an online briefing. Moscow, however, has always stressed the humanitarian nature of this process and never tried to draw any political benefits from it, the spokeswoman added. "I would like to point out that Moscow has never abandoned this work and never refused dialogue on prisoner exchange. Moreover, on our part, the existing governmental bodies and newly-appointed representatives are working. They have never refused this work. They carry out their tasks set by the country's leadership at the highest level. Our position on this is unchanged and widely known, including in Ukraine," Zakharova said. The spokeswoman accused Kiev of maintaining a semblance of international efforts aimed at bringing Ukrainian prisoners of war back home in order to put pressure on Russia. "This is all a political performance needed because public dissent is starting to brew in Ukraine. People are asking where the prisoners of war who were supposed to be exchanged actually are, and the Kiev regime, without responding to the citizen's questions and cushioning the real state of affairs, pretends that there are certain international efforts that, in its opinion, must put some kind of pressure on Russia," she said. Zakharova rejected as "blatant lies" claims made by Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha who accused Moscow of denying international humanitarian organizations and doctors access to Ukrainian prisoners. The spokeswoman added that Moscow was not aware of any third countries offering to "take patronage" over Ukrainian prisoners of war in Russia. "We have read about that in Sybiha's social media, that is all," she said. Sybiha wrote on X on Friday that a certain country was ready to "become a protecting power under the Geneva Conventions" and assist "thousands of Ukrainian POWs, civilian hostages, and forcibly deported children" allegedly held in Russia. He did not specify what country that would be. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ukraine Agreed to Take Back 279 POWs Out of 935 Proposed for Exchange - Russian Ombudswoman Sputnik News 20241102 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Ukraine has been refusing to take back hundreds of Ukrainian soldiers for over a year now, having so far agreed to only accept 279 prisoners out of the 935 proposed by Russia for an exchange, Russian Human Rights Commissioner Tatyana Moskalkova said on Saturday. "For more than a year, Ukraine has not agreed to accept military personnel from the 102nd, 126th and 118the separate brigades. Of the 935 Ukrainian soldiers proposed for exchange, they have agreed to take back only 279," Moskalkova wrote on Telegram. The Russian ombudswoman added that she had repeatedly urged Kiev to speed up the exchange procedures, but the process was slow and bulky due to its overpolitization by Ukraine. Prisoner exchanges are important from the humanitarian point of view, Moskalkova said, calling on her Ukrainian counterparts to return to a constructive dialogue to ensure that families on both sides of the front line see their loved ones as soon as possible. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russian Troops Free Kurakhovka in Donbas - Defense Ministry Sputnik News 20241102 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Russian troops freed the settlements of Kurakhovka, in the Donetsk People's Republic, and Pershotravnevoye in the Kharkov region, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Saturday. The Ukrainian forces lost up to 2,045 troops in battles with the Russian forces over the past day, including up to 800 in the area of responsibility of Russia's Yug battlegroup. The group improved its tactical position after repelling a counterattack by a Ukrainian air mobile brigade. Battlegroup Tsentr of the Russian forces repelled five counterattacks by Ukrainian troops, with Ukraine losing up to 535 military personnel. Ukrainian forces also lost a Grad multiple rocket launcher and an armored personnel carrier, among other pieces of military hardware Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 3. The Sustainable Innovation Forum on the theme Sustainable Innovative Forum is scheduled to take place in Baku on November 13-14, as part of the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, Trend reports. Co-organized by the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL) and the Climate Action, the event will bring together global sustainability leaders across all sectors including business, government, cities, finance, and civil society. The Forum will promote transformative innovation and tangible climate action to help us go further, faster together. With multiple networking opportunities, it is an ideal opportunity to connect with climate leaders, pioneers and practitioners at COP. Yana Garcia, California Secretary for Environmental Protection, California Environment Protection Agency (CalEPA), Andrew Steer, CEO, Bezos Earth Fund and Vanessa Chan, Chief Commercialisation Officer, U.S. Department of Energy, are among the key speakers of the forum. In October, More Than 2,000 "Shahed" Drones Were Used Against Ukraine, Literally, Every Single Day - Address by the President President of Ukraine 2 November 2024 - 20:38 I wish you health, fellow Ukrainians! Today, first and foremost, our gratitude goes to our warriors. To all those who defend Ukraine from the daily attacks of "Shahed" drones and missiles. Russia is gradually escalating this activity. And, sadly, it is still able to use Western components for this. In October, more than 2,000 "Shahed" drones were used against Ukraine, against our people. Literally, every single day. This number of "Shahed" drones means more than 170,000 components that should have been blocked from being supplied to Russia. Microchips, microcontrollers, processors, and lots of different parts without which this terror would simply be impossible. All this is supplied to Russia from abroad. And sadly, including from companies in China, Europe, America - lots of micro-contributions to the constant Russian terror. And this, again and again, brings the world back to the need to work much harder to control the export of special components and resources. To prevent Russia from circumventing the sanctions that have long been imposed on Russia for this war. As with "Shahed" drones - the same applies to Russian missiles. They all have components from other countries. Fighting against Russian strikes means, among other things, fighting for the power of sanctions against Russia. Sanctions must be increased; they must be effective. And every scheme to circumvent sanctions is a crime against people and the world. It is precisely such schemes that allow Russia to help build the strength of the Iranian and North Korean regimes. This is a global threat. And only global, special pressure can overcome it. Today I would like to commend our military who have been the most effective in countering the "Shahed" drones over these very weeks. Mobile firing group "Master" of the 35th separate marine brigade, mobile firing groups "Uzhyk" and "Sherkhan" of the 59th separate motorized infantry brigade, mobile firing group 494 of the 14th radio engineering brigade named after Bohdan Khmelnytskyi, as well as mobile firing groups 513 and 631 of the 636th separate anti-aircraft machine gun battalion of the Land Forces, and also mobile firing group number 9 of the 7th tactical aviation brigade. I thank all of you for your work, for your service; I thank everyone who defends Ukraine so effectively. I spoke with Commander-in-Chief Syrskyi. He made a report on the frontline situation. The main directions: Kurakhove, Pokrovsk, Lyman and all other directions. Toretsk direction as well. I thank all our warriors for their bravery! Every position we defend and every position we regain is important for the entire front, for all of us. I am grateful to the warriors of the 79th separate airborne assault brigade - the guys are fighting in the Kurakhove direction. Also, other directions in the Donetsk region: the 38th separate marine brigade - well done! The 68th separate jaeger brigade - thank you, warriors! Orikhiv direction - I thank all the warriors of the 128th separate mountain assault brigade and the 141st separate infantry brigade. Also, Prydniprovskyi direction - the 124th and the 126th separate territorial defense brigades - thank you! Glory to all who fight for Ukraine! To all who work for our state, for all our people! I thank everyone in the world who helps us to defend our right, Ukraine's and every nation's right to its own life! Glory to Ukraine! NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Fragmented Health Response Will Conflict Be Permanent? Federal officers guarding a courthouse in Portland, Ore., teargassed Mayor Ted Wheeler on Wednesday night. It was perhaps the most tangible expression yet of the conflict between levels of government.The coronavirus pandemic has exposed an inability among political actors at the federal, state and local levels to pull together. Theres always friction within the federal system. Now, that friction is generating real heat.On Wednesday, President Trump announced a surge of federal law enforcement into American communities plagued by violent crime. Mayors of major cities including Boston, Denver, Los Angeles and Seattle had already sent the administration a letter saying they wont welcome armed federal agents.Under no circumstances will I allow Donald Trumps troops to come to Chicago and terrorize our residents, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot tweeted.The conflict between Trump and the mayors is only one fight within a multipronged war. Trump has been at odds at various times with governors around the country around health and reopening policies. He has threatened to withhold federal funds from school districts that dont open for in-person instruction. California Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein, in turn, wants to block federal COVID-19 relief funds from going to states that dont have mask orders in place.Weve grown accustomed to clashes between branches of government when there is divided partisan control. Now there are similarly partisan fights among the different levels of government.Youre seeing geographical partisanship emerging in a clash of wills between different levels of government that might be controlled by different political parties, says David Robertson, author of Federalism and the Making of America Multiple governors have pre-empted local governments on health restrictions. Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp has sued Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms to block her mask order. Dozens of sheriffs around the country have refused to enforce governors mask orders.Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner says hell charge federal agents who assault or kidnap protesters in his city. Oregons Department of Justice is suing several federal agencies for civil rights abuses in Portland.Anyone expecting American governments to be able to launch a coordinated response to the worst health and economic crises the nation has faced in decades must be disappointed.We would like for federalism to operate smoothly, so we dont have to think about it, says Tim Conlan, a federalism expert at George Mason University. The coronavirus response is actually sort of a perfect measuring stick of our transition to our contemporary, very polarized model of federalism.Carol Calderwood served as public health officer in Ravalli County, Mont., for 13 years. Last weekend, she quit. Gov. Steve Bullock had signed an order requiring indoor face coverings in most counties, but Ravalli County Sheriff Steve Holton and Hamilton Police Chief Ryan Oster both said they wouldnt enforce it. Calderwood wrote that she felt shed been placed in another no-win situation by the locally elected officials decision to disobey the Governors directives without my input. Public health has always been fragmented in this country. During previous epidemics, the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention laid out the strategy, which was then executed by state and local health departments.While all levels of government were involved, they were largely dealing from a common set of core values and beliefs, Conlan says. You would likely hear the same response to questions from public health officials, regardless of what level they were at, whether it was the CDC or the county health department.Now, theres argument even within the same level of government. The county health department pleads with the sheriff to carry out its orders. The White House has largely sidelined the CDC, which traditionally would have led federal messaging during a health crisis.The Trump administration has not presented a coherent strategy for states to follow. After Trump prodded states to reopen their economies, presidential counselor Kellyanne Conway on Wednesday blamed them for rising coronavirus case counts, saying they blew through our phases.What the president and the White House are doing strikes me as completely incoherent, says Michael Greve, a law professor at George Mason. On the one hand, they want to say that managing something like this crisis has to be a local or state affair. That impulse strikes me as right. But on the other hand, they then say if you dont play by our rules, we wont send you our money. Only one of those things can be right.Over the decades, federal, state and local actors have worked together closely in areas such as education, public health and road construction. There was always some squabbling, but there was a sense of shared expertise and enterprise in various policy areas, with politicians often deferring to technocratic experts.That all seems to have been forgotten.Its now been shown how creaky the cooperative federalism model is, Greve says. The debate over the schools and debate over what health-care agencies can or cannot do those are pretty big areas of public life. If the government cant deliver on that stuff, what can it do? Its kind of a functional breakdown at all levels.Voters may express unhappiness with incumbents in this years elections, holding them accountable for the poor pandemic response. Its also possible that theyll like what their own partisan team has been doing cheering on their governors for standing up to Trump or sticking by him, or glad that their local electeds stood up to their states, whether it was in favor of imposing greater health restrictions or attempting to nullify them.With divided government and separation of powers, it becomes difficult for the average citizen to pinpoint accountability, Conlan says.Like family members that turn on each other during times of stress, the layers of government might carry sore feelings into the future. Theres certainly precedent for confrontational behavior to become routine.It seemed shocking when Republican attorneys general banded together a dozen times a year to sue the Obama administration by its end. Now, Democratic attorneys general sue the Trump administration three times as often.Were changing federalism from the idea of shared expertise in different policy areas into partisan stakes in the ground that are meant to obstruct opponents, Robertson says. Lando Norris McLaren In a rain-soaked, red flag-riddled Sao Paulo Grand Prix qualifying session, McLarens Lando Norris emerged to claim pole position amid one of the most dramatic sessions of the 2024 Formula 1 season. Taking place at the Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace, the session saw a total of five red flags and a constantly shifting leaderboard as drivers battled unpredictable weather conditions on Sunday morning, following a postponed start from Saturday due to poor visibility. Norriss stellar lap of 1m 23.405s ultimately secured him the top spot on the grid, finishing 0.173 seconds ahead of Mercedes George Russell. And Norris delivered it in style, holding off a strong field that included Yuki Tsunoda, who claimed a career-best third for RB Racing. The qualifying drama began early as Q1 kicked off on a wet track at 7:30 AM local time, with light rain and a tense lineup of cars eager to put down laps before conditions worsened. The session quickly saw yellow flags when Lawson and Zhou went off track, though both managed to recover. Just when it seemed competitors might be able to push for faster times, Williams Franco Colapinto spun into the barriers bringing out the first red flag of the day. When the session resumed, drivers had little time to work through the tricky conditions, and the pressure was on to avoid elimination. Hamilton, who struggled with grip throughout Q1, ended up narrowly missing out on Q2, eliminated in P16. Verstappen, however, topped the session with a time of 1m 28.522s, while Norris hovered on the cusp, barely escaping in 15th after having a lap deleted for exceeding track limits. In Q2, conditions seemed to improve slightly, and some drivers, including Oscar Piastri, gambled by switching to intermediate tires. This strategy paid off briefly, as Piastri moved into the top three early in the session. However, Q2 quickly took a turn for the worse with more crashes. Carlos Sainz lost control and collided with the barriers, triggering the second red flag. After the session restarted, Stroll also crashed out, ending Q2 prematurely and preventing the Red Bulls from setting improved lap times. Verstappen, in P12, now faces a five-place grid penalty due to a power unit change, relegating him to a disappointing P17 start for the Grand Prix. The top 10 shootout in Q3 became the defining moment of the day. With rain falling again, seven cars lined up to battle it out for pole. Fernando Alonso was the first to encounter trouble, skidding into the barriers and bringing out the fourth red flag. Moments after the session resumed, another red flag was deployed when Alex Albon crashed in his Williams. With just three minutes remaining in the session, the pressure was palpable. Despite the limited time, Norris delivered a near-perfect lap to secure the top spot. Behind him, Russell grabbed second while Tsunoda took a remarkable third. Esteban Ocon slotted into fourth, just ahead of Liam Lawson, who qualified in an impressive fifth, marking another standout performance for the RB Racing team. Other notable results included Charles Leclerc, who finished sixth, while Albon managed to hold on to P7 despite his crash. McLarens Piastri settled for P8 after a small error during his final lap. Alonsos earlier crash left him in ninth, while Stroll, unable to participate in Q3 due to his Q2 incident, rounded out the top 10. Reflecting on his pole position, Norris expressed his surprise and relief: There was a lot going on today. I was struggling at the beginning of qualifying, and I had a lot of errors to fix, but I worked at it and managed to put together some good laps. He added that recent improvements to his performance have made him a little surprised but very happy with the result. With Verstappen starting from 17th, Stroll in 10th, and Hamilton back in 16th, Sundays Sao Paulo Grand Prix promises to deliver high-stakes racing with numerous front-runners eager to climb back up the field. The race will begin at 12:30 PM local time. Fans can expect a thrilling event as drivers take on the challenging Interlagos circuit, with varying strategies likely to play a major role given the unpredictable weather. Women dont sleep their way to the top, stop discrediting hard work Cardi B Graphic Showbiz Showbiz News Nov - 03 - 2024 , 15:09 2 minutes read American rapper, Cardi B has expressed her frustration with the negative stereotypes that successful women face in society. She pointed out that despite women working ten times harder and performing better than their male counterparts, their achievements are often attributed to their beauty or seen as a result of using their bodies to get ahead. In a statement via her X handle on Saturday, Cardi B said she was disgusted by the attacks on the US Vice President and Democratic Partys candidate, Kamala Harris, claiming that she was being heavily criticised because shes a woman. The rapper stated that similar to Harris, she has been the underdog, and her success has always been discredited. Advertisement She wrote, Just like Kamala Harris, I have been the underdog and I have been underestimated!! My success always discredited. Let me tell you something, women have to work ten times harder and perform ten times better and still our success comes with excuses its because shes pretty or because she slept her way to the top. I see the disgusting attacks against Kamala and its not only angered me but has motivated me more now than ever to not just say something, but to do something! I cant stand a bully! Cardi Bs X statement comes shortly after she spoke at Kamala Harris rally in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on Friday night, where she formerly endorsed the Democratic Partys candidate for this months presidential election. President Akufo-Addo bids emotional farewell at Anlo Hogbetsotso Za Alberto Mario Noretti Nov - 03 - 2024 , 10:38 2 minutes read President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo bid an emotional farewell to Ghanaians, expressing gratitude for the support and trust given to him during his eight-year tenure. Speaking at a grand durbar in Anloga, Volta Region, on Saturday to conclude the 2024 Hogbetsotso Za celebrations, the President assured citizens of a peaceful, free, and fair electoral process in the upcoming general elections. I will leave office as the President as required by the Constitution and I will hand over the baton to whoever the people of Ghana choose to lead them, affirmed Nana Akufo-Addo. He further highlighted the strong measures in place to ensure a smooth and transparent election. The event, themed Strengthening Bonds and Embracing Our Shared Heritage, saw President Akufo-Addo commend the people of Anlo for preserving their rich cultural heritage. He acknowledged the Awoamefia of Anlo, Togbe Sri III, for his exemplary leadership, which he said has played a significant role in maintaining peace in the region. Advertisement Nana Akufo-Addo expressed appreciation for the love and guidance Ghanaians have shown throughout his administration, noting that such support had been instrumental to his governments achievements. Commitment to Anlos development Togbe Sri III, in his remarks, thanked the President for his commitment to development projects in Anlo. He expressed hope for the timely completion of key projects, including the Keta Harbour, coastal protection for Anlo, and the dredging of Keta Lagoon. He also encouraged the people of Anlo to live in peace as the elections draw near, urging them to fulfill their civic duties with patriotism and unity. Calls for unity and peaceful elections The War Lord of Anlo, Awadada Agbesi Awusu II, emphasized Hogbetsotsos role in renewing unity among the people of Anlo. He noted that the presence of chiefs from various regions at the festival underscored the national cohesion Hogbetsotso promotes. Awadada Agbesi Awusu joined other leaders in calling on Ghanaians to shun violence in the upcoming elections. Special guests at the event included the New Juabenhene, Daasebre Kwaku Boateng III, and the Omanhene of Oguaa and President of the Oguaa Traditional Council, Osabarima Kwesi Atta II. Both leaders urged Ghanaians to cherish national unity above all else. The celebration also welcomed chiefs and queens from neighboring Togo, as the people of Anlo honored the historic exodus of their ancestors from Notsie in Togo centuries ago, fleeing the oppressive rule of King Agorkoli to settle in their current home. Zanetor Rawlings condemns armed robbery at Adabraka Market GraphicOnline Nov - 03 - 2024 , 08:07 2 minutes read The Member of Parliament for Korle Klottey, Dr. Zanetor Rawlings, has condemned Saturdays (November 2, 2024) armed robbery at the Adabraka Market, where four masked and heavily armed men attacked a man in a red Toyota Corolla, stealing large sums of cash in broad daylight. The robbers fired multiple gunshots to disperse bystanders, before loading sacks of money into a getaway vehicle and fleeing the scene. The brazen attack has left Adabraka residents in shock and raised concerns about security in the area as Ghanas general elections approach. Unfortunately, this is the second time within the last four months something of this nature has happened, and its very worrying, Dr. Rawlings stated at the crime scene. First of all, how are people having access to these types of weapons and having the courage to do this in the middle of the city? We have elections in less than 36 days, so it raises concerns on the safety of constituents. Dr. Rawlings called on the Ghana Police Service, as well as the Ministries of Interior and National Security, to take urgent steps to protect citizens, highlighting the alarming use of illegal firearms. Advertisement I have engaged the police as I got here, but I believe this is something that has to be investigated at the highest level. It is not just about the police but also about the Minister of Interior and the Ministry of National Security, she urged. If you are looking at the types of weapons these individuals are carrying, it raises questions about the use of certain types of weapons in the system which are not legal. Assuring her constituents of her commitment to addressing the security issues, Dr. Rawlings emphasized her role as Deputy Ranking Member on the Select Committee on Security and Intelligence, pledging to use her position to advocate for measures to curb the growing threat. I intend to certainly pursue this... to see how we can address it, she stated. Meanwhile, the Ghana Police Service has launched a manhunt for the robbers and assured the public that the suspects will be apprehended and face justice. BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 3. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is set to travel to Azerbaijan to participate in the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), scheduled to take place in Baku, Trend reports. Erdogan's visit is scheduled for November 11-12. The conference will also feature several events as part of the Zero Waste initiative, which is being supported by Emine Erdogan, Turkiyes First Lady. COP29 will be held in Azerbaijan on November 11-22. This decision was made during the COP28 plenary session that occurred in Dubai on December 11, 2023. The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change is an agreement that was signed at the Earth Summit in June 1992 in Rio de Janeiro, aimed at preventing harmful human interference with the climate system. The acronym "COP" stands for "Conference of the Parties," which is the highest legislative body responsible for overseeing the implementation of the Framework Convention. The convention has 198 member countries. Unless agreed otherwise, the COP convenes annually. The inaugural COP took place in Berlin in March 1995, with its secretariat based in Bonn. Next article: Former First Lady Lordina Mahama advocates for improved healthcare in rural Ghana Disease outbreaks now common in Ghana Ghana Health Service Augustina Tawiah Health Nov - 02 - 2024 , 15:44 3 minutes read THE Ghana Health Service (GHS) has disclosed that disease outbreaks are becoming common in the country. It explained that for the past three to eight years, the country had recorded about two to four outbreaks, quite a lot compared to the past. It attributed this to the settlement of people closer to where animals lived and urbanisation, which had seen a lot of people travel from one place to the other , living in close proximity or a situation of overcrowding. When you infiltrate the habitat of animals, you tend to get their pathogens. They have their own natural viruses that live with them. Advertisement So the more you infiltrate, you tend to have easy transfer of those viruses to you, the Director of the Public Health Division of the GHS, Dr Franklin Asiedu-Bekoe, explained. Dr Asiedu-Bekoe was, however, quick to indicate that what had been good for Ghana in all these, was its capacity to detect and confirm the outbreaks early, and the fact that it had an integrated system in handling them when they occurred, contrasted with other African countries. So, though we have got a lot of outbreaks, you know it doesn't become large outbreaks. Our system is very sensitive, he said confidently. Noguchi anniversary Dr Asiedu-Bekoe was speaking last Thursday in the last of the series of lectures organised by the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR) to mark its 45th anniversary. The theme for the anniversary is; 45 years of impactful research for sustainable global health. Dr Asiedu-Bekoe was speaking on the topic: The impact of NMIMR on the GHS Disease Surveillance and Emergency Response System. Animal habitats On disease outbreaks occurring due to settlement in animal habitats, he said they had seen this particularly at Damongo, where they had the Mole Park, explaining that a lot of the monkeys there had the Yellow Fever virus, and so people who went there but did not have their immunity intact, tended to get infected with the virus. All of these factors lead to the transfer of infections, particularly viruses, hormones and so on. So that's one reason why we are getting this, he emphasised. Outbreaks Dr Asiedu-Bekoe stated that there were a lot of factors responsible for the outbreaks that occurred in the country, which he mentioned to include overcrowding, poor WASH conditions, poor living conditions, increase in susceptible population, mass population displacement and poor public health response measures. He mentioned some of the outbreaks that had occurred in Ghana over the past few years to include cholera in 2018, 2019, 2024; dengue-fever in 2023, 2024; Lassa Fever in 2023; Marburg in 2022; Meningitis in 2020; Yellow Fever and Mont in 2022, 2023. Noguchis role Dr Asiedu-Bekoe praised NMIMR for the impact it has had on public health and disease outbreaks in the country. He mentioned them to include confirmation of pathogens, sharing of logistics and equipment with GHS, training and building capacity of GHS staff and joint collaboration in research with GHS. The acting Director of NMIMR, Prof Michael Ofori, said an important aspect of their work at the institute was to support the Ministry of Health in special diagnostic areas, and over the years they had done excellently in that vein. Bawumia promises youth empowerment with focus on education, skills, and jobs GraphicOnline Politics Nov - 03 - 2024 , 21:22 3 minutes read Vice President and flagbearer for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has outlined an ambitious plan to support and empower Ghanas youth through policies centred on education, skills training, and job creation. Speaking in a nationally televised address on Sunday, Dr. Bawumia emphasised his commitment to creating opportunities for young people across the country should he be elected President. Dr. Bawumia explained that his proposed youth agenda is informed by extensive consultations and engagement with young people nationwide, who consistently highlighted education, skills, and job creation as their top priorities. From what I gathered in my interactions with you, I can sum up the priorities of the majority of you, in three major categories: Education, Skills, and Jobs, he said. Advertisement Expanding educational opportunities Dr. Bawumia pledged to build on the existing Free SHS policy, which has already benefited over five million students, and to further increase educational accessibility at all levels. The NPP government, recognising and understanding that there are conditions that create sustainable and decent jobs, has implemented numerous policies to this effect, he noted, highlighting the Free SHS programme as one of the cornerstones of these efforts. He also pointed to the importance of Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) and the integration of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education. There is a need to train Ghana's labour force with the right skills needed to drive industrialisation, Dr. Bawumia added. In the last 8 years, we have invested massively in TVET and STEM to prepare the country's emerging labour force with the necessary skills and education for the 4th Industrial Revolution. Creating friendly economic environment for jobs In addition to education and skills training, Dr. Bawumia stressed the importance of an economic environment conducive to business growth and job creation. Underpinning his strategy is the belief that the private sector is the engine of growth and a vital partner for job creation. With our philosophy of economic liberalism, we believe it is our responsibility to create an enabling environment for the private sector to flourish, he explained. One major pillar of Dr. Bawumias economic vision is to reduce government expenditure by partnering with the private sector in infrastructure and public service provision. He detailed plans for public-private partnerships (PPP) that would encourage private enterprises to invest in roads, schools, and housing projects on a rental or lease-to-own basis. The private sector will be encouraged to build roads, schools, hostels, and houses for government to rent or lease to own, he said. This strategy, he suggested, would free up substantial funds for other needs. Through such measures, Dr. Bawumia estimates the government could save approximately 3 percent of Ghanas GDP annually, or GHC30 billion. This, he asserts, would represent a major paradigm shift in Ghanas approach to economic growth. Building a future-ready workforce By fostering a workforce equipped with relevant skills and supported by a robust private sector, Dr. Bawumia believes Ghana can provide sustainable, well-paying jobs for its citizens. Once you have an education and acquire employable skills, what is left is to thrive in an economic environment that can generate a large and expansive pool of good jobs with good pay, he said. Dr. Bawumias vision for Ghanas youth underscores his commitment to what he describes as sustainable and decent jobs, and he affirmed his commitment to partnering with the private sector in achieving this goal. Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, we will continue investing in our youth, creating educational and employment opportunities, and supporting a thriving private sector for all Ghanaians, he concluded. Last week Qualcomm unveiled the Snapdragon 8 Elite and this week we got the first phones with the flagship SoC. Xiaomi, OnePlus, and Honor all unveiled phones. The OnePlus 13 has a triple 50MP Hasselblad-branded camera system and a massive 6,000mAh battery. The phone is out in China, starting at CNY 4,499 ($632) for the 12/256GB model. The Xiaomi 15 Pro has an even larger 6,100mAh battery and a 50MP Leica-branded camera system with a 5x telephoto with closeup abilities. The 15 Pro is out in China, starting at CNY 5,299 ($742) for its 12/256GB version. The vanilla Xiaomi 15 has a smaller 5,400mAh battery, and a less-impressive 60mm zoom camera (with closeup abilities of its own). The Xiaomi 15 starts at CNY 4,500 ($630) for its 12/256GB starting version. Honor's Magic7 series also arrived with the vanilla and Pro. Both feature the Snapdragon 8 Elite, but the Pro swaps the already impressive 180MP zoom camera for a new 200MP (1/1.4-inch) 60mm zoom. The Magic7 Pro has a 5,850mAh battery (5,650mAh on the vanilla). The series is going on sale in China on November 8. The Magic7 starts at CNY 4,500 ($630), while the Pro starts from CNY 5,700 ($800). OnePlus 13 arrives with Snapdragon 8 Elite and 6,000 mAh battery It also comes with an IP69 rating and a the largest vibration motor in an Android phone to date. Xiaomi 15 unveiled with Snapdragon 8 Elite, massive 5,400mAh battery There are several special editions of this model - some with crocodile leather and a diamond, others with all the colors that you can think of. Honor Magic7 Pro unveiled with a 200MP tele camera, vanilla Magic7 powered by the SD 8 Elite Both are powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite, actually. Both have LTPO displays and both are rated IP69. But only the Pro has that awesome 200MP tele camera. Sharp's Aquos R9 pro also went official with a 1/0.98-inch main camera sensor, and a 1/1.56-inch 65mm telephoto. As usual, Sharp's flagship is shaping up as a Japan-only affair, and sales are expected in early December. Indonesia banned the sales and use of the iPhone 16 series. he ban is a direct result of Apple's unmet investment commitments in Indonesia, as Cupertino had previously pledged to fund upwards of IDR 1.71 trillion ($109 million) in local R&D facilities. As per the latest figures, Apple has invested IDR 1.48 trillion ($95 million) so far, which forced the Indonesian Ministry of Industry to block the issuing of International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) certification for the iPhone 16 and Apple Watch Series 10 devices. Indonesia bans sale and use of iPhone 16 series The ban is a direct result of Apple's unmet investment commitments in the country. Local artists who need perspective on how to turn their creative work into income have the opportunity to learn from a fellow artist. Michelle Pier, artist and owner of Creative Indeed, has been hosting a series of workshops that resulted from several questions about her career that allowed her to relate to other artists and provide them with insight. The clarity you receive by having the space to identify what your challenges are and create solutions is valuable, especially with the guidance and support of someone who has been through similar experiences, Pier said. Pier started the workshops on Oct. 16 with the topic, Business of Art on Guam, where she shared perspectives on the general art market on the island, where art is shared, and whether they are used for showcase or for sale. They also engaged in writing exercises and reflections on the type of artists they are. The hope is that the attendees come out of the workshop with some inspiration, ideas, and clarity about what its like to be an artist on Guam, and how they might like to pursue their own artist path, Pier said. That initial workshop was followed by Inspiration, Motivation, and Discipline on Oct. 23. Piers workshops are intended to be intimate limited to 10 attendees per session, and theyre held on the third floor of Slowalk Coffee Roasters in Maina. On Oct. 30, she covered Messaging on Money and Value. Workshop attendees come from a wide variety of backgrounds, with different interests, lifestyles, and reasons for attending. One of them was Haezel Mae Lezeah Macaoay, who is a disc jockey who is also still thinking about what type of art to focus on. Shes taking a local adult art class and has created acrylic, watercolor and gouache paintings, as well as abstract art. She has even dabbled in pottery making. She said shes gained valuable insight from Piers workshop so far. I think the biggest takeaway is the fact that the market for art exists on Guam and it is definitely expansive. I also liked learning about all the different resources and ways that artists can sell their art on Guam, Macaoay said. Creating art for 15 years now As for Pier, shes been creating, sharing, and selling art for 15 years now. She took a couple art classes at the University of Guam with Ric Castro and then took a few art-related classes at the City College of San Francisco. I am mostly a self-taught artist and have been drawing and creating since I was a child, she said. Pier used to have a studio above Mosas Joint for a few years, but closed it in 2019. She has been working from home since 2020. Her work is viewable on her website, creativeindeed.net or on Instagram and Facebook. She continues to participate in local exhibits and events from time to time. Pier said theres no regulated system for pricing artwork on Guam, and its completely up to the artists discretion. Some artists price by size, some by time or difficulty, or they factor in the cost of supplies, or any other considerations. Pier said she prices her work by size as a general baseline, and then it varies from there depending on the other factors mentioned. She said shed generally price a 16x20 acrylic painting on stretched canvas at about $320, but it can be higher or lower, depending on the scope of the design, materials, time, and other considerations. It can also be priced higher if it is a commissioned artwork. More room for artists In my experience, Guam has a growing market for artists to share and sell their work as a living. This will of course vary by every individuals unique circumstances, physically, financially, and personally. I believe it is possible, with the right approach, to be a full-time artist on Guam, Pier said. The art market on Guam features local culture, history, and scenery, she said. People also have a wide variety of tastes in artwork, as it can be a very personal experience, or as simple as matching their home decor. Whether someone is just visiting Guam, or is from Guam but living in the states, they often want imagery that reminds them of Guam and what they love about Guam, she said. It could be a scenic image of our beaches and jungle, or could be a painting of a can of spam. It really spans a wide spectrum. Prior to attending the workshop, Macaoay had feelings of intimidation about art and even questioned if the market was saturated. Shes since had a change of heart. I now feel excited to pursue art. I feel a lot more confident with all Ive learned, especially learning it from Michelle Pier who definitely talks the talk and walks the walk when it comes to this subject, Macaoay said. Its great to know that although there are many artists on Guam, theres even more room for more artists. Theres still a chance to attend Piers ongoing workshop series. On Nov. 6, shell introduce People and Policies. Each workshop costs $40 to attend. To register, visit creativeindeed.net. One can also follow Piers Instagram account at @creative_indeed. You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close The Guam Election Commission tested four ballot tabulators and as of Sunday afternoon, all systems including two new machines were running smoothly. They are ready to tally thousands of votes on Tuesday for the 2024 general election, which drew record-high 62,091 registered voters and nearly 5,800 early votes. Election commissioners gathered at the University of Guam Calvo Field House to test the tabulation machines, casting a total of 1,008 ballots. Although the commission tested the machines a couple of months ago, GEC Executive Director Maria Pangelinan emphasized the importance of conducting tests right before Election Day. We always have a test election right before an election to make sure that the machines are in order and will run accurately, Pangelinan said. The commission creates a tech deck for each test, she said. Were testing each single oval. We have a manual tabulation to ensure that what we counted manually matches the machines count. Thats how we verify the accuracy of each machine, she added. The two new 950 model machines are part of this years election. During Sundays testing, they demonstrated increased efficiency, scanning ballots at 950 per minute, up from 450, and handling 72 pallets per minute. Pangelinan, however, said that faster machines do not guarantee quicker results because they also depend on when precinct officials turn over ballot boxes. She added that while the new machines should expedite the process, an exact completion time remains uncertain. The fifth machine, known as Flynn, will serve as a spare and will not be used during the election or tabulation. Provisional voters Pangelinan hopes for fewer provisional voters this election. Provisional voters are those whose names do not appear on the voter registry or who are registered in a different precinct. One of the reasons why our results take longer is that our precinct officials, 360 of them, must count the cast ballots. If they encounter issues balancing their counts, it takes longer to bring the ballots to us, she said. If voters arrive at a precinct where they are not registered, officials will offer them the option to vote at their registered location. If they choose to stay, they can cast a provisional ballot with GEC staff approval. Precinct officials have hotlines to office operators to ensure smooth communication for provisional ballot approval. These ballots, Pangelinan said, will be marked with a different color and will not be counted immediately. They will be taken to the office. Voters have seven days to resolve any issues with their provisional ballots to meet qualifications for counting. Eligible provisional ballots will be included in the unofficial results on the 10th day after the election. High voter registration Voter registration stands at 62,091, a record high. Early voting numbers for the general election were also up, reaching 5,774. Pangelinan urges all voters, especially young ones, to make their way to the polls on Tuesday. Theyre always the least represented, so we hope to see them represented better this coming general election, she said. GEC recruited 32 university students and 12 teachers as precinct officials to boost youth participation. In a meeting following the tests, the campaign finance committee discussed plans to attend the Council of Governmental Tactics and Laws in December to learn about fines for campaign finance violations. The modernization of the election process was tabled until after the election. The next GEC commissioners meeting is scheduled for Nov. 5, with a possible emergency session at 3 p.m. BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 3. AZIREX-2024 tactical exercise with the participation of a group of personnel and ships of the Naval Forces of the Azerbaijan Army and Iranian Army will be held under to the protocol of the meeting of the joint commission on military and military-technical cooperation, signed between the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Trend reports, citing the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry. On November 2, personnel and warships of the Azerbaijan Army, participating in the exercise, arrived at the Enzeli sea port. Two ships and more than 100 personnel of the Azerbaijan's Navy will participate in the "Search and rescue at sea" exercise to be held in the Iranian part of the Caspian Sea. Haiti - Crisis : Mexico seeks answers to insecurity in Haiti The College of Mexico (ColMex) and the subregional headquarters of the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) in Mexico organized a seminar "Insecurity in Haiti and the construction of new paradigms" in order to generate reflections that can guide public policies and strengthen international cooperation around security in Haiti and seek answers to the crisis and insecurity in Haiti Jorge Mario Martinez, head of the subregional headquarters of ECLAC in Mexico, stressed the need to change the traditional approach to Haiti with one that comprehensively addresses development and the phenomenon of insecurity and creates a new approach to international cooperation and public policies for this country. Silvia Giorguli, President of the Colegio de Mexico, highlighted the interest and academic work on Haiti that ColMex has carried out over the last 17 years. She said she hopes that the results of this seminar will help resolve the security crisis that Haiti is currently experiencing" ECLAC stressed the importance of analyzing the structural causes that have perpetuated poverty and social exclusion in Haiti. "We must look to the future, focusing on solutions. We must focus on how to resolve crises" said Martinez, highlighting ECLAC's role in cooperation with Haiti, such as: projects on migration and remittances; the creation of the country's first input-output matrix in collaboration with the Central Bank of Haiti; support for socio-economic assessments of disasters and collaboration with the Ministry of Economy and Finance and other actors. Haiti, which has been the scene of violence, insecurity and extreme poverty in recent years, needs to build new paradigms to ensure a safer and more stable future. The seminar aims to propose new approaches to the various development challenges facing Haiti, with special attention to insecurity, and has had the participation of various think tanks and experts such as Quisqueya University (UNIQ), the College of Mexico, the State University of Haiti (UEH), the University of Ottawa and the City University of New York. This seminar is part of a collaboration agreement that ColMex and ECLAC have had with Haiti since 2008, which has facilitated the organization of conferences, workshops, courses and dialogues on Haitian challenges. HL/ HaitiLibre Timo R. Stewart , a senior researcher at the Finnish Institute of International Affairs, stated to Helsingin Sanomat on Thursday that even the US, a staunch ally of Israel, has been more direct in expressing its concern about the decision. THE MUTED RESPONSE of Finland to Israels decision to prohibit the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine (UNRWA) from operating on its sovereign territory has been met with dismay. The Knesset last Monday passed a bill that prohibits the humanitarian agency from operating in the sovereign territory of Israel, a phrase that incorporates the West Bank and East Jerusalem, the annexation of which was approved by the Knesset in 1980. Finnish Minister for International Trade and Development Ville Tavio (PS) responded to the decision on X on Tuesday, saying Finland would monitor the implementation of the decision. The objective must be to deliver human aid in a way that is comprehensive and involves no wrongdoing, he added. Stewart described the statement as the most wishy-washy statement he has seen about the issue, viewing that it suggests the country is more interested in the misuse of humanitarian aid than the availability of aid. The UNRWA has long come under criticism from Israel. The UN in August communicated that some staff members of the aid agency may have had a role in the terror attack carried out by Hamas against Israel on 7 October 2023. A spokesperson revealed that the nine staff members who were identified in an internal inquest as having possibly been involved in the attack have all been dismissed. Tavios statement can also be seen as a deviation from earlier expressions of concern and condemnation from Finland, Stewart said to Helsingin Sanomat. Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen (NCP) had voiced her profound concern about the proposed ban in a statement issued together with her counterparts from the Nordics. She added to Ilta-Sanomat that the prohibition would create frankly hellish conditions in what is already a catastrophic situation. President Alexander Stubb indicated his disapproval with the decision during a state visit to China on Tuesday. This is a national law, and it cant walk over international law. I dont think that this piece of legislation adopted by Israel is appropriate, he was quoted saying to reporters in Beijing by Helsingin Sanomat. It seems to be fairly consistent with Israels ongoing basic criticism of the UN, and heres where I strongly disagree with Israel. Also opposition lawmakers have called for stronger language from the government. Does the Finnish government really not plan on condemning or even expressing its alarm over Israels decision to ban the UNRWA? Antti Lindtman, the chairperson of the Social Democrats, asked on X on Tuesday. The Finnish governments silence is outright ear-splitting. Minja Koskela, the chairperson of the Left Alliance, said Tavios statement failed to reach the bar in an unprecedented way. Finland cant stand by in silence as Israel sneers at the entire UN system and international law. Banning the operations of a UN aid organisation is a life-threatening decision for the Gaza population, who are living in the middle of a humanitarian catastrophe, she wrote. Aleksi Teivainen HT BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 4. 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 the liberation of Azerbaijans territories from nearly 30-year Armenian occupation and the restoration of territorial integrity. Chronicle of the 39th day of the Second Karabakh War: - Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev shared on his official Twitter page that the Azerbaijani Army liberated several villages in Jabrayil, Zangilan and Gubadli districts. - President Aliyev gave an interview to the Italian la Repubblica newspaper. - The Armenian armed forces were forced to retreat by suffering losses. - The list of destroyed military equipment of the Armenian armed forces has been announced. - The Armenian armed forces fired on Tartar and Aghjabadi districts. - Armenia violated the ceasefire regime in the direction of the Tovuz and Agstafa districts - A video footage of the destruction of Armenia's anti-aircraft gun has been released. - Captain of the Armenian armed forces Ando Grigoryan was killed while driving UAZ. - The Armenian armed forces fired on Tartar district. - The Armenian armed forces sabotage attempt against the Azerbaijani positions in the direction of Zangilan district from the Armenian territory was prevented. 'Hundreds' of bodies concealed by authorities? Nope. It's a hoax. First responders huddle amid extensive damage along the Swannanoa River in East Asheville on Sept. 30 days after Hurricane Helene swept through Western North Carolina. [COLBY RABON/ Carolina Public Press] Related Stories Eustace Conway, a former reality TV star and founder of the 1,000-acre Turtle Island Preserve in Watauga County, has become one of the most prominent North Carolina voices promoting claims widely and emphatically debunked about the devastation of Hurricane Helene, giving them traction and an audience well beyond North Carolina on social media. Conspiracy theories and unfounded rumors have dominated parts of the internet following the storm, making efforts by local and state officials to relay accurate and verified information to survivors and other North Carolina residents all the more difficult. One of the top issues of contention is the death toll in Western North Carolina. In a video posted on Oct. 19, Conway claimed the official death count from the storm undercounted fatalities by the thousands, and accused the government and the news media of lying about the true impact of the storm. Weve got piles and piles and piles of dead bodies, Conway says in the video. Weve got 18-wheeler refrigerator trucks filled up with dead bodies Why is there such a disparity between the reality of what Im seeing here and what youre getting told? In another video posted to his YouTube and Instagram pages on Oct. 5, Conway claimed that officials leading response and recovery operations were preventing volunteers and donations from helping hurricane victims. The people that are supposed to be coming here to help the Appalachian Mountains, theyre actually, literally, killing people by keeping aid (from) getting to them, Conway claimed. Together, the two videos have amassed more than 600,000 views and 4,500 comments on YouTube alone. Many of the claims he made that the true death toll was in the tens of thousands, temporary morgues were quickly filling up, massive numbers of bodies could seen by air sticking out of the ground, the government was conspiring with news organizations to cover up the true death toll and emergency management authorities were threatening volunteers with arrest have been continually rebuked by local, state and federal officials. Carolina Public Press reporters who have visited many of the areas in question personally have seen no evidence to support any of these claims. As of Friday, DHHS has reported 101 deaths related to the storm in North Carolina. That number includes people who died during recovery and clean-up efforts after the storm, which is one reason the total has grown gradually over time. CPP reported on Oct. 18 that there is no backlog of unidentified bodies yet to be included in the death count, as some on the internet have claimed. While a small number of additional storm-related deaths have occurred or been identified since then, these are not remotely close to claims like those coming from Conway. 'Nobody is hiding numbers' The North Carolina Department of Public Safety the entity which includes state emergency management is aware of only seven North Carolina residents still unaccounted for following the storm as of Thursday, communications director Justin Graney told CPP. The State Emergency Response Team has received no evidence to support any of the claims that there are significantly more fatalities than have been recorded and announced publicly; a testament to the heroic response of our first responders and emergency management officials throughout western North Carolina, Graney told CPP in an email statement. While we join our North Carolina communities in grieving the loss of 101 of our own, it is important to note that many of our local partners have reported fatalities within their jurisdictions and none of those reports substantiate the claims being made on many social media platforms. The Fire Department in Swannanoa, a small community just east of Asheville that has been the center of many online rumors following Helene, took to Facebook to ask people not to share unverified information. That post from Oct. 19 was written by Deputy Fire Chief Larry Pierson. We have seen inaccurate social media posts claiming their information is verified with no sources stating who verified it and no response when questions are asked, the post read. From the actual responders from hour one, the boots on the ground, the ones who have been involved in rescuing and recovering our people, nobody is hiding numbers. There are inflated numbers of body bags ordered, insinuating there are that many more that the public isnt being told about. Untrue. There is an image of a reefer (refrigerated trailer) at a funeral home insinuating there are so many, it is full. Logic would tell any of us that the funeral home also did not have power, and that is just such a contingency for normal operations at such a facility. When asked for comment, Conway told CPP that he would not retract his statements or delete the posts. He said he believed he was telling the truth based on the accounts of people he claimed were involved in search and rescue efforts following the storm. Im working with eyewitness accounts that have seen hundreds and hundreds of dead bodies, Conway said during a phone call on Friday. So how can there be only 100 dead people when theres hundreds and hundreds of dead bodies that add up to thousands? He has provided no photos or other evidence to back these claims of massive concealed storm-related deaths other than these unsubstantiated assertions by people Conway says he has spoken to. In one video he estimated the real storm-related total loss of life in North Carolina at 20,000. Featured in 'Mountain Men' reality show Conway is somewhat of a celebrity figure in the North Carolina mountains. The Turtle Island Preserve website describes him as a naturalist who has lived in the woods for over 40 years, and says he is a graduate of Appalachian State University. He is the subject of the 2002 book The Last American Man written by best-selling author Elizabeth Gilbert and was featured prominently in the History channel series Mountain Men. Conway last appeared on the show in the summer of 2023 and is no longer listed on the official cast webpage. A representative of A+E Networks did not respond when asked whether Conway was still under contract with the network or whether there were plans for him to appear in future episodes of the series. Conway founded Turtle Island Preserve in Watauga County, which is both a nature preserve and education center that hosts childrens camps, workshops and other outdoor programs. Conway no longer leads the preserve, which is now a nonprofit organization governed by a board of directors. Conway has not been an overtly political figure, but his skepticism toward local government institutions has been well-documented. In 2012, his camp at Turtle Island was nearly shut down after Watauga County inspectors found many structures on the property to be in violation of health and safety codes. In June 2013, the issue was put to rest after the state legislature passed a bill exempting primitive camps from those building codes. In 2023, Conway endorsed perennial political candidate and conspiracy theorist Shiva Ayyadurai for president. Ayyadurai is an anti-vaccine activist and has spread various falsehoods about COVID-19 and the 2020 Election on social media. The Helene-related death count as of Nov. 1 included nine in Henderson County, 43 in Buncombe and one in Polk. Transylvania reported no fatalities. * * * * * Affordable housing listening sessions resume Hendersonville City Council member Jeff Miller gets input on the citys housing needs during a listening session in September. The Hendersonville City Councils affordable housing listening sessions, postponed due to Hurricane Helene response efforts, have been rescheduled. As the community recovers, addressing the housing crisis remains a top priority. The sessions will gather valuable input from residents to shape the citys strategic housing plan. Related Stories The impact of Hurricane Helene has only deepened the challenges our residents face in finding secure and affordable housing, Mayor Barbara Volk said. As we work to rebuild, it is more important than ever to hear from our community members. Their insights will shape a strategic housing plan that reflects our shared needs and values, ensuring that we create pathways to stability and opportunity for everyone in Hendersonville. In partnership with the UNC School of Governments Development Finance Initiative, the city is conducting a housing needs assessment and identifying potential affordable housing sites. The strategic housing plan project, funded by Dogwood Health Trust, began with a steering committee launch in March and an affordable housing summit in May featuring housing policy expert Shane Phillips. To learn more visit www.hvlnc.gov/housingplan Prior to Hurricane Helene, council members Jennifer Hensley and Jeff Miller hosted listening sessions for the business community, aging population and veterans, respectively. The remaining three sessions have been rescheduled to gather input in the wake of Helenes devastation. All community members are invited to attend a listening session, though facilitation will be tailored to the topics relevant to the intended audience groups. Dates and locations: Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2-3:30 p.m., Mountain View Baptist Church Fellowship Building, 650 Duncan Hill Road, hosted by Mayor Pro Tem Lyndsey Simpson. Intended audience: non-profits, service providers, health care. Tuesday, Nov. 19, 6-7:30 p.m., Union Grove Baptist Church, 901 Robinson Terrace, hosted by council member Melinda Lowrance. Intended audience: black community, faith community. Tuesday, Dec. 3, 6-7:30 p.m., Immaculate Conception Catholic Church St. Francis Hall, 208 Seventh Ave. W. hosted by Mayor Barbara Volk. Intended audience: Latino community, faith community. (Spanish interpretation services provided by True Ridge at the Dec. 3 session.) Attendees will have the chance to win a $50 Ingles gift card to help offset travel costs and encourage participation from all segments of the community. An online survey is available at www.hvlnc.gov/housingplan to gather input from those unable to attend a listening session. The listening sessions are not equipped to address immediate housing needs. For information on the Henderson County Disaster Recovery Center and applying for disaster assistance with FEMA, visit https://www.hendersoncountync.gov/helene. Sunday November 3, 2024 Qatar Charity (QC) has drilled two artesian wells in the villages of Kalyak and Oshoti in the Warshiekh region in central Somalia. The wells will benefit nearly 10,000 people who have been suffering from significant difficulties accessing water sources. Before the opening of these wells, residents of Kalyak had to travel 10 kilometers to fetch water, while residents of Oshoti traveled 7 kilometers, severely impacting their daily lives and exposing them to health risks associated with unsafe water. For his part, director of QC's office in Somalia, Abdul Fattah Adam, highlighted that QC gives foremost priority to water and sanitation projects, noting that this initiative is part of QC's ongoing efforts in various parts of Somalia.In 2023, QC implemented approximately 327 water and sanitation projects in Somalia, benefiting 285,000 people. Tech leaders gather at the AI Creators Conference in Beijing, Oct. 30, 2024. [Photo courtesy of the organizer] The AI Creators Conference, hosted by Chinese tech media company Pingwest, convened Wednesday in Beijing's Zhongguancun subdistrict to explore practical applications of artificial intelligence. Pingwest founder Luo Yihang introduced this year's theme, "AI for Real," emphasizing how AI can enhance daily life and provide practical services. The event spotlighted AI applications in mobile phones and VR glasses, drawing industry leaders, including Vivo Vice President Zhou Wei and Xreal founder Xu Chi. Zhou detailed Vivo's journey since launching its Global Research Institute in 2018, which is dedicated to integrating AI technology with smartphones. In 2023, the company introduced BlueLM, its proprietary technology designed to enhance AI-smartphone integration for improved user interaction and personalized services. Zhou emphasized that smartphones act as a bridge between people and the digital world, describing them as potential personal butlers. He outlined five key AI agent capabilities: perceiving user intentions, sharing experiences and memories, assisting in decision-making, autonomously operating applications and managing user affairs. These AI-powered devices will offer proactive intelligence and personalized services. Smartphones will be able to understand various languages, including minority ones, recognize speakers' emotions and take autonomous actions like restaurant reservations, according to Zhou. The Vivo executive described the shift as "services finding people" instead of "people finding services." In June this year, the National Guide on the Construction of Comprehensive Standardization System for the Artificial Intelligence Industry (2024) was jointly published by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the Office of the Central Cyberspace Affairs Commission, the National Development and Reform Commission, and the Standardization Administration of China. The guide emphasizes standardizing evaluation methods for AI products while promoting the integration of large language models into practical applications. Zhou said smartphone manufacturers, including Vivo, will discuss in November how to establish industry standards for integrating AI agents into smartphones, aiming to facilitate collaborative innovation. Xreal founder Xu Chi shared his vision for AR glasses at the conference, predicting they could replace smartphones as the primary terminal device within a decade. While current models lag behind smartphones in efficiency, AI integration will simplify their use. Xu envisions future AR glasses with AI assistants providing personalized support and services, aligning with Vivo's approach. Xu compared the concept to "Iron Man's suit," where users control their AI assistant through simple hand gestures. ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, November 3. Turkmenistan plans to increase its natural gas production to 116 billion cubic meters per year by 2029, Rustam Tekeyev, Head of the Gas Transportation and Supply Department at Turkmengaz State Concern, reports Trend. He made the statement at the "Future of Turkmenistan's natural gas: new export routes and export potential" panel discussion within the 29th "Oil & Gas of Turkmenistan - 2024" International Conference & EXPO in Ashgabat. "Under the socio-economic development program for 2022-2028, gas production is set to reach 116 billion cubic meters annually by the end of 2028," Tekayev said. He also emphasized that exports will account for more than half of this output. The official detailed several infrastructure projects to enhance Turkmengaz's operational capacity to support this expansion. Among these are new branches of the Shatlyk-Karakum and Karakum-Malai gas pipelines, as well as a new gas link between Naip-Deryalyk and Dovletabad-Deryalyk. Additionally, Turkmenistan is upgrading key sections of the Central Asia-Center-III gas pipeline. A key part of this strategy is the construction of the Shatlyk-1 compressor station, which will ensure the transportation of 30 billion cubic meters of gas annually, enhancing both domestic and export capabilities. With more than 71 billion tons of oil equivalent in hydrocarbon resources, including over 50 trillion cubic meters of natural gas, Turkmenistan ranks among the top four countries in proven natural gas reserves globally, alongside Russia, Iran, and Qatar. These resources position the country as a major player in the Asian energy market. Turkmenistan produced 80.6 billion cubic meters of natural gas in 2023, a slight increase from the previous year's 80 billion cubic meters. BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, November 3. On October 28, the Ambassador of Kyrgyzstan to the Republic of Korea Aida Ismailova visited the enterprises of leading Korean companies Woojin Industrial Systems and Blue Network, which specialize in the production of environmentally friendly transport and charging stations for electric vehicles, the Kyrgyz Foreign Ministry says, Trend reports. According to the information, during the visit to the Woojin Industrial Systems plant the ambassador met with the company's vice president Kwang Seok Kim. The parties reportedly discussed plans to create a production line for assembling electric buses in Kyrgyzstan, which will contribute to the development of environmentally friendly public transport, improve the environmental situation and increase the comfort of travel for the country's citizens. The Ambassador also visited the Blue Network plant, which produces charging stations for electric vehicles. During the meeting with the company's management, there were discussed plans to supply charging stations to Kyrgyzstan to create an electric transport infrastructure. The company has already sent samples of charging stations to Kyrgyzstan, and they are currently undergoing testing. These stations are a key element in promoting environmentally friendly transport and the transition to sustainable energy sources. The world's largest crocodile, Cassius, who lived in captivity in the Marineland Melanesia Crocodile Habitat wildlife sanctuary off the coast of Queensland, has died in Australia. The reptile was brought to its territory in the 1980s. ADVERTISIMENT According to the BBC, the reptile's body length was about 5.5 meters and its weight was almost one ton. In 2011, it entered the Guinness Book of Records as the largest crocodile kept in captivity. The sanctuary's website noted that they were very saddened by the loss of Cassius, as he had become "a full-fledged member of their family." Employees of the Marineland Melanesia Crocodile Habitat noted that the reptile lived for at least 110 years, which is incredibly long for its species. Before coming to the reserve, Cassius lived in the wild. It often hunted local livestock and attacked boats. In 1987, the owner of Marineland Melanesia Crocodile Habitat, George Craig, bought the crocodile. According to the staff, the man became his "best friend." Representatives of the sanctuary added that Cassius's condition began to deteriorate markedly after Craig moved to another city. The reptile began to get very sick and died soon. Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! On the night of November 3, Russian troops attacked Kyiv with Shaheds. As a result of the attack, the building of the Institute of Journalism of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv was damaged. ADVERTISIMENT This was reported by a graduate of the university, Olena Zakharchenko. Meanwhile, the Institute of Journalism announced that until November 9, classes will be held remotely. "For those who studied at the Institute of Journalism of Shevchenko University, the building was damaged after the shahed. Come and help. We are now cleaning up and carrying broken glass. And you can share the post so that others can see it," Zakharchenko wrote. She also posted a photo showing broken glass in one of the windows of the institute. The extent of the damage to the Institute of Journalism is not yet known. An official statement on the consequences of the attack is currently being prepared. Meanwhile, the next week of classes will be held remotely. "To the attention of the participants of the educational process: from November 4 to November 9, classes will be held remotely," the institute's website said. As reported, Russian drones were shot down in Kyiv on the morning of November 3. The falling debris and blast wave damaged the road, lighting poles, and windows in several buildings. It was also reported that several fires broke out in the Kyiv region as a result of the UAV attack. Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Fortresses, castles, natural areas, every work of art is part of our history. But what happens to these attractions when they are under threat? Russian aggression not only takes lives, but also destroys the treasures of national culture. Today, we will talk about the captured locations that we must return. ADVERTISIMENT Berdiansk State Pedagogical University Higher educational institution of the IV level of accreditation. Located in the Zaporizhzhia region. It is currently temporarily relocated to Zaporizhzhia. In 1872, the construction of a men's classical gymnasium began. It operated until 1919. The bacteriologist Volodymyr Khavkin, the creator of the first vaccines against plague and cholera, and Petro Schmidt, a sailor and participant in the Revolution of 1905-1907, studied here. The institution has changed its specialization several times. From 1941 to 1943, a German hospital operated here. An interesting fact is that the smallest details were considered when building each classroom. For example, the gymnasium was specially separated from the rest of the building by cushioning materials to avoid vibrations and noise during classes. And no less fascinating information: the height of the floors reaches 5 meters. ADVERTISIMENT Cathedral of St. Prince Alexander Nevsky Located in Melitopol, Zaporizhzhia region. It is considered the main church of the city. In 1884, an Armenian Gregorian church was built on the site of the current shrine. However, it was closed after the revolution. In 1930, a dairy research laboratory was located here. And in 1941, the religious center began operating again. In 2003-2004, the church was reconstructed. Today, only the building remains of the old cathedral. The walls were painted with new frescoes, the iconostasis was changed, and a new dome was built. At the end of May 2023, the enemy set up a military base and a hospital on the territory of the shrine. ADVERTISIMENT Tauric Chersonese Located in Sevastopol, Autonomous Republic of Crimea. The monument is included in the lists of the 7 Wonders of Ukraine and the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The open-air museum was opened in 1892 on the basis of archaeological excavations of the ancient Greek city. In 1872, research began here, which resulted in the discovery of the remains of temples, cisterns, and a water supply system. And back in 988, Volodymyr the Great was baptized here. Today, the occupiers have built new buildings here, including a new amphitheater. And some of the finds were illegally taken to Russia. Today, part of the historical center is partially destroyed. ADVERTISIMENT Inkerman Cave Monastery It is located in the town of Inkerman in the Bakhchisaray district of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea. It was founded in the VIII century. Once upon a time, there were quarries near the settlement for exiled Christians. According to legend, in 94 AD, Emperor Trojan sent Roman Bishop Clement I, the first Christian missionary to preach the Gospel on Ukrainian soil, to the village. It was he who began work on the creation of the rock church. Here he baptized about 500 people a day. Later, the righteous man was drowned in the Cossack Bay. A year after his execution, in 102, the sea receded. Then the remains of the saint were found in an underwater grotto. Over the centuries, the shrine was redesigned, changed, and restored. Three churches were built here: the Church of St. Clement the Martyr, the Church of St. Andrew the First-Called, and the Church of St. Martin the Confessor. ADVERTISIMENT In 1895, another religious building was laid here, the Church of St. Panteleimon the Healer. Then in 1931 the monastery was closed and the property was transferred to a museum association in Sevastopol. Later in 1991, the building was restored. Today it belongs to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate. Dzharylgach lighthouse One of the most important lighthouses in the Black Sea. It is located in the eastern part of Dzharylgach Island in Kherson region. Its height reaches 24 meters. The road to the location consists of 105 steps. The tower was built in 1902. It was ordered by the landowner Skadovsky. There is a legend that it was designed by the French architect and engineer Alexander Gustave Eiffel or his student. ADVERTISIMENT Unfortunately, due to metal corrosion, the tower stopped working in 2005. So a new one was built nearby. The crypt of the Falz-Fein family Located in the village of Novochornomoria, Skadovsk district, Kherson region. Today it is a dilapidated stone chapel-tomb. In 1897, the brother of the founder of the Askania-Nova reserve built a mausoleum with an Orthodox church. Here he buried his wife Sofia. And later he was laid to rest here. By the way, from here you can admire the Tendra Bay, where many ships once sank. We hope that we will be able to visit all these locations in the near future. We wish us victory as soon as possible! Only verified information on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! One of the requirements of the European Union for Ukraine to fulfill in order to join the EU is to set drinking water standards. That is, Ukrainian standards must be in line with the European ones. But if the Ukrainian government recognizes these standards, it will turn out that there is no drinking water in Ukrainian water supply networks at all. ADVERTISIMENT This was stated by Deputy Minister of Health Maryna Slobodnichenko. This official was a member of Ukraine's delegation to participate in negotiations with the European Union on joining the bloc. "One of the most difficult issues is drinking water. That is, what quality drinking water should be in Ukraine. The EU requires us to write this down in the law to regulate compliance with certain drinking water standards," said the Health Ministry official. But, according to Ms. Slobodnichenko, if Ukraine agrees to implement these standards now, the water from water supply networks across the country will be considered technical water, not drinking water. The EU does not require Ukraine to improve water quality. There are countries in Europe where only technical water is supplied in the networks, and even worse quality than in Ukraine. The EU only wants Ukraine to clearly recognize which water is potable and which is not. But then it will turn out that Ukrainians are overpaying for water. ADVERTISIMENT "If a consumer uses industrial water, they should pay less for it. Water tariffs will fall, which means there will be budget revenues," the Health Ministry official explained the problem. Slobodnichenko called it "a big issue of more than one year". As OBOZ.UA reported earlier, the city of Tavriysk on the left bank of the temporarily occupied Kherson region has been left without drinking water. Local residents have dirty industrial water flowing from their taps, which cannot be used for cooking or drinking. And this is not an isolated case. Earlier, the Russian occupiers cut off water supply in the temporarily occupied Donetsk and Makiivka, allegedly due to scheduled works. Since then, residents have been receiving water only for a few hours every two days. Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! It was virtually impossible to blow up the Nord Stream subsea gas pipelines by several "Ukrainian saboteurs" from the Andromeda yacht. And the investigation of the crime made a number of mistakes. ADVERTISIMENT This opinion was expressed by German underwater archaeologist Sven Thomas in an interview with BILD. He believes that the investigators' version is incorrect. "For almost two years, the international media have been discussing the version that the Nord Stream gas pipelines were blown up by a group of Ukrainian saboteurs who rented the sailing yacht Andromeda. The Ukrainians allegedly loaded diving equipment and explosives on board, and then set it up at the bottom of the Baltic Sea at a depth of about 80-90 meters," the publication recalls the background. However, German underwater archaeologist Sven Thomas refuted this version and considers it impossible. According to him, an underwater dive requires not just one yacht, but a whole group of vessels plus a fixed platform with cranes, anchors, and ballast weighing about 1 ton. ADVERTISIMENT So, in order to dive from the yacht, it would have to be precisely fixed above the site of the planned sabotage. To do so, it would have been necessary to lower 3-4 heavy anchors with ropes 300-500 meters long to the bottom, otherwise the yacht would have been carried away in the open sea by wind and waves. The second argument of Sven Thomas, which proves the impracticability of such a sabotage, is the power of the Andromeda's engine, which is 75 horsepower. "This would not be enough to stay in the Nord Stream area through constant maneuvering. In addition, the yacht would not be able to take on board 400 kg of explosives," the diver believes. Earlier, US presidential candidate and former head of state Donald Trump responded to criticism from his opponents who spoke of his ties to Russia. He called those who consider him a "friend of Russia" "sick." As proof of the opposite, Trump mentioned the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline, noting that it was he who stopped the construction of this important project for Russia. ADVERTISIMENT As reported by OBOZ.UA - the Polish Prosecutor General's Office said that they did not find the man at his address on Polish territory. He left Poland for Ukraine in early July. - At the same time, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk shamed the supporters of the investigation into the explosion of the Russian Nord Stream gas pipeline. He advised them not to make a fuss. - In general, the Nord Stream bombing is becoming a legend and seems to be a protest of the "new" Europe against the "old" one. After the West was literally taken off the Russian gas needle, the EU mentally changed its attitude to the Russian war, writes Orest Sohar, editor-in-chief of OBOZ.UA. - By the way, the insurers decided not to pay Russia for the blown up Nord Stream. The companies explained in court that the policies did not cover the risks of war or sabotage. Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and in Viber. Do not fall for fakes! MP Mariana Bezuhla said that the Air Force is shooting down fewer Shaheds. According to her, this is due to the transfer of some personnel of the Air Force and other units of the Defense Forces to the infantry. ADVERTISIMENT However, these statements have been sharply criticized by the spokesman for the Ukrainian Air Force, Yuriy Ihnat, who considers them manipulative. He wrote about this on his Facebook page. "Mariana Bezuhla's office writes that the Air Force shoots down fewer Shaheds because many people are sent to the infantry from the Air Force (and not only). Yes, I confirm, they are! It is not a good time... and these referrals are very painful for the Air Force. And, of course, this has a certain impact on the overall picture. But there are appropriate decisions, we have to implement them, and you understand why! But how can we not manipulate this in the style of blindness? Let me explain why Mariana's office is lying!" he said in a statement. Ihnat emphasized that the downing of the Shaheds is carried out not only by the Air Force, but also by other units of the Defense Forces, such as the Army, Navy, Air Assault Forces and Border Guards. Ihnat noted that data from official reports indicate that the effectiveness of drone shootdowns has not decreased. ADVERTISIMENT "The percentage of downed Shahed drones has not decreased at all, there are daily official reports! Let me explain once again - along with the Shahed drones, for the second month in a row, there is something else flying, as they say, "made of shit and sticks", which we call "UAVs of an unspecified type" in our reports. Half of them are labeled as "locally lost". So the lie about fewer being shot down is obvious!" he emphasized. As a reminder, on the night of November 2, Russian troops again attacked Kyiv with Shaheds. The invaders hit residential buildings in six districts of the city. Russia launched the first Shaheds, which opened the countdown to the night attack, before 8 p.m. on November 1. They flew in several groups. The launches continued throughout the night. It was also reported that a Shahed hit a high-rise building in Sumy. At least five people were injured, including a pregnant woman. Residents of two damaged high-rise buildings were left without electricity and gas. Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Ukraine's armed forces continue to hold the line in the Kurakhove sector of Donetsk region, but it is extremely difficult. The Russian army is using a lot of mechanized assault groups there. ADVERTISIMENT Nazar Voitenkov, acting press officer of the 33rd separate mechanized brigade, told Apostrophe TV. In their area of responsibility, the Russians are attacking on the left and right flanks, and the defense has become more difficult compared to the summer. "The defense is really difficult, because Russian troops are engaging a lot of mechanized assault groups that are trying to gain a foothold in the forest belts, trying to break through our defense, they fail, there may be exceptional cases when they enter some forest belt, but they are destroyed by Ukrainian troops there," said the military. According to him, the Kurakhove direction is currently one of the most difficult on the frontline. The Russian invaders managed to occupy the village of Maksymilianivka - in the area of this settlement the 33rd Brigade provides fire support to neighboring units that are trying to hold back the enemy there. ADVERTISIMENT Voitenkov also said that Russian troops recently destroyed their own artillery group, and noted that due to the rains in Donetsk region, the invaders are using armored vehicles. As reported by OBOZ.UA, Russian occupation forces seized the largest territory in eastern Ukraine since the beginning of the year last week. More than 200 square kilometers were added to what the enemy captured during its summer offensive. Media reports indicate that Pokrovsk and Kurakhove are the Russians' next targets. The Russian military command continues to send seriously wounded soldiers to the extremely exhausting infantry "meat" attacks in the Kurakhove direction. In this way, the enemy is trying to maintain the pace of its offensive on the Ukrainian front. Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Lipton wants to invest $3 million in the old Mobil gas station on Main Street, but the ZBA has ruled that 'gas station' is not a recognized use in that zone. Lipton Appealing Dalton Code Enforcement Ruling on Gas Station DALTON, Mass. A public hearing on Nov. 12 will determine whether the new owners of 630 Main St. can proceed with their plan to reopen a gas station. The location has been an automotive repair shop, Miller's Service, for several decades until its owner, Darren Miller, sold it to Lipton Properties in February 2024 for $500,000. Lipton Properties agreed to purchase the property provided the environment was in good condition, and the garage lifts and unused underground tanks were removed, said Michael Lipton, president of Lipton Inc. The tanks had to be removed to comply with the state Department of Environmental Protection's requirements. The agreement also included Lipton's intention to later install new tanks in the same location as the removed ones. This plan was hindered after the town's zoning enforcement officer denied Lipton's zoning use with an opinion citing the proposed use for "bulk storage and/or sale of petroleum products" are not allowed in a B-2 zoning district and "gas station" is not a recognized use. Although "bulk storage and/or sale of petroleum products" are not allowed in that zoning district, the property has been operating in this capacity since 1934, so is considered a pre-existing nonconforming use, Lipton said in the Zoning Board of Appeals application. According to Exhibit A from the town, "The property has been used as a gas station in the past, but during the last five years I have not observed the property being used in such a manner. It has been a Massachusetts vehicle inspection station." The argument from the building inspector is that bulk fuel sales had stopped but this determination is incorrect as Miller was selling bulk fuel right up until he sold the property, according to Lipton. "They never did stop selling bulk fuel. A 55-gallon drum of oil is considered bulk fuel and [Miller] regularly purchased these and then resold it. So, he had never stopped selling bulk fuel," Lipton said. Lipton filed an administrative appeal to the ZBA. If approved, Lipton will continue its plans to invest approximately $3 million to revitalize and modernize the property to reopen it as a convenience store and gas station. The property had been a Mobil gas station and service station for decades, known as Culverwell's Mobil station for nearly 30 years until it was demolished and the current structure built in 1970 as Dalton Mobil. Mobil's request to demolish it and build a larger station and canopy was rejected in 1990. Miller purchased the property in 1996. Lipton said he has spoken to some community members who are excited about their plans to redevelop the property. If approved, "it's going to get rid of an eyesore that's sort of there now. It's going to provide jobs, probably I would say at least eight new jobs," Lipton said. "We're investing approximately $3 million in this location, if we're permitted to do so. So, that alone, I think, will be nothing but a positive for the town." Lipton Inc. currently operates nine other gas stations, with seven located in Berkshire County, one in Greenfield, and one in Brattleboro, Vt. During the Select Board meeting on Monday, the board voted in favor of the administrative appeal. This vote will be taken into consideration during the public hearing, during which the Zoning Board will make a final determination. "Three gas stations that have been allowed in Dalton in the last several years, yet a place that's been there for 90 years is not allowed anymore, because there's no mention of gas station in the zoning bylaw as a use," Select Board member John Boyle said. The exclusion of the word gas station in the bylaw needs to be corrected, he said. Board members agreed and subsequently voted in favor of supporting the administrative appeal. Food Bank of Western Massachusetts Welcomes Berkshire Bounty CHICOPEE, Mass. The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts (FBWMA) announced a new partnership with Berkshire Bounty, a food rescue organization located in Great Barrington, dedicated to alleviating hunger throughout Berkshire County. The collaboration will enhance the effort to recover and distribute fresh, nutritious food to individuals and families county-wide. Berkshire Bounty is a volunteer-driven organization that collects food from 25 local retailers and delivers it to 31 food access sites across Berkshire County. With a network of 130 registered volunteers, Berkshire Bounty is on track to collect an estimated 450,000 pounds of food in 2024. Forty percent of this food is purchased to meet the needs of the community, including eggs, meat, fresh produce, dairy, and culturally appropriate foods. "The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts recognized the important work of Berkshire Bounty in our shared mission to feed people in need and is thrilled to now be partners in this effort," said Brandie Taggart, food donations coordinator at the Food Bank. "We look forward to forging a strong and lasting partnership with the team at Berkshire Bounty." In the spring of 2024, Berkshire Bounty and FBWMA signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to formalize their collaboration. Through this partnership, Berkshire Bounty volunteers are now transporting donated food from grocery stores directly to FBWMA member agencies, ensuring that food reaches food pantries and community kitchens four days a week. Since the beginning of the partnership, which started as a pilot program in January 2024, nearly 50,000 pounds of food, valued at $90,000, have been collected and distributed. "The partnership with FBWMA has opened the door to providing more food to the Berkshire County community in need," said Morgan Ovitsky, Executive Director of Berkshire Bounty. "Together, we are working to increase the quantity of healthy, fresh food available to residents so they can thrive." The Food Bank and Berkshire Bounty will continue to identify additional retail stores, farms, and food donors to expand the food rescue efforts. The partnership is expected to have a direct impact on reducing food insecurity in the Berkshires. Sponsors of Mass Save Grant to Support Energy Efficiency Education BOSTON The Sponsors of Mass Save announced that applications are now open for the fourth round of the Mass Save Community Education Grant, an initiative that serves to increase access to and awareness of energy efficiency programs through educational and culturally relevant opportunities for residents in Environmental Justice Communities (EJCs). This continued effort by the Sponsors aims to equitably reduce carbon footprints across communities and help the commonwealth reach its net zero goals.?? For one year, all grant applicants must participate in an annual program progress evaluation and carry out a number of activities, which include collaborating with participating Mass Save Sponsors and creating initiatives to help engage residents in energy efficiency education and programs. While the application is open to all organizations that meet eligibility requirements, priority will be given to EJCs with a particular focus on renters, landlords, English isolated customers, K-12 student organizations and income-eligible individuals. Selected grant recipients may receive:? Funding that can range from $5,000 to $25,000 per year depending on project proposals (awarded in two cycles) to support project costs Mass Save branded collateral to assist in marketing efforts of the grantee Assistance planning local events Pre-recorded training sessions by content experts on energy efficiency offerings and best practices Access to a utility company account manager to maximize energy efficiency opportunities in municipal buildings Since 2022, the Mass Save Community Education Grant has delivered more than $1M in funding statewide to 48 recipients. A critical component of the upcoming 2025-2027 Three-Year Energy Efficiency and Decarbonization Plan, the Sponsors will continue to provide this funding opportunity twice a year for community-based organizations, helping to bring energy efficiency awareness and education to residents in EJCs. To apply for the grant, visit the online application on MassSave.com. The deadline to apply is Nov. 15, 2024. Interested applicants are encouraged to attend the informational session on Nov. 6, 2024 from 12 p.m. 1 p.m.?To register for the webinar, reach out to Kaira Fox at kaira.fox@eversource.com. Sending 10,000 DPRK troops to Russia to fight in the war in Ukraine is not only an alarming escalation of the Ukrainian-Russian conflict. It is also an escalation between the East and the West, at least on the Korean Peninsula. ADVERTISIMENT This is the opinion of analysts of the British newspaper The Observer. In their opinion, the decision of North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un was not spontaneous - the DPRK expects many bonuses for supporting Russia. "Given Kim's paranoid belief that the United States, South Korea and Japan want to destroy his regime, he welcomes the opportunity to get closer to Russia," the Observer writes, adding that in exchange for troops and ammunition, the DPRK receives cheap oil, food and, probably, help with nuclear weapons. While the DPRK's interest in a military alliance with Russia is obvious, China has no use for it. China, as North Korea's most powerful partner, is "concerned about Kim's courtship of Putin" because it fears losing influence over the DPRK. Moreover, North Korea's participation in the Russian invasion, given that the DPRK has nuclear weapons, should lead to increased instability in the Asia-Pacific region. Accordingly, we should expect increased military and political activity of the United States and Europe in this region. ADVERTISIMENT And the growth of such activity is already being noticed. The publication quotes Robert Wood, the US Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations, who said that if DPRK soldiers"enter Ukraine in support of Russia, they will return in body bags." "The American anxiety is partly due to the fact that the war has not been going well for Ukraine lately. Weakened by dwindling Western military support, Kyiv lost more territory in October, mostly in eastern Donbas, than at any time since the summer of 2022," the Observer writes, but clarifies that Russia is paying for its "successes" with 1,200 military dead and wounded every day. ADVERTISIMENT But if the Kremlin succeeds in involving its foreign allies in the war against Ukraine, the pressure on Kyiv's NATO partners will increase. These countries will be required to participate directly in the air and on the ground, which the partners have so far rejected, despite numerous appeals from the Ukrainian authorities. The publication also recalls the words of Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky: if Ukraine had the appropriate weapons and permission to use them deep into Russia, it would be possible to stop the deployment of the North Korean military on the Ukrainian border. "As we said earlier, such permission should be granted. Why should Ukraine fight with its hand tied behind its back?" the Observer asks. As OBOZ.UA previously reported, Zelensky has previously blamed his partners for the lack of reaction to the DPRK's participation in the war with Ukraine. According to him, Putin is testing the West's reaction to his actions, and if it is the same as during the seizure of Crimea, the aggressor will go further, increasing the North Korean contingent. In turn, the United States has asked China to prevent North Korean soldiers from participating in the war in Ukraine. The United States wants to use China's influence on North Korea to put pressure on Pyongyang to return its military from Russia. Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter for all the latest entertainment news and reviews Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Youre probably on the hunt to watch some frightening films to extend the Halloween celebrations. Mastering a scare is something that only the most gifted of directors can manage and there are a lot of films out there that fall very short when trying to terrify their audience. Those that do deliver, though, succeed with aplomb: John Carpenter, George Romero and Get Out director Jordan Peele to name but a few. For those wanting to be genuinely scared, it can be quite hard to find a film that suits your need, but fret no more weve compiled the scariest horror films on offer, ranging from German Expressionist films from the 1920s to indie smash hit Hereditary. Below, we run through 17 horror films that will genuinely scare you. The Amityville Horror (1979) The Amityville Horror is based on the true story of the Lutzes, a family who were run out of their home after being terrorised by paranormal phenomena in 1975. Just one year before, Ronald DeFeo Jr shot and killed six members of his family in the same house. James Brolin and Margot Kidder lead this film, which became one of the biggest hits of 1979. Audition (1999) Japanese horror Audition follows a widower who meets a woman named Ayoma after staging auditions to meet a potential new partner. Soon, though, her dark past begins to surface, which equates to a pretty disturbing climax. open image in gallery Audition ( Omega Project ) The Blair Witch Project (1999) Although parodied to death, The Blair Witch Project popularised the found-footage format to terrifying degrees in 1999. People genuinely believed they were watching real clips of three student filmmakers being terrorised by a Maryland legend known as the Blair Witch. The Cabinet of Dr Caligari (1920) Black-and-white silent horror film The Cabinet of Dr Caligari is considered the quintessential work of German Expressionism, but also one of the scariest films in cinema history. It follows a hypnotist (Werner Krauss) who uses a somnambulist to commit murders, and Wienes shadowed sets and striking visual style combine to unsettle the viewer in ways most filmmakers only dream of managing. Funny Games (1997) Funny Games places the horror in the familiar setting of home. It follows two young men who hold a family hostage and torture them with sadistic games. The result is far scarier than anything featuring ghosts, witches or demons. Hereditary (2018) Proving that horror is a force to be reckoned with, Hereditary became independent distributor A24s highest-grossing film around the world upon its release in 2018. It tells the story of a family who find themselves haunted after the death of their secretive grandmother and features a final act that left many of its viewers with sleepless nights. Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled Try for free Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled Try for free It (1986) Forget the effects-laden remake this version of It, released as a miniseries in 1986, is the most terrifying adaptation of Stephen Kings beloved novel to date. It follows a shapeshifting demon who takes the form of a sadistic child-killing clown named Pennywise (Tim Curry). Lake Mungo (2008) Taking the form of a mockumentary, the little-seen Australian drama Lake Mungo may have received a limited release in 2008, but its story of a family attempting to come to terms with the drowning of their daughter stays with viewers long after. open image in gallery Lake Mungo ( Screen Australia ) The Orphanage (2007) Produced by Guillermo del Toro, this acclaimed 2007 chiller follows the disappearance of a young boy in an orphanage, which brings many of the buildings terrifying secrets to the fore. Paranormal Activity (2009) Could Paranormal Activity be the scariest film of all time? Its certainly one of them. Just when you thought found-footage had had its day, Oren Pelis small-budgeted festival favourite became one of 2009s biggest hits. Audiences lapped up the story of a couple who capture supernatural presences on a camera in their own home. Paranormal Activity 3 (2011) Paranormal Activity 3 earns its place on this list for its final 10 minutes. Set 18 years prior to the events of the first two films, we see the cause of the curse that follows characters Katie and Kristi for the rest of their lives and its down to a coven of witches led by their grandmother. [REC] (2007) Played out in real-time, the claustrophobic Spanish horror film [REC] is one of the better examples of found-footage cinema. Released in 2007, it follows a reporter and her cameraman who follow firefighters to a Barcelona building and soon find themselves locked inside with its occupants who are displaying murderous behaviour. open image in gallery [REC] ( Filmax ) Ring (1998) Unless youve been living under a rock, you know the story of Ring by now: viewers of a cursed videotape die seven days after watching it. While the inevitable Hollywood remake in 2002 was better than it had any right to be, Nakatas original is as terrifying as horror films come. Sinister (2012) Of all the Blumhouse horror films, 2012 release Sinister which features the demonic character Bughuul is the spookiest of them all. It stars Ethan Hawke as a true-crime writer who discovers a box of home movies depicting grisly murders in the attic of his new house. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974) The fictional Texas Chainsaw Massacre, marketed as a true story, follows a group of cannibals including Leatherface who relentlessly hunt down a group of friends. Not only is Tobe Hoopers film one of the most striking horror experiences, but one of the greatest of all time, too The Wicker Man (1973) The Wicker Man is deemed the best British horror film of all time for a reason. It tells the story of a Police Sergeant who travels to an isolated island in search of a missing girl, only to find its inhabitants practising a form of Celtic paganism. The Witch (2015) For the most part, its not what you see in The Witch that terrifies, its what you dont see. Eggers unsettlingly holds his camera a fraction too long in places as he retells the story of a Separatist family who encounter supernatural forces in the woods beyond their farm. Other galleries you might like: 21 actors who took their roles so seriously it out of hand 37 best film twists of all time 37 actors who almost died on set 49 best closing lines in movies Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter for all the latest entertainment news and reviews Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Michael Caine says that he would support the return of National Service, citing his experiences of serving in the military when he was just a teenager. The 91-year-old actor, famed for his classic roles in Get Carter, Zulu and The Italian Job as well as his more recent collaborations with Christopher Nolan, has written a new memoir called Dont Look Back, Youll Trip Over: My Guide to Life. In extracts from the book published by The Times, Caine has spoken about how serving in the British military helped shape him as a younger man, especially when deployed to Germany and South Korea. Caine says in the book: Its pretty hard to exaggerate the impact National Service had on me. Look, Im 91 and, 70 years on, I can still remember it. I was 18 and sent to Germany as part of the occupation force in Berlin first and then it was on to Korea. It turned me from boy into a man, Caine adds. I learnt that you have to be self-reliant but also put your trust in your mates. Youre learning how to be an individual and part of a group with a shared purpose; thats invaluable.I was just an ordinary private soldier, one of 500 others. The two-time Oscar winner then elaborated on when he was sent to South Korea, to potentially fight the Chinese Army, after China sent half a million troops to North Korea in the late 1940s. It was a bugger, admits Caine. I remember one night me and six other guys were out on patrol in the Samichon Valley, right on the line between North and South Korea. And we knew the enemy were close. We were all bloody scared of course. But we made it past them, then headed back. We all got bitten by the bleeding mosquitoes but that was better than being shot by the Chinese. Due to his positive experiences with National Service, Caine says that he thinks it should be brought back but not to the extent or for the amount of time at which he endured. I would bring back National Service. I dont mean young people should go to war nothing like that. Id make it six months rather than two years, like it used to be. But being 18 years old and serving your country, it teaches you a lot. You grow up. Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled Try for free Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled Try for free Sir Michael Caine attends the World Premiere of 'King Of Thieves' at Vue West End in September 2018 ( Getty Images ) Conscription hasnt been active in the UK since 1963. National Service was a key talking point during the recent UK general election, with the then incumbent Conservative party vowing to reintroduce it. Former leader Rishi Sunak said that volunteering could include helping local fire, police and NHS services, as well as charities tackling loneliness and supporting elderly and isolated people. Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter for all the latest entertainment news and reviews Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy James Van Der Beek has been diagnosed with cancer. The actor, 47, shot to fame playing the lead role in teen drama Dawsons Creek, which ran between 1998 and 2003. In a statement to People, Van Der Beek said: I have colorectal cancer. Ive been privately dealing with this diagnosis and have been taking steps to resolve it, with the support of my incredible family. He added: Theres reason for optimism, and Im feeling good. Colorectal cancer is a type of cancer which starts in either the colon or the rectum, which are both part of the large intestine in the bodys digestive system. Van Der Beek shares six children with his wife Kimberly Van Der Beek: Olivia, Joshua, Annabel, Emilia, Gwendolyn and Jeremiah. James Van Der Beek attending a charity event in Park City, Utah in April 2023 ( Getty Images for Operation Smile ) In December, Van Der Beek is scheduled to appear in the charity special The Real Full Monty, which will feature a number of male celebrities stripping down to raise awareness for prostate, testicular, and colorectal cancer testing and research. The special will also feature actor Taye Diggs, Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones and Dancing with the Stars judge Bruno Tonioli. The event is inspired by the Oscar-nominated 1997 film The Full Monty as well as a series of British charity television special events that have run since 2017. In 2022, Van Der Beek opened up about his familys path to healing after he and his wife Kimberly suffered two devastating pregnancy losses. On Instagram, he shared an emotional post in which he recounted the story of two family road trips to the same place, alongside two moving photos overlooking the same river. Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled Try for free Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled Try for free The first snap was taken shortly after his wife, Kimberly, 40, had her first miscarriage in November 2019. The second, in which Van Der Beek can be seen carrying the pairs newborn son, Jeremiah, on his back, was captured in August 2022. Pic #1 we had just lost a baby 18 weeks into pregnancy and almost lost @vanderkimberly in the process, the actor began the caption underneath the family snaps. After reflecting on the emotional journey that had taken place between the two photos, he concluded the post with a message of support to his fans, writing: Whatever youre going through if you cant see the light at the end of the tunnel, or even know where to look for it I invite you to not underestimate the power of a little change of environment and of taking the time to sit exactly where youre at. Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter for all the latest entertainment news and reviews Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Bowen Yang and Chappell Roan held hands at the end of Saturday Night Live, just weeks after the comedian was criticised by her fans for apparently mocking her while dressed as pygmy hippo Moo Deng. Hours before SNL aired its season 50 premiere on Saturday, September 28, Roan cancelled two scheduled appearances at All Things Go festival, telling her fans: Things have gotten really overwhelming. On air, Yang comedically conflated Roans comments on fame, and her desire for boundaries, with the hippo residing at Thailands Khao Kheow Open Zoo who went viral on social media. Dressed as Moo Deng, but hinting at Roans comments, Yang said on SNLs Weekend Update segment: For the past 10 weeks, I have been going non-stop. Running around, eating lettuce, trying to bite the water from a hose, and the response has been overwhelming. Referencing a statement Roan shared on social media, he added: Reminder, women owe you nothing. When I am in my enclosure, tripping over stuff, biting my trainers knee, I am at work. That is the project. Do not yell my name, or expect a photo, just because I am your parasocial bestie, or because you appreciate my talent. Yang received backlash on social media for the skit amid claims he was mocking Roan, but the comedian rejected that idea. On Instagram stories, Yang wrote: Oh geez mocks? If my personal stance and the piece arent absolutely clear in terms of supporting [Roan] then there it is I guess. Bowen Yang and Chappel Roan holding hands at the end of Saturday Night Live, November 2 2024 ( Saturday Night Live/NBC ) Everything she has ever asked for has been reasonable and even then we can connect it to another story about boundaries or whatever. Roan appeared as the musical guest on last nights episode of SNL (Novembe 2), and while she didnt participate in any sketches with Yang the fact they prominently held hands throughout the closing goodbyes seemed to be a clear indication that theres no bad blood between the pair. Elsewhere in the episode, Kamala Harris poked fun at Donald Trumps garbage truck struggles as she made a surprise appearance during the cold open. Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled Try for free Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled Try for free The vice president, who has been played on the 50th season of the comedy show by Maya Rudolph, flew to New York City on Saturday evening after a campaign event in Charlotte, North Carolina. Harris made the unscheduled stop while on her way to Detroit, Michigan, with Air Force Two landing at LaGuardia Airport in Queens. It was the final episode of the show before Election Day on Tuesday. She appeared in the shows cold opening opposite Rudolphs version of her as the actress looked into a mirror and said she wished she could talk to someone who has been in my shoes. The camera then panned to the reflection in the mirror, where the beaming vice president sat, receiving a huge cheer from the studio audience. Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter for all the latest entertainment news and reviews Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Susanna Reid has spoken out on her experience on Strictly Come Dancing after the BBC show was struck with a bullying scandal over the summer. Italian professional dancer Giovanni Pernice was accused of verbal bullying and harassment by Sherlock actor Amanda Abbington, who withdrew from the 2023 edition of the show. Pernice has denied any wrongdoing while the BBCs months-long investigation into his conduct acknowledged Abbingtons complaints of verbal bullying and harassment, but concluded that the Italian dancer was not physically aggressive to his celebrity partner. Since the probe, Abbington has said she is considering further action about specific allegations such as the claim that Pernice made a shocking sexual gesture towards her. Reid competed on Strictly back in 2013, where she finished as the runner-up with her dance partner Kevin Clifton, who she said had such a great experience with. open image in gallery Susanna Reid dances the cha-cha on Strictly Come Dancing 2013 ( BBC ) Speaking to The Times, the Good Morning Britain presenter was asked about her time on the show amid the bullying controversy. The 53-year-old said: It is like being on a different planet because everything sparkles, and so its a shame when it doesnt for other people. I think its really important that if people have had a bad experience that is addressed and they are supported, she added. Earlier this year, Reid became emotional on Good Morning Britain as she paid tribute to another of her former Strictly partners, Robin Windsor, who passed away in February. Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled Try for free Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled Try for free The professional dancer, who appeared on the main show between 2010 and 2013, was paired with Reid for the Children In Need special in 2011. open image in gallery Susanna Reid and Robin Windsor performing on Strictly Come Dancing for Children in Need (Guy Levy/BBC/PA) ( PA Media ) Reid hailed him as a remarkable dancer who had an incredible personality on the ITV morning show, following the news he had died aged 44. Reid became choked up as she tried to announce the news, before asking her co-presenter Ed Balls to read out the statement from dance show company Burn the Floor confirming Windsors death. Reflecting on their time together, she described him as larger than life, adding: I fell in love with him and fell in love with dancing when I danced with him back then. He was an absolutely remarkable dancer, incredibly strong, so creative. He was just so enthusiastic about dancing. I just adored him. He was the most incredible personality and as soon as I danced with him, there was something very special about him. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Tom Holland has admitted in a new interview that the last thing he Googled was the name of his girlfriend, Zendaya. The Spider-Man star, 28, has been dating the Challengers actor, 28, since 2021. He revealed on Samah Dadas On The Menu podcast that he has a habit of Googling Zendaya to check on her. The last thing I Googled was actually Zendaya, he said. Im not on [social media], and I delete it when Im not using it. So, sometimes, like, its more of a bit of an anxiety thing, but Ill check to see if everythings good and to make sure were all cool. So I just give her a little Google and look [through] the news, and Im like, Shes good. Were fine. Holland and Zendaya first met while filming 2017s Spider-Man: Homecoming, in which Holland played the web-slinging hero and Zendaya his love interest, MJ. They have reprised their roles in two more films: 2019s Spider-Man: Far from Home and 2021s Spider-Man: No Way Home. They will be back for a fourth film which is currently in development. Recently discussing the script on the Rich Roll podcast, Holland said: We have a creative and we have a pitch and a draft, which is excellent. It needs work, but the writers are doing a great job. Holland continued: I read it three weeks ago and it really lit a fire in me. Zendaya and I sat down and read it together and we at times were bouncing around the living room, like, this is a real movie worthy of the fans respect. Holland and Zendaya at the Mens Final of the BNP Paribas Open in March ( Getty Images ) Last year, Holland admitted he was a little apprehensive about making a fourth Spider-Man film. I think if we found the reason [we would do another film], he said. Im really, really happy with where were at in terms of the creative. But Im also a little apprehensive about it. Holland explained that this was because theres a bit of a stigma about the fourth one in all franchises. I feel like we hit a home run with our first franchise and theres a part of me that wants to walk away with my head held high and pass the baton to the next lucky kid that gets to bring this character to life, he added. "I'm going to work on extreme light for medical and energy fields," Nobel laureate Gerard Mourou said on Friday, speaking on plans for his work in China. The French physicist, who joined Peking University's School of Physics as chair professor last month, made the remarks on the sidelines of this year's Beijing Forum, a global academic forum on innovation and human progress. At the opening ceremony of the annual forum, he outlined the applications of ultra-high intensity lasers in such areas as medicine and nuclear energy. In 2018, Mourou shared the Nobel Prize in Physics with Arthur Ashkin and Donna Strickland "for groundbreaking inventions in the field of laser physics." He is expected to assist in the establishment of a new institute for scientific research and international cooperation in the fields of laser physics, particle physics, nuclear physics, medical physics and astrophysics, according to a statement from Peking University. As China invests heavily in developing science and education, talent is arriving from around the world at an increasing pace. Fields Medal winner Caucher Birkar has been teaching mathematics full-time at Tsinghua University since 2021. Structural biologist Yan Nieng returned to China from Princeton University in the United States in 2022 to found a medical academy in Shenzhen. Yan also delivered a keynote speech at this year's Beijing Forum. And about one week after Mourou joined Peking University, a symposium celebrating the 50th anniversary of the discovery of the J particle brought several notable individuals to China: Nobel laureates Samuel Chao Chung Ting, Sheldon Glashow and David Gross, as well as Luciano Maiani, former director-general of the European Organization for Nuclear Research. "Achievements of the Chinese efforts are truly remarkable," Gross told the media, explaining why the event was taking place in China despite the fact that the J particle was not discovered in the country. Though the initial discovery was made elsewhere, all 30 newly identified members of the J particle family were found at the Chinese Academy of Sciences' Institute of High Energy Physics, Ting said. Mourou praised China for its scientific and technological advancements over the past decades. "I knew some of the scientists," he said. "And they are interested about what I'm doing." He joked that those scientists had been "smart enough" to convince him to join the university and start a new institute for ultra-high intensity lasers. Mourou said that he has been impressed by Chinese students, noting that they excel in innovation -- not just in their coursework, as is often the stereotype. More than 500 scholars and experts from over 30 countries and regions are taking part in the 2024 Beijing Forum. Topics include sustainable development, the environment and health, and digitalization and artificial intelligence. "The best is yet to come," Mourou said on the future applications of his research. The American public transnational corporation Google has updated its Google Maps, including Ukraine, which worked in favor of the aggressor country Russia. The images of the territory showed the location of Ukrainian military systems. ADVERTISIMENT Andriy Kovalenko, head of the Center for Countering Disinformation at the National Security and Defense Council, wrote about this on his Telegram channel on November 3. According to him, experts have already contacted the company, but have not received a quick response. "Imagine the situation. Google posts updated images on maps that show the location of our military systems (I will not specify). We contact them to fix it quickly, but it's their weekend. They have no time for this," the representative of the Center for Countering Disinformation noted. According to him, the Russians are already actively distributing these images online. "What is wrong with this world?" Kovalenko asked rhetorically. Later, the head of the Center for Countering Disinformation said that after the public reaction, Google said that they were already working to correct the situation with the images. ADVERTISIMENT "After the public reaction, Google representatives contacted us and said that they are already working on correcting the situation with the images of our military systems. In the future, we will also discuss how to solve any problems quickly," Kovalenko added. Earlier it was reported that Google has stopped registering new accounts for some Russian phone numbers. The restrictions are associated with the new US sanctions, which prohibit IT companies from providing services in Russia since September 12. As reported by OBOZ.UA, President Volodymyr Zelensky criticized the United States for leaking data on Ukraine's arms requests. The relevant material appeared in the NYT, where the publication disclosed details of the confidential part of Ukraine's Victory Plan. Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! One of the main reasons the Tories suffered so heavily in July was division. Divided parties do not win elections, and since Brexit Tory politics has been a soap opera, with the Conservative ranks riddled with infighting. In a piece setting out what Kemi Badenoch needs to do to get the party back on track, pollster Luke Tryl tells The Independent that ending the infighting and picking a united top team will be one of her most important tasks. On Sunday her first shadow cabinet appointment was revealed when interim chief whip Stuart Andrew tweeted that he was being replaced by Rebecca Harris, the MP for Castle Point in Essex. Dame Rebecca has been an MP since 2010 and a Conservative whip since 2018. But Ms Badenoch is picking from a depleted pool, with the Tories having returned just 121 MPs in July. And a slew of Tory heavyweights including Rishi Sunak, James Cleverly, Jeremy Hunt and Oliver Dowden have said they will not serve in Ms Badenochs shadow cabinet, opting for stints on the backbenches instead. open image in gallery Kemi Badenoch will appoint her shadow cabinet by Tuesday ( PA ) The Tory leader is set to announce her full shadow cabinet early this week. So, who could make up the top team Ms Badenoch has said is needed to rebuild the party? Robert Jenrick During the campaign, Mr Jenrick and Ms Badenoch said they would each offer spots on their respective front benches. open image in gallery Kemi Badenoch is expected offer Robert Jenrick a role in her top team ( PA ) But much of the contest was dominated by spats between the two about their opposing stances on the European Convention on Human Rights, making Mr Jenrick a potential risk in the Home Office brief. He also quit Mr Sunaks government, accusing him of not being tough enough on the partys controversial Rwanda deportation policy. So while he looks set for a key job, and giving him one will be key to uniting the party, Ms Badenoch may be minded to put him somewhere less risky. Claire Coutinho Claire Coutinho was one of Ms Badenochs biggest backers in the leadership election, introducing her at her campaign launch event. She is seen as a Tory rising star and was even tipped as a potential successor to Mr Hunt as chancellor in Mr Sunaks government. open image in gallery Claire Coutinho is a rising star in the Conservative Party ( PA ) The former energy and net zero secretary could stick with the shadow role in her former brief, or be given responsibility for a new area such as shadow education secretary. Andrew Griffith Perhaps the top contender for the coveted shadow chancellorship is Andrew Griffith, who served as economic secretary to the Treasury under Mr Sunak before being made a minister in the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology. open image in gallery Andrew Griffith is seen as a contender for the role of shadow chancellor ( PA ) He has become embroiled in a row after The Mirror reported he had called the minimum wage a burden, questioning whether it should be scrapped. But if the revelation does not damage his reputation, he is bound to secure the shadow chancellor portfolio or another top job in the opposition. Priti Patel If she is stuck for a home secretary, Ms Badenoch could turn to her former leadership rival and ex-home secretary Priti Patel. open image in gallery Priti Patel would sharpen Tory attacks against Labour ( PA ) Popular among Tory members, Ms Patel would be a strong pick for a prominent role if Ms Badenoch is bidding to unite the Conservatives. And the long-serving Tory would bring a sharpness to the partys attacks against Labour. Sir Iain Duncan Smith Former Tory leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith defied the odds on election night, holding on to his seat with the help of ousted former Labour candidate Faiza Shaheen. So he remains available to bring his years of experience to Ms Badenochs team. He has previously served as work and pensions secretary and worked on welfare reforms. open image in gallery Former Tory leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith ( PA ) But his recent increasing focus on international issues, especially China, could put him in contention for the shadow foreign secretary role. Ben Houchen Lord Houchen does not sit as an MP, so would be unlikely to get one of the top shadow cabinet roles. But, as one of the most popular Tories in the country, and currently the most powerful as Tees Valley mayor, he could be handed a prominent position. Options that could be considered are party chair or deputy prime minister. open image in gallery Ben Houchen is one of the most powerful Tory politicians ( PA ) William Hague Another former Tory leader William Hague was a big backer of Ms Badenoch and could be brought back to the front bench in the Lords. open image in gallery William Hague is in the running to be the next chancellor of Oxford University ( PA ) Whether he could be tempted to take on a job in opposition is up for debate, and he is currently in contention to become the chancellor of Oxford University. But the new leader will need to pick a leader in the upper chamber, and it could be Lord Hague. Tom Tugendhat Another top Tory in line for a position in the shadow cabinet is Tom Tugendhat, who stood against Ms Badenoch for the leadership as a moderate. open image in gallery Tom Tugendhat said invading Iraq was the naughtiest thing he had ever done ( PA ) He served as security minister from September 2022 and was previously chair of the foreign affairs committee. Mr Tugendhats military background, as well as his experience of security and foreign affairs, make him a contender for the shadow home or shadow foreign secretary roles. Victoria Atkins As the former health secretary, Victoria Atkins would be expected to be offered a front bench role by Ms Badenoch. But Ms Atkins was a prominent backer of Mr Jenrick during the campaign, and it is unclear whether she is in line for a role. open image in gallery Shadow health secretary Victoria Atkins backed Robert Jenrick in the leadership contest ( PA ) Other runners and riders Others who will probably appear on the front bench include former ministers Chris Philp and Kevin Hollinrake, who handled the policing and business briefs respectively in Mr Sunaks government. Former care minister Helen Whately is also likely to feature in Ms Badenochs team, as are ex-Treasury financial secretary Nigel Huddleston, Andrew Bowie and Alex Burghart. Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy I consult my astrologer Jane on every major decision in my life. I first met her while hosting an event Im a psychic medium and Jane told me shed already looked up my birth chart when we chatted. A birth chart is a snapshot of where all the planets were in the sky at the time you were born, and it can tell you a lot about yourself. She gave off really good energy, and we clicked immediately. In her day job, Jane works in her familys hospitality and catering business. She doesnt really sell herself and does this part-time. Of the decisions Ive made with Janes help, choosing my partner has been the most significant. As soon as I met Stuart, I contacted Jane to see if a relationship with him would be worth pursuing. Id been married and divorced before, so I didnt want to get anything wrong this time. Stuart was born on the cusp of Aries and Pisces, which means he was born just as the date for one star sign finishes and another one begins. Obviously, every relationship has its ups and downs, but the things Jane highlighted early on meant that I could predict what it would be like if we were together. It meant I had more of an understanding of him, rather than thinking, I cant be with him because hes not perfect. When Stuart proposed, I didnt want to take any chances, so I asked Jane what day and time we should get married. She looked at my birth chart and she looked at his birth chart. She told me I needed to get married on 29 July at 12.30pm. That was a Friday. And bearing in mind that there was only one venue I wanted to get married in, we went to see if they had availability on that day. When we arrived, we were told that they only had one date available in that time period: 29 July. Then we visited the registrar to book our ceremony, and again only one slot was available: at some point between 12 and 2pm. Jane also once told me that my dad, who I hadnt spoken to in 14 years, would get in touch with me. It was something in my charts and in the planets, she said. I had my doubts I always ask her about stuff like this. She can predict whether the stars will cause delays to our plans based on the movements of Mercury, for example. She looks at events in my life and advises, dont do it or wait, or hurry up. And whatever the advice is, its always been correct. If she had told me that Stuart was wrong for me, I wouldnt have pursued a relationship with him. And I also wouldnt have married him if the stars didnt align. But they did. Stuart was sceptical about mine and Janes bond at first, but hes come around now. Hes even consulted her for his own career changes. He was a mechanic for a big company, and we asked Jane if he would be good as my manager, and she said he would. Thats worked out too. Ive consulted Jane on so many other things, too like my business. As I mentioned, Im a psychic medium and I launched a magazine last year called Spiritual Lifestyle, and she advised me it was a good idea. Even seemingly small things like the day that I first registered my business I do in consultation with Jane and the planets. open image in gallery TJ says she wouldnt have pursued things with Stuart if her astrologer hadnt agreed ( TJ Higgs ) If shes told me that someone isnt good for me, then I take that on board. I would distance myself. She once told me that I would have challenges with the man Id hired to help me set up my business. I sensed she was right, so I decided to cut ties with him. Although she hasnt got anything wrong yet, Ive had moments, of course, where Ive been surprised by some of her predictions. Last year she told me that I wouldnt be travelling much in the next 12 months. But Id already planned trips to Japan and the US, so I couldnt figure out how her message could be true. Id been travelling to Japan for regular events for a spiritual education company about three times a year for 10 years. What could be different this time? But then the company in Japan downsized, which meant that my events were postponed. The same thing happened in the US. Because of Covid, the company who hired me to do events there changed venues, which again meant that I wouldnt be going over there this year. All my plans changed. So, despite my initial confusion, I havent travelled much this year just as she predicted. open image in gallery TJ, right, and her astrologer Jane Starrs ( TJ Higgs/Supplied ) She also once told me that my dad, who I hadnt spoken to in 14 years, would get in touch with me. It was something in my charts and in the planets, she said. I had my doubts. How could he turn back up after all these years? But he actually did, and it was good to know in advance because I felt a bit more prepared for it. Astrology has been helpful for my healing, too, which is important especially if youve had a difficult upbringing. I always felt like I wasnt good enough. All of us feel like a bit of a failure sometimes, dont we? But with astrology, Ive been able to look at the things I need to work on. Ive been able to forgive myself. Have you got a life story? Contact maira.butt@independent.co.uk Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Actor Chloe Grace Moretz has come out as gay in a post encouraging others to vote early and endorsing Democratic candidate Kamala Harris for president. The 27-year-old star, best known for her roles in Kick-Ass, Carrie and The Equalizer and who has previously dated Brooklyn Beckham, shared a picture of an I voted early sticker on her Instagram account. In the caption, the actor wrote: I voted early and I voted for Kamala Harris. There is so much on the line this election. I believe the government has no right over my body as a woman, and that the decisions over my body should come ONLY from myself and my doctor. Continuing, the star said that she believed that Harris will protect that for us adding that: I believe in the need for legal protections that protects the LGBTQ+ community as a gay woman. We need protections in this country and to have access to the care we need and deserve. SO Are you voting early? Lets get a plan together to get to your polling place with your friends! Go to IWillVote.com to figure out the best plan for you, said Moretz. This is the first time that Moretz has publicly spoken about her sexuality but she has been romantically linked to model Kate Harrison since 2018, after they were pictured kissing in Malibu, California. Earlier this year she posted a reel of herself and Harrison at a wedding together. Harrison had also shared a picture of herself with Moretz at the NYC Dyke March in June 2023. In 2018, Moretz starred in the indie drama The Miseducation of Cameron Post about a young woman who is subjected to gay conversion therapies. Speaking to The Independent while promoting the film, Moretz said: I dont see myself as a homosexual, I dont see myself as anything. These are all societal pressures that were being labelled as. Were all human, trying to be with the people that we fall in love with and be the best person that we can be. But dont assume peoples sexualities. And dont project your own issues onto them. Why dont we let people be who they wanna be? Chloe Grace Moretz speaks at Emory University to rally young voters for Harris-Walz on October 04, 2024 ( Getty Images ) Meanwhile, in the US election race, a shock new poll has given Harris a surprising lead over Donald Trump as both candidates campaign in key swing states before voting closes on Tuesday 5 November. Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Indias fashion industry is in mourning following the death of iconic fashion designer Rohit Bal, who passed away on Friday after a prolonged illness. Bal was pronounced dead on Friday after cardiac complications. Known affectionately as Gudda in the industry, he was remembered by his fans as a creative genius and visionary whose designs defied time. He was 63. Bal, who once described himself as not a commercial designer, but an artist, made a surprise final grand appearance two weeks ago at Lakme Fashion Week. He walked the ramp after unveiling his much-anticipated collection, Kaaynaat: A Bloom in the Universe. He not only walked the ramp but exuded high spirits, shaking a leg with showstopper Ananya Pandey. open image in gallery Bollywood actress Sonam Kapoor (C) shows creations by Indian fashion designer Rohit Bal (L) during Indian Bridal Fashion Week in New Delhi on July 26,2013 ( AFP via Getty Images ) Bal earned admiration in both Hollywood and Bollywood, designing for celebrities like Uma Thurman, Pamela Anderson, Naomi Campbell, and Cindy Crawford. I am shattered. He was in such high spirits at his last show. He was looking forward to the future. He was ecstatic as he watched his creations walk down the ramp, said Sunil Sethi, chairman of the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI). Born in Srinagar, Kashmir, in 1961, Bal attended Woodlands House School and Burn Hall School before moving to Delhi. He graduated from St Stephens College with an honours degree in history, later joining his familys export business. He gained fame in the 90s with his eponymous label, with his first independent collection celebrating Kashmiri heritage. In 1996, Time magazine named him Indias Master of fabric and fantasy, and in 2001 he was awarded Designer of the Year at the Kingfisher Fashion Achievement Awards. In his career spanning three decades, Bal became known for his intricate craftsmanship with the use of lotus and peacock motifs and use of rich fabrics like velvet and brocade. His work drew inspiration from Indian grandeur and royalty. In his own words, Bal describes himself as a designer who "combines the right mix of history, folklore, village craft, and dying arts to create imaginative and innovative masterpieces for catwalks and fashion talks". Shefalee Vasudev, editor in chief of The Voice of Fashion, said: He was flamboyant in architecture, glamourous in personality, and formidable in creative openness. open image in gallery Rohit Bal in 2003 as he tied up with watch maker Titan ( AFP via Getty Images ) Bals multi-metered Anarkalis, lehenga-cholis, and sherwanis .competed in prettiness with the motifs he used lotuses, roses, peacocks and natures bounty. Journalist Vir Sanghvi said: Gone too soon. A king among designers. A prince among men. He had been famous for over three decades. But he never stopped being a regular guy, always ready with a laugh, always a friend first & a creative genius second. The world is a poorer place without him. Actress Sonam Kapoor penned a note for him, saying: "Dear gudda, I hear about your passing on my way to celebrate Diwali in your gorgeous creation that you generously lent to me for the second time. Ive been blessed to have known you and worn you and walked for you multiple times. I hope you are at peace. Always your biggest fan. open image in gallery Indian designer Rohit Bal (C) poses with models during the grand finale of the Lakme Fashion Week (LFW) summer resort 2012 in Mumbai on March 6, 2012 ( AFP via Getty Images ) Producer Karan Johar described him as a pioneer and a bonafide legend and said he was awestruck by his last collection. He said he was a stunning artist, craftsmen, fashion legend. I told myself that I wanted to wear his latest collection on Diwali.. and requested for some of his stunning pieces unknowingly last night I wore him and clicked some images and got into my car and then read the heartbreaking news of his passing He was among the few Indian celebrities who were openly identified as gay. He once said in a TV interview that he understood the pressures that kept people in the closet. I wish there were more prominent people who were open about such things, he added. Personally, I dont give a flying f**k what people think about me. If anyone wants to judge me, judge me for what I am and what I have achieved and not for whom I am sleeping with. His mortal remains were brought back to his Delhi residence, where he will be laid to rest on Saturday among friends and family members. In recent years Bal avoided the spotlight due to his health struggles. He was reportedly suffering from a heart ailment since last year. Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy As fuel price rose in Ethiopia, Awgachew Seleshi decided to buy an electric car. That aligned with the governments new efforts to phase out petrol-powered vehicles. But months later, hes questioning whether it was the right decision. He faces a range of issues, from the erratic supply of electricity in Addis Ababa, the capital, to the scarcity of spare parts. Charging my car has been a challenge," the civil servant said. Spare parts that are imported from China are expensive, few mechanics are able to fix such cars and the resale value of such cars is poor. Seleshi's troubles point to wider challenges for Ethiopia. In January, the East African country became the first in the world to ban the importation of non-electric private vehicles. The decision eased pressure on authorities who spend scarce foreign currency to subsidize the cost of fuel, but it also reflected growing enthusiasm for electric vehicles as the world demands more green technologies to reduce climate-changing emissions. Earlier this month, Ethiopia's government raised the price of fuel by up to 8% as part of a plan to gradually end all fuel subsidies in Africa's second-most populous country. Authorities have claimed some success in enforcing the ban on non-electric vehicles entering Ethiopia, and more than 100,000 electric cars are now being imported into the country each month. The official target is to increase the monthly import figure to 500,000 by 2030. By that time, a big new dam Ethiopia has built on the Nile River is expected to be producing power at full capacity. Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, in a televised address earlier this year, said the Grand Renaissance Dam will start generating more than 5,000 megawatts of electric power within a year. Authorities say such capacity would support the transition to electric vehicles. For now, many in Addis Ababa, a city of more than 5 million people, are doubtful the country can achieve its ambitious goals for electric vehicles without further needed infrastructure and services. The few garage owners who can fix broken electric cars say they are overwhelmed, while customers say they are being overcharged amid an apparent lack of competition. There are two or three garages that can fix new energy vehicles in Ethiopia and many consumers lack awareness on how to take care of such vehicles," said Yonas Tadelle, a mechanic in Addis Ababa. As mechanics, we also lack the tools, the spare parts and the know-how to fix such cars. Many EVs are now parked in garages and parking lots awaiting parts expected to come from China. Ethiopia's minister in charge of transport, Bareo Hassen Bareo, has said he believes the country can be a model nation with a green economy legacy, with the prioritization of electric vehicles a key component. The government will invest in public charging stations, he told The Associated Press, and there are plans to create a plant manufacturing EV batteries locally to reduce reliance on imports. Private efforts have included a collaboration, which has since fizzled, between Olympian Haile Gebreselassie and South Korean carmaker Hyundai to make electric vehicles in Ethiopia. That effort is believed to have collapsed over the sourcing of materials. Samson Berhane, an economist based in Addis Ababa, said the sudden flood of electric vehicles into the local market despite poor infrastructure is making it difficult for customers to adapt comfortably. Some EVs sell for about $20,000. Very few people are willing to take the risk of buying electric cars due to the lack of infrastructure, shortage of mechanics specialized in EV maintenance and the flooding of the market with Chinese brands that have questionable details and long-term visibility," Berhane said. But he said he believes that Ethiopia is more than able to provide electricity to the expected 500,000 EVs there within the next decade while fulfilling its industrial ambitions. Some Ethiopians are already giving up on electric vehicles, and the secondhand trade in gasoline-powered vehicles continues. There are at least 1.2 million vehicles across Ethiopia, and only a small fraction are electric ones. Businessman Yared Alemayehu bought a Chinese-made electric vehicle that he had hoped to use for a taxi service. He knew the car had a mechanical defect, but he believed it could be fixed. A mechanic disagreed. In the end, he sold the car at a loss and bought a Toyota Corolla a car made in 2007 that he felt was more reliable for the equivalent of $20,000, a sum that included the hefty taxes imposed on gasoline vehicles. Taxes can be higher than the cost of importing the vehicle. In addition to having to charge my old electric car, it frequently broke, and the garage was overcharging, and the lineup at the garage was overwhelming us," he said. Taxi driver Dereje Hailu, who had high hopes for his Chinese-made E-Star electric vehicle when he purchased it earlier this year, said his expectations had been dashed. With such a car, I fear I might be stuck if I go far from Addis Ababa where there are no charging stations," he said. ___ The Associated Press receives financial support for global health and development coverage in Africa from the Gates Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content. Find APs standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Nearly 200 families gathered Saturday along a stretch of the U.S.-Mexico border for heartfelt but brief reunions with loved ones they had not seen for years because they live in opposite countries. Tears flowed and people embraced as Mexican families were allowed to reunite for a few minutes at the border with relatives who migrated to the U.S. Adults and children passed over the Rio Grande to meet with their loved ones. This year, the annual event organized by an immigrant rights advocacy group happened three days before the U.S. presidential election, whose monthslong campaigns have focused heavily on immigration and border security. It also took place under increased security, according to the Network in Defense of the Rights of Migrants. We did not have barbed wire, we did not have so many soldiers deployed in our community, said Fernando Garcia, the organizations director, highlighting the border security changes that the border has seen since the reunions began last decade. The barbed wire had to be opened so that the families could have this event. Garcia said he expects migration into the U.S. to continue regardless of who wins Tuesdays election. Family reunions, he said, will continue, too. Deportation policy, border policy, immigration policy, is separating families in an extraordinary way and is deeply impacting these families, he told reporters ahead of the event. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Orlando Harris family pleaded with Missouri police to confiscate the 19-year-olds bullet-proof vest, ammunition and AR-15-style rifle. They knew his mental health was fragile after more than one suicide attempt. But the best officers could do in a state with some of the most expansive gun rights is suggest Harris keep the weapon in a storage unit. Nine days later, Harris entered his former St. Louis high school and declared, All of you are going to die. A new 456-page police report details the efforts Harris' family took to try to take his gun away in the days before he walked into Central Visual Arts and Performing Arts High School on Oct. 24, 2022, when he killed a student and a teacher and wounded seven others before he was fatally shot by police. Missouri is not among the 21 states with a red-flag law. Also known as extreme risk protection orders, red-flag laws are intended to restrict the purchase of guns or temporarily remove them from people who may hurt themselves or someone else. The case highlights how hard it is for law enforcement to restrict gun access, even when there are clues something is deeply amiss. open image in gallery School staff cheer as students returned to in-person classes at Central Visual and Performing Arts High School in St. Louis on Jan. 17, 2023 ( Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) After an Army reservist killed 18 people in October 2023 in Lewiston, Maine, an investigation found missed opportunities to intervene in the shooters psychiatric crisis. And before a 14-year-old was charged in a deadly shooting this fall at his Georgia high school, a deputy talked to him about an online threat and family warned of an extreme emergency. The investigation report in Harris' case shows the first time he attempted suicide was in the fall of 2021, just before he was scheduled to leave for college. Pandemic disruptions, the arrest of a friend in a homicide and a car wreck all may have contributed to his depression, his family and former boss told investigators. open image in gallery Police said this firearm, an AR-15-style rifle, was used by Orlando Harris ( St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department ) The police report makes no mention of him attending college. Instead, he worked in the cafeteria at a senior facility, where he sometimes discussed guns with coworkers. The following August he met with a Washington University psychiatry resident, telling her he thought about shooting people at his old school. He said those thoughts lasted for just one evening and went away, and that there was no planning and he didnt want to do it. But soon after, Harris began a countdown to the shooting. His plans included detailed maps of the school and a plan to target teachers, students and the LGBTQ community. He also had plans to burn down his family's home with them inside. open image in gallery Hundreds of attendees release balloons during a vigil outside Central Visual & Performing Arts and Collegiate School of Medicine & Bioscience High Schools on Wednesday, October 26, 2022 The psychiatrist prescribed medications, but Harris didnt fill the prescriptions. The report says they developed an emergency plan. Washington University did not immediately respond to messages from The Associated Press seeking comment. Harris then stopped showing up for appointments. On Oct. 8, he tried to buy a firearm from a licensed dealer in St. Charles, Missouri, but the transaction was blocked by an FBI background check. The report doesn't explain why, and police didn't respond to an email from the AP. The FBI merely provided a list of the 12 reasons for a denial with no other details. Then on Oct. 10, Harris drove to a nearby suburb to pay a man $580 in cash for the rifle used in the shooting. Harris family grew more concerned on Oct. 15, when two packages from gun and ammunition suppliers arrived. One of his sisters, Noneeka Harris, opened them, finding a body armor vest, magazine holsters and magazines. She then searched his bedroom and found the rifle inside an old TV box. Harris' mother, Tanya Ward, called BJC Mental Health Services and staff there deemed the situation as an immediate threat. They advised her to take the items to the police department and tell officers about her sons mental illness. Police at the station told her they couldnt take the firearm because Harris was of legal age to possess it. They said she should head home and an officer would meet them there. By the time she returned, Harris was home and insistent that he keep the gun. His mother was adamant that the gun not be in the house, so the officers suggested a storage unit. The report said the officers also advised her on steps she needed to take to have her son deemed mentally unstable. Federal law has banned some mentally ill people from buying guns since 1968, including those deemed a danger to themselves or others, who have been involuntarily committed, or judged not guilty by reason of insanity or incompetent to stand trial. Ultimately, the firearm and other items were loaded into the trunk of Harris' sister's vehicle, including a box of ammunition that arrived the next day. She later drove her brother to a storage facility, which was about 5 miles (8 kilometers) from the high school. open image in gallery St Louis school shooter Orlando Harris is seen in a yearbook photo ( St Louis Public Schools via KSDK ) She told police she knew something was going to happen. On Oct. 24, shots rang out as Harris entered his former high school. It is unclear why Harris targeted the school. A security officer recalled him as somewhat popular and his grade school principal said he wasnt bullied, according to the investigative report. But as he fired at a dance class, one student told police she heard someone yell, I hate this school. I hate everybody. Fatally wounded, Alexzandria Bell initially ran toward the entrance before slumping to the ground, a security officer reassuring the 10th grader that help was on the way. But then she went quiet. One class jumped out a window to escape after their physical education teacher, 61-year-old Jean Kuczka, stood between them and Harris. Kuckza was killed. Harris eventually made his way to the third floor, hiding in a computer lab. The first officer to charge into the lab had a daughter at the school. I had everything to lose, the officer, who was among those to open fire, recalled in the police report. He texted his daughter afterward, telling her, I killed him. Harris' sister told investigators that when she heard about the shooting, she started driving toward the school but then went home instead, waking up her mother who had worked overnight. Harris' mother later checked her voicemail. There was a message from a hospital asking if she still needed help with her son. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The trial of a man accused of killing two teenage girls in a small Indiana community has passed its midway point following more than two weeks of testimony about the 2017 killings. Prosecutors rested their case Thursday against Richard Allen after jurors heard recorded phone calls in which he told his wife that he killed Abigail Williams, 13, and Liberty German, 14. Allen's trial began Oct. 18 at the Carroll County Courthouse in Delphi, the girls hometown. Jurors have been sequestered since the begining of the trial, which is scheduled to run through Nov. 15. The defense began calling its first witnesses Thursday. A psychologist for the Indiana Department of Correction told jurors Friday that Allen was seriously mentally ill when he began confessing to the killings while housed at the Westville Correctional Facility. Allen, 52, faces up to 130 years in prison if he is convicted on two counts of murder and two additional counts of murder while committing or attempting to commit kidnapping. Here are some key moments in the trial so far: Opening statements Carroll County Prosecutor Nicholas McLeland opened the trial by telling jurors they would see and hear evidence, including incriminating statements Allen has made, that will convince them he forced the girls off a hiking trail into a secluded area while armed with a gun and cut their throats. Allen was the person seen on cellphone video German recorded on the day the girls disappeared and an unspent bullet found between their bodies came from Allen's gun, McLeland said. Defense attorney Andrew Baldwin told jurors Allen is innocent. Baldwin said the jury would hear witness statements and forensic evidence that would raise reasonable doubt that Allen is not the killer and said the state's timeline does not match the evidence in the case. Someone else may have kidnapped the teens and returned them early the next day to the scene where they were found dead, Baldwin said. Jurors see photos and video from the murder scene In the first full week of the trial, jurors were shown photographs of the area where the teens' bodies were found in a wooded area off the hiking trail. The girls, known as Abby and Libby, had crossed an abandoned railroad trestle called the Monon High Bridge during their hike. Some jurors and others in the courtroom gasped or turned away when gruesome images of their bloody bodies were shown, and the girls' mothers wept. Jurors also viewed cellphone video that German recorded just before the youths vanished showing a man wearing a blue jacket and jeans following Williams as she crosses the Monon High Bridge. In an enhanced version of the video shown to jurors, one of the girls says, Theres no path so we have to go down here. Just before the video ends, prosecutors said, the man seen in the video tells the teens, Down the hill. How Allen became a suspect Investigators said in an affidavit released about a month after Allen's October 2022 arrest that he became a suspect after they went back and reviewed prior tips and found that he had been interviewed by an officer in 2017. Trial testimony has revealed more details about how they zeroed in on the former pharmacy worker. A retired state government worker who volunteered in March 2017 to help police with the investigation told jurors that in September 2022 she found paperwork that caught her eye. Kathy Shank testified she found a lead sheet saying that two days after German and Williams bodies were found, a man contacted authorities and said he had been on the trail the afternoon the girls went missing. His name was listed incorrectly as Richard Allen Whiteman and marked cleared, Shank said. She determined the mans name was actually Richard Allen and recalled that a young girl had been on the trail at the same location and time and had seen a man. I thought there could be a correlation, Shank testified, adding that she notified officers of her find. What Allen told investigators in 2017 The girls' bodies were found Feb. 14, 2017, the day after they went missing. Two days later, Allen contacted authorities and told them he was on the hiking trail the afternoon of Feb. 13, during the time period when the girls disappeared, according to testimony. Dan Dulin, an Indiana Department of Natural Resources captain, told the court he spoke to Allen, who said he was on the hiking trail between 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. and remembered seeing three girls. What Allen told investigators in 2022 After Shank brought Allen to investigators attention, they interviewed him in October 2022. Allen told investigators he arrived at the trail around noon and left no later than 2 p.m., not 3:30 p.m. as he told Dulin in 2017. Steve Mullin, who was Delphi's police chief when the girls were killed and later became an investigator at the county prosecutors office, said Allen told him and another officer that he was wearing a blue or black Carhartt jacket, jeans and a beanie on the day the teens vanished. Mullin said he asked Allen if he was the similarly dressed person seen in Germans cellphone video. His response was if the picture was taken with the girls camera, there was no way it was him, Mullin testified. Prosecutors also showed jurors police interviews with Allen videotaped before his arrest in which he repeatedly professed his innocence. Allen's alleged confessions On Thursday the jury heard several recorded phone calls of Allen speaking with his wife from prison in which he told her that he killed German and Williams. In one of the calls, he said, I did it. I killed Abby and Libby. The jury heard testimony earlier from the former warden of the Westville Correctional Facility, where Allen was previously held, who said Allen claimed to have killed the girls with a box cutter that he later discarded. Dr. Monica Wala, Allens prison psychologist during his time at Westville, testified Allen began confessing to killing the girls in early 2023 during his sessions with her. She said he provided details of the crime in some of the confessions, including telling her he slashed the girls throats and put tree branches over their bodies. A report written by Wala and presented to the jury as an exhibit states Allen also told her he had planned to rape the teens but did not do so after he saw a van traveling nearby. A state trooper testified Thursday that Allen's remark corroborated a statement by a man whose driveway passes under the Monon High Bridge and who said he was driving home in his van around that time. Allen's attorneys have said their client made the incriminating statements while under the pressure and mental stress of being locked up and watched 24 hours a day and being taunted by people incarcerated with him. During cross-examination, Wala acknowledged she followed Allens case with interest during her personal time even while she was treating him and that she was a fan of the true crime genre. An unspent bullet and Allen's gun Court documents released weeks after Allens arrest state that testing determined an unspent bullet found between the girls' bodies had been cycled through a pistol Allen owned. Melissa Oberg, an Indiana State Police firearms expert, told the jury her analysis tied the round to Allens Sig Sauer, a .40-caliber handgun. Allens attorney tried to cast doubt on the accuracy of firearms testing during cross-examination. Oberg said she is not aware of making any identification mistakes in her more than 17 years of analyzing firearms. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The remains of two aviators who died when their jet crashed during a training flight in Washington state last month will return home from Dover Air Force base in the coming days, the Navy said. The remains of Lt. Serena Wileman, a California native, were due to return on Monday, Whidbey Island Naval Air Station said. Lt. Cmdr. Lyndsay Evans' remains will return later during the week in a private affair in accordance with her family's wishes. The two died when their EA-18G Growler jet from the Electronic Attack Squadron, known as Zappers, crashed east of Mount Rainier on Oct. 15. The crash occurred at about 6,000 feet (1,828 meters) in a remote, steep and heavily wooded area. The cause of the crash is under investigation. Evans, a naval flight officer from Palmdale, California, made history as part of a team of female pilots who conducted the first-ever all-female flyover of Super Bowl LVII on Feb. 12, 2023, to celebrate 50 years of women flying in the Navy. The first female candidates entered the U.S. Navy flight school in 1973. Wileman, a naval aviator, was commissioned in 2018 and joined the Zapper squadron on Washington states Whidbey Island in 2021. She earned the National Defense Service Medal, Navy Unit Commendation Medal and a Combat Action Ribbon. The EA-18G Growler is a variant of the F/A-18F Super Hornet and provides tactical jamming and electronic protection to U.S. forces and allies, according to Boeing, its manufacturer. The first Growler was delivered to Whidbey Island in 2008. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Police are investigating a suspected hate crime after paint was thrown on a north London business premises. The Metropolitan Police received reports of criminal damage at Hampstead High Street at 9.29am on Saturday. They said officers attended the scene. It came after campaign group Palestine Action posted photographs of red paint splattered on the windows of two buildings in London. One was at the premises of the Britain Israel Communications and Research Centre (Bicom), Palestine Action said on X (Twitter). Images shared by the group appear to show paint covering a property on Hampstead High Street, which is an address listed for Bicom. In another post, Palestine Action claimed it had targeted the Jewish National Fund (JNF) premises. On its website, JNF UK describes itself as Britains oldest Israel charity and a longstanding supporter of Zionist pioneers. open image in gallery Protesters marching through London ( PA ) Palestine Action said Saturdays protests had been made to coincide with Balfour Day. On 2 November 1917, the Balfour Declaration stated British support for establishing a home for Jews in Palestine. The Palestine Action group describes itself as a direct action network dismantling British complicity with Israeli apartheid. Following the incident in Hampstead on Saturday, Detective Chief Inspector Paul Ridley said: I know that incidents like this cause significant concern in the community. I want to offer my full reassurance that this incident will be robustly investigated. We have been clear that we have zero tolerance for hate crime. Meanwhile on Saturday, protestors marched through central London, from Whitehall towards Nine Elms Lane. During the march, police arrested a man and a woman on suspicion of carrying a placard expressing support for a proscribed organisation under the Terrorism Act. Photographs of the protest show other people carrying signs reading authentic rabbis always opposed Zionism and the State of Israel and Judaism condemns the State of Israel and its atrocities. The death toll from more than a year of the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza has passed 43,000, Palestinian officials reported this week, without distinguishing between civilians and combatants. The aggressor country, the Russian Federation, is building a parallel crossing near the illegal Crimean bridge, as well as defensive structures. The Russian occupiers are seeking to protect dictator Vladimir Putin's "sacred" bridge from attacks by naval and other drones and missiles. ADVERTISIMENT This is reported by the Crimean Wind Telegram channel, citing satellite imagery. The published footage captured the construction of defense structures near the Kerch Bridge. Along the northwestern part of the bridge, construction of a parallel bridge and defensive structures can be seen from the Crimean side. ADVERTISIMENT Construction is also underway in the southeastern part of the Kerch Bridge near the Taman Peninsula. "Russians seek to protect the bridge from attacks by naval drones, UAVs and missiles" - Krymskiy Vetr. As OBOZ.UA reported earlier, it turned out that the barriers used by the Russian Federation to protect the Crimean Bridge from marine drones are floating in the waters off the coast of Kerch, and their fragments were spotted near the city's embankment. We would also like to remind you that satellite photos showed a significant increase in the number of barges near the Crimean bridge. The Russian Federation has installed new barriers and two Pantsyr air defense systems near the structure. The representative of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine, Andriy Yusov, said earlier that a plan to destroy the Kerch Bridge and return Crimea had already been developed. After that, the occupiers began to strengthen measures to prevent attacks from both air and sea. Only verified information on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A non-recent allegation of sexual assault made against Alex Salmond has been received by police. Salmond was leader of the Alba Party up until he died suddenly aged 69 during a visit to North Macedonia last month. The politician was first minister of Scotland from 2007-2014 under the Scottish National Party (SNP) government but resigned from the SNP in 2018 after a number of allegations of sexual misconduct came to light. He was later cleared of all 14 charges in 2020 being found not guilty of 12, while prosecutors withdrew another charge and one was found not proven. Police Scotland has now said a separate report of misconduct has been filed against Mr Salmond. open image in gallery A non-recent allegation of sexual assault made against Alex Salmond has been received by police ( PA ) A spokesperson said: We can confirm that we have received a report of a non-recent sexual assault. The information is being assessed. Responding to coverage of the allegations reported by the media, Alba Party general secretary Chris McEleny said the claims are smears and urged for Salmond to be allowed to rest in peace. The former SNP leader, who went on to set up the Alba Party, had been speaking at a conference when he suffered a heart attack on 12 October. open image in gallery Pall bearers with the coffin of former first minister of Scotland Alex Salmond ( PA Wire ) His funeral was held on 29 October in Strichen, Aberdeenshire. As well as Salmonds family, several political figures were in attendance at the service, including former speaker of the House of Commons John Bercow. Close friend Kenny MacAskill, who has become interim Alba Party leader following Salmonds death, arrived at Strichen Parish Church, as did party chair Tasmina Ahmed-Sheikh. The Scottish government said it would not be appropriate to comment at this time. The Independent has contacted the SNP for comment. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Bereaved families who lost loved ones to Covid have condemned Kemi Badenoch for hailing Boris Johnson as a great prime minister and claiming that the Partygate scandal was overblown. The newly elected Tory leader said the story was exaggerated as she claimed the government should not have been fining people for everyday activities during lockdown. open image in gallery New Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said Partygate was overblown ( PA Media ) Lobby Akinnola, a spokesman for the Covid-19 Bereaved Families for Justice who lost his father during the pandemic, told The Independent Ms Badenochs comment was cruel and highlights just how detached politicians can be from the people they represent. Mr Akinola said: Badenochs resolute adherence to this perspective, that the betrayal of the nations trust is no big deal, just reinforces the need for the nations safety to be enshrined in policy, rather than dependent on who happens to be in the seat of power when crisis strikes. open image in gallery Lobby Akinnola and his father Femi, who died in April 2020 with Covid (Lobby Akinnola/PA) Her praise of Johnson flies in the face of the evidence heard in the COVID Inquiry and makes it all the more incumbent that the sitting government enact the recommendations from the Inquirys Module 1 report. Speaking the BBCs Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, Ms Badenoch had said: I thought Boris Johnson was a great prime minister, but there were some serious issues that were not being resolved and I think that during that tenure the public thought that we were not speaking for them or looking out for them, we were in it for ourselves. "Some of those things I think were perception issues, a lot of the stuff that happened around Partygate was not why I resigned. open image in gallery Boris Johnson received a fine during the Partygate scandal (Cabinet Office) ( PA Media ) "I thought that it was overblown. We should not have created fixed penalty notices, for example. That was us not going with our principles." The comments sparked a furious backlash, with the Labour Party saying they add insult to injury for families across Britain who followed the rules, missing loved ones deaths and family funerals, whilst her colleagues partied in Downing Street. Labour chair Ellie Reeves said: The leader may have changed but on her first day in the job Kemi Badenoch has proved that the Tories havent listened and they havent learnt. And the Liberal Democrats said it is clear the Conservative Party havent learnt anything from the years of sleaze and scandal under their watch. Lib Dem Cabinet Office spokesman Sarah Olney said: Kemi Badenochs comments are an insult to those who lost family members during the pandemic while Boris Johnson partied and lied. On day one of the job shes already shown shes completely out of touch with the public. The row came a day after Ms Badenoch was picked by Tory members to succeed Rishi Sunak, calling for the party to be honest about its mistakes in government and unite behind her. And it came as The Independent revealed that Ms Badenoch had made a joke about rape on her personal Facebook page in 2008. The gaffes expose why many considered picking Ms Badenoch to lead the party a risk, with the former business secretary often generating uncomfortable headlines for the Conservatives. She takes over the Conservatives as the party recorded its first poll lead over Labour since the Partygate scandal broke in December 2021, with BMG Research finding the Tories on 29 per cent of the vote, compared with Sir Keirs party on 28 per cent. But a YouGov poll published ahead of the result found four in 10 voters had an unfavourable view of Ms Badenoch, including 29 per cent of Conservative voters, while Britons were more likely to think Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer would make a better prime minister. Elsewhere in the interview, Ms Badenoch committed to reversing Labours decision to impose VAT on private schools if she came to power, describing it as a "tax on aspiration" that would not raise money. When it was suggested that this would involve taking money from state schools, she said: "At the moment, certainly up until Labour came in, we didnt have this tax, so its not taking money away from state schools." But Ms Badenoch was less willing to be drawn on whether she would reverse the increase in employers national insurance contributions if it meant taking money away from the NHS. She said: "I dont accept the premise of that question. We (the Conservatives) didnt do those things in order to increase funding for the NHS, so its not a binary suggestion that if you dont do this then that means less money for the NHS." Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Newly elected Tory leader Kemi Badenoch has been condemned over an unearthed image that shows her making a joke about rape on her personal Facebook page. The former women and equalities minister has been criticised by anti-domestic abuse charity Womens Aid, which said it was appalled by the image. In a post on her own page dated from January 2008, which was still visible on her profile as recently as this week, Ms Badenoch shared an image of three men with the caption: The Drummond beer rape incident. The picture shows a man lying on the floor, while another man sits on top of him holding a bottle and a third man covers his mouth and nose. Womens Aid called for Ms Badenoch to take responsibility for the post, suggesting jokes about sexual violence perpetuate abuse and misogynistic attitudes towards women. Sophie Francis-Cansfield, the charitys head of policy, told The Independent: Rape and sexual assault are no laughing matter, and making light of them trivialises the very real and traumatic experiences of countless women and girls. There is an epidemic of violence against women and girls which is deep-rooted in misogynistic attitudes like those demonstrated in this joke. Political figures must take responsibility for their words and actions, whether they are recent or not, and act in a way that challenges abuse instead of perpetuating it. Kemi Badenoch celebrates with her husband Hamish on Saturday ( Stefan Rousseau/PA ) The Badenoch campaign said the photo was from the 1990s during Kemi's uni days and had been captioned by her friends at the time. They added that Ms Badenoch has been clear she believes this sort of offence archaeology has no place in political debate. While the photograph appears to have been taken years earlier, the image and its caption were shared on Facebook by Ms Badenoch on 26 January 2008, when the now Tory leader would have been in her late twenties. Ms Badenoch was announced as the new leader of the Conservative Party on Saturday morning, following a vote of the membership at the culmination of a race to replace Rishi Sunak that began when the former PM resigned after the general election loss. She beat her rival Robert Jenrick by more than 10,000 votes, and told her party: We have to be honest; honest about the fact that we made mistakes, honest about the fact that we let standards slip. She is expected to appoint a shadow cabinet over the coming days. The former women and equalities minister has been a strong advocate for protecting womens spaces and has been vocal on the issue of rape and sexual violence. Ms Badenoch has opposed self-identification for trans people, something she claims is linked to the protection of women from sexual violence. In May, she vowed she will never stop defending the rights of women after receiving letters and cards from rape victims urging her to continue. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Kemi Badenoch has been warned she needs to avoid the perception she would cross the road to pick a fight as she faces the daunting task of trying to turn the Conservative Party around from its worst general election result in history. The new Tory leader comes across as energetic and fresh-faced with voters, but pollsters have said she needs to avoid being overly combative. I think that is going to be the defining task of her leadership, More in Common executive director Luke Tryl told The Independent. open image in gallery Kemi Badenoch began her leadership by saying that the Partygate scandal was overblown ( PA ) His comments came after Ms Badenoch was elected to succeed Rishi Sunak, winning the Tory leadership contest in a landslide over Robert Jenrick. She called for the party to unite behind her and be honest about the mistakes the Conservatives have made after more than 14 years in power. But, in a sign of the challenge she faces, Ms Badenoch made a gaffe in her first interview as Tory leader, telling the BBCs Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg that the Partygate scandal was overblown and the government should not have fined people for breaking lockdown rules. The Independent also revealed Ms Badenoch had made a joke about rape on her personal Facebook page in 2008. It is a sign of the pitfalls of Ms Badenochs ability to make headlines, with the former business secretary often generating uncomfortable rows for her party. Mr Tryl said: When we have done focus groups of voters the Tories lost, they like her and what they hear from her. They say she is energetic, energising, fresh faced, forward thinking lots of good adjectives. But she will have to avoid being seen to cross the road to pick a fight. She needs to be energised and energetic without being overly combative, and I think that is going to be the defining task of her leadership. open image in gallery Badenoch defeated Robert Jenrick and could benefit from being a relative unknown to the wider public ( PA ) After the Conservatives crashed to their worst general election defeat in history, winning just 121 MPs, Mr Tryl said she would have to flesh out why the Conservatives lost. She has often said the party fell out of favour because it was too left wing and allowed taxes to get too high. But Mr Tryl said: Its because people fundamentally felt they had failed on issues of trust and competence and they were too divided. Mr Tryl added that Ms Badenoch should focus on low-hanging fruit as leader, going after Tory voters who stayed at home in July or switched to Labour rather than those who backed Nigel Farages Reform UK. Pollster Emma Levin, associate director at Savanta, told The Independent Ms Badenoch will benefit from being a relative unknown among the public. She gets a new opportunity to present herself to the public, and represent a clean break from a deeply unpopular Conservative government even if she was a part of it, Ms Levin said. She pointed to Savanta research showing Reform voters being unlikely to return to the Tory fold, warning that setting out a credible alternative to Labour is the only way back to power, rather than attempting to one-up Reform UK on immigration and culture wars. Meanwhile pollster Techne UKs chief executive Michela Morizzo said the key challenge for Ms Badenoch is going to be fighting Reform UK without further polarising the Conservative Party. She told The Independent: While Badenoch hopes to attract Conservative voters away from parties like Reform UK, there is the risk of alienating moderates and centrists within the party. An overly radicalised voter base could be a double-edged sword: alienating moderate Conservative voters, especially in large cities and among young people, could weaken the party and limit its chances of regaining power. Furthermore, an excessively right wing positioning could push the Conservatives too far from the centre, leaving more space to Labour or even new centrist political forces trying to attract moderate votes. It came after the four-month leadership contest saw Ms Badenoch win the backing of 53,806 Tory members, with Mr Jenrick taking 41,388 votes. Addressing current and former MPs, party members and the press at a hotel in Westminster, Ms Badenoch said: The time has come to tell the truth. The time has come to tell the truth, to stand up for our principles, to plan for our future, to reset our politics and our thinking, and to give our party, and our country, the new start that they deserve. It is time to get down to business, it is time to renew. She takes over the Conservatives as the party recorded its first poll lead over Labour since the Partygate scandal broke in December 2021, with BMG Research finding the Tories on 29 per cent of the vote, compared with Sir Keirs party on 28 per cent. But a YouGov poll published ahead of the result found four in 10 voters had an unfavourable view of Ms Badenoch, including 29 per cent of Conservative voters, while Britons were more likely to think Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer would make a better prime minister. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Rachel Reeves has defended her so-called tractor tax after the former chief of the National Farmers Union (NFU) said it would hit seven in 10 farms. The chancellor claimed that only a very small number of agricultural properties will be affected by the changes to inheritance tax on farms, but Minette Batters said farmers are furious. Farmers are reeling. My phone has been buzzing constantly and theyre bewildered, angry. And I think we need a lot of clarity about how this has been put together, the impact assessment and to see if this can be changed because it will have enormous consequences, Baroness Batters said on Sunday. open image in gallery Chancellor Rachel Reeves has defended her proposed reforms to inheritance tax on farms by claiming it is not affordable keep the current system (Ben Whitley/PA) ( PA Wire ) She told Times Radio: I think it is 70 per cent of farms that will be impacted. And the governments currently saying that 73 per cent wont be. I think this is where we absolutely have to see the analysis of how theyve done this. The move, unveiled in last weeks Budget, means farms worth more than 1m are now subject to 20 per cent inheritance tax. It was quickly dubbed the tractor tax or the Old McDonald tax, with concerns that the new policy combined with other measures in the Budget will increase costs for farmers. Farmers were already struggling because Brexit brought an end to the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), and the new UK subsidy policies were not working. Now they are having to take on the 6.7 per cent increase in the minimum wage and 15 per cent rise in employer national insurance contributions Sir Keir Starmer has come under fire for the change, with critics pointing to a 2023 speech to the NFU in which he promised a new relationship with the countryside and farmers. open image in gallery Rachel Reeves has faced a backlash from farmers ( PA Archive ) He promised to provide certainty and work with farmers, insisting that he agreed food security is national security. But on Sunday, Baroness Batters warned that Sir Keirs first Budget, delivered by Ms Reeves, will do damage to the sector, saying it will be unaffordable. If you look at the governments own farm business figures on profitability and farming, it is unaffordable. Of course, land could be sold off. But this is the key point.This has been built up. These are family farms that effectively are cash poor, they are, yes, asset rich, but they will have to sell off land, she added. Ms Reeves on Wednesday set out changes to agricultural property relief (APR) and business property relief (BPR) from April 2026 in a bid to raise more funds for public services. The first 1m of combined business and agricultural assets will continue to attract no inheritance tax. But for assets over 1m, inheritance tax will apply with 50 per cent relief, at an effective rate of 20 per cent. On Sunday Ms Reeves was played a clip of Rebecca Wilson, a fifth-generation farmer from Yorkshire, raising concerns about the changes. Ms Wilson, appearing on the BBCs Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg programme, said: "On paper our farm is a valuable asset. But farmers like us often work very hard for very low returns and we rarely have surplus cash in the bank. "Even using personal allowances, the Chancellors proposal could hit us with a tax bill of nearly 1 million when my parents die. "How is the Chancellor going to ensure that my generation will keep on farming in light of the changes announced in the Budget?" Ms Reeves, appearing on the same programme, replied by offering details on APR, adding: "So you can pass on without paying any tax, for most cases, a farm worth 3 million. "After that the tax rate for inheritance tax for agricultural property is 20% compared to 40% that everyone else pays, and you can pay that over a 10-year period interest-free." She added: "Last year only a very small number of farms would have been paying any additional inheritance tax. "I hope that Rebecca and her family will look through the details because, if the farm is owned by two people, you have 3 million essentially tax-free and then the tax rate is a 50% discount on everyone else and you would have 10 years to pay it. "So only a very small number of agricultural properties will be affected, but last year the benefits of agricultural property relief, 40% of the benefit was felt by 7% of the wealthiest land owners. "I dont think it is affordable to carry on with a relief like that when our public finances are under so much pressure. "And, of course, farmers as well rely on good public services, whether thats the NHS, our roads or our schools, and that money will be put back into improving our public services and putting our public finances on a firm footing." It came after environment secretary Steve Reed rushed to defend the policy change on Thursday, claiming the vast majority of farmers will not be affected at all. He blamed misleading headlines for the backlash to the tax, saying only the richest estates will be affected. Farmers have accused Sir Keir of lying to them to get elected. Gareth Wyn Jones, a farmer in North Wales, told The Independent: We were lied to by Keir Starmer. There is no doubt. The vast majority of farms in this country are family farms and now they are going to be broken up or people will not be able to afford to stay in farming. His family, who have owned the farm for 375 years, could soon face the problem with his father aged 88 and uncle aged 90. He said: I suspect I will be the last generation to farm this land from my family now. Mr Wyn Jones added: People dont realise that most farmers effectively work well below the minimum wage because of the hours we put in. Plenty are already struggling. I dont want to say what I think of this Budget too much because there will need to be a lot of bleeps. He added: They said no tax rises on working people. Well farmers are working people. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a prominent proponent of debunked public health claims whom Donald Trump has promised to put in charge of health initiatives, said the former president would push to remove fluoride from drinking water on his first day in office. Fluoride strengthens teeth and reduces cavities by replacing minerals lost during normal wear and tear, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The addition of low levels of fluoride to drinking water has long been considered one of the greatest public health achievements of the last century. Kennedy made the declaration on the social media platform X alongside a variety of claims about the health effects of fluoride. On January 20, the Trump White House will advise all U.S. water systems to remove fluoride from public water, Kennedy wrote. Trump and his wife, Melania Trump, want to Make America Healthy Again, he added, repeating a phrase Trump often uses and links to Kennedy. Neither Trumps campaign nor a spokesperson for Kennedy responded to questions Saturday evening. But the sudden and unexpected weekend social media post evoked the chaotic policymaking that defined Trumps White House tenure, when he would issue policy declarations on Twitter at virtually all hours. It also underscored the concerns many experts have about Kennedy, who has long promoted debunked theories about vaccine safety, having influence over U.S. public health. RFK Jr. has repeatedly pushed debunked conspiracies ( AP ) In 1950, federal officials endorsed water fluoridation to prevent tooth decay, and continued to promote it even after fluoride toothpaste brands hit the market several years later. Though fluoride can come from a number of sources, drinking water is the main source for Americans, researchers say. Officials lowered their recommendation for drinking water fluoride levels in 2015 to address a tooth condition called fluorosis, that can cause splotches on teeth and was becoming more common in U.S. kids. In August, a federal agency determined with moderate confidence that there is a link between higher levels of fluoride exposure and lower IQ in kids. The National Toxicology Program based its conclusion on studies involving fluoride levels at about twice the recommended limit for drinking water. A federal judge later cited that study in ordering the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to further regulate fluoride in drinking water. U.S. District Judge Edward Chen cautioned that its not certain that the amount of fluoride typically added to water is causing lower IQ in kids, but he concluded that mounting research points to an unreasonable risk that it could be. He ordered the EPA to take steps to lower that risk, but didnt say what those measures should be. In his X post Saturday, Kennedy tagged Michael Connett, the lead attorney representing the plaintiff in that lawsuit, the environmental advocacy group Food & Water Watch. Kennedys anti-vaccine organization has a lawsuit pending against news organizations including The Associated Press, accusing them of violating antitrust laws by taking action to identify misinformation, including about COVID-19 and COVID-19 vaccines. Kennedy is on leave from the group but is listed as one of its attorneys in the lawsuit. What role Kennedy might hold if Trump wins on Tuesday remains unclear. Kennedy recently told NewsNation that Trump asked him to reorganize agencies including the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Institutes of Health, the Food and Drug Administration and some agencies under the Department of Agriculture. But for now, the former independent presidential candidate has become one of Trump's top surrogates. Trump frequently mentions having the support of Kennedy, a scion of a Democratic dynasty and the son of former Attorney General Robert Kennedy and nephew of President John F. Kennedy. Kennedy traveled with Trump Friday and spoke at his rallies in Michigan and Wisconsin. Trump said Saturday that he told Kennedy: You can work on food, you can work on anything you want" except oil policy. He wants health, he wants womens health, he wants mens health, he wants kids, he wants everything," Trump added. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy For decades, an unsolved cold case has haunted residents of a sleepy Maryland neighborhood. Two days into the spring school holidays in 1975, and just days away from celebrating their 11th and 13th birthdays, Katherine and Sheila Lyon went out for pizza. When they didnt return home by curfew, their mom panicked. Hours later, police were alerted, and an active search got underway. Divers, dogs and planes were deployed in one of the largest investigations the Washington, DC metropolitan area had ever seen. The little girls parents even sought help from a clairvoyant, but their efforts were to no avail. The case sat cold for 42 years until, finally, investigators unearthed the file of a troubled young man with a pockmarked face who was interviewed by police days after the Lyon sisters disappearance. Lloyd Lee Welch Jr now aged 67 was convicted in 2017 of the sisters abduction and murder. To this day, their remains have not been found. This week, investigators began examining an area of land long linked with Katherine and Sheilas disappearance. There was new evidence from a cold case in Taylors Mountain, Virginia, the US Marshals Service said on Monday, although they did not specify what the evidence was or which case it related to. Katherine and Sheila vanish open image in gallery Sheila Lyon was about to turn 13 when she disappeared ( FBI ) Katherine, 10, and Sheila, 12, lived with their parents and two brothers in Kensington, a tightly-knit, upper-middle-class town in Maryland. After breakfast on March 25, 1975, the girls left for Wheaton Plaza shopping center, about half a mile down the road, carrying $2 each in their pockets. Their mother, Mary Lyon, had given them strict instructions to return home by 4pm. Why dont you stop off and get some pizza, she told the girls, as per her interview with the Toledo Blade on April 8, 1975. At about 2.30pm, a friend spotted the girls walking home. While cooking fried chicken in her kitchen at 5.45pm, Mary began to worry that her girls were still out of the house. By 7pm, Montgomery County Police Department was alerted of the missing sisters, and an active search began. The Tape Recorder Man open image in gallery Montgomery County Police Department facial composite of Lloyd Lee Welch Jr from 1975 ( Montgomery County Police Department ) A prevailing theory was that the girls were snatched by a man who was seen speaking to them on a bench outside a pizza parlor. He was recording the conversation on a tape machine, according to witnesses. Two composite drawings were rendered, with investigators nicknaming the suspect Tape Recorder Man. One of the Lyon sisters friends, who was slightly older than Sheila, also described a young, long-haired man ogling the children. Why dont you take a picture of us? Itll last longer! the friend told the man, according to Mark Bowdens expose, The Last Stone. Police rendered a sketch of a disheveled young man with a pitted face and scars on his left cheek. On April 1, 1975, an aloof 18-year-old traveled to the shopping center to inform security he had seen a man matching the description. The eyewitness provided his name: Lloyd Lee Welch Jr. The long-haired drifter came from a withdrawn family who lived in the Appalachians. Welch had a penchant for drugs and alcohol and he was already building up an extensive criminal record. The teen provided police with a six-page statement recounting his version of events, and consented to a polygraph test. He failed the test, received a lecture about lying to police, and was sent on his way. Hunt for the Lyon sisters open image in gallery Katherine Lyon, the younger of the Lyon girls, was about to turn 11 ( FBI ) Police sent scuba divers into ponds and storm sewers, searched from the sky in planes, and combed through acres of woodland and vacant buildings. Specially-trained dogs were flown in to catch the girls scent in the Wheaton Plaza car park, only for it to be lost. A $9,000 reward was offered for the sisters safe return. On May 23, 1975, Maryland Lieutenant Governor Blair Lee ordered 122 National Guardsmen to participate in a search of a Montgomery County forest for the missing girls again to no avail. A tap was placed on the familys telephone, and a policeman lived in their home for nearly a month, investigating every tip, according to the Lewington Tribune in August 1975. By August, the girls mother Mary had lost hope, and believed them to be dead. As the leaves started to yellow and summer drew to a close, the case was considered cold. Case reopened open image in gallery A mugshot taken of Lloyd Lee Welch by Montgomery County Police Department, provided by the FBI ( FBI ) By 2013, many of those investigating the case were dead. The Lyon sisters case had been cold for almost 40 years. One day, the deputy sergeant for the Montgomery County Police Department, Chris Homrock, was trawling through the case files and stumbled on a document from 1975 he had never seen before. It belonged to an 18-year-old called Lloyd Lee Welch. The policeman noticed something peculiar: Welch looked suspiciously similar to the composite drawing of the adolescent who was reported to have leered at the girls. On further investigating Welch, Homrock learnt that he was incarcerated, at the back end of serving a 33-year sentence in a Delaware prison for molesting a 10-year-old girl in 1998. He had accrued a serious criminal history between 1973 and 1997 for offenses including rape, domestic violence, and assault with a knife. On October 16, Homrock traveled to Dover to visit Welch for the first in a string of eight interviews. I know why youre here, Welch muttered. Youre here about those two missing kids. Welch went on to tell a series of contradictory tales, spinning one story after the next to explain what had happened to the Lyon sisters, always placing the blame for the crime on others. By July 2014, his narrative became consistent: the girls had been abducted, raped and incinerated. Grim details emerge open image in gallery Lloyd Lee Welch became suspect number one when the case was reopened in 2013 ( FBI ) Welch admitted to investigators that the girls had been taken to the concrete basement at his uncles residence in Hyattsville. There, one of the sisters was allegedly sexually abused, the other dismembered, he told investigators. After stuffing the girls remains into a duffel bag, Welch said, he buried their bodies on family-owned land on Taylors Mountain in Thaxton, Virginia. Both the Hyattsville and Taylors Mountain residences were searched in September 2014. Welchs cousin Henry Parker told detectives that in spring 1975, he had helped move two army-style duffle bags from Welchs vehicle that weighed up to 70lbs and smelled like death. Welch claimed that the smell was rotten ground beef. The bags were tossed in a fire, Parker testified. A forensic search of the Taylors Mountain home uncovered small degraded fragments of human bone, a single tooth, a beaded necklace believed to have been worn by Katherine, and a section of charred wire, which may have been from Sheilas glasses. A May 2015 forensic examination of the rear room of the basement using Bluestar spray revealed extensive traces of blood, from the concrete floor to the ceiling. Samples were too degraded to conduct a genealogical analysis. Welch pleads guilty open image in gallery Welch was indicted in 2015 before pleading guilty to murder in 2017 ( Bedford County Sheriffs Office ) Welch continued to deny culpability for the girls actual murder giving revised accounts in January, February and May 2015. By July 2015, Welch was indicted on charges of second-degree murder, and this time, he admitted to abducting the girls in order that both he and his uncle could sexually abuse them in the basement of the Taylors Mountain home. They were killed in order for their captors to escape detection, Bedford County Sheriff Mike Brown told The Post. By the time of Welchs indictment, cold case investigators had devoted more than 16,000 hours to the re-investigation of the sisters disappearance, issued more than 50 search warrants, and conducted more than 100 formal interviews with family members, eyewitnesses, and other persons of interest. On September 12, 2017, Welch pleaded guilty to two counts of first-degree murder. He received two concurrent 48-year sentences in relation to two counts of first-degree murder. On completion of his prison term in Delaware in 2026, Welch will be transferred to the Virginia facility. Every day, Welch wakes up worrying that someone might put a shank in him for his crimes, he told Bowden in 2019. Welch was prosecuted in Bedford County, Virginia, because authorities believe the childrens bodies are most likely buried in this location the same area investigators have suddenly begun searching again. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Donald Trump and Kamala Harris hit the campaign trail for the final Sunday in one of the closest US presidential races in recent memory. The former president was attending events in Pennsylvania, North Carolina and Georgia, three closely fought swing states that could well determine the result in the coming days. During a two-hour address on his first stop of the day, Trump gave a profane and conspiracy-laden speech in which he mused about reporters being shot and labeled Democrats as demonic. open image in gallery The race continues to be extremely tight, right up to election day on Tuesday ( AP ) Noting the ballistic glass placed in front of him at events after a gunman nearly assassinated him at a July rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, Trump talked about places where he saw openings. I have this piece of glass here, he said. But all we have really over here is the fake news. And to get me, somebody would have to shoot through the fake news. And I dont mind that so much. His campaign later sought to clarify his meaning. President Trump was brilliantly talking about the two assassination attempts on his own life, including one that came within 1/4 of an inch from killing him, something that the media constantly talks and jokes about, campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung said in a statement. The Presidents statement about protective glass placement has nothing to do with the media being harmed, or anything else. Trump also referred to John Bolton, his former national security adviser and now a strident critic, as a dumb son of a b****. And he repeated familiar and debunked theories about voter fraud, alleging that Democrats could only win by cheating. Its a crooked country, Trump said. And were going to make it straight. Were going to make it straight. open image in gallery Kamala Harris during her visit to the Greater Emmanuel Institutional Church of God in Christ in Detroit, Michigan ( Reuters ) Harris made her closing pitch for the US presidency at a historically Black church in another battleground state, Michigan. In just two days we have the power to decide the fate of our nation for generations to come, Harris told parishioners at Greater Emmanuel Institutional Church of God in Christ in Detroit. We must act. Its not enough to only pray; not enough to just talk. We must act on the plans he has in store for us, and we must make them real through our works, in our daily choices, in services to our communities, in our democracy. Her campaign received a boost in Iowa on Saturday when a respected poll for the Des Moines Register newspaper put the Democrat three points ahead in a state Trump has won twice, although another poll put the Republican 10 points ahead. Overall opinion polls continue to show the pair locked in a tight race, with Harris, 60, bolstered by strong support among women voters while former president Trump, 78, gains ground with Hispanic voters, particularly men. open image in gallery It may take several days after voting before it is clear whether Kamala Harris or Donald Trump will be the next US president ( Alamy ) Voters overall view both candidates unfavorably, according to Reuters/Ipsos polling, but that so far has not dissuaded them from casting ballots. More than 76 million US citizens have already done so ahead of Tuesdays Election Day, according to the University of Floridas Election Lab, approaching half the total 160 million votes cast in 2020, in which US voter turnout was the highest in more than a century. Control of the US Congress is also up for grabs on Tuesday, with Republicans favored to capture a majority in the Senate while Democrats are seen as having an even chance of flipping Republicans narrow majority in the House of Representatives. Presidents whose parties have not controlled both chambers have struggled to pass major new legislation over the past decade. Trump was due to speak later on Sunday in Kinston, North Carolina, before ending his day with an evening rally in Macon, Georgia. Of the seven US states seen as competitive, Georgia and North Carolina are the second-biggest prizes up for grabs on Tuesday, with each holding 16 of the 270 votes a candidate needs to win in the state-by-state Electoral College to secure the presidency. Pennsylvania offers 19 electors. open image in gallery Harris had a boost in a surprise poll in a state Trump won twice ( AFP ) Election analysts believe Harris would need to win about 45 electoral votes in the seven swing states to win the White House, while Trump would need about 51, when accounting for the states they are forecast to win easily. After her Detroit appearance, Harris was due to head to East Lansing, a college town in Michigan, an industrial state that is viewed as a must-win for the Democrat. She faces skepticism from some of the states 200,000 Arab Americans who are frustrated Harris has not done more to help end the war in Gaza and scale back aid to Israel. Trump visited Dearborn, the heart of the Arab American community, on Friday and vowed to end the wars in the Middle East. Harris, who has met behind closed doors with selected Arab American and Muslim leaders, will focus her energy on Black neighborhoods on Sunday. Samah Noureddine, 44, a Lebanese American from Grosse Ile, a town near Detroit, said she voted for Joe Biden in 2020 but was casting a ballot for Jill Stein of the Green Party this year. Im upset because Harris is funding the genocide and if we get Trump were going to suffer too, she said. Im sick of both of them. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Elon Musk has seen engagement on his X account significantly increase since he waded into the presidential election and endorsed Donald Trump, new research claims. The billionaire saw view counts on his posts increase by 138 percent, retweets by 238 percent, and likes by 186 percent, academics Timothy Graham and Mark Andrejevic claim in their research, which was published by The Conversation. This compares with other prominent political accounts on X, which saw increases of 57 percent in view counts, 152 percent in retweets and 130 percent in likes. The researchers said they compared Musks engagement metrics with a set of other prominent political accounts from the period of January 1 2024 to 25 October 2024. Other accounts they used as a comparison included Tucker Carlson and Donald Trump Jr. They also examined prominent Democrats accounts, including Kamala Harris, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Bernie Sanders. Their research found that while engagement went up for all accounts after July, Musk enjoyed a particularly large boost. Elon Musk has become a key player in Trumps election campaign ( AP ) Musk endorsed Trump in the days after the first assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania on July 13. Since then, he has become an influential part of the MAGA movement. Shortly after Musk endorsed Trumps presidential campaign, there was a statistically anomalous boost in engagement with his X account, the researchers said. Suddenly, his posts were getting much higher views, retweets and likes in comparison to other prominent political accounts on the platform. This raises suspicions as to whether Musk has tweaked the platforms algorithm to increase the reach of his posts in advance of the US presidential election. The SpaceX owner has more than 200 million followers on the social media platform. X did not respond to a request for comment from The Conversation. The researchers acknowledged that it is impossible to know for sure whether changes to its curation system are boosting its owners posts due to the platforms limited access when it comes to research. Tesla and X CEO Musk, the worlds richest man, has become a key player in Trumps camp this election. Not only has he spoken at two of Trumps rallies calling himself dark, gothic MAGA at a rally in New York City but the former president has said hed let him lead the charge on gutting the federal government if hes elected. Musk gave nearly $75 million to a pro-Trump super PAC America PAC that he helped form in the summer, CNN reports. Federal filings show that Musk has given at least $132 million to help Trump and conservatives in Congressional races this year. He has become one of the most prolific donors of the 2024 election cycle. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Kamala Harris has surpassed Donald Trump in a new poll in Iowa, a state Trump easily won in 2016 and 2020, according to a bombshell new poll. Women and older voters are responsible for the remarkable turnaround in the Selzer poll carried out for the Des Moines Register newspaper and released on Saturday. The Trump campaign criticised the findings, and pointed to another poll the same day that gives the Republican a ten point lead in the same state. The Selzer poll of 808 likely voters, who were surveyed between October 28 and 31, has Harris leading Trump 47%-44% in a state that has been trending deeply Republican in recent years. It is within the 3.4 percentage point margin of error, but it marked a turnaround from a September Iowa Poll that had Trump with a 4-point lead, the newspaper reported. open image in gallery Kamala Harris turnaround a four point lead for Trump in the latest Iowa poll ( EPA ) The poll shows that women particularly those who are older or who are politically independent are driving the late shift toward Harris, the Register said. The two candidates starkly different positions on abortion will likely have been a contributing factor in the unexpected numbers by the respected pollster. Selzer has a history of predicting accurate results in presidential and senate races, with figures below showing polling vs outcome for the last 12 years. Trump won Iowa in his past two presidential campaigns by more than 9 percentage points in 2016 and 8 points in 2020. Its hard for anybody to say they saw this coming, said pollster J. Ann Selzer, president of Selzer & Co. She has clearly leaped into a leading position. Age and gender are the two most dynamic factors that are explaining these numbers. The Trump campaign released a memo from its chief pollster and its chief data consultant calling the Des Moines Register poll a clear outlier, and saying that an Emerson College poll - also released Saturday - more closely reflected the state of the Iowa electorate. The Emerson College Polling/RealClearDefense survey of a similar number of likely voters on November 1 and 2 had a starkly different result, with Trump leading Harris by 10 points. This poll also has a 3.4 percentage point margin of error. The Emerson College survey had Trump with strong leads over Harris among men and independents, while Harris was performing well with those under the age of 30. open image in gallery Trump, pictured at a Fox News Town Hall in Des Moines in a January, will not be pleased with the poll his campaign branded an outlier ( Getty Images ) And Iowa GOP chair Jeff Kaufman lashed out at the poll, the pollster and the newspaper after it was published. The @DMRegister & @jaselzer just lost any shred of credibility they had left, Kaufman tweeted on Saturday. This should be classified as spreading propaganda with polling like this. Its sad to watch how far theyve fallen. President Trump will win Iowa. Just a few hours earlier, Kaufman had tweeted that the Selzer poll would say Trump is on track to beat Harris by at least eight points in Iowa so they can protect their reputation right before Election Day. Nationally, Harris and Trump are seen locked in a tight race for the White House, with early voting well underway ahead of Election Day on Tuesday. Whoever wins Iowa will collect six Electoral College votes, with 270 needed to capture the White House. Both parties have been concentrating their efforts during the closing days of their campaigns on battleground states such as North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin. Reuters contributed to this report Representatives of the Russian aggressor country have accused Ukraine of allegedly not wanting to take back its prisoners of war. These statements were made by the Russian Federation's Human Rights Ombudsman Tatyana Moskalkova and Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova. ADVERTISIMENT Both claimed that Kyiv "does not want to work on exchanges". Dmytro Lubinets, the Ukrainian Parliamentary Commissioner for Human Rights, responded to these accusations, noting that our country is always ready to accept all our citizens. What they say in Russia Moskalkova said that "due to the politicization of the issue by the Ukrainian side," the exchange processes are extremely difficult and slow. She said that Ukraine has allegedly not agreed to accept soldiers from the 102nd, 126th, and 118th separate brigades for more than a year. According to her, only 279 of the 935 Ukrainian servicemen offered for exchange have been accepted. "We consider it necessary to return to a constructive dialogue and speed up the exchange of prisoners," the ombudsman wrote. Meanwhile, Zakharova said that there is a direct way to exchange prisoners of war. "All channels for this are institutionalized and working. They (Ukraine - Ed.) do not want to do it," she said at a briefing. ADVERTISIMENT The Russian Foreign Ministry representative also criticized the Ukrainian side's desire to involve partners from other countries in the exchange process, who could become intermediaries between Ukraine and Russia. Lubinets' response The Ukrainian ombudsman said that he wants to receive from his Russian counterpart all the lists of Ukrainian prisoners of war whom Russia is urgently ready to return. He emphasized that it is usually the Russian Federation that slows down the exchange process and uses it as a method of influencing Ukrainian society. "After all, Ukraine is always ready to accept all the lists and all our citizens! We are always ready to exchange prisoners of war! We adhere to the Geneva Conventions and international humanitarian law!" Lubinets wrote. As reported by OBOZ.UA, Lubinets said that international partners had made new proposals that could speed up the process of returning civilian Ukrainians and prisoners of war, as well as deported children, from Russian captivity. The main idea is to find a state that will undertake to take care of this issue and perform the functions of Ukrainian diplomats in Russia. Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Vice President Kamala Harris has run a presidential campaign on policies intended to appeal to a broad scope of Americans, especially those looking for an alternative to Donald Trump. Though Harris has spent the last four years in the White House, her role as VP has largely centered around supporting the Biden administrations initiatives. Having only entered the race in July after President Joe Biden was pushed out, Harris has only had a few months to make her own agenda clear. Once known for progressive liberal policies, Harris has adopted more moderate ideas in an effort to appeal to a broader group of Americans. That includes a tougher position on immigration and championing the Second Amendment while still advocating for gun control legislation. Heres where she stands on the issues. Abortion open image in gallery Vice President Kamala Harris is embracing her position as the Democrats leading champion for abortion rights in this year's election ( AP ) Harris is a strong advocate for all reproductive rights and has been throughout her career. A pillar of her presidential campaign is promising to restore the federal right to abortion and veto any legislation that would enact a national ban. As a senator in 2019, Harris pitched a plan to require states to clear any reproductive health laws with the Department of Justice to ensure that they dont violate federal abortion rights. When the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022 she became a vocal opponent of the decision and embarked on a Fight for Reproductive Freedoms tour around the country, becoming the unofficial Biden administration ambassador to the issue. Shes called state abortion bans a health care crisis and highlighted their negative impact on maternal mortality rates throughout her campaign. Harris said she would not make concessions on the issue if Congress passed federal legislation, even for religious exemptions. The Economy Harris released a comprehensive economic plan in September that largely benefits the middle class. Her tax plan aims to help small businesses and individuals who earn less than $400,000. Measures include expanding tax deductions for small businesses, restoring the earned income tax credit, promising to not raise taxes for those making less than $400k and implementing a $6,000 child tax credit. She has also proposed providing $25,000 in assistance for qualified first-time homebuyer. Much like Biden, Harris wants to raise taxes on corporations and wealthy individuals and increase the corporate tax rate from 21 percent to 28 percent. However, she deviates from Biden when it comes to the capital gains tax rate saying she supports a rate of 28 percent compared to Bidens 44.6 percent. Harris supports Bidens student loan forgiveness plan. Immigration open image in gallery Kamala Harris, pictured in 2019, visits the outside of a detention center for migrant children in Homestead, Florida ( Getty Images ) Once a champion for immigrants rights and a strong opponent of most of Trumps U.S. Mexico policies, Harris has recently taken a tougher stance on border security. As anti-immigration rhetoric and policies become more popular with voters, Harris has pivoted to support the bipartisan border bill Congress was unable to pass earlier this year due to Trumps interference. Her immigration policies have been scrutinized by Republicans who have blamed Harris for the influx of migrants and border crossings. Trump nicknamed her the border czar despite Harris never holding an executive position that would give her the ability to control the border. She was tasked with analyzing the root causes of migration from Central America in 2021 and visited the border before the end of Title 42 the emergency Covid-era policy that allowed the US to turn away migrants. At the time, she advocated for thoughtful and effective policies to be enacted Foreign Policy Harriss position on foreign policy has not deviated far from Bidens. Shes said she is committed to pursuing global engagement and defending democratic values at home and abroad. In October, she declared Iran the greatest adversary to the United States asserting Iranians should never obtain nuclear power. She supports US involvement in NATO and said in 2019 that she would re-enter the Paris Agreement if she were to be elected. She is supportive of Ukraine and vowed to back them in their war against Russia. Israel and Gaza open image in gallery The Biden-Harris adminstration has faced backlash from some Democrats for not taking a tougher line on Israel ( AP ) In the wake of the October 7 attack, Harris voiced strong support for Israel and maintained that hostages should be brought home, but in recent months has indicated she could be tougher on Israel than her predecessor. In December, the vice president said she and Biden had been clear with the Israeli government that, it matters how Israel defends itself, while in March, she pushed for a ceasefire. Harris declined to preside over the Senate chamber when Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addresses a joint Congressional meeting in July. In the past, she voiced support for a two-state solution. Crime As a former prosecutor and attorney general of California, Harris has pitched herself as a progressive prosecutor who implemented criminal justice reforms ahead of her time. She opposed the death penalty, implemented racial bias training for parts of law enforcement and introduced a re-entry program to help low-level offenders, among other incentives while attorney general. When Harris ran for president in 2019, her platform emphasized the fight for racial justice. She said she would expand investigations into police misconduct, establish a national police misconduct registry, set a national standard for use of force and require states to report use of force incidents. Critics have been skeptical of Harriss promises since her record shows some contradictions. She fought to keep prisoners in prison, even after it was determined California prisons were overcrowded. Critics are also quick to point out that she prosecuted marijuana crimes at a higher rate than her predecessor. Harris, a firearm owner, believes in maintaining Second Amendment rights while enacting gun safety legislation. Shes advocated for a ban on assault weapons, universal background checks and red-flag laws. Healthcare The Biden administration has taken steps to lower the cost of commonly used prescription drugs for seniors something that will save the government an estimated $98 billion. Using the money saved, Harris has proposed expanding Medicare coverage to provide support for home health services something that will combat the countrys growing long-term care crisis for older adults. The proposed plan would expand Medicare benefits to cover vision and hearing. Harris also supports the Affordable Care Act known as Obamacare, access to in vitro fertilization treatments and expanding Medicaid coverage to postpartum mothers. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Kamala Harris poked fun at Donald Trumps garbage truck struggles as she made a surprise appearance on Saturday Night Live just days before America goes to the polls. The vice president, who has been played on the 50th season of the comedy show by Maya Rudolph, flew to New York City on Saturday evening after a campaign event in Charlotte, North Carolina. Harris made the unscheduled stop while on her way to Detroit, Michigan, with Air Force Two landing at LaGuardia Airport in Queens. It was the final episode of the show before Election Day on Tuesday. open image in gallery US Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris and US actress Maya Rudolph participate in Saturday Night Live live late-night sketch comedy show at NBC studios in New York City on November 2, 2024 ( AFP via Getty Images ) She appeared in the shows cold opening opposite Rudolphs version of her as the actress looked into a mirror and said she wished she could talk to someone who has been in my shoes. The camera then panned to the reflection in the mirror, where the beaming vice president sat, receiving a huge cheer from the studio audience. You and me both sister, Harris told Rudolph. It is nice to see you Kamala, Harris added. I am just here to remind you that you have got this. You can do something your opponent cannot do like open doors. The joke came just days after a viral video of Trump struggling to climb into the door of a garbage truck in Wisconsin while wearing an orange fluorescent safety vest. Vice President Harris makes surprise appearance on @nbcsnl pic.twitter.com/oY2IoMLIEh Kamala HQ (@KamalaHQ) November 3, 2024 Harris then asked Rudolph if she really laughed like the actress portrayed on the show. Eeeeeh, a little bit, Rudolph told her before saying that she was going to vote for us. Any chance you are registered in Pennsylvania? Harris replied of the swing state that will play a pivotal role in deciding who takes the White House. In response to the sketch, the Trump campaign told News Nation in a statement that Harris was living out her warped fantasy cosplaying with her elitist friends. open image in gallery US Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris and US actress Maya Rudolph participate in Saturday Night Live live late-night sketch comedy show at NBC studios in New York City on November 2, 2024 ( AFP via Getty Images ) In October, the shows creator Lorne Michaels told The Hollywood Reporter that SNL had not approached any candidate and had no plans to do so. You cant bring the actual people who are running on because of election laws and the equal time provisions, Michaels said of the FCCs rules on equal time for candidates. You cant have the main candidates without having all the candidates, and there are lots of minor candidates that are only on the ballot in, like, three states and that becomes really complicated. This season, in addition to Rudolph playing Harris, James Austin Johnson has played Trump, while Jim Gaffigan and Bowen Yang have taken on the roles of Tim Walz and JD Vance. open image in gallery US Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris and US actress Maya Rudolph participate in Saturday Night Live live late-night sketch comedy show at NBC studios in New York City on November 2, 2024 ( AFP via Getty Images ) Dana Carvey has played the part of Joe Biden and Andy Samberg has portrayed Harriss husband Doug Emhoff. Earlier on Saturday Trump senior adviser Jason Miller told the Associated Press he was surprised Harris would appear on the show, which he said has not been flattering towards her. Asked if Trump had been invited to go on SNL, he told AP, I dont know. Probably not. It is not the first time that the show has had heavyweight political guests make cameo appearances. In 2007, President Barack Obama, who was then a candidate appeared on the show, hidden to begin with under a Halloween mask, Hillary Clinton, who was a candidate that year, also made a cameo. .@KamalaHarris joins Hillary Clinton, Bob Dole, and George H.W. Bush, who all appeared on SNL alongside their impersonators pic.twitter.com/spZUxlfreM Nandita Bose (@nanditab1) November 3, 2024 Sarah Palin, who was the vice president candidate on John McCains ticket, appeared weeks before the election. Donald Trump hosted the show in 2015 as a candidate for the Republican nomination for the 2016 election, which he went on to win. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The troubles for Tim Sheehy are only increasing ahead of Election Day in Montana, where the Republican Senate candidate is hoping to defeat incumbent Democrat Jon Tester and flip a crucial seat in the upper chamber of Congress. Sheehy sat down for an interview with conservative journalist Megyn Kelly on Saturday, where he struggled to explain the shifting story behind an injury he claims was a bullet wound suffered in Afghanistan in a possible friendly fire incident one he says he covered up to avoid getting Afghan allied forces in trouble. Kelly pressed the former SEAL to explain where the injury actually occurred, and whether he was hurt in 2015 when he went to Glacier National Park with his family. Sheehy, in response to reporting on his explanation for the bullet wound byThe Washington Post, claimed in a statement that he injured himself in a fall at the park in 2015, then used that injury as cover for the bullet wound. open image in gallery Montana Senate candidate Tim Sheehy has seen his polling lead shrink amid new scrutiny into a story hes told about a bullet wound he supposedly suffered in Afghanistan ( Getty Images ) It looks like you spoke to the Washington Post, and you said that you lied when you told the park ranger when you told them [you shot yourself in the park], Kelly said. Sheehy then offered a convoluted answer in which he claimed that medical officials, treating him for a wound he suffered at the park, had informed him that they were required to report the wound to law enforcement because of the bullet which Sheehy claimed had been dislodged by his fall and subsequent re-injury. But it wasnt clear why Sheehy would need to lie at that point a report Sheehy made to a Park Ranger in Montana about being shot in Afghanistan years earlier by a member of the Afghan security forces would not have caused recriminations thousands of miles away. He told Kelly that hospital records were not available to verify his claims. Its likely that, if he was treated in a hospital, doctors would have been able to tell the difference between a fresh gunshot wound and an injury suffered in a fall. open image in gallery Sheehy is hoping to defeat incumbent Democrat Jon Tester ( AP ) The Senate candidate also did not explain why the park ranger who came forward to discuss her side of the story, Kim Peach, told the Post that shed verified Sheehys firearm had been discharged on the day of the accident in the park in 2015. Nor did he explain why a gunshot had been reported by other park guests. A former Navy SEAL deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, Sheehy has been widely seen as the Republican Partys best hope of unseating an incumbent this cycle. His victory in Montana, coupled with the presumed loss of West Virginias seat due to Joe Manchins departure, would hand Republicans a majority in the Senate assuming no GOP incumbents lose their seats this cycle. But the Democratic Partys focus on his unclear answers about his military service and the wound he either suffered in Afghanistan or Montana has thrown a wrench into the race and suddenly pushed the prospect of GOP Senate control into real danger. Polls have shown Sheehys lead dropping in recent weeks; one, conducted by Montana State University - Billings had the race tied in early October. If Tester wins re-election on Tuesday, Sheehys failure to provide a clear explanation to respond to questions about whether he lied about the origin of his bullet wound will likely play a large part in it. The race is the third-most expensive congressional race of the 2024 cycle, behind only Texas and Ohio; Democrats have poured millions into attacking Sheehy in an attempt to narrow the polls, and may have found success with this issue. Sheehy himself remains a decorated veteran; he was awarded a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Donald Trump clinched victory in the 2024 presidential election last week, sweeping all seven swing states to secure 312 Electoral College votes in a dramatic and historic week for America. The president-elect eliminated his Democratic rival Kamala Harriss chances of making history as the first female president, and will now return to the White House on January 20, 2025 to serve a second term. Trump cemented his nationwide victory in the early hours of November 6 as the announcement of Wisconsins results took him over the line to surpass the 270 electoral votes needed to win the presidency. There were jubilant scenes at Trumps election night party in West Palm Beach, Florida, where the president-elect hailed the greatest political movement of all time and ushered in a golden age for America. Harris, meanwhile, addressed her supporters late afternoon on November 6, where she vowed to keep fighting in her concession speech. The vice president called Trump to congratulate him the following day. The light of the American promise will always burn bright as long as we never give up, she told the crowd, as her voice appeared to crack. Trump who was rejected by a majority of Americans in 2020 during his re-election campaign after winning an unprecedented race in 2016 flipped every swing state that incumbent President Joe Biden won in 2020. The president-elects legislative agenda will likely have support in Congress, where Republicans have flipped control of the Senate garnering a six seat majority and will keep control of the House of Representatives, having secured the 218 seats needed to maintain their majority. Trump broke through the so-called blue wall of Rust Belt battleground states, including Michigan, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania. He also won the battleground states of Arizona, Georgia, North Carolina and Nevada closing out his sweep of the seven swing states. Harris supporters were pictured in distress at the watch party on election night at her alma mater Howard University in Washington DC as results began to trickle in. It was a very different picture over at West Palm Beach, where at 1.47am Fox News declared Trump the winner before some states had declared their results as he prepared to speak to his supporters. Its a political victory that our country has never seen before. Nothing like this, Trump told his supporters from a convention center stage at 2.30am while surrounded by members of the Trump family and his closest allies. open image in gallery Donald Trump basks in his election night victory at a convention center in West Palm Beach, Florida ( Getty Images ) Federal law enforcement agencies and election officials were prepared for disruptions this year after the chaotic aftermath of the 2020 election and Trumps spurious efforts to overturn the results of a race he lost. Officials attributed non-credible bomb threats in several states to Russian actors. Voters ranked the state of democracy as their number one issue informing their voting decision, according to exit polls. Trump has also won in Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Florida, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Ohio, Oklahoma, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nevada North Dakota, South Dakota, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, West Virginia and Wyoming, according to preliminary results. Harris, meanwhile, won the states of California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia and Washington state as well as Washington DC. She also picked up electoral votes in Maine and Nebraska, two states with a unique split electoral vote scenario, rather than the winner-take-all outcome in other states. Trumps victory in Georgia reverses Democratic gains in the state after Biden narrowly defeated Trump there in 2020, when he became the first Democratic candidate to carry the state since Bill Clinton in 1992. His victory in Florida marks his third consecutive win in the state, after Democratic former president Barack Obama carried the state in both 2008 and 2012. open image in gallery Chairs and trash in an empty field following a Harris election night watch party at Howard University, Washington DC ( Getty Images ) Trump won four of Nebraskas five electoral votes in that states split electoral vote count and also won one electoral vote in Maine. Media outlets made their projections for each states winner as election workers counted ballots and preliminary voting data was released.The Independent relies on projections from the Associated Press. Outlets published their final projections in the early hours of November 6, with the Associated Press calling the race for Trump at 5:34 am ET. However, those determinations are only projections. The results must be certified in each state and then certified by Congress on January 6, 2025. Experts previously told The Independent that the timeline for calling the race largely depended on two things: How close the election is in individual states and the specific laws of those states regarding counting votes and potential recounts, which all vary. Senate and House races Republicans have seized control of the Senate for the first time in four years after flipping six seats and wresting a narrow majority in the upper chamber of Congress from Democrats of 53 to 47 seats. Republicans also maintained control of the House after securing a 218-seat majority on November 13. A Republican trifecta with leadership in the White House and majorities in the Senate and House of Representatives could quickly usher through the GOPs sweeping legislative agenda that has largely been restrained by Democratic lawmakers and Bidens presidency. Democratic candidates have now secured 214 House seats and Republicans have 220, with 1 yet to be called. Meanwhile, in the Senate, controversial Republican Tim Sheehy from Montana has defeated Democratic incumbent Jon Tester. Voters in Ohio have ousted Democratic Senator Sherrod Brown and elected Republican challenger Bernie Moreno, who previously called the former president a lunatic but has since adopted his agenda. West Virginias Republican Governor Jim Justice has won a seat in the Senate, flipping a seat previously held by now-former Democratic Senator Joe Manchin, who is not seeking re-election. Republican Senator Rick Scott of Florida defeated Democratic opponent Debbie Mucarsel-Powell. And in Texas, Republican Ted Cruz fended off a challenge from Democratic candidate Colin Allred. In Marylands Senate race, Democratic candidate Angela Alsobrooks defeated the states former governor Larry Hogan, an anti-Trump Republican. Alsobrooks is set to become the first Black person the state ever elected to the Senate. For the first time in history, the Senate will include two Black women, including Alsobrooks and Democratic Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester of Delaware. Nevadas Democratic Senate Jacky Rosen has fended off a challenge from Republican Sam Brown. Independent senators Bernie Sanders of Vermont and Angus King of Maine both won re-election to their Senate seats. The Independent has included Sanders and King in the Democratic count because they caucus with the party. The final Senate race was called late on November 11, when Ruben Gallego defeated GOP candidate Kari Lake to secure Arizonas seat, which was previously held by independent Kyrsten Sinema. Only 34 of the nations 100 seats in the Senate were up for election this year, as senators serve six-year terms with a third being elected every two years. Eighteen of those seats were previously held by Democratic senators, posing a threat to their slim majority. But all 435 seats in the House were up for election. Voters in Delaware have elected Democratic candidate Sarah McBride to fill the states single House seat, making her the first openly transgender member of Congress in American history. Results will be refreshed live as they come in. Check back for updates. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Donald Trump made a last-ditch play to save his campaigns flagging numbers in Pennsylvania but instead spent part of a rally telling his supporters he did not mind if journalists were shot. The ex-president was in Lititz for an outdoor rally on Sunday. Bolstered by her opponents flagging poll numbers across the board, Kamala Harris is going for the jugular with a final push of campaigning alongside an all-star lineup aimed at pushing herself over the top in several key swing states. Pennsylvania, which Trump won in 2016 and then lost to Biden (along with the presidency) in 2020, is one of them. The vice presidents campaign is spread across the state, too, ahead of Election Day. At his rally on Sunday, Trump appeared to be tiring to some degree, and in a quieter tone than he has at other events described at one point how a would-be assassin would have to fire through a nearby riser of journalists to reach him. One of two assassination attempts against the ex-presidents life was carried out in Pennsylvania this summer. I have a piece of glass here...But all we have really over here is the fake news. And to get me, somebody would have to shoot through the fake news. And I dont mind that so much. I dont mind that. Trump: "I have a piece of glass here...But all we have really over here is the fake news. And to get me, somebody would have to shoot through the fake news, and I don't mind that so much. I don't mind that." pic.twitter.com/V95vb05Jez Republican Voters Against Trump (@AccountableGOP) November 3, 2024 His campaign put out a statement in response claiming that Trump was actually talking about his concerns for the safety of journalists at the rally an obviously false statement, as Trump himself had said he didnt mind that horrifying scenario playing out. Twice. President Trump was brilliantly talking about the two assassination attempts on his own life, including one that came within 1/4 of an inch from killing him, something that the Media constantly talks and jokes about. The Presidents statement about protective glass placement has nothing to do with the Media being harmed, or anything else, argued Steven Cheung, a Trump campaign spokesman. Cheung added of Trumps remarks: It was about threats against him that were spurred on by dangerous rhetoric from Democrats. In fact, President Trump was stating that the Media was in danger, in that they were protecting him and, therefore, were in great danger themselves, and should have had a glass protective shield, also. There can be no other interpretation of what was said. He was actually looking out for their welfare, far more than his own!" It isnt the first time even in the past week that Donald Trump has vocalized one of his apparently violent fantasies while his campaign and various allies have tried to paper over it and pretend like his remarks dont exist. Of his Republican critic Liz Cheney, he said on Thursday: Shes a radical war hawk. Lets put her with the rifle standing there with nine barrels shooting at her. OK, lets see how she feels about it. You know, when the guns are trained on her face. Donald Trump inspects a pane of bulletproof glass at his rally in Lititz, Pennsylvania, on Sunday ( Getty Images ) Trump has also expressed a desire to see protesters beaten up at his rallies several protesters have since been beaten up at his rallies as they were carried out by security. His anger at his political enemies has only grown in the weeks leading up to Election Day, though his language aimed at Democrats and virtually anyone who opposes him from a political standpoint crossed the boundary into dehumanization months ago. He has, this year, called Democrats not people in some cases as well as the enemies within in the latter case, naming several Democrats specifically, including Nancy Pelosi, to whom he said that phrase applied. The ex-president also threatened to call out the military against protesters in the United States. On Sunday, he called the entire party demonic, told voters he shouldnt have left office in 2021 after the assault on the US Capitol and his election defeat, while vowing a new personal grudge against Michelle Obama: I think we're gonna start having a little fun with Michelle." Voters are set to decide if he will have the keys to the White House in less than 48 hours. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A Pakistan-based company has issued an apology for a mistake that led thousands of Dubliners to line up on the streets, eagerly awaiting a Halloween parade that never happened. Scores of decked-out people packed OConnell Street in Dublin city centre on Thursday, as the enthusiastic crowd arrived to watch the parade. The crowd also left a huge gap in the middle of the road for the giant Halloween puppets from Macnas, one of Irelands best-known theatre groups, to pass through, despite the absence of police barricades or any police presence. The event was first advertised on a website called myspirithalloween.com, promoting a parade to be held from 7pm to 9pm, and the interest it generated led the news to rank on Google. But parade-goers were instead spooked by the no-show of the procession after police informed them that no such event was happening, leading many to suspect that thousands had been scammed. Nazir Ali, the man behind the website, explained that the incident occurred due to human error when a team member copied last years event notice and pasted it into this years calendar. open image in gallery Hundreds line OConnell Street for the fake Halloween Parade ( @peterfarrelly/TikTok ) It was our mistake and we should have double checked it to make sure it was happening. But newspapers are reporting that we posted it intentionally and this is very, very wrong, Mr Ali told the Irish Times. We are highly embarrassed and highly depressed, and very sorry. The site, which he said was based in Pakistan, featured in the top Google results in the days leading up to 31 October and the posting on the parade was also shared widely on multiple social media platforms. Irish filmmaker Bertie Brosnan described the scene at the street where he was filming for 40 minutes, saying: From Parnell Square West both sides of the street people were packed five to 10 deep, lined up all the way down around the corner as far as the spire. open image in gallery Hundreds of people wait for the non-existant parade ( @peterfarrelly/TikTok ) Thousands were there. The Luas [tramline] was completely blocked on both lines. As the people unsuspecting of the mistake continued to swell on the streets, the Gardai (local police) was forced to put out a message for those waiting on OConnell Street to disperse safely. A spokesperson said: Please be advised that contrary to information being circulated online, no Halloween parade is scheduled to take place in Dublin city centre this evening or tonight. All those gathered on OConnell Street in expectation of such a parade are asked to disperse safely. Peter Farrelly who shot video from his window of the crowds gathering at OConnell Street told The Independent: It was funny. We are still smiling now. It took about an hour from the start time for people The Gardai were trying to clear the street. It was also the festival of Divali last night so a lot of people were out on the street as well. The event will not be investigated as "no criminal offences were disclosed", a Gardai spokesperson said. "An Garda Siochana advises that members of the public always verify any information online regarding upcoming events from trusted and reputable sources. "Public information on major events including traffic management, transport and public safety advice is often available on the Garda website, Dublin City Council website and from other relevant stakeholders," they added. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Handfuls of mud were thrown at the Spanish king and queen by hundreds of protesters in Valencia who chanted murderers, murderers, as the region continues to reel from deadly floods which have killed at least 217 people. Anger and frustration has been mounting among residents over what has been widely perceived as delayed alerts from the authorities about the severity of Tuesdays heavy rainfall, which triggered tsunami-style flooding. It was known and nobody did anything to avoid it, a young man told the king, who insisted on staying to talk to people despite the turmoil, while the prime minister Pedro Sanchez had quickly withdrawn. open image in gallery Chants of murderers and handfuls of mud were thrown at King Felipe of Spain ( MANAURE QUINTERO/AFP via Getty Images ) open image in gallery Spains King Felipe tries to calm down angry citizens ( EPA ) It comes as fears grow that large numbers of bodies remain trapped underwater including in the entirely submerged underground car park of Bonaire shopping centre, one of the largest in Spain. Specialist scuba divers are now searching for bodies in the car park, after it was reported that a number of shoppers had ignored advice from security guards to abandon their vehicles. No one knows for sure how many people there might still be down there, said Eduardo Martinez, who works in the centre. At one point in the visit to the stricken suburb of Paiporta, where more than 60 people have died, King Felipe held a man who was crying on his shoulder. open image in gallery Spains Queen Letizia, right, appeared emotional during her visit to Valencia ( EPA ) open image in gallery Security personnel attempt to protect the monarch from the protests ( REUTERS ) Online footage showed his wife, Letizia, crying as she hugged some residents. Her hair and face had traces of mud and one of her bodyguards had blood on his face, apparently from a hurled object. Bodyguards had opened umbrellas to try to protect the royals, in what has been described as an unprecedented scene which saw the Spanish royals embedded among the volatile crowd. While the prime minister has said the time will come to examine the action taken in the future, a blame game is already underway. The central government has said issuing alerts to the population is the responsibility of regional authorities. The Valencia authorities have said they acted as best as they could with the information available to them. open image in gallery Firefighters at a flooded underground car park at Bonaire mall in Valencia there are fears that large numbers of bodies remain trapped inside ( EPA ) Mr Sanchez said on Saturday that any potential negligence would be investigated later and called for political unity in the face of the tragedy. Valencias regional leader, Carlos Mazon, who also visited Paiporta to boos and insults from protesters, posted on X, formerly Twitter: I understand the public anger and of course I will stay to receive it. It is my political and moral obligation. The Kings attitude this morning has been exemplary. The death toll from the countrys worst flash floods in modern history edged higher to 217 on Sunday almost all in the Valencia region. Dozens of people were still unaccounted for, while some 3,000 households still had no electricity, officials said. open image in gallery People clean mud from the streets of Valencia ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) Thousands of additional soldiers and police officers joined the disaster relief effort over the weekend in the largest such peacetime operation in Spain. On Saturday, it was announced that a further 5,000 soldiers and an additional 5,000 police officers would join the rescue and clean-up operation. The floods engulfed streets and lower floors of buildings, and swept away cars and chunks of masonry in tides of mud. The tragedy is already Europes worst flood-related disaster in a single country since 1967 when at least some 500 people died in Portugal. Scientists say extreme weather events are becoming more frequent in Europe, and elsewhere, due to climate change. Meteorologists think the warming of the Mediterranean, which increases water evaporation, plays a key role in making torrential rains more severe. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Spains prime minister Pedro Sanchez has said nearly 15,000 troops and police have been deployed to help the cities and towns affected by Spains deadliest flooding disaster in recent history. Frustration over the governments management of the flooding crisis has sparked public outcry and prompted some citizens to turn to self-policing, frustrated by what they see as a lacklustre official response. Groups of local men are patrolling rubble-strewn, poorly lit streets in Paiporta, the suburb in Valencia where crowds pelted mud at Spains King Felipe and Queen Letizia when they visited at the weekend and where more than 60 people out of the total death toll of 217 were killed. One 19-year-old man, who gave his name as Martin, told reporters that he and his friends are taking the law into their own hands because they believe police are not carrying out their duty to maintain public safety. Were patrolling because we dont want our neighbours to feel the insecurity theyve been feeling the past few days due to various robberies, he said. People have already lost enough. Speaking at a press conference in Madrid on Tuesday, Mr Sanchez paid tribute to the work of the national police and civil guard. I remember, at the first moments of this emergency, there was talk of looting, Mr Sanchez said. Today, fortunately, we are observing that this looting is falling to absolutely marginal figures. More than 170 people have been detained. open image in gallery People walk through a street in Paiporta piled with broken furniture and debris ( AP ) The prime minister also announced a sweeping 10.6bn (8.9bn) relief package to support the recovery of 78 flood-ravaged communities, likening the scale of aid being provided to the robust relief measures implemented during the Covid-19 pandemic. The relief package includes direct payments ranging from 20,000 to 60,000 for residents whose homes sustained damage, alongside substantial financial support for businesses and local governments in regions hit by the devastating floods. Mr Sanchez also pledged to seek additional funding from the European Union, acknowledging the long road ahead after more than 200 people were killed by the flooding. Responding to Mr Sanchezs announcement, Valencias president, Carlos Mazon, said local authorities have estimated that they will need three times that amount. Mr Sanchez declared Valencia a disaster area, saying that around 15,000 soldiers and police officers had been dispatched to the province as well as 287 forest brigaders, around a hundred customs officers, 44 forensic physicians, and 600 specialised vehicles for pumping, cleaning, and supplying water to the affected areas. open image in gallery An owner is reunited with her dog following the flood ( Axel Miranda/SOPA Images/Sipa USA/News Images ) We must continue working, with more resources, more coordination, and greater effort, until normality returns to all the municipalities and to all the homes affected by this tragedy, he said. Criticism of the authorities disaster response is continuing, with Mr Sanchezs ruling Socialist Party and the conservative Popular Party which governs the Valencia region involved in a blame game over who is accountable for inadequate flood warnings and who holds responsibility for managing emergency operations. In polling published on Tuesday by El Espanol, an online newspaper, Valencians gave the king and queen scores of more than seven out of 10 for their conduct, whereas Mr Mazon, the head of Valencias regional government, and Mr Sanchez were rated 3 and 2.6 respectively. Regional leaders estimate that losses could exceed 31bn, with up to 4,500 businesses affected by the destruction caused by the floods. Fears are also rising over the potential for an outbreak of infectious disease, with authorities advising residents to get tetanus shots and quickly clean mud off their skin. open image in gallery Spanish prime minister Pedro Sanchez has announced a relief package to support the recovery of 78 flood-ravaged communities ( EPA ) Mr Mazon warned of the risk of an epidemic, saying that tetanus, hepatitis and gastroenteritis were all possible. He told a press conference: The first vaccinations are already being given to volunteers and neighbours. Elsewhere, emergency services discovered human remains in Letur, near Albacete in the Castilla-La Mancha region, where five people have been missing since last weeks floods. On Sunday, the body of a sixth victim, a 70-year-old woman, was found. As search and rescue operations continue, authorities are using sniffer dogs to comb through a submerged 1,800-space underground car park at the Bonaire shopping centre in Valencia. Emergency services are still working around the clock after sudden, tsunami-like flooding caught staff and shoppers by surprise and trapped an unknown number of people. Survivors described the terrifying event to the Spanish newspaper El Mundo as a nightmare and worse than the tsunami movie, with shop assistants recounting how they narrowly escaped as torrents of water surged into the complex. As police teams pump out the floodwater and search through the roughly 50 waterlogged vehicles discovered so far, no more bodies have yet been found. Reuters and Associated Press contributed to this report For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy An Iranian woman was arrested after reportedly stripping down to her undergarments to protest an alleged assault by security forces for not following strict hijab laws. The woman was reportedly assaulted, and her clothes were torn inside Tehrans Islamic Azad University science and research branch on Saturday for not following strict hijab rules, Iran International reported. A widely circulated video on social media shows a woman sitting and walking around the university campus in her underwear. Another video shows her being detained by security forces and forcibly taken into a car. Islamic Azad University confirmed her arrest on X (Twitter) without giving any reason. Following an indecent act by a student at the science and research branch of the university, campus security intervened and handed the individual over to law enforcement authorities, Amir Mahjoub, director general of public relations at Islamic Azad University, wrote on X. The motives and underlying reasons for the students actions are currently under investigation. The student sustained injuries after being physically assaulted during her arrest, Iran International reported, citing a newsletter by the student group Amir Kabir newsletter. It said the student was disrobed after being harassed for not wearing a headscarf and having her clothing torn by security forces. Blood stains from the student were reportedly seen on the cars tyres, the newsletter said, adding that her head was struck either by a car door or a pillar which caused heavy bleeding. Amnesty Internationals Iran unit called on the Iranian authorities to immediately and unconditionally release the student who was violently arrested on Saturday. Pending her release, authorities must protect her from torture and other ill-treatment & ensure access to family and lawyer. Allegations of beatings and sexual violence against her during arrest need independent & impartial investigations. Those responsible must held to account, it said in a statement on X. A growing number of women are defying the strict hijab laws in the country by discarding their veils since the brutal 2022 death of Mahsa Amini. Twenty-two-year-old Amini died after being detained by the morality police for not wearing her hijab correctly. Her death became a breaking point, sparking unprecedented protests known as Women, life, freedom, which lasted for three months in the country. A monthslong security crackdown that followed killed more than 500 people and saw over 22,000 detained. However, media reports indicate that nothing has changed since the protests, and scattered photos and videos have surfaced showing women and young girls being roughed up by officers. In October 2023, Iranian teenage Armita Geravand was injured in a mysterious incident on Tehrans metro while not wearing a headscarf. She later died in the hospital after falling into a coma. In July, activists reported that police opened fire on a woman fleeing a checkpoint to avoid her car being impounded for not wearing the hijab. The countrys new reformist president Masoud Pezeshkian campaigned on a promise to halt the harassment of women by morality police. But the 85-year-old supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who remains the countrys ultimate authority, has previously said that unveiling is both religiously forbidden and politically forbidden. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy While this years presidential election may not have as much of a focus on climate change as many wish it would, voters can still make a difference when they head to the polls. Across the US, there are 159 statewide ballot measures in 41 states, according to Ballotpedia. Only a handful of those deal with environmental issues and just a couple are specifically related to climate change. Unsurprisingly, these measures are on the ballot in states threatened this year by extreme climate events. Earth had its hottest summer on record, bringing historic temperatures across multiple regions. open image in gallery A grass fire burns above Interstate 580 in Oakland, California, earlier this month. October has seen toasty temperatures made more likely by climate change across the US. California and Washington voters will head to the polls to vote on climate legislation next week. ( (AP Photo/Noah Berger) ) Washington state and California have continued to feel the heat through October, and dry and windy conditions in the West have sparked additional wildfires less than a week before Election Day. Washington, which is governed by Jay Inslee, a supporter of climate initiatives, will decide whether or not it will repeal the Climate Commitment Act. Inslee signed the law in 2021, which required the states largest polluters to reduce planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions. It went into effect in 2023, raising billions for protections for climate and Tribal programs. The groundbreaking legislation will play a key role in reducing emissions by 45 per cent by 2030. open image in gallery A voter drops a ballot into a freshly replaced ballot box in Vancouver, Washington, on Tuesday. Voter turnout in Washington is reportedly lagging this year. ( REUTERS/John Rudoff ) One of the most progressive climate policies ever passed a state legislature, its fate could have national implications, and other local officials will likely have to consider similar policy to meet future climate targets. While conservatives have said it has raised energy costs in the state, a recent KING 5 poll showed the majority of respondents wont vote to repeal the act. Voter turnout in Washington is lagging this year, according to The Seattle Times. Voting started in the state on October 18. On Wednesday, local officials in two counties said the US Postal Service had failed to deliver mail-in ballots in Whitman County. open image in gallery In this image made from a video provided by KGW8, authorities investigate smoke pouring out of a ballot box on Monday in Vancouver, Washington. Many ballots inside the box were destroyed. ( (KGW8 via AP) ) Hundreds of ballots in a box in Vancouver, Washington, were damaged or destroyed when a ballot box was set on fire on Monday. The boxs fire suppression system didnt work as intended. Six of the ballots were unidentifiable and the exact number of destroyed ballots remains unknown, although its unlikely to make or break the climate measure. California was also burning this week, after wildfires sparked in San Diego on Thursday. The fires minorly damaged some residential properties, according to CBS 8. Voters in the Golden State are deciding on the fate of Proposition 4, which is also known as the climate bond. Governor Gavin Newsom signed a bill in July seeking voters approval to authorize $10bn in bonds for clean water, wildfire prevention, and climate resiliency. Now, Newsom and other environmental advocates have been pushing to spend more toward climate impacts as threats increase in severity. open image in gallery A US Geological Survey wildlife biologist holds a juvenile salt marsh harvest mouse. Californias Proposition 4 could fund projects that could help protect the endangered species and its habitat. ( Shannon Skalos Wildlife Biologist, USGS Western Ecological Research Center ) Opponents say bonds are the most expensive way to pay for these projects and that the state should find other ways to finance such initiatives. Repaying the money could cost $400m a year over 40 years. Over the past decade, the state has spent about $13bn annually on natural resources and climate activities, according to a legislative analysis. Proponents say the measure would save money in the long term. The measure would allocate nearly $2bn of those bonds toward making drinking water improvements, $1.2bn toward wildfire prevention, and the same amount for land conservation and habitat restoration. Another $1.2bn would pay to restore coastal areas and protect them from sea level rise, as well as improving marine habitats. That money could help to protect the endangered salt marsh harvest mouse. A whopping 90 per cent of the mouses habitat is gone due to rising sea levels. With reporting from The Associated Press The political theses of Susana Draper, 49, are based on collective wisdom. A literature professor at Princeton University, the training ground of the U.S. elite, she rejects academicism in favor of learning by doing when it comes to social movements. She herself has been active in anti-capitalist struggles like Occupy Wall Street. There is an idea that the only legitimate knowledge is that of the university, but that idea excludes many people, she says at the Reina Sofia Museum in Madrid, at the presentation of her book Free and Fearless: Feminist Horizons and Alternative Justice, an instruction manual for stopping gender-based violence from taking place in our immediate surroundings. Question. You are critical of singling out alleged aggressors. Answer. The escrache (call-out) has its own political history, it first emerged in Argentinian neighborhood in the context of denouncing the officials of the military dictatorship. On social media, it has begun to be used as a way of making once-silenced testimonies heard, but it often reproduces certain tics of the punitive system and can be retraumatizing. The key is to ask ourselves why we are mobilizing. Is the goal simply to make the accused disappear, perhaps to disqualify him or her? That is the function of prison, which has clearly not succeeded in putting an end to violence. Q. The #MeToo movement gained widespread prevalence online in 2017. You might call the internet its natural habitat. A. Social media creates the illusion that it is connecting us, but it very much separates us. Thats why popular feminist movements, under slogans like #MeToo and #NiUnaMenos, grounded us in everyday life. They showed that abuse goes beyond singular cases, that it is something systematic, and began to present theories as to how we could address it without reproducing punitive logic or resorting to lethal situations. Just talking is not curative, we need to draw a common horizon. Q. Throughout the book, you trace certain feminist experiences that go in that direction. A. For example, that of Creative Interventions, a U.S. group that began to compile practical tools, stories of people who were able to address violence in their immediate surroundings. One of them stands out: the experience of a mother who practices with her adolescent son how to react if several boys take a girl away from a party. These are basic things, but when we only know how to turn to the police, we deprive ourselves of learning how to act before harm occurs. Q. What can one do if the partner of someone close to you begins to show signs of aggressiveness? A. There are no magic formulas, but it is important to pay attention to the persons context. It is well established that serious cases of gender-based violence rarely begin suddenly, but rather, in a gradual way. Thinking of new horizons of feminist justice means anticipating that moment; getting into contact with those who are close to the person who could eventually cause harm so that they can help them to get rid of that attitude and support the other party involved. Q. That happens by forging bonds in a world in which many people feel alone. A. The key is that our cry against the culture of sexual violence can be translated into other ways of connecting, relating and educating ourselves. Thats why the movements for proper material conditions, like those of housing and food autonomy, are so important. They constitute another way of being with each other. Q. Should social services carry out this kind of preventative work? A. The ones that I am familiar with are overly professionalized and tied to the policing system. Their actions are guided by the universal subjectivity of the white middle class, with little concern for the base of the social pyramid. In the United States, its quite normal for a migrant woman to decide not to report out of fear of being deported. What do we do in those cases? I would say that social workers have to maximize community autonomy, instead of incentivizing more dependence on the government. Q. Is the reactionary movement currently sweeping America cause for concern? A. It is important to see it as a reaction to the social processes that have taken place in recent years, like the advance of feminism. Its clear that those governments look to intensify surveillance systems and make us think that the solution to growing violence is the construction of more prisons. The case of Nayib Bukele in El Salvador is the most visible case of this, but there is also the model of Patricia Bullrich in Argentina. You look at photographs of Salvadorean prisoners and what you see are very young, poor and racialized boys. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition The news this week that a Chinese company has test flown a prototype for a hypersonic passenger aircraft that could whisk 70 passengers across the Atlantic in 90 minutes as early as 2027 has understandably made headlines around the world. The new Yunxing aircraft, its Beijing maker says, will be capable of 3,100mph more than double the speed of the late, great Anglo-French Concorde. The prospect of an Atlantic hop of under two hours and a more leisurely four-hour flight from London to Sydney is mindblowing the added detail from makers Lingkong Tianxing Technology that the Yunxing will take off and land vertically (VTOL) is straight 1950s science fiction comic territory. We should be extremely cautious about being dismissive of Chinese technological advances. Even a few years ago, the idea that dozens of really very good, fully Chinese electric cars and buses would be available and in service in Britain in 2024 would have been laughable. Thirty years ago, most Chinese consumer products were the like of cheap, tinny cameras and ornamental fans. Theyve come a huge distance, but even today, wholly Chinese consumer products, as opposed to sophisticated Western and Japanese innovations manufactured in China, are still quite rare. But news of the Yunxing needs to be put into context. A humungous amount of context. Context which, I believe, makes the prospect of pigs flying a little more likely than the Yunxing ever, let alone in three years, whooshing up vertically over central London (VTOL aircraft dont need an airport) and plopping down in central Manhattan in the time it takes you to watch three episodes of Eastenders. Where to start with the context? The magnificent-looking Concorde, a product of 19 years intensive development in Bristol and Toulouse from 1957 onwards, took three hours to speed celebrities and business tycoons across the pond, effectively arriving two hours before they took off. The Concorde was cramped, but one of the greatest triumphs of aeronautical engineering, as well as the last such British achievement. However, Concorde, whose last commercial flight was in 2003, was really a flop. It seemed to be the dawning of the future, but it is now seen as the end of an outdated, 1950s vision of things to come. It burned too much fuel, it was too noisy and the sonic boom problem the massively loud sound like a thunderclap that is unavoidable with faster-than-sound aircraft meant that it was banned from flying almost anywhere in the world over land. The tiny fleet of 14 production aircraft half British Airways and half Air France was grounded for a year after a crash in Paris in 2000. Then the project was terminated in 2003, when the last commercial flight landed. The planes were old and obsolete, and there was no new supersonic plane even in early development. More than that, the taste for superfast travel had gone out of fashion. They were environmentally dodgy and all in all just a bad look. Luxurious private aircraft that didnt deafen everyone was much more 21st century. open image in gallery The Concorde 001 prototype on display during the 1969 International Paris Air Show ( Getty ) Even the internet played its part in dooming supersonic. In 1976, when Concorde first flew, there were times when important people with important meetings and important documents to sign could make a case for getting across the Atlantic quicker than a London to Glasgow train. As early as 2003, online technology weakened the case to the point where Concorde was basically there to simply get the likes of Joan Collins, David Frost and Princess Diana all regulars to and from fun lunches on one side or the other of the Atlantic. But the slightly counterintuitive outdatedness of supersonic flying is not the greatest reason for context over the new Yunxing hypersonic airliner. Boring as it is, and duly taking into account the speed of Chinese technological progress, theres still an extremely important caveat. Its not just that building a hypersonic passenger aircraft is a massive technical challenge that has never even been attempted before there are dozens of reasons that make it very nearly impossible. The vertical take-off element is just one element that suggests to many in the aircraft industry that the whole project is a mickey-take designed to attract investors and do little else. open image in gallery A hypersonic passenger aircraft is a massive technical challenge that has never even been attempted before ( Space Transportation ) China has only ever built two Boeing/Airbus-standard jet-engined passenger planes, and they have only flown in commercial service in the past few years. The bigger and newer of the two, the Comac C119, first flight just last year, is not licensed to operate anywhere outside China, and there are barely any flying in China, which has almost as many domestic flights almost all in Boeings and Airbus aircraft as the US. The other, Comacs ARJ21, is flying outside China in tiny numbers, having been bought by airlines in Indonesia and the Republic of Congo, but nowhere else. I have also spoken with Chinese people who refuse to board a locally designed and built aircraft on the grounds that it might not be, well, safe even though almost all the components that keep it in the air, most notably the engines, are imported from the West. It should be noted that Chinese airlines actually have a perfectly good safety record. However, the, shall we say, immaturity of Chinese airline manufacture is not just uninformed gossip. The Royal Aeronautical Societys online journal earlier this year posed the question of whether China could break the global Boeing/Airbus monopoly. The answer was, not really, no. Just one of the experts quoted in the essay, a senior adviser in Chinese business and economics at the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies, said: I think the prospects for both [aircraft] are relatively dim, particularly the ARJ21. I think both are not well-designed planes. Both took a long time to come to market and theyre competing against rivals with better aircraft that have long safety records and loyal customers. open image in gallery Concorde takes off from Heathrow for its last ever west-bound flight in 2003 ( Getty ) It's not hard to see, then, how a hypersonic Chinese passenger plane by 2027 is a little unlikely. Even conventional aircraft take a long, long time to develop. This writer once spent a week working in the British consulate in Shanghai, where there was much talk of how a Chinese wide-bodied rival to the Boeing 747 and 777, the Comac C929, was about to be announced and how this was going to cause havoc for the big Western plane makers. These conversations were in 2010, and the Royal Aeronautical Society article notes that the C929 is still some years down the road. By way of comparison to the hypersonic Yunxing, consider the timeline of two other very fast passenger planes from the long post-Concorde era: the 2,300mph Virgin Galactic VSS Unity Spaceplane and the Boom Overture, a Concorde-like aircraft being developed in Colorado. The Virgin offering was first mooted by Sir Richard Branson in 2004 and, although it has flown several times with more than 60 people, is still in development. The latest date for a full, regular service is 2026. Boom, meanwhile, which started up in 2014, doesnt expect to have its 90-passenger, 1,100mph Overture in service before 2029 this in spite of already having orders in from Virgin, Japan Airlines, United and American Airlines. Will the hypersonic Chinese passenger plane ever become reality? You do the maths. Donald Trump welcomed an audience member's shout that Kamala Harris "worked on a corner" as he called the vice president a liar during a rally in Greensboro, North Carolina, on Saturday (2 November). The former president repeated his accusations that his Democratic opponent never worked at a McDonald's, to which a person in the audience responded the vice president "worked on a corner." Mr Trump then laughed, declaring: "This place is amazing." Meanwhile, his opponent poked fun at his garbage truck struggles as she made a surprise appearance on Saturday Night Live (SNL). Kemi Badenoch dismissed the furore over Partygate, describing the scandal as "overblown" in her first television interview as the new Tory leader on Sunday, 3 November. The MP for North West Essex criticised the then-government for fining people for what she described as "everyday activities" during coronavirus lockdowns. She declined to be drawn into a post-mortem of the previous government but said there had been serious issues under Boris Johnsons premiership though she added that the Partygate scandal was not one of them. Partygate saw Mr Johnson fined for attending a party in Downing Street, one of several that took place under his tenure in breach of Covid lockdown regulations. Spain's King Felipe dodged mud as objects were thrown while he visited areas in Paiporta, Valencia affected by the country's worst-ever flood-related disaster on Sunday (3 November). Shouts of "murderers" were heard when the monarch arrived protected by an umbrella. Locals are reeling as the death toll reaches at least 217 and could increase as rescue and cleanup operations continue. The King and his wife, Queen Letizia, visited Valencia with prime minister Pedro Sanchez. They met local officials, emergency responders and civilians. Rescuers in Spain braved chest-high water inside buildings to search for missing people in the catastrophic aftermath of flooding, footage posted on Saturday (2 November) showed. At least 214 people have died in the extreme weather conditions, with more than 200 of those killed in the hardest-hit region of Valencia alone. Footage posted by the Guardia Civil police force showed mountain rescue specialists wading through water inside a garage in Paiporta. An extra 5,000 soldiers are being deployed to the flooded Valencia region to support the biggest operation by the Armed Forces in Spain in peacetime, prime minister Pedro Sanchez said. No-one will love this brand the way we do, says CEO of Bulmers owner C&C as it plots UK cider sales boost Drinks group will take control of the distribution of Magners (Bulmers) in the UK in January to push sales there Chair and CEO of UK-listed Bulmers-owner C&C Ralph Findlay (pictured) believes the cider category is ripe for innovation, including the range of flavours and styles Sean Pollock Sun 3 Nov 2024 at 03:30 The boss of C&C has said no one will love its UK cider brand Magners like the drinks group, as it takes control of distribution, in a bid to boost sales in the British market. Artificial-intelligence powerhouse OpenAI has announced a major overhaul of ChatGPT that lets the chatbot search the web and provide answers based on what it finds. The upgrade could transform the experience of using the popular chatbot, bringing OpenAI into more direct competition with Google, offering an alternative way to find and consume information online. Paying subscribers to ChatGPT are now able to activate a mode that has the AI tool respond to queries by searching the web for the latest information and summarising what it finds instead of offering an answer based on the potentially stale data used to create the chatbot. The search functionality is powered by the Bing search engine of OpenAIs backer Microsoft. It also draws on articles from publishers the AI developer has signed deals with, such as Wall Street Journal owner News Corp and the Associated Press. The capability makes ChatGPT more similar to a conventional search engine and potentially a more potent challenger to Google and other rivals, large and small. We think it improves relevancy and decreases hallucinations Google added AI-generated summaries with citations to its conventional search results this year in response to growing competition from chatbots. A company called Perplexity offers a similar AI-enhanced search engine and has received more than $400m (368m) in funding, according to venture capital research firm Pitchbook. The changes will make ChatGPT more useful and accurate, says Varun Shetty, OpenAIs head of media partnerships. We think it improves relevancy and decreases hallucinations, because of the ability to go out to the web, he said. Chatbots and AI search engines are beginning to radically change online economics. For more than a decade, Google has been the primary gateway to the web making websites dependent on traffic from people clicking through from search results. AI search tools from Google, OpenAI and others that summarise webpages and answer questions directly can help people find information without clicking through to another website. That worries publishers who fear they will be put out of business. Some accuse AI developers of unfairly copying and plagiarising their content to build the AI tools upending their industry. Some news organizations have sued OpenAI, alleging copyright infringement. ChatGPTs search overhaul will be a test for how AI search engines can impact the publishing industry. Queries that trigger the web search feature will offer paragraphs of AI-generated text followed by links to the website that the content was summarised from. Shetty said ChatGPTs algorithms might understand the content of articles from OpenAI partners better, because they get a direct feed from those publishers but says news organisations that have signed deals do not get preference in results. Nor are those firms lowering paywalls to people who land on their site from an OpenAI link. Google remains the dominant way people find information online He said people who use the new search capability will probably still end up spending time on publisher websites. We think theyll be curious and want to click off and learn more, Shetty said. ChatGPTs surging popularity after its debut in November 2022 led many tech investors to reason that many people would stop using Google search and instead get direct answers from AI helpers. Google responded by accelerating its own AI chatbot development, and this summer put AI answers at the top of search results. As of this week, more than one billion people around the world see those AI answers on Google results, said CEO Sundar Pichai. Though OpenAI claims 250 million people turn to ChatGPT each week, Google remains the dominant way people find information online. Paying users of ChatGPT will have access to the new search function during the US presidential election this week and thereafter a period that will see lies and political falsehoods flood the web. OpenAIs search tool will direct election-related queries to sources such as AP and Reuters, said Shetty. What weve tried to do is prioritise and elevate the highest quality and authoritative sources we have. Johnny McEvoy on the death of his beloved wife: I never said goodbye. She didnt either. She was going. She wouldnt do any more chemo Emergency services at the scene of an explosion in the village of Creeslough in Co Donegal. Photo: Brian Lawless/PA Lawyer Damien Tansey and survivors of the Creeslough explosion, at the Dail last Wednesday. Photo: PA The Donegal coroner has been asked to recruit specialist engineers to examine the site of the Creeslough disaster to determine if there were any structural problems with the building before the explosion that claimed 10 lives on October 7, 2022. Last Wednesday, more than 20 bereaved families and survivors met Justice Minister Helen McEntee, Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue, who is Donegal based, and Environment Minister Eamon Ryan to push for an independent inquiry to run concurrently with the garda and Health and Safety Authority (HSA) investigations. Many of the group are represented by lawyer Damien Tansey, who said there was a lot going on behind the scenes to progress movement in the case. Ive written to Donegal coroner Dr Denis McCauley and asked him to confirm that, in his role as coroner, he has enlisted the services of a specialist firm of structural engineers, Mr Tansey said. This would be to determine that there were no structural issues with the building, prior to the explosion, that might have contributed to it. We need to ensure there was no flawed structural design that could have detrimentally impacted what happened when the explosion occurred. Four men, three women and three children, ranging in age from five to 59, died in the blast that ripped through the villages Applegreen service station and a nearby apartment block. Gardai have so far arrested four people in their investigations. All have been released without charge. I have also written to the owners of the building, asking them to confirm they wont move one stone before specialist structural engineers have examined the building, Mr Tansey said, adding that the onus was on the Government to now act. If they do not give us that undertaking, Ill apply for an injunction in the High Court. Lawyer Damien Tansey and survivors of the Creeslough explosion, at the Dail last Wednesday. Photo: PA The vacuum is already two years old. The idea that the State would just sit on the sidelines because there is a garda investigation is absurd. Following Wednesdays 90-minute meeting, bereaved families and survivors said they felt a step closer to a statutory independent inquiry. Shauna Gallagher, who lost her sister Jessica in the explosion, said they had a very successful meeting and nothing has been ruled out in relation to any further investigation. I think often we talk about the families that lost people, but we have to remember too those who live in Creeslough and those who didnt lose their lives but were severely injured. Those people cannot be forgotten, she said. A public inquiry would answer the questions we all have why this happened. The criminal investigation will discuss what criminal activity, if any, was involved. It doesnt answer the questions as to why our loved ones are no longer here, or why people have been injured so severely and are no longer living the lives they lived before. Gardai investigating the murder of missing child Kyran Durnin are focusing on a critical six-week period in late May and June 2022 to try to establish when he was last seen alive. The investigation into the little boys disappearance is entering its fourth week with no fresh leads, but new and puzzling details have emerged about the last known sightings. Las Palmas Marina known in the city as simply the marina isnt only the largest recreational dock in Spains Canary Islands, with nearly 1,400 berthing spots. Over the decades, it has become a hit for nightclubs and restaurants, as well as a way of life for several dozen people. One day, some of them decided that living on land wasnt an option, as Antonio explains to EL PAIS via WhatsApp. I had a dream: to buy a sailboat, sail and live on it. Others, however, dont tell such an inspiring story. For them, a boathouse is the last resort after being priced out of the real estate market. Rafael (a pseudonym) is 82-years-old. He retired in 2008. The last 30 years of his professional life were spent as a journalist, earning commissions as a freelancer. Nobody wanted to give me a regular contract, he shrugs. Suddenly, I found myself retired, with a pension of 500 euros [a month] [$540]. For nine years, he lived in the apartment of one of his daughters. But in 2017, she wanted to get rid of the apartment, and Rafael realized that with his income, it would be impossible to find a place in the real estate market. Fortunately, he says, I made an agreement with my daughter that, if I managed to sell [the apartment] for more than the price she was asking, I would keep the difference. That difference ended up being about 20,000, or the equivalent of $22,000. A friend gave him the idea of what to use it for: go live on a boat. I thought they were very expensive, but if youre willing to pay cash, you can find bargains. He ended up buying a 30-foot-long sailboat from a Frenchman who wanted to leave the Spanish archipelago and return to his country. Rafael has lived on the vessel ever since. Many people, says the Spanish sailor Nin, 60, in a telephone conversation with EL PAIS, are buying old, run-down boats, because its the only option they have, due to the housing situation. You see it here every day. One of these individuals who asks to remain anonymous says that he has decided to live on his boat because he cannot afford rent. I barely earn the minimum wage, where am I going to live with that? Here, I can have a decent life and I dont bother anyone. The problem is that they [the authorities] want to kick us out, he laments. The population of the Canary Islands has increased by 26% so far over the past 25 years. The archipelago is now home to nearly 2.2 million people. Immigration mostly from other parts of Spain or countries such as Italy (the largest expat population, with 49,987 people) or the United Kingdom (29,631) is the main cause of population growth. They settle down because theyre attracted by the living conditions. This demographic shift along with the unstoppable rise in tourism has been accompanied by the explosion of vacation rentals, which, among other factors, have put pressure on the housing market and have made it difficult for residents to find a home. This was one of the triggers of large protests that took place on the islands last spring. Between January and September 2024, rental prices have risen by almost 9% in the Canary Islands, the fourth most expensive region of Spain, after the Balearic Islands, Madrid and Catalonia, according to prices on popular real estate websites. In San Bartolome de Tirajana the main tourist town in the Canary Islands the average price is $220 per square foot, not far off from major cities such as Madrid and Barcelona. In Arona, on the island of Tenerife, its around $200. The consequence is that, throughout the Canary Islands, on the outskirts of cities, shanty towns have become more common: many hotel and restaurant workers live there, either in substandard housing, or in their own vehicles. The interior of the boat where retired journalist Rafael lives. Hes docked in Las Palmas Marina, in the Canary Islands Quique Curbelo What I pay is less than 100 [$110] a month, Rafael explains. Thats how I live in the center of Las Palmas. Its nothing compared to the current housing market. The price includes electricity and water. Boat owners can also use the services on the dock, which include a shower with hot water and a bathroom. Everyone is going crazy looking for boats in the port, you know? he says. It will be difficult for them to imitate Rafael, for several reasons. To start with, theres a waiting list of over 100 people for a spot, because Las Palmas Marina has the cheapest mooring prices in Spain. The costs at other docks are higher, but theyre still much cheaper than property prices across the Canary Islands. Is it legal to live on a boat? The Port Law itself doesnt prohibit converting a boat into a home, explains attorney Carlota Zapata, in a telephone conversation with EL PAIS. What happens is that you have to be very aware of what the Port Authority requires in its ordinances. Some can prohibit it. The second thing you must do, she continues if you want to live on a boat and want to get it registered is to go to the city hall and check if it allows for the possibility. Many [municipalities] require a document from the Port Authority which proves youre living at a marina, the lawyer adds. This requirement is an obstacle, at least, in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. As the Port Authority of Las Palmas doesnt look favorably upon this practice, it has prohibited the possibility in its ordinances since 2019. A spokesperson for the management of the marina says in an email that the prohibition is justified on several grounds. The marinas are not designed or intended, in general terms, for permanent residential use. The houseboats are continuously moored or anchored, often being inactive for navigation, with the consequences that this entails for the safety and operation of the facilities. The Port Authority has also eradicated the practice of boat rentals on platforms such as Airbnb since 2019. Other port authorities such as those who oversee Port Olimpic, in Barcelona are also trying to control this. They cant kick you out, Nin complains. The law itself states that, if youve been there for more than six months, youre considered to have your [home] base in the port. The sailor says that the authorities once tried to evict him: they said that his sailboat was longer than its 32-foot length. He ultimately won the lawsuit and returned to his dock, where he pays about $162 a month in fees. The real problem is that the management wants to turn this into a shopping center the boats are the least important thing, he notes. In Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, there are currently 259 people registered in the marina, according to data from the City Council. However, sources from the council clarify that this data was collected prior to 2019, when the Port Authority published the ordinance that prohibited living on a boat. The regulation even vetoes the possibility of anchored boats being used for holiday rental purposes, whether the contracts are between individuals or [established] through electronic platforms or companies of any kind dedicated to this type of activity. A municipal spokesperson clarifies: For years, I havent seen anyone registered on the dock. He explains that its possible that this number has been reduced because they may be foreigners who have left the country and havent reported their departure. Those who live in the ports say that their boats arent shacks and that they do, in fact, sail occasionally. The hull, the sails, the engines everything works perfectly, they affirm. Circumstances forced me to move here, but its a good life, Rafael concludes. There isnt a mean neighbor upstairs. On the contrary, theres a lot of neighborliness you get a sense of the camaraderie of the sea. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition A large fire at a commercial premises in Cork city has been brought under control after raging through the night. The blaze broke out shortly after 1.30am when smoke and flames were seen coming from a unit at Fitz's Boreen on the Old Mallow Road. Eight units of the Cork City Fire Brigade, including two aerial platforms to fight the flames from above, attended the scene, along with gardai. The fire was brought under control shortly before 6am but crews remained at the scene. It is reported the fire was in a commercial laundry. No injuries have been reported and an investigation is under way to establish the cause of the fire which gutted the building. Those investigations are ongoing. A former garda has appeared in court charged with several counts of harassing, intimidating and demanding money from a woman, the Sunday Independent can reveal. On Thursday, Paul Moody appeared via video link in the Circuit Criminal Court charged with five alleged offences against a woman at various dates in 2016 and 2017. Moody (44) with a previous address at St Raphaels Manor, Celbridge, Co Kildare, has already appeared in the district court in relation to these alleged crimes, but this is the first time the matter has been reported on in the media. The case was recently sent from the district court to the circuit criminal court at the Criminal Courts of Justice (CCJ), with this higher court capable of imposing lengthier jail sentences. According to court records, Moody is due to be arraigned on January 14 next in relation to these offences. No trial date has yet been set and the former garda has yet to enter a plea. Moodys video link appearance on Thursday was his first in the circuit criminal court on these charges. He stands accused of one count of demanding money from his female victim, one count of intimidating her and three counts of harassing her. According to the charge sheet, in 2017 Moody is alleged to have made an unwarranted demand, to wit the payment of monies from [name omitted] with menaces. Contrary to Section 17 of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act, 1994, as amended by Section 22 of the Intoxicating Liquor Act, 2008. The year before, he is charged with intimidating the same woman, with a view to compelling the woman to do an act which she had a lawful right to abstain from doing, wrongfully and without lawful authority intimidated the woman contrary to Section 9 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act, 1997. Moody is also accused in three different charges of the harassment of the same woman on several separate occasions in Dublin. These alleged crimes took place in 2016 and 2017 at various locations in the capital. According to the charge sheet, one location the former garda is accused of harassing the woman is at The Coombe hospital in Dublin 8. It states: On dates between 02/03/2016 and 08/03/2016, both dates inclusive at The Coombe Hospital, Cork Street, Dublin 8, he harassed the woman. Contrary to Section 10(1) and (6) of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act, 1997. Horses seized from field next to shuttered Kildare slaughterhouse The former operator of the equine slaughterhouse at the centre of an RTE Investigates documentary exposing the harrowing abuse of horses has made a garda complaint of trespass against the programme-makers. It comes as gardai and agriculture inspectors made their first seizure of horses from former operator John Joe Fitzpatrick, whose abattoir is at the centre of the investigation into cruelty and suspected microchip fraud. The 12 horses were seized on October 25 from a field beside the abattoir in Straffan, Co Kildare. The abattoir, owned by his company, Shannonside Foods, was shut down by the Department of Agriculture in June and his slaughter licence was revoked after the RTE Investigates documentary. Fearing for the welfare of the horses, neighbours contacted An Garda Siochana, which is already investigating the activities at the abattoir with the department. Officials, assisted by gardai, moved in to seize the animals on health and welfare grounds last Friday week, even though the horses were believed to be in good condition and had been provided with food and water. Mr Fitzpatrick told the Sunday Independent last week that the horses, which were two- and three-year-olds, were microchipped and had no welfare issues and he was entitled to graze them in the field. He also claimed he has reported RTE to gardai for illegal trespass on his property to obtain the damning footage that led to the closure of the abattoir. The documentary showed scenes of horses being whipped, punched and struck with lengths of piping Mr Fitzpatrick, who denies the allegations, accused the broadcaster of gaining unlawful access to his abattoir to install the CCTV cameras that captured the damning footage. He said he has made a formal complaint of trespass to gardai in Naas, Co Kildare. That complaint is about the RTE Investigates programme, he said. Nobody has permission to go in there. In response to questions, RTE said it became aware of Mr Fitzpatricks complaint a number of months ago. RTE fully stands over the investigation and programme which demonstrated a clear public interest, the broadcaster said. The documentary, RTE Investigates: Horses Making A Killing, was broadcast in June and showed scenes of horses being whipped, punched and struck with lengths of piping. It also showed a dying horse being prodded with a pitchfork. The RTE footage featured horses being whipped. Photo: RTE Investigates As well as distressing scenes of cruelty, it exposed flaws in the traceability of horses that posed risks to the human food chain across Europe. Within days of it being broadcast, Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue suspended operations at Shannonside Foods. Mr Fitzpatrick was allowed to remove any horses left on the site to his premises in OBriensbridge, Co Clare. He released a statement to the Sunday Independent last week, which was prepared in the aftermath of the RTE broadcast. In the statement, Mr Fitzpatrick alleged the secret footage was obtained illegally between November 2023 and last May. He said 1,800 horses passed through the slaughterhouse, and only a tiny percentage were shown to be allegedly mistreated. Very often horses destined for slaughter have received minimal training, are unfamiliar with new surroundings and new companions and are frightened. It is very apparent that the fight-or-flight response from a frightened horse can result in a clear and immediate danger to even experienced handlers, he said. Mr Fitzpatrick denied that microchips were implanted into two horses to change their identities. He said individuals captured in the film had received threatening letters and phone calls, were effectively ostracised in their communities and their mental health had suffered. Mr Fitzpatrick had been prosecuted three times for cruelty to horses Mr Fitzpatricks operation of the plant has come under intense scrutiny. The RTE documentary revealed Mr Fitzpatrick had a previous conviction for animal cruelty, given in 2012. The Sunday Independent subsequently disclosed that Mr Fitzpatrick had been prosecuted three times for cruelty to horses, and was before the courts on charges of cruelty to 54 horses when the department licensed his company to run the countrys only horse abattoir. Only one of the three prosecutions against Mr Fitzpatrick was successful. The Department of Agriculture has struggled to explain the numerous oversight failures at the abattoir, as well as its decision to license Mr Fitzpatrick at a time when he was before the courts. Its deputy chief veterinary officer, Michael Sheahan, told a Dail Public Accounts Committee hearing that he believed standards at the abattoir were good. RTE, which has provided almost 1,000 hours of footage to the authorities, said this weekend that it has been assisting gardai and the department with their investigations into animal cruelty and the practices highlighted. The department confirmed the seizure of Mr Fitzpatricks horses on October 25. It said the presence of the animals was in breach of a legal notice it previously issued under animal health and welfare legislation. The department can confirm that the equines were successfully transferred to a secure detention facility, location details of which are confidential, and that the presence of An Garda Siochana was in line with standard practice in seizure operations of this nature. Gerry the Monk Hutch faces a battle to secure votes if he opts to run in the upcoming General Election, according to the latest Sunday Independent/Ireland Thinks poll. Just 8pc of people said they would consider giving Hutch a No.1 vote if he was to run as a candidate in their constituency. It was reported last month that the criminal (61) has been considering running as an Independent candidate in Dublins north inner city when the country goes to the polls. This would likely see him run against incumbents Public Expenditure Minister Paschal Donohoe, Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald, Green Party TD Neasa Hourigan and Social Democrat TD Gary Gannon. Hutch is understood to have discussed the prospect of putting his name forward with friends and relatives, but he has not discussed the matter publicly. However, 88pc of people said they would not consider voting for Hutch. Another 5pc of people said they were unsure about voting for him. Of those who said they would consider voting for Hutch, 22pc said they were Aontu voters. Independent voters made up 20pc of those who said yes. Sinn Fein supporters accounted for 10pc of those who said they would consider voting for Hutch. The poll of 1,832 people was carried out by Ireland Thinks between November 1 and 2, with a margin of error of +/-2.3pc. Hutch was remanded in custody in Spain late last month after being arrested in connection with a money-laundering investigation. He was among nine people to appear in court in Lanzarote where an investigating magistrate ordered two leaders of a criminal gang to be held on remand without bail. Hutch was understood to be among those held in custody after the court hearing. A secrecy order was imposed on the case, meaning minimal information is publicly available. Last year, Hutch was acquitted of the murder of David Byrne at the Regency Hotel, Dublin in 2016. He later left Ireland for Spain, where he owns a number of properties. The latest Sunday Independent/Ireland Thinks opinion poll found Fine Gael is still the most popular political party among voters with the election just a few weeks away. Taoiseach and Fine Gael leader Simon Harris (53pc) also continues to be the political leader with the highest approval rating, edging further ahead of Micheal Martin (48pc) and with a firm lead on Mary Lou McDonald (33pc). When asked who they will give their No.1 vote to in the general election, more than a quarter (26pc) said Fine Gael, while one in five (20pc) said Fianna Fail and 18pc said Sinn Fein. The overall state of the other parties is: Fine Gael 26 (-), Fianna Fail 20 (+1), Sinn Fein 18 (-1), Social Democrats 6 (-), Labour Party 4 (-1), Aontu 3 (-1), Green Party 4 (-), Solidarity-PBP 2 (-) Independents/Other 16 (-). A pensioner who died after a freak road traffic collision in Cork has been hailed as the most wonderful mother-in-law by her son-in-law Fianna Fail TD Cathal Crowe. The woman - named locally as Mary Fehilly (72) - suffered fatal injuries when, as she was standing alongside a man in his 60s, she was struck by a car near the main street of Charleville in north Cork shortly after 2pm on Saturday, November 2. It is the second freak accident to occur involving pedestrians in Cork in the space of three weeks after a man in his 90s died after a collision involving a car in a supermarket car park in Fermoy last month. Deputy Crowe has paid a touching tribute to Ms Fehilly and announced he will take a temporary hiatus from canvassing for the General Election, to concentrate on his family. Deputy Crowe said: I struck gold when I married into Maeves amazing family. The fabulous lynchpin of that family was Mary Fehilly. We are absolutely heartbroken to have tragically lost Mary this weekend. She was the most wonderful mother to Maeve and her siblings and an adoring wife to George. Deputy Crowe added in his post online: As we try to get to terms with Marys loss I will be temporarily standing-down my canvassing for the upcoming General Election. My office team will continue to handle queries and representations that come our way but I ask for the forbearance of the public as I take a few days out of the political fast lane to prioritise, over all else, Maeve, Sam, Charlie, Eve and the Fehilly family. Family must come first! Mary, there will not be the likes of you again. Sleep gently with the angels. The latest tragedy occurred as the pensioner was purchasing a GAA lottery ticket from a club official outside a supermarket in Charleville town centre. Gardai are investigating the circumstances of the tragedy when it appears a car mounted a footpath and collided with the man and woman who were standing talking outside the shop. Mary Fehilly Today's News in 90, Sunday November 3 Pedestrians and local shop workers raced to help the two injured pedestrians. Tragically, Mary Fehilly had suffered critical injuries and was pronounced dead shortly after being rushed to Cork University Hospital (CUH). The other pedestrian injured, a man in his 60s, is described as being in a serious but stable condition in CUH. He is understood to have suffered serious leg injuries. Paramedics treated the driver of the vehicle involved, a woman in her 80s, for shock at the scene. She was otherwise uninjured in the incident. Charleville politician Councillor Ian Doyle described Ms Fehilly as a saint given her enormous contribution to Charleville community groups and charities. Without question she was a saint. She was so well-known for her kindness and charitable work. She was involved with the local church and local charities. She was quiet and unassuming, but she got things done." He admitted the entire community was reeling from the tragedy. There is a deep sense of shock and sadness in the town today and people are shocked by such a freak accident. Everyone is praying that (the injured man) will make a speedy recovery and our thoughts, prayers and condolences are with Marys family and many friends. She will be such a loss to the town. Our thoughts also go out to the elderly lady who was driving the car and was involved in what can only be considered as a completely freak accident. Locals said traffic through the town - which is known as a bottleneck on the main Cork-Limerick road - was particularly busy on Saturday afternoon given a number of high-profile events in the area. Superintendent Gary McPolin urged anyone who witnessed the tragedy to contact Gardai. This was a very sad and tragic accident and unfortunately a local woman has died and another man was seriously injured," he said. We offer condolences to the family of the woman who died, who was well-known and liked locally, and we would like to wish a speedy recovery to the man who suffered serious injuries in what can only be described as a freak accident. I am appealing for those who witnessed the accident and motorists who saw the incident and those who have mobile phone and dash-cam footage to contact us at Mallow Garda Station. "Anyone with information is asked to contact Mallow Garda Station at 022 31450, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or any local Garda station." Three weeks ago in a separate and unrelated tragedy, Cal O'Keeffe (90) suffered fatal injuries when he courageously pushed a woman out of the path of an oncoming car in the car park of a Fermoy supermarket. The car was being driven by a man in his 90s who is feared to have suffered a medical emergency. A former school principal and farmer, Mr O'Keeffe was pronounced dead at the scene. The woman he tried to save suffered serious injuries and remains in hospital. Fine Gael still most popular political party with General Election just weeks away latest poll Tanaiste Micheal Martin hits at Fine Gael 'ageism' and says: 'I'm a person of substance, not soundbite' The gap in public support between Fine Gael and Fianna Fail is tightening with the general election fast approaching, the latest Sunday Independent/Ireland Thinks opinion poll shows. Fine Gael remains the most popular political party in the country, with 26pc support, unchanged on last month. It is followed by Fianna Fail on 20pc (+1), and Sinn Fein falling to 18pc (-1). However, new data shows a notable swing in support towards Fianna Fail when voters are specifically asked to select a No 1 preference among candidates in their own constituency after being shown a list of the already-declared and expected runners. Based on the public's response to that more detailed and localised poll question, Fine Gael's support drops to 23pc, only two percentage points above Fianna Fail, which rises to 21pc, with support for Sinn Fein still stuck at 18pc. The poll of 1,832 people was carried out on Friday and yesterday, with a margin of error of +/-2.3pc. It also showed the Social Democrats unchanged on 6pc, Labour at 4pc (-1), the Green Party at 4pc (unchanged), Aontu at 3pc (-1), Solidarity-PBP at 2pc (unchanged) and Independents/Other at 16pc, also unchanged on the October poll. The findings come as divisions between the two main coalition parties continue to escalate ahead of election day. In today's Sunday Independent, Tanaiste Micheal Martin (64) is critical of "mandarins in Fine Gael headquarters suggesting he is a "grumpy old man while Taoiseach Simon Harris (38) is full of energy. This, he says, is "ageism. In what appears to be a thinly veiled jab at the Fine Gael leader, Mr Martin insists he is a "person of substance rather than a "person of soundbite. He also insisted his experience in politics gives him an advantage over Mr Harris. "Simon will have strengths and I will have strengths, but I think that experience matters in a time of crisis, he said. "The world is in turmoil at the moment. I've good credibility on the international front, both as Taoiseach and as Foreign Minister. However, a clear majority (53pc) of those polled by Ireland Thinks believe Harris will be Taoiseach after the general election. This compares with 17pc who believe Mr Martin will have the top job, while only 13pc opted for Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald. Mr Harris remains the voters' favourite political leader with a 52pc approval rating, followed by Mr Martin on 48pc and Ms McDonald on 31pc. Fine Gael hit back at Fianna Fail yesterday after the party unveiled its plan for annually reducing inheritance tax if returned to power. Mr Martin's party criticised Fine Gael for failing to make significant reductions in the tax despite promising to do so. A senior Fine Gael source said: "Inheritance tax wasn't in Fianna Fail's 2020 manifesto, isn't in the programme for government, no Fianna Fail representative ever called for it and they never pushed for it. It only came on the budget agenda after Fine Gael pushed for it, the source added. However, the clear preferred choice of a government among those polled remains a coalition of Fine Gael, Fianna Fail and Independents, with 69pc choosing this option, compared with 31pc wanting a Sinn Fein-led government excluding FG and FF. Separately, 46pc believe Mr Harris is the party leader most likely to fix the housing crisis if re-elected to power, with 36pc opting for Ms McDonald and 23pc choosing Mr Martin. Of those polled, 57pc said political parties should declare their preferred coalition before the election campaign. More than two in five (46pc) said they could be influenced by a party leader telling them to give their preference to another party. However, the vast majority (69pc) say they do not trust what political parties say during campaigns. Just over a quarter (28pc) said they had been canvassed at the door of their home in the last two weeks. The majority of those who were canvassed said it was a Fianna Fail politician (40pc), followed by Fine Gael (36pc), Sinn Fein (15pc), Social Democrats (10pc), Labour (9pc) and Greens (8pc). The main issues for voters continue to be housing (55pc), followed by the cost of living (27pc), healthcare (27pc) and immigration (23pc). Revealed: Politicians get 9.5m in golden handshake payments Public representatives who leave councils after their 50th birthday qualify for a gratuity regardless of whether they retire or get another job Politicians receive 9.5m in golden handshakes after leaving councils Wayne O'Connor Sun 3 Nov 2024 at 03:30 Politicians received about 10m in golden handshakes after leaving local councils, with many going on to take up positions in government, Leinster House or key EU roles. JJ Magee absolutely denies any allegation of inappropriate conduct and looks forward to being exonerated Belfast City councillor JJ Magee has been suspended from Sinn Fein following receipt of an allegation that inappropriate online messages were exchanged between him and a minor. The party whip has also been removed from him. Sinn Feins national chairperson Declan Kearney confirmed the news on Sunday night. He stated that the Chief Executive of Belfast City Council has been notified about the decision. Cllr Magee has been suspended from the party without prejudice following receipt of an allegation that inappropriate online messages were exchanged between him and a minor, a statement reads. "This has been forwarded to the Social Services and the PSNI, in compliance with Sinn Fein child safeguarding policy. The party will not be making any further comment as this matter is under active investigation by the appropriate authorities. Mr Magee "absolutely denies any allegation of inappropriate conduct, his legal representatives at KRW Law have stated. He also looks forward to being exonerated and having his good name restored. In a full document, the law firm continues: Our client has lodged a 12,000 word, 38 page rebuttal to a complaint which has been lodged with the NI Local Government Commissioner for Standards. Our client absolutely denies any allegation of inappropriate conduct and in particular any conduct which may have occasioned a breach of the Code of Conduct for Councillors. Sinn Fein's JJ Magee Today's News in 90 Seconds - November 4th The complaint as lodged, is malicious, selective and edits significant portions of messages sent and received over a three-month period which deprived the Commissioner of the opportunity to appropriately assess whether the threshold for initiating a complaint procedure had been met. The complainant acknowledges that she has been advised by unknown and unnamed advisors) in the preparation of her complaint. Our client asserts that there is not a single line in any message sent by him which could be considered to be inappropriate. Our client further confirms that he did not make Sinn Fein aware of this complaint as there was no substance to the complaint. The announcement is the latest in a string of recent controversies to hit Sinn Fein, particularly within the Belfast council. Last month, former Belfast Lord Mayor Niall O Donnghaile resigned from the party over sending inappropriate texts to a 16-year-old party member. The ex-councillor resigned from Sinn Fein and the Seanad on October 5, 2023. However, it was not until December 21, 2023 when he announced he was stepping down. At the time, health reasons were cited, with Ms McDonald publicly praising his diligent service. This was despite the party knowing about the messages. Mary Lou McDonald said she did not tell the Oireachtas the reason for O Donnghailes sudden departure because she was concerned about his mental health. Meanwhile, last week the PSNI revealed that it is treating damage caused to a portrait of a former DUP Lord Mayor at Belfast City Hall as a hate crime. On October 19, the portrait of Wallace Browne was taken down from a wall in the building and its glass was smashed. The incident happened during an event celebrating 20 years of west Belfast Irish language group Glor na Mona. Sinn Fein later confirmed that a party member who worked at the Assembly resigned after he made the party chief whip aware of their involvement in an incident regarding a portrait in Belfast City Hall. It subsequently came to light that the individual is the son of a sitting Sinn Fein MLA. Tusla had not received any referrals regarding concerns about Kyran Durnin's attendance or education between 2022 and 2024, its chief executive has said. It comes as Tusla, the child and family agency, has completed a review into the case of Kyran Durnin and gave a detailed report on its engagement with Kyran and his family to the Minister for Children Roderic OGorman on Friday. The National Review Panel, which conducts reviews of child deaths and serious incidents, will also examine the case, the Minister confirmed. Tusla has issued a separate report to Education Minister Norma Foley about Kyrans interactions with school authorities. While speaking on RTE Radio Ones This Week, the chief executive of Tusla Kate Duggan said the agency had not received any referral for Kyran in relation to any concerns about his attendance or his education between 2022 and 2024. What we know is that Kyran was in school in May 2022 and what we know is that we haven't received any referral of concern since then, she said. "Over the years of 2021 and 2022 and while Kyran was in junior infants, we received no referrals of concern, either through our child protection and welfare services or our educational support services. Earlier in 2024, we were engaging in relation to another case, and as part of that engagement, our staff became aware of new information that caused concern to us in relation to Kyran's whereabouts, and at that point, we would have linked to An Garda Siochana with that information, she said. Ms Duggan added she cant comment on why Tusla staff didnt ask where Kyran was from 2022 to 2024 as that will all be in the review when the review comes out. She confirmed the decision not to publish the Tusla review was made after consultation with An Garda Siochana. "In 2022, one of our family resource services, one of our funded Tusla services, would have had their last engagement with Kyran and with his family. "Over 2021 and 2022, significant efforts would have been made by our child welfare services to provide further supports to Kyran and his family. "We didn't receive a referral for Kyran in relation to any concerns about his attendance or his education [from 2022 to 2024]. In wider circumstances where we would have a concern or if we couldn't locate a child, we would report that to An Garda Siochana. Now, if we had a concern in relation to if a child was accessing other services, we would reach out, we would contact those other services, she added. Ms Duggan agreed that because Tusla had received no such referral, the agency had no cause to check whether Kyran was in school. Kyran Durnin, who would now be aged eight, was reported missing in late August. Gardai upgraded their investigation to murder last month in the belief he was killed two years ago. Kyran is the eldest child of Dayla Durnin (24) and lived with her and his two younger siblings in a house in Emer Terrace in Dundalk, Co Louth. According to details obtained by the Sunday Independent, Kyrans mother contacted her sons primary school in the town to explain why he would not be attending class. She told the school that Kyran, then aged six, had Covid-19 and was in hospital. She did not say when he would be back. Gardai have yet to locate medical records to confirm the child was treated in hospital in Co Louth or elsewhere at that time. Ms Duggan said she has never seen a case like this and described it as very complex and challenging. "[I] assure you that if there were any missed opportunities in this case or in any case that we review, we will take immediate action to make sure that those learnings and those recommendations are implemented. But right now, the absolute priority and the focus is on understanding what happened to Kyran and fully supporting An Garda Siochana in relation to their investigation, she added. Ms Duggan is due to meet with Minister for Children Roderic OGorman next week to review the report. Gardai have appealed for anyone with information, no matter how seemingly insignificant, to contact Drogheda garda station at 041 987 4200, Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any garda station. It is claimed staff at Childrens Health Ireland (CHI) are using personal phones and laptops to access confidential patient information. Stock image Whistleblowers have claimed that staff at Childrens Health Ireland (CHI) are using personal phones and laptops to access confidential patient information exposing hospitals to a potential data breach. In a protected disclosure to the Data Protection Commissioner, two whistleblowers have claimed that an app allows hundreds of staff working across the childrens hospital group to access confidential hospital and patient records while working from home. The app, called GoToMyPC, is a remote desktop software that allows users to access their hospital computers remotely using a web browser on a laptop or mobile phone. CHI said this weekend that it has been contacted by the Data Protection Commission about issues raised in the protected disclosure. However, CHI stated that the app was introduced during the Covid-19 pandemic and is only used in exceptional circumstances and is in the final stages of being retired. HSE requires devices to be encrypted following the cyber attack in May 2021 The whistleblowers protected disclosure dated last December has alleged that hospital staff are using personal private devices to access confidential information and that 295 staff logged on to the app in the month of October last year. The whistleblowers claim the use of personal private personal devices by staff to log into hospital systems poses a security risk because they are not connected to the hospital domain and generally do not have adequate industry standard security. Using devices at home raises a risk that confidential data could potentially be accessed by other members of a household or third parties at computer repair shops as CHI does not repair personal devices. The HSE has restricted the use of personal phones and laptops to access health service systems and requires devices to be encrypted following the cyber attack in May 2021. That attack by Russian hackers resulted in a massive security breach that stalled part of the health service. An investigation found that the HSE was operating a frail IT system, a key weakness while the organisation had a low level of cyber security maturity. The whistleblowers are understood to have reported numerous alleged weaknesses in data protection and confidentiality in protected disclosures to the Data Protection Commission. In a statement, CHI said that access to the hospital groups systems via personal devices is generally not permitted and is only possible in exceptional circumstances. When staff are allowed to use personal devices, access to CHI systems is subject to stringent controls and data protection assessment and is documented. The GoToMyPC app was a unique solution introduced during the Covid-19 pandemic to ensure the continued and safe provision of healthcare at a time when the healthcare sector was under enormous pressure. The statement continued: This product is no longer needed, and CHI is in the final stages of retiring the GoToMyPC product. There are no ongoing security breaches as regards GoToMyPC. CHI has been contacted by the DPC (Data Protection Commissioner) in this regard and has responded in full to all questions posed. No formal enquiry into GoToMyPC has been progressed by the DPC. The countries that belong to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) an organization that brings together 38 of the most economically developed countries in the world claim to be in favor of greater transparency at the international level when it comes to contracts regarding the purchase of innovative medicines. These national governments even admit that the current lack of transparency and the proliferation of confidential clauses erode the accountability of public authorities. This undermines the sustainability of healthcare systems and weakens the position of states when they negotiate with large pharmaceutical companies. However, according to a report recently published by the OECD, when push comes to shove, it is the governments themselves that opt for these types of obscure agreements. This paradox is well-illustrated by the following data: all countries want greater transparency and the majority want to know the prices paid by other governments, but only seven countries voice interest in wanting to share prices. There are several reasons for this reluctance, yet the main one is that, by signing the secret clauses required by pharmaceutical companies, governments are allowed to obtain cheaper prices. Miquel Serra a researcher at the University of Zurich specializing in Health Economics explains: [The OECD report] is a good qualitative work that shows the contradictions that exist in the policies for purchasing medicines. It can be used as an example of the so-called tragedy of the commons, in which all the actors end up being harmed by putting their particular interests before a shared approach that would allow them to obtain better overall results. The report is based on two key and apparently contradictory ideas. The first is that pharmaceutical markets are increasingly characterized by price opacity. While the purchase of generics is much more transparent, innovative medicines actually have two prices: one thats usually made public the official or list price and another thats the real or net price, which is the one that national governments end up paying, and which is almost always kept secret. The report warns that actual transaction prices paid by purchasers increasingly diverge from official list prices. The second starting point is that in recent years, transparency has garnered growing attention within pharmaceutical policy. In response to public pressure to improve international price transparency, the 72nd World Health Assembly adopted in 2019 a resolution. This resolution urges countries to share information on the prices. Through this study and other previous works, however, the OECD has seen how countries desire to do this is met with almost insurmountable obstacles. Firstly, there are numerous limitations existing in national legislation to restrict public information thats considered sensitive. Added to this is a lack of consensus on how far transparency should go what type of data it would affect, whether to make it fully public or only accessible to other governments and a lack of knowledge (even fear) about the consequences that taking this step would have on transaction prices. Miquel Serra, researcher at the University of Zurich. In fact, the report itself highlights that there are already more than 30 initiatives to share some type of information among OECD countries, including the European Database on Drug Prices (EURIPID). The authors, however, point out that, in all cases, these projects exclude the most sensitive information the prices shared are usually the official ones and not the real ones and confidentiality of net medicine prices remains the norm internationally. Survey of 43 countries Faced with this reality, the objective of the OECD report is to be helpful to advance the policy debate and also to analyze the feasibility of implementing systems to share more information. To do this, the authors sent a survey to 43 countries the OECD members, as well as EU members that are not part of the organization of which 34 responded totally or partially to the survey. The most notable results show that even though 20 countries are required [by their national legislation] to publish list prices, they often face legal and contractual constraints that prevent them from sharing net price information. Spain is an example of a high-income country that publishes these prices through the resolutions of the Interministerial Commission on Drug Prices, although it also doesnt report the prices actually paid, due to confidentiality clauses agreed upon with pharmaceutical companies. All the countries consulted are interested in gaining information on prices paid by their counterparts. Specifically, 24 declare that this interest refers to net prices, yet only seven are willing to share this information. Countries have different views on the likely consequences of disclosing net price information, either publicly or in a closed network, the paper continues. A majority considers that sharing of net prices would increase or leave unchanged the bargaining power of national governments. Still, theres much division when assessing how this would affect prices. Of the 24 countries that responded to this question, seven (the document does not specify which ones) believe that these would fall a little, while eight opine that they wouldnt change. Another seven think that they would rise a little and two more believe that prices would increase significantly. Theres still a division when it comes to assessing whether greater transparency could delay a particular countrys access to new therapies. Eight countries believe that publishing net prices would significantly or slightly delay their access to them. Eight think there would be no change and seven estimate, on the contrary, that publicizing prices would shorten the timeframe. Finally, the report states: 18 countries are interested in participating in a pilot mechanism for sharing net price information with other countries. Jose Maria Gimeno professor of Administrative Law at the University of Zaragoza, in Spain believes that the study highlights the uniqueness of the market for innovative medicines: There are many drugs that have no competition, because of patents. The ability to improve prices is therefore limited, and the priority of governments is to ensure that their populations have access to them at prices they can afford. And, to this end, a certain amount of confidentiality can be beneficial. According to this expert, Spain is a good example of this, since the opacity of the contracts allows [the federal government] to obtain better prices than Northern European countries. For Juan Oliva professor of Health Economics at the University of Castilla-La Mancha, a public Spanish institution the problem with this situation is that no one (except the pharmaceutical companies themselves) can be sure of what each country is paying. Its often said that Spain benefits from this system, that this type of secret negotiations allows it to assert that its a large country, with a good network of hospitals and research, so as to attain cheaper prices. But we dont really know, because none of this information is made public. And the few studies carried out by independent entities have actually observed a convergence between the real prices that countries pay, he says. Most of the experts consulted largely agree in pointing out four problems in the market for innovative medicines. The first is efficiency. Economic theory says that markets with several buyers and sellers in which everyone has access to the relevant information are more efficient. In this case, however, theres only one seller, due to the monopoly granted by patents. And [this seller] is the only one who knows how much each country pays. The result is a very inefficient market, Miquel Serra laments. In relation to this first point, the study and the consulted experts point to a second issue: the sustainability of healthcare systems. In an inefficient market, its common that resources are not allocated where they could offer better results, in terms of patient health. In the long-term, this can put the future of those requiring treatment at risk. The third drawback is democratic quality, or accountability, in the words of the report. This point was already addressed by the WHO resolution of 2019, which advocated for greater transparency and was supported by practically all the countries that make up the OECD. Citizens have the fundamental right to know the final destination of the resources they support with their taxes, argues Jesus Lizcano, a professor of Financial Economics and Accounting at the Autonomous University of Madrid and former president of Transparency International Spain. Finally, some voices warn that the lack of transparency can also be detrimental to the health and safety of patients. Opacity isnt only limited to prices, but also surrounds clinical trials, data on efficacy and safety in the real world. In the end, were not sure that we have all the information or the most up-to-date information which only pharmaceutical companies have on what the best treatments for a specific patient may be, concludes Adrian Alonso, head of Research and Political Advocacy at the Right to Health Foundation. This Madrid-based civil society entity has long been filing access-to-information requests with the Spanish Ministry of Health regarding the prices of four prescription medicines: Kymriah, Veklury, Zolgensma and Takhzyro. All cases have resulted in lengthy legal proceedings, due to the opposition put up by the pharmaceutical companies, as well as by the ministry itself. They dont want the prices of the medicines to be made public. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition David Quinn: Chilling report into failings by Tusla utterly ignored by State SERP review into how children were being abused and sometimes raped while in care caused no reaction Justice Minister Helen McEntee said she had not been contacted by Roderic OGorman or Tusla about the report. Photo: Sam Boal/Collins David Quinn Sun 3 Nov 2024 at 03:30 Last year an extremely disturbing report was published by the Sexual Exploitation Research Programme (SERP) at UCD. Entitled Protecting Against Predators, it detailed how children, mainly girls, were being sexually abused, exploited and sometimes raped by gangs of men while under the supposedly watchful eye of the States child protection agency, Tusla. Viewed from this side of the Atlantic, US presidential elections once held an almost impossible glamour. The stage was vast. The candidates so much larger than life. The 2024 contest for the White House feels smaller, tawdrier, nastier. Fascination is now tinged with revulsion. What has become of America that the race should come down to two individuals of questionable pedigree alarmingly so on the Republican side? Democratic nominee Kamala Harris is a lacklustre candidate. Her campaign has been uninspiring. She was unable to capitalise on the impetus provided by Joe Bidens withdrawal in July, and has consistently failed to articulate how she would be different from her former boss. If Harris does have a vision for America, shes been keeping it stubbornly to herself. What she has in her favour is that she is not Donald Trump. Should she squeak through on Tuesday, a relieved world will pocket the win. The choice of the next US president is, of course, not ours to make, much as serious-minded newspapers may fantasise that their endorsements matter greatly at these pivotal moments. American voters are hardly waiting anxiously for guidance from well-meaning strangers in parts of the world they would struggle to find on a map. Trumps scorn for the maintenance of a rules-based international order also threatens to make the world far more dangerous Seen at a distance through Irish eyes, however, it has always been a no-brainer which of these two candidates was the better choice. If Trump does even a fraction of what he has threatened to do in a second term, then the Irish economy, so heavily dependent on US multinationals, could face some unwelcome challenges. On a global stage, Trumps scorn for the maintenance of a rules-based international order also threatens to make the world far more dangerous. Donald Trump greets people in Dearborn, Michigan on Friday. Photo: Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP His vice-presidential pick, JD Vance, even declared last week: I dont really care about Russia. That is one luxury the EU cannot afford. Should Trump make it back to the Oval Office a second time, we must hunker down for four years of chaos, remembering: This too shall pass. What a Harris presidency would look like, nobody knows including, one suspects, the candidate herself. As the first female commander-in-chief, her election would be a historic moment; but she may yet be faced with a Republican majority in the Senate, restricting any scope to put a real stamp on the office. Right now, all that matters is getting across the line. Tuesdays result remains on a knife-edge. The polls, both nationally and in swing states, are within the margin of error. There are seasoned number crunchers calling it both ways. The hope is that the quiet, decent majority comes out to vote for sanity, however flawed. If they do so, it will be to their credit, but it reflects badly on the US political establishment that they were left with such an undesirable choice. That cannot continue or the lurch to populism will only accelerate, and may still throw up candidates even more deranged than Trump. Democrats need to start connecting with people struggling to get by, rather than think-tanks in Washington. Republicans need to finally exorcise the demon that is the Make America Great Again cult. America is only great when it remembers the values on which the country was built. Taoiseach Simon Harris will soon make the short journey across the capital to the Aras for the dissolution of the Dail. Photo: Sam Boal/Collins We wait with bated breath for next week when Taoiseach Simon Harris will make his way to the Aras for President Michael D Higgins to dissolve the Dail. It would seem Fionnan thinks Simon will not have it all his own way (nobody does in politics). I remember him writing before the last general election that it would be Confidence and Supply Arrangement Mark II for Fianna Fail, courtesy of Fine Gael , but this did not happen. The result panned out as I predicted, and Mary Lou found her mojo. I am sure she would like to find it this time too. A big deal has been made about all the Fine Gael candidates who are not running again. I think it is inaccurate to suggest they will not be replaced by new party members. I was talking recently with a former Fine Gael politician, who is a veteran of eight general elections. He wondered if there would be as many of the 18 stepping down if they really felt Fine Gaels fortunes were going to improve under Simon Harris. I do not agree that the public tend to respond negatively to predetermined outcomes. They did not do it in 2011, 2007 and 2002 . Thomas Garvey, Claremorris, Co Mayo What a great laugh I got from Fionnan Sheahans Heeeeres Gerry! parody As a cinephile, I got a great laugh out of Fionnan Sheahan referencing Stanley Kubricks horror masterpiece from 1980 with Jack Nicholson playing Jack Torrance in The Shining (A nightmare on Kildare Street Taoiseach Simon Harriss Halloween house of horrors). Heres Johnny! is one of the most chilling and unforgettable lines ever spoken in a movie, as Torrance goes on the rampage in Colorados secluded Overlook Hotel. Heeeeres Gerry! breaking down the doors of Fine Gael and Fianna Fail is not quite as scary as an adaptation of a Stephen King novel, I would think. Tom McElligott, Listowel, Co Kerry ODoherty provided fair counterpoint to Biden good, Trump bad reports Ian ODohertys article on the US election was comprehensive, factual and unbiased an unusual combination, I would assert. It was interesting to read: As one Irish journalist who really should have known better claimed on TV, if Trump wins, that will be the last election. This, of course, involves the Democratic Party claiming to support democracy; when Trump was elected in 2016, it tried to deny the result by seeking immediately to try to impeach him. ODoherty is correct in stating that, if Harris was the target of two assassination attempts, we would not have heard the end of it. Sauce for the goose should ensure sauce for the gander, but that did not apply in coverage by the media in the US and Ireland. In fact, it was infantile coverage, with non-stop Biden good, Trump bad. Therefore, it was very welcome to read ODohertys words. So many articles were published in the Irish Independent that could only be described as campaigning, which is an insult to your readers when it seemed they were like the deplorables as Republican supporters were described in the US and incapable of making up their own minds if presented with the facts. Mary Stewart, Ardeskin, Donegal town Keep sending the bombs and the IDF planes will keep on dropping them To get elected, Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris needs the political support of Michigans Arab-, Muslim- and Palestinian- American electorate. Yet for the last year or so the current administration, of which she is vice-president, seems to have been essentially saying to the Israeli government and Israel Defence Forces (IDF): Here are our best bombs for your unconditional use, as per usual; but, for the political and media record, please do not use them against non-combatant civilians. Israels reply seems to have been Duly noted, while continuing its bloody business as usual. When the administration had finally called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza in April, the timing gave it the strong odour of political expediency for re-election purposes. Since then, there have been multiple requests for ceasefires from Biden while the US continues to fully arm and thus enable Israel to do whatever as it deems fit. Frank Sterle Jr, British Columbia End the multi-billion arms sales to Israel and youll end Middle East warfare The value of armaments that the US, the UK and Germany has sold to Israel for its war in Gaza and other countries in the region has already amounted to $18bn (16.5bn). Yet those same countries complain because they cannot deliver aid to those people being killed by the bombs they have sold to Israel. The warfare could be ended almost immediately by not selling arms to Israel. Tom Grufferty, Knock, Co Mayo Deadly flooding in Spain underscores urgent need to adapt to climate change The flooding in Spain underscores a crucial need to rethink how we approach climate resilience. Caroline ODoherty aptly notes that whatever was the norm in past weather patterns is no more (Disaster shows us we are not prepared for climate crisis, Irish Independent, November 1). Yet amid the loss, there is an invitation to harness our collective creativity and courage. Can we imagine a future where we adapt, and build communities prepared for new climate realities? It is time to come together to shape a world where normal means thriving communities built to withstand adversity and working with nature to preserve biodiversity, livelihoods and equity for all. Hans Zomer, Global Action Plan All those fooled by online Halloween parade prank should read the papers Youd have to wonder if the thousands of people who turned up on OConnell Street to be made fools of by a hoax Halloween parade had stuck with the much-maligned mainstream media for their information, they might have enjoyed a better night out. Brian Ahern, Clonsilla, Dublin 15 Once upon a time in Hollywood, Armie Hammer had it all. Movie-star good looks, critical acclaim, and block buster bookings the sky was the limit for the A-list actor, until controversy called his name. Having successfully swapped out a troubled background for fame and fortune, Armie Hammer suddenly found his personal and professional life in the spotlight, as allegations of rape, sexual violence, and even cannibalistic desires made deeply troubling headlines. The 38-year-olds career has been in freefall since the emergence of a series of damaging accusations over explicit messages he allegedly sent on social media and an accusation of rape by a woman in Los Angeles in March 2021. Hammer, who vehemently denies all criminal allegations and entered rehabilitation for drug and alcohol abuse in May 2021, claimed he would not undo the past three years. Following the initial controversy, Hammer stepped down from his starring role opposite Jennifer Lopez in comedy film Shotgun Wedding, and was replaced by Miles Teller in the TV series The Offer, a drama about the making of The Godfather. This week the actor has confirmed his return to acting, more than three years after he was accused of sexual misconduct. He will star in Frontier Crucible, a western film adapted from the 1961 novel Desert Stake-Out by Harry Whittington, which will begin production this month. Can his once-blossoming film career ever recover? Today on The Indo Daily as part of our downfall series, Tabitha Monahan is joined by Chris Wasser; TV and film critic with the Irish Independent, to look at how one of Hollywoods brightest lights found himself cloaked in darkness. This podcast was first published in May 2024. A young man has been charged with the murder of a father-of-one in Kerry last May. Kane Hornyak (27) appeared before a special sitting of Cork District Court this evening. He is the third person to be charged in connection with the death of Gerard Ger Kennelly (36) earlier this year. Mr Kennelly, of Gortdromagowna, Knockanure, Co Kerry, died after being stabbed in Knockanure village, just outside Listowel in north Kerry, on May 27 last. Mr Hornyak, of Doon Road, Ballybunion, Co Kerry, is charged with the murder of Mr Kennelly at Knockanure on May 27. Judge Joanne Carroll was given evidence of arrest, caution and charge by Detective Sergeant Donnacha Coakley. Det Sgt Coakley said that Mr Hornyak was met by arrangement at Togher garda station at 12.25pm, before later being arrested and charged. The court was told that after being cautioned, the defendant made no reply to gardai. As the charge involved is murder, bail cannot be dealt with by the district court. Bail applications in murder cases can only be dealt with before the High Court. Defence solicitor Padraig OConnell said no bail application was before the district court, though his client will seek bail in due course from the High Court. He asked that his client receive all necessary medical treatment while in custody. Judge Carroll remanded Mr Hornyak in custody to appear again in person before Tralee District Court on Wednesday, November 6. The defendant, who appeared in court wearing a grey tracksuit, did not speak during the brief hearing. Last week, two people appeared before Listowel District Court charged with the murder of Mr Kennelly. Kieran Brady (35), of Athey, Co Limerick, and Abigail Lynch (22), of Woodview Place, Tarbert, Co Kerry, were both charged with the murder of Mr Kennelly. Detective Garda Tim Walsh said Mr Brady made no reply after being cautioned and charged. His solicitor Pat Mann said an application for bail would be made in the High Court. Mr Brady will appear again before Listowel District Court via video link at Tralee District Court on November 6. Ms Lynch was also charged with the murder of Mr Kennelly. Detective Sergeant Tommy Griffin said she made no reply after being cautioned and charged. Free legal aid in the matter was granted by Judge David Waters. Ms Lynchs solicitor, Padraig OConnell, said a bail application would be brought before the High Court. She will also appear again before Listowel District Court via video link on Wednesday. Judge Waters directed that both receive any required medical attention while in custody. Mr Kennelly is survived by his parents, Jerry and Sheila, his partner, Anne, his daughter, Miya, and his siblings Thomas, John, Mairead and Julie. Latest figures show that between 2020 and 2022, there were 824 hospital admissions of people from Louth due to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, or COPD1. In fact, it is estimated that there are 380,000 people living with COPD in Ireland, yet only 110,000 people are thought to have had a formal diagnosis. Against this backdrop, and marking World COPD Day on Wednesday November 20, COPD Support Ireland, is hosting a COPD & Me pop-up information stand to help spread the word about COPD. The event will take place in The Scotch Hall Shopping Centre in Drogheda on Wednesday November 20, between 9.30am and 1pm. The information stand will see local volunteers from the Drogheda COPD Support Group on hand to provide information on COPD, as well as details of local peer support meetings and exercise classes available for people with the condition. A new booklet, COPD & Me, has also been published by COPD Support Ireland. An essential guide to living with COPD, the booklet is brimful of information, advice and tips, from diagnosis and treatment, to exercise and nutrition, to mental health and well-being. Associate Professor Stanley Miller, Consultant Respiratory Physician and Chair of COPD Support Ireland, explains COPD, its symptoms, and diagnosis: COPD is an umbrella term that includes both emphysema, which is damage to the air sacs in the lungs, and chronic bronchitis, which is inflammation of the airways. "This is where air moves into the lungs reasonably well, but there is difficulty or obstruction to the air moving out of the lungs efficiently, which causes people with COPD to feel breathless. Professor Miller said: While COPD is not curable, it is treatable. Specialist HSE respiratory teams in Integrated Care Hubs are helping thousands of people with COPD to be treated closer to home. By combining health professional management with self-management strategies, people with COPD can go a long way to living the life they wish to live. COPD Support Ireland advises anyone with symptoms of breathlessness and ongoing cough, with or without phlegm, to ask their GP about having a spirometry test performed. Joan Johnston, General Manager, COPD Support Ireland, is highlighting the importance of early diagnosis in improving quality of life: We know that so many people have COPD in this country, yet the vast majority have no idea. "This is possibly because they are putting symptoms down to getting older or because they are in the early stages of disease and symptoms are not yet obvious to them. However, we do know that early diagnosis means we can do more to improve quality of life. "Too many people are suffering unnecessarily and dying prematurely from a disease that is preventable and treatable. Thats why World COPD Day is so important in shining a spotlight on this disease and highlighting what we can do to mind ourselves better if we have a breathing problem. If you receive, or have already had a diagnosis of COPD, Id encourage you to join COPD Support Ireland. There is so much we can offer to support you. Anyone worried about COPD can call the COPD Advice Line on Freefone 1800 832 146 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm) to receive a call back from a respiratory health professional who can answer questions and refer people to local supports. Dundalk ScenenHeard Gerard and Liz Martin with members of the Cunningham family at Gerard and Liz's 50th wedding anniversary celebration night in Byrne's of No. 10, Hill Street. Photo: Aidan Dullaghan/Newspics Gerard and Liz Martin with David, Andrew, Eathan, Shane, Sinead, Aoife and Gary Martin at Gerard and Liz's 50th wedding anniversary celebration night in Byrne's of No. 10, Hill Street. Photo: Aidan Dullaghan/Newspics Gerard and Liz Martin with members of the Martin family at Gerard and Liz's 50th wedding anniversary celebration night in Byrne's of No. 10, Hill Street. Photo: Aidan Dullaghan/Newspics Gerard and Liz Martin with Marion Cunningham at Gerard and Liz's 50th wedding anniversary celebration night in Byrne's of No. 10, Hill Street. Photo: Aidan Dullaghan/Newspics Liz and Gerard Martin with Marian and Michael O'Connor at Liz and Gerard's 50th wedding anniversary celebration night in Byrne's of No. 10, Hill Street. Photo: Aidan Dullaghan/Newspics On Friday night I headed for Byrnes Bar on Hill Street where a very special 50th wedding anniversary party was taking place for Liz and Gerard Martin from Seafield Lawns and there to make sure they had a fantastic night were their kids David, Gary and Andrew and a huge collection of family and friends. I wasnt too long in the door when I met up with son David who was with his wife Sinead, kids Aoife, Ethan and Shane from Drogheda who said his brother Gary was with partner Caroline Lambe and kids Amelia, Alex and Hollie and everyone wanted a big shout out for sister Lisa who couldnt make it because she lives in Australia with partner Ciaran Crozier and kids Grace and Molly. Next I met up with the groom Gerry Martin who told me he had worked for the council for 40 years and has been now retired seven years and have been enjoying every minute of it. He also wanted to thank everyone for coming to the party and hoped they really enjoyed the night. Gerry was chatting to family friend Eamonn Mulholland from Long Walk who wanted to wish Liz and Gerry all the best on their big night. After this I headed for a table where I met up with William McCann, Aisling and Lea Cunningham from Lislea who said Aisling is a niece of the happy couple and assured me it was going to be a cracking night. They were sitting with Lizs sister Marian McCann from Forkhill who was enjoying the evening with her kids and grandkids Barry, Barbara and Ellie Cunningham from Belfry Avenue, Aidan, Adrienne and Darragh Cunningham from Heynestown Samantha and Brendan Cunningham from Forkhill who all wanted to wish Gerry and Liz a very happy 50th anniversary. After this I headed over for a quick word with niece Kim and Paul Cunningham from Marian Park who were delighted to be there and assured me it was going to be a wonderful celebration. Not too far away I caught up with neighbours Jim and Kay Doyle from Seafield Lawns who said Liz and Gerry are lovely neighbours, very quiet and they were really happy to be there to join in their celebrations. Next I met Paul McBurney from Newry who told me he hadnt a clue the party was on, was walking past the front door of the pub and saw through the window the party was in full swing, so he decided to gatecrash. Could he have been Liz brother John McCann I wondered? He was with Brenda Matthews from Bessbrook along with Sean McVerry who turned out to be Lizs other brother Henry McCann from Forkhill who was with his delightful wife Amanda who wasnt struggling to comprehend the identity crisis from the lads. Slightly confused, I then headed for a table where I met up with Michael and Marian OConnor from Brookwood Lawns who were with daughter Donna McBride from Maple Close who wanted to wish all the best to Gerry and Liz. Michael also told me that he and Gerry Mulroy were responsible for the tiling work in the lounge which depicts well known Dundalk scenes. Heading for another table I then met up son Andrew Martin from Seafield Lawns who was sitting having a laugh with niece and nephews Aoife, Ethan and Shane Martin and sister-in-law Sinead from Drogheda who assured me it was going to be a fantastic night for two lovely people. Just arrived in the door were Gerrys sister Anne and husband John Sellick from Castlebellingham who told me he was definitely looking forward to a few pints from the barrel. After this I caught up with nephew Ian Martin from Kilcurry who was there with parents John and Olive Martin from Kilcurry who were with Marie McElligott from Ashling Park who assured me it was going to be an epic night of celebrations. Finally, before I departed, I got a word with Patsy and Catherine Martin from Bellewsbridge Road who wanted to wish Liz and Gerry a very happy 50th anniversary and hoped they had a lovely night amongst their family and friends. Gardai have confirmed that a Wexford woman who was missing since Halloween has been located safe and well". 31 year-old Aoife OCallaghan had been missing since Thursday, October 31, and was last seen at around midday in Phoenix Park in Dublin. Her family and gardai expressed serious concerns for her well-being. Thankfully, gardai today (Tuesday) confirmed that Aoife had been located safe and well and that no further action was required. Gardai thanked members of the public for their assistance. Staff members and management of Oakfield nursing home braving the water to raise funds for Breast Cancer Ireland on Saturday, October 26. Photographer: Sabrina Ffrench Staff members and management of Oakfield Nursing Home braving the water to raise funds for Breast Cancer Ireland on Saturday, October 26. Photographer: Sabrina Ffrench Helen Whelan and Jean Kelly at the fundraiser for Oakfield nursing home braving the water to raise funds for Breast Cancer Ireland on Saturday, October 26. Photographer: Sabrina Ffrench Jenny, Lauren and Robbie Corkish and Alina at the fundraiser for Oakfield nursing home braving the water to raise funds for Breast Cancer Ireland on Saturday, October 26. Photographer: Sabrina Ffrench Wayne and Jenna Murphy at the fundraiser for Oakfield nursing home braving the water to raise funds for Breast Cancer Ireland on Saturday, October 26. Photographer: Sabrina Ffrench Kerry Mc Nichol and Sinead Meegan at the fundraiser for Oakfield nursing home braving the water to raise funds for Breast Cancer Ireland on Saturday, October 26. Photographer: Sabrina Ffrench Fionn, Aine, Helen, and Maura Gleeson at the fundraiser for Oakfield nursing home braving the water to raise funds for Breast Cancer Ireland on Saturday, October 26. Photographer: Sabrina Ffrench Ann O Shea, James White and Chloe Doyle at the fundraiser for Oakfield nursing home braving the water to raise funds for Breast Cancer Ireland on Saturday, October 26. Photographer: Sabrina Ffrench Staff members and management of Oakfield nursing home braving the water to raise funds for Breast Cancer Ireland on Saturday, October 26. Photographer: Sabrina Ffrench Staff members and management of Oakfield nursing home braving the water to raise funds for Breast Cancer Ireland on Saturday, October 26. Photographer: Sabrina Ffrench 28 staff members of Oakfield Nursing Home and residents family members braved the choppy waters at Courtown beach recently for the dip in pink to raise vital funds for Breast Cancer Ireland. Oakfield Nursing Home in north Wexford raised 2,500 in total for the charity in honour of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Event organiser and staff member Sinead Meegan said they were blown over by the unbelievable amount of support they received. "Cancer hits every home so I think thats why everybody wanted to be involved and it was such a success, said Sinead. Before the swim, a duck race was held at the nursing home which gave the residents a chance to get involved as each resident was able to buy a duck and in return they received a raffle prize. Sineads close friend and colleague at Oakfield Nursing Home Ceri McNichol is a breast cancer survivor, which Sinead said made the fundraiser even more special. The RNLI launched a boat on the day and also did a risk assessment of the beach before the swimmers entered the water as it was a very choppy morning. Sinead was delighted with the turnout this year and hopes that next years event will be even bigger and better. Green was the dominant colour of opera lovers on Thursday night, as once again Wexford Festival Opera and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) teamed up to encourage patrons to make sustainable fashion choices when choosing their evening outfits This initiative aims to highlight the idea of a circular economy and to show that the way we shop and the choices we make daily can make a big difference to our environment. Whether it's borrowing a bow-tie from a family member, raiding your wardrobe for that beautiful dress you wore many years ago, or finding the perfect pair of opera gloves in your local charity or vintage shop - every small change helps. Audience members at The Critic on Thursday night wore touches of green and shared stories of their outfit choices and special pieces they have had for many years, either bought or handed down over generations in what is now a long-running tradition in the Festival calendar. Among the attendees at the National Opera House on Thursday was volunteer Claudine Murphy, who spoke about her striking silk coat, which she bought from a local fashion designer many years ago in the Arts & Craft Fair in Whites Hotel held every year during the Festival. At the Wexford Festival Opera Green Night were Ann Marie Dalton and Claudine Murphy. Photograph: Patrick Browne Speaking of her beautiful silk coat, volunteer Claudine Murphy told us how she bought it from a local fashion designer many years ago in the Arts & Craft Fair in Whites Hotel held every year during the Festival. Jim Ferguson and his partner James Glazier, who are long term friends of Wexford Festival Opera, also got into the spirit of sustainable fashion. Jim wore a brilliant kilt made with tartan from the Ferguson clan design, which he proudly wears to many opera events in Wexford. Warren Phelan, EPA Programme Manager, said: By promoting sustainable fashion at Wexford Festival Opera, we hope to raise awareness of Irelands move towards a circular economy, and encourage everyone to play their part. The latest EPA survey showed that people in Ireland are happy to reuse and rewear clothes, with 78% of people saying they wear clothes until they wear out. "Our consumption habits are changing too with 65% of those surveyed saying they chose to keep wearing clothes they already had instead of buying more and 18% bought second hand in the past 12 months. Buying less and reusing what we have, are changes we can take to support a circular economy and help protect our environment. The EPAs headquarters is based in Johnstown Castle Estate, Wexford and the agency has been part of the local community for the last 25 years. It has worked with and supported Wexford Festival Opera for many years through various EPA-led initiatives to raise awareness on a variety of environmental issues. It is not just oil, airplanes or dual-use (civilian and military) products. The successive packages of sanctions against Russia approved by the EU, the United States, and the United Kingdom also contained and contain important restrictions on the sale of luxury Western products, so much to the taste of the Russian elites: high-end cars, watches, and jewelry. Products that should not have been entering the Eurasian giant since the beginning of the invasion of Ukraine. That is the theory; the reality, however, runs along other paths: almost three years later, the wealthiest still lack nothing. The Hermes and LVMH stores in Moscow were among the first to close their doors, shortly after the start of the war and ahead of mass consumption. Shortly afterwards, the Maybach and Rolls-Royce dealers followed suit, leaving a minority 55% of Russian workers earn less than $600 a month and nine out of 10 less than $1,000 without any way of accessing their whims. For a short time. Under the table, the flow of high-end products from neighboring countries has been a constant since then. The latest international customs data point in this direction, where a strong growth practically vertical of imports from countries such as Georgia or Kazakhstan is perceived: increases that the consumption dynamics of these countries cannot explain and an important indication of their participation in a triangulation that is enabling the arrival of these select products to Russia, their true final destination. There is strong circumstantial evidence that Western goods are reaching Russia via the Caucasus and Central Asia. This is reflected in the mirror trade data of the EU and other countries, notes Benjamin Hilgenstock, a specialist at the German Council on Foreign Relations. The producers of these goods are not adequately monitoring their distribution networks, nor do they have sufficient incentives to do so, he replied by email. Western governments, wrote Robin Brooks, a researcher at the Brookings Institution, know what is happening: cracking down [on re-exports] is just a matter of political will. The EU has banned the export of jewelry and cars worth more than 50,000 to Russia for almost two years. However, alternatives to get them to their destination emerged almost immediately. The first was Turkey, also as a transit country. A route that soon gave way to Belarus, with a government clearly aligned to Moscow. Last summer, the EU tried to close this gap with a new package of sanctions to prevent the obvious evasion by Minsk. It remains to be seen how successful this will be. Today, however, the biggest hole is in the south: in Georgia, Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan. A recent journalistic investigation by the Georgian portal iFact did not hesitate to describe the border with Russia as a paradise for vehicle traffic, with Porsches and Lamborghinis proliferating in the imposing mountains of the Caucasus, the natural border between the two countries. A long line of vehicles at the Lars Pass, the only border crossing between Georgia and Russia, at the end of 2022. AP It is a well-oiled machine. The Russian buyer places his trust in a carrier, a key player in the process, who registers the vehicle in his name outside Georgia and takes out insurance. Once through the Lars Pass the only crossing from Georgia and the one on which the iFact investigation focused it is handed over to his Russian counterpart. Then back to Georgia and square one. That car will have to travel another 1,800 kilometres (1,118 miles) to Moscow, or 2,500 (1,553 miles) to St. Petersburg, the cities where almost all of Russias wealthy live. Along the way, there is a stream of roubles, laris (the official currency in Georgia), euros and dollars for middlemen, transporters, and other actors involved in a highly lucrative transfer. A gray market, in short, with many winners and one clear loser: Ukraine. More than 100,000 Russians have settled in Georgia, fleeing mobilization, not necessarily out of opposition to Vladimir Putins government, but simply out of fear of being sent to the front in Ukraine. Russians have opened more businesses in Georgia in the past two years than in the entire previous 30 years, complains one member of the Georgian opposition. And some of these companies are key to this trade, says the iFact investigation. Officially, there is no vehicle trade between Georgia and Russia. Although the Tbilisi government has not established bilateral sanctions against Moscow, last year it explicitly banned the re-export of vehicles to its neighboring country: We do not want Georgia to be used to circumvent sanctions against Russia, Nikoloz Samkharadze, head of the parliamentary foreign affairs committee, told EL PAIS. Samkharadzes party, which has been in government since 2012, has been accused of increasingly aligning itself with Moscow. Asked about vehicle traffic at the Lars Pass, the politician replied: Those cars are Armenian. But everyone knows that they are not actually Armenian vehicles. Well, the car arrives at customs and has official Armenian papers. We cannot stop anyone traveling from Armenia to Russia. This trade is therefore not recorded in official statistics. But data from the National Statistics Office do show a significant increase in vehicle exports from Georgia, a country that does not manufacture cars. While between 2012 and 2021, the Caucasian country exported an average of 50,000 cars per year, in 2022 it exported almost 80,000, and last year 108,000. As for profits, they have skyrocketed: if this re-export market previously brought Georgia about 400 million ($432.7 million) per year, it now exceeds 2 billion ($2.16 billion), which indicates that the price per vehicle unit has also increased significantly. Almost all of these exports go to Armenia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, or Kyrgyzstan, countries heavily involved in trade with Russia in banned Western goods. The Georgian government knows this. These cars are now being exported from Georgia to Central Asian countries. And then these countries export them to Russia, says Samkharadze with a shrug. That is, it is not our fault. The Dolce & Gabanna store in central Moscow, in May this year. Stanislav Sablin (Getty Images) Smuggling premium products Smuggling accounts for only 8% of imported vehicles, according to a study by the Otkrytiye bank and the Avtomarketolog channel, but it is dominated by the premium range. You only have to look at the prices on the sales portals to see that a low- or mid-range car is not worth the money. The most popular models are European luxury cars and high-end Chinese models such as the Lixiang and Zeekr. There are basically two options for acquiring a smuggled car. The easiest is to go to dealers, who have the financial muscle to import large batches of vehicles. If, on the other hand, you want a specific model, the most effective option is to turn to middlemen with contacts in Europe. The scheme is simple: someone helps buy and transport the car to the border, someone registers it at customs, someone drives it, and someone participates in the registration, explains Avto.ru, a website for buying and selling imported cars. However, according to another broker, Avtorevizorro, direct imports from Europe via Belarus have become more complicated since the middle of this year. The reason? Polish and Lithuanian authorities now require many more documents and sometimes hold vehicles for days. Phones and sweaters A group of Russian tourists from other regions take a photo next to the central fountain in the historic Gum shopping center, which is located next to the iconic Red Square in Moscow. Above them, on the second floor, is the Lacoste store, where the labels show the extra cost of evading sanctions: a cotton jumper that costs $170 sells for 20,000 roubles in Russia, $32 to $43 more. Official stores of Western brands such as Karl Lagerfeld, Hugo Boss, Dolce & Gabbana and Dior, to name a few, also continue to operate in Gum. Parallel imports have skyrocketed in recent times. And this means, for example, that cell phones cost considerably more than in the rest of the world. In Gum, Samsung sells the 256-gigabyte Galaxy Z for 189,990 roubles, around $1,940. That is $755 more than in Spain, for example. The official service will repair your phone here, in our almost 300 centers in Russia and also overseas. And if you bring another phone, we will give you a discount on the purchase of the new one, one of its salesmen insists. Products from brands that have completely abandoned Russia are still around. Apples new iPhone 16 went on sale here days before its official launch, even though the American tech giant has shut down its business in the country. We guarantee repairs in our own centers, but the phone doesnt have an official Apple guarantee. You know, parallel imports, says, sparingly, the salesman at Re:Store, a Russian chain that now occupies the place where the Californian firm once stood. The Gum shopping centre in Moscow in March. AP Re:Store is less timid on its official website: Many companies will resort to parallel imports of foreign products in the near future, the Russian firm predicts. Although the Constitutional Court banned smuggling in 2018, at the start of the war the Kremlin legalized it to circumvent sanctions. Parallel import does not in any way legalize counterfeit products, we are only talking about the delivery of original products. If retailers try to introduce counterfeits into the country, this will be considered a serious violation of the law, Re:Store writes, along with a sketch justifying a hack that follows a very simple scheme: the factory sells the phone to a third country and re-exports it to Russia. Doubts about the effectiveness of sanctions Luxury goods form just a part of the list of Russian bypasses of G-7 sanctions. Far from the economic apocalypse that many anticipated in the early stages of the invasion, Russias GDP has survived the situation better than expected: after falling 1.2% in 2022, it rebounded 3.6% last year and is on track to record similar growth this year, according to the latest projection from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Fueled, of course, by runaway military spending, which overshadows the damage to other vital constants. The increase in demand from the military industry has sustained the economy, Maxim Mironov, a professor at the IE Business School and author of several studies on sanctions, tells EL PAIS by phone. But GDP no longer represents the economic reality of the country: the consumption capacity of families has fallen, and a lot. The sanctions, Mironov continues, have had an economic impact, but not enough to stop the war. There are far fewer Western products in Russia and their price has skyrocketed, so the biggest losers have been the people, the families. Poverty has increased, but Putins spending capacity on the war has remained the same. His conclusion is clear: The restrictions are not enough and, above all, they have to be better-designed. The EU is in the process of reviewing its economic reprisals against Russia in order to plug the loopholes that still exist, especially those that allow the arrival of critical materials for the Kremlin through China. Another can of worms to be cracked. Inspired by the mythology behind her name, Bray author Sadhbh Devlin has published a new childrens book, An Fia sa Choill, that retells the love story of Fionn Mac Cumhaill and his mysterious wife Sadhbh. For award-winning childrens writer Sadhbh, who is best known for her picture books Amuigh Faoin Speir, Bi ag Spraoi Liom, Beag Bideach and Geansai Otto, this is her first book in Futa Fatas mythology series for slightly older readers. On the heels of An Feileacan agus an Ri and Cluasa Capaill ar an Ri, An Fia sa Choill is the third beautiful instalment in publisher Futa Fatas multi-award-winning series of reimagined myths in picture book form. An Fia sa Choill tells the love story of Fionn Mac Cumhaill and his mysterious wife, Sadhbh, who was transformed into a deer for refusing to marry against her will. Readers young and old will be captivated by this age-old story, retold masterfully by Sadhbh Devlin and brought to life in the magical illustrations of Anastasia Melnykova. When I was growing up, my name was very unusual, Sadhbh said. In fact there were only three babies registered as being named Sadhbh the year that I was born. When I was a child I used to be really jealous of my friends with more normal names like Michelle or Sarah who could easily find necklaces and keyrings, etc with their names inscribed on them. That just didnt exist for my name! What I did have, however, was this wonderful story from Irish mythology about a beautiful young woman who shared my name. It felt very special to me to see my name in such an ancient and magical story. These days, the name Sadhbh is not as rare as it once was and it has been steadily growing in popularity over the years. In fact, in 2023 there were 120 babies named Sadhbh registered compared to just twelve Michelles and ninety three Sarahs! When Devlin was invited to pitch an idea for a reimagined version of a story from Irish mythology to be added to Futa Fatas award-winning series, she knew immediately that she wanted to choose a story from An Fhiannaiocht or the Fenian Cycle (i.e. stories featuring the hero Fionn Mac Cumhaill). There are many stories associated with this Irish superhero - most famously, the story of the Salmon of Knowledge - but for Devlin there could only be one choice. The one thing that always frustrated me about the older versions of the story featuring the character Sadhbh is that beyond her being a beautiful young woman there was never very much information about what kind of person she was, Sadhbh explained. I knew that in my re-telling I would have an opportunity to give her more of a personality and, especially, more of a voice so that the younger generation could get to know her better and see what an important character she is in Irish mythology. Ukrainian artist Anastasia Melnykova who created the stunning illustrations for this book was inspired by visits to the National Museum of Ireland and by the natural landscapes of her adopted home in Cork. It was a true pleasure to work on the illustrations, letting this book pass through me and become a part of me its been an inspiring journey, she said. An Fia sa Choill will be launched in Tales for Tadpoles childrens bookshop in Bray on Saturday, November 9, at 2 p.m. Failte roimh chach/All are welcome! An Fia sa Choill is available nationwide in all good bookshops or at futafata.ie. The roadshows by FRS Co-Op and the Irish Co-Operative Organisation Society (ICOS) will all be held in easily accessible locations around the country, making it more convenient for busy farmers to attend, allowing them to access this vital information and training. The Wicklow event will be held on Friday, November 8, at 11am in Tom Shorts farm located in Co Wicklow at Eircord A63HP22. At the roadshow, farmers will be provided with practical silks and knowledge on topics like the dangers of working with livestock, machinery and driving on roads, mental health and seeking out help for family members, and farm buildings and how to maximise TAMS grant aid. Guest speakers from the industry will provide their expertise as part of the event, which is expected to run for approximately two to three hours in each location. Statistics from the HSA show that on average, there have been 19 farm fatalities a year, over the last 10 years. Taking those figures into account, the roadshow seeks to provide better awareness and understanding of the correct health and safety practices. Speaking about the roadshow, FRS Co-Op health and safety manager Jim Dockery said: Its a busy time of year for Wicklow farmers, with cattle going indoors and the evenings getting shorter. It can be challenging to carve out time to go to talks and events. "That is why this roadshow is a little different. Were taking safety to farmers. The roadshow is visiting local farms, marts and in co-op yards. By being at these locations and taking a few hours or so out to see some safety events, it will make it as convenient for the farmer as possible. We also want to capture the Wicklow farmers that dont normally go to meetings and events but he or she can avail of the information and knowledge in a comfortable environment for them where they know everyone anyway. "Everybody knows someone who has been injured or worse still, killed in farm accidents. So its very close to most peoples hearts and any of us working in the agri-sector realise how important farm safety is. That is why we are running this roadshow and we hope there will be plenty of Wicklow farmers in attendance, furthering awareness and use of safe practice and procedures. ICOS president Edward Carr added: This is an issue thats very close to all our hearts. If were to be completely honest with ourselves, weve all had close calls on our farms. That is why there is a vital purpose behind these roadshows. "We hope that these roadshows will serve for the betterment of everybody involved. We are very honoured and privileged to be involved in this initiative. We fully believe the co-op network is an ideal platform for us to promote these events right across the country and we hope there will be strong interest for each of these roadshows. Anyone wishing to attend the roadshow is encouraged to register in advance on frsfarmreliefservices.ie/farmsafetyroadshow Our columnist has some fabulous and affordable face, eye brow and hair products to soften the signs of ageing You get old if youre lucky, as Groucho Marx said, but while old is gold or the goal, as I say tell that to my face and hair! So lets have a look this week at what products really work when youre getting older, because suddenly my friends are talking about facelifts and I cant honestly believe that thats where were heading. Eucerin Hyaluron-Filler Epigenetic Serum, 56, boots.ie Im gonna keep on trucking with a bit of Botox and loads of lotions and potions like Eucerin Hyaluron-Filler Epigenetic Serum (56, boots.ie) that has a revolutionary ingredient, Epicelline. It works by reactivating youth genes, rejuvenating the skin and reversing the 10 visible signs of ageing, hurrah! It also works in conjunction with other ingredients like hyaluronic acid to plump up wrinkles and stimulate the skins own collagen and elastin. Caudalie Resveratrol-Lift Lightweight Firming Cashmere Cream, 41, caudalie.com My beauty editor friends are all going gaga over Caudalie Resveratrol-lift Lightweight Firming Cashmere Cream (41, caudalie.com). It firms, smooths and nourishes the skin thanks to a plant-derived collagen which is combined with an exclusive anti-ageing ingredient, leaving the complexion looking luminous. And in even better news, its available in refill format. Living Proof Scalp Care Density Serum, 62, zolobeauty.com Now, heres the thing, its not just skin that ages as we know all too well hair gets ravaged by time too. Thats why Im super impressed by the new Living Proof Scalp Care Density Serum (62, zolobeauty.com), which is an anti-ageing hair-care scalp serum formulated to visibly minimise the appearance of grey hair, reduce shedding, increase hair density and promote healthier hair growth. I know, right! It promotes natural growth and it has amaranth peptides to increase the diameter of the hair fibres for fuller, thicker-looking hair. Sculpted by Aimee EasyBrow, 21, sculptedbyaimee.com The old eyebrows can go rogue as we age so give them the Sculpted by Aimee EasyBrow (21, sculptedbyaimee.com) treatment. Its a dual-ended brow gel and spoolie that gives you natural-looking brows. Formulated with biotin, it promotes thicker-looking brows over time and you can choose from the tinted fibre gel or clear fixing gel options. The shade range goes from light blonde which is a neutral tone suitable for blonde, grey or white hair to a cool black-brown for dark brunettes and black hair. Sadies Secrets Eyebrow Tint, 29, sadies-secrets.com Theres also a brilliant new product from Irish beauty brand Sadies Secrets, created by Jill Keogh, who has over 22 years in the beauty industry as a beauty therapist, image consultant and skin specialist. Sadies Secrets Eyebrow Tint (29, sadies-secrets.com) is an at-home, anti-ageing eyebrow tint, which is available in two shades and is also cruelty-free and vegan friendly. Keogh initially developed it with older women and those experiencing menopause in mind, as she recognised a gap in the market for a solution to address greying brows while gradually enhancing their colour. Made from chasteberry extract to aid hormonal balance and boost healthy hair growth along with moisture-locking panthenol, it covers grey and lighter hairs instantly, and delivers a buildable tint with daily brushing for a long-term, natural look. There you go now! Give em a go and sure you never know, youll soon be ageing like a fine wine Did somebody say wine?! Try the Golden Minute trick and shine like supermodel Cindy Crawford Trick Golden Minute I just learned the ultimate tip from the fabulous Renee Rouleau, the go-to facialist to Cindy Crawford! Introducing the Golden Minute that precious window right after you step out of the shower. You can unlock radiant, hydrated skin by applying a hydrating toner to seal in moisture before moving on to your serum and moisturiser. Prepare to shine like a supermodel! Chanel No 5 The Gold Body Oil, 90, brownthomas.com Treat Chanel No 5 The Gold Body Oil, 90, brownthomas.com Even just looking at this luxurious body oil does it for me! Infused with pearlescent gold sparkles, this lightweight formula glides on smoothly, deeply hydrating your skin while leaving a stunning shimmer that dances in the light. But heres the magic trick: applying this oil before spritzing on your favourite scent, like N5, elevates to a whole new level! Try the AquaGold Facial at Dr George Nema's Sculpted Clinic in Dublin Treatment AquaGold Facial, 550, sculptureclinic.ie This 24-carat gold treatment is beloved of Hollywood A-Listers as it nourishes your skin from within. Find it at Sculpture in their new salon in Donnybrook run by Dr George Nema. It uses threads and ultra-fine needles in a stamp micro-needling device to infuse customised serums deep into your skin. AquaGold takes less than an hour and results last for up to three to four months. Triona McCarthy reveals the latest lotions and potions to beat the signs of ageing Trionas skincare saviours Margot Robbie poses at the red carpet before the 10th Annual Breakthrough Prize Awards and Ceremony at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles, California, on April 13, 2024. (Photo by Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu via Getty Images) Margot Robbie has reportedly given birth to her first child, two weeks before the planned date but all is said to be well. A source close to Robbie and her husband Tom Ackerley, told People magazine that the Barbie star gave birth to a baby boy. The Mail on Sunday adds that the Australian actor went into Labour two weeks ago with a source telling the newspaper that all is well. The couple has not officially announced the birth of the baby and the infants name has not been disclosed either. Robbies pregnancy was announced in July, with the star making a public outing at Wimbledon shortly after the news was reported. She wore a loosely fitted polka-dot dress and sunglasses that appeared to subtly reveal her growing baby bump. Robbie and Ackerly first met back in 2013 while they were filming Suite Francaise, a Second World War romantic drama, in Belgium. At the time Robbie was still rising to fame as an actor and Ackerly was the films assistant director. One year later, they launched a production company together called LuckyChap which has gone on to produce major movies including Birds of Prey and Barbie, both of which starred Robbie in the lead role. The two are known for keeping their personal lives private. Their engagement was never announced and they were married in a secret ceremony in Byron Bay, Australia. The Suicide Squad actor told Vogue back in May 2016 that her relationship with the best-looking guy in London was unexpected. I was the ultimate single gal. The idea of relationships made me want to vomit, she said. And then this crept up on me. We were friends for so long. I was always in love with him. Robbie continued: But I thought, Oh, he would never love me back. Dont make it weird, Margot. Dont be stupid and tell him that you like him. And then it happened, and I was like, Of course were together. This makes so much sense, the way nothing has ever made sense before. Robbie has previously voiced her annoyance at being continuously asked in interviews when she would be having children. It made me really angry; how dare some old guy dictate what I can and cant do when it comes to motherhood or my own body? she said back in 2019 to Radio Times. Unfortunately, its a conversation were still having. Im so angry that theres this social contract, she added. Youre married, now have a baby. Dont presume. Ill do what Im going to do. Women carry their children while crossing from Lebanon into Syria on foot at the Masnaa border crossin. Photo: Louisa Gouliamaki/Reuters The Israeli military said Sunday it carried out a ground raid into Syria, seizing a Syrian citizen involved in Iranian networks. It was the first time in the current war that Israel has announced sending troops into Syria. Philadelphia, here we come female volunteers for Team Kamala Harris travel from afar to knock on doors in key swing-state city On the streets of Philadelphia, women are flying in from all over the US to help Democrats win the crucial battleground state on Tuesday. They say theyre disturbed by what they think Donald Trump has in store for womens rights Michelle Obama speaking at Norristown, Pennsylvania Adrian Weckler Sun 3 Nov 2024 at 17:23 Maybe it wont be the economy, stupid. Death threat issued against Yogi Adityanath/ Photo courtesy: IBNS File Mumbai/IBNS: The Mumbai Police has received a death threat against Yogi Adityanath stating that he will be murdered "like Baba Siddique" unless he stepped down as Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister within 10 days, media reports said. Senior Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Baba Siddique was shot dead outside his son Zeeshan Siddique's office in Bandra East, Mumbai, on October 12. The Lawrence Bishnoi gang had claimed responsibility for killing Baba Siddique, who was shot dead by three men during Dussehra. Soon after the killing of Siddique, the Lawrence Bishnoi Gang also issued a death threat to Bollywood superstar Salman Khan. The Mumbai Police received a string of death threats for Salman Khan of which one message even asked for Rs. 5 crore and claimed that if the money was not paid, the actor's fate would be worse than that of Baba Siddique. The death threat for Yogi Adityanath was received on a WhatsApp helpline number of the Mumbai Traffic Police control room on Saturday evening. The message claimed to kill Yogi Adiyanath "like Baba Siddique" if he did not resign in 10 days. Mumbai Police is probing the matter and trying to track down the number's owner from which the threat was sent. This death threat comes amid several other death threats issued to Salman Khan demanding ransom. Salman's security has been further heightened following these death threats. The actor, who was a close friend of Baba Siddique, had his security escalated after the politician's murder. Salman is also not allowing anyone inside his residence now. After Siddique's murder, one of the Bishnoi gang members shared a post on Facebook where he hinted at Siddique's close ties with Salman and links to underworld people that cost him his life. On the night of April 14, gunfire shook Mumbai's Bandra neighbourhood when two men on motorbikes fired multiple rounds outside Salman's residence. The attackers, linked to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, were charged with conspiracy to murder and other serious crimes. Videograb of CCTV footage showing Delhi firing incident, accessed by media and shared on X New Delhi/IBNS: Members of Bambiha Gang, which is a rival of the Lawrence Bishnoi group, recently fired 8 times outside the residence of a Delhi businessman in order to extort money. The incident was captured on CCTV and the footage of which has emerged now. The video starts with two bike-borne men standing outside the businessman's house. After a few seconds, one of the gang members threw a chit inside the residence that read 'Bambiha Gang'. Without wasting any time further, the accused started firing at the house eight times before the video cut off. The shooter also made a video of the firing, which they later sent to the United States, NDTV reported, quoting officials. The shooting occurred on October 26 in North West Delhi's Rani Bagh. The shooters, identified as Bilal Ansari (22) and Shuheb (21), reportedly carried out the firing in an attempt to extort a whopping sum of Rs. 15 crores from the businessman. On receiving inputs about the shooting, the police tried to stop the miscreants. They tried to take a U-turn to evade the cops but slipped and fell. Even as the police team surrounded them, one of the shooters shot at the officials, following which the cops fired in self-defence. One of the accused reportedly sustained a bullet injury in his leg. The police then managed to arrest both shooters. Barbershops are a place where the Black community is accustomed to having direct, frank conversations. But on Monday afternoon, its like pulling teeth to get 49-year-old C.C., the owner of Stylinerz, located in Crenshaw, the heart of Black Los Angeles, talking. The tall man focuses on the head of the little boy over which he just passed an electric razor. He thinks for a long time about what hes going to say before addressing the topic of Donald Trump. I think he is somebody who is going to shake up the system. I dont dislike him he trails off. The boy, his head immobile, widens his eyes and looks up to see who made this remark. Kamala Harris and Trump have both recently visited barbershops like this one. The Democratic candidate passed through one on Sunday, during a trip to Philadelphia, one of the key swing states on which her campaign has focused in its final lap. The barbers at Philly Cuts sat her down in their lucky seat. They commented on the winning history of politicians who have come through looking for their votes. Harris took the chair with a smile and a complicit look at the men around her. To a handful of young men, she pledged to increase the number of teachers of color. Statistics say that if a Black boy has a Black teacher before the third grade, his chances of going to college rise by 13%. And if they have two, that percentage rises to 30%, said the vice-president. The Democratic candidates luck appears to be shifting. Three recent polls suggest that Harris is managing to win over Black men, young and old, in the closing days of her campaign. Over 34 million African Americans will be voting on November 5, 14% of the countrys population. ABC announced this week that the vice-president has the support of 85% of Black men. That figure is higher than the 79% who voted for Joe Biden in 2020. Trumps support hovers between 11% and 13%. In 2020, the Republican won 19% of the Black male vote. C.C., who asked to be identified by his initials alone, is one of the U.S. voters who is still undecided one week out from the November 5 presidential election. Im definitely going to vote, he says. At this point, Ive only heard the candidates attack each other, but nothing about what theyre going to do for us. The last time he voted with any conviction was in 2008, for Barack Obama. A boulevard that intersects the street on which Stylinerz is located now bears the name of the nations first Black president. Jokingly, C.C. says that these days in the shop, they prefer talking about religion so as to avoid the subject of politics but that many of his clients dont know who to vote for. Talking points directed at Black voters have played an outsized role during the last two weeks of the presidential race. Democrats swung into action after summer polls showed that Trump had gained ground among the group and was positioned to become the Republican with the highest levels of support among African Americans, who have traditionally been aligned with the Democrats, since Richard Nixons victory in 1960. The star of The Apprentice has proven attractive to Black male voters aged under 44. In 2012, Obama won that group by 81%. Hillary Clinton did so by 63% in 2016 and Joe Biden by 53% four years ago. Harris remains ahead, but by the end of September, her margin had fallen to 41%. Emily Bazelon, a senior research fellow at Yale Law School, explains that among this group there is a stark division that can also be observed in other communities of color. Harris is favored by women and Trump by men. For African Americans, level of education is also an important differential. Black women complete higher education at a higher rate than men. Black and Latino voters with university educations are more aligned with university educated whites. We see a division by class and educational level, says the researcher, who is also a media analyst at Slate. Educational gap Bazelon suspects that the educational gap in the Black community will end up making a difference at the polls: 57% of Black voters between the ages of 18 and 49 say they feel little or no satisfaction with the presidential candidates, according to a Pew Research Center survey. That percentage drops to 29% when registered voters over the age of 50 are asked. Romey Smith, a cybersecurity engineer, thinks that many Black voters have fallen victim to disinformation. They think that what Trump is promising wont affect them, says the 56-year-old, who lives in Baldwin Hills, a neighborhood in Los Angeles that since the 1950s has been seen as the Black Beverly Hills and has been home to celebrities like Ray Charles, Tina Turner, and Lenny Kravitz. Smith is originally from St. Louis, Missouri. He moved west to attend college, where he met his wife. Both are lifelong Democratic voters. They live in an area of the city that powered Karen Bass to become the first Black mayor of Los Angeles. And they hope to do the same for Harris. What Im most interested in this election is supporting a candidate who is looking to improve our society and supports our community, he says. The Democrats campaign has taken a series of steps designed to appeal to Black voters biggest concern: the economy. Harris promises to make one million loans of up to $20,000 for young Black entrepreneurs towards starting businesses. Shes also pledged to shore up cryptocurrency regulation to protect investments, legalize recreational marijuana, and pass legislation that would address health conditions that primarily impact the Black community. Obama has taken to the campaign trail to support Harris. During his first appearance at one of her events, he cautioned the community about the machismo that could be impacting certain voters view of the vice-president. Youre coming up with all kinds of reasons and excuses. Ive got a problem with that. Part of it makes me think that, well, you just arent feeling the idea of having a woman as president, and youre coming up with other alternatives and reasons for that. Youre thinking about sitting out or supporting somebody who has a history of denigrating you, because you think thats a sign of strength, because thats what being a man is? said the former president at the beginning of October on a visit to Pittsburgh. It was a direct, frank message. Like something youd hear in a barbershop. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Amit Shah alleged that 'infiltrators' are grabbing land in Santhal Pargana by luring tribal women into marriage. (Photo courtesy: Video grab) Ranchi: Home Minister Amit Shah stated on Sunday that the upcoming Jharkhand Assembly elections will go beyond merely changing the government, as it will also play a critical role in shaping the states future. During the release of the BJP's Sankalp Patra (election manifesto) in Jharkhand's capital Ranchi, Home Minister Amit Shah promised that if the BJP comes to power in the state, it will enact legislation to reclaim land allegedly grabbed by "infiltrators." "This election in Jharkhand is not just an election to change the government, but an election to ensure the future of Jharkhand. The people of Jharkhand have to decide whether they want a government full of corruption or a BJP government moving forward on the path of development under the leadership of PM Modi. Do they want a government that endangers the identity, land and women of Jharkhand by allowing infiltration or do they want a Bharatiya Janata Party government that protects the borders," Amit Shah was quoted as saying by ANI Shah criticized the current JMM-led government, accusing it of engaging in "appeasement politics." He noted that while the High Court had issued orders to identify and deport infiltrators, the Hemant Soren government failed to act on them. "The number of tribals in Santhal Pargana is continuously decreasing. Infiltrators are coming here and luring our daughters and marrying them and occupying the land. If this is not stopped, then neither the culture of Jharkhand, nor the employment, land, or daughters here will be safe. That is why the BJP is moving ahead with the slogan of securing Roti, Beti, Maati," Shah said. Union Home Minister Amit Shah alleged that tribal communities in Jharkhand have been left vulnerable under Chief Minister Hemant Soren's leadership. He accused the JMM-led alliance of allowing infiltrators onto tribal lands, compromising their safety and security. "BJP government is being formed in Jharkhand and we will drive out these infiltrators. We will bring the law and return the land taken away from women. Hemant Soren, you have failed to provide security to the women of Jharkhand," he said. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Union Ministers Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Sanjay Seth, along with BJP Jharkhand president Babulal Marandi, attended the manifesto launch event. The elections for Jharkhands 81 Assembly seats are set to take place in two phases, on November 13 and November 20, with vote counting scheduled for November 23. Shah further claimed that Jharkhands government under Soren is the "most corrupt" in India, citing the Rs 350 crore found at Congress MP Dheeraj Sahus residence and cash recovered from properties linked to the personal assistant of Congress leader Alamgir Alam. Photo Courtesy: Indian Army X page At least 10 people were injured after a grenade blast occurred in Jammu and Kashmir's Srinagar city on Sunday, media reports said. The blast occurred close to the Tourist Reception Centre in Srinagar. The blast occurred at a time when the spot was bursting with public. Security forces have rushed to the spot. The injured were shifted to hospital for treatment. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah described the incident as 'deeply disturbing'. "The last few days have been dominated by headlines of attacks & encounters in parts of the valley. Todays news of a grenade attack on innocent shoppers at the Sunday market in Srinagar is deeply disturbing. There can be no justification for targeting innocent civilians. The security apparatus must do everything possible to end this spurt of attacks at the earliest so that people can go about their lives without any fear," the CM said. The last few days have been dominated by headlines of attacks & encounters in parts of the valley. Todays news of a grenade attack on innocent shoppers at the Sunday market in Srinagar is deeply disturbing. There can be no justification for targeting innocent civilians. The Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) November 3, 2024 The attack occurred amid recent encounters which took place in the region. Chennai: Police have arrested a couple and four others in connection with the suspected torture and murder of a 15-year-old maid in Chennai, media reports said. Investigators said that the young girl was severely tortured with a hot iron and cigarette butts in a flat located in Chennai's Mehta Nagar, where she worked as a domestic help, according to an NDTV report. The couple, identified as Mohammad Nishad and Nasiya, allegedly hid the girls body in their toilet before fleeing to the home of Nishad's sister. Reports indicate that Nishad's lawyer informed the police about the death. The victims mother is a widow and lives in Thanjavur district. Police are currently waiting for the postmortem report from Kilpauk Medical College and Hospital to determine the precise cause of the girl's death, the report added. Photo Courtesy: S Jaishankar X page External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Sunday said the opening of the fourth consulate in Brisbane is a step forward in the friendship shared between India and Australia. Jaishankar is currently visiting Australia. He is scheduled to open the new consulate during his visit to the country. He addressed the Indian community in Brisbane earlier in the day. He posted on X: "Spoke about the strong comprehensive strategic partnership and the efforts, vision and leadership by both countries to energise it. The upcoming opening of Indias 4th consulate in Australia is a step forward in our friendship." Delighted to interact with members of the vibrant Indian community in Brisbane. Spoke about the strong comprehensive strategic partnership and the efforts, vision and leadership by both countries to energise it. The upcoming opening of Indias 4th consulate in Australia is pic.twitter.com/anmbM1CWZy Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) November 3, 2024 Jaishankar will be visiting Australia between November 3 and November 7. Jaishankar will also co-chair the 15th Foreign Ministers Framework Dialogue (FMFD) with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong in Canberra. The EAM will deliver the keynote address at the inaugural session of the 2nd Raisina Down Under to be held in the Australian Parliament House. He is also scheduled to have interactions with Australian leadership, parliamentarians, members of the Indian diaspora, business community, media and think tanks. After completing his Australian tour, Jaishankar will visit Singapore on November 8. He will address the 8th Roundtable of ASEAN India Network of Think Tanks. A Martha Stewart and Ryan Reynolds beef was not on our 2024 bingo card, but here we go. Stewart recently broke the internet's perception of the sarcastic wisecrack Reynolds, claiming he's not as funny in real life as one would presume him to be. Ryan has now responded to Stewart's 'he's not so funny' remark, and it has restored fans' belief in his humour. What did Martha Stewart say? Martha Stewart is busy promoting her documentary Martha, currently streaming on Netflix. During an appearance on Bilt Rewards' Rent Free game show this week, Stewart told host Ankur Jain that Reynolds, the internet's go-to person for a good chuckle, is "not so funny" in real life. During a segment when she was required to work out the top three celebrities that the public believed would be fun to hang out with, she quickly listed Ryan's name. Hes probably on the list just cause he covers himself up in his movies and you dont see his faceRyan Reynolds, is he one of those? She asked before adding, And you want to know something? Hes not so funny in real life. No, hes not so funny. Hes very serious. "Maybe he can get to be funny again. Im going to get in trouble. Hes my neighbour," she noted playfully. Two others she thinks are not so fun to hang out with are Snoop Dogg and a friend of the Reynolds family, Taylor Swift. Ryan Reynolds claps back! Ryan Reynolds was not going to let this one pass. The Deadpool & Wolverine actor probably saw his name trending on X (formerly known as Twitter) and quickly came online to respond to Martha's claim. "I'd disagree with her. But I tried that once. The woman is unexpectedly spry," he jokingly wrote on X. "She really closed the gap after a mile or so." Id disagree with her. But I tried that once. The woman is unexpectedly spry. She really closed the gap after a mile or so. Ryan Reynolds (@VancityReynolds) November 2, 2024 Stewart, known for speaking her mind, has been living next to Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds after the couple bought a $2 million home in Bedford, New York, near the lifestyle guru's 153-acre farm in 2012. They've since changed houses but are still neighbours to Stewart. While Reynolds' fans are now rallying against Stewart online, it could all just be a friendly neighbourhood banter for all we know. For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment. A corporation is likely to "find out" after a disabled employee was denied remote work, despite promises made at the time of employment. The employee indicated that they are taking the "official route," which would result in hell for the business for breaching the accommodation guarantee. "My job has always allowed me to work remotely on in-office days when I am injured," they noted in a post on the Antiwork subreddit. "It's worked great for 2 years until management started being difficult bc of appearance." What did the employee share? The employee, who claimed to have various infirmities that make them prone to dislocation, recently experienced a shoulder injury. However, instead of being given work from home for a job that can be completed totally on a computer, with others attending Zoom sessions in person, the person with a disability reported being requested to come in. They have opted to engage the system in a multifront fight. I called my union rep and they are ready to fight for me bc of pushback. I called my doctors and they are ready to fight for me. I'm calling my vocational rehab counsellor as well. Also just completed a program for people with disabilities so I'm contacting them too, the post read. "Turns out that in my state I can get a full day pay for 3 months out of the year for every 1 hour of my sick leave and I have over 100 hours, the employee added. Many business professionals appear to have the luxury of putting work before health, but this is not the case for everyone. According to their Reddit post, the author learnt the hard way that neglecting one's body can not only exacerbate an underlying ailment but also cause it to worsen. "I can't stress this enough. The employee concluded, "Your job is not worth your health." How did people on the internet react? Many people were disgusted after reading the post. Here's what some people wrote. Comment byu/Spiritual-Bee-2319 from discussion inantiwork Comment byu/Spiritual-Bee-2319 from discussion inantiwork Comment byu/Spiritual-Bee-2319 from discussion inantiwork Comment byu/Spiritual-Bee-2319 from discussion inantiwork Also read: Manager flags employee as 'attrition risk' for not leaving on time & not being 'responsive after work hours' What do you think about this? Tell us in the comments. To stay updated on the stories that are going viral follow Indiatimes Trending. Since the end of the Cold War in 1989 and throughout the long decade that followed, the United States enjoyed unrivaled power and prestige. They were years of triumphalism, marked by Clintonomics, the end of history and the first American century. But the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, put an abrupt end to that dream and over the next decade, the countrys reputation suffered, thanks to endless wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. From his perch at Harvard Universitys Kennedy School of Government, a kind of observatory of global power, Joseph Nye, 87, watched with concern as president George W. Bush took on Iraq with nearly no international support, and without the ample consensus that had backed the Persian Gulf War with the country in 1991. That year, the United States led a 34-nation alliance that was able to force Saddam Hussein to remove his army from Kuwait in a matter of weeks. Nye is well-aware that power comes in many forms, not all of them tied to brute force. An understanding of that complexity is essential for any leader. And so, he set out to write Soft Power (2004), hoping to flesh out a concept he first coined in 1990 to explain how the United States strength did not solely lie in its economic reach and unprecedented military force, but also had to do with a third dimension of power that can be defined as the ability to achieve what you want through attraction, rather than coercion or payment. Today, soft power is such a widespread concept that it is namechecked on TV series like Hulus Tell Me Lies, in which a professor manages to persuade the protagonists ex-girlfriend that soft power can be as effective as hard power and much more seductive. After a life spent between the academy and state (he was part of both the Carter and Clinton administrations), Nye is now retired. Nonetheless, he maintains an office at the Kennedy School from which he has been following the rollercoaster presidential campaign. He doesnt hide his gloom over the possibility of a second Trump presidency. It would be a disaster, he says, bluntly. From Nyes perspective, one of the biggest risks of Trump is that he could case irreversible harm to the United States soft power by mistreating and punishing its military and economic allies. Question. Id like to start by refreshing readers on what soft power is and how it works. Why is it so important for a nations success and how has it shaped the United States position on the international stage? Answer. Soft power is the ability to affect others to get what you want through attraction rather than coercion or payment. And its only one type of power. The others [like militaristic or economic hard power] can be more important in the short run, but in the long run, attraction matters. If you think back to the Cold War, for example, the Berlin Wall did not come down under a barrage of artillery, it came down under hammers and bulldozers wielded by people whose minds had been changed by attraction to Western ideas. This suggests that in the long term, soft power can make a big difference. The Soviet Union lost a good deal of its soft power in 1960s and 1970s. If you think of the invasion of Hungary and the invasion of Czechoslovakia, the Soviets were able to use hard power to prevail immediately, but the undercut their own soft power, which hurt them in the end. Q. In the long run, their power was weakened. A. They say in the Cold War, there were two empires, a Soviet empire and an American empire. But the difference was that the American empire was an empire by invitation. That ability of the United States to attract allies and friends has been very important for the American national interest, but also for international order. Thats the argument one could make for soft power. Q. As you explain in your book, three decades ago, the United States was at the height of its soft power. It wielded tremendous appeal, globally. Today, many argue that its influence has declined. How has U.S. soft power evolved in the last 30 years? A. U.S. soft power goes up and down. Ive just written a memoir called A Life in the American Century, in which I describe what its been like to watch the changes of American soft power. Americans had a lot of soft power in the 1950s. Then, when they got involved with Vietnam, they lost a lot of their soft power and became very unpopular. People were marching in the streets against the United States around the world. And then it recovers in the 1970s and 1980s and you have an increase in American soft power that goes through the end of the Cold War. It declines again with the invasion of Iraq, and then it goes back up again with the election of Obama, down under the election of Trump and then recovers somewhat under the election of Biden. I think if Trump wins the November 5 election, American soft power will decline again. Its not linear, its cyclical. Q. But how does this internal conflict, the division between opposing views of the United States in the war, affect soft power? I mean, from within, inside-out. A. Internal divisions are not new. During the Cold War, we had McCarthyism. And in the 1960s, we had the Vietnam protests, which were quite severe. A bomb went off in my office at Harvard. So, weve had internal conflicts before, and they have an effect on American soft power, but its worth noticing that what attracts others is not just government policies. Its also civil society. Even when the Americans may be unattractive because of something like the governments policy on Vietnam, when people were marching through the streets, they were not singing the Communists Internacionale. They were singing Martin Luther Kings We Shall Overcome, a song from American civil society, which indicated that there were still some aspects of the United States that attracted some, even when the governments policies repelled others. I think the current period of extreme polarization will test that. Will American civil society remain strong enough that it will still attract others, even if Trump is returned? If he follows the actions hes talked about, if he weakens American democracy, that will certainly hurt American soft power. Q. Thats a big question. A. Nobody knows the answer. Q. Nobody knows the answer. But as an immigrant, someone who was accepted and received huge opportunities in this society, I feel sorry about what I see. This extreme discourse is scary. A. Oh, I agree with you. If Trump wins the election, that will lead to a very bad four years. If we think in terms of decades, I think that the big question is, will it be a turning point? Ten years from now, in 2034, will we say, That was the beginning of the end? Or will we say, We went through a very bad spell, but things are looking up again? No one knows the answer to that question. But if youd asked that question in 1970 or 1968, you would not have predicted want the world would look like or the country would look like in 1978 or 1980. Q. Even after September 11, which was kind of turning point in itself, the United States was able to get back part of its soft power. Still, this moment has to do with an internal dynamic. So my question is, how do such divisive political views as the ones that are present now emerge and what could happen if Trump wins or Harris wins? A. Its part of the price of democracy that you have people who can express extreme ideas and attract followers. As I mentioned, the period in the early 50s was when there was a great fear of Communism and the Cold War led to McCarthyism, a fear that was exposed and exploited by a demagogue, Senator Joseph McCarthy. Eventually McCarthyism overreached and McCarthy was brought to a halt by his own failures. Whether that will be true of Trump or not, we dont know. But the cycles of internal divisions are not new. For example, as I describe in my memoir, when I was a child, I lived in a rural area that was very Republican and some of my little friends, when they learned that Franklin Roosevelt had died, said, Good, the tyrant is dead. Extreme polarization is not new, and there are interesting questions of why its gotten so bad, but it helps to keep a historical perspective. Q. What would be the difference between a Trump administration and a Harris administration in terms of polarization? A. Trump would drive even more polarization because his leadership style is extremely polarizing. Kamala Harris, if she became president, would be polarizing because many on the right would not accept her, but her leadership style would be different. Q. What would be the difference between a Trump administration and a Harris administration in terms of the role of the United States in the world? A. Trump has more or less captured the Republican Party. He attracts a very extreme set of followers. When the moderate Republicans try to stand against him, he mobilizes his followers in the primary elections to support an extremist, what we might call a MAGA Republican, to defeat the moderate Republicans. And this is why you have someone like Liz Cheney, who is very conservative and was the third or fourth-ranking Republican in the House of Representatives. When she opposed Trump, he organized candidates against her and she was defeated. The fact that Trump has essentially weakened or undercut the traditional conservatives means that he has fewer checks and balances on what he does, and so many of the threats that hes making are about using government agencies like the Justice Department to punish his enemies. In Trumps prior period in government, he had a number of traditional Republicans, conservatives who tended to hold him back somewhat. The fear is that he will not be surrounded by these people, but by more extreme Republicans, the sycophants. There are good reasons to worry about what this may look like. Q. Trumps immigration policies, such as closed borders and deportation, have been widely criticized for their impact both domestically and internationally. If Trump is elected and enforces closed borders and deports millions of people, how would that affect the United States ability to exercise soft power? A. Itll have a negative effect, both economically and on soft power. If you really try to deport a million people or more, its going to have a very severe effect on labor markets and on the economy. But I think its also going to have a strong negative effect on the attractiveness of the United States. I describe in my memoir a conversation I once had with Lee Kuan Yew, who was the former prime minister of Singapore. I asked him, did he think that China would surpass the United States? And he said no. I said, why? And he said, because while China can draw on the talents of 1.3 billion people, the United States can draw on the talents of 7.5 billion people, the whole world. And then it can recombine them with diversity, which means a creativity that you cant accomplish with a narrow ethnic nationalism. That attractiveness of the United States to people from all over the world and the ability assimilate and recombine them, even though it goes through its bad spells from time to time of reaction against immigrants, is an important source of American soft power. If we try to close ourselves off from immigration, I think well lose that source of soft power as well as undercut the economy. Q. Protectionism and trade wars were recurring themes under the first Trump administration. How do you think a new trade war with China could affect the soft power and global standing of the United States? A. From 2017 to 2021, Trump put tariffs not just on Chinese goods, where you could say there was already a conflict. He also put tariffs against Europe and Japan and threatened Mexico. The danger is that Trumps tariff policy will lead to retaliation, but more importantly, weaken American alliances. If you add together Russia and China, they represent about 20% of the world economy. But if you add together the U.S. and Europe and Japan and South Korea, youre talking about 50% of the world economy. So as long as the Americans keep their alliances, I think their prospects are very good for the long run. But if we foolishly use trade wars to weaken our alliances, then I think we will undercut our own position in the world. Q. And not only trade alliances, but also military alliances like NATO. Thats a major issue. How do you see the threat of Trump withdrawing from NATO, and what could that lead to in Europe and with Russia? A. I dont think Trump is going to withdraw from NATO. He talks that way, but NATO is popular enough in Congress and with the public that he wouldnt actually withdraw. Trump can properly say that his threats have led NATO allies to contribute more to their defense budgets, so the period in which NATO allies would take a free ride by saying, let the Americans pay for everything is over. But if Trump undercuts the Ukrainians, for example he says he will settle the war in a matter of a few days, that can only be done by selling out Ukraines interests and making Ukraine settle on Putins terms. I think that would be quite damaging to the alliance. Q. If you had Trump in front of you right now, what advice would you give him to take advantage of U.S. soft power and strengthen the countrys image as a democratic nation? A. I would say, be tolerant at home of people who oppose you. Show that we practice what we preach about democracy. Your behavior at home has a strong effect on how youre perceived overseas. Then I would say, when you talk about make America great again, it sounds like everybody else is second. Instead of focusing on that, you should find ways to see where the American interest and those of our allies are aligned. Rather than expressing American national interest as though it is zero sum, think of it in ways you can express it to be a positive sum. Thats what I would say to him, but I would expect he wouldnt listen. Q. What measures could help improve U.S. global image? And what factors could worsen its decline? A. Its a mixture of internal and external. If the United States continues to succeed economically, and right now, it has the most vibrant economy among the G7 and the OECD, that attracts others. And if it remains open to immigration and remains democratic, then I expect its soft power will persist. And on the international side, I think helping to take a lead on responding to climate change and developing and maintaining institutions. And those are the reasons why I worry about the return of Trump. Q. Kamala Harris represents a more multilateral and soft-power-friendly vision. If elected, what advice would you give her to make the most of soft power in her global leadership? A. I would say, make sure things are going well at home, which I think she has already been doing as vice-president. On the international side, Id say, become a leader again on issues like climate change. Maintain American alliances. Dont desert Ukraine. These are all issues which I think will help American soft power. Q. Will this be the second American century? A. I think its impossible. The American century starts in 1945 at the end of World War II, and were 80 years past that. So, I dont necessarily see a second American century. But I do think the Americans will be the preeminent power for quite some time into this century. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition The defense minister also visited the Greek frigate Spetsai, which is participating in Operation ASPIDES, while in the port of Djibouti He explained that the app, called Safe Youth, will enable at-risk teenagers to alert the police in real time . However, he did not provide a specific launch date Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has declared that the 2027 election will be a decisive moment for Nigerians. He stated it will be a choice between the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the citizens themselves. Advertisement Makinde made this statement on Saturday during the commissioning of the newly built ultra-modern Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Southwest zonal secretariat in Ibadan, Oyo State, named in honour of the late Soji Adagunodo. The APC has been at the helm of affairs in this country, and they have woefully failed us. Nigerians are suffering, and there must be an end to it. We need to unite and push for change, Makinde stated. READ ALSO: Your Fuel Pricing Insensitive Doyin Okupe Slams NNPCL, Oil Marketers He emphasized that the forthcoming election will not merely be a contest between the APC and the PDP but a referendum on the APCs governance. Makinde also addressed internal conflicts within the PDP, calling on the partys leadership to take decisive action. The enemies of the party are within, not the opposition parties, he noted. Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, on his part, advocated for deeper introspection within the PDP to find lasting solutions to internal conflicts. Other notable figures present at the commissioning event included PDPs acting National Chairman, Ambassador Illiya Damagum, and former Governors Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Okezie Ikpeazu, and Samuel Ortom. The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has condemned the detention and prosecution of young individuals for allegedly participating in the #EndBadGovernance protest. Recall that the arrested protesters were brought by the Nigerian police for arraignment on Friday, with some of them reportedly collapsing before Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja. They were charged with 10 counts of terrorism, an attempt to overthrow the government, and alleged mutiny over their participation in the nationwide protest. Advertisement Meanwhile, Justice Egwuatu granted bail to some of the protesters that were arraigned to the tune of N10m each. Reacting to the development in a statement on Friday night, via his X handle, Obi described it as disturbing. The former Anambra State governor called on Minister of Justice and the Attorney General of the Federation, the Police, as well as the National Human Rights Commission, to thoroughly investigate the matter. He said: The offense being alleged against these suspects, including minors, is protesting against bad governance that was directly affecting their livelihood and which our constitution under a democratic dispensation guarantees them. READ MORE: EndBadGovt Protesters Faint In Court Before Trial Curiously, most of the people in government today leveraged this aspect of the Constitution standing as champions of good governance while in opposition. Moreover, our status presumes that suspects deserve some dignity, even in a correctional home as human beings. The reason why we should all be concerned about a situation like this is because we are part of a global community where human dignity should be respected. May I appreciate the presiding lordship for halting the trial and saving the country further embarrassment it would have been to the World as a democratic nation? Justice Maryam Sabo of the Kano High Court has jailed one Shamsu Adamu to 14 years imprisonment with sundry work in a correctional centre for defiling minor. Adamu, who is said to be a resident of Kunture in Ungogo Local Government Area, of the State, was found guilty of rape contrary to section 283 of the Penal Code Law. The Prosecution Counsel, Barr A.U. Adamu presented three witnesses, including the victim, neighbours, and an investigative police officer, on Friday. The witnesses testified that on or about 7th June 2021 at about 4:00 pm, at Kunture Village in Ungogo LGA within Kano Judicial Division, the convict lured the victim into his room, attached to their house and raped her, then pushed her outside the room and ran away. The suspect pleaded not guilty and thereafter testified as a sole defense witness. He was arraigned on a two-count charge of rape contrary to section 283 of the Penal Code and an unnatural offense against the order of nature, punishable under Section 284 of the Penal Code. READ MORE: Many Players Injured As U-19 Kano Pillars Team Bus Crashes In her judgment, Justice Sabo, said that although there was no direct evidence linking the defendant to the offense, she said: By the circumstantial evidence adduced before the court during the trial, especially that of the victims mother who saw blood on the private part of her child. Also, the prosecution, who similarly led the investigation team to the room of the defendant, I strongly believe that the prosecution counsel was able to prove the offence of rape against the defendant beyond a reasonable doubt. Consequently, I found you Shamsu Adamu, male adult of Kunture Village in Ungogo LGA guilty as charged of the offense of rape, under Section 282 of the Penal Code Law and Punishable under Section 283 of the same Law. I hereby convict and sentence you to 14 years imprisonment with hard work in the correctional centre. The Nigerian Navy has made significant strides in combating illegal oil activities in Ondo and Delta states. As part of its intensified crackdown, the Navy intercepted and impounded vessels involved in illegal oil operations in these two states. The successful operation was revealed on its official Facebook page on Saturday. Advertisement READ MORE: Six Hoodlums Killed In Bauchi, Firearms Recovered According to the statement, Operation DELTA SANITY: On Friday 1 November 2024, Forward Operating Base IGBOKODA intercepted and impounded a wooden boat conveying numerous Jerrycans of illegally refined AGO in Tsekelewu, Ondo State. Operation DELTA SANITY: On Thursday 31 October 2024, Forward Operating Base ESCRAVOS intercepted and impounded 2 wooden boats laden with an unspecified amount of stolen Crude Oil in Warri, Delta State. The successful raid showcases the Navys dedication to combating oil theft and protecting Nigerias oil resources. The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has defended its decision to arraign minors in connection with the #EndBadGovernance protest, citing the age of criminal responsibility. According to Muyiwa Adejobi, NPF spokesperson, individuals above seven years old can be charged in court. The protest, held nationwide between August 1 and 10, turned violent in some areas, with hoodlums looting and vandalizing properties. Advertisement The police arrested alleged perpetrators, and on Friday, many of them, including children, were brought before a federal high court in Abuja. Four of the alleged protesters collapsed during the proceedings and were rushed out. The court granted N10 million bail to each of the 72 defendants and removed four sick childrens names from the charge. The remaining defendants pleaded not guilty. READ ALSO: Minors Fainting In Court Scripted IGP Egbetokun While Nigerians, including leading politicians, condemned the arraignment of minors, Rimazonte Ezekiel, the Federal Government prosecutor, claimed that all the persons arraigned were adults, stating that most of them are married men. Adejobi echoed this sentiment in an interview on Channels Television, saying the youngest among those arraigned is 13 years old. Those that are not criminally liable under the law, those are the young ones below the age of seven. Once you are more than seven, you can be charged to court But none of them is less than seven. I think the youngest should be 13, Adejobi said. The spokesperson emphasized that the persons arraigned allegedly hijacked the protests, committing punishable offenses such as flying foreign flags. They are people who were flying Russian flags and many foreign flags, which of course is a punishable offence. So they are criminally liable. We have not charged any underage in our own context here to court, he said. A police officer assigned to the Otuocha Area Command, Anambra East Local Government Area, Anambra State, has shot and killed a youth in the region. According to reports, the youth had an argument with police officers at a checkpoint over N100, and one of them hastily pulled the trigger and shot him dead. According to a source in Aguleri, Anambra East Local Government Area, who shared a graphic video of the youths lifeless body with DAILY POST, said the police team involved was led by one Onyebuchi. Advertisement The incident occurred on Saturday and sparked widespread unrest in the area, with youths taking to the streets to protest the police action. READ MORE: Wife Kills Husband In Oyo During Argument After Shutting Him Out Of Bedroom It was unclear if the disagreement that led to the youths death was the payment of a N100 bribe or the collection of the balance for a previously paid bribe, but police officials confirmed the occurrence. In response to DAILY POSTs enquiries, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, spokesperson for the state police command, stated that the command was aware of the situation and had taken control. He said: The Police Officer involved has been identified as Inspector Sani Suleiman. He has been disarmed and detained for further investigations and internal disciplinarian procedures. Properties worth millions of Naira have been destroyed during a fire outbreak at AP Plaza, in Wuse 2, Abuja. It was gathered that the incident which happened on Saturday, reportedly erupted around noon, sending thick smoke into the sky that drew onlookers from nearby streets. READ MORE: 40 Shops Destroyed, As Fire Razes Popular Market In Abuja Advertisement Confirming this in a statement on Sunday, the Spokesman of the Federal Capital Territory Fire service, Ibrahim Tauheed, disclosed that the inferno was put out with support from the FCTs fire fighters. He said: A fire outbreak occurred on the sixth floor of a six-story commercial building at AP Plaza. The affected area included the MTN control room shelter, resulting in significant damage to cable installations. The emergency response was led by DSF Ahmed Ibrahim Katsina, DFO of Asokoro Fire Station. The FCT Fire Service, along with support from the Federal Fire Service, successfully extinguished the fire by 11:41 hrs. The Director-General of Tinubu-Shettima Ambassadors, Oladele Oyelude, has dismissed concerns that opposition to the tax reforms bill from the North will harm President Bola Tinubus re-election chances in 2027. Oyelude, a prominent chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, expressed confidence that the National Assembly will address any grey areas in the bill, preventing it from leading to disintegration. Advertisement The National Assembly will look at the bill in a way that it wont lead to disintegration. The reform in the tax system will affect the name and a few other things about the tax system, Oyelude stated. He emphasized that the bills primary goal is to enhance the countrys development by promoting aggressive revenue generation among governors. READ ALSO: Bad Leaders: North Produced Buhari, Yorubas Brought Tinubu, Transaction Successful Charly Boy Oyelude advised those opposing the bill to utilize their National Assembly members to voice their concerns. I believe the North wont oppose Tinubus re-election because of the tax reform bill. A northerner is the Vice President, so they cant go against Tinubu based on the bill. The fate of the bill will be decided by the National Assembly, he added. This development comes after President Tinubu transmitted four tax reform bills to the National Assembly, aimed at streamlining tax collection, ensuring compliance, and optimizing revenue. The bills include the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill, the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill, the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, and the Tax Administration Bill. As the National Assembly deliberates on the bill, it remains to be seen how the tax reform bills will impact the countrys development and President Tinubus re-election prospects. Opinion articles written in the style of their author. These texts are to be based on verified facts and must be respectful towards people, even though their actions may be criticized. All opinion articles written by individuals from outside the staff of EL PAIS shall feature, along with the authors name (regardless of their greater or lesser renown), a footer stating their office, academic title, political affiliation (if any) and main occupation, or the occupation related to the topic being assessed A few weeks before the election, I traveled to Wisconsin, the crucial battleground state some 1,500 miles away from whats been described as a place where evil runs rampant, a place which also happens to be my home. El Paso felt very present in the Badger State at least it did as the distorted, over-hyped version of an open border narrative that plays incessantly on locally broadcast political ads. I came to Wisconsin in part to understand how disinformation about the borderlands and immigration travels wide and far. The televised portrayal of my homeland was so downright scary that it kept me awake into the wee hours. But the video loop of rapists, murderers, and fentanyl monsters all sneaking across from Mexico and threatening the United States day and night, served as a reminder of the daunting task ahead. Im the executive editor and a field correspondent for Puente News Collaborative, a bilingual nonprofit online newsroom based in El Paso. My veteran colleagues Eduardo Garcia and Dudley Althaus and I face the uphill challenge of countering the ether-worlds border narrative by pushing back with facts on the ground, from Tamaulipas-Brownsville to Tijuana-San Diego. The task seems especially urgent at a time when many Americans fret about a supposed enemy within. These Americans want it both ways using the cheap labor that immigrants provide while loathing the unavoidable change that the newcomers bring. They want immigrants, both legal and undocumented, to harvest their crops, staff their restaurants, clean their hotels, offices, babysit their children, take care of the elderly, trim their yards, clean their pools and install their new roofs. They also want to demonize the newcomers who often gird local economies. And they take particular aim at Mexico, the country thats now the United States leading trading partner. After 30 years of free trade within North America, industrial supply chains reach deep into the heartlands of Mexico, Canada and the United States, especially in the automotive industry. Mexico is a premier customer of U.S. grain and natural gas. About $800 billion in bilateral trade now crosses the U.S.-Mexico border annually, making each countrys economies deeply dependent on the other. Donald Trump speaks in front of graphics about illegal immigration in the U.S. during the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, last July. J. Scott Applewhite (AP) For nearly a week, Dudley and I traveled throughout Wisconsin, along the southwestern shore of Lake Michigan and down two-lane roads that cut into the states farmlands. We witnessed newcomers remaking century-old neighborhoods and small towns that were once home to immigrants from Germany, Poland, Serbia, Ireland, and elsewhere. At times, it proved an uneasy, testy rebirth. As I reported on Wisconsinites perceptions of the border, I also pushed back on the disinformation I saw and heard. When I said I was from El Paso, the Ellis Island of the Southwest, some talked as though they knew better than me where Im from, based on what they saw streaming on their large and tiny screens. A few seemed surprised that I was even alive, given all the campaign ads portraying a dangerous, chaotic border populated by bloodthirsty criminals. I reminded Midwesterners that I hail from one of the safest regions anywhere in the United States. As I explained to a woman in Whitewater, a quaint university town, the greatest danger Ive witnessed was by a young white male from North Texas who drove 10 hours to El Paso with an assault rifle to kill Mexicans and stop the Hispanic invasion of Texas. The white man obviously doesnt know the history of the Southwest. That guy killed 23 people on August 3rd, 2019, mostly Mexicans, and injured dozens more at a Walmart Supercenter. It was a Saturday and many of the customers were buying back-to-school supplies. It was the first weekend of the month and many elderlies were there to retrieve their Social Security funds. The store is known as the Mexican Walmart, because so many Mexicans cross the nearby international bridge to shop there. My own parents shopped there too. Maybe there was a need for a wall, I thought. But the place to build it was on the eastern, western and northern side of El Paso to keep evil away from heartland Americans who fear the countrys changing demographics. Mourners line up during the funeral of a victim of the Walmart shooting in El Paso, Texas, in 2019. Ivan Aguirre El Paso in fact offers a window on changing U.S. economic and cultural forces. The woman and I agreed that our nations future workforce is tied to the newcomers, legal or not. We traded ideas on the various products crisscrossing the border everything from milk and grain to tractors to electronics. We swapped stories about our favorite foods, whether Wisconsin bratwurst or green sauce enchiladas. We bantered about our favorite tequila and beer. I returned to the border from Wisconsin with a tinge of hope. One recent sunset, I stepped outside my home office and stared at the bone-gray mountainside of west El Paso and pondered the Rio Grande winding to the Southwest, the giant statue of Christ the King up the slope to the north. This is the space where our two nations languages, cultures and economies blur on the arid corner where Texas, New Mexico and the Mexican state of Chihuahua converge. At times, we remain uneasy neighbors, as evidenced by the rust iron fence that defines the borderline here. But most of us overcome the friction through tolerance and a respect for one another. In these turbulent times, I conclude, my homeland has a lot to teach the heartland. Residents of a Baraboo County, Wisconsin, county debate about preventing refugee resettlement, last September. Alex Wroblewski (Getty Images) The Defence Headquarters has announced significant arrests made by troops within the last one week. Notorious terrorist leader Abubakar Ibrahim (aka Habu Dogo) has been captured in Sokoto, while seven commanders of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Eastern Security Network (ESN) were nabbed in the South-East. Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, stated on Saturday that Habu Dogo was detained in Rumji Village, Illela Local Government Area, Sokoto State. Advertisement Habu Dogo, he claimed, is a wanted terrorist on security services watchlists in both Nigeria and the Niger Republic due to the cross-border nature of his terrorist actions. READ MORE: Police Arrest Suspect Notorious For Kidnapping Minors In Ogun He stated that Dr. Nnamdi Chukwudoze and Chigozie Ezetoha (AKA Chapet), who were captured in Anambra States Ihiala Local Government Area, are among the IPOB/ESN terror operatives arrested. Others are Mrs Ngozi Chukwuka and Mr Oyekachi Ohia who were arrested in the Umuahia South Local Government Area of Abia, he said. Ifeanyi Eze, Augustine Udemba, and Onyedikachi Udemba were captured in Abia States Umunneochi Local Government Area, while Elijah Mmaduipeya Obumneke was apprehended in Imo States Orsu Local Government Area. He said, The ongoing counter insurgency and counter terrorism operations has continued to degrade the combat capacity of terrorists across the country. (NAN) Social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has revealed what he will do to the Tinubu government if it fails to liberate the imprisoned underage #EndBadGovernance protesters. It is no longer news that the Tinubu government imprisoned over 30 underage children for flaunting Russian flags during the EndBadGovernance protest in August 2024. Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja granted bail on Friday to over 30 detained minors, requiring each to pay N10 million, with two civil servant sureties who must provide valid means of identification. Advertisement VeryDarkMan, who saw the imprisoned minors while he was incarcerated for impersonating the Nigerian Police Force and later released on N2 million bail, responded to the news on his Instagram account Sunday, vowing to set up a GoFundMe page by Tuesday if President Tinubu doesnt release the minors. READ MORE: Dont Blame Church Attendance For Nigerias Unproductivity Mike Bamiloyes Son, Joshua To Peter Obi He emphasised that he has 1.8 million followers on his platform, and that any contribution, even if it is N100, will go a long way towards helping the youngsters. Captioning the post, he wrote; !.f by Tuesday the tinubu government doesnt release those minors who they have d3ta!ned I will have to do this and yes they will be released maybe it was Gods plan that I was @rrzted to show me the !nhvman3 treatment of minors by the tinubu governmenttill Tuesday @officialasiwajubat. Watch him speak below https://www.instagram.com/reel/DB56zBys74l/?igsh=MThha3k0eHp0c3ltdA== Peter Obi, the Labour Partys presidential candidate in Nigerias 2023 election, has called for a radical transformation of the countrys politics and religious landscape. In a recent interview with media personality Nedu on the Honest Bunch Podcast shared on Instagram Saturday, Obi emphasized that while politics and church are alluring, they need to be dismantled to foster productivity. He proposed turning night vigils into night shifts, allowing people to be more productive. Advertisement Obi clarified that hes a devoted Christian but believes Nigerias obsession with church activities is unhealthy. READ MORE: Bad Leaders: North Produced Buhari, Yorubas Brought Tinubu, Transaction Successful Charly Boy He noted that from Monday to Friday, people often attend church services morning and night, hindering economic progress. He said, Its attractive, politics and church, but it has to be dismantled. We are going to turn night vigil into night shift so that people can be productive. I go to church and believe in God but we cant have it that people Monday to Friday, be in church morning and night. If I go from here to my house, the only sign boards you see are those of churches. If you go to the East, its burials and thats not a country. Watch him speak below https://www.instagram.com/reel/DB3p12yNAEM/?igsh=bm9vdXFrbzVzN2ky Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf has pledged to take all necessary measures to bring back minors believed to be from the State who were recently arraigned for participating in the #EndBadGovernance protests. The minors, along with other suspects from Abuja, Kaduna, Gombe, Jos, Katsina, and Kano, face charges including terrorism, arson, and treasonable felony. During their arraignment at a federal high court in Abuja, four minors collapsed and were rushed out. Despite this, the court granted N10 million bail to each of the 72 defendants. Advertisement Many Nigerians, including leading politicians and civil society groups, have condemned the arraignment of minors. READ ALSO: Minors Fainting In Court Scripted IGP Egbetokun In a surprising claim, Rimazonte Ezekiel, the Federal Government prosecutor, stated that all the arraigned persons were adults, adding that most of them are married men. However, Muyiwa Adejobi, spokesperson of the Nigeria Police Force, revealed that the youngest arraigned person is 13 years old. Governor Yusuf however reacted to the incident on his X page on Saturday, directing Haruna Dederi, the Kano Attorney-General and Commissioner of Justice, to take immediate action. My attention has been drawn to the appearance of teenagers (some believed to be from Kano) in court today in Abuja. The Commissioner of Justice has been instructed to act immediately on the issue. We shall do everything possible to get them back to Kano, in sha Allah, Yusuf said. A California physician staffing company was unable to pay emergency department doctors at Lower Bucks, Roxborough Memorial, and Suburban Community Hospitals and at more than 30 others nationwide last week because a change in billing services left it short of money, according to an email sent to physicians. The staffing firm, NES Health, said it tried to bridge what it called a temporary shortfall with a short-term loan. Unfortunately, the loan did not come through in time for payroll, CEO Jose Aguirre said in an email provided to The Inquirer by a local physician. Advertisement Prime Healthcare Services Inc., based in Ontario, Calif., owns the three Philadelphia-area hospitals with NES physicians. The payroll snafu had not interrupted services as of Saturday, the Prime said. Our Pennsylvania hospital emergency departments are fully staffed with physicians and other clinicians prepared to care for all patients who come through our doors, a Prime spokesperson said in an email. Prime did not respond to a question about how many NES doctors work at its hospitals. This is not the first time ED doctors at the three Prime hospitals have worked without pay. In 2018, Prime canceled its contract with an ED staffing company, Legacy Physician Partners, after it became insolvent. Some local doctors endured a six-week gap in pay until an agreement was reached with a replacement firm, Progressive Emergency Physicians. Its not clear when Prime started using NES, which is based in Tiburon, Calif., and was founded by a physician in 1975. NES could not be reached for comment. The note to physicians on Wednesday said NES is a stable organization in a temporary squeeze caused by a problematic transition to a new billing company in September. NES, which normally pays monthly, plans to make partial weekly payments to doctors until it can make them whole, it said. Another physician staffing firm accused NES last month in federal court in New Mexico of not paying $86,459 in invoices for services before the billing switch. NES also faces a lawsuit in state court in Texas over an unpaid bill for $43,177, records show. LITITZ, Pa. In one of his final rallies in the most critical battleground of the presidential election, former President Donald Trump ranted off-script about unproven election fraud in the state and called the Democratic Party demonic and cheaters. . Advertisement In what appears to be a neck-and-neck race in the state, Trump spent his 22nd visit of the year here ignoring the teleprompter and vamping with a crowd of faithfuls who gathered on a chilly, sunny Sunday morning. The visit came as polling three days before Election Day predicted a photo finish in Pennsylvania. But Trumps closing pitch included just a brief mention of pledging to fix what Democrats broke, and otherwise played out like a lengthy stream-of-consciousness tirade. When they say he gave a long and rambling speech, say, It was brilliant, the Republican candidate told the crowd as his remarks hit the 90-minute mark. If there was one theme of Trumps remarks it was a heavy focus on false claims of election fraud in Pennsylvania and elsewhere. On stage, he inaccurately described a situation in Lancaster County in which county officials are investigating a batch of 2,500 registration applications that included some potentially fraudulent applications. Trump contended all 2,500 ballots were written in the same hand. Trump contradicted his own partys push to get Republicans to vote by mail, saying, we should have one-day voting and paper ballots. He lamented county officials who were extending hours, for voting, when his own party successfully sued to extend the window for voters to apply for mail ballots in Bucks County. Theres so many things happening in Pennsylvania. Were in court all the time, Trump said. He repeatedly blasted the election administration system in the nation despite no widespread evidence of election fraud. He said voting machines should never be used and claimed it was unknown how many votes he got in 2020 while also falsely stating he won Pennsylvania. If nothing comes out of the whole thing, you better get a new system, he said. The stage was set for Trump to contrast Vice President Kamala Harris record within the Biden administration against his own. But while the podium said Trump will fix it, and attendees held signs that said Kamala broke it, Trump will fix it, his speech focused very little on the economy or policy differences. Instead, Trump rolled out a list of grievances in what was, at times, a nostalgic reflection on his nine years of running for office. For future elections, I wont be part of it, Trump said. At one point he seemed to acknowledge he could be defeated. Its going bad. And it can never get fixed because were never gonna get the right people in because of what they do with elections. The day started with a lineup of female speakers, including race car driver Danica Patrick, former U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, and Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders. The former president is about nine points behind with women in the state, according to a Philadelphia Inquirer/New York Times/Siena College poll released Sunday. An hour and 15 minutes into his speech (which he arrived for an hour late), people had started leaving the Lancaster airport. Trump flung insults at his political enemies. He called U.S. Rep. Adam Schiff (D., Calif.) ugly, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi crazy, and harkened back to 2016, calling Hillary Clinton crooked. He called Chinese president Xi Jinping brilliant, (but also not a very good person). For nearly a decade Trump has villainized the press but took his vitriol a step further on Sunday as he evaluated the bulletproof glass around him. To get me, someone would have to shoot through the fake news and I dont mind that so much, he said, gesturing to about 100 reporters and photographers working on the media stand directly in front of him. That elicited a statement of clarification from the Trump campaigns communications director, Steven Cheung, who said the former presidents comment has nothing to do with the Media being harmed but rather threats against him that were spurred on by dangerous rhetoric from Democrats. In fact, Cheung continued, President Trump was stating that the Media was in danger, in that they were protecting him and, therefore, were in great danger themselves, and should have had a glass protective shield, also. Jeff Bartos, a former GOP Senate candidate from Lower Merion who has been stumping for Trump, said Trumps off-script style is often what people come to see. People who are coming out in cold weather by the thousands, they take him seriously, but not literally, Bartos said. I think too many in [the media] maybe take it too literally. Robert Chirico, 56, who lives near Stroudsburg, and works in IT, called the election stakes huge. I feel everythings at stake. You know, you go in the grocery store, everything costs so much more, Chirico said. People are really, really hurting. ... The border, immigration, security, things are really bad. Ive never seen it so bad. Im worried for my children, for my grandchildren. Jen Coppello, 50, of Morgantown, has voted for Trump in the last two presidential elections. She said she doesnt know why Trump is losing the female vote in the state because she said he thinks his policies are policies that help women. He cares about every gender, she said. Or both genders not every. Philly Votes by Mail sticker with campaign sign for Latinos for Kamala Harris on post along Allegheny Avenue near Third Street last month. Read more Start your day with the Philly news you need and the stories you want all in one easy-to-read newsletter Good morning. Its a nice, crisp Sunday to get outside and enjoy what remains of our fall foliage. Advertisement Pennsylvanias rural population will plummet in coming decades and no county is older than Sullivan. What does the future look like for that northcentral community, and who will take care of the aging population there? But first, our main read touches on the challenges of fact-checking misinformation in Spanish as it flows in Philly and throughout the U.S., and how it targets voters that could play a key role in the election. Paola Perez (morningnewsletter@inquirer.com) If someone forwarded you this email, sign up for free here. Both political parties are vying for support from Latino voters in the Keystone State. How they vote could be pivotal in determining whether former President Donald Trump or Vice President Kamala Harris wins Pennsylvania and the White House. This is increasingly complicated by the proliferation of falsehoods online. Spanish speakers are hit with lies across different platforms, from propaganda videos on WhatsApp to a popular YouTuber spreading misinformation. Debunking distortions in English can be complicated, so this adds another layer of complication for people in the United States who speak Spanish. There are not enough resources devoted to fact-checking Spanish language content, which puts Latinos in a position to be routinely targeted by fake news. Alfred Lubrano talked to experts about the depths of this issue in Philadelphias Hispanic and Latino communities, and why certain pieces of misinformation are effective. What you should know today Now Im passing the mic to my colleague Jason Nark. Jason reports on rural parts of Pennsylvania and the outdoors far from city life. As an avid camper, hiker, and outdoorsman, Ive been going to Sullivan County, Pennsylvania, long before I got paid to write about the place. Its truly an outdoors paradise and the swimming hole at World End State Park, on Loyalsock Creek, might just be my favorite place on Earth. When I was asked to travel into rural Pennsylvania after the 2016 presidential election, I found that this tiny, sparsely populated county was a microcosm of all the things people love and find challenging about rural America: poor internet service and cellular connectivity, few well-paying jobs, and little housing stock. In recent years, the drumbeat of population loss has grown louder and the COVID-19 pandemic seemed to throw a wrench into the accurate counts and turned the real estate market upside down. Its a fascinating place and, like a lot of nature lovers, Id love to own a house there. Jason Nark Keep reading about life in this rural Pennsylvania county thats only getting smaller. Pop quiz In what year was the Philadelphian, the citys largest condo building, first completed? A) 1955 B) 1961 C) 1963 D) 1975 Think you know? Check your answer. Unscramble the anagram Hint: A Delco community known for its historic grist mills LING SMELL Email us if you know the answer. Well select a reader at random to shout out here. Cheers to Harry Whalen who correctly guessed Saturdays answer: Matvei Michkov. He was named the NHLs Rookie of the Month for October, the first Flyer to be selected for the honor since James van Riemsdyk in November 2009. Photo of the day We were looking for the TopDog kid spotted in Philly on Halloween, and a reader named Brad Baer delivered. This is his 6-year-old son, Jude. Thanks for making our day. Todays track goes like this: With you, theres no pretending / You know me. Clairo played Franklin Music Hall on Friday and Saturday. I went to the second show with my best friend, and it made us fall in love with Charm all over again. Thats it for now. Thanks for spending part of your morning with The Inquirer. Construction of the stage for Vice President Kamala Harris, who will hold a rally and concert Monday night in front of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Read more Vice President Kamala Harris will close out her presidential campaign in Philadelphia Monday night, where shell be joined by a star-studded cast of musicians and celebrities. The concert and rally, which is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. Monday on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway below the steps of the Art Museum, will feature Lady Gaga, Ricky Martin, The Roots, DJ Cassidy, Fat Joe, Freeway and Just Blaze, Jazmine Sullivan and Adam Blackstone, and Oprah Winfrey. The get out the vote event will be tied together with a national livestream show which will spotlight every battleground states rallies, performances, and speeches, the campaign announced. Advertisement Road closures for the event began on Friday, and will expand Monday to include the entire width of the Benjamin Franklin Parkways from 18th Street through through Eakins Oval to 25th Street. A full list of road closures can be found here. Prior to Monday nights event in Philadelphia, Harris will also attend a separate rally and concert in Pittsburgh, which will feature Katy Perry, D-Nice, and Andra Day. Harris campaign hasnt lacked star power in the final weeks of the campaign, which perfomances by Bruce Springsteen John Legend, Gracie Abrams, and Alicia Keys. Former President Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle Obama, have also campaigned in Philadelphia for Harris, who is locked in a close race in Pennsylvania against former President Donald Trump. Trump has rallies planned in Reading and Pittsburgh Monday before closing out his campaign with an event in Grand Rapids, Michigan. TOWANDA, Pa. As the sun was setting over the Endless Mountains on Friday evening, Dave McCormicks campaign bus rumbled to the top of a ridge overlooking the Susquehanna River and stopped outside VFW Post 1568. Wearing alligator-skin boots, blue jeans, and a gingham button-down, the Republican U.S. Senate candidate stepped inside the lodge and was greeted with an ovation by the assembled veterans and their families. Advertisement The best way that we can keep peace is to have strength a military thats not woke and focusing on millions of hours of DEI training, said McCormick, a West Point graduate who served in the Gulf War. A militarys single mission should be lethality, the capacity to destroy the enemy. No one wants peace more than people that have served in combat. READ MORE: Democrat Bob Casey holds 5-point lead over Republican Dave McCormick in Pas U.S. Senate race, new poll finds McCormicks campaign against three-term U.S. Sen. Bob Casey (D., Pa.) is one of the most closely watched races in the country, and the Republicans message is clear: I am strong, and Casey is weak. Whenever the bullets start flying, he ducks, McCormick said of Casey at a campaign stop earlier Friday outside the states largest firearms shop, Grice Gun Shop in Clearfield. Casey, meanwhile, has hammered McCormick over questions about the Republicans ties to Pennsylvania and controversies related to his time as CEO of the worlds largest hedge fund, Bridgewater Associates. READ MORE: Meet the billionaires backing Republican Dave McCormicks U.S. Senate run And as he travels the state, Casey has employed an old-fashioned bring-home-the-bacon appeal, pausing his stump speech to read from an index card and list the line items from President Joe Bidens pandemic relief legislation that are earmarked for the county he is in. How about transit money? Twenty-five million dollars, Casey said during a Westmoreland County Democratic get-out-the-vote event Thursday in Murrysville. The community college $9.5 million. Nine fire departments got help because of my votes and my work. Forty-six million dollars for bridge investment in this county. READ MORE: A Wall Street-backed super PAC is giving Republican Dave McCormick a financial edge over U.S. Sen. Bob Casey Casey focuses on Connecticut Dave If McCormick has framed the race as one of strength vs. weakness, Casey has worked to make it a question of honesty. In merciless TV ads and during their two debates, the incumbent has criticized McCormick for talking tough on China on the campaign trail despite Bridgewater playing a pioneering role in opening up Chinese markets for U.S. investment firms during his tenure. And he has accused McCormick of lying about where he lives. McCormick grew up in Bloomsburg and worked in the Pittsburgh area for about a decade as an adult. But he lived in Connecticut, where Bridgewater is based, for years before returning to the Keystone State around 2022, when he launched his political career. While campaigning this year, he has continued to spend time in Connecticut, where one of his daughters from a previous marriage still lives. Last time I checked, Connecticut is not one of our 67 counties, Casey said in Murrysville. Standing next to him was a physical embodiment of that notion. It was Halloween, and U.S. Sen. John Fetterman (D., Pa.), who is not up for reelection this year, wore a costume inspired by the 2007 comedy Superbad, with a sandwich board-style printout of the character McLovins Hawaiian fake ID, but with the picture and details changed to McCormicks and Pennsylvania scribbled across the top. Who wants to talk about the Connecticut guy? said Fetterman, who won his seat in 2022 by defeating Mehmet Oz amid questions about whether the celebrity physician lived in New Jersey. He is trying to hope that people are going to pick a guy that doesnt live in Pennsylvania. That didnt work great for Dr. Oz. Amy Lowmaster, a Punxsutawney resident who attended McCormicks Clearfield event, said she wasnt bothered by questions about McCormicks residence. What man wouldnt live near his daughters? Lowmaster said. Thats not fair that they criticize him about living in Connecticut. That was part of his life. But he is here now and he has history here, and hes one of our own. Race to the center Neither candidate faced a primary opponent, and both have sought to cast themselves as centrists in the general election. McCormick this year has softened his stance on abortion rights, saying he opposes abortion but supports exceptions in cases involving rape, incest, or threats to the life of the mother. While running in the 2022 GOP primary, he articulated support only for the third exception. In an unusual ad, McCormick looks directly at the camera and lays out an argument that its Casey whos outside the mainstream on the issue, casting the Democrats vote in favor of legislation guaranteeing abortion rights nationwide as support for late-term abortion. Sen. Casey has the more extreme position, he said. Im more middle of the road, and looking for common ground. Casey, meanwhile, has worked to create daylight between himself and his party on other issues, touting his support for natural gas fracking and running ads noting his alignment with former President Donald Trump on trade. At a campaign stop Thursday in Allegheny County, Casey highlighted times he has opposed deals backed by Democratic administrations and supported aspects of Trumps protectionist agenda, such as the 2018 U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement. Part of that record is also fighting to stop trade deals that I thought were bad for the country, Casey told reporters at a get-out-the-vote event in Castle Shannon. Whether thats agreeing with a Republican president or a Democratic president, I dont really care. Its what weve got to do. Ive got to do whats best for Pennsylvania. The USMCA revised the 1994 North American Free Trade Agreement, or NAFTA, which has been criticized for accelerating the loss of U.S. manufacturing jobs. Casey noted that he criticized NAFTA as state auditor general in the 1990s and opposed former President Barack Obamas unsuccessful effort to form a Trans-Pacific Partnership, or TPP, with Pacific Rim nations. Erwin resident Marsha White attended Caseys Murrysville event, a canvass launch, and said she was nervous: She had never volunteered to knock on doors for a campaign before and she was now preparing to do so deep in Trump country on behalf of Harris and Casey. A Westmoreland County native, White said discussions about politics with her friends and family members have become increasingly vitriolic in the Trump era, and she admitted she has often struggled to stay out of the fray. Caseys mild-mannered approach to politics, she said, was a welcome change of pace. He seems to be present, where he needs to be, White said. He has strong character. You dont hear anything weird about him. Flash At least 42 Palestinians were killed and over 150 injured in Israeli air and artillery bombardment on Nuseirat refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip, Palestinian medical sources said on Saturday. The Israeli army has been bombarding inhabited houses in Nuseirat with both aircraft and artillery since Friday morning, said Palestinian security sources. The Gaza government media office condemned the strikes, describing them as the "deliberate targeting of civilians, including children and women," and called on the international community to pressure Israel to halt these actions against Gaza's civilians. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement on Saturday that it conducted operations in Rafah and central Gaza to kill militants, dismantle militant infrastructure, and locate weapons. Israel has been conducting a large-scale offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip in retaliation for a Hamas attack across the southern Israeli border on Oct. 7, 2023, during which about 1,200 people were killed and approximately 250 taken hostage. The Palestinian death toll from ongoing Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip has risen to 43,314, according to a statement from Gaza-based health authorities on Saturday. Son of an Irish mother and Libyan father, Ferdia was brought up by his mum in Tallaght. As a child, he adored narrative and would make up stories using his toys. I loved cinema too. But as the years went on, I focused more on books, because I enjoy the interiority. When he graduated there were no jobs in Ireland. I moved to Granada in Spain for teaching work but was mostly unemployed. In my free time, I started writing stories. He moved to London, then lived in Paris for a few years, teaching and writing. I had some short stories published and was nominated for the Sean OFaolain Prize. I finished a few novels, but didnt send them out. The idea for his debut came in 2014. I left my MA with 10,000 words. Then I became lost in research and set it aside for a few years. It took seven years. There were gaps when I was teaching at university in France and writing other things. He returned to Norwich two years ago. Shortlisted for many awards, Glorious Exploits won the Waterstones debut fiction prize. Who is Ferdia Lennon? Date/ place of birth: 1987/ Tallaght, Dublin. Education: Terenure College. University College Dublin, History and Classical Studies; University of East Anglia, MA in Prose Fiction. Home: Norwich. Lots of writers live here. Family: Wife Emma, we met in our final year at university, and son Aaron, two. The day job: Full-time writer. Ive received Arts Council Literature Bursary Awards in 2019 and 2021. In another life: I love film. Id be writing film scripts. Favourite writers: Fyodor Dostoevsky; James Joyce; Hilary Mantel; Eleanor Ferrante; Roberto Bolano; Herman Melville; Shakespeare. Second book: Its set in 14th century France. Im a good way in. Top tip: Dont start endless projects. Finish things. Its the best way to learn and overcome fear. Website: www.ferdialennon.com Instagram: @ferdialennon. The debut Glorious Exploits. Fig Tree, 16.99/ Kindle: 10.02 Its 412 BC and thousands of Athenian soldiers are held, starving, in a quarry in Syracuse. Enter Lampo and Galon, unemployed potters with a love of Euripides who decide to stage a performance of Medea, using the prisoners. What follows is a funny, moving tale of brotherhood, war and art told in an Irish vernacular. The verdict: Mind-blowingly good. Ferdia Lennon is nominated for the Sunday Independent Newcomer of the Year in the An Post Irish Book Awards. To vote, see irishbookawards.ie You know, it might work if you try it in a Cork accent. Give it a go. Heres looking at you, kid! The Cork International Film Festival (CIFF) is already gearing up for its 70th birthday in 2025, an ever-lengthening thread in Irish cultural life, or to use an old Orson Welles line, a ribbon of dreams. Already, festival director Fiona Clark is gearing up for the celebrations, and as ever, with an eye to the future while commemorating the past. This year we are trying to build that sense of movement towards next year, she says, referring to the history and legacy of film in Cork, which will feature in 2024 with a focus on the Irish Lumieres the Horgan brothers from Youghal, Philip, James and Thomas. Their short animation of more than a century ago, of the Clock Tower in Youghal spinning and dancing, was in its own way a leap forward for the art form here, something the CIFF has always been keen to continue. The first Cork International Film Festival ran under the banner of Tostal Corcai, a festival held across the country, with the film festival founded by Dermot Breen, secretary of the Cork Tostal Council and manager of the Palace Cinema, now known as The Everyman Theatre. The CIFF emerged in the austerity of the post-war years and at a time when the Catholic Church had a dominant position in Irish life, following a period when films including the aforementioned Casablanca were not screened in Ireland during the war years over fears of propaganda reaching the Irish populace. The festival emerged before Cork even had an airport, as one of the big European festivals, alongside Cannes and Berlin and Venice very forward thinking, as Clark points out. Actress Jean Seberg is accompanied by festival director Dermot Breen and his wife Vida and Donal Crosbie of the Irish Examiner in 1961. Breens imprint on the festival was to last to his death in 1978 and beyond, as was that of his wife, Vida. According to Ciara Chambers, head of the Department of Film and Screen Media at University College Cork, it was Vida who recorded and maintained so much of what was ultimately to enter the Festivals digital archive. It kind of built up a historical picture of the festival that now exists that wouldnt necessarily have otherwise, Chambers says, lending Vida Breen a handle which wouldnt look out of place on a film poster an accidental archivist. Dermot was front and centre at one of the controversies which erupted in the early years, when in 1969 the Bishop of Cork, Most Rev Dr Cornelius Lucey, had written to the CIFF asking that they withdraw its opening night screening of the film I Cant, I Cant, a movie filmed in Co Wicklow and focussing on a womans refusal to consummate her marriage over fears of sex and pregnancy. While the Bishop hadnt seen the film, he feared its content was not for public consumption. Breen cooly but politely dismissed those concerns in an RTE interview and the film was screened. Other controversies emerged over the years, including another instance of the Church decrying a movie, this time Martin Scorceses The Last Temptation of Christ in 1988. The screening sold out. Also over the years, various stars made their way to Leeside, including Robert Shaw, Jean Seberg, Jane Seymour, but its worth remembering that the actor currently in possession of the Best Actor Oscar is from down the road Cillian Murphy, someone who no doubt attended many screenings at the festival over the years. Fiona Clarke. Picture: Chani Anderson Its a form of symmetry but also a reminder of the festivals eye for the new and the yet-to-be-discovered. It is a point Fiona Clark is keen to emphasise. We are celebrating our heritage but this is also a festival that has constantly innovated and is constantly innovating, she says. The festival has been key in helping in shaping and documenting changes in the city and you can see it is deeply woven into the city of Cork and also in the history of film in Ireland. In terms of the 2025/70th activity, well be focussing on the theme of Projection in all its forms and meanings, animating the city, small and large, old and new, perhaps incorporating a projected red carpet, symbolising film, Cork, and a sustainable future. We also hope to launch a new education and outreach legacy project, Aeraid meaning climate a pioneering film and education intervention programme that leverages creativity and film to address the urgent issue of climate change. On the final day of this years festival well be announcing a couple of other projects, a major award, plus an archive project and public call-out. Details of a new programme of seminars and mentoring sessions on the screen industries for transition year students have already been announced by Fis Eireann/Screen Ireland, Atticus Education, and University College Cork for spring 2025, and both Ciara Chambers and Fiona Clark believe that even though film is a relatively young art form, it needs greater emphasis in schools. We need to focus more on the moving image in education, Chambers says, because we live in a screen-saturated reality. For Clark, the questing spirit of the festival will always mean an opportunity for young filmmakers, producers, and directors to showcase their work and, just as importantly, to discuss it with those who view it. I am really proud to be a custodian of that, she says. It is not my festival, its our festival, its Corks, its Irelands. However, she is clear that continuing and meaningful support, not limited simply to those who buy their tickets, is vital. Be proud of this festival, dont take it for granted, she says. We have to look at investment in infrastructure across the creative industries in Cork and we need the infrastructure to support that and build that. This is a growing city and we all want to live in or be connected to a city which is vibrant, whether its music or film or restaurants, a city that is inclusive, a city of sanctuary. Long term capital investment is really important and I am on a mission to push that agenda now and next year provides an opportunity to do that. And then theres the magic. The dimming of the lights, the rolling of the opening credits, the enveloping glow of the first scenes. For Clark, this collective experience cannot be beaten. It has been the life blood of the festival since its inception and will surely propel it deep into its eighth decade and beyond. Our mantra is discover film, reimagine the world, Clark says. And we really mean that, on every level. The remarkable courage of an Irish soldier killed in Lebanon almost two years ago undoubtedly saved the lives of three of his comrades, the Secretary General of the United Nations has told his family. Antonio Guterres said Private Sean Rooney was a courageous and fearless soldier who, despite sustaining fatal wounds, attempted to drive his armoured jeep away from a crowd of attackers. The 24-year-old, from Newtowncunningham, Co Donegal, was killed when a convoy of Irish troops serving with a UN peacekeeping force was ambushed and fired upon in December 2022. Secretary General of the United Nations Antonio Guterres paid tribute to Pte Rooney (PA) The shooting happened near the town of Al-Aqbiya in the south of Lebanon, a stronghold of Hezbollah. Pte Rooney, from the 121 Infantry Battalion of the Defence Forces, was killed while Trooper Shane Kearney, 22, from Co Cork, was badly wounded. They had been serving in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (Unifil) when the attack happened. UN chief Mr Guterres hailed the actions of Pte Rooney in a bravery commendation sent to his mother Natasha McCloskey last year. The family has decided to make the letter public now as they continue to press the UN to make crucial reports linked to the soldiers death available to his inquest. A preliminary inquest hearing at Dublin District Coroners Court earlier this year was told that issues had arisen around restrictions on the disclosure of information from the UN. The court heard that the UN had carried out reports which had not yet been made available to the inquest. These include an investigation carried out on the ground as well as a subsequent UN board of inquiry report. The hearing was told there had also been a report 10 months prior to the incident that raised concerns about the integrity of the UN vehicles involved. Mr Guterres said Pte Rooney showed remarkable courage under fire (McCloskey family/PA) The next scheduled hearing of the inquest is in January. In the letter to Mrs McCloskey, Mr Guterres wrote: On behalf of the United Nations, I wish to express my profound appreciation for the remarkable courage in the face of the extraordinary risks that Private Sean Cormac Rooney took on December 14 2022, in his capacity as Driver and Gunner of the 121 Irish Infantry Battalion in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). Private Rooneys courage and selflessness reflect the best tradition of the United Nations. Despite being fatally wounded, he tried very hard to extricate the vehicle he was driving from an extremely dangerous environment which undoubtedly saved the lives of three other occupants of the vehicle. His brave action serves as an example to all his comrades in the 121 Irish Infantry Battalion and in the Unifil. I wish to use this opportunity to again express my deep condolences to you, as well as to family members and friends of Private Rooney. He gave his life to fulfil the ideals of the United Nations. Benefiting from the service of such a courageous and fearless soldier is an honour for any organisation and country. His supreme sacrifice will not be forgotten, and he will always be in our hearts. I hereby commend and thank Private Rooney for his exemplary courage. In regard to the investigation into the shooting, Taoiseach Simon Harris and Tanaiste Micheal Martin have both raised concern about slow progress in Lebanese court proceedings into the matter. One of the suspects who was arrested over the killing was released on bail last year due to a medical condition while Mr Harris has expressed frustration that other suspects remain at large. A woman allegedly heavily involved in the production of crystal meth, the drug made infamous by hit TV show Breaking Bad, was in court following a garda bust of a meth lab in Killarney. Anna Entrambasaguas, 43, faces seven charges, including of drug possession for sale or supply, and possession of stolen and fake IDs. And more serious charges may be pending, Cork City District Court heard on Saturday evening. Chemicals and articles to produce methylamphetamine - or crystal meth - were found in her home at apartment 2 Knocknasartnett, Killarney, Co Kerry on October 31. An iPhone seized in her apartment suggested she was heavily involved in the production of crystal meth, Garda Ger OSullivan of the Kerry Divisional Drugs Unit told the court. A quantity of the drug was also found in her bedroom, he said. This had a market value of approximately 500 pending analysis, Gda OSullivan said. Numerous blank white credit cards, documents, and a specially designed machine for making high quality identity documents were also found. Driving licences in other women's names but with Ms Entrambasaguas photos were found in her home. Gda OSullivan objected to bail. There was strong evidence to support the charges and some admissions were made by her in interview, he said. She is a heavy crystal meth user and is heavily involved in the production and supply of crystal meth in this jurisdiction, Gda OSullivan alleged. She has the capability to create high quality ID documents for her use and can use different aliases to hide her identity, Gda OSullivan said. Although she has been in Ireland for about 20 years, she has no ties to the jurisdiction and could leave. She has an adult daughter in Sweden and during her time in Ireland she has lived a transient life, moving between multiple locations, including in Limerick, Clare, Kerry, and Dundalk, he said. Her solicitor, Brendan Ahern applied for bail for his client. He said she would turn up for court dates and would comply with strict bail conditions if granted. His client was in fear of a coercive relationship, he said. As more charges were possibly pending and no directions had yet been issued by the Director of Public Prosecutions, she could be in custody for a long time while waiting for a book of evidence to be served, he said. She enjoys the presumption of innocence," he said. Shell be waiting a long time in custody for these matters to crystallize. It takes many months, up to a year, to get drugs analyzed in Dublin, he said. Gda OSullivan said that a phone call from Forensics Science Ireland had confirmed some of the drugs as crystal meth so far. Gardai arrested Ms Entrambasaguas at Apt 2 Knocknasartnett, Killarney, Co Kerry on October 31. On that date and at that address she was charged possession of methylamphetamine for sale or supply, contrary to Section 15 of the Misuse of Drugs Act, 1977 and with possession of methylamphetamine contrary to Section 3 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977. She was also charged with having two stolen driving licenses in her possession under other womens names in the property at that date. These offences were contrary to Section 18 of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud) Act 2001. Gardai also found her in possession of two forged Czech Republic driving licenses also in other womens names in her apartment. These two offences were contrary to Section 29(2) and (6) of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001. A final charge was having a machine a printer which was specially designed to make a false instrument understood to be fake IDs. This offence was contrary to Section 29(3) and (6) of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001. Gda OSullivan said that she made no reply when she was charged and cautioned. Judge Joanne Carroll refused bail. She said there was strong evidence in the case, she suffers a drug addiction and has a real risk of not attending trial. I consider her a flight risk, Judge Carroll said. She remanded her in custody until Wednesday, November 6 to appear before Tralee District Court. Her solicitor Brenadan Ahern said that his client had no means and was on disability allowance. She was granted free legal aid. Ms Entrambasaguas attended court, long blond braided hair held back from her face with a thick black headband. She wore a white and black checked jacked. As the US prepares for another high-stakes election, Donald Trump is aiming for a White House comeback while Kamala Harris is campaigning to make history and become the first woman to be elected president. The race hinges on 270 electoral votes., stemming from the US Electoral College. So, what is the Electoral College, and why does it exist? What is the Electoral College? The electoral college is the system used to elect the US president and vice president. Unlike in Ireland, where the popular vote decides who becomes president, the US uses a group of electors who cast the official votes for the presidency. There are 538 electors in total, and a candidate needs at least 270 electoral votes to win. These electors are distributed among the states based on population size. For example, California, the largest state, has 54 electors (or electoral votes), while smaller states like Vermont only have three. The idea is that each state gets a say, but bigger states have a bit more weight. Why does the US use the electoral college system? The American "Founding Fathers" debated about how to elect the president back in the late 18th century. The Electoral College was decided upon for a number of reasons: Balancing power Small states feared that bigger states like New York would dominate if elections were based purely on the popular vote. The Electoral College gives smaller states more of a voice. Fear of mob rule Some of the constitutional framers werent big fans of direct democracy and were worried that a popular vote could lead to bad decisions or elect leaders who werent truly qualified. The electors were seen as a safeguard against this. Practicality Communication was slow, and voters across the country couldnt easily be informed about every candidate. The Electoral College allowed trusted electors to make the final decision, ensuring it wasnt just about who was popular in the biggest cities. How do you win the Electoral College? To win, a candidate needs to secure 270 out of 538 electoral votes. Here's how it works: Each state gets a certain number of electors based on its population the number of people they have in Congress. In nearly all states, the system is winner-takes-all; if you win the popular vote in a state, you get all its electoral votes. So, winning a big state like California with 54 electoral votes, Texas with 40 or Flordia with 30 can be crucial. Two states, Maine and Nebraska, split their electoral votes based on a proportional system. Because of this system, candidates focus their campaigns on swing states states that could vote either way. In the 2020 election, states like Florida, Pennsylvania, and Michigan were key to winning the presidency, while in 2024, Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin are seen as major battleground states. Unlike in Ireland, where the popular vote decides who becomes president, the US uses a group of electors who cast the official votes for the presidency Why doesnt the US just use the popular vote? Here in Ireland, we directly elect our president through the popular vote. So why dont the Americans do the same? Protecting smaller states If they used a national popular vote, the most populous states like California and Texas would dominate. Smaller states would be almost irrelevant in a national election. The Electoral College gives those smaller states a bigger voice. Geographical balance The system ensures that a candidate has to win support across the country, not just in the big cities. Without the Electoral College, a candidate could focus only on urban areas and ignore rural America. The US is a massive country with diverse interests, and the Electoral College ensures that even less populated regions have influence. It's in the Constitution The Electoral College reflects the US Constitutions emphasis on federalism the idea that the states are sovereign entities. Changing this system would require a major overhaul, and many people are wary of such a significant change. Does everybody support the Electoral College system? The system isnt without its critics who argue in favour of a fairer system of elections. These arguments include: Small state overrepresentation Smaller states get more electoral votes per person than big states, meaning a vote in Wyoming (a small state) carries more weight in the Electoral College than a vote in California (a large state). Popular vote vs electoral college Its possible to win the Electoral College while losing the popular vote. The most recent examples were George W Bush in 2000 and Donald Trump in 2016. In both cases, the candidate who won fewer overall votes still became president, which feels undemocratic to many. Focus on swing states Candidates often ignore states where they know theyll either win easily or lose badly. For instance, if a state is solidly Democratic like California or Republican like Alabama presidential hopefuls may not bother campaigning there and instead focus on battleground states. Faithless electors Electors are supposed to vote based on their states result, but occasionally, one or two go rogue, though it has never changed an election outcome. Could the US get rid of the Electoral College? Abolishing the Electoral College would require a constitutional amendment, which is no small task. It would need: Two-thirds majority in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, Approval from 38 out of 50 states. Given the current political climate, this is very unlikely to happen anytime soon. Jackie Kulback doesnt take any prisoners. Heres what Jackie thinks of Kamala Harris. Shes a mess. What we witnessed was a bloodless coup. They threw president Biden aside and put her in and theyre calling us the ones who are trying to destroy the constitution. They need to look in the mirror. The words and tone belie Ms Kulbacks small frame and friendly manner. But this is war, as far as shes concerned. She is the chairwoman of the Cambria County Republican committee and she is up the walls. But she has time to expound on Harris. Volunteers preparing election material at the Cambria County GOP headquarters in western Pennsylvania. After initial reservations about a reporter in their midst, they gave Mick Clifford the warm welcome typical of rural USA. She hasnt captured the imagination of the people the way they thought she would, Jackie says. By contrast, the chairwoman of the local committee believes that she, her staff, and volunteers are completely on top of their game in this corner of rural, western Pennsylvania. Our ground game this time around is like something Ive never seen before and Ive been involved for years. "The people here we interact with have been so hard working, so professional, so diligent. Her arm sweeps around to the table at the centre of the front office in the party HQ. Seated around it are eight volunteers stuffing envelopes, all women, all negotiating the various straits of middle age. One of the volunteers is standing next to Jackie and she once put in an appearance at the Rose of Tralee. Ann Castner says her father is from Letterkenny and she made the trip to the dome in Tralee as the Pennsylvania Rose back in the 1970s. One of the Cambria County Republican volunteers is Ann Castner, whose father hailed from Letterkenny. She visited Tralee to represent Pennsylvania in the Rose of Tralee in the 1970s. She doesnt want to talk about the election, because that is Jackies bailiwick, but she wants to talk about Ireland. One of the other women seated around the table cocks an ear. She says: Youre from Ireland. I didnt like the way you all voted to bring in abortion. This is hardcore Republican country. A deep red county in a state that is up for grabs. How it became this is a fascinating narrative and explains to some degree the upheaval in American politics in recent years. Strong words... Out here, the cultural aspects to a particular brand of politics are writ large. On the front window of the HQ there is an image of a fetus. There is also a sign that advertises itself as Notice. It reads: This place is politically incorrect. WE SAY Merry Christmas, One Nation Under God, We salute our flag & give thanks to our troops. If this offends you LEAVE. ...and genuine warmth Once the gathering gets past their initial suspicions about a reporter, and she who is lovely and fair like the rose of the Summer softens the atmosphere, there is the genuine warmth that is typical of rural America. Their politics might come across as harsh but they will tell you that they just want to be left alone. Cambria county will vote overwhelmingly for Donald Trump, of that there is little doubt. They voted for him in 2016 and again in 2020. Two signs (the little one reads 'Go woke, go broke') sum up the political sentiment at Johnstown/Cambria Republican committee HQ. But once the volunteers there get past their initial suspicions about a visiting reporter, there is the genuine warmth that is typical of rural America. For a century before that, the whole county, and particularly its biggest town, Johnstown they call it a city was a heavily Democratic Party area. Out here is where the American dream was fomented for generations through good jobs, unionized and offering decent pensions, and the chance to send your kids to college to move up the ladder. Now times have changed and with it, the areas politics have too. Bruce Springsteen's prophetic lyrics Johnstown nestles between steep forested mountains in this rural heartland, its streets reeking of a past better lived, with faded clapboard houses, empty lost and a general air of disrepair. The town is mentioned in Bruce Springsteens song, The River, where the narrator relates that he got a job working construction, in a Johnstown company. He goes on in a prophetic vein: But lately there aint been much work, on account of the economy. In the last census, the population of Johnstown was recorded at 19,812. Sixty years ago, it was three times that size. A study in 2020 found that it was the poorest city in Pennsylvania. The median income is well below the national average and the poverty rate was recorded at 38.7%. In the mid-century post Second World War years, the town flourished. Pennsylvania steel and the American Dream It had been home to a major steel plant since 1852. Like much of the state, and the adjoining rust belt states of Michigan and Wisconsin, steel was the biggest industry and employer. There was a huge market for steel. Iconic structures such as the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco and the tall buildings dominating Manhattans skyline were built with steel from western Pennsylvania and adjoining states. The jobs were well-paying, guaranteed and lifelong. It allowed for a slice of the American dream where families could have a decent standard of living, and aspire to ensure their children would have better lives. In 1973, the plant in Johnstown employed 12,000 workers and that was the same year that the steelworkers union negotiated one of the best wage agreements available anywhere in the world at the time. Everything was booming to the point where an airport was built outside the town to facilitate commerce and cheap travel. This was Democrat country Politically, this was the heartland of the Democrats. During those years, there were twice as many registered Democrats as Republicans in the county. Ray Wrabley has been living in the Johnstown area for 30 years. He is a professor of political science at the University of Johnstown, a subsidiary of the University of Pittsburgh. The Cambria County Republican Party headquarters. He points out that while the area was Democrat, that didnt mean it was culturally liberal. This was a traditional labour Democrat area, he says. Pro-union, pro-minimum wage, pro-social security, but culturally conservative. So Democrats around here were anti-abortion, pro-gun rights, and those kind of positions. Deregulation and downturn Then economically things changed. The 1980s ushered in Ronald Reagans deregulated markets. Work went offshore and simultaneously the demand for steel in general began to decline. In 1992, the plant closed. Suddenly, Johnstown was on the slide. The ties to the Democratic party, mainly through the unions, loosened. All of the old certainties were up for grabs. Tony Dutzik grew up in the 1980s outside Pittsburgh in a similar community to that of Johnstown. Today he lives in Boston and works for a progressive think tank, the Frontier Group. He remembers the changes that were coming about. He says: It cant be underestimated the number of people who left the region in the 1980s and beyond. A lot of people dont have a memory of how secure those times appeared to be. In the 2008 presidential election, the vote in the county split evenly between Barack Obama and John McCain, a scenario that would have been unthinkable a decade earlier. And then, in 2016, Trump happened In 2016, a candidate came calling to Johnstown offering to cure all their woes, to make the town and county great again. Donald Trump held a rally where around 4,000 people showed up looking for something that might get past the politics that was no longer working locally. Our politicians failed you and betrayed you, Trump told the gathering. They allowed foreign countries to dump cheap steel into our markets and shut you down. Our politicians failed the workers of Johnstown and gave your jobs to foreign countries and foreign producers. "We got the poverty. They got the factories, the jobs and the wealth." He declared to the cheering crowd: We are going to bring prosperity back to Johnstown. Were going to bring it back. That November he carried the county with 66.5% of the vote. Over the next four years, while Trump was in the White House, the jobs didnt come back. Trump did come back himself in 2020 and while he didnt bring any jobs he had a different message he though might resonate. So if I dont always play by the rules of the Washington establishment its because I was elected to fight for you, he told the crowd at his rally. And I fought harder for you than any other president has ever fought for their people. That the fighting didnt bring any discernible change to their area or standard of living didnt seem to bother the local electorate. He actually increased his vote to 68% in the county, even though Biden carried the state. Fast forward to 2024 Last August, Trump was in town again looking for votes. This time his message has changed once more. He knows jobs are not coming back so his message now is all about tariffs. Gautier Steel mill in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, photographed in September 2016 just as Donald Trump was sweeping to victory in counties such as Johnstown Cambria in the decaying rust belt. File picture: Dominick Reuter/AFP/Getty The pivot means that he is not making a direct promise and if things dont work out with his trade protection policies he will have somebody else to blame. Notwithstanding that, all local observers will be shocked if he doesnt maintain the large majority he enjoyed in Cambria county in the last two elections. Tony Dutzik has described Trump as a buffoon but he does give him credit for one thing: "He did find a way to demonstrate that he appears to care about these communities in a way that I think other politicians over the 40 years, with the possible exceptions of [Ronald] Reagan and [Bill] Clinton had struggled to do. Part of his appeal to people comes from their sense of desperation but also from a sense of identification. He claims to speak on their behalf. Ray Wrabley says that what exactly Trump promises to do is not at the centre of his appeal. For some people, its become really a matter of whose side are you on. "Who is on our side and who is on the other? Some people now think the Democrats are just not like them. It's about identity, not policies "They see them as the party for immigrants, they are for transgender people, theyre the city elites. So I think theres a bit of resentment and nostalgia about the decline. "Therefore its more a matter of 'who speaks for me' rather than whether they can deliver on policies. In that respect, Wrabley says that Trump has a particular appeal for some people. Its nearly as if a huge number vote for him because of what hes not, rather than what he is. "I think theyre also voting for that coarseness of his, and some of the abrasiveness and giving the middle finger to what they perceive as the elites. Tony Dutzik sees what has unfolded as the politics of nostalgia in which politicians look to the past in order to avoid making difficult choices about the future. Donald Trump donned a McDonald's uniform and served food in a closed branch of the franchise during a media event last month in Feasterville-Trevose, Pennsylvania. Picture: Win McNamee/Getty There are lots of reasons for people on both sides not to grapple with what has happened and why it has happened, he says. The politics of nostalgia allow us to pretend that these choices of what to do now dont have to be made by harkening back to the one period in history the immediate post-war era when they mostly didnt have to be. He does, however, see some hope for the future. When you look back over history in this country, things have never been easy without turmoil or strife, and usually the way we have taken steps forward is after a period of sorting out and were in a period now where there is room for a different set of conversations about the future of the country. Im guardedly optimistic. Optimism in the long term... Ray Wrabley believes that the flight from rural areas like Johnstown is not inevitable. He has a son who returned to the area to raise his own family and some of his sons friends still live locally. There are those who very quickly see Pittsburgh or Philadelphia or Washington as more attractive and certainly those are places where theyre more able to get high-paying jobs. But theres an element of that everywhere. "Thats how its going but as I understand the polling an awful lot of Americans feel the country is going in the wrong direction. ...but fear of turmoil too He retains optimism for the country, but sees the coming days and weeks as presenting a challenge that may turn out to be daunting. Over the long term I think there there is resilience, I think there is innovation, and energy, the dynamism that has typically been part of the country, that is likely to persist. "Over the next weeks and months, were likely to have some turmoil that will perhaps be alarming and destabilising if we have a close election that neither side accepts the outcome of. "That will raise questions in peoples minds about our capacity to operate the system, to manage the kind of divisions there are and turmoil over democratic values and commitments to democracy. Prosecutors are considering whether to bring charges against actor and comedian Russell Brand over allegations of historical sexual abuse. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) confirmed that detectives from the Metropolitan Police had passed on an evidence file regarding sex offence allegations against the 49-year-old. It comes after a joint investigation by The Sunday Times, The Times, and Channel 4 Dispatches revealed last year that four women had accused Brand of sexual assaults between 2006 and 2013. The actor denies the accusations, and previously stated that all his sexual relationships were absolutely always consensual. Russell Brand stated that all his relationships were consensual (James Manning/PA) A spokesperson for the CPS said on Saturday: We can confirm we have been passed a file by the police to consider a charging decision in this case. Any decision to charge is made independently, based on the evidence and in line with our legal test. Metropolitan Police Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy, who is leading the investigation, said: Our investigation continues and a file has now been passed to the CPS. We have a team of dedicated officers providing specialist support to the women who have come forward. We are committed to investigating sexual offences, no matter how long ago they are alleged to have taken place. At the time of the alleged offences, Brand was at the height of his fame, working for BBC Radio 2 and Channel 4 as well as starring in Hollywood films. This is a complex and sensitive matter and our absolute priority is to maintain the integrity of our investigation and support and retain the confidence of potential victims On Saturday, a spokesperson for the Met said: Following an investigation by Channel 4s Dispatches and The Sunday Times in September 2023, the Met received a number of reports of sexual offences from women in London and elsewhere in the country. A file of evidence has now been passed to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) for their consideration. As part of the investigation, a man in his 40s has been interviewed by officers under caution on three separate occasions. These interviews related to a number of non-recent sexual offences which are alleged to have taken place both in and outside of London. Officers continue to support the CPS as part of their investigation. The force added: This is a complex and sensitive matter and our absolute priority is to maintain the integrity of our investigation and support and retain the confidence of potential victims. We will continue to issue updates to media proactively at significant moments in our investigation. Amidst this litany of astonishing, rather baroque attacks are some very serious allegations that I absolutely refute Brand vehemently denies the allegations brought against him and stated in a video posted online that all of his relationships have been consensual. The comedian claimed he was facing a litany of extremely egregious and aggressive attacks. Amidst this litany of astonishing, rather baroque attacks are some very serious allegations that I absolutely refute, he said. These allegations pertain to the time when I was working in the mainstream, when I was in the newspapers all the time, when I was in the movies and as I have written about extensively in my books, I was very, very promiscuous. He continued: Now during that time of promiscuity the relationships I had were absolutely, always consensual. I was always transparent about that then, almost too transparent, and I am being transparent about it now as well. To see that transparency metastasised into something criminal, that I absolutely deny, makes me question: is there another agenda at play? The CPS did not indicate when they received the file, or when they will make their decision whether to bring charges against Brand. Moldovans are casting votes in a decisive presidential runoff on Sunday that pits pro-Western incumbent Maia Sandu against a Russia-friendly opponent. In the first round held on October 20, Ms Sandu obtained 42% of the ballot but failed to win an outright majority. She will face Alexandr Stoianoglo, a former prosecutor general, who outperformed polls in the first round with almost 26% of the vote. Moldovas President Maia Sandu prepares to cast her vote, in Chisinau, Moldova (AP/Vadim Ghirda) A poll released by research company iData indicates a tight race that leans towards a narrow Sandu victory, an outcome that might rely on Moldovas large diaspora. The presidential role carries significant powers in areas such as foreign policy and national security and has a four-year term. Moldovas diaspora played a key role in a nationwide referendum also held on October 20 when a narrow majority of 50.35% voted in favour of securing Moldovas path towards EU membership. But the results of the ballots including Sundays vote have been overshadowed by allegations of a major vote-buying scheme and voter intimidation. A woman walks by a depiction of the European Union flag near a park in central Chisinau Moldova (AP/Vadim Ghirda) Instead of winning the overwhelming support that Ms Sandu had hoped, the results in both races exposed Moldovas judiciary as unable to adequately protect the democratic process. On Friday, Moldovas Prime Minister Dorin Recean said that people throughout the country were receiving anonymous death threats via phone calls in what he called an extreme attack to scare voters in the former Soviet republic, which has a population of about 2.5 million people. These acts of intimidation have only one purpose: to create panic and fear, Mr Recean said in a statement posted on social media. I assure you that state institutions will ensure order and protect citizens. In the wake of the two October votes, Moldovan law enforcement said that a vote-buying scheme was orchestrated by Ilan Shor, an exiled oligarch who lives in Russia and was convicted in absentia last year of fraud and money laundering. Mr Shor denies any wrongdoing. Prosecutors say 39 million dollars (30 million) was paid to more than 130,000 recipients through an internationally sanctioned Russian bank to voters between September and October. Alexandr Stoianoglo delivers a statement in Chisinau, Moldova (AP/Vadim Ghirda) Anticorruption authorities have conducted hundreds of searches and seized more than 2.7 million dollars (2.08 million) in cash as they attempt to crack down. In one case in Gagauzia, an autonomous part of Moldova where only 5% voted in favour of the EU, a physician was detained after allegedly coercing 25 residents of a home for older adults to vote for a candidate they did not choose. Police said they obtained conclusive evidence, including financial transfers from the same Russian bank. On Saturday at a church in Comrat, the capital of Gagauzia, Father Vasilii told the Associated Press that he is urged people to go and vote because it is a civic obligation and that they do not name any candidates. We use the goods the country offers us light, gas, he said. Whether we like what the government does or not, we must go and vote. The church always prays for peace. On Thursday, prosecutors also raided a political party headquarters and said 12 people were suspected of paying voters to select a candidate in the presidential race. A criminal case was also opened in which 40 state agency employees were suspected of taking electoral bribes. Father Vasilii speaks at the Saint John the Baptist cathedral in Comrat (AP/Vadim Ghirda) Cristian Cantir, a Moldovan associate professor of international relations at Oakland University, told the AP that whatever the outcome of the second round, it will not deflate geopolitical tensions. On the contrary, I expect geopolitical polarisation to be amplified by the campaign for the 2025 legislative elections, he said. Moldovan law enforcement needs more resources and better-trained staff working at a faster pace to tackle voter fraud, he added, to create an environment in which anyone tempted to either buy or sell votes knows there will be clear and fast consequences. A pro-Western government has been in power in Moldova since 2021, and a parliamentary election will be held in 2025. Moldova watchers warn that next years vote could be Moscows main target. In the wake of Russias invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Moldova applied to join the EU. The sharp Westward shift irked Moscow and significantly soured relations with Chisinau. KYODO NEWS - Nov 3, 2024 - 12:30 | All, Japan Major Japanese trade houses, led by Marubeni Corp., have been pushing for the land-based farming of salmon, a popular type of sushi and sashimi, in Japan, as supply from Norway is starting to peak. In October, Marubeni started selling salmon to supermarkets and fishmongers that was farmed by its Norwegian partner, Proximar Seafood AS, at a plant in Oyama, Shizuoka Prefecture near Mt. Fuji. Under an exclusive distribution agreement Marubeni signed with Proximar in 2022, the trading house plans to ship 4,700 tons by 2025 and raise the figure to 5,300 tons by 2027, when the plant becomes fully operational. "In the future, Marubeni will consider exporting salmon to neighboring countries that highly value Japanese food products," Marubeni said in a press release. Land-based salmon farming has its merits, such as being less susceptible to parasites and red tide, and preventing feces of the fish from polluting the sea. Norway is a major supplier of salmon to Japan but it has been struggling to meet demand, as suitable areas for sea-farming, its mainstream aquaculture method, are reaching their limits. Among Marubeni's rivals, Mitsubishi Corp. has partnered with fishery processing company, Maruha Nichiro Corp., to start land-based farming of salmon at a plant in Nyuzen in Toyama Prefecture on the Sea of Japan coast from 2025. It aims to start shipments from 2027 and onwards, of 2,500 tons a year. Mitsui & Co. has also joined the trend, promoting a project with land-based aquaculture venture FRD Japan Co., its subsidiary based in Saitama near Tokyo. It expects to annually produce 3,500 tons of salmon farmed at a facility in Futtsu in Chiba Prefecture from 2027. Itochu Corp. will handle sales of salmon to be produced by its partner, Soul of Japan K.K., at a land-based farm in Tsu in Mie Prefecture in central Japan. Soul of Japan has experience operating a land-based fish farm in Poland. Under the partnership, Itochu plans to start shipments of salmon raised at the Tsu facility from 2027, at 10,000 tons a year. On the night of the US presidential election, November 5/6, polls will close at different times across the United States, usually on the hour. As soon as this happens, a state can be called by the US news networks for either Kamala Harris or Donald Trump. This will take place only when the networks are confident that a candidate will win the state. For those states that traditionally vote solidly Republican (such as Wyoming and Oklahoma) or Democrat (California and New York), it is likely to happen almost the moment the polls close, before a single vote has been officially counted. But where the race is expected to be close, in so-called swing states such as Arizona, Georgia or Pennsylvania, the networks will want to wait until most votes are actually counted and reported before making a projection. Because of this, some states might not be called for Ms Harris or Mr Trump for hours, possibly days. In 2020, Pennsylvania was the state that gave Joe Biden enough votes to guarantee he would be president, but it was not called for Mr Biden by most of the US networks until the Saturday after the election a wait of four days. A total of 270 electoral votes are needed to win the US presidential election. Each state is allotted a fixed number of electoral votes (EVs), based roughly on the size of its population. Whoever wins the popular vote in a state also wins all of that states EVs (with two exceptions, Maine and Nebraska, which are explained below). Here is a guide to how US election night is likely to unfold. In all cases, the time given is when the last polls close in each state, according to the AP news agency, and all times are Irish time. Poll closing times for the US presidential election (PA Graphics) 12am November 6 Donald Trump should be off the mark when polls close in three traditional Republican strongholds: Indiana (which is worth 11 electoral votes), Kentucky (eight) and South Carolina (nine). Kamala Harris will pick up the safe Democratic states of Vermont (three EVs) and Virginia (13). Polls also close in the first of the swing states: Georgia (16 EVs). Joe Biden won this state narrowly in 2020, but the result was confirmed only after several days of counting and recounting. If the outcome in Georgia is close again, as is likely, it could take a similar wait before the winner becomes clear. 12.30am West Virginia (four EVs), a safe Republican state, should be called quickly for Mr Trump. Ohio (17 EVs) used to be a swing state Barack Obama won close contests here in 2008 and 2012 but since 2016 it has trended towards safe Republican territory and should be called for Mr Trump reasonably promptly. By contrast, North Carolina (16 EVs) has become a swing state at this election, with opinion polls suggesting either candidate has a chance of victory. As such, the winner might not become clear for some time. 1am A flurry of projections is likely when polls close in more than a dozen safe states. Ms Harris should pick up the Democrat-leaning states of Connecticut (seven EVs), Delaware (three), Illinois (19), Maryland (10), Massachusetts (11), New Hampshire (four), New Jersey (14) and Rhode Island (four), along with the District of Columbia (three). Mr Trump ought to see Alabama (nine), Florida (30), Mississippi (six), Missouri (10), Oklahoma (seven) and Tennessee (11) added to his tally. Maine does not have a winner-take-all policy for its four electoral votes; rather, it allocates two votes to the winner within each of its two Congressional districts and two to the winner of the overall state-wide popular vote. In 2020, Joe Biden won the two state-wide votes and one of the district votes, giving him three of the four votes up for grabs, while Donald Trump won the other district vote. Polls are also due to close in another of the swing states, Pennsylvania (19 EVs). The state was solidly Democrat until Mr Trump won it narrowly in 2016, before Mr Biden took it back in 2020. Due to the huge number of postal and early votes cast, which will need to be sorted and counted, the outcome in Pennsylvania is not likely to be known for some considerable time. 1.30am Polls close in Arkansas (six EVs), another strongly Republican state. 2am A rush of safe states should deliver a sizeable number of electoral votes for both candidates. Kansas (six EVs), Iowa (six), Louisiana (eight), North Dakota (three), South Dakota (three), Texas (40) and Wyoming (three) are all likely to be called fairly quickly for Mr Trump. Ms Harris ought to collect Colorado (10 EVs), Minnesota (10), New Mexico (five) and New York (28). Nebraska, like Maine, does not have a winner-take-all policy and instead splits its electoral votes in this case, allocating three votes to the winner within each of its three Congressional districts and two to the winner of the overall state-wide popular vote. In 2020, Joe Biden won one of the three district votes, while Donald Trump won the other two plus the two state-wide votes, giving him four of the five votes up for grabs. Polls also close in three swing states: Arizona (11 EVs), Michigan (15) and Wisconsin (10), all of which if the outcome is close could take days to be decided. Mr Biden won all three of these states in 2020, while Mr Trump picked up all three in 2016. Swing states in this years US presidential election (PA Graphics) 3am Mr Trump will add two more states to his tally when polls close in the safe Republican states of Montana (four EVs) and Utah (six). Polls also close in the last of the swing states, Nevada, where six EVs are up for grabs though as with the other battlegrounds, it could be hours, if not days, before the winner is known. Nevada has been won repeatedly by Democrats in recent decades, but opinion polls suggest the result this year is on a knifes edge. 4am Ms Harriss numbers will get a boost when polls close in three very safe Democratic states: California (54 EVs), Oregon (eight) and Washington (12). Idaho (four EVs) should be called for Mr Trump. 5am Polls close in another safe Democratic state, Hawaii (four EVs). 6am Alaska is the last state to conclude voting, and its three electoral votes should be called for Mr Trump. But there is every likelihood that the overall winner of the election still wont be known, given the time it will take to count all the ballots in all the swing states. If there has been a landslide for either Ms Harris or Mr Trump, then some news networks might be tempted to name a winner by now. If it is shaping up to be a close contest, get ready to wait days, if not weeks, for the identity of the next president to be confirmed. Spains King Felipe VI and top government officials were pelted with mud by a crowd of angry survivors of the recent flooding during the first visit by the countrys leaders to the centre of the suffering. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez was evacuated from the scene, according to Spanish broadcaster RTVE, when the official contingent started to walk the mud-covered streets of Paiporta. The town on the outskirts of Valencia was one of the hardest-hit areas where more than 60 people died and thousands of lives were shattered. Police had to step in, with some officers on horseback to keep back the crowd of several dozens who hurled mud and waved shovels and poles threateningly in the air. Get out! Get out! and Killers! the crowd shouted among other insults. Spain's Queen Letizia speaks with people affected by the floods after crowd of angry survivors of Spain's floods tossed mud and shouted insults at the Spain's King Felipe and government officials when they made their first visit to one of the hardest hit towns. after floods in Paiporta near Valencia, Spain, Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Hugo Torres) Queen Letizia and regional Valencia president Carlo Mazon were also in the contingent. Bodyguards opened umbrellas to protect the royal visitors and officials as protesters hurled mud at them. After being forced to seek protection, the king remained calm and made several efforts to speak to individual residents. One person appeared to have wept on his shoulder, and he shook a mans hand. The queen, with small dollops of mud on her hands and arms, also spoke to some women. We dont have any water, one told her. But the public rage over for the haphazard management of the crisis came to a boil on Sunday. Spain's King Felipe VI speaks with people amidst angry Spanish flood survivors in Paiporta, near Valencia, Spain, Sunday Nov. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/David Melero) It was an unprecedented incident for a royal house that takes great care to craft an image of a monarch who is liked by the nation. More than 200 people have died following Tuesdays floods and thousands have had their homes destroyed by the wall of water and mud. At least 60 of the dead were in Paiporta. Indignation at the management of Spains worst natural disaster in living memory started after the initial shock wore off. The floods had already started filling Paiporta with crushing waves when regional officials issued an alert to mobile phones that sounded two hours too late. And more anger has been fuelled by the inability of officials to respond quickly in the aftermath. A rescue worker checks a car after floods in Paiporta near Valencia, Spain (Hugo Torres/AP) Most of the clean-up of the layers and layers of mud and debris that has invaded countless homes has been carried out by residents and thousands of volunteers. We have lost everything! someone shouted. Felipe insisted on trying to speak with people as he continued his visit. He spoke to several people, patting two young men on their backs and sharing a quick embrace, with mud stains on his black raincoat. According to a journalist for Spanish broadcaster RTVE, one woman wept and told the king she did not have food and nappies, while another person said: Dont abandon us. But after approximately half an hour of tension, the monarch and the rest of the deletation got into official cars and left with a mounted police escort. One woman smacked an official car with an umbrella, and another kicked it, before it sped off. The Israeli military has said it carried out a ground raid into Syria, seizing a Syrian citizen involved in Iranian networks. It was the first time in the current Middle East conflict that Israel has announced sending troops into Syria. The whole world is awaiting the arrival of the latest budget smartphone from Apple, which has been the subject of numerous rumors and speculations for many years. And now new rumors claim the iPhone SE 4 is coming next year. Apple held off on releasing the iPhone SE's fourth generation for over two years without sharing possible reasons behind it, which was typical of the company, but its upcoming arrival is expected to be a noteworthy one. Fans are already anticipating the iPhone SE 4's arrival next year, offering the more affordable version of the iPhone lineup, but this time, adhere to its modern design profile and leave the past behind. iPhone SE 4 Is Coming Next Year and Here's What to Expect The massive revamp to the iPhone SE lineup is coming next year, with a Japanese blog site called Mac Otakara claiming to have already received dummy units of the device, showcasing its new look. The said device already features the body of the iPhone 14 series from 2022 a notable upgrade from the last iPhone SE 3, which still featured the iPhone 8's look, ridding the device of its Home Button and Touch ID, as well as its large bezels. However, it is important to note that like previous iPhone SEs, Apple will only give it a single rear camera lens despite the base iPhone 14 featuring two lenses. Moreover, there will not be a Dynamic Island coming to the iPhone SE 4, further highlighting its "budget" distinction from the regular lineup releases. One of the biggest upgrades here is that there will be a "Plus"-esque sizing coming to the iPhone SE 4, the first time that Apple will introduce another variant. Exact or approximate release dates have not yet been revealed, but the device is said to be on track for 2025. Apple Intelligence, Advanced Features Coming to SE 4 Like previous iPhone SEs, the fourth generation will get the most recent processor to power the device, and it will receive the iPhone 16 base models' A18 chipset, one that will give it access to Apple Intelligence. It is also expected to get the upgraded Siri and access to ChatGPT alongside it. Previous leaks also claimed that Apple will debut its first 5G modem that will leave behind Qualcomm. Apple's iPhone SE Throughout the Years Apple delivered the SE lineup as a way to offset the high prices of owning an iPhone but still deliver the iPhone experience to users without paying a premium price by using older designs and features. The Cupertino tech giant first debuted the iPhone SE in 2016, featuring the iPhone 5S body and most of its features, but came alongside the iPhone 7, which was two generations ahead. The company continued with its SE development with a massive revamp on its second generation when it used the iPhone 8's base model body as a new offering, as seen on the second and third generations, both featuring the latest chipset from the A-series at the time of their releases. Now rumors claim that the iPhone SE 4 is arriving in 2025, and it is intended to be this way to bring significant upgrades to the device, since the public has been asking for it for many years already. The next-generation iPhone SE is set to bring advanced features as well, with the coveted Apple Intelligence set to debut with the fourth generation, featuring the latest chipset from the iPhone 16. Samsung is yet again expected to bring its solo flagship Galaxy smartphone by early next year, and with that being said, the company is already preparing for the upcoming launch of the new Galaxy S25. As anticipated by early rumors and reports, Samsung will bring a full lineup of the smartphone's different variants, especially with the Galaxy S25 Ultra, which will offer the most powerful smartphone experience among them all. It will follow a renowned smartphone from Samsung, the Galaxy S24, which has been hailed as one of the best releases in the lineup, as well as the top Android mobile phone that is presently available. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Early Rumors: What to Expect? A report from Phone Arena detailed what Samsung has to offer for next year's Galaxy Unpacked event that will debut the much-awaited Galaxy S25 series, and like this year's release, the South Korean tech giant will still focus on Galaxy AI features. Before all that, Samsung is expected to equip the S25 series with Qualcomm's latest AI-focused flagship chip, the Snapdragon 8 Elite. The Dynamic AMOLED 2X display is also a given for the Galaxy S25, and it will also keep the same battery capacity as the S24, with the chipset being among the only notable changes with the smartphone. The device is expected to arrive by late January to early February 2025, and this will immediately follow its announcement event by only several weeks. In terms of pricing, Samsung is also expected to keep the same pricing for the S24, with the S25 Ultra starting at $1,299 for the 256GB variant, while its 1TB could start at $1,659. Will Samsung Answer Back With the Galaxy S25? The changes for the Galaxy S25, as detailed by the reports and rumors, will not stray away as much from the S24 series, but it is expected to debut new Galaxy AI features for the public to enjoy. The S25 Ultra's cameras will only see one change, and that is with the 50MP ultra-wide lens that it will soon get, compared to the Galaxy S24 Ultra's 12MP. It is also expected to continue what the S24 gave the world, but set to be a unique smartphone come next year. Samsung's Focus on AI With Galaxy S24 The rise of generative AI also gave Samsung a newfound focus on its approach to smartphones and its other devices, particularly with the introduction of the famed Galaxy AI. The AI model was first introduced via the Galaxy S24 lineup earlier this year, making it one of the earliest smartphones in the world to offer on-device AI, a feature that is now standard across the industry. Samsung had a lot of help in developing Galaxy AI, with Google helping the company offer additional features via the Android smartphone, but the renowned model can stand alone as it is packed with massive generative features. Now, Galaxy AI is accessible to all of its modern smartphone releases, but mostly for the top-tier devices and other special mentions by Samsung, and also the past flagship releases like the S23 or older. Samsung's success with Galaxy AI and the S24 lineup is something that is expected by the industry from the company come next year, as the more advanced Galaxy S25, especially the Ultra model, is set to debut first among the Big Tech by 2025. KYODO NEWS - Nov 3, 2024 - 10:05 | All, Japan Christopher Patten, Hong Kong's last British colonial governor who oversaw its handover to Chinese rule in 1997, is among the 87 foreigners recognized in this year's fall decorations for their notable contributions to Japan, the government said Sunday. Patten, 80, who was the territory's governor from 1992 until its return to China, went on to serve as the chancellor of the University of Oxford from 2003 to 2024. "I regard it as a great honor and privilege and a pleasure as well because Japan has been a very important part of my life," said Patten, who will be bestowed with the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun, the highest honor to be conferred in the fall commendations. Retired Gen. Paul Nakasone, who served concurrently as head of the U.S. Cyber Command and the National Security Agency from 2018 to 2024, will be awarded the same top honor. The Japanese American, known as a cyber warfare expert, was the first person of Asian descent to hold the dual posts. He previously led the U.S. Army Cyber Command from 2016 to 2018. The foreign recipients, including 20 women, hail from 46 countries and regions. A total of 3,987 individuals will receive fall decorations this year, with women accounting for 439, or 11 percent, and 1,866, or nearly 47 percent, from the private sector. Among the Japanese recipients, Nobuaki Koga, 72, who was the head of Japan's largest labor union known as Rengo, and Sakihito Ozawa, 70, former environment minister, will also be bestowed with the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun. World-renowned ballerina Yoko Morishita, 75, with a dancing career spanning 70 years, is set to receive the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star. Tetsuro Hama, 76, a Japanese restaurant owner in Britain, will be awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays, for promoting Japanese food overseas. The decorations will be conferred at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on Wednesday, with Emperor Naruhito bestowing the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba will hand out the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star. Moldovans are heading to the polls for a tense presidential election runoff that could significantly influence the countrys European ambitions, amid concerns about potential Russian interference. The election, taking place in a nation bordering the conflict-ridden Ukraine, follows a narrow referendum two weeks ago in favor of joining the European Union. Pro-EU incumbent Maia Sandu secured 42.5% of the vote in the first round of the presidential election held two weeks prior. Her opponent, Alexandr Stoianoglo, backed by the pro-Russian Socialists and removed from his position as prosecutor general by Sandu last year, garnered 26% of the votes. In both of these former Soviet republics, Russia has been accused of attempting to manipulate voter sentiment. Russia has denied these allegations. Honest votes Ms. Sandu, a 52-year-old strong proponent of Western policies and a former World Bank economist, attributed the slim margin in the EU referendumwhere 50.35% voted in favor of membershipto foreign interference. Authorities reported that they had uncovered a Russian scheme for vote-buying that could influence up to 25% of the ballots. For the presidential runoff, polling stations opened at 7am (5am Irish time) and will remain open until 9pm, with the first partial results anticipated an hour later. In the lead-up to the vote, Ms. Sandus team ramped up campaigns through social media and door-to-door outreach in rural areas to mitigate the impact of vote buying. Pro-EU incumbent Maia Sandu secured 42.5% of the votes in the initial round. Lets stay mobilized so that the honest votes dictate the results of this election, not the bought ones, Ms. Sandu urged in a video message released on Friday. In communications sent via mobile and even broadcast through supermarket loudspeakers, police have been advising individuals offered money in exchange for their votes to decline. Authorities have reported a massive phenomenon involving individuals receiving calls, emails, and even threats aimed at influencing their voting decisions. Prime Minister Dorin Recean has labeled the situation as an extreme attack intended to instill panic and fear, discouraging people from going out to vote. After Russias invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Ms. Sandu applied for Moldova, which has a population of 2.6 million, to join the EU. Formal accession negotiations commenced in June. While Mr. Stoianoglo, 57, claims to support EU membership, he boycotted the referendum, referring to it as a parody, and promised his supporters a balanced foreign policy that would mend ties with Moscow, which Sandu had strained. Analysts suggest that his ambiguous stance on the EU could allow Moldova to pursue its EU goals formally while taking actions to counter them if he were to win. I will genuinely be a president for everyone and will never divide the populace, Stoianoglo known for his scripted speeches that often alternate between Russian and Romanian, the countrys official language stated on Friday. Deeply Polarized Nation Moldova is already highly polarized, with a significant diaspora and the capital largely supporting EU integration, while rural areas and the pro-Russian separatist regions of Transnistria and Gagauzia oppose it. We believe in Maia Sandu to guide us in the right direction (but) there is still a lingering Soviet influence here, which runs deep, remarked Acsenia, a 56-year-old retiree. Conversely, individuals like 75-year-old Zinovia Zaharovna expressed their opposition to EU membership, preferring that Moldova remain an independent nation. Many are afraid of war and view a candidate who fosters good relations with Moscow as a safeguard against aggression, commented Andrei Curararu, an expert from the Chisinau-based WatchDog think tank. The election is under international scrutiny for potential signs of Russian meddling. According to Mr. Curararu, the pressure is unprecedented, with over $100 million estimated to have been spent on various destabilization activities. Moldova is paying a steep price, he concluded, for its attempts to distance itself from Russia. Residents and volunteers from the Valencia region are urging greater assistance from the military as well as regional and national governments to address the damage and destruction inflicted by the devastating floods that have inundated numerous towns. Yesterday, the influx of volunteers made it difficult for professional emergency workers to access certain areas, leading authorities to create a strategy on how and where to deploy them. Nevertheless, residents remarked that the volunteers were well-organized and called for additional support to help clear the mud. Local shop owner Emilia, aged 74, questioned, Where is the army to assist us? We need your consent to load this comcast-player content. We use comcast-player to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review their details and accept them to load the content. Manage Preferences Where is the help that we are supposed to receive? Where is the army? Where are all these people? The houses are collapsing and they are ignoring us. When asked if she felt abandoned, she responded: We feel abandoned; many people need help. Its not just my house, its all the houses, and we are discarding furniture, were throwing away everything. When will we receive help for fridges and washing machines? We cant even wash our clothes or take a shower. This is a disaster. Volunteers congregate at Valencias City of Arts and Sciences before heading to areas affected by the floods. Nurse Maria Jose Gilabert, 52, expressed that people are devastated. There is not much hope to be found here right now, not because help isnt comingvolunteers are arriving from all over Spainbut because it will take a long time before this area is livable again. Local resident Ramon Felguera mentioned there was a tidal wave of humanity heading this way in reference to the volunteers. There are no words to express our gratitude to these individuals. We must appreciate what they are doing. In some of the most severely affected areas, individuals have resorted to looting due to a lack of food and water. Police reported that 27 individuals were arrested for robbing stores and offices in the Valencia region. According to utility company Iberdrola, over 90% of households in Valencia had their power restored as of yesterday, although thousands in isolated areas were still without electricity, making it difficult for rescuers to reach them. Approximately 2,000 soldiers were dispatched to search for missing individuals and assist survivors of the storm, which has prompted a new weather alert in the Balearic Islands, Catalonia, and Valencia, with continued rain expected throughout the weekend. Officials have stated that the death toll is likely to rise further. This disaster is already Spains worst flood-related incident in over fifty years and the deadliest to strike Europe since the 1970s. Read more: Before and after satellite images show Spains devastation. Spain mounts its largest peacetime disaster recovery operation as the death toll reaches 211. Oxford (Special to Informed Comment; Feature) On Tuesday, the American people go to the polls in one of the most consequential elections for the United States and the world. Normally, outsiders should not interfere in other countries elections, although the United States has a habit of interfering in other countries elections, often overtly and sometimes with the use of coups, plots, subversion, etc. However, as the Americans chanted no taxation without representation when they were fighting for their independence and tried to shake off the yoke of a foreign power over their lives, it is now appropriate for the people of the world to say no extermination without representation. If the rest of the world cannot have representation in US elections, at least we are entitled to express a view about it, especially when it affects the well-being or even the continued existence of the rest of the world. I am writing this not as an enemy of the United States, but as a long-time friend and admirer. From my childhood, I heard glowing praise of America and its history from my father who had spent many years of his life as a young man in New York and who was a great lover of that country. I wrote a PhD thesis on Oriental Influences on the Work of Ralph Waldo Emerson when I came to study in England, and spent a wonderful summer in the United States visiting Emersons house in Concorde and doing research on his work at the Weidner Library at Harvard. Later on, I spent a year at Harvard as a Senior Fulbright visiting scholar teaching courses on Persian and American literature. I also established the first Department of American Studies in Iran when I served as professor and Dean of the Faculty of Languages at the University of Isfahan. I also helped arrange the conference on the 200th anniversary of American Independence at the University of Shiraz, which served as the main anniversary conference in the Middle East and Asia. So, I have many reasons to be interested in the outcome of the US election. The United States continues to be the most consequential country in the world. By nominal GDP, the United States is still the biggest economy in the world, and even by PPP, it is the second richest country. However, from a military point of view, it is by far the most powerful country compared to all its rivals. Never in world history has a country possessed such overwhelming power in all the corners of the world. While Russia and China can be regarded as regional superpowers, the United States is the only hyperpower with global reach and can even be regarded as the sole world hegemon. As American generals are fond of repeating, the United States enjoys full spectrum dominance on land, on sea and in the air, and they are not reluctant to use Americas awesome military power. There are more than 750 U.S. military bases in at least 80 countries. They are spread from Europe to the Middle East to the Far East, right up to Japan, Australia, South Korea, and many offshore bases all over the world. NATO, which the United States leads, has 32 members and constitutes by far the biggest military alliance, surrounding Russia. In addition to NATO in the West (which has also taken part in US wars in Afghanistan and the Middle East), there are a number of US-led alliances aimed at containing China. Following the Australia-UK-US (AUKUS) and Japan-U.S.-South Korea trilaterals, and the U.S.-Japan-India-Australia Quad, the latest US-Japan-Philippines military alliance is yet another initiative to isolate China and enhance the USs position in the Asia-Pacific. Since the Second World War when, on the ruins of European and Asian empires, the United States became the richest and strongest country in the world, it tried to extend its power and became a virtual empire. Although many justifications have been put forward for the use of nuclear bombs in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the available evidence shows that one of the main reasons for their use was a demonstration of US power to Russia, which was emerging as the main US rival in the form of the former Soviet Union. Shortly after the Second World War, the United States tried to stop the communist advance in the Far East with the invasions of Korea, Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia, killing many millions of people in those countries. Those wars were really proxy wars between the United States and the Soviet Union and China. While during the Cold War, there existed some military balance between the Western and Soviet blocs, after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, the United States felt that all restrictions on her had been lifted and she could act as the sole superpower in a unipolar world. That gave rise to the USs Operation Desert Shield to expel the Iraqi forces from Kuwait, which killed tens of thousands of Iraqi forces. The war was followed by the invasion of Afghanistan following the 9/11 terrorist outrage, and later Iraq, and different military campaigns in Libya, Syria, Somalia, Yemen, etc. Those wars killed a few million people and cost a few trillion dollars to US taxpayers. Following the expansion of NATO to nearly all former Warsaw Pact member states, and plans to bring Ukraine into NATO, President Putin felt he had no alternative but to invade Ukraine to prevent the establishment of NATO bases in the country that he regarded as Russias backyard. Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the U.S. Congress has provided Ukraine with at least $175b of military and humanitarian assistance. This is in addition to billions of dollars of military and economic aid given to Ukraine by Europe and other NATO members. Since the horrendous HAMAS attack on Israel on 7 October, the Israeli government has conducted a merciless war and massacre on Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank, and lately on Lebanon, which has killed at least 44,000, most of them women and children, 134-146 journalists, 120 academics, over 224 humanitarian aid workers, including 179 employees of UNRWA, and has injured hundreds of thousands of civilians. Most people in the Global South and even in Europe and the United States cannot understand how a Democratic administration can so blindly support a regime which according to ICJ, the worlds highest judicial authority, is engaged in plausible genocide and whose leaders are accused by the ICC of war crimes. Although the Biden administration carries the major responsibility for arming Israel and becoming complicit in its war crimes, the decision of the Trump administration to grant Jerusalem and the Golan Heights to Israel, contrary to international law, and bribe some subservient Arab regimes to normalise relations with Israel in some phoney deals, known as the Abraham Accords, created a feeling of impunity among Israeli leaders who feel they can commit any crime and violate any international law without any sanctions or punishments. As a result, Israel has been acting as though it is above the law and can openly challenge and ignore numerous UN Security Council and General Assembly resolutions. This blatant lawlessness and impunity endangers the entire international order and bodes ill for the future of the so-called rules-based international order. In a landmark ruling on 19 July 2024, the ICJ declared that Israels occupation of the Gaza strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, is unlawful, along with the associated settlement regime, annexation and use of natural resources. It called on Israel to immediately withdraw its forces and settlements from the occupied territories and pay reparation to the Palestinians. Not only has the US not implemented that resolution, but it has continued to deliver the most-deadly weapons to Israel enabling its genocide in Gaza and war crimes in the West Bank and Lebanon. No Extermination without Representation, Digital, Midjourney / Clip2Comic, 2024 The scope of the war on Gaza has now expanded to neighbouring countries with dangerous confrontations between Israel and Iran, Syria, Iraq and Yemen. Far from punishing Israel for those war crimes, the United States has imposed further sanctions on Iran and several other Middle Eastern countries. Iran and Russia are two of the most sanctioned countries in the world. Not only have those unilateral sanctions not forced those countries to surrender to US demands, but they have also pushed Iran closer to Russia and Russia closer to China. The recent BRICS summit in Kazan, held from 22-24 October, was convened with the participation of five new members, namely Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. The new Nine-member BRICS partnership accounts for 45% of the worlds population and 30% of the worlds land surface. Its combined GDP of around US$65 trillion (35% of global GDP PPP) and an estimated US$5.2 trillion in combined foreign reserves are larger than that of the G7 bloc. The wars raging in Ukraine and the Middle East and growing conflict with China have brought the world to the brink of a devastating world war with unimaginable consequences. The planet is now in a more dangerous position than at any time since the Second World War. At the same time, the United States is now more isolated than ever. A good example of US isolation can be seen in the vote at the United Nations General Assembly on 30th October 2024, demanding an end to the US embargo on Cuba. Only the United States and Israel voted against the resolution, Moldova abstained, and 187 countries, including all European countries, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and Canada, voted for it. This level of isolation, the whole world against the United States and Israel, is unprecedented. Most American voters do not usually pay much attention to foreign affairs, but as can be seen from the above examples, in the current interconnected world no country can keep itself immune to international developments. What the United States does in its foreign policy matters and will boomerang back to itself. Without presuming to tell the Americans how to vote in the forthcoming election, I only wish to urge them to pay more attention to the USs foreign policies and to American values that must govern those relations. ( Middle East Monitor ) When Israel is committing a genocide in Gaza in which it has killed at least 43,000 Palestinians, and displaced the entire population, CNNs way of showing some humanity in the face of such violence was to focus on the trauma of those responsible for the killing and maiming. The colonisers narrative of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after engaging in war crimes in Gaza was the subject of a feature article under the headline He got out of Gaza, but Gaza did not get out of him: Israeli soldiers returning from war struggle with trauma and suicide. The title referred specifically to an Israeli reservist, Eliran Mizrahi, who committed suicide after enlisting to commit genocide in Gaza. After witnessing the massacres committed by Hamas, he felt the need to fight, his mother told CNN. The report failed to mention that many atrocities attributed to Hamas on 7 October were the result of the Israel Defence Forces military tactics against its settler population the so-called Hannibal Directive but this sweeping claim has become part of Israels security narrative does not distinguish or elaborate on what the reservist witnessed and who was truly responsible. More importantly, CNNs report was replete with instances of IDF violence against Palestinians which soldiers committed willingly and premeditatedly. For example, Guy Zaken, who drove armoured bulldozers in Gaza with Mizrahi, gave testimony to the Knesset in which he said that soldiers had to run over terrorists, dead and alive, in their hundreds. Had to? Was there a command to crush Palestinians in Gaza with bulldozers? Did soldiers willingly indulge in a colonial bloodbath reminiscent of the 1948 Nakba and worse? What we know of Israels state and settler violence is that the IDF which has its roots in Zionist paramilitary terror groups now has advanced equipment which facilitates and normalises violence. And Zakens testimony proves it. Bulldozer, Digital, Midjourney / Clip2Comic, 2024. When you see a lot of meat outside, and blood, Zaken continued, both ours and theirs [Hamas], then it really affects you when you eat. The dehumanisation of Palestinians is thus summarised succinctly. There is no concept of Palestinians as human beings, or that the bodies that the IDF soldiers crushed were dead human beings. Only the vulgarity of classifying Palestinians as meat. And just to prove how warped the settler-colonial narrative is, the soldier added that he can no longer eat meat. A soldier becomes vegetarian after crushing Palestinians, alive and dead, with bulldozers. That is now classified as part of PTSD. What matters the most? A vegetarian soldier or the tens of thousands of Palestinians killed in Israels genocide? CNNs report attempted to put the case for the former, as it described the vegetarians lament under the subheading The mental health toll. Both Mizrahi and Zaken committed war crimes, some of which CNN pointed out were posted online. Yet Mizrahis sister said that it is offensive that comments on social media accused her brother of murder because, according to her, he had a good heart. Which person with a good heart willingly crushes human beings with bulldozers? What is Israels definition of being kind and of having a good heart? IDF psychologist Uzi Bechor told CNN that the military helps soldiers with PTSD to normalise their experiences. We try to normalise it and to help them remember their values and why they went there [to Gaza], said Bechor. Which means that the IDFs tactic is to permit any violation imaginable; allow its soldiers free reign to experiment on Palestinians with utmost cruelty under the auspices of morally dubious values in clear violation of international laws and conventions; and then help soldiers to cope with their PTSD by enabling their normalisation of the kind of violence that is beyond the stretch of any reasonable persons imagination. The bottom line of the CNN article was that the entire world is expected to sympathise with the IDF soldiers PTSD, and to do so on the grounds that Palestinians are allegedly to blame for their trauma. Only Israel and the US can come up with a narrative so twisted that, despite the IDF carrying out genocide, Palestinians are providing the context for the soldiers trauma, and not the soldiers themselves. This, even though some of them admitted that they were killing out of boredom in the past few months. Lets get it straight: Palestinians are the victims here, not Israeli soldiers. The Palestinians are not the context upon which the IDF can build a case for PTSD. Let us not forget that conscientious objectors do exist in Israel and soldiers always have the option to step aside. Mizrahi chose to sign up and commit genocide. What emerged over this past year of genocide is incitement at government level that was carried out eagerly by soldiers filming themselves cheering at the demolition of buildings and bombs hitting targets, flaunting a fetish for humiliating and sexualising Palestinian women, cooking and looting in the homes of displaced Palestinians, torturing Palestinians and killing them, including crushing them with bulldozers and becoming vegetarian as a result of PTSD. Israel does not just normalise the abnormal; it normalises the abominable. Meanwhile, on the opposite end of the spectrum of humanity, Palestinians face an ongoing genocide but refuse to normalise the massacres, the starvation, the torture, the mass killings, the mass graves, the sexual abuse, the burning to death, the bombings, the demolitions, the displacement and all the horrors that they have experiences at the hands of Israeli soldiers. They refuse to accept any of this, and have done not just over the past year, but also since the start of the Zionist colonial project. What is next on CNNs agenda to get people to sympathise with the IDF personnel and their war crimes? Blaming Palestinians for remaining on their land? For resisting despite not having adequate military technology? Blaming Palestinians simply for existing? What is CNN hinting at, for the sake of promoting Israels genocidal, colonial narrative? Are we supposed to humanise the people committing genocide while dehumanising the victims? Are we supposed to start seeing Palestinians as meat? These are important questions, because no matter how much Israel and CNN may try to manipulate public opinion, the fact remains that a settler-colonial, genocidal entity may influence politics as a result of trade, economic and military ties, but it can never aspire to alter humanity, which is not rooted in the corruption of politicians with ties to the same entity, Israel. It is not the worlds responsibility to sympathise with the IDF soldiers PTSD. It is misplaced and insulting to suggest otherwise. No one will sympathise with a soldier who is now vegetarian because he crushed too many Palestinians with his bulldozer, rather than with a Palestinian who was burned to death. No one who is not a Zionist, that is. CNN preached to the converted and did a good job of disseminating the Zionist narrative to its supporters, confirming the inhuman and inhumane excesses of those who follow this pernicious ideology. Anyone with a shred of humanity, on the other hand, can see that CNN has just made a blatant attempt to garner even more impunity for Israel and its genocide. The views expressed in this article belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of Middle East Monitor or Informed Comment . Via Middle East Monitor KYODO NEWS - Nov 3, 2024 - 19:58 | All, Japan, World The U.S. military in Japan has yet to convene a new forum it announced in July to enhance cooperation with the Okinawa government and local residents, following alleged sexual assault cases involving its service members in the southern island prefecture. The schedule for holding the first meeting is unclear, with the topics and participants also not decided. Okinawa Gov. Denny Tamaki told a press conference Thursday that "final confirmation" of issues to be discussed is planned in mid-November. U.S. Forces Japan, headquartered at Yokota Air Base in the suburbs of Tokyo, said in a written statement to Kyodo News that it hopes to develop a framework that can help "address shared concerns and improve information sharing." "This effort is complex and may take some time to jointly coordinate," it said. When the initiative was announced on July 22, USFJ Commander Lt. Gen. Ricky Rupp said the "new forum of cooperation" would be launched in coordination with Japan's central government and would "serve as a venue for the constructive exchange of ideas in the pursuit of shared goals." The Okinawa government hopes the new forum will produce effective steps to prevent similar incidents from happening again. Okinawa Prefecture hosts the bulk of U.S. military facilities in Japan, and anti-base sentiment runs deep due to aircraft noise, pollution and crimes committed by American service members. Earlier this year, locals were angered after the Japanese central government failed to report alleged sexual assault cases involving U.S. military members. Two cases came to light in late June -- one involving a U.S. Air Force serviceman indicted in March for allegedly kidnapping and sexually assaulting a minor and another involving a U.S. Marine arrested in May on suspicion of attempted rape resulting in injury. Speaking about the new forum, an Okinawa prefectural assembly member said, "It is important that the U.S. military shows remorse." A U.S. military source, meanwhile, expressed concern that the forum will become an arena to face one-sided accusations. A working-level team for preventing incidents and accidents by U.S. service members, consisting of officials of Japanese and U.S. governments as well as municipalities in Okinawa, has also not met since April 2017. The team was established in 2000. Related coverage: U.S. Marine in Okinawa referred to prosecutors over sexual assault U.S. forces to exchange views with Okinawans after sex crimes Japan police failed to disclose 5 sex crime cases linked to U.S. troops By Aidan Hehir, University of Westminster | (The Conversation) Where is the UN? is a question that has often been asked since the start of Israels military offensive in Gaza. As the death toll rises and the conflict spreads, the UN appears woefully unable to fulfil its mandate to save humanity from the scourge of war as it was set up to do. While the UN secretary-general, Antonio Guterres, has repeatedly condemned Israel and been banned from the country for his pains his pleas have been ignored. Attempts by the UN to sanction Israel have also failed. UN sanctions require the UN security councils consent. The US has used its power as a permanent member to veto draft resolutions seeking to do so. There have also been calls to suspend Israel from the UN. On October 30, the UN special rapporteur on the right to food, Michael Fakhri, called on the UN general assembly to suspend Israels membership because, as he said: Israel is attacking the UN system. Francesca Albanese, UN special rapporteur on human rights in the Palestinian territories is reported to have told a news conference the same day that the UN should consider the suspension of Israels credentials as a member of the UN until it ends violating international law and withdraws the clearly unlawful occupation. But suspending a member is more complicated and politically fraught than many appreciate. Israel and the UN For decades, Israels relationship with the UN has been fractious. This is primarily because of the UNs stance on what it refers to as Israels unlawful presence in what it defines as occupied territories in Palestine. In the past 12 months of the latest conflict in Gaza, this relationship has deteriorated further. Many have argued that Israel has repeatedly violated UN resolutions and treaties, including the genocide convention during its campaign in Gaza. Some UN officials have accused Israel and certain Palestinian groups of committing war crimes. Israel has also come into direct conflict with UN agencies some 230 UN personnel have been killed during the offensive, and many governments and UN officials have alleged that Israel deliberately targeted UN peacekeepers in Lebanon. But the enmity between Israel and the UN came to a head on October 28, when the Israeli parliament, the Knesset, banned the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (Unrwa) from operating inside Israel, sparking a wave of condemnation. The UNs powers Given this open hostility towards the UN, it is not surprising that some are now calling for Israels membership to be suspended. But can the UN legally suspend a member? The answer is yes. Under articles 5 and 6 of the UN charter a member state may be suspended or expelled if it is found to have persistently violated the Principles contained in the present Charter. But articles 5 and 6 both state that suspension and expulsion require the consent of the general assembly as well as the recommendation of the security council. As such, suspending Israel requires the consent of the five permanent security council members: the US, UK, China, Russia and France. And, given the USs past record and current president Joe Bidens affirmation of his ironclad support for Israel, this is effectively inconceivable. But while it is, therefore, highly unlikely that articles 5 or 6 will be invoked against Israel, there remains a potentially feasible option. The South Africa precedent At the start of each annual general assembly session, the credentials committee reviews submissions from each member state before they are formally admitted. Usually, this is a formality, but on September 27 1974, the credentials of South Africa which was then operating an apartheid system were rejected. Embed from Getty Images Key Speakers On The Final Day Of The 79th Session Of The United Nations General Assembly. Sheikh Shakhboot Nahyan Al-Nahyan, United Arab Emirates minister of state, speaks during the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, US, on Monday, Sept. 30, 2024. World leaders from more than 190 nations have descended on New York City for the general assemblys annual high level debate as well as discussions on the war in Gaza, Russias invasion of Ukraine and issues ranging from climate change to the challenge posed by artificial intelligence. Photographer: Jeenah Moon/Bloomberg via Getty Images Three days later, the general assembly passed resolution 3207 which called on the security council to, review the relationship between the United Nations and South Africa in light of the constant violation by South Africa of the principles of the Charter. A draft resolution calling for South Africas expulsion was eventually put to the security council at the end of October, but it was vetoed by the US, the UK and France. However, on November 12, the president of the general assembly, Algerias Abdelaziz Bouteflika, ruled that given the credentials committees decision and the passing of resolution 3207, the general assembly refuses to allow the delegation of South Africa to participate in its work. South Africa remained suspended from the general assembly until June 1994 following the ending of apartheid. It is important to note that South Africa was not formally suspended from the UN, only the general assembly. Nonetheless, it was a hugely significant move. A viable solution? Could the same measure be applied against Israel and would it be effective? The South Africa case shows it is legally possible. It would also undoubtedly send a powerful message, simultaneously increasing Israels international isolation and restoring some much needed faith in the UN. The 79th session of the UN general assembly began in September, so its too late for the credentials committee to reject Israel. But this could conceivably happen prior to the 80th session next year, if there was sufficient political will. But this is a big if. Though a majority of states in the general assembly are highly critical of Israel, many do not want the credentials committee to become more politically selective because they fear this could be used against them in the future. Likewise, few want to incur the wrath of the US by suspending its ally. As ever, what is legally possible and what is politically likely are two very different things. Aidan Hehir, Reader in International Relations, University of Westminster This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. Finnish authorities on Thursday charged a Russian citizen over alleged war crimes in Ukraine in 2014. The Nordic country's Deputy Prosecutor General Jukka Rappe filed the charges against Vojislav Torden -- a commander of the Russian neo-Nazi paramilitary Rusich group -- with the Helsinki District Court on Thursday. Torden is suspected of committing five war crimes in Ukraine in 2014, resulting in the deaths of 22 Ukrainian soldiers, and of seriously wounding four others, Rappe told AFP. "In three of the cases Ukrainian soldiers were killed or wounded and the two other charges are about some other kind of breach of the laws of war," the prosecutor said. In a statement, Finland's National Prosecution Authority said the charges also related to actions "contrary to the laws of war... and the treatment of wounded and killed enemy soldiers". The suspect, who was detained at Helsinki's airport in July 2023, has denied the crimes. Finland's supreme court has ruled that Torden, formerly known as Yan Petrovsky, could not be extradited to Ukraine due to the risk of him suffering inhumane conditions in prison there. Earlier in October Finland's National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) completed a comprehensive probe launched in December 2023, suspecting Torden of several war crimes in autumn 2014 in eastern Ukraine. The investigation involved close cooperation with Ukrainian prosecutors and security services as well as Europol, the International Criminal Court and Eurojust -- the European Union Agency for Criminal Justice Cooperation. Finland has adopted "universal jurisdiction", a legal principal allowing it to bring charges on its soil for suspected crimes committed anywhere in the world. A date for the trial has yet to be set by the court but Rappe said he expected it to begin in November. Strikes rocked a village near the southern Lebanese city of Tyre on Thursday, state media said, after Israel issued an evacuation call for the area. The strikes on Al-Hawsh coincided with an exodus of civilians from the Rashidieh camp for Palestinian refugees near Tyre which was also covered by the evacuation warning, the official National News Agency said. The camp, located about five kilometres (three miles) from Tyre, is one of the largest and most overcrowded in Lebanon. Earlier Thursday, Lebanon's prime minister condemned Israel for issuing evacuation warnings for entire areas and called for diplomatic pressure for a halt to its strikes more than a month into the war. "The threats issued by the Israeli enemy against Lebanese civilians to evacuate entire cities and leave their areas and homes are an additional war crime added to the series of crimes committed by the enemy," Najib Mikati said in a statement. He said he was "requesting intensified pressure on Israel to stop its aggression". Israeli military spokesman Avichay Adraee posted the evacuation call for the Rashidieh camp and other nearby villages and towns on X, telling residents to move "north of the Awali river". Hours later, Adraee also issued an evacuation call for the people of Baalbek and its surroundings, with Lebanese official media later reporting Israeli strikes near the main eastern city. "Enemy aircraft launched four strikes on the village of Douris and the surroundings of the city of Baalbek," the National News Agency said. The war in Lebanon began late last month, nearly a year after Hezbollah began low-intensity cross-border fire into Israel in support of Hamas following its October 7, 2023 attack on Israel. At least 1,784 people in Lebanon have been killed in Israeli strikes since September 23, according to an AFP tally of health ministry figures, though the real number is likely to be higher due to gaps in the data. str/lar/ho-aya/dv X Strikes hit near east Lebanon's main city of Baalbek and close to the southern city of Tyre on Thursday, state media said, after Israel issued evacuation calls for both areas. The air strikes came as Lebanon's prime minister condemned Israel for issuing evacuation warnings for entire areas and called for diplomatic pressure for a halt to its strikes more than a month into the war. The strikes on Al-Hawsh near Tyre destroyed six buildings, civil defence said, and coincided with an exodus of civilians from the Rashidieh camp for Palestinian refugees near Tyre, also covered by the evacuation warning, the official National News Agency said. "Enemy warplanes" also hit Hezbollah-affiliated rescuers in Tyre, the NNA said, adding that "the ambulance team that tried to rescue" the crew had been targeted twice. The camp, located about five kilometres (three miles) from Tyre, is one of the largest and most overcrowded in Lebanon. Israel's army later said it hit Hezbollah "command and control centres, terrorist headquarters and additional terrorist infrastructure" in Al-Hawsh. "From these compounds, the Hezbollah terrorist organisation planned terror attacks against" Israel and its forces, it added. The NNA also reported Israeli "aircraft launched four strikes" near Baalbek, after Israel issued evacuation warnings covering the country's main eastern city for the second day in a row. Baalbek is renowned for its yearly international music festival, which has sent an open letter calling for "rapid action to stop repeated attacks" on the city, also home to one of the world's largest complexes of Roman temples -- a UNESCO World Heritage Site. So far the heritage site has not been hit, although it was included in an evacuation warning. Israeli military spokesman Avichay Adraee posted an evacuation call for the Rashidieh camp and other nearby villages and towns on X, telling residents to move "north of the Awali river". - 'Continued escalation' - Earlier Thursday, Prime Minister Najib Mikati said "the threats issued by the Israeli enemy against Lebanese civilians to evacuate entire cities and leave their areas and homes are an additional war crime". He said he was "requesting intensified pressure on Israel to stop its aggression". On Wednesday, Mikati said US envoy Amos Hochstein signalled during a phone call that a ceasefire in the Israel-Hezbollah war was possible before the US elections on November 5. He said a ceasefire would be linked to implementation of the United Nations resolution that ended a 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah. Security Council Resolution 1701 states that only the Lebanese army and United Nations peacekeepers should be deployed in southern Lebanon, while demanding the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territory. "We are waiting to hear back from him following his discussions" in Israel, Mikati said of Hochstein. "Israel's continued escalation, their stances and threats do not leave room for optimism, at least in the short term." Mikati's remarks came as the health ministry said Israeli strikes on three locations in south Lebanon killed six rescuers affiliated with Hezbollah or its ally Amal. The war in Lebanon began late last month, nearly a year after Hezbollah began low-intensity cross-border fire into Israel in support of Hamas following its October 7, 2023 attack on Israel that triggered the war in Gaza. At least 1,784 people in Lebanon have been killed in Israeli strikes since September 23, according to an AFP tally of health ministry figures. str/lar/ho-aya/srm X South Africa and the Vatican joined Qatar at a conference in Montreal on Thursday in offering to mediate and facilitate the return of about 20,000 Ukrainian children from Russia. The "Ministerial Conference on the Human Dimension of Ukraine's Peace Formula" brought together representatives from 70 countries. "Children, civilians and prisoners of war must be allowed to return home," Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly said in announcing an agreement by delegates on steps to "bring these people back home." Qatar, South Africa and the Vatican, she said, would serve as intermediaries to support and negotiate the return of the children. Lithuania and Qatar would act as transit countries. The United Arab Emirates also offered to help mediate exchanges of Russian and Ukrainian prisoners of war. Ukraine Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said he was "happy that we settled (on) the network of partners to speed up this process" of repatriations. "I am happy to go back to Kyiv with concrete results which many Ukrainian families are waiting for," he said. "In times when we see that international humanitarian law, unfortunately, does not provide protection, full protection, such joint efforts and leadership at this conference demonstrates that we could achieve results." Since July 2023, Qatar has secured the return of dozens of Ukrainian children that had been moved to Russia and occupied territories since the start of its invasion in February 2022. Kyiv has demanded the return of nearly 20,000 minors from Russia -- a figure that many observers consider to be underestimated. The International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant in March 2023 for Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Commissioner for Children's Rights, Maria Lvova-Belova, for the war crime of "illegal deportations." These accusations have been repeatedly rejected by Russian authorities, who claim to have been protecting children from the fighting and say they are ready to return the children to their relatives in Ukraine if they request it. According to Kyiv, 860 children have been repatriated so far. Kenya plans to reintroduce some of the tax hikes that sparked deadly protests earlier this year, the government announced Friday, while a new deputy president was sworn in after weeks of high political drama. President William Ruto scrapped an unpopular finance bill in June after the protests. Rights groups accused police of a brutal and illegal crackdown that led to more than 60 people being killed, with dozens more arbitrarily arrested. But Kenya's government desperately needs to boost revenues as it struggles under around $80 billion of debt. It has prepared three new tax and finance bills, to be introduced soon in parliament, and sent out an explainer to the media on Friday. Several proposals from the scrapped finance bill are being reintroduced, including VAT hikes and new taxes on the digital sector. The latter means freelancers working in food delivery and for ride-hailing apps -- which have become vital sources of income in recent years -- will have to pay income tax for the first time. Such tax hikes are likely to cause upset in a country where a third of the population lives below the poverty line. In a speech, Ruto said Kenya's development was "overdue by decades" because it had failed to boost tax revenues. "As a result, we lack the resources needed for development," he said, highlighting the 850,000 young people who enter the labour market each year and struggle to find jobs. He did not address the new bills specifically but said the government aimed to raise tax revenues from 14 percent of GDP to 22 percent within a decade and increase compliance from 70 percent to 90 percent through tech-based automation. "Our tax measures must be fair, and every eligible entity must pay," he said. - New deputy - Meanwhile, a new deputy president Abraham Kithure Kindiki, formerly the interior minister, was sworn into office on Friday. It followed weeks of drama around the impeachment of Ruto's previous deputy, Rigathi Gachagua, who was accused of ethnically divisive politics. Gachagua, a powerful businessman, helped Ruto win a closely fought election in 2022 by rallying support from the crucial Mount Kenya region, particularly members of the Kikuyu tribe. But he fell out spectacularly with Ruto, not least by showing support for this year's protests. Kindiki, a 52-year-old academic and lawyer, also hails from the vote-rich Mount Kenya region. He defended his boss at the International Criminal Court when Ruto was accused of crimes against humanity over 2007-08 post-election violence. In his acceptance speech, Kindiki described himself as the "most unlikely person" to take over the deputy presidency, having come from humble village origins. "Kenya has made it possible for anyone to become anything in this country. I don't take it for granted," he said. Kindiki was criticised for backing the police when they were accused of excessive force during the protests. "Welcome to the team that is going to transform Kenya into a great nation," Ruto told him at the ceremony, listing plans to focus on improving higher education, healthcare, agriculture, housing and more. President Emmanuel Macron on Friday acknowledged that Larbi Ben M'hidi, a key figure in Algeria's War of Independence against France, had been killed by French soldiers after his arrest in 1957, the French presidency said. "He recognised today that Larbi Ben M'hidi, a national hero for Algeria... was killed by French soldiers," the presidency said on the 70th anniversary of the revolt that sparked the war, in a new gesture of reconciliation by Macron towards the former colony. France's more than a century-long colonisation of Algeria and the viciously fought 1954-62 war of independence have left deep scars on both sides. In recent years, Macron has made several gestures towards reconciliation while stopping short of issuing any apology for French imperialism. Since coming to power in 2017, Macron has sought "to look at the history of colonisation and the Algerian War in the face, with the aim of creating a peaceful and shared memory", the presidency said. Ben M'hidi was one of six founding members of the National Liberation Front (FLN) that launched the armed revolt against French rule that led to the war. The presidency said that according to the official version, Ben M'hidi after his arrest in February 1957 attempted to commit suicide and died during his transfer to the hospital. But it said he had in fact been killed by soldiers under the command of General Paul Aussaresses, who admitted to this at the beginning of the 2000s. In 2017, then-presidential candidate Macron dubbed the French occupation a "crime against humanity". A report he commissioned from historian Benjamin Stora recommended in 2020 further moves to reconcile the two countries, while ruling out "repentance" and "apologies". But Macron, who has sought to build a strong relationship with Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, in 2022 questioned whether Algeria existed as a nation before being colonised by France, drawing an angry response from Algiers. ANKARA, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- An explosion caused by natural gas in a building in the Black Sea region of Turkiye left one person killed and 17 others injured on Sunday, the state-run TRT broadcaster reported. The explosion occurred in a five-story apartment on the Osmancik road in Corum province, causing damage to surrounding houses, the report said. Fire, health, and police teams were dispatched to the scene, working to rescue the citizens trapped in the building, it said. The surrounding buildings were evacuated, the street was closed to traffic, and a security lane was drawn into the area, it added. Corum Chief Public Prosecutor's Office launched a judicial investigation into the explosion. Sunday, November 3, 2024 - Homa Bay Town Member of Parliament Peter Kaluma has proposed that the position of Cabinet Secretary for Interior and Coordination of the National Government be given to a member of the Luo community. The post fell vacant when President William Ruto appointed Prof. Kithure Kindiki to be his Deputy following Rigathi Gachaguas impeachment, leaving a void in the powerful Interior docket. In a statement, Kaluma emphasized the communitys role as staunch defenders of human rights and fundamental freedoms, asserting that this merits their representation in the Cabinet. Let all communities in Kenya receive their rightful constitutional share of public service appointments. The position of Cabinet Secretary for Interior and Coordination of the National Government should go to a Luo. "Luos are the greatest defenders of human rights and fundamental freedoms, Kaluma said. President Ruto faces the challenge of appointing a successor who can maintain momentum in security, governance, and public trust. Sources indicate that Environment CS Aden Duale and Majority Leader Kimani Ichungwah are potential candidates for the position. "However, Ichungwah, while appreciative of the speculation, has reaffirmed his commitment to Parliament and stated that he is not seeking a cabinet role. The Kenyan DAILY POST Sunday, November 3, 2024 - Government spokesman Isaac Mwaura is reportedly a marked man for supposedly backing the wrong side in the publicized political battle between President William Ruto and impeached Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. Reports indicate that influential individuals in the government claim that Mwaura is not only failing his job, but they also have evidence of his secret meetings with the rival camp. Those close to powers that be feel that he is biting the hand that feeds him. However, Mwaura has promised that he will not go down without a fight if he is fired. This is how Daily Nation reported the gist. The Kenyan DAILY POST. Sunday, October November 3, 2024 - Prominent lawyer Miguna Miguna has advised former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua not to give up the fight even after losing the impeachment battle that saw Prof. Kithure Kindiki sworn in as the next Deputy President. Taking to his X account, Miguna voiced his support for the impeached Gachagua in a rare move that has caught many by surprise. He urged the former DP to go all the way to Kenyas Apex Court to fight his impeachment even though it is now overtaken by events. To Rigathi Gachagua: Fight all the way to the Supreme Court. It doesnt matter if they rule against you. Do it for the record, Miguna urged. According to Miguna, going all the way to the apex court would also expose the judiciary and the emptiness of the charges leveled against him. Also do it expose the emptiness of the charges because they are planning to arraign you in court in due course and you must expose them in open court- from the compromised three-judge bench to the colonized Supreme Court, his statement read in part. Miguna Miguna stated that although he previously disagreed with Gachagua for supporting the late President Daniel Moi in the 1980s, he would still stand by him now, as he believes Gachagua is a victim of a political witch hunt. For some of us it doesnt matter that we have disagreed with you since 1987 at the University of Nairobi, when we valiantly fought against Daniel Arap Mois tyranny which you supported and we ended up in the Nyayo Torture Chambers and exile while you have been on the side of repression and plunder throughout your life, Miguna added. Miguna warned Gachagua against bowing under pressure from the government, intimating that a surrender by the former DP would effectively signal the end of his political career. If you surrender, Ruto will bury you without clothes. Never, ever, kneel down before anyone, the lawyer claimed. The Kenyan DAILY POST Sunday, November 3, 2024 - Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua seems to have moved on after his impeachment and the subsequent swearing-in of Kithure Kindiki as the next Deputy President. This is after he promised to give President William Ruto space to work over the next three years, despite his quick impeachment last month. Speaking in public for the first time since his fate was sealed in court, Gachagua advised Ruto not to stop the progress made in the fight against illicit brews, particularly in the Mt Kenya region. He called on the Head of State to consider delegating the duty to his deputy, Kithure Kindiki to ensure no illicit alcohol was sold to Kenyans. According to Gachagua, several residents from the Mt Kenya region recently approached him and lamented about the resurgence of the sale of illegal alcohol within the populous region. Gachagua further added that he was ready to grant President Ruto adequate space to fulfill the promises he made to Kenyans during the electioneering period. According to him, he was ready to welcome the president back to Mt Kenya despite reports of orchestrating his impeachment. At the same time, Gachagua also took a jab at the Members of the National Assembly, advising them to rush the approval of the Coffee Bill that was tabled before parliament in 2023 in the same manner they pushed his impeachment. Gachagua also urged the lawmakers particularly those from the Mt Kenya region who pushed for his impeachment to apply the same effort and hasten the disbursement of the millions of money owed by the government to coffee farmers. The Kenyan DAILY POST Sunday, November 3, 2024 - Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has attacked Members of Parliament who supported his impeachment. Speaking at a burial in Kirinyaga County over the weekend, Gachagua urged MPs to pass essential bills in Parliament with the same urgency they applied in his impeachment. He lamented that the Coffee Bill 2023 and the Cooperative Societies (Amendment) Bill have languished in Parliament for over a year without being passed, while MPs took only a short time to remove him from office. He urged the MPs to apply the same speed they used in his impeachment to pass the Coffee Bill, ensure it is gazetted and presented to President William Ruto to append his signature. "They should use the same speed to pass the Coffee Bill and publish it at night in the Kenya Gazette. "They should then take it to the president in the morning so he can sign it," Gachagua added. He also called on the MPs from the Mt. Kenya region who supported his impeachment to advocate for the needs of their constituents by passing the Coffee Bill into law, as it will benefit the people of Mt. Kenya. The Kenyan DAILY POST Sunday, November 3, 2024 - Following the pursuit and subsequent gunning down of murder suspect initially identified as George Oduor Okoth, and from whom two firearms were recovered (one belonging to the late Willis Ayieko), detectives handling the homicide have established his true identity and roots, finally uncovering the man so wanted in numerous violent robberies in the region. The discovery of "Oduor's" home which is in the Rai area of Nyamasaria in Kisumu County followed the identification of his body (preserved at JOOTRH mortuary) by his father, who further clarified that his son's real name was Robert Wakolo Okoth, and his alias names George Oduor Okoth and Kim (based on who asked) was only used to cover his criminal trail and escape police dragnets. Indeed, a national ID card retrieved from a police exhibit store for wanted criminals earlier seized during a security operation, and a report obtained from the National Registration Bureau (NRB) confirmed the father's claim. Armed with the discovery, the DCI Crime Research and Intelligence Bureau detectives who had been profiling an unidentified robbery suspect, linked the 34-year-old to a series of violent attacks, including the January 27, 2024, fatal shooting of Ms Grace Awino Odero, who was an Mpesa attendant at Kibuye market near Hekima School in Lolwe. In the incident, one suspect was arrested, and an AK 47 rifle earlier robbed from a Ugandan police officer was recovered. Also recovered was a Toyota Axio Reg. No. KDL 301P used by the suspects in the robbery. Robert Wakolo, however, managed to get away. In yet another incident on 3rd May 2024, detectives working on intelligence leads had raided Robert's home in Nyamasaria, recovering another AK 47 rifle, a magazine, and 36 live rounds of ammunition. Although Robert slipped away, again, his 17-year-old younger brother and suspected accomplice was arrested and charged. Robert Wakolo was also wanted by Kondele police for robbery with violence and possessing a magazine and ammunition. The Kenyan DAILY POST. Saturday, November 2, 2024 - In a closely contested race, Nigerian-born Kemi Badenoch has emerged as the new leader of the UK Conservative Party. Badenoch, 44, and Member of Parliament for North West Essex, secured victory over Robert Jenrick with 53,806 votes to his 41,388, following a months-long campaign. In her victory speech, Badenoch emphasized the Conservative Party's need to regain public trust and hold the Labour government accountable as the official opposition. She acknowledged past mistakes and called for a renewed commitment to principles, standards, and integrity within the party. "Our party is critical to the success of our country," she stated, urging the need for honesty and a fresh start for the party and the nation. Badenoch also suggested that those who ran against her might be part of her team moving forward, although James Cleverly announced he would return to the backbenches. With a focus on unity and readiness for the next election, Badenoch declared, "It is time to get down to business. It is time to renew." Her win signals a shift in leadership and a call to reset Conservative Party politics for the challenges ahead. Sunday, November 3, 2024 - President William Rutos government has unveiled a legislative proposal to reform the taxation of digital services in Kenya, introducing a 6 percent Significant Economic Presence Tax (SEPT) aimed at broadening the tax base. The new proposal by the treasury targets ride-hailing platforms, digital food delivery companies, and online freelance jobs, replacing the current Digital Service Tax, which stands at 1.5%. The new 6% rate would apply to non-resident entities earning income through digital marketplaces in Kenya. This tax shall be payable by a non-resident person whose income from the provision of services is derived from or accrues in Kenya through a business carried out over the digital marketplace, read a notice from Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi. Treasury stated that the SEPT is intended to ensure foreign companies generating revenue through digital services in Kenya are taxed equitably, aligning with international standards. By targeting significant economic activities conducted by non-resident entities, the government aims to boost revenue collection from the expanding digital sector. The proposed legislation also includes a Minimum Top-Up Tax to address tax base erosion among multinational enterprises (MNEs). This measure sets a minimum effective tax rate of 15% for companies with a consolidated annual turnover exceeding 100 billion shillings. Companies paying less than this rate will be required to top up their tax contributions to meet the threshold. The Kenyan DAILY POST A worker checks woodcut printing blocks at the Dege Sutra Printing House in Dege County of Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Nov. 2, 2024. Built in 1729, the Dege Sutra Printing House preserves in good condition 325,520 woodcut printing plates containing significant Tibetan classics dating back to the 11th century. The majority of the blocks were carved between the 18th and mid-20th centuries. The printing blocks housed at the Dege Sutra Printing House in Sichuan were listed in this May as documentary heritage on the Asia Pacific regional register of UNESCO's Memory of the World (MOW) Programme. (Xinhua/Shen Bohan) An aerial drone photo taken on Nov. 2, 2024 shows the Dege Sutra Printing House in Dege County of Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Sichuan Province. Built in 1729, the Dege Sutra Printing House preserves in good condition 325,520 woodcut printing plates containing significant Tibetan classics dating back to the 11th century. The majority of the blocks were carved between the 18th and mid-20th centuries. The printing blocks housed at the Dege Sutra Printing House in Sichuan were listed in this May as documentary heritage on the Asia Pacific regional register of UNESCO's Memory of the World (MOW) Programme. (Xinhua/Shen Bohan) This photo taken on Nov. 2, 2024 shows woodcut printing blocks housed at the Dege Sutra Printing House in Dege County of Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Sichuan Province. Built in 1729, the Dege Sutra Printing House preserves in good condition 325,520 woodcut printing plates containing significant Tibetan classics dating back to the 11th century. The majority of the blocks were carved between the 18th and mid-20th centuries. The printing blocks housed at the Dege Sutra Printing House in Sichuan were listed in this May as documentary heritage on the Asia Pacific regional register of UNESCO's Memory of the World (MOW) Programme. (Xinhua/Shen Bohan) This file photo taken on June 11, 2019 shows workers airing woodcut printing blocks on a roof at the Dege Sutra Printing House in Dege County of Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Sichuan Province. Built in 1729, the Dege Sutra Printing House preserves in good condition 325,520 woodcut printing plates containing significant Tibetan classics dating back to the 11th century. The majority of the blocks were carved between the 18th and mid-20th centuries. The printing blocks housed at the Dege Sutra Printing House in Sichuan were listed in this May as documentary heritage on the Asia Pacific regional register of UNESCO's Memory of the World (MOW) Programme. (Photo by Gong Zihua/Xinhua) A worker prints with a vintage woodcut printing block at the Dege Sutra Printing House in Dege County of Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Nov. 2, 2024. Built in 1729, the Dege Sutra Printing House preserves in good condition 325,520 woodcut printing plates containing significant Tibetan classics dating back to the 11th century. The majority of the blocks were carved between the 18th and mid-20th centuries. The printing blocks housed at the Dege Sutra Printing House in Sichuan were listed in this May as documentary heritage on the Asia Pacific regional register of UNESCO's Memory of the World (MOW) Programme. (Xinhua/Shen Bohan) Workers print with vintage woodcut printing blocks at the Dege Sutra Printing House in Dege County of Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Nov. 2, 2024. Built in 1729, the Dege Sutra Printing House preserves in good condition 325,520 woodcut printing plates containing significant Tibetan classics dating back to the 11th century. The majority of the blocks were carved between the 18th and mid-20th centuries. The printing blocks housed at the Dege Sutra Printing House in Sichuan were listed in this May as documentary heritage on the Asia Pacific regional register of UNESCO's Memory of the World (MOW) Programme. (Xinhua/Wang Xi) Workers proofread newly made prints at the Dege Sutra Printing House in Dege County of Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Nov. 2, 2024. Built in 1729, the Dege Sutra Printing House preserves in good condition 325,520 woodcut printing plates containing significant Tibetan classics dating back to the 11th century. The majority of the blocks were carved between the 18th and mid-20th centuries. The printing blocks housed at the Dege Sutra Printing House in Sichuan were listed in this May as documentary heritage on the Asia Pacific regional register of UNESCO's Memory of the World (MOW) Programme. (Xinhua/Shen Bohan) A worker revises a woodcut printing block at the Dege Sutra Printing House in Dege County of Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Nov. 2, 2024. Built in 1729, the Dege Sutra Printing House preserves in good condition 325,520 woodcut printing plates containing significant Tibetan classics dating back to the 11th century. The majority of the blocks were carved between the 18th and mid-20th centuries. The printing blocks housed at the Dege Sutra Printing House in Sichuan were listed in this May as documentary heritage on the Asia Pacific regional register of UNESCO's Memory of the World (MOW) Programme. (Xinhua/Shen Bohan) A worker carves a woodcut printing block at the Dege Sutra Printing House in Dege County of Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Nov. 2, 2024. Built in 1729, the Dege Sutra Printing House preserves in good condition 325,520 woodcut printing plates containing significant Tibetan classics dating back to the 11th century. The majority of the blocks were carved between the 18th and mid-20th centuries. The printing blocks housed at the Dege Sutra Printing House in Sichuan were listed in this May as documentary heritage on the Asia Pacific regional register of UNESCO's Memory of the World (MOW) Programme. (Xinhua/Wang Xi) Workers print with vintage woodcut printing blocks at the Dege Sutra Printing House in Dege County of Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Nov. 2, 2024. Built in 1729, the Dege Sutra Printing House preserves in good condition 325,520 woodcut printing plates containing significant Tibetan classics dating back to the 11th century. The majority of the blocks were carved between the 18th and mid-20th centuries. The printing blocks housed at the Dege Sutra Printing House in Sichuan were listed in this May as documentary heritage on the Asia Pacific regional register of UNESCO's Memory of the World (MOW) Programme. (Xinhua/Shen Bohan) A worker proofreads newly made prints at the Dege Sutra Printing House in Dege County of Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Nov. 2, 2024. Built in 1729, the Dege Sutra Printing House preserves in good condition 325,520 woodcut printing plates containing significant Tibetan classics dating back to the 11th century. The majority of the blocks were carved between the 18th and mid-20th centuries. The printing blocks housed at the Dege Sutra Printing House in Sichuan were listed in this May as documentary heritage on the Asia Pacific regional register of UNESCO's Memory of the World (MOW) Programme. (Xinhua/Wang Xi) This photo taken on Oct. 3, 2021 shows workers cleaning and maintaining woodcut printing blocks with traditional techniques at the Dege Sutra Printing House in Dege County of Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Sichuan Province. Built in 1729, the Dege Sutra Printing House preserves in good condition 325,520 woodcut printing plates containing significant Tibetan classics dating back to the 11th century. The majority of the blocks were carved between the 18th and mid-20th centuries. The printing blocks housed at the Dege Sutra Printing House in Sichuan were listed in this May as documentary heritage on the Asia Pacific regional register of UNESCO's Memory of the World (MOW) Programme. (Xinhua/Shen Bohan) This photo taken on Nov. 2, 2024 shows a yard inside the Dege Sutra Printing House in Dege County of Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Sichuan Province. Built in 1729, the Dege Sutra Printing House preserves in good condition 325,520 woodcut printing plates containing significant Tibetan classics dating back to the 11th century. The majority of the blocks were carved between the 18th and mid-20th centuries. The printing blocks housed at the Dege Sutra Printing House in Sichuan were listed in this May as documentary heritage on the Asia Pacific regional register of UNESCO's Memory of the World (MOW) Programme. (Xinhua/Wang Xi) A worker checks woodcut printing blocks at the Dege Sutra Printing House in Dege County of Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Nov. 2, 2024. Built in 1729, the Dege Sutra Printing House preserves in good condition 325,520 woodcut printing plates containing significant Tibetan classics dating back to the 11th century. The majority of the blocks were carved between the 18th and mid-20th centuries. The printing blocks housed at the Dege Sutra Printing House in Sichuan were listed in this May as documentary heritage on the Asia Pacific regional register of UNESCO's Memory of the World (MOW) Programme. (Xinhua/Shen Bohan) Workers print with vintage woodcut printing blocks at the Dege Sutra Printing House in Dege County of Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Nov. 2, 2024. Built in 1729, the Dege Sutra Printing House preserves in good condition 325,520 woodcut printing plates containing significant Tibetan classics dating back to the 11th century. The majority of the blocks were carved between the 18th and mid-20th centuries. The printing blocks housed at the Dege Sutra Printing House in Sichuan were listed in this May as documentary heritage on the Asia Pacific regional register of UNESCO's Memory of the World (MOW) Programme. (Xinhua/Wang Xi) Workers print with vintage woodcut printing blocks at the Dege Sutra Printing House in Dege County of Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Nov. 2, 2024. Built in 1729, the Dege Sutra Printing House preserves in good condition 325,520 woodcut printing plates containing significant Tibetan classics dating back to the 11th century. The majority of the blocks were carved between the 18th and mid-20th centuries. The printing blocks housed at the Dege Sutra Printing House in Sichuan were listed in this May as documentary heritage on the Asia Pacific regional register of UNESCO's Memory of the World (MOW) Programme. (Xinhua/Shen Bohan) A worker prepares papers for printing at the Dege Sutra Printing House in Dege County of Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Nov. 2, 2024. Built in 1729, the Dege Sutra Printing House preserves in good condition 325,520 woodcut printing plates containing significant Tibetan classics dating back to the 11th century. The majority of the blocks were carved between the 18th and mid-20th centuries. The printing blocks housed at the Dege Sutra Printing House in Sichuan were listed in this May as documentary heritage on the Asia Pacific regional register of UNESCO's Memory of the World (MOW) Programme. (Xinhua/Wang Xi) This photo taken on May 16, 2017 shows workers soaking paper for printing outside the Dege Sutra Printing House in Dege County of Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Sichuan Province. Built in 1729, the Dege Sutra Printing House preserves in good condition 325,520 woodcut printing plates containing significant Tibetan classics dating back to the 11th century. The majority of the blocks were carved between the 18th and mid-20th centuries. The printing blocks housed at the Dege Sutra Printing House in Sichuan were listed in this May as documentary heritage on the Asia Pacific regional register of UNESCO's Memory of the World (MOW) Programme. (Photo by Gong Zihua/Xinhua) A worker airs fresh prints at the Dege Sutra Printing House in Dege County of Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Nov. 2, 2024. Built in 1729, the Dege Sutra Printing House preserves in good condition 325,520 woodcut printing plates containing significant Tibetan classics dating back to the 11th century. The majority of the blocks were carved between the 18th and mid-20th centuries. The printing blocks housed at the Dege Sutra Printing House in Sichuan were listed in this May as documentary heritage on the Asia Pacific regional register of UNESCO's Memory of the World (MOW) Programme. (Xinhua/Shen Bohan) A worker revises a woodcut printing block at the Dege Sutra Printing House in Dege County of Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Nov. 2, 2024. Built in 1729, the Dege Sutra Printing House preserves in good condition 325,520 woodcut printing plates containing significant Tibetan classics dating back to the 11th century. The majority of the blocks were carved between the 18th and mid-20th centuries. The printing blocks housed at the Dege Sutra Printing House in Sichuan were listed in this May as documentary heritage on the Asia Pacific regional register of UNESCO's Memory of the World (MOW) Programme. (Xinhua/Shen Bohan) A drone photo taken on Nov. 2, 2024 shows the Dege Sutra Printing House in Dege County of Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Sichuan Province. Built in 1729, the Dege Sutra Printing House preserves in good condition 325,520 woodcut printing plates containing significant Tibetan classics dating back to the 11th century. The majority of the blocks were carved between the 18th and mid-20th centuries. The printing blocks housed at the Dege Sutra Printing House in Sichuan were listed in this May as documentary heritage on the Asia Pacific regional register of UNESCO's Memory of the World (MOW) Programme. (Xinhua/Wang Xi) A worker prepares paper for printing at the Dege Sutra Printing House in Dege County of Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Nov. 2, 2024. Built in 1729, the Dege Sutra Printing House preserves in good condition 325,520 woodcut printing plates containing significant Tibetan classics dating back to the 11th century. The majority of the blocks were carved between the 18th and mid-20th centuries. The printing blocks housed at the Dege Sutra Printing House in Sichuan were listed in this May as documentary heritage on the Asia Pacific regional register of UNESCO's Memory of the World (MOW) Programme. (Xinhua/Shen Bohan) People visit the Dege Sutra Printing House in Dege County of Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Nov. 2, 2024. Built in 1729, the Dege Sutra Printing House preserves in good condition 325,520 woodcut printing plates containing significant Tibetan classics dating back to the 11th century. The majority of the blocks were carved between the 18th and mid-20th centuries. The printing blocks housed at the Dege Sutra Printing House in Sichuan were listed in this May as documentary heritage on the Asia Pacific regional register of UNESCO's Memory of the World (MOW) Programme. (Xinhua/Wang Xi) Sunday, November 3, 2024 - Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale has lambasted the Kenya Kwanza Government's communication team for failing to effectively inform the public about the new Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF). Khalwale pointed out the challenges surrounding the infrastructure used to implement SHIF, which he believes has caused confusion among potential users. "The problem lies in the governments communication through the office of the government spokesperson. "They should have clarified that the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) is more expensive than SHIF, he stated. The issue is not that SHIF is flawed; rather, it is the mismanagement of SHIF that has created these problems. The new health insurance model has come under increasing scrutiny from the public, with reports indicating that some health facilities are requiring upfront payments before administering treatment. In response to these concerns, Health Principal Secretary Harry Kimtai announced that the government has disbursed 4.5 billion shillings for SHIF, with an additional similar amount expected to be released soon. Kimtai cautioned health facilities contracted under the Social Health Authority (SHA) against asking for upfront payments from patients. The Kenyan DAILY POST Sunday, November 3, 2024 The world is now worried over the rising abductions and killings being witnessed in Kenya under the leadership of President William Ruto. This is after nine embassies in Kenya condemned Rutos administration over the atrocities that are allegedly being carried out by the police. In a joint statement, the diplomatic missions from Denmark, Germany, Britain, Finland, Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland, Norway, and Ireland reiterated Kenya's constitutional provision for human rights and freedoms. While acknowledging Rutos commitment to uphold the rule of law, the ambassadors accused the Head of State of failing to heed his initial promise of ending the menace that has been witnessed in recent weeks. According to the nine ambassadors, Ruto publicly declared that such incidents would not happen under his watch and that all individuals involved in abductions would be held accountable. The diplomatic missions also faulted Rutos regime for disobeying court orders that directed the National Police Service (NPS) and other security organs in the country to curb such cases. We note our concern over ongoing reports of arbitrary arrests and enforced disappearances despite High Court rulings. It is crucial to ensure the rule of law prevails and the rulings of the judiciary are followed, the ambassadors noted. We note President Ruto's commitment that such incidents will not happen under his watch and that all individuals involved will be held accountable, the statement added. The diplomats, while expressing their displeasure, urged Ruto to ensure the rule of law prevailed and the rulings of the judiciary were followed. The ambassadors further called for swift investigations into the matter. The Kenyan DAILY POST Saturday, November 2, 2024 - A New Jersey woman tore off her top, swung it like a lasso in defiance and voted in her bra after being told she couldnt wear a MAGA hat and Trump shirt at the polls. The woman was casting her ballot early at a firehouse in Hamilton Township, about five miles east of Trenton, on Oct. 26 when a poll worker asked her to take her pro-Trump hat off and get a jacket from her car to cover her shirt. Jill Moyer, the Mercer County Board of Elections chairperson, tried to tell the woman she would hold her place in line. Before I could get it all out, she took off her shirt and flung it around, Moyer told NJ.com. The woman gave poll workers the middle finger and shouted, Suck my c**t, witnesses said. This is why I vote Trump, she added, according to a since-deleted Reddit post showing the woman wearing silver hoop hearings and a nude bra. Moyer went to call the police but the unidentified woman quickly cast her ballot and left. Jerseys electioneering law bans any political gear that can be read or viewed to identify support or opposition of a candidate. The post, later shared and deleted by author and Kamala Harris surrogate Mark Greene on X, caught the attention of Trump running mate, Sen. JD Vance, who shared it. What a patriot, Vance wrote, according to screenshots. An excerpt from Prevention First: Policymaking for a Healthier America. Little did I know that when Prevention First was first published in December 2019, a novel virus with pandemic potential had begun to stealthily spread in China. The subsequent global COVID-19 pandemic resulted in nearly 7 million deaths, exacerbated long-standing health challenges, and led to life expectancy declines around the globe. With over 1.1 million American lives lost during the COVID-19 pandemic, two overarching takeaways from this difficult period should be remembered by history: most deaths were preventable, and had we done nothing, millions more would have died. The first is a reminder that so many more lives could have been saved had public health interventions been embraced by the public. And the second is a reminder that the determination, innovation, and humanity of the American public limited the devastation of this pandemic. Given this books main theme that prevention must be our nations top health policy, it is worth reflecting on whether this theme is even more important today than five years ago. Five lessons from the pandemic suggest that the answer is certainly yes. First, leadership matters. Second, crisis communication to the public is as important as any response element. Third, access to data is crucial to having situational awareness and guiding a response. Fourth, the investments in the tools (e.g., vaccines, stockpiles, surveillance, supply chains) and people (e.g., public health workforce) required for a successful response pale in comparison to the costs of being unprepared for a pandemic. Fifth, optimally mitigating the economic consequences of a public health response requires timely and targeted aid to underserved communities. More broadly, there are a number of overarching policy recommendations in this book, but I have chosen to underscore five that have the greatest potential to optimize health in this nation. Collectively, they call for policymakers to engage in proactive policymaking, leverage public payers, invest in public health, and encourage prevention research. Some may say that bipartisanship in politics is nice to have but not necessary. I believe that if we are to create a culture of prevention, policymakers from both sides of the aisle will need to equally provide leadership and support. 1. Each administration and leadership team at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) should make disease prevention its top priority. A limited set of specific metrics should be associated with the departments prevention goals, and these should be aligned with Healthy People. Tackling the upstream determinants of health, community prevention, clinical prevention, primary care, public health, and global health should be the focus of each presidential administration. 2. Health care providers should be incentivized through quality measures not only to manage chronic diseases but also to prevent them. As health care moves slowly from a volume- to value-based payment system, quality measures are the currency through which payment will be provided. Moving forward, health status measures related to the incidence of chronic diseases and the prevalence of chronic disease risk factors should be developed, endorsed, and used by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and private payers. Increasing accountability of health care entities for health status measures will catalyze the clinical-community linkages necessary to keep vulnerable Americans healthy and reduce preventable health care costs. 3. A regulatory pathway needs to be developed to allow for community-based prevention programs to be deemed safe, evidence-based, and worthy of coverage and payment by Medicare and subsequently private insurers. In the present system, drugs, devices, and other medical interventions undergo an established process to gain approval by the FDA for their safety and efficacy; in most cases, this triggers coverage determinations by Medicare based on the standard of the intervention being reasonable and necessary. A similar pathway does not exist for community-based interventions, even though millions of Americans stand to benefit from evidence-based programs in areas such as falls prevention, physical activity promotion, and chronic disease self-management. 4. Congress should provide robust funding for public health efforts to support population health and well-being. Specific priorities include increasing funding to enhance domestic public health capabilities, boosting the existing public health emergency fund, and supporting impactful global health projects. Public health functions need to be viewed as part of our nations infrastructure in the same way as sectors such as transportation, energy, and information technology. While its true that too many Americans take the functions of public health for granted, public health must also become more participatory for the average citizen. The field must do a better job not only in explaining its role and how it relates to the daily activities of Americans but also in finding specific ways for Americans to support local public health efforts. 5. Federal support for prevention research is not prioritized and needs to be enhanced to match its potential impact. Along with basic science research to identify opportunities for disease prevention, there needs to be more clinical, health services, and public health research in this area. Increased federal funding availability for prevention research from Congress will attract additional researchers to the field. This will result in more published studies and a better evidence base to deploy and scale effective interventions. More robust information on the cost-effectiveness of prevention interventions will also assist the Congressional Budget Office in being able to score future federal legislation related to prevention. These actions taken by policymakers could help transform the nations health policy conversation. Our dereliction in glossing over preventioneither because we assume that prevention is too difficult or we fear that it is too intrusive in its pursuit of adapting human behaviorhas real consequences. And these consequences come in the form of millions of Americans dying from preventable causes of deaths each year and millions of others suffering from preventable chronic diseases. We can do better. In fact, we must do better. Anand Parekh is an internal medicine physician and author of Prevention First: Policymaking for a Healthier America. The United States federal government is a single entity, despite its three equal branches having more heads than a hydra and more arms than Mahakali. One part of that federal government is not supposed to create and propagate standards that another part arrests you for following, as confirmed by the U.S. Supreme Court in Gonzales v. Oregon. When it comes to the criminalization of medicine by the DEA and other federal law enforcement agencies, that rule has clearly been broken. The FDA has the statutory power to approve medications for use in the United States in accordance with the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act of 1938. The FDA has approved controlled medications like opiates, stimulants, and sedatives for use. Opiates are approved for pain management, cough suppression, and anesthesia. Stimulants are approved for treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), narcolepsy, and, in some cases, obesity. Sedatives are approved for anxiety, sleep disorders, seizure control, muscle spasms, and as an anesthesia adjunct. Any licensed and certified doctor can absolutely prescribe those medications for those purposes and be within the law as long as they do so for a legitimate medical purpose and in the usual practice of medicine. What is a legitimate medical purpose and the usual practice of medicine? The U.S. Supreme Court admitted that it did not know, which is not surprising, as they arent doctors. Still, any sane physician would include prescribing to patients with the above disorders (legitimate purpose) after a patient has been seen and evaluated by a physician or other prescribing health care provider (usual practice). The Supreme Court also ruled that once the FDA approves a medication for one use, physicians have the authority to prescribe it for other purposes based on medical judgment. The term medical judgment is critical here, as this is what the DEA is usurpingthe right to make a medical judgment call. The DEA was allowed by the Supreme Court to prosecute Dr. Thomas Moore when he, 1) charged for medications by the milligram and count, and 2) did not see or evaluate his patients, not even trying to practice medicine but effectively just selling pills. The DEA is now targeting and sending to prison physicians who 1) reviewed patient records, 2) charged a fee based on time seen, 3) saw and evaluated the patient, and 4) prescribed medications approved for the condition diagnosed by the doctor. They are getting away with this because there is no effective oversight of their actions. One might think that the courts can do this, but here we run into a problem. Judges are not medical experts, and they are not trained to discern the complicated medical issues argued by medical experts. Judges have said that it is illegal to prescribe opiate medications to addicts when this is not the law. The Controlled Substances Act of 1970, which effectively created the DEA and allowed them to certify doctors to prescribe controlled medications and police noncertified persons who distribute controlled medications, clearly states that it is illegal for doctors to prescribe controlled substances for the purpose of maintaining the addiction. Prescribing a controlled medication to an addict for the purpose of treating their pain or ADHD is perfectly legal. The DEA, as can be readily seen in their press releases and indictments, routinely charges doctors for ignoring the risks of overdose and addiction when the doctors actually considered these issues and just made a judgment call, just in a manner that the DEA disapproved of. Going so far as to bring in paid federal witnesses to retroactively diagnose patients with substance use disorder and claim that this post-facto and illegitimate actionthe expert never saw the patients and therefore cannot legally make any diagnosis (usual practice, etc.)justifies sending doctors to prison for decades or even life. Nothing could be further from the truth. Pried from the DEAs hands by the tenacious Dr. Neil Anand, wielding the Freedom of Information Act, the DEAs own words prove its actions are illegal. These documents prove that to justify an inexcusable intrusion into the practice of medicine, the DEA sought any excuse to brand physicians as dirty doctorstheir words, not mine. Individual DEA agents, without the input of any legitimate medical authority, were allowed to decide which physicians would be targeted and prosecuted, applying false metrics such as that a physician used dangerous medications in dangerous combinations, a doctors very raison detre, which Ive touched on before, and for exceeding the CDCs voluntary, non-binding guidelines. The common definition of voluntary denotes an informed decision made without coercion or fraud. The DEA-created reality is the exact opposite of the CDCs voluntary, non-binding guidelines, first propagated in 2016 and revised in 2022, after six years of, according to the CDC itself, misapplications resulting in laws and policies that are inconsistent with a central tenet of the guideline: that the recommendations are voluntary and intended to be flexible to support, not supplant, individualized, patient-centered care. Now, because of these previously withheld documents, we can have no doubt that the CDCs guidelines, by themselves, are being used to target and prosecute doctors. This travesty of federal overreach has resulted in physicians like me (and a few thousand others) who read the CDC guidelines and were trusting enough to believe the government would follow them being targeted by DEA agents who enforced these voluntary, non-binding guidelines as if they had come down from Mount Sinai. They did this with a zeal that would make Tomas de Torquemada himself proud, disregarding any evidence of honorable intent and lawful practice. This is despite their own admission in confidential DEA records that they do not have the authority to take these actions. Here are their exact words and a link to where they can be found: While the CSA is one component of the overall regulation of the practice of medicine in the United States,\10\ it bears emphasis that the CSA does not regulate the practice of medicine as a whole. Therefore, although DEA is the agency responsible for administering the CSA, DEA does not act as the federal equivalent of a state medical board overseeing the general practice of medicine. State laws and state licensing bodies (such as medical licensing boards) collectively regulate the practice of medicine. One of the chief purposes of this document is to make clear that the longstanding requirement under the law that physicians may prescribe controlled substances only for legitimate medical purposes in the usual course of professional practice should in no way interfere with the legitimate practice of medicine or cause any physician to be reluctant to provide legitimate pain treatment. DEA also wishes to dispel the mistaken notion among a small number of medical professionals that the agency has embarked on a campaign to target physicians who prescribe controlled substances for the treatment of pain (or that physicians must curb their legitimate prescribing of pain medications to avoid legal liability). To achieve these aims, this document begins with a general summary of the relevant legal principles and an explanation of the role of DEA with respect to regulation of controlled substances. The document then addresses specific issues and questions that have been raised on a recurring basis by physicians who seek guidance on the subject of dispensing controlled substances for the treatment of pain. It should be understood that the legal standard under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) for prescribing controlled substances to treat pain is the same as that for prescribing controlled substances generally: the prescription must be issued for a legitimate medical purpose by a registered physician acting within the usual course of professional practice. The reason this document focuses on the prescribing of controlled substances for the treatment of pain is that there has been considerable interest among members of the public in having DEA address this specific issue. Next, we have the provider alerts proving this illegal activity occurred. They were found in a document forced from their hands by the heroic efforts of Dr. Neil Anand. Provider alerts posted through the health care fraud prevention partnership: Seven providers appeared to be prescribing high amounts of controlled substances. Further analysis identified patients with prescriptions equal to or exceeding a daily average of 90 morphine milligram equivalents (MME). The prescribing providers were identified as outliers for prescribing opioids compared to their peers. Clinical documentation is unavailable. The investigations are currently ongoing. An investigation identified provider prescription fraud related to inappropriate prescribing of medication. The provider appeared to be prescribing high amounts of controlled substances (82 percent controlled and 18 percent non-controlled substances), and was identified as an outlier. Further analysis revealed patients with prescriptions exceeding a daily average of 90 morphine milligram equivalents (MME). The investigation is ongoing. An investigation identified potential fraud related to inappropriate prescribing of medication. A physician appeared to be prescribing large quantities of multiple opioids that exceeded current dosage guidelines, placing patients at risk. The investigation is ongoing. An investigation identified inappropriate prescribing of opioids and benzodiazepines, placing patients at an increased risk of overdose. Further analysis revealed that the provider is an outlier for high opioid prescribing. This shows that doctors still treating pain or other medical conditions with controlled substances are assumed to be outliers outside the usual practice of medicine, and anything over 90 MME is assumed to be placing patients at risk. Despite the fact that clinical documentation is unavailable. This is exactly what was promised would not happen when states started creating PDMP databases and why the DEA should stay out of medicine. They were not supposed to troll through everyones otherwise private medical information in a search to find people to prosecute, and administrative data is not supposed to be used for criminal prosecutions without a search warrant in accordance with the 4th Amendment. It also shows that despite both the CDC and the DHHS making clear that prescribing opiates and benzodiazepines together is sometimes warranted, the DEA feels qualified to state that the doctor is placing patients at an increased risk of overdose. The punitive actions of the DEA, coupled with direct threats to physician board members, have resulted in pain review committees and state medical boards all over the U.S. ordering physicians to rapidly taper patients off benzodiazepines when on opiates, placing patients at a 60 percent increased risk of death over the next three years. If a patient comes to a doctor already on both medications, it is safer to continue them rather than discontinue the benzodiazepines (or opiates). Despite these evidence-based facts, juries all over America are being told by paid witnesses to send doctors to prison because the DEA, despite the evidence, thinks otherwise. This clearly encroaches on physicians medical judgment, something the DEA is forbidden from doing by federal law (42 U.S.C. 1395) and Supreme Court rulings (Gonzales). Only state medical boards have the authority to police those judgments. Every physician targeted leaves more than a thousand patients without care. The doctors willing to treat the most complicated patients, those who have failed other treatments and are at the end of their rope, will always be exceptional. It is usual for some physicians to take on this challenge. What is not usual is for the DEA to usurp these decisions from the physicians and lawful state authorities. Worse than that. The entire dependence on MME is not only flawed but outright fraudulent. Any test or calculation used as evidence in federal court is supposed to undergo a rigid assessment for accuracy and reliability. By the CDCs own admission, the concept of MME does not meet this standard. MME was the brainchild of a few physicians who basically guessed at the relative strength of different opiate medications based on their own personal experiences so they could have some conversion metric. If this were left to opinion and choice, that would be fine. However, once propagated in federal courtrooms as some kind of mandatory metric, it violates the rules of evidence and FDA regulations, as it is being used to influence diagnosis (addiction risk) and treatment. The FDA requires that any device, including any software used to influence diagnosis but does not make final decisions (Class II) or those influencing critical treatment (Class III), require special controls and rigorous testing, including usability testing, bench testing, as well as verification and clinical validation. The latter would mean verifying safety and effectiveness through clinical trials. There is absolutely no evidence that this was ever done. Not only have the proper studies not been accomplished to prove these conversion rates, but patients are so variant in opiate processing that they can never be applied to an individual. The main two hepatic cytochrome P450 enzymes that process opiates are CYP2D6 and CYP3A4. Processing speeds of 2D6 can vary 100-fold, and 3A4 by 20-fold. Also, responsiveness to opiates by mu opiate receptors can vary by as much as 20-fold. A good paper on these factors is here. All of this combined means that average patients will have vastly different effects from the same opioid dose, making individualized treatment paramount to treating severe chronic pain effectively. Paramount, but, according to Dr. DEA, illegal. The results are clear. As the regulations regarding pain and other controlled medication therapy became more byzantine and medical boards, pressured by the DEA, began insisting on unproven metrics, doctors became reluctant to treat pain. This placed a higher burden on those still willing to treat, which made them, according to the DEAs AI-enforced algorithms, outliers, and an inquisition was started to find an excuse to prosecute. Once the prosecutions started and the doctors willing to treat complicated patients were locked away, most physicians quit prescribing at all, and patients suffering from severe chronic pain had nowhere to go but the streets. Funneled into the arms of the cartels, the death rates skyrocketed. There can be no doubt. The DEA, through its unlawful influence on the practice of medicine and targeting of exceptional physicians with false metrics, is responsible for the deaths of over a million Americans. L. Joseph Parker is a research physician. In the land of the free, we find ourselves facing a perplexing and troubling trend: the rise of mask bans across America. These bans, ostensibly aimed at public safety, represent a dangerous overreach that threatens the very freedoms we hold dear. America has long prided itself on being a bastion of individual liberty, where the governments role in dictating personal choices is limited. Yet, with alarming bipartisan support, were witnessing an unprecedented push to criminalize a simple act of personal health protection and expression. Lets be clear: Mask bans are not just misguided; theyre fundamentally un-American. These bans infringe on our bodily autonomy. In a country that fiercely debates government intervention in health care, how can we justify laws dictating what we can or cannot wear for our own protection? Despite a flawed analysis to the contrary, high-quality masks work for those who choose to deploy them. And yet there are 21 states and numerous municipalities with laws against masks or disguises on the books. Proponents of these bans often cite crime prevention or the need to move on from the pandemic. But these arguments crumble under scrutiny. If the concern is truly about disguises during criminal acts, why not simply increase penalties for crimes committed while masked? As for the pandemic, its not over simply because we wish it to be. Many vulnerable individuals still rely on masks for protection. The vague and broad nature of many of these bans is particularly concerning. They open the door to selective enforcement and potential abuse by law enforcement. Will we next ban sunglasses or religious head coverings? The slippery slope is real and dangerous. Most alarmingly, these bans embolden those who would harass and endanger vulnerable members of our society. Consider the chilling incident reported by the Washington Post, where a cancer patient in North Carolina was verbally abused and physically threatened for wearing a mask to protect her compromised immune system. The assailant, emboldened by recent anti-mask legislation, called her a fing liberal and insisted masks were now illegal. He later coughed on her and said he hoped the cancer would kill her. This cruel episode lays bare the human cost of these misguided laws. We must also confront an uncomfortable truth: the rhetoric surrounding mask bans bears disturbing similarities to fascist tactics. It seeks to create an other to be scorned, rejects scientific expertise, sows division among citizens, and uses state power to control personal behavior. This is not the America we should aspire to be. Anyone regardless of a political party, who would take a personal and public health tool away from those who choose to deploy it here in the land of the free should know they are marching in step with a fascist agenda. Recall that its less about banning the actual mask than it is about forcing an ideology that Covid must be all good now for everyone. That scientists and intellectuals and vulnerable and cautious and clear-eyed people present an uncomfortable reality, so lets turn on them. As we navigate the ongoing challenges of public health and personal freedom, we must recommit to the principles that truly make America great: diversity, compassion, and the right to make our own informed choices. Mask bans may seem like a minor issue to some, but they represent a significant step away from these core values. In the face of this threat to our liberties, we must take action: 1. Speak out against mask bans in our communities. 2. Support organizations fighting for civil liberties. 3. Show compassion for those who choose to wear masks. 4. Encourage nuanced, science-based public health policies. Remember, true freedom means respecting the choices of others, even when we disagree. In the words of a New Jersey editorial board, mask bans are both dumb and dangerous. They represent a simplistic solution to complex issues, threatening civil liberties in the process. Ryan McCormick is a family physician and writes Examined, a medical publication on Substack. Although Kill native Noel Cocoman grew up in the same village as did Fenian John Devoy, he doesn't recall hearing much about the Irish republican while in school. "We were aware of him, but history wasn't taught then in the same way that we hope it is now," he told those at a recent talk in Kilcullen which he gave about Devoy, who today is commemorated widely around Naas and Kill through statues and names of public spaces and buildings. "We knew there was this hero, but nobody was telling us about him." Brigid Critchley, Brid Reilly, Dermot O'Rourke and Nelly Egan In the centenary of the year 1924 that John Devoy came back to Ireland after a lifetime in America, it seemed to Noel appropriate that he find out more. The talk, hosted in Kilcullen's Town Hall by the County Kildare Federation of Local History Groups, was based on a secondhand collection of the republican's letters and papers which the speaker had come across for sale, published in the 1940s as Devoy's Post Bag. "When they came up for auction, I jumped at the chance of learning more about him." Born in 1842 into a large family where his parents and grandparents had been active in nationalist activities, it was probably inevitable that John Devoy would take a similar route, Noel Cocoman says. Ann McNeil, Ger McCarthy, James Durney and Michael Mullaly "Because of his parents' political activities, the family had to move to Dublin. At school in Marlborough Street, the young John was expelled because he refused to sing God Save the King, and it's amazing, given the quality of his later writings. that this was probably the extent of his formal education." The young Devoy began recruiting within the British Army for the Fenian cause, and was eventually imprisoned for his activities with the Irish Republican Brotherhood. Later, under a release agreement with several fellow detainees, he was exiled to the United States. Brian McCabe, Bob Nugent, Pat Byrne and Raphael Ryan Noel Cocoman's illustrated account in Kilcullen provided intriguing glimpses into the Fenian's activities in the US towards the goal of a free Ireland. The 'Post Bag' papers, edited by William O'Brien and Desmond Ryan, offer a valuable insight into Devoy's interactions with key Irish republican leaders of his day, including Padraic Pearse, Eamonn de Valera, Tom Clarke and others. Noel Cocoman also gave an account of Devoy's organisation of a daring rescue of six Fenians from Fremantle Prison in Western Australia in 1875. Flo Clarke and Nuala Walker, Celbridge In addition to the Devoy talk at the Kilcullen event, Naas-based graphic designer Sean Sourke presented a selection of the digital 3D models he has created for a number of heritage monuments and buildings around Kildare. His interest in digital photogrammetry has grown substantially since early work a decade ago with still photographs, and he has made around 40 3D digital models of architectural heritage and monuments across Kildare. Noel Cocoman with Devoy's Post Bag He says the technology has advanced very rapidly, and he's now collaborating with drone pilot Jan Nevrkla to scale and geolocate the digital models using GPS, adding further information to make the process a more comprehensive heritage interpretive tool. Both presentations were very much appreciated by the audience in Kilcullen, which included representatives of local history groups from across the county. They were followed by the AGM of the federation. NANNING, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- Death toll from a house collapse in south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region has risen to four after one more body was pulled out, local publicity authority confirmed on Sunday morning. According to the publicity department of the Binyang County, the collapse occurred at approximately 2 p.m. on Saturday in Nanguan Village. The bodies of four people have been recovered as of 9:10 a.m. Sunday. Rescue work is ongoing as rescuers are trying to search for one more person who could possibly be buried. The house collapse followed an explosion, but cause of the accident is still being investigated. By David Young, PA One of the worlds leading conservationists has hailed an Irish coffee company for its role in a global breakthrough in sustainable production. Renowned environmentalist Dr Jane Goodall, known in particular for her work with chimpanzees, praised Bewleys support for the new initiative in Honduras in Central America aimed at restoring damaged forest habitats. Coffee production is a key factor in the destruction of tropical forests, as areas are cut down and cleared to make way for coffee plants. The integrated open canopy (IOC) system in Honduras ensures 50 per cent of a coffee farm consists of conserved or restored forest habitat. Dublin-based company Bewleys is also supporting a linked project that uses solar energy and biofuel to dry coffee, rather than clearing forest for firewood to power industrial dryers. The Cafe Solar project is scaling up carbon-neutral coffee processing. I applaud Bewleys for being the leading company supporting sustainable coffee grown using the groundbreaking IOC method, said Dr Goodall, founder of the Jane Goodall Institute. This programme, which pioneers IOC and industrial-scale renewable energy in coffee processing, is aiming to set an unprecedented standard for sustainability in coffee worldwide. Both Dr Goodall and Bewleys have also endorsed the Mesoamerican Development Institute (MDI) model for sustainable coffee production. It produces Subirana coffee, which is the product of patented technology designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and restore forest habitat and biodiversity. Bewleys, which introduced the first Fairtrade certified coffee to Ireland in 1996, said it had also recently become the first Irish coffee company of scale to achieve B Corp certification, which measures a businesss positive impact on society and the environment. Cathal Murphy, head of innovation and sustainability at Bewleys Ireland, with Subirana coffee (Sam Boal/Collins/PA) Bewleys Subirana coffee points the way to the future for the industry, said Cathal Murphy, the companys head of innovation and sustainability. This is the first coffee recognised by researchers to go beyond shade canopy to restoring and conserving actual forest habitat on farms. It also eliminates greenhouse gas emissions in drying and milling. It is regenerative and creates an ecological balance inside and outside the farm. The approach has not only increased coffee yields and provided economic opportunities for farmers, but has also played a pivotal role in biodiversity conservation and landscape restoration. There is only one type of sustainability in a supply chain industry it must be profitable for the farmers, nurture the community and be good for the environment. Mr Murphy also highlighted the companys partnership with Cafe Femenino an initiative that has sought to provide female coffee farmers with more income and protection in previously male-dominated and impoverished communities. By David Young, PA The remarkable courage of an Irish soldier killed in Lebanon almost two years ago undoubtedly saved the lives of three of his comrades, the Secretary General of the United Nations has told his family. Antonio Guterres said Private Sean Rooney was a courageous and fearless soldier who, despite sustaining fatal wounds, attempted to drive his armoured jeep away from a crowd of attackers. The 24-year-old, from Newtowncunningham in Co Donegal, was killed when a convoy of Irish troops serving with a UN peacekeeping force was ambushed and fired upon in December 2022. Secretary General of the United Nations Antonio Guterres paid tribute to Pte Rooney (PA) The shooting happened near the town of Al-Aqbiya in the south of Lebanon, a stronghold of Hezbollah. Pte Rooney, from the 121 Infantry Battalion of the Defence Forces, was killed, while Trooper Shane Kearney (22) from Co Cork, was badly wounded. They had been serving in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (Unifil) when the attack happened. UN chief Mr Guterres hailed the actions of Pte Rooney in a bravery commendation sent to his mother Natasha McCloskey last year. The family has decided to make the letter public now as they continue to press the UN to make crucial reports linked to the soldiers death available to his inquest. A preliminary inquest hearing at Dublin District Coroners Court earlier this year was told that issues had arisen around restrictions on the disclosure of information from the UN. The court heard that the UN had carried out reports which had not yet been made available to the inquest. These include an investigation carried out on the ground as well as a subsequent UN board of inquiry report. The hearing was told there had also been a report 10 months prior to the incident that raised concerns about the integrity of the UN vehicles involved. Mr Guterres said Pte Rooney showed remarkable courage under fire (McCloskey family/PA) The next scheduled hearing of the inquest is in January. In the letter to Mrs McCloskey, Mr Guterres wrote: On behalf of the United Nations, I wish to express my profound appreciation for the remarkable courage in the face of the extraordinary risks that Private Sean Cormac Rooney took on December 14 2022, in his capacity as Driver and Gunner of the 121 Irish Infantry Battalion in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). Private Rooneys courage and selflessness reflect the best tradition of the United Nations. Despite being fatally wounded, he tried very hard to extricate the vehicle he was driving from an extremely dangerous environment which undoubtedly saved the lives of three other occupants of the vehicle. His brave action serves as an example to all his comrades in the 121 Irish Infantry Battalion and in the Unifil. I wish to use this opportunity to again express my deep condolences to you, as well as to family members and friends of Private Rooney. He gave his life to fulfil the ideals of the United Nations. Benefiting from the service of such a courageous and fearless soldier is an honour for any organisation and country. His supreme sacrifice will not be forgotten, and he will always be in our hearts. I hereby commend and thank Private Rooney for his exemplary courage. In regard to the investigation into the shooting, Taoiseach Simon Harris and Tanaiste Micheal Martin have both raised concern about slow progress in Lebanese court proceedings into the matter. One of the suspects who was arrested over the killing was released on bail last year due to a medical condition while Mr Harris has expressed frustration that other suspects remain at large. Today, November 3, marks 700 years (November 3, 1324) since Alice Kyteler's unfortunate servant Petronella de Meath was condemned to death and burned at the stake in Kilkenny. Her confession, made after being tortured detailed making potions, consulting demons and acting as a medium between her mistress Alice and a demon. Alice Kyteler was lucky and escaped Kilkenny before disappearing into oblivion and she was literally never seen or heard of again. Today two businesses in Kilkenny are named after these women: Petronellas restaurant in the Butterslip; and Kytelers Inn, the site of Alices home - but what do we know about the women before the accusations of witchcraft were levelled? Petronella has the distinction of being the first person in Ireland to be condemned for witchcraft and the first case of convicted heresy resulting in the death sentence. She was reportedly unrepentant for her crimes but the fact that she was tortured to obtain her confession, colours that observation. Also, because Petronella was of a lower social class there is less documentation about her so we know less about her personally, except that she was Kyteler's close confidante. Alice was the daughter of Flemish merchants who had settled in the city and was married 4 times to William Outlaw, Adam le Blund (1302), Richard de Valle (1311) and Sir John le Poer (1324). She and her second husband were accused of murdering her first husband so she seems to have been the subject of gossip in Kilkenny society from early in her life. When her third husband Richard died, Alice took proceedings to recover her widows dower which infuriated her stepchildren and planted the seeds of future troubles. Alice was unusual for her times: she was wealthy (she was reputedly the wealthiest woman in Leinster) and independent. She also didnt fit the stereotypical image of a witch: instead of being a herbalist, she was a businesswoman, wealthy property owner and a money lender. Her status was such that she even sat in Kilkennys parliament and features in the Liber Primus Kilkennius, the corporation minutes from meetings in medieval times. However, Alice incurred resentment and jealousy because of her wealth and particularly for her role as a moneylender. Alice had one son, also William Outlaw and he was intricately entwined in her prosecution for witchcraft. He was a man of influence and wealth and was co-charged alongside her for heresy. Both he and his mother became a fixation for Richard de Ledrede who would pursue them relentlessly. Alices nemesis, the Bishop of Ossory, Richard de Ledrede was a Franciscan of humble origins from London who rose to become a bishop. As an outsider in Ireland he had neither Alices family connections nor means and some suggest that he resented her status and affluence. Ledrede wanted to restore clerical power and raise taxes to fix the then dilapidated St Canices Cathedral. Obsessed with witchcraft, he found in Alice a subject he could exploit for his own ends. No matter her status and wealth, the accusations of witchcraft made Alice extremely vulnerable. The fact that she had red hair and could be very charming was also interpreted by de Ledrede as signs of her evil nature. lice became the incarnation of the clash between ecclesiastical and secular power which obsessed the cleric. Note, she was tried by the Church and not the government of the day. The turbulence of the time only added to the hysteria around her: outside the city walls, the native Irish were rising after 150 years of subjugation. When Alices last husband, Le Poer fell ill, he said he thought he had been poisoned and after his death his children and the offspring of her previous three husbands accused Alice of sorcery and poisoning. She was then accused of seven formal charges ranging from sacrificing animals to asking demons for advice, having sex with male demons, holding coven meetings, making magic powders and ointments and bewitching and killing her husbands to take their money for herself and her son. Alice was charged with Petronella, her maid and 10 others (including her son) but she was the only one to escape. She managed to take Basilia, Petronellas daughter, with her to safety and after their flight there is no mention of them, ever again. De Ledrede wanted to restore clerical power and raise taxes to fix the then dilapidated St Canices Cathedral. When he charged Alice and her son William with heresy, he declared that Outlaw must make penance by attending mass three times daily, feeding the poor and also paying for the chancel and Ladys Chapel of St. Canices to be re-roofed with lead. Outlaw refused to make penance and to assert his power de Ledrede subsequently had Petronella burned in public. This act struck terror into the Kilkenny populace and soon Outlaw appeared before de Ledrede in sackcloth and ashes to make penance as requested. Petronella paid the ultimate price for Alice and Outlaws alleged crimes, being killed in Kytelers stead. In death however she has achieved a kind of strange fame: feminist artist, Judy Chicago has included her in her work The Dinner Party in New York, while she has also been the subject of books including Her Kind by Niamh Boyce and The Devil to Pay: The Story of Alice and Petronella by Hugh Ryan. There were up to 50,000 people, mostly women, executed for witchcraft across Europe through the centuries. Petronella is only one of these but her fate is a lesson in how jealousy, misogyny and superstition flared to demonise ordinary women and condemn them to a grisly death. Kilkennys newest festival, Toil and Trouble, concludes today. Visitors are invited to step back in time to 1324 and uncover the chilling tale of Irelands first Witchcraft Trial. A Sunday service today will take the form of a Remembrance Service of Atonement for Petronilla de Meath. The service will be taken by Rev Stephen Farrell, Dean of Ossory while the preacher is most appropriately the Bishop of Meath, Most Reverent Patricia Storey. Music was always an important part of medieval Kilkenny and so it is fitting that the concluding presentation of the festival is Douce dame jolie a celebration of medieval music in the very capable hands of renounced harpist, Siobhan Armstrong with Laoise O Brien playing the recorded. This enchanting concert takes place in the entirely appropriate setting of Rothe House, commencing at 1.30pm. Please allow ads as they help fund our trusted local news content. Kindly add us to your ad blocker whitelist. If you want further access to Ireland's best local journalism, consider contributing and/or subscribing to our free daily Newsletter . Support our mission and join our community now. Micheal Martin has insisted Fianna Fails return to government saw Ireland turn a corner on the housing crisis, as he pointed to failures to prioritise the issue under the previous Fine Gael-led administration. The Fianna Fail leader claimed Ireland had missed opportunities to tackle the crisis because of past failures. The Tanaiste was referencing recent revelations from former Fine Gael housing minister Eoghan Murphy who said he felt he did not receive sufficient support from government colleagues for his plans to address acute housing shortages. Fianna Fails Darragh OBrien took on the housing ministry when his party entered the historic coalition government with Fine Gael and the Green Party in 2020. Mr Martin referenced Mr Murphys comments in his new memoir about his time as housing minister between 2017 and 2020 as he attended the annual Fianna Fail commemoration of Wolfe Tone at Bodenstown cemetery in Co Kildare on Sunday. In a sign of heightening tensions between the two main coalition partners ahead of the general election, Mr Martins remarks drew a robust response from Fine Gael minister of state Jennifer Carroll MacNeill who insisted Fianna Fail was responsible for a housing crash during the period of the financial crisis. Their comments on the housing debate came as the latest opinion poll suggested Fine Gael was on course to emerge from the election as the most popular party. The Sunday Independent/Ireland Thinks survey had Fine Gael out in front on 26%, with Fianna Fail on 20%, Sinn Fein on 18% and independents the next largest grouping on 16%. The same poll suggested Mr Martin and Taoiseach and Fine Gael leader Simon Harris are the two most popular leaders in Ireland. Mr Harris was top with a 52% approval rating while Mr Martin had 48%. After referring to Mr Murphys remarks in his address in Bodenstown, Mr Martin expanded when speaking to reporters after the event. He (Mr Murphy) was basically saying that he didnt get the support he required to take more radical measures in housing, and he felt he was being held back, he said. I think this government took a different approach. We established the high-powered Cabinet sub-committee, which I chaired, and we really set down to all of the secretary generals in the key government departments that housing is the number one issue facing our society, and it requires sustained commitment and momentum. And, also, allied to that, we developed and created probably the most radical reform of our planning code, certainly the most comprehensive, to become an engine also for housing development. He said the current government also passed the legislation to underpin the already launched Land Development Agency (LDA). The Tanaiste added: There is resistance sometimes within the system, and I think Eoghan Murphy reveals that, not just political but also resistance within the public services at times to certain models of approach. The market hadnt worked in the previous number of years so that was clear. And so what you are now witnessing over the last four and half years, notwithstanding the pandemic which did hold us back, is a much stronger state intervention in housing, with the result that we have turned a corner, although we need to build far more houses than were currently building. But, nonetheless, theres been substantial progress. We need to do more. Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence, Ms Carroll MacNeill claimed Mr Martin was trying to claim credit for the LDA when it was actually Mr Murphy who established it in the previous government. Referring to similar comments by Mr Martin about Fianna Fails role in the Land Development Agency in the Sunday Independent, she told RTEs The Week In Politics Programme: Fianna Fail have a backdrop of creating a housing crash. And it was the Land Development Agency which Eoghan created. So, I see what Micheal Martin is saying about that, but it was Eoghan Murphy, Paschal Donohoe and Leo Varadkar who set that up. She added: There are a couple of facts which Micheal has maybe gotten wrong this morning in relation to the Land Development Agency. It was Fine Gael who established it. It was Fine Gael who capitalised it. Sinn Fein TD for Meath East Darren ORourke, who was also appearing on The Week In Politics, questioned why both parties were trying to claim credit for failed housing policy. Were in the perverse situation here where Fianna Fall and Fine Gael are arguing over whos responsible for an absolutely failed housing policy, he said. Where theyll deliver less houses this year than they did last year, and the targets that they have are far, far less than what is actually required. Sinn Fein has set out, and the people will have an option and opportunity to vote, on a real alternative when it comes to housing. Weve set out a clear plan to deliver 300,000 homes over five years, including affordable homes, social homes and cost rental. As part of The Per Cent For Art Scheme for The Mayfair City Library Palimpsest (a cultural project that creatively intertwines history, music, literature, sculpture and social engagement) by Kilkenny-based visual artist Pauline O Connell was commissioned in 2024 to commemorate the former history of the Mayfair Ballroom 1943-1973, and its rejuvenation as a modern library. As part of this project, the artist has invited cultural experts to respond by hosting workshops and talks in the library that aim to foster new dialogues and connections on various topics The second talk by writer, filmmaker and historian Michael Twomey, entitled Wish You Were Here: The Redbarn Story, takes place on Saturday, November 9. Michaels film will also be screened daily at the Mayfair Library the week previous and on the morning of the talk. Michael Twomey will explore the dynamics of change brought to Irish society by the soft revolution of the dance halls in the 1960s and 1970s. Showcasing clips from his film, Wish You Were Here: The Redbarn Story (2017), Michael will discuss how the new wave of American and British music, and its peculiar Irish hybrid of Country and Rock n Roll, inspired a change in attitude among the younger generation coming out of the political, social and religious stagnation of the 1950s. He will explore how the sweaty dance halls became epi-centres for a cultural phenomenon that danced its way into modern Ireland. This event on Saturday, November 9 will commence at 2 pm in the museum room (located on the right, as you enter the librarys main doors) and run until 3.30 pm. The artist will give a brief introduction to the project before Michaels talk. Guests will have the opportunity to experience OConnells artwork. Chinese Consul General in Vladivostok Piao Yangfan delivers a speech during the event entitled Path of Friendship at the Gorky Public Library in Vladivostok, Russia, Nov. 2, 2024. The event promoting traditional Chinese culture was held here on Saturday, drawing over 100 participants, including Chinese culture enthusiasts, students, and local residents. (Photo by Guo Feizhou/Xinhua) VLADIVOSTOK, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- An event promoting traditional Chinese culture was held here on Saturday, drawing over 100 participants, including Chinese culture enthusiasts, students, and local residents. Chinese Consul General in Vladivostok, Piao Yangfan, said that the event, entitled Path of Friendship, is part of a series of cultural exchange programs to celebrate the 75th anniversary of China-Russia diplomatic relations and the China-Russia Cultural Year. Such events will help further unleash the potential for bilateral cultural cooperation, and inject new impetus into the growing bond between the people of the two countries, he added. Vladivostok Deputy Mayor Daria Stegniy praised the event for reinforcing the longstanding friendship between the two countries. Activities included presentations on Chinese ethnic groups, traditional music, Baduanjin aerobic exercises, a tea ceremony, and hands-on experiences in calligraphy, painting, and paper-cutting. The event was co-hosted by the Chinese Consulate General in Vladivostok, the Representative Office of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Vladivostok, the Gorky Public Library of Primorsky Krai, and the Confucius Institute at Far Eastern Federal University. A performance of Baduanjin aerobic exercises is presented during an event entitled Path of Friendship at the Gorky Public Library in Vladivostok, Russia, Nov. 2, 2024. The event promoting traditional Chinese culture was held here on Saturday, drawing over 100 participants, including Chinese culture enthusiasts, students, and local residents. (Photo by Guo Feizhou/Xinhua) Guests write Chinese calligraphy during an event entitled Path of Friendship at the Gorky Public Library in Vladivostok, Russia, Nov. 2, 2024. The event promoting traditional Chinese culture was held here on Saturday, drawing over 100 participants, including Chinese culture enthusiasts, students, and local residents. (Photo by Guo Feizhou/Xinhua) A woman performs tea ceremony during an event entitled Path of Friendship at the Gorky Public Library in Vladivostok, Russia, Nov. 2, 2024. The event promoting traditional Chinese culture was held here on Saturday, drawing over 100 participants, including Chinese culture enthusiasts, students, and local residents. (Photo by Guo Feizhou/Xinhua) A guest learns Chinese painting during an event entitled Path of Friendship at the Gorky Public Library in Vladivostok, Russia, Nov. 2, 2024. The event promoting traditional Chinese culture was held here on Saturday, drawing over 100 participants, including Chinese culture enthusiasts, students, and local residents. (Photo by Guo Feizhou/Xinhua) The conventional wisdom based on the polls is Trump is favoured to win the election. But a new poll out in Iowa has shocked the status quo assumptions. The poll for the Des Moines Register has Harris ahead of Trump by 3% 47% to 44% in Iowa, driven by a surge in female support for Harris. In September the same poll had Trump ahead by 47% to 43% and in June Trump was 50% to 34% for Biden. Breakdowns are: Men: Trump +14% Women: Harris +20% Under 35s: Harris +2% 35 54: Trump +8% 55+: Harris +12% Rural: Trump +20% Towns: Trump +9% Suburbs: Harris +23% Cities: Harris +28% Republicans: Trump +84% Democrats: Harris +97% Independents: Harris +7% 2020 Trump voters: Trump +85% 2020 Biden voters: Harris +89% 2020 non voters: Harris +3% Now this is only one poll, and all pollsters can have an outlier poll., It may well be an outlier, and all kudos goes to Anne Selzer for publishing an outlier, as it is suspected many US polling firms herd their polls towards the average in the final weeks. Selzers Iowa poll is regarded as very very credible by professionals, as she has often published polls seen as outliers, which turned out to be very accurate. She has been polling Iowa since 1987, so for 37 years. Their record is: 2020: Final poll Trump +7%, Result Trump +8% 2016: Final poll Trump +7%, Result Trump +9% 2012: Final poll Obama +5%, Result Obama +6% Also in 2008 she was the only pollster to predict Obama beating Clinton in the primary, and has often had Senate polls which have benefited outliers to other polls, but proven accurate. So if this was any other pollster in any other state, you would almost ignore it. And it is more than possible the poll will be wrong. It is almost unthinkable that Trump will lose a state by 3% which he won by 8% in 2020. But it is quite possible Selzer has picked up a surge of support for Harris by women voters, than has not been reflected elsewhere. It will be a fascinating election night on Wednesday. Share this: Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Reddit WhatsApp More Pinterest Print Tumblr Shenandoah, IA (51601) Today Sun and a few passing clouds. High 52F. Winds NW at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight Mainly clear early, then a few clouds later on. Low 37F. Winds SSE at 10 to 15 mph. BAGHDAD, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, a Shiite militia group, on Sunday claimed responsibility for three drone attacks on Israeli targets. According to its statements, the group's fighters launched two drone attacks on "vital sites" in the Jordan Valley, which forms Jordan's western border with Israel and the West Bank, and a third in the occupied Golan Heights. The statements did not provide further details about the targeted sites or report any casualties. The group said that the strikes were carried out "in solidarity with our people in Palestine and Lebanon," pledging to continue targeting "the enemy's strongholds at an escalating pace." Since the outbreak of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in the Gaza Strip on Oct. 7, 2023, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq has repeatedly attacked Israeli and U.S. positions in the region to show support for Palestinians in Gaza. The militia has stepped up its attacks on Israel after the latter intensified strikes against Hezbollah across Lebanon on Sept. 23. Weather Alert ...FIRE WEATHER WATCH IN EFFECT FROM MONDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH MONDAY EVENING FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR CENTRAL MISSOURI AND PARTS OF SOUTHEAST MISSOURI... The National Weather Service in St Louis has issued a Fire Weather Watch for wind and low relative humidity, which is in effect from Monday afternoon through Monday evening. * AFFECTED AREA...In Missouri, Fire Weather Zones 034, 035, 041, 042, 047, 048, 049 and 050. * TIMING...Noon through 8 PM Monday. * WINDS...Southwest 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 35 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 21 percent. * IMPACTS...These conditions are conducive for the rapid spread and growth of uncontrolled wildfires. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A Fire Weather Watch means that critical fire weather conditions are forecast to occur. Listen for later forecasts and possible Red Flag Warnings. && By Lee Hae-rin Eight out of 10 Koreans who have tattoos believe it is appropriate to get a tattoo at a shop rather than a hospital, a survey showed, Sunday. Only 14.6 percent said it is appropriate to get tattooed at hospitals and clinics. In addition, more than half of the respondents said nonmedical personnel should be allowed to perform tattoo procedures. According to the Korean health and welfare ministry's survey, more than half of 1,685 people with tattoos or semipermanent makeup agreed to allow nonmedical personnel to perform the procedure. The survey was conducted in August last year with 500 people who have tattoos, 1,444 users of semipermanent makeup, or cosmetic tattooing, and 259 who have experienced both procedures. In Korea, tattooing is by law an act of medical service and tattooing by nonmedical personnel is subject to punishment. Read More Is tattooing art or medical practice? However, as the survey result showed 54.2 percent of respondents said that tattooing by nonmedical personnel should be allowed, primarily because "most nonmedical personnel are already performing tattooing and they need further management by being included into legal institutionalization." The following major reasons included "because safe procedures are possible even if they do not have doctor-level expertise" (24.0 percent), and "it is difficult to find a hospital where tattooing is possible and because they want to get it from a professional operator rather than a doctor" (22.1 percent). About half of those who received cosmetic tattoos also said that nonmedical personnel should be allowed to perform the procedure. According to the health ministry, there are about 13 million people with tattoos and about 350,000 tattoo artists in Korea. Currently, the majority of tattoo users are found to have received the procedure at a nonmedical institution. In the case of tattoo procedures, 81 percent of the respondents said they had received the procedure at a tattoo shop, while 52.6 percent said they had received the procedure at a beauty facility. Meanwhile, only 1.4 percent of tattoos and 6.8 percent of cosmetic tattoo users went through the practice at medical institutions. Even among those, most, or 42.9 percent had the practice done by "nonmedical personnel" and only 14.3 percent had their tattoos done by doctors. In addition, 81.6 percent of the respondents said it is appropriate to get a tattoo at a tattoo shop, in contrast to only 14.6 and 3 percent who chose hospitals and beauty facilities, respectively. Rep. Park Ju-min of the opposition Democratic Party of Korea proposed a bill last month that called for the legalization of tattooing by tattoo artists. Six similar legislations were also proposed in the 21st National Assembly, but all were discarded. European Union (EU) foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said Sunday he will discuss ways to advance the EU's security and defense cooperation with South Korea during his visit to Seoul. Borrell, the EU's high representative for foreign affairs and security policy, wrote on social media platform X earlier in the day that he arrived in Seoul to co-chair the first Strategic Dialogue with Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul. "Over the past years, we have become even closer partners making significant progress with the Digital, Green & Health Partnerships," Borrell wrote, noting his visit is aimed at taking the security and defense cooperation "to the next level." Discussions are likely to address shared concerns over North Korea's dispatch of troops to Russia in support of its war in Ukraine and their joint responses. Last week, Borrell strongly condemned North Korea's deployment of troops to Russia, calling his upcoming visit to Seoul a "timely and important opportunity to discuss these worrying developments." During his visit, Borrell will also hold talks with Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun and visit the Joint Security Area in the Demilitarized Zone separating the two Koreas, according to the European External Action Service. (Yonhap) TOKYO, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- The restart of power generation at Japan's Onagawa Nuclear Power Plant Unit 2, scheduled for Sunday, has been postponed due to a malfunction with measurement equipment within the reactor, local media reported. The issue arose when a device designed to improve the precision of neutron data readings stopped working partway through installation, the country's public broadcaster NHK reported, citing Tohoku Electric Power company. Onagawa Power Plant Unit 2, located in Miyagi Prefecture, was restarted on Oct. 29 for the first time since being shut down following the 2011 earthquake and tsunami. Tohoku Electric had planned to resume power generation after a successful reactor restart, but the delay occurred during testing. The company is currently investigating the cause of the malfunction, with no reported radiation leaks or other safety risks, the report said, adding the restart of power generation is now expected on or after Monday. Korea's major defense firms have posted robust revenues and profits for the third quarter, led by massive arms export deals, industry data showed Sunday. The combined operating profits of four major Korean defense firms Hanwha Aerospace, Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), Hyundai Rotem and LIG Nex1 were estimated at 753.8 billion won ($546 million) for the July-September period, according to the data from regulatory filings and financial reports. The figure more than trebled from 233.3 billion won recorded in the same period last year. Their combined revenues totaled an estimated 5.4 trillion won, up 30.9 percent on-year from 4.1 trillion won. Industry leader Hanwha Aerospace posted 477.2 billion won in operating profit for the third quarter, up sharply from 85.6 billion won a year ago. Its sales soared 61.9 percent on-year to 2.6 trillion won. The strong bottom line is attributable to its exports of K9 howitzers and Chunmoo rocket launchers to Poland. The company secured a deal, valued at 8.2 trillion won, to supply Poland with hundreds of K9 howitzers and Chunmoo rocket launchers in 2022. This was followed by another contract last year, worth 5.6 trillion won. It has an order backlog of nearly 30 trillion won. Hanwha Aerospace expected strong results to continue in the coming quarters thanks to new contracts including one with Romania worth 1.3 trillion won. Hyundai Rotem reported 1.1 trillion won in sales for the third quarter, up 18 percent from a year ago, while its operating profit more than tripled to 137.5 billion won. The robust performance came as the company clinched a deal to export 1,000 K2 main battle tanks to Poland two years ago. Its order backlog came to 19 trillion won. KAI's third-quarter sales fell 9.9 percent on-year to 907.2 billion won, but its operating profit rose 16.7 percent to 76.3 billion won. Several successful arms deal, including the planned supply of the FA-50PL light fighters to Poland and the FA-50M light combat aircraft to Malaysia, contributed to the company's solid earnings. KAI's order backlog reached 22.4 trillion won. LIG Nex1 is forecast to see its sales jump 35.9 percent on-year to 728.3 billion won and its operating profit soar 52.8 percent to 62.8 billion won, with an order backlog of 19 trillion won. The company's earnings will continue to grow further as it secured a 3.7 trillion-won contract with Iraq to export its Cheongung-II medium-range surface-to-air missile defense system. (Yonhap) South Korea, the United States and Japan held combined air drills, involving a B-1B bomber, south of the Korean Peninsula on Sunday, the South's military said, in a show of force after North Korea's new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) launch last week. The trilateral drills took place over waters east of South Korea's southern island of Jeju amid heightened tensions after the North fired the new Hwasong-19 ICBM into the East Sea on Thursday in its first launch of a long-range ballistic missile this year. During the drills, South Korean, U.S. and Japanese fighter jets escorted the U.S. heavy bomber over waters where the air defense identification zones of South Korea and Japan overlap, the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said. The JCS said the drills demonstrated the bomber's "overwhelming" capabilities to strike a simulated target, but later clarified that the training was conducted as a non-live-fire exercise. "This exercise took place in response to North Korea's launch of an ICBM on Oct. 31," the JCS said. "Amid gradually increasing security cooperation between the three countries, (we) will strengthen coordination to deter and jointly respond to North Korea's threats." The U.S. Indo-Pacific Command also confirmed the exercise, noting that it continues the "strong" cooperation between the three countries to enable an "immediate" response to regional security challenges. It marked the second air exercise between the three sides this year, the JCS said, amid joint efforts to strengthen trilateral security cooperation against evolving North Korean nuclear and missile threats. (Yonhap) By Lee Hae-rin Koreas tourism industry anticipates an increase in the number of travelers visiting China following the neighboring county's decision to allow visa-free entry for Koreans. China announced, Friday, that it will waive visa requirements for visitors from Korea and eight other countries, allowing stays of up to 15 days for purposes such as business, tourism, family visits, or transit. This is the first time China has included Korea in its visa waiver list, which will remain in effect from Friday through the end of next year. "China, along with Japan and Southeast Asia, accounted for a significant proportion of Koreas outbound travelers," said an official at Hana Tour, Korea's largest travel agency. The official noted that the travel agency anticipates an increase in demand for tours to China due to the reduced time and cost associated with obtaining Chinese visas. Before the exemption, obtaining a visa for China cost at least 60,000 won ($43) and typically took about a week, even for a low-cost, single-use group visa, according to industry sources. The policy could attract Koreans in their 20s and 40s, who have been less interested in traveling to China. Until now, most travel products to China have targeted older travelers aged 50 to 70, who prefer group tours and rely on travel agencies for visa issuance services. "The reservation rate for Chinese tourist destinations such as Beijing, Shanghai and Chengdu will increase, especially among young people who have been burdened by the need to obtain visas," an official at Kyowon Tour said. For instance, Mongolia also saw a rapid increase in international visitors in their 20s and 30s since introducing a visa-free entry policy, the official said. "In addition to our existing offerings to regions such as Zhangjiajie and Mount Baekdu, we will strive to develop themed tour products that cater to young travelers and families," said an official at Yellow Balloon, another major travel agency in Korea. Mode Tour plans to enhance its offerings for visits to Kunming and Lijiang, popular winter destinations in China, and expand its lineup to include major cities. Even before the visa waiver announcement, demand for travel to China had been on the rise recently. Hana Tour reported a 112 percent increase in group tourists to China in the third quarter compared to the same period last year, and a 19 percent increase from the previous quarter. Mode Tour said approximately 44,000 travelers visited China through the agency in the third quarter, marking a 138 percent increase compared to the same period last year. According to the Korea Tourism Organization's analysis of data from China's National Bureau of Statistics, approximately 4.35 million Koreans visited China in 2019 before the COVID-19 outbreak. Last year, that number dropped to 1.29 million, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, reflecting the ongoing effects of the pandemic. Korea may join growing list of countries restricting student phone use By Jung Min-ho Korea may soon join a growing list of countries moving to ban mobile phones in classrooms, as the policy idea is gaining increasing support from teachers, parents and politicians here. According to lawmakers and education administrators on Sunday, Rep. Cho Jung-hun and 10 other lawmakers of the ruling People Power Party are pushing for a countrywide ban on the use of phones and other smart devices in schools to protect the mental health of students. Many countries, including the United States and France, are trying to restrict phone use through legislation as social media addiction becomes a serious problem. This is also true in Korea, where 25 percent of children aged between 3 and 9 and 40.1 percent of those aged between 10 and 19 were found to be overly dependent on smartphones, they said, explaining the reason for proposing the bill. To protect their mental health, we are proposing to restrict the use of smart devices in schools unless permitted for educational or emergency purposes. Rights activists supported allowing students to use phones during school hours, viewing restrictions as an excessive infringement of students rights by the government. However, last month, the National Human Rights Commission of Korea dismissed a petition accusing school administrators of violating students rights by restricting phone use during school hours. This marked a shift in the organization's stance, as it had consistently ruled in favor of petitioners in 300 such cases over the past decade. The decision is in line with education authorities in many European nations and American states, which have been trying to crack down on rampant student cellphone use, which studies show can negatively impact the mental and cognitive well-being of young people. Addiction and distraction are not the only issues causing concern. In many cases, students were also found to have used the functions of their phones to bully or sexually exploit their peers. Just last month, police said four students at a middle school in Namyangju were being investigated for allegedly creating or possessing deepfake images of female students. According to the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education, 70 percent of schools in the capital allow students to use phones in classrooms. Without any national law specifically restricting the use, the issue is currently governed largely by the rules of individual schools. However, political pressure for enacting such a law has been growing in recent years, with phone use becoming a growing concern for many parents. In a joint statement issued last month, organizations advocating the rights of teachers and parents of students called for legislation, saying many students are lost in the waves of social media and smartphones. According to a poll released last week by Macromill Embrain, a pollster, 69 percent of the parents of underage students said they would support the idea of restricting student phone use in schools, compared with just 12.6 percent expressing opposition. The National Assembly is set to begin deliberations on the 2025 budget proposal this week, with ruling and opposition parties expected to wrangle over spending on controversial projects. On Monday, the National Assembly is set to begin deliberations on next year's budget of 677.4 trillion won ($490.7 billion), a 3.2 percent increase from the previous year. The ruling People Power Party (PPP) is expected to advocate the government's focus on discretionary spending due to fiscal deficit, while opposing the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK)'s cash handout proposals pushed by DPK leader Lee Jae-myung. In contrast, the DPK has vowed to cut funding for initiatives associated with President Yoon Suk Yeol and first lady Kim Keon Hee. Yoon is expected to skip his budget speech at the National Assembly on Monday, with Prime Minister Han Duck-soo likely to present the budget proposal on his behalf, Yoon's chief of staff, Chung Jin-suk, said Friday If confirmed, it would mark the first time in 11 years that a sitting president has not directly addressed the National Assembly on the budget. The decision comes as Yoon is at the midpoint of his single five-year term in a polarized political landscape. Rival parties have clashed over a phone conversation between Yoon and a self-proclaimed power broker at the center of allegations that Yoon was involved in the nomination of a candidate for the parliamentary by-elections in 2022, when he was president-elect. On Saturday, the DPK and its supporters held a massive rally in central Seoul to urge Yoon to accept a special counsel bill for an investigation into allegations involving the first lady. The DPK said earlier it plans to push for the passage of the special counsel bill targeting the first lady at a parliamentary plenary session this month, after two similar bills were vetoed by Yoon. (Yonhap) President to skip 2025 budget speech amid snowballing scandal By Kwak Yeon-soo Opposition parties have been intensifying their protest against President Yoon Suk Yeol and first lady Kim Keon Hee amid a swirling election meddling scandal surrounding the presidential couple and a political broker. Their upgraded offensive, which even includes calls for Yoons impeachment, came as the presidents job approval rating plummeted to the lowest level since his inauguration in May 2022, at 19 percent. The ruling party, however, is struggling to counter the offensive as new allegations involving the first couple particularly Kim continue to surface. The presidential office is reiterating its position that the first couple does not bear any legal responsibility even if the allegations are proven true, which falls short of public expectations for higher moral standards. On Saturday, the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) held a large rally in central Seoul, demanding a special counsel bill to investigate allegations against Kim, including stock manipulation, her receipt of a luxury bag and interference in the partys candidate nominations for the 2022 parliamentary by-elections and the April 2024 general elections. According to the DPK, approximately 300,000 people participated in the rally near Seoul Station, carrying signs that read Conduct a special investigation into Kim Keon Hee. Some DPK lawmakers also called on Yoon to step down. State affairs are dominated by unelected and unaccountable people, not the president. The Yoon administration is habitually breaking laws. We demand the president and the government immediately accept the bill mandating a special counsel investigation into Kim. A sincere reflection and apology to the public is the starting point for change, Rep. Lee Jae-myung, leader of the DPK, said at the rally. These calls came amid snowballing allegations surrounding the presidential couple and Myung, a self-proclaimed political consultant. Myung claimed that the first couple, particularly Kim, sought his advice on various political issues, revealing text messages he exchanged with her. But his claims are now heavily impacting Yoon following the DPK's release of a recorded phone conversation between the president and Myung. The conversation suggests that Yoon used his influence to assist Kim Young-sun, a former lawmaker from the ruling People Power Party (PPP), in winning the nomination for a district in South Gyeongsang Province ahead of the 2022 by-elections. Allegedly, Myung leveraged his personal connections with the presidential couple to secure Kims nomination. Rep. Park Chan-dae, the floor leader of the DPK, cautioned that the party will unveil more information about the informal adviser allegedly exerting influence in state affairs. We will proceed with voting on Nov. 14 for a new bill calling for a special counsel investigation into the allegations involving Kim. Yoon should clarify his phone call with Myung, Park told reporters on Sunday. The DPK and other opposition parties had previously pursued two bills for a special counsel investigation into Kim, both of which were abandoned following failed votes in the Assembly. They have now proposed a third bill. The new bill includes recent allegations that Kim solicited help from Myung to manipulate public opinion polls and exercise undue influence over the ruling partys candidate nominations for the 2022 by-elections and Aprils general elections. The scandal has caused Yoons approval rating to drop below 20 percent for the first time, standing at 19 percent, the lowest level since he took office in 2022, according to Gallup Korea's weekly poll released on Friday. Additionally, 72 percent of respondents disapproved of Yoon's performance, marking an all-time high. The pollster surveyed 1,005 respondents from Tuesday to Thursday and the results indicated that issues surrounding Yoon's embattled wife were among the reasons behind their disapproval of the president. Rep. Choo Kyung-ho, floor leader of the PPP, said the party and the government take Yoons all-time low approval rating seriously. The party takes this matter very seriously. I believe the president is also aware of the gravity of the situation and is looking for ways to address public concerns, Choo said during a press conference at the Assembly, Sunday. While the PPP criticizes the DPK's offensive against the presidential couple and the repeated proposals for a special probe bill targeting Kim, the ruling party lacks effective defensive measures as new allegations continue to emerge daily. PPP leader Han Dong-hoon's earlier request for the president to address the first lady issues has not been met. The presidential office, for its part, denies that Yoon interfered in the candidate nominations, with presidential chief of staff Chung Jin-seok commenting on Yoon's phone conversation with Myung, stating, "The conversation is not an issue politically, legally, or from a common sense perspective." Choo also hinted that Yoon is unlikely to deliver a 2025 budget speech at the Assembly on Monday. The prime minister will likely present the budget proposal on Yoon's behalf. Given the situation that the DPK is taking to the streets to impeach the president, Yoon's appearance at the parliament will only create a scene of political strife, Choo said. If Yoon skips the budget speech, this would mark the first time in 11 years that an incumbent president has not directly addressed the Assembly on the budget. Meanwhile, Kim Young-sun appeared before prosecutors on Sunday for questioning over allegations of providing 96.7 million won ($70,000) to Myung on several occasions between August 2022 and February this year, in return for his help to get the candidate nomination. Prosecutors are expected to summon Myung sometime this week. By Lee Sun-ho Heroes and heroines who made remarkable contributions to humanity many decades ago often risk being forgotten by future generations, especially if their contemporaries or fellow figures passed away long before they did. As a result, their achievements may become overshadowed or obscured, leading to a sense of isolation in their legacy. One combined model example was cultivated lately as the distinguished couple named Lee Won-soon (1890-1993), often called William Lee, and Mary Shin Lee (1903-83), his spouse. They were jointly honored with the 22nd Korea-America Friendship Award for 2024, sponsored by the Korea-America Association (KAA), chaired by Dr. Choi Joong-kyung. The award ceremony took place at the Grand Walkerhill Seoul on Oct. 22. Having married in the United States in 1922, they can be classified as both Korean Americans and American Koreans, reflecting their roles as pioneers in fostering Korea-America friendship over the decades in their respective countries. William Lee immigrated to Hawaii from Shanghai in 1914 at the age of 24. He found success in the furniture business and real estate, using his financial resources to support Syngman Rhee's diplomatic efforts for Korean independence while serving as Chairman of the Korean National Association in the United States. During the Pacific War, he attached 100 commandos to the Office of Strategic Services (OSS), the predecessor of the CIA, to assist American forces in their fight against Japan. Additionally, he played a role in having the U.S. Postal Service issue a commemorative stamp featuring the Korean national flag during the struggle against Japanese colonial rule. He returned to Korea permanently in 1953 after the Korean armistice. In 1988, he published a biography titled, "A Man, Syngman Rhee." Three years later, in 1991, the Korean government honored him with the Order of Merit of Nation Foundation for his dedication to the Korean independence movement. As one of the founding fathers of the Republic of Korea, he made significant contributions to both American and Korean societies as a businessman, athlete, social worker, senior Rotarian, man of culture, journalist, educator, and a multifaceted individual. Mary Lee made significant strides in advocating for women's social rights. In addition to her involvement in the independence movement alongside her husband, she dedicated her life to serving both the U.S. and Korean communities as a lawyer, exceptional social worker, professor, educator, philanthropist, and politician. After returning to Korea in 1953, she became the first woman to serve as minister of Health and Social Affairs, as well as deputy governor of the Korean Red Cross and a member of the National Assembly. Their three daughters, who married in the United States, are likely over 90 years old now, if they are still alive. Sadly, their only son, Lee Gang-seok, was killed in action during the Korean War. Despite being in their 100s and 80s, the remarkable couple has continually sought new ways to promote Korea-America relations with passion and energy, both while living in America and after returning to Korea. In 1993, their funeral was held as a public event in Seoul, reflecting their immense contributions to various aspects of human life throughout their lifetimes. The remarkable couple's joint accomplishments and sacrifices over the past century, both in the U.S. and Korea, will continue to shine and be honored for decades to come. The writer (wkexim@naver.com) is a freelance columnist living in Seoul. This article is his 371st contribution to opinion columns of The Korea Times for 57 years since Oct. 15, 1967. By Peter S. Kim The U.S. election week is finally here. With the fate of the democratic world hanging in the balance, this is one of the most difficult elections to call and even harder to gauge the impact on the economy, stock market and geopolitical landscape. All three are already sinking into a state of chaos, and regardless of the election outcome, uncertainty is unlikely to end for investors. Whoever wins this week, the new president faces a deglobalized world with the accompanying geopolitical risks. None exemplifies that trend more than the brinkmanship in the Middle East and Israel, which, like the Russia-Ukraine war, has no end game in sight. Another potential geopolitical hotspot in waiting is North Asia, where North Korea's Kim Jong-un just joined hands with Russia's Vladimir Putin and entered the war with Ukraine. The implications of this decision inevitably involve their neighbor China, whose displeasure has been expressed in open view. A Trump win could add fuel to the already bizarre and unexplained relationships Trump has with Putin and Kim. When Trump ran against Hillary Clinton in 2016, the trade war with China and tariff threats were considered a one-off election ploy devised by Trump's desperate and unlikely campaign. Now, rising protectionism is no longer a concept but a trend that will outlast the next president. This time, the trade war is the rare bipartisan policy assured to win votes for both parties. There is a misconception that the stock market has been magically immune to a tariff war. One explanation is that despite the news headlines, we have not come close to seeing a real tariff war from a historical perspective; the current level of tariffs has a long way to go before approaching levels seen during the 1940s. So far, the scale and scope of tariff threats have been more bark than bite, but escalation of the tariffs remains a real threat to the global economy and equity markets. The pace and scale of the trade war could be determined by the actions of the incoming U.S. administration and the corresponding reactions of China and other nations. If there were to be an unexpected and untimely problem for the incoming U.S. president, it would be an escalation of the geopolitical landscape involving the alliance between Russia, China and North Korea. North Korea entered the global focal point by sending an estimated 12,000 troops to join Russia in its war with Ukraine last week. North Korean soldiers are expected to fight Ukraine forces who raided Russia's Kursk region in August. The latest development follows the strategic partnership signed between Putin and Kim in June, which outlined an agreement to offer "mutual assistance" in case either country is attacked. The involvement of North Korea puts China in an uncomfortable position as Russia's other ally. For decades, North Korea's isolation has, by default, made China the de facto guardian that the West can rely on to control the hermit kingdom. But North Korea's recently acquired nuclear capability and its warming relations with Russia may now force the hand of China and its tenuous relations with the U.S. and allies. Amid this burgeoning relationship between North Korea and Russia, China suddenly seems like the mature member of the tripartite. During Trump's presidency, Kim Jong-un surpassed his father, Kim Jong-il, by achieving bilateral talks with the U.S., even though the negotiations ultimately led nowhere. U.S.-North Korea bilateral talks offered advantages for both Kim and Trump. By participating in bilateral talks, North Korea fully achieved its first objective of stepping out of China's shadow, undermining China's historical role as the sole mediator of North Korean issues. Following the 1950-53 Korean War, China and the Soviet Union competed to win their neighbor North Korea's allegiance as the two aspiring superpowers sought a broader advantage. Since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, North Korea has been left with only China as an ally. And North Korea's standing, both politically and economically, was severely damaged in the wake of the collapse, as evidenced by the decline of the countrys economy. As the sole sponsor, China seemed reluctant to encourage North Korea to open up its economy, like China itself had done. By staying economically and politically isolated, North Korea has been a convenient buffer between China and U.S. allies, South Korea and Japan. Now, with the latest alliance with Russia, North Korea is using its classic strategy of pitting two major powers against each other to maximize its bargaining power. The next move is up to China: it can either distance itself from the emerging alliance between Russia and North Korea or strengthen this loose coalition, positioning itself as the pragmatic member of a three-way partnership. These three unpredictable nuclear powers jostling for bargaining power among themselves adds to the risks that the world is already facing. The rise in authoritarianism is being empowered by a dividing world that used to be united under a globalized world led by the U.S. Trump's first term in power was the spark that led to the current deglobalization. With a possible second term, Trump, with no chance of a third term, could deliver irreparable damage to the world order, one which is already being overtaken by despots driven by ego and hubris. Peter S. Kim is managing director at KB Securities. The views expressed here are his own. Thorough investigation needed to unearth truth President Yoon Suk Yeol and his wife, Kim Keon Hee, have sparked controversy due to alleged connections with a pollster and self-proclaimed power broker. Depending on how this latest allegation unfolds, it could significantly undermine Yoons presidency or, as some of his opponents hope, even cut it short. The onus now lies with prosecutors, who must conduct a thorough investigation, leaving no room for doubt or suspicion. The presidential couple has become a source of concern for the ruling camp, which is struggling with the fallout from a leaked phone conversation between Yoon and pollster Myung Tae-kyun on May 9, 2022 just a day before Yoons inauguration as well as a series of allegations involving the first lady. On that day, Yoon, who was president-elect, and Myung spoke over the phone as the pollster sought to confirm the status of former lawmaker Kim Young-sun in the People Power Party's (PPP) candidate selection for the upcoming by-elections. Myung lobbied the presidential couple to support Kim's bid in the partys internal selection process. Yoon informed the pollster that he had urged the PPP's selection committee to consider Kim as its candidate, emphasizing that she deserved it for her hard work during the primaries. I learned that theres some backlash against her within the party, though, Yoon noted. The following day, Kim was selected as the PPP's candidate and subsequently won the by-election on June 1 in the southeastern industrial city of Changwon. Myung reportedly established connections with the presidential couple while his polling agency conducted opinion surveys during Yoon's campaign in the PPP's primaries for the 2022 presidential election. His company carried out numerous public opinion polls without charging candidates or outside institutions, which led to significant financial deficits. He is accused of fabricating poll results in Yoon's favor, a claim that Myung has denied. Leveraging his personal ties with the presidential couple, Myung lobbied them to help Kim in win the PPP's internal selection. In return, Kim is accused of paying Myung to help cover some of his polling agency's financial shortfalls. Yoon's already low approval rating declined further following media reports about the scandal. A Gallup poll released on Friday revealed that his approval rating dropped to a record low of 19 percent, down one percentage point from the previous week. The poll surveyed 1,005 adults between Oct. 29 and 31, with a margin of error of plus or minus 3.1 percentage points. Yoon's alleged influence-peddling gaffe provided timely ammunition for the Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) as it sought justification to impeach the sitting president. The DPK organized a large rally near Seoul Station on Saturday to politicize the issue. In his speech at the event, DPK Chairman Lee Jae-myung described the current political situation as akin to an emergency, urging the ruling party to cooperate in establishing a special counsel to investigate the allegations surrounding the first lady. While Lee refrained from explicitly mentioning impeachment due to concerns about a potential backlash, DPK lawmakers asserted that the case is serious enough to warrant the impeachment of the sitting president. It remains uncertain whether Yoon's promotion of Kim as a potential candidate in the PPP's internal selection process constitutes a violation of the Election Law, which prohibits government officials from meddling in elections. Presidential Chief of Staff Chung Jin-seok claimed that Yoon made the remark when he was president-elect. Currently, he said there are no laws requiring a president-elect to maintain political neutrality. Citing a precedent set by the Supreme Court, the presidential chief of staff added that expressing a view in favor of the selection of a certain candidate is not a violation of the Election Law. However, the central issue is whether the PPP's selection of Kim as its candidate was a quid pro quo for the pollster's numerous free opinion surveys conducted for Yoon. Investigators must uncover the truth behind these allegations. By Bernard Rowan The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 6:23). Im worried about this election season in America. A problem with America is weve embraced the technologies of death and violence at the expense of love, love of thy neighbor and ones fellow citizen. In one of the richest and most advanced nations, there is violence galore. Americans specialize in gun violence, and many consider guns the holy grail of freedom. With guns, Americans kill one another at higher rates than perhaps any other country on earth or in history. The number of mass shootings has grown, a shameful statistic. The transoms of newspapers and social media depict endless incidents of violence against women. To an extraterrestrial being, America might appear as a land of bullying, misogyny and murder, among other sins. We lack respect for the young and the old, with high rates of infant mortality and elder abuse. Many to most movies depict violence as normal. Yes, thats it. Weve come to expect violence as the norm in the United States of America. The life of a democracy guarantees little, and America has much to do. So many of us look at what our leaders tell and say to us. We imitate them, honor them and revere their styles. That isnt what democracy means, but it happens. Popularity and populism more often truck with demagoguery. That includes the violence of rhetoric and the rhetoric of violence. Scholars of the American polity should do better by looking at the role of violence in the rhetoric of the nation as well, including in recent presidential election cycles. The 2016 presidential election saw Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton, in my opinion, begin a cycle of rhetorical violence. The degradation of each other, ad hominem remarks and statements, marked that election. Trumps style, honed in apparent imitation of his father and Roy Cohen, among others, is to dehumanize his opponents. Its an arrow in the quiver of demagogues, populists and charlatans across the ages. But Clinton also erred in referring to Trump and his supporters as a basket of deplorables. The phrase has its own Wiki page. Trump called on his supporters to use violence against a heckler on more than one occasion. Honestly, its beneath a country whose founders knew about the use of violence in speech and sought to insulate a new republic from its pernicious effects. Of course, in the 2020 elections aftermath, Trump and his lieutenants orchestrated and permitted an insurrection involving much violence. While the participants in this fiasco and illegality are responsible for their actions, Trump and other national leaders violated their oaths of office and incited citizens. Fortunately, their behavior failed to upend the election, but Trump to this day refuses to admit his unconstitutional actions. This, from a person who was the president, continues to impress too many that its OK not to support the Constitution, the highest laws of our land, and the idea of the rule of law. And for him to tote a Bible in front of St. Johns Church during the foment and protests following the murder of George Floyd was a sacrilege and farcical act. Trump rarely speaks with the conviction of faith in any form, certainly not as a God-fearing believer in Gods commandments, the first of which are about love. Of course, he doesnt have to believe in God under the U.S. Constitution either. The nations of the world would do well to learn from Americas recent and continuing errors of irrationality and violence. To portray violence through normal processes, to glorify it and to accept it are signs of failure. These depredations tend to repeat and continue in cycles of hate and enmity. Real leadership is called upon to address and ease the causes and consequences of violence in America. Lets hope our new president will see to it that we accomplish needed change in this regard. America has grown too comfortable with the idea of reason as a contest of strength. Having a position on an issue is not about defeating others." Its certainly not about dehumanizing ones opponents. Any would-be leader who spends more time going negative is sowing the seeds of her or his failure. The American people need and deserve to participate in the development of creative solutions to the ills of violence and to continue charting the technologies and processes of freedom that have seen the ascendancy of the country under the Constitution. I dont think America is in jeopardy of its mortality, but there are growing signs of a need for fundamental introspection and a revival of the ethics of reason based on love and love of country, which begins with the love of ones fellow citizens. Only time will tell if America in this election makes the diminution of violence a priority and sticks to it. Bernard Rowan is associate provost for contract administration and academic services and professor of political science at Chicago State University. He is a past fellow of the Korea Foundation and a past visiting professor of the School of Local Autonomy, Hanyang University. Flash The 27.1-kilometer Nairobi Expressway, built by a Chinese firm, received four prestigious awards on Friday evening for advancing green and seamless mobility in Kenya and across the East African region. The expressway garnered acclaim at the third annual Africa Mashariki Transport Award (AMTA), an event established in 2022 to honor excellence in transport across Kenya and the broader region. Hosted by BH Media Agency in collaboration with Kenya's Ministry of Roads and Transport, the AMTA awards recognize organizations with outstanding records in sustainability, efficiency and customer-centered service. The award ceremony took place ahead of the third annual ATMA Expo and Gala, which ran from Wednesday to Friday, bringing together a diverse range of participants to showcase innovations under the theme "Data-Driven Approach to Safety in Transport." The Nairobi Expressway received four major honors: Road Transport Infrastructure of the Year, Sustainable Transport, Best Technological Innovation and Corporate Road Safety Initiative of the Year. Speaking on the recognition, Jeanne May Ong'iyo, spokesperson for the Nairobi Expressway, said the awards reaffirm the company's dedication to customer satisfaction, green mobility and positive economic impact. "We are committed to continually enhancing the customer experience and partnering with like-minded industry players to deliver world-class service," Ong'iyo said. Construction of the Nairobi Expressway began in September 2020, and the road was officially launched in July 2022 after a successful trial period that started in May 2022. Since its launch, the toll road has significantly cut travel time between Nairobi's southern areas, home to the main airport, and the upscale Westlands suburb, from two hours during peak times to just 20 minutes. Rubies are displayed at the office of Li Jiachun, a 49-year-old jeweler and also a dedicated exhibitor at the China International Import Expo (CIIE), in Bangkok, Thailand, Oct. 23, 2024. (Xinhua/Sun Weitong) by Chen Qianci, Gao Bo BANGKOK, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- It is a common scene for Li Jiachun, a 49-year-old jeweler to see jewelry enthusiasts from all over the world exploring the jewelry trading center in Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, a country renowned as a global hub for processing rubies and sapphires. As the 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE) comes around the corner, Li, a seventh-time exhibitor, is about to recreate the vibrant scene at the expo venue in Shanghai. "This time I will bring nearly 1,000 pieces of jewelry and more than 100 rubies and sapphires to the CIIE for exhibition," Li said in an interview with Xinhua, highlighting his careful preparations to present more precious and rare items. Li moved to Thailand during childhood and began his journey in the jewelry trading business at 18 when he founded Thailand Yongtai Jewelry Co., Ltd. As a dedicated exhibitor at the CIIE since its inception in 2018, Li believes the charm of the expo lies in "the surprises every year and the benefits gained each time." "I am an old friend of the CIIE and have won the 'Diamond and Gemstone Boutique Pavilion Star' award several times," Li proudly shared with reporters, displaying his collection of awards that mark his transition from a newcomer to a loyal participant. "It has been an honor to participate in the expo for seven consecutive years," Li recalled his first CIIE in 2018, where he received intended orders and established valuable connections. Since then, he has been committed to attending the CIIE every year. "The CIIE has brought numerous benefits. Not only have we learned new things, but more importantly, we have expanded our 'circle of friends' through this platform," Li emphasized that years of participation have given him a better understanding of the evolving needs and latest trends of Chinese consumers. Furthermore, the customers and partners he has accumulated there have been instrumental in expanding his business. Li also shared a memorable experience from the CIIE in 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite facing various challenges, he managed to participate as the sole overseas jewelry exhibitor at the fourth CIIE. He expressed gratitude for the care and support provided by the organizers, which made him feel welcomed. "It made me even more determined to continue participating in the CIIE," Li noted. The jeweler believes that amid the current tightening of international trade, it is a significant achievement for China to continuously host the CIIE and provide such a vast platform for global connection. "China has shouldered its responsibilities as a major country by offering numerous economic and trade opportunities," He added, highlighting that the CIIE has created new chances for countries like Thailand to enter the Chinese market, making the broad Chinese market an excellent prospect for the world. From his first to seventh appearance, the jeweler's booth has expanded from 36 square meters to 72 square meters. This doubling reflects not only the growth of his business but also the increasing allure and influence of the CIIE. Over the years, Li has witnessed the development of the CIIE first-hand and has actively encouraged other Thai companies to participate in the expo. Since November 2020, Li has served as the chairman of the Thai Chinese New Generation Business Association and is also the deputy secretary-general of the Thai Chinese Chamber of Commerce. He has been dedicated to fostering connections and collaboration between Thai and Chinese companies. Observing that the CIIE has increasingly focused on supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), He acknowledged it could be challenging for SMEs to participate in such a large expo since many are unfamiliar with overseas exhibitions. Li introduced that in addition to the preferential policies provided by the organizers, his chamber of commerce offers a range of assistance, including translation services, to help exhibitors take advantage of the opportunities at the CIIE. "This year we organized a dozen Thai companies to attend the CIIE, primarily focusing on SMEs in the food and medical sectors. Everyone is very enthusiastic," Li concluded. He pledged to provide excellent services for all participants and sincerely hoped they could achieve greater success through the CIIE. Sapphires are displayed at the office of Li Jiachun, a 49-year-old jeweler and also a dedicated exhibitor at the China International Import Expo (CIIE), in Bangkok, Thailand, Oct. 23, 2024. (Xinhua/Sun Weitong) Reshuffle among execs likely to come this week By Nam Hyun-woo Samsung Electronics is aiming to overcome its current downturn with a new strategy for its memory chip business, which may be accompanied by an upcoming shakeup of the president-level executives in its semiconductor division. According to industry sources, Sunday, Samsung Electronics Device Solutions division, which is in charge of the companys semiconductor business, has been holding meetings on mid to long-term strategy planning since late last week. These meetings are seen as a precursor to a potential rebalancing of the divisions workforce. Sources indicate that the company may announce a reshuffle as soon as this week, focusing personnel on the memory business rather than on the unprofitable chip design and foundry businesses. In doing so, it was reported that the company may opt to replace a number of president-level leaders, including memory business head Lee Jung-bae, foundry business head Choi Si-young and chip designing business head Park Yong-in. The move comes as a consequence of the companys disappointing earnings in the third quarter of this year, when the semiconductor division reported 3.86 trillion won ($2.8 billion) in operating profit, falling far short of market expectations. The underwhelming earnings fueled concerns that Samsung has lost its competitiveness in supplying high-bandwidth memory (HBM) chips to makers of artificial intelligence processors. Against this backdrop, Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman and CEO Han Jong-hee said during the companys 55th founding anniversary ceremony on Saturday, there can be no innovation or growth without change, and securing technology and quality for customers is the fundamental competitiveness which is the only way to lead a paradigm shift. The change Han referred to is expected to be the companys strategic shift toward greater flexibility in its principle of becoming an integrated device manufacturer (IDM) a company that takes charge of all processes in semiconductor production, from planning to the final product. During its earnings call on Thursday, chip division executive vice president Kim Jae-joon said meeting customer requirements is crucial in custom HBMs, so we plan to be more flexible in selecting foundry partners in and outside the company for manufacturing the base die. A base die is a thin piece of silicon that serves as the foundation upon which the chip's components are stacked. This means that Samsung has taken a step back from its previous IDM strategy, seeking to attract customers to its HBM offerings even at the cost of receiving fewer orders for its foundry business. In contrast, Samsung's chipmaking rival, SK hynix, has been collaborating with the world-leading foundry, TSMC, in packaging HBMs and plans to expand partnerships in producing base dies for next-generation HBM4 chips. The company also hinted at reducing investments in its struggling foundry business, which has been accumulating losses, to concentrate on its more promising memory business. During the earnings call, the company said it will maintain this years investments into its memory business at a level similar to that of last year, but noted that capital expenditures for its foundry business will decline by the end of this year considering market conditions and investment efficiency. Still, there seems to be a clear gap between Samsung's language and the market's language, Eugene Investment analyst Lee Seung-woo said. If Samsung can indeed make dramatic changes as outlined, it could gradually restore its former glory. Next time, it should be a result, rather than just a plan. Chey predicts inflection point for AI will come around 2027 By Nam Hyun-woo SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won called for an overall improvement in the operation of SK companies in the face of the rapid growth of the artificial intelligence (AI) industry. According to the conglomerate, Sunday, Chairman Chey, Executive Vice Chairman Chey Jae-won and more than 30 top executives of affiliates, held an annual seminar in Icheon, Gyeonggi Province from Oct. 31 to Saturday to review their respective performances this year. During his closing remarks on Saturday, Chairman Chey said the rapid expansion of the AI market, driven by the emergence of next-generation AI models, is likely to peak around 2027," and that SK Group "should capitalize on this growth opportunity by expediting its operation improvement efforts. To seize this opportunity within the AI industry, Chairman Chey emphasized that the group should leverage its own technologies and collaborate across group affiliates and outside partners to build the most cost-effective and high-quality AI data center which will scale up the groups AI businesses to a global level. To this end, the chairman outlined key focus areas, including boosting competitiveness in AI chip design and packaging, fostering demand for AI services based on customer needs and accelerating the development of energy solutions to meet the anticipated surge in power consumption. Cheys strategic focus is in line with the recent upheaval in the global semiconductor industry in the wake of the rapid expansion of AI services. Buoyed by its solid leadership in high-bandwidth memory (HBM) chips that Nvidia requires for its AI processors, chipmaker SK hynixs operating profit outpaced that of its rival Samsung Electronics in the third quarter of this year, and the company is expected to become the most profitable Korean chipmaker by the end of this year. SK hynix shared its success story with other affiliates during the seminar. SK hynix CEO Kwak Noh-jung said the improvement was not just a result of a semiconductor market recovery but a result of bold decisions, such as repurposing a NAND flash production line into an HBM line, maximizing profitability through data-driven decision-making and encouraging a one team spirit among employees. Alongside SK hynixs turnaround, SK Group reported that group-wide efforts to enhance cash flow and unload assets have led to a reduction in its net debt, declining to approximately 70 trillion won ($50.7 billion) in the third quarter from 84 trillion won last year. The group attributed this progress to its ongoing operational improvement initiatives and promised to build upon the current momentum by accelerating operational improvement programs. The chairman noted that operational improvements should extend beyond cost savings and efficiency gains to become a process that secures fundamental competitiveness. To this end, he emphasized that CEOs should focus on intangible yet vital management elements such as entrepreneurship or communications with stakeholders, even though these elements are difficult to quantify in financial statements. To this end, Chairman Chey stressed the importance of using AI in the workflow, encouraging young employees and leaders to propose AI-driven solutions. The chairman suggested that management should incorporate these ideas into company policies and systems. To avoid past mistakes, we have to closely monitor the environmental changes in the macroeconomics, establish forecasting systems tailored to the specific needs of each unit and make efforts to quantify and measure the progress of our operational improvements, Chairman Chey said. By Lee Min-hyung Younger employees at Asiana Airlines have left the carrier more than any other age group, largely due to concerns about job security stemming from the firm's long-delayed acquisition by Korean Air, data showed Sunday. The acquisition plan was announced in November 2020, but it has encountered multiple obstacles in obtaining official approvals from foreign authorities since then. Unlike other airlines, cash-strapped Asiana effectively suspended new hiring activities during this period. This has triggered the steady outflow of the firms workforce over the past few years. Asiana Airlines' environmental, social, and governance (ESG) report indicates that the total number of employees was 8,698 in 2021. However, this number has been steadily declining, reaching just 8,045 by 2023. The airline recruited new flight attendants in August for the first time in almost five years. The COVID-19 pandemic had previously compelled the company to adopt a belt-tightening approach, resulting in a freeze on new hires. By age group, the number of employees in their 20s and 30s dropped sharply from 2021 to 2023. In 2021, approximately 4,500 employees were under 40, but this number fell to under 3,600 by 2023. In contrast, the number of employees aged over 40 gradually increased during the same period. The high-stakes merger between Korean Air and Asian Airlines is in the final phase and is widely expected to be completed by the end of this year after possibly winning approval from the U.S. Department of Justice. However, Asiana employees are still expressing concerns over their job security regarding the merger. The airlines unionized pilots recently sent an official statement to the European Commission, urging the latter to disapprove the proposed merger, citing concerns over the potential restructuring of Asianas manpower. The union workers also called on the European authority to review other details in relation to the merger. They include Tway Airs ability to operate four European routes consistently From Incheon to Paris, Rome and Barcelona. Earlier, Korean Air transferred the four routes to the Seoul-based low-cost carrier to alleviate monopoly concerns following its merger with Asiana. However, Tway has since faced criticism for frequent delays for a number of reasons, such as aircraft issues. Asianas cargo business is also on the verge of being transferred to Air Incheon for a similar reason. Asianas union workers are strongly opposing the compulsory transfer to the airline. Even if legal procedures for the merger will come to an end soon, it will take much more time for Korean Airs management to settle such disputes with Asiana employees, an official from the aviation industry said. Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris on Saturday touted the South Korea-U.S. alliance as a "linchpin" of security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific and around the world, while underlining Seoul's "sizable" contributions to the upkeep of the 28,500-strong U.S. Forces Korea (USFK). Vice President Harris made the remarks in a special contribution to Yonhap News Agency, reiterating America's "ironclad" security commitment to South Korea, vowing to preserve its global leadership and accentuating the importance of the bilateral alliance forged in blood during the 1950-53 Korean War. Titled "Let's Go Forward, Together: Creating a Prosperous Future for Korean Americans," her exclusive contribution is the first of its kind to a South Korean media outlet in this year's election cycle. It came just days ahead of the U.S. presidential election. "In 2022, I stood at the DMZ and reaffirmed the United States' ironclad commitment to the defense of South Korea. I know our alliance has been a linchpin of security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific and around the world," she wrote, recalling her trip to the Demilitarized Zone separating the two Koreas. "Trump, by contrast, is demanding that South Korea pay $10 billion a year to host our troops despite its already sizable contributions disparaging our alliance and disregarding America's standing in the Indo-Pacific," she added as she is set to face off against her Republican rival in Tuesday's showdown. In an interview with Bloomberg News last month, former President Donald Trump said if he were in the Oval Office, Seoul would be paying $10 billion per year for the stationing of the USFK personnel. He called South Korea a "money machine." Early last month, Seoul and Washington struck a defense cost-sharing deal, called the Special Measures Agreement. Under the deal for the 2026-2030 period, Seoul is to pay 1.52 trillion won ($1.10 billion) in 2026, up from 1.4 trillion won in 2025. In the special contribution, the vice president highlighted the ultimate sacrifices of South Korean and American service personnel during the Korean War, which have underpinned the deepening bond and alliance between the two nations. "More than 36,000 Americans and over 137,000 Korean soldiers gave their lives during the Korean War, fighting side by side to defend freedom and liberty," she said. "During last year's state visit with President Yoon Suk Yeol, I promised to honor this bond as we commemorated the 70th anniversary of the U.S.-ROK alliance." ROK stands for South Korea's official name, the Republic of Korea. Harris took stock of headway in the increasingly multi-faceted relationship between South Korea and the U.S. in recent years. "Under my vice presidency, we have advanced our people-to-people ties and deepened our economic partnership by catalyzing huge South Korean private sector investments in America, which are creating good-paying jobs for Americans in industries like semiconductors and electric vehicles," she said. Touching on sacrifices that her late Indian-born immigrant mother, Shyamala Gopalan Harris, made for her family, the Democratic standard-bearer expressed her deep respect for the Korean American story of "courage" and "resilience." "Countless Korean immigrants have worked long hours many in their family-owned grocery stores, dry cleaners and restaurant to build a brighter future for their children," she said. "Today, over two million Koreans enrich every corner of America." She added that Biden and she were proud to host the first-ever White House celebration of Chuseok, the Korean equivalent of Thanksgiving Day, and commemorate Korean American Day events that she said recognized the community's "contributions to the American story" since the first Korean immigrants arrived in the U.S. in 1903. Reciting her core election slogan of a "New Way Forward," Harris drove home a message of hope and support for Korean Americans a key segment of Asian Americans seen as a rapidly growing voting bloc for the upcoming election. "This election is about two very different visions for our nation: one focused on the future, the other on the past," she said. "I represent a new, optimistic generation of leadership and will chart a New Way Forward one that protects the aspirations of the Korean American community and ensures you can not just get by, but get ahead." She underscored that Korean Americans represent "the very best of what is possible in this country." "I promise to carry on the legacy of our parents and their sacrifices, so that our children can achieve the promise of America," she said. Renewing her pledge to create an "opportunity economy" aimed at boosting the middle class and small businesses, Harris vowed to increase access to credit and capital for small businesses and make federal funding more accessible in a message for Korean American entrepreneurs. For those in the "sandwich generation" who are providing care to both children and parents, she pointed out that her "Medicare At Home" plan will cover the cost of home care for the elderly and include vision and hearing coverage for seniors. The vice president lambasted Trump, calling him an "unserious" man and warning that the consequences of him ever getting back into the White House are "brutally serious." Harris also argued that Trump's "failure of leadership" fueled a "wave of anti-Asian violence" during the COVID-19 pandemic. "I worked with President Biden to enact legislation to combat anti-Asian hate crimes," she said. "We welcomed BTS to the White House, where they spoke up for inclusion amid attacks on Asian Americans," she added, referring to the K-pop superband. She ended her contribution by saying, "Let us continue to 'Go Together.' Gam-sa-hap-ni-da (Thank you in Korean)." If elected, Harris will become the nation's first female and first Asian-American commander-in-chief. Previously, she served as a senator of California, the attorney general of the Golden State and district attorney of San Francisco. (Yonhap) Iran's supreme leader vowed retaliation on Saturday for attacks by Israel, as an Israeli military official confirmed naval commandos seized a suspected Hezbollah operative in a raid in Lebanon. The World Health Organization said four children were among six people wounded in a strike on a polio vaccination centre in north Gaza, where U.N. agencies have spoken of "apocalyptic" conditions in the face of a blistering Israeli assault. Days before the presidential election in the United States Israel's main military supplier Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Iran's response would cover attacks on both the Islamic republic and its allies. "The enemies, both the USA and the Zionist regime, should know that they will definitely receive a tooth-breaking response," Khamenei said, referring to Iran-aligned groups including those in Yemen and Syria. On Oct. 26, Israel bombed military sites in Iran, killing four servicemen, in response to an Oct. 1 barrage of about 200 missiles that Tehran called a reprisal. Israel has warned Iran against responding to the Oct. 26 attack. Analysts say Israel inflicted severe damage on Iranian air defences and missile capacities and could yet launch more wide-scale action against the Islamic republic. Commando raid Since late September Israel has been engaged in full-scale war against Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon while fighting continues against the Palestinian militant group Hamas, which triggered the Gaza war by attacking Israel on Oct. 7 last year. Ahead of the U.S. election on Tuesday, administration officials have been pushing for a resolution of the Lebanon war. Israeli naval commandos seized a trainee mariner a military official described as a "senior operative" of Hezbollah in a raid in Lebanon and brought him to Israel for questioning. Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati instructed the foreign ministry to submit a complaint to the U.N. Security Council over Friday's raid on the coastal town of Batroun, his office said. The Lebanese army and U.N. peacekeeping force UNIFIL are both conducting investigations into the raid, Mikati's office said, adding that he had called for "expedited" results. First reported by Lebanese sources before an Israeli military official confirmed the military's involvement, the raid was the first of its kind since the Israel-Hezbollah war erupted in September. "A senior operative of Hezbollah, who serves as an expert in his field, was apprehended," the Israeli military official said. "The operative has been transferred to Israeli territory and is currently being investigated." Lebanon's state-run National News agency said an "unidentified military force" carried out a "sea landing" on the shore of Batroun, south of Tripoli, at dawn on Friday. An acquaintance of the abductee identified him as a student at the state-run Maritime Sciences and Technology Institute (MARSATI) in Batroun, Lebanon's primary training college for the shipping industry. Vaccination center hit Since Oct. 6, Israeli forces have carried out a major air and ground assault in north Gaza, centred on the Jabalia area, vowing to stop Hamas from regrouping. Two rockets were fired into Israel from the area on Saturday, the military said, the first such attack in weeks. The World Health Organization (WHO) said four children were among six people wounded in a strike on a polio vaccination centre in north Gaza. WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said the agency had received "an extremely concerning report" that the Sheikh Radwan health centre "was struck today while parents were bringing their children to the life-saving polio vaccination" drive. Tedros did not specify who carried out the strike but a source in Gaza's civil defence agency told AFP that it was "an Israeli quadcopter that fired two missiles which hit the wall of Sheikh Radwan clinic." The Israeli military did not immediately comment. Israel's military said dozens of militants were killed around Jabalia "in aerial and ground activity." Medics and Gaza's civil defence agency reported three people killed in a strike on Nuseirat, in central Gaza. "We came out and there were planes and gunfire above us," said Ashraf Abdullah, describing the victims as "all torn to pieces." After nearly a year of tit-for-tat exchanges across Israel's northern border, Israel escalated its bombing campaign against Hezbollah targets in Lebanon on September 23 and later sent in ground troops. Hezbollah has since fired more deeply into Israel. A strike in the coastal plain north of Tel Aviv wounded 19 people, four of them moderately, police said on Saturday. Hezbollah said it had again launched rockets at Israel's Glilot intelligence base near Tel Aviv, and also claimed rocket fire against "military industries" in the Haifa area. AFP images from Tira, northeast of Tel Aviv, showed the upper wall blown out in what appeared to be a residential building. Several cars below were crushed. Since the war escalated, Israeli strikes have killed at least 1,930 people in Lebanon, according to an AFP tally of health ministry figures. Israel's military says 38 soldiers have been killed in Lebanon since it began ground operations on Sept. 30. Israeli strikes against Hezbollah's south Beirut stronghold on Saturday killed one person and wounded 15, the health ministry said. The war has displaced hundreds of thousands of people in Lebanon. "There's no heating. We don't have warm clothes," said Fatima, 17, who now camps out with her family at a school near Deir al-Ahmar, in Lebanon's eastern Baalbek area. Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack resulted in the deaths of 1,206 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally of Israeli official figures. Israel's retaliatory military campaign has killed 43,314 people in Gaza, most of them civilians, according to figures from the Hamas-run territory's health ministry which the U.N. considers reliable. The Israeli military said two soldiers were killed in Gaza on Saturday, bringing its losses to 370 since the start of the ground offensive on Oct. 27 last year. (AFP) Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged its allies to stop watching and take steps before North Korean troops deployed in Russia reach the battlefield, and the country's army chief warned that his troops are facing one of the most powerful offensives by Moscow since the all-out war started more than two years ago. Zelenskyy raised the prospect of a preemptive Ukrainian strike on camps where the North Korean troops are being trained and said Kyiv knows their location. But he said Ukraine cant do it without permission from allies to use Western-made long-range weapons to hit targets deep inside Russia. But instead America is watching, Britain is watching, Germany is watching. Everyone is just waiting for the North Korean military to start attacking Ukrainians as well, Zelenskyy said in a post late Friday on the Telegram messaging app. The Biden administration said Thursday that some 8,000 North Korean soldiers are now in Russias Kursk region near Ukraines border and are preparing to help the Kremlin fight against Ukrainian troops in the coming days . On Saturday, Ukraine's military intelligence said that more than 7,000 North Koreans equipped with Russian gear and weapons had been transported to areas near Ukraine. The agency, known by its acronym GUR, said that North Korean troops were being trained at five locations in Russia's Far East. It did not specify its source of information. Western leaders have described the North Korean troop deployment as a significant escalation that could also jolt relations in the Indo-Pacific region, and open the door to technology transfers from Moscow to Pyongyang that could advance the threat posed by North Koreas nuclear weapons and missile program. North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui met with her Russian counterpart in Moscow on Friday. Ukrainian leaders have repeatedly said they need permission to use Western weapons to strike arms depots, airfields and military bases far from the border to motivate Russia to seek peace. In response, U.S. defense officials have argued that the missiles are limited in number, and that Ukraine is already using its own long-range drones to hit targets farther into Russia. Moscow has also consistently signaled that it would view any such strikes as a major escalation. President Vladimir Putin warned on Sept. 12 that Russia would be at war with the U.S. and NATO states if they approve them. Zelenskyy's call came shortly before Ukraine's top commander, Gen. Oleksandr Syrskiy, said on Saturday that his troops are struggling to stem one of the most powerful offensives by Russia since its all-out invasion of its southern neighbor in February 2022. Writing on Telegram following a call with a top Czech military official, Syrskyi hinted that Ukrainian units are taking heavy losses in the fighting, which he said require constant renewal of resources. While Syrskyi did not specify where the heavy fighting took place, Russia has for months been conducting a ferocious campaign along the eastern front in Ukraine, gradually compelling Kyiv to surrender ground. But Moscow has struggled to push Ukrainian forces out of its Kursk border region following an incursion almost three months ago. Russian missiles hit Ukraines second-largest city of Kharkiv overnight into Saturday, killing a policeman and injuring dozens, local Gov. Oleh Syniehubov reported. According to Syniehubov and Ukraines national police force, one missile slammed into a spot where a large group of police were gathered, killing a 40-year-old serviceman and injuring 36 more. In Ukraines southern Kherson province, Russian shelling on Saturday killed a 40-year-old woman and wounded three others, including two children, local Gov. Oleksandr Prokudin reported. Another Kherson resident was wounded in a drone attack later that day, according to local Ukrainian authorities. Five more civilians, including two children, were injured after Russia struck Ukraines central Dnipropetrovsk region, Gov. Serhii Lysak said. In Kyiv, air raid sirens wailed for over five hours early Saturday morning as Russian drones rained on the capital, sparking a fire in an office block downtown and injuring two people, according to the citys military administration. Overall, Russian forces overnight attacked Ukraine with over 70 Iranian-made Shahed drones, the Ukrainian air force reported Saturday. It said most were shot down or sent off-course using GPS jamming. Falling debris damaged power networks and residential buildings in multiple provinces and injured an elderly woman near Kyiv, officials said. Ukraines Foreign Ministry hinted that Russias drone campaign was slowing down, saying Moscow launched just over half as many in October as the month before. Meanwhile, Russias defense ministry reported that its forces overnight shot down 24 Ukrainian drones over four Russian regions and occupied Crimea. There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage. In a separate development, four civilians were injured following a Ukrainian strike in Russias southern Kursk region, its Gov. Aleksei Smirnov said, without specifying what weapon was used. Moscow is still trying to dislodge Ukrainian forces from the province, months after they staged a bold assault that rattled the Kremlin and constituted the largest attack on Russia since World War II. (AP) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenksyy has called on foreign allies for more help with air defence after another week of what he said were more than 900 bombings. "Last night, Russia terrorized Ukraine with over 50 strike drones, and over the past week, it has used more than 900 bombs, around 30 missiles, and nearly 500 Shaheds against various regions of Ukraine," he said, adding that most targeted "civilian and critical infrastructure." "All of these attacks would have been impossible if we had sufficient support from the world in crucial areas: long-range capabilities for our security, truly effective sanctions to prevent Russia from importing critical components for drone and missile productionespecially microelectronicsand political decisions that could ruin Russias will to wage this war," Zelenskyy said. "Ukraine deserves the same strong security as all our partners in the free world," he posted on X, along with a video of extensive destruction in different parts of the country. (DPA) Hongkonger Helena Cho, 26, has difficulty reading and writing in Chinese, focusing on monotonous tasks and remembering things sometimes. Diagnosed with Chinese language dyslexia and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) at 13, Cho, who refused to disclose her real name, graduated from Polytechnic University with a degree in fashion technology two years ago and found a job as a quality technician with a clothes manufacturer. Explaining why she rarely spoke about her special needs while at work, she said: "Disclosing my condition isn't going to help, it only creates more problems. "Many people, especially the older ones, still discriminate against those with ADHD, assuming we throw tantrums easily and lie on the floor in public." She managed her special needs on her own, she said, using Google Translate to transcribe what was said at long meetings and convert Chinese words into English. She also made herself a Chinese-English glossary of terms for clothing parts, defects and solutions. For ADHD awareness month in October, advocates have highlighted workplace challenges faced by people with the condition, calling on employers to improve their awareness and foster more inclusive work environments. Cho recalled feeling uncomfortable in school when classmates envied the extra time special needs students received for exams and that they were not penalised for writing incorrect Chinese characters. "The adjustments are not a privilege, but people don't always understand," she said. ADHD affects 6 percent of all children and 2.5 percent of the adult population, according to official data. A Chinese University survey of more than 6,000 people aged six to 17 suggested that ADHD was the most prevalent mental disorder. Hong Kong's education system provides some support for children with special education needs, but what happens when they grow up and start working? Amanda Fok Choi-ling, founder of Let's Talk ADHD, a 5,000-strong patient group, said working people with the condition tend to hide it for fear of being stigmatized. "Some of our members disclosed their condition, especially after being given a poor appraisal, but employers mostly reacted with fear and avoided further interaction, afraid of being accused of discrimination if they said something wrong," she said. "Others thought they were using ADHD as an excuse for their poor performance." Fok acknowledged that employees with ADHD had struggles at the workplace that could end with a "poor work performance" appraisal. Some had difficulty focusing, poor organization skills or easily forgot their tasks and deadlines, while others were just too messy to work with. She said some felt bullied at the workplace because they could not grasp social cues and unspoken rules, and that often affected their self-esteem, mental health and career. Some employees lost their jobs after their employers found out they had ADHD, but Fok said these employees were protected by the Disability Discrimination Ordinance. To break the vicious cycle, she hoped employers could do more to understand and support this group of employees by providing them assurance and opportunities. While that called for making some adjustments to accommodate these employees, Fok said research had suggested that businesses with a neurodiverse workforce were more productive and successful. That was also beneficial for demonstrating their commitment to environmental, social and governance indicators that measured the sustainability of businesses, she added. At the same time, it was important for people with ADHD to seek medical help and undergo psycho- behavioral therapy to improve their ability to function better at work, she said, although the latter often lacked attention. WISE, a non-profit employment agency specializing in supporting people with disabilities, is partnering the patient group to help bridge the gap. Through a network of more than 100 companies ranging from finance to hospitality, it has placed 25 people with disabilities in jobs since starting in March, including four with ADHD. Country manager Loic Andre said employers often thought people with disabilities were less productive and were not aware of solutions to help overcome individuals' challenges. For example, it helped workers with ADHD to wear noise-cancellation headphones and be seated where there were fewer distractions. Because of their short memory, they also needed clear instructions and reminders, preferably written, and help with social cues. He said it did not cost much to make workplace adjustments and the Hong Kong government provided abundant but little-known subsidies on disability employment. For at least six months after a person with disabilities started work, the WISE team would check in regularly with the worker and the employer to ensure all is progressing smoothly. For example, he said, some job applicants with special needs were reluctant to voice their needs, while some employers were concerned about getting sued for discrimination if they misspoke when giving feedback. Some employees may even miss the first day of work because of a panic attack the night before. Andre advised employers to make sure everyone in the team was aware of the worker's special needs, what their job was, and how their success would be assessed. "If that's there, it's very hard to discriminate ... [or] have jealousy, misunderstandings, bias or misconceptions," he said. Employees also needed to learn to express their needs confidently, if adjustments were required from others, he added. Read the full story at SCMP. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. BEIJING, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- As Chinese people rub their hands for yet another annual "Double 11" online shopping spree, e-commerce platforms like Taobao are no longer the only places they dwell upon. Attracted by exclusive "Double 11" hotel packages -- usually heavily discounted multi-night stays at boutique hotels, resorts and guesthouses -- people are spending more time on the country's leading online travel agencies, such as Fliggy and Ctrip. Fliggy felt the heat firsthand when it kicked off sales of this year's "Double 11" tourism packages on the evening of Oct. 21. Its revenue exceeded 1 billion yuan (about 140 million U.S. dollars) in just 53 seconds -- a dramatic acceleration from 13 minutes last year -- and surpassed last year's first-day sales total in just 52 minutes. After a customer secures a holiday package, they can select any check-in date within that package's validity period, which is usually several months, and their payment will only go through once they confirm the dates of their stay. These packages meet Chinese consumers' growing demand for good-value products and services, and as the time they have to make decisions is often limited, flexibility and convenience are increasingly significant when it comes to travel accommodation, according to a report from commercial property information provider Meadin. For hotels, "Double 11" sales are another arena in the country's booming tourist market. During the seven-day National Day holiday last month, China recorded 765 million domestic tourist trips, a year-on-year increase of 5.9 percent on a comparable basis, according to data from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. The total spending of domestic tourists exceeded 700 billion yuan during the period, up 6.3 percent year on year and 7.9 percent from 2019, the data shows. Notably, tourist demand for customized trips and exclusive experiences has been booming, stimulating a surge in county tourism and the rise of boutique homestays, which saw the highest growth rate in terms of quantity among all holiday accommodation types in September, according to the Meadin report. A report released by bed and breakfast (B&B) booking platform Xiaozhu shows that during the National Day holiday, its B&B bookings increased by 37 percent compared to the same period last year. "The competition has been fierce in the tourism market this year, and businesses are facing great challenges," said Shuai Mengting, who is in charge of Fliggy's "Double 11" sales, which she believes present an important opportunity for hotels in the upcoming off-season. To take full advantage of the opportunity and secure more reservations for the off-season, hotels have been expanding their package sales channels by livestreaming and inviting influencers to promote their products. Following that trend, Fliggy is also expanding its sales channels. During this year's "Double 11" sales, the company's marketing input on popular social media platforms like WeChat, Xiaohongshu and Weibo doubled compared to last year, Shuai said. "In terms of value, the travel products for this year's 'Double 11' are arguably the best we've had in recent years," she said. HONG KONG, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- The first Saudi exchange-traded fund (ETF) that tracks Hong Kong stocks was listed on the Saudi stock exchange on Oct. 30 (Riyadh time), marking a new milestone in the financial and trade relations between Hong Kong and the Middle East. Paul Chan, the Financial Secretary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government, along with a business delegation visited Saudi Arabia's Riyadh at the end of October to witness the moment. At the listing ceremony, Chan said the ETF will create a win-win situation by attracting more investors to the Hong Kong market while fostering the development of the ETF market in Saudi Arabia. In recent years, the economic and trade relations between Hong Kong and the Middle East have been increasingly deepened due to the current-term HKSAR government's ongoing efforts to promote cooperation in economy, trade, finance, and other areas between the two places. Chan and the delegation comprising representatives from the financial services and innovation departed for Riyadh on Oct. 28. During the visit, they attended the eighth edition of the Future Investment Initiative (FII). Through a series of activities, including bilateral meetings, breakfast meetings, round-table discussions, and cross-sector investment presentations, the delegation promoted deeper exchanges and discussions between Hong Kong's financial and innovation sectors, and relevant institutions and representatives from the Middle East. While attending the FII, Chan witnessed the signing of cooperation agreements between a number of Hong Kong organizations and enterprises with their counterparts in Saudi Arabia, including the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund to jointly establish a new investment fund of up to 1 billion U.S. dollars. Over the past two years, the HKSAR government visited the Middle East multiple times. In 2022, Chan participated in the FII meeting in Saudi Arabia and successfully lobbied for the first FII Priority Asia Summit to be held in Hong Kong in 2023, during which the first Saudi ETF was listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. The Middle East is a key link in China's Belt and Road Initiative. In February 2023, HKSAR Chief Executive John Lee led a high-level delegation, including HKSAR government officials and representatives from various sectors, including finance, industrial and commercial, trade, and innovation and technology to visit the Middle East region. During the visit, the delegation promoted Hong Kong's unique advantages to the governments and business sectors in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. The visit was very fruitful, with Hong Kong and the enterprises and institutions of the two places signing a total of 13 high-quality MoUs or letters of intent, building a solid foundation for the long-term development of Hong Kong businesses in the Middle East region, while simultaneously attracting Middle Eastern businesses and capital to invest in Hong Kong. Lee described the visit as a journey of friendship and a journey to promote Hong Kong's strengths and explore business opportunities. It also facilitated the agreement between the governments of Hong Kong and Saudi Arabia to initiate formal negotiations for an investment promotion and protection agreement. Additionally, the governments of Hong Kong and the UAE have agreed to start discussions on signing a MoU to develop green and sustainable financial cooperation. On Dec. 7, 2023, Invest Hong Kong and the Ministry of Investment of Saudi Arabia signed a MoU to enhance cooperation on investment promotion between the two places. It strengthened economic relations in the promotion of direct investment by encouraging the exchange of visits and expertise, organizing events such as meetings and conferences, exchanging information related to business and investment climate, etc. Apart from signing the MoU, Hong Kong has also launched formal negotiations with Saudi Arabia on an Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (IPPA), and both sides intend to conclude the negotiations as soon as possible. The IPPA aims to protect, enhance and open investment, help strengthen investor confidence and increase bilateral investment flows to boost closer economic relations between Hong Kong and trade partners. In 2023, the UAE was Hong Kong's largest trading partner in the Middle East, according to Lee. In his latest policy address, Lee proposed proactively expanding markets and deepening overseas networks, including the Middle East. "We will continue to actively expand and deepen our overseas networks, including forging financial cooperation with the Middle East and the region of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, organizing more international financial mega-events, and exploring further collaboration with Islamic markets in the area of finance," Lee said when delivering his policy address on Oct. 16. The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (ETO) in Dubai came into operation in October 2021, which is the first ETO in the area. Its opening is conducive to strengthening the ties between Hong Kong and our regional trading partners. In September 2024, Lee said that the HKSAR government plans to set up an office in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia's capital. It will help the HKSAR government better serve the region, and Hong Kong businesses looking to explore the Middle East market. The progress of strengthening ties between Hong Kong and the Middle East region was achieved step-by-step, involving the efforts and dedication of various sectors. The Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX) announced on Oct. 30 that it plans to open an office in Riyadh in 2025 to strengthen HKEX's Middle East presence as it looks to promote greater connectivity between China and the Gulf region to facilitate new opportunities for its customers and issuers around the world. HKEX Chief Executive Officer Bonnie Chan said that opening a Middle East office in Riyadh will further consolidate the cooperation between HKEX and the Middle East. It will also underscore HKEX's strategic commitment to promoting greater capital market connections between China and the Middle East, while supporting the ambitions of HKEX's broad range of customers from the region and around the world. Concluding his visit to Riyadh in October, Chan said that various sectors in Saudi Arabia agreed that Hong Kong is a "super connector", capable of linking international capital and emerging markets. Chan said that Saudi Arabia's interest in Hong Kong, the Chinese mainland and the Asian markets, as well as in attracting capital, is much greater than the HKSAR government expected. Hong Kong and Saudi Arabia should strengthen exchanges in areas of innovation, technology, and talent. A LAOIS councillor has called on the government to reintroduce grants for neutering and microchipping family owned dogs and cats. Cllr Aisling Moran proposed the motion at the October meeting of Laois County Council. She said: By and large we are responsible pet owners. Pets are very important for our families and for senior citizens. We all have fond memories of our favourite pets growing up. She went on to commend the council for the progress they have made on providing a designated dog park in Portlaoise, which I am delighted to note will be operational before the end of the year. I know my colleague cllr Marie Tuohy and her husband and former councillor Noel have been pursuing this facility for some time. Cllr Moran said: We all love our cats and dogs. But they can also prove expensive. Thats why I am calling for the government to restore the grants to support the responsible neutering and micro-chipping of dogs and cats, as the cost of doing so can be prohibitive and a big deterrent with all the problems they can bring such as unwanted litters, stray and feral cats and so on. It would be a good initiative, yield real benefits in animal welfare and the overall public good and be appreciated by those who, in the present cost of living crises, simply cannot afford what can be a fairly costly trip to the vet. "I would also like to take this opportunity to commend Laois County Councils Dog Warden Service, animal welfare activists such as the LSPCA and CARA and our excellent local vets who are all helpful and proactive in this area. At this time of year too, they often advise people to really consider the responsibilities of having a pet and to consider re-homing a rescue dog, rather than splashing out on the expense of a new puppy and that too would be beneficial all round. "Neutering can be expensive and a lot of people can't afford it which can lead to unwanted puppies," said cllr marie Tuohy Agreeing cllr Marie Tuohy said: "Neutering can be expensive and a lot of people cant afford it which can lead to unwanted puppies. Microchipping is also needed to identify lost of stolen dogs. It would lead to responsible ownership. Cllr Vivienne Phelan, who is a qualified vet said: Neutering and microchipping is part of my work. We are animal lovers in Ireland. But in some respects, were somewhat lax in relation to responsible ownership. Youd be surprised how many people dont understand the benefit of neutering. Id also like to include an education campaign in cllr Morans proposal. She went on to acknowledge the work of all the voluntary animal rescue organisations in Laois. Theres a lot of people in them putting in massive hours, preventing problems and raising awareness, she said. Cllr John Joe Fennelly asked: Is there not a time of the year that used to provide this free service or is it totally gone? There used to be in the month of February where that service was free Cllr Phelan said: Its gone. But some of the rescue organisations have their own (subsided neutering services) with the funding coming down from centralised (Government) funding. Some also do their own fundraising and provide local initiatives. Cllr Moran said: Its quite expensive for people who may not be able to afford it, living on a pension or on social welfare. They just dont have that extra money. A friend of mine took her dog to be natured last week and it cost her 220. Its a lot of money for somebody who is only getting 230 a week. Councillors agreed to send a letter to both the Minister for Housing and the Minister for Agriculture seeking their approval to reintroduce the grant scheme. Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris will visit host a Get Out the Vote rally in Allentown on the day before the election, according to her campaign. Folks lined up by mid-morning on Monday for an opportunity to attend Vice President Harris speech at Muhlenberg College. It comes in the middle of a packed day in Pennsylvania with stops in Scranton, Pittsburgh and Philadelphia. One woman died and a man was seriously injured when they were struck by a car in Co Cork. The two pedestrians were in Main Street in Charleville when the incident happened shortly before 2pm on Saturday afternoon. They were taken to Cork University Hospital, where the woman, in her 70s, was later pronounced dead. The man, who is in his 60s, was understood to be in a stable condition in hospital on Sunday morning. The scene of the crash has been examined by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators and the local coroner has been notified. A post-mortem examination will be arranged. Gardai have appealed to anyone who may have witnessed the incident to come forward. They are also seeking mobile phone and dashcam footage from anyone who was in the vicinity of Main Street in Charleville at the time of the incident. SEOUL, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- South Korea, the United States and Japan held joint air drills involving the U.S. strategic bomber on Sunday, South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said. The trilateral drills took place over waters east of South Korea's southern island of Jeju, the JCS said in a statement, adding that this is the fourth time this year that the U.S. strategic bomber has flown to the Korean Peninsula. F-15K, KF-16 fighter jets from the South Korean air force, at least one B-1B bomber and F-16 fighter jets from the U.S. air force, and F-2 fighter jets from the Japanese Air Self-Defense Force were mobilized for the combined air exercises, said the JCS. During the drills, the U.S. bomber, escorted by fighter jets from the three countries, struck a simulated target, said the statement, noting that the drills marked the second air exercise between the three countries this year. The exercise was in response to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea's launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) on Oct. 31, said the JCS. The remarkable courage of an Irish soldier killed in Lebanon almost two years ago undoubtedly saved the lives of three of his comrades, the Secretary General of the United Nations has told his family. Antonio Guterres said Private Sean Rooney was a courageous and fearless soldier who, despite sustaining fatal wounds, attempted to drive his armoured jeep away from a crowd of attackers. The 24-year-old, from Newtowncunningham, Co Donegal, was killed when a convoy of Irish troops serving with a UN peacekeeping force was ambushed and fired upon in December 2022. The shooting happened near the town of Al-Aqbiya in the south of Lebanon, a stronghold of Hezbollah. Pte Rooney, from the 121 Infantry Battalion of the Defence Forces, was killed while Trooper Shane Kearney, 22, from Co Cork, was badly wounded. They had been serving in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (Unifil) when the attack happened. UN chief Mr Guterres hailed the actions of Pte Rooney in a bravery commendation sent to his mother Natasha McCloskey last year. The family has decided to make the letter public now as they continue to press the UN to make crucial reports linked to the soldiers death available to his inquest. A preliminary inquest hearing at Dublin District Coroners Court earlier this year was told that issues had arisen around restrictions on the disclosure of information from the UN. The court heard that the UN had carried out reports which had not yet been made available to the inquest. These include an investigation carried out on the ground as well as a subsequent UN board of inquiry report. The hearing was told there had also been a report 10 months prior to the incident that raised concerns about the integrity of the UN vehicles involved. The next scheduled hearing of the inquest is in January. In the letter to Mrs McCloskey, Mr Guterres wrote: On behalf of the United Nations, I wish to express my profound appreciation for the remarkable courage in the face of the extraordinary risks that Private Sean Cormac Rooney took on December 14 2022, in his capacity as Driver and Gunner of the 121 Irish Infantry Battalion in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). Private Rooneys courage and selflessness reflect the best tradition of the United Nations. Despite being fatally wounded, he tried very hard to extricate the vehicle he was driving from an extremely dangerous environment which undoubtedly saved the lives of three other occupants of the vehicle. His brave action serves as an example to all his comrades in the 121 Irish Infantry Battalion and in the Unifil. I wish to use this opportunity to again express my deep condolences to you, as well as to family members and friends of Private Rooney. He gave his life to fulfil the ideals of the United Nations. Benefiting from the service of such a courageous and fearless soldier is an honour for any organisation and country. His supreme sacrifice will not be forgotten, and he will always be in our hearts. I hereby commend and thank Private Rooney for his exemplary courage. In regard to the investigation into the shooting, Taoiseach Simon Harris and Tanaiste Micheal Martin have both raised concern about slow progress in Lebanese court proceedings into the matter. One of the suspects who was arrested over the killing was released on bail last year due to a medical condition while Mr Harris has expressed frustration that other suspects remain at large. One of the worlds leading conservationists has hailed an Irish coffee company for its role in a global breakthrough in sustainable production. Renowned environmentalist Dr Jane Goodall, known in particular for her work with chimpanzees, praised Bewleys support for the new initiative in Honduras in Central America aimed at restoring damaged forest habitats. Coffee production is a key factor in the destruction of tropical forests, as areas are cut down and cleared to make way for coffee plants. The integrated open canopy (IOC) system in Honduras ensures 50% of a coffee farm consists of conserved or restored forest habitat. Dublin-based company Bewleys is also supporting a linked project that uses solar energy and biofuel to dry coffee, rather than clearing forest for firewood to power industrial dryers. The Cafe Solar project is scaling up carbon-neutral coffee processing. I applaud Bewleys for being the leading company supporting sustainable coffee grown using the groundbreaking IOC method, said Dr Goodall, founder of the Jane Goodall Institute. This programme, which pioneers IOC and industrial-scale renewable energy in coffee processing, is aiming to set an unprecedented standard for sustainability in coffee worldwide. Both Dr Goodall and Bewleys have also endorsed the Mesoamerican Development Institute (MDI) model for sustainable coffee production. It produces Subirana coffee, which is the product of patented technology designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and restore forest habitat and biodiversity. Bewleys, which introduced the first Fairtrade certified coffee to Ireland in 1996, said it had also recently become the first Irish coffee company of scale to achieve B Corp certification, which measures a businesss positive impact on society and the environment. Bewleys Subirana coffee points the way to the future for the industry, said Cathal Murphy, the companys head of innovation and sustainability. This is the first coffee recognised by researchers to go beyond shade canopy to restoring and conserving actual forest habitat on farms. It also eliminates greenhouse gas emissions in drying and milling. It is regenerative and creates an ecological balance inside and outside the farm. The approach has not only increased coffee yields and provided economic opportunities for farmers, but has also played a pivotal role in biodiversity conservation and landscape restoration. There is only one type of sustainability in a supply chain industry it must be profitable for the farmers, nurture the community and be good for the environment. Mr Murphy also highlighted the companys partnership with Cafe Femenino an initiative that has sought to provide female coffee farmers with more income and protection in previously male-dominated and impoverished communities. Congruence Therapeutics Announces Blitz Talk Award and Poster Presentations on MC4R-Deficient Genetic Obesity Program at Obesity Week 2024 - Congruence has been awarded the Neuroscience Section Blitz Talk Award for transformative research in MC4R-related early-onset genetic obesity - - Congruence's insights into the biology and pharmacology of MC4R deficiency and its proprietary drug discovery engine, Revenirtm, identified MC4R corrector small molecules with the potential to treat the underlying cause of early-onset genetic obesity - MONTREAL, Nov. 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Congruence Therapeutics, a computationally-driven biotechnology company building a unique pipeline of transformative small molecule correctors rationally designed to rescue aberrant protein function, today announced two poster presentations at Obesity Week 2024. In recognition of its innovative research, Congruence has been awarded the Neuroscience Section Blitz Talk Award and will present during the Blitz Talks session of the meeting. Obesity Week will take place on November 3-6, 2024, in San Antonio, TX. "We are excited to present data demonstrating the development and validation of robust in vitro biological assays and the first animal model of MC4R-deficient obesity which are being used to discover transformative first-in-class small molecule MC4R correctors for patients suffering from MC4R-related early-onset genetic obesity," said Sharath Hegde, Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer of Congruence. "Mutations of the melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R) gene, leading to protein misfolding and impaired trafficking, are the leading cause of severe early-onset genetic obesity. At Congruence Therapeutics, we are using Revenirtm, our in silico drug discovery engine to discover small molecule MC4R correctors which stabilize mutant MC4R and rescue their trafficking and functional deficits." Poster presentations: Title: "Discovery of Small Molecule Correctors for Treatment of Early-onset MC4R-deficient Genetic Obesity" Poster Number: 065 Session Date and Time: 11/3/2024, 7.30pm ? 8.30pm Presenting Author: Tunde Golenar PhD, Principal Scientist, Biology, Congruence Therapeutics Title: "Development of a Novel Melanocortin Receptor Mutant Mc4r+/R165Q and Mc4rR165Q/R165Q Mouse Model for Genetic Obesity" Poster Number: 623 Session Date and Time: 11/5/2024, 2.30pm ? 3.30pm Presenting Author: Alex Caron, Executive Director, Pharmacology, Congruence Therapeutics Neuroscience Section Blitz Talk Awarded Winner Presentation: Title: "Discovery of Small Molecule Correctors for Treatment of Early-onset MC4R-deficient Genetic Obesity" Session Date and Time: 11/05/24, 5:30-6:30 pm Presenter: Tunde Golenar, PhD, Principal Scientist, Biology, Congruence Therapeutics Location: Room 205 About Congruence Therapeutics Congruence is a computationally-driven biotechnology company building a unique pipeline of transformative small molecule correctors rationally designed to rescue aberrant protein function. Our proprietary scalable platform, Revenirtm, captures the biophysical features of proteins across their conformational ensembles, in order to identify novel allosteric and cryptic pockets which are virtually screened to generate novel chemical matter. For more information, please visit www.congruencetx.com . Company Contact Charles Grubsztajn Chief Operating Officer [email protected] Media Contact Amy Conrad Juniper Point [email protected] 858-366-3243 SOURCE Congruence Therapeutics 3 november 2024 at 12:05 News published onand distributed by: LIMERICK Community Education Network (LCEN) has marked 30 years of the network with the launch of an impact review of its commitment to the support and provision of education in communities across the city. LCEN is a city-wide network of community and voluntary groups and statutory agencies involved in the organisation and delivery of community education in Limerick. The role of the network is to provide a representative voice that promotes and influences developments in community education. It represents over 16 organisations and in excess of 2,500 learners across the city. The impact review launched at the event uncovered key insights into the network's role. It highlighted its robust network structure as a key strength, as well as a commitment to inclusive and accessible education, and advocacy for educational quality that centres on learner needs. Capacity building is also noted in the review as a strategic focus for LCEN, pivotal in supporting member organisations and enhancing the quality of education delivery. READ MORE: Limerick communities sparkle at Supervalu Tidy Towns awards Chairperson of LCEN, Gillian Baker of ADAPT Domestic Abuse Services, said they are particularly delighted to be celebrating 30 years with their network partners as we work collectively in supporting and promoting community education in Limerick city. The impact review evaluation report being launched highlights the impact of the work of the LCEN, while also identifying some opportunities for further growth and development, said Ms Baker. A LIMERICK GP has warned its a matter of if rather than when 13 and 14-year-olds are exposed to drugs. And a city garda believes children may be offered illegal substances on their first day in first year of secondary school. Dr David Hannon and Garda Richard Collins were speaking after one of the first anti-drugs talks given to national school students in Limerick. Limerick-Shannon Rotary Club has always given talks on the dangers of drugs to secondary school students locally. READ MORE: Over 26k raised for Milford Care Centre in memory of late Limerick resident But their president Noreen Stokes-OMara wanted to bring these talks to pupils before they leave primary school. She joined Dr Hannon and gardai at Monaleen National School to address students and parents. A similar event took place at Coolcappa National School. Ms Stokes-OMara said its important children have knowledge and understanding before they go to secondary school. We want to get children to understand what addiction is, and how it can ruin their lives. Its about them knowing they shouldnt share other peoples vapes. They shouldnt vape at all really. Yoiu shouldnt drink from another persons bottle as you dont know what is in it, explained the club president. Garda Collins, who is attached to Henry Street station said: We are trying to instill a bit more awareness and enable children to make the right choices around drugs. They may be offered drugs on their first day in first year. Its all ahead of them, and its a big risk. It takes over and can ruin peoples lives. Dr Hannon says in his professional life, he helps youngsters who have suffered the consequences of taking drugs. Im talking about teenagers as young as 14, 15 and 16, he added. Research has shown that, the earlier we talk to children about this, the outcome is the less likely they are to start taking drugs, said the GP. Dr Hannon and Ms Stokes OMara, both long-time Rotarians, want to bring the talks to other national schools across Limerick in order to prepare children for when they enter second level. Previously, the Rotary Club would have addressed students at fourth year in secondary school. Its a big problem. Once they change over to secondary school, become 13 or 14, its not a matter of if they are exposed to drugs, its when they are exposed to drugs. Its an unfortunate part of modern life, Dr Hannon said. One of lifes biggest choices comes at around this age, he added, saying: Starting off, not starting drugs is probably the biggest decision they will make. Monaleen NS principal Ian Madigan said its important the taboo around drugs is removed. We want children forewarned with the information so they can go to secondary school next year and have the right language and the confidence to say no if they need to at the right time, he said. The message to parents, Ms Stokes-O'Mara added, is to ensure they have a good relationship with their children so they feel comfortable reaching out if they run into trouble. "So they will come to you if they take drugs or drink alcohol. Build the trust and have them know they can always ring home. When I was a young girl, I knew no matter what I did, I could always ring home, and I think it's important we get that across," she said. For more information on the Rotary programme and their club meetings each Monday, please email noreenstokes@gmail.com (Bloomberg) -- The 16th United Nations Biodiversity Conference ended abruptly Saturday as countries disagreed in overtime talks about the creation of a new global nature fund. After negotiations in Cali, Colombia, stretched through Friday night and into Saturday morning and delegates began to depart to travel home, Susana Muhamad, the host countrys environment minister and the president of COP16, ultimately suspended the summit for lack of a quorum. The main focus of COP16 was to advance a landmark biodiversity pact adopted in Montreal two years ago. Through the so-called Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, almost 200 countries agreed to reverse a steep decline in nature by the end of the decade and come up with hundreds of billions of dollars for that purpose. The outcome of COP16 represents a mixed bag, said Ginette Hemley, senior vice president for wildlife at World Wildlife Fund US. There was real progress on issues including benefit-sharing related to genetic information and health and biodiversity, she said. But the lack of progress on finance will hold back efforts to halt and reverse nature loss by 2030. Notwithstanding the last-minute drama, COP16 achieved some of its goals. Countries will move forward with a new Cali Fund to protect nature, to be paid into by companies that sell products, such as pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, based on genetic data from the natural world. But in other ways, what was dubbed at the outset a COP of implementation fell short of ambitions. The majority of parties failed to submit their plans to meet the 2022 pact, and rich nations pledged just a trickle of new funds. The conference hasnt been closed, said David Ainsworth of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity. When and where it will resume is still to be determined. Anything already adopted at COP16 still stands and is operative, Ainsworth said. That includes the new agreement on sharing financial proceeds derived from digitized genetic resources. Its aimed at capturing a small portion of proceeds when, for example, companies use plants genetic information to create new drugs. Under its terms, companies over a certain size in sectors like pharmaceuticals, biotechnology and cosmetics are to contribute 1% of their profits or 0.1% of revenue to the Cali Fund. The fund will be overseen by the 196 countries that signed up to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity. The mechanism isnt mandatory. Proceeds will be allocated to countries for nature protection, with at least half where appropriate going to Indigenous peoples and local communities. For Pierre du Plessis, former negotiator for the African group of countries that negotiate as a bloc, it amounts to a small step forward. Du Plessis said this agreement sets the mechanism in motion and outlines a process to improve it, but is unlikely to mobilize funding at the scale or pace required. The complex technicalities, political differences and lobbying by interest groups pushed negotiations on the issue to the wire. This is the most complex issue Ive ever had to negotiate, said Gustavo Pachecho, Brazils lead negotiator on the topic, likening it to quantum physics. Delegates failed to agree, however, on a revised strategy to raise and distribute more funds to countries to protect nature. That raises doubts ahead of the global climate summit COP29, set to begin Nov. 11 in Baku, Azerbaijan, where the key question will be how to raise money to help poorer nations cut emissions and deal with climate-change impacts. Climate change and biodiversity loss are twin crises, said Lina Barrera, senior vice president for policy at Conservation International. While COP16 saw some progress on mutually beneficial steps, it lacked sufficient ambition, she said. We cant let this carry from Cali through to Baku. Crystal Davis, global director of food, land and water at the World Resources Institute, said, We urge countries to deliver strong finance outcomes at the upcoming G20 and COP29 meetings, where they should continue bridging nature and climate action for people and planet alike. In Cali, setting up a new nature fund was a key demand of developing countries. They see the current fund, the Global Environment Facilitys Global Biodiversity Framework Fund (GBFF), as dominated by rich countries that control the purse strings. The fund reappeared on the table Friday morning. When delegates got around to discussing it on Saturday, developed countries resisted. An EU negotiator said the bloc couldnt accept a new official development assistance fund further fragmenting the biodiversity finance landscape. A new fund doesnt mean new funding. The negotiations were deadlocked before Colombia suspended proceedings. Developed countries refused the resource mobilization decision in a bloc, as a sole voice, Pacheco said. Shame on them. Some 150 countries missed a deadline to submit their plans for meeting the goals of the 2022 pact. There was little progress on a target to redirect $500 billion per year to nature-friendly activities from harmful subsidies, which are estimated to now top $2.6 trillion annually. And developed countries pledged a paltry $163 million in extra funds to GBFF, adding to its existing $245 million pot, but still just a tiny fraction of the multi-billion-dollar financing gap that rich nations agreed to plug by next year. In the final hours of talks, Bernadette Fischler Hooper, head of global advocacy at WWF International, said the 2022 pact was in grave peril due to ongoing spats over the money. Around 4:30 a.m. on Saturday, the Philippines made an emotive intervention about its loss of species to typhoons and coral bleaching. Half an hour later, Muhamad asked: Australia, are you awake? Still, clear progress was made on other agenda items. These include a global action plan on biodiversity and health; a decision to help governments choose where to best deploy marine protection measures; and a permanent place for Indigenous peoples and local communities in the Convention on Biological Diversity. Leila Salazar-Lopez, executive director of the nonprofit Amazon Watch, called the creation of a permanent body to include Indigenous peoples in decision-making a historic victory. COP16 saw record turnout, with over 20,000 delegates registered to attend the formal summit in the so-called blue zone and double the number of businesses and financial institutions that went to COP15. Brazil sent about 270 official delegates and Colombia sent roughly 460. In the informal green zone more like a festival held in downtown Cali the government estimates that more than 800,000 people took part, testament to Colombias quest to make this a peoples COP. --With assistance from Andrea Jaramillo. More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com JERUSALEM, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- Israel's first wireless electric road, allowing electric vehicles to charge up as they drive along, will be built in the northern coastal city of Haifa, the country's Transport Ministry said in a statement on Sunday. The wireless charging technology, developed by the Israeli hi-tech company Electreon Wireless, is based on special copper coils placed just below the road's surface, allowing vehicles to be charged while in motion. The roads will be constructed by Electreon in cooperation with the state-owned transportation projects company Trans Israel along the "Metronit" network, which includes five fast articulated bus lines covering Haifa and nearby cities, with a total route length of 104 km. The buses will pass above 16 charging sections to be installed along the network, each 100 meters long. Electreon will be responsible for the deployment and maintenance of the project for 12 months, with a budget of 15.8 million shekels (about 4.23 million U.S. dollars), with an option for two more years while expanding the project. The ministry noted that wireless charging buses are expected to save costs, improve service, and reduce air pollution, and the technology would allow smaller bus batteries, saving more costs and reducing loads on the electricity grid. Electreon has signed agreements with China, the United States, Germany, France, Sweden, and Italy to pilot wireless charging roads. Bengaluru: Its impossible to miss the 60-storeyed skyscraper in south Mumbais posh Tardeo locality. Named The Imperial, the iconic blue and white twin towers with conical tops were designed by noted architect Hafeez Contractor. Built by SD Corp, a joint venture between the infrastructure-to-energy conglomerate Shapoorji Pallonji Group and the Dilip Thacker Group, the residential building was one of the earliest slum redevelopment projects in Indias financial capital. When it was completed in 2010, it was Indias tallest building, and altered the skyline of the city. While The Imperial is one of its best-known real estate projects, the 160-year-old Shapoorji Pallonji Group is better known for its construction chops. As a contractor, it has built a number of well-known edifices, including the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) headquarters and Oberoi Towers in Mumbai, as well as a number of structures overseas. It has executed projects for multiple developers, including DLF and Godrej Properties, and also built hospitals, hotels, educational campuses, industrial parks, as well as Ikeas Bengaluru store. The group is now looking to broaden its own presence in the real estate business, especially the residential market, in which it is a mid-level contender and a good distance away from leaders DLF Ltd, Prestige Group, Macrotech Developers Ltd and Godrej Properties Ltd. The four publicly listed developers clocked around 73,000 crore of sales bookings in 2023-24. This year, they are collectively targeting 88,000 crore of sales. Shapoorji Pallonji Real Estate Pvt. Ltd (SPRE), in contrast, expects to close 2024-25 with bookings of 5,000 crore. But it is looking to more than triple that number over the next four years, and to that end has embarked on a consolidation exercise. Cyrus Mistrys brainchild Sometime in 2021, the late Cyrus Mistry, former chairman of Tata Sons Ltd and younger brother of Shapoor Mistry, chairman of Shapoorji Pallonji And Company Pvt. Ltd (SPCPL), suggested that the property business be unbundled and spun off into a separate holding company. Over the years, Shapoorji Pallonji Group has been developing residential projects under the Shapoorji Pallonji Real Estate brand; mid-income housing projects under its Joyville platform; and office parks under the SP Infocity label. As Mistry envisaged it, the holding company would consolidate all the real estate assets of the group under one umbrella, which would help in scaling up the business, and eventually taking it public. Tragically, Mistry died in a road accident a year later, in September 2022, three months after his father, 93-year-old Pallonji Mistry, had passed away. Today, Shapoor Mistry and his son, Pallon, and Cyrus Mistrys sons, Firoz and Zahan, own the group equally. View Full Image A file photo of Cyrus Mistry, the former Tata Sons chairman. (HT) In keeping with Mistrys restructuring suggestion, in a year-long exercise that culminated on 30 July, a new holding company, SPRE, was formed. The new holding entity now houses 45 land parcels and projects, which were all part of SPCPL, the groups flagship company. With the land in the bag, the company is ready to leapfrog, Venkatesh Gopalakrishnan, managing director and chief executive of the company, told Mint, noting that SPRE already has around 22 million sq. ft of ongoing projects. Real estate is not a new business for us. However, with this massive unbundling exercise, the land we have acquired, and the 1,000-member team we have assembled, we are looking at multifold growth from here on," Gopalakrishnan added. The promoters are very keen to make real estate one of the biggest businesses in Shapoorji Pallonji Group." With the roadmap laid out, the real test for SPRE would be in project execution and sales in a fiercely competitive market. Development pipeline The creation of SPRE as a separate real estate entity was preceded by active land acquisitions over the last seven-eight years to create a large development pipeline. With nearly 2,000 acres in the five major property marketsMumbai, Pune, Bengaluru, Gurugram and Kolkataand large parcels in Mysuru and Nagpur, the land and ongoing projects are valued at about 50,000 crore. The land bank will help create a massive portfolio with a total development potential of around 140 million sq. ft. When fully developed, it has a total revenue potential of up to 2 trillion, as per the companys estimates. The 140 million sq. ft development pipeline is expected to span over 9-10 years. Of course, the market needs to support us, but we are confident," said Gopalakrishnan, who joined the company in 2010 and took over as CEO of the real estate business in 2017. About 80% of the 2,000 acres will be developed as greenfield projects, while the remaining 20% will be complex brownfield projects, including slum and society redevelopment. The most valued project in the pipeline, for instance, is a 32-acre slum project in south Mumbais Cuffe Parade, one of the more expensive property micro-markets in the country. SPRE has a 30-member land acquisition team and a 35-member team focused solely on getting project approvals. 90% of our land is owned by us, and we have spent considerable time cleaning up land parcels and getting the required approvals so we can get them launch-ready," said Gopalakrishnan. As the land parcels get developed, sales are expected to rise manifold. SPRE expects bookings of around 18,000 crore by 2027-28. A bigger share Shapoorji Pallonji couldnt have picked a better time to consolidate its real estate business. The residential market, in particular, has been on steroids, with top-listed developers aiming to create new sales milestones this year. Property analysts are calling it a multi-year upcycle, one that still has a lot of momentum left. View Full Image Indias real estate market has seen a consolidation of demand and new supply towards credible players. Anuj Puri, chairman of property advisory Anarock Group, believes SPRE is on the right track. This is a good time for them to grow. They have the ability to build large developments, given their contracting arm. They also have a good reputation and large land banks," he said. Indeed, there has been a consolidation of demand and new supply towards credible players. As Puri put it, there is a trust and comfort factor at play when homebuyers invest in projects backed by large corporate houses. Indias large corporations have a long history with real estate. The Tatas (Tata Housing), Aditya Birla Group (Birla Estates), Larsen & Toubro Group (L&T Realty), and Mahindra Group (Mahindra Lifespace Developers Ltd) are a case in point. The biggest developer is Godrej Properties, part of Godrej Industries, which has shed its conservative approach to top the sales charts in 2023-24. The turnaround in the real estate sector and consolidation in the market has seen many of these conglomerates stepping up their real estate game. Adani groups realty play, for instance, is 14 years old, but it is only in the last four years that it has scaled up, with around 130 million sq. ft earmarked for future development. Except for L&T, we are the only one with a strong construction arm. Secondly, real estate is core to our group. Gopalakrishnan The 99-year-old Raymond Group, a name long associated with fabric for mens suits, is another conglomerate that has taken to real estate in a big way. A late entrant in the real estate space, Raymond launched its first project in Thane, near Mumbai, only in 2019. In July, the Mumbai-based group said that it would de-merge its property business into a separate entity called Raymond Realty, to unleash its growth potential. Post-approval, Raymond Realty will operate as a listed entity within the Group. Gopalakrishnan said the Shapoorji Pallonji Group has a similar ethos and culture as many of the other conglomerates. But there are differences. Except for L&T, we are the only one with a strong construction arm. Secondly, unlike many others, real estate is core to our group and holds a lot of importance, and will be a main business going forward," he said. Mid-income focus SPREs portfolio is diverse, from affordable and mid-income homes to luxury projects. For instance, it has residential apartments starting from 15 lakh at Shukhobrishti in Kolkata. In a mid-income project at Manjri, Pune, a 2BHK (bedroom, hall, and kitchen) costs 60-65 lakh, while a duplex is priced at 1.2 crore and upwards. As for premium and luxury projects, homes in the third tower of The Imperial in Tardeo will be priced at 15-20 crore each. View Full Image A file photo of the Shukhobrishti project in Kolkata. In late 2015, the Shapoorji Pallonji Group launched Joyville, a $200-million platform to build mid-income homes, in partnership with Standard Chartered Private Equity (now Actis), Asian Development Bank (ADB) and International Finance Corp. (IFC). So far, seven projects, comprising 10,500 homes, have been launched under Joyville across Mumbai, Pune, Gurugram, and Howrah in West Bengal. The focus has been on acquiring fairly large land parcels, but while the platform has grown, it has not been aggressive in expansion. When one is starting up, you need to get the business model right and know how to execute and sell. We have crossed that stage. Now is the time for growth," said Joyville managing director Sriram Mahadevan. We are looking at adding an average of 3-5 projects annually for the next 2-3 years." Currently, 48.5% of Joyville is held by SPRE and the remaining 51.5% is held by the three investors, Actis, IFC and ADB. Gopalakrishnan said the company has returned the capital investment of the investors through the projects cash flows and will fully own the platform after clearing residual dues. Today, Joyville constitutes about 20-25% of the sales volume in SPRE. That could grow as SPRE grows," he added. The demand for mid-income homes has remained steady in recent years while the share of affordable housing has shrunk. Homes priced between 50 lakh and 1.5 crore contribute about 45% of overall housing sales," said Pankaj Kapoor, founder and managing director at Liases Foras, a realty research firm. The maximum supply of homes is in the mid-income segment due to the high demand." IPO plans The 5,430 crore initial public offering (IPO) of Shapoorji Pallonji Groups construction and engineering firm, Afcons Infrastructure, will debut on stock exchanges on 4 November. SPRE, meanwhile, plans to list in 15-30 months, raising $800-900 million by offloading 10-12% of its stake initially. Later, further dilutions will take the public float to 25%, resulting in a total fundraising of around $2 billion. Before the IPO, Gopalakrishnan, who is also a director at the group promoters office, said the company may onboard a marquee investor in the holding company. Secondly, in the run-up to a public listing, over the next 12 months, SPRE may monetize or sell a few smaller, non-core land parcels to pare debt, though its focus is to develop most of the land it owns. The real estate firm currently has about 6,500 crore of debt, primarily construction finance and asset-backed loans. For a long time, companies held by the promoters were largely privately held. We are more confident now of taking group companies public. Each business, whether Afcons or SPRE, has reached a particular size that merits unlocking of value and thinking long-term," said Gopalakrishnan. Aside from real estate, as part of a larger group-wide restructuring effort, the other key focus areas will be the construction and engineering business, and energy. The broader strategy aims to unlock value in various business verticals, create separate capital structures and leadership teams, and enable operational efficiency. At the group level, the conglomerate has faced its share of challenges in the past. Diversifying into multiple businesses and taking on risks led to a debt pile-up. As a result, it sold a few of its businesses, including Eureka Forbes, Sterling and Wilson Renewable Energy Ltd, and paid back 12,500 crore in 2023 to creditors as part of a one-time resolution without a haircut. As a result, Shapoorji Pallonji Group has also halved its debt to 20,000 crore. The liquidity challenge faced by the group impacted its different businesses, including real estate, leading to some project delays. But, the worst is behind them. The real estate business is a cash cow for the group, so they are focused on growing it," said a senior banker, who did not want to be named. At the group level, the conglomerate has faced its share of challenges in the past. Diversifying into multiple businesses and taking on risks led to a debt pile-up. As far as real estate IPOs are concerned, the housing boom in the aftermath of the pandemic has led to a number of developers taking the leap. Macrotech Developers, Shriram Properties, Keystone Realtors, Suraj Estate Developers and Signature Global are among the firms that went for a public listing in recent years. Competition is heating up in the arena, and in the coming years, corporate developers such as Raymond Realty, Adani Realty and SPRE are all aiming to become one of the top five developers. However, in terms of size, they will not be able to match the mainstream developers anytime soon. The market capitalization of DLF Ltd and Macrotech Developers Ltd, for instance, is at 2.05 trillion and 1.10 trillion, respectively. In terms of market cap, they are larger than many companies put together and will only grow further," said Puri. As a developer, Shapoorji Pallonji has always been a bit of a silent player. However, with rising competition and aggressive expansion by other developers, it may need to change that approach as it seeks to realize the full potential of its real estate vertical. The good news, say property consultants, is that with the market touching new peaks, there is room for everyone to grow. Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday released BJP manifesto for Jharkhand assembly elections ensuring that UCC (Uniform Civil Code) will be introduced in the state if BJP is elected to power. Shah said, UCC (Uniform Civil Code) will be introduced in Jharkhand but the Tribal community will be kept out of the ambit of UCC. On infiltration issue, he said Infiltration has not stopped in Bengal because the local administration is encouraging infiltration. Infiltration has not stopped in Jharkhand because the local administration is encouraging infiltration. There is BSF everywhere, there is BSF in Assam too...Form a BJP government here. From our Patwari to the Chief Minister, everyone will not only stop them but will also deport them Accordingly he promised that BJP will bring in law to take back land from infiltrators in Jharkhand. "This election in Jharkhand is not just an election to change the government, but an election to ensure the future of Jharkhand. The people of Jharkhand have to decide whether they want a government full of corruption or a BJP government moving forward on the path of development under the leadership of PM Modi. Do they want a government that endangers the identity, land and women of Jharkhand by allowing infiltration or do they want a Bharatiya Janata Party government that protects the borders," Amit Shah said, after releasing the BJP's Sankalp Patra event in Ranchi. Shah further said that the backward classes, the poor, the tribals, the Dalits are looking towards the BJP's 'Sankalp Patra' with great hope. "We are releasing the 'Sankalp Patra' today, the Bharatiya Janata Party stands out from all other parties. Because the Bharatiya Janata Party is the only party in the country's politics that does what it says. Whenever the Bharatiya Janata Party has come to power, we have fulfilled all the resolutions. This is our track record and that is why the people of Jharkhand, especially the backward classes, the poor, the tribals, the Dalits are looking towards our 'Sankalp Patra' with great hope," he added. The Union Home Minister asserted that during the Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren's government, the tribals of the state are not safe. "The number of tribals in Santhal Pargana is continuously decreasing. Infiltrators are coming here and luring our daughters and marrying them and occupying the land. If this is not stopped, then neither the culture of Jharkhand, nor the employment, land, or daughters here will be safe. That is why the BJP is moving ahead with the slogan of securing "Roti, Beti, Maati," Shah said. The Home Minister also attacked the JMM led alliance alleging that they had allowed infiltrators into tribal lands. Presidential elections remain underway in the US with Kamala Harris and Donald Trump making last-ditch efforts to woo voters. The US Vice President is slated to campaign in Michigan while Donald Trump will visit three battle-ground states on the final day of campaigning. The results on Election Day are likely to come down to seven states: Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. Together, these states are likely to deliver the Electoral College votes needed for the winning candidate to get a majority of 270. Who are the candidates running for President? Republican leader Donald Trump is facing off against Democratic candidate Kamala Harris for the top post. There are also a few lesser-known candidates in the fray who are running for third parties or as independents. Politician and activist Chase Oliver is running for the Oval Office as the Libertarian Party candidate while the Green Party has fielded physician Jill Stein for the second time. Political activist, philosopher and academic Cornel West --- initially a Green Party candidate --- is also contesting the polls as in Independent candidate. When will elections be held? According to data from the University of Florida Election Lab tracker, more than 68 million Americans have already cast their ballots utilising early voting options such as mail-in ballots or in-person polling sites. Millions more will head to polling booths on November 5 to play their role in the shockingly close race to the White House. Ballots will open at varying times depending on location and time zone starting from the stroke of midnight on Tuesday. Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday, October 3, raised the issue of illegal immigration in Jharkhand and its demographic implications for the tribal population of the state. Speaking at a rally ahead of the Jharkhand Assembly election, Amit Shah said Bangladeshi infiltration is causing a sharp decline in tribal population in the state while promising to bring a legislation to prevent the transfer of tribal land to infiltrators who lure women. Speaking at Barkatha election rally, Amit Shah said, Infiltrators who tortured women in Jharkhand will be hanged upside down and assured that the BJP would stop the infiltration of Bangladeshis if the party comes to power in Jharkhand. During Hemant Soren's government, the tribals of Jharkhand are not safe. You [Hemant Soren] have given shelter to the infiltrators. You see your vote bank in the infiltrators. Due to infiltrators, the number of tribals in this state is decreasing, the demography is changing and Hemant Soren's government is busy in its own work. Infiltrators are coming here and luring our daughters and marrying them and occupying the land. If this is not stopped, then neither the culture of Jharkhand, nor the employment, land, or daughters here will be safe. BJP government is being formed in Jharkhand and we will drive out these infiltrators, Amit Shah said. Amit Shah further said that the BJP will bring the law and return the land taken away from women. Hemant Soren, you have failed to provide security to the women of Jharkhand. BJP government came to power in Assam and today infiltration has stopped in Assam. We will protect the three - roti, beti and maati, he added. Also Read | Talking about Hindus doesnt mean targeting Muslims: Assam CM hits back at INDIA on hate speech claims in Jharkhand GOVT JOBS, RS 2,000 TO EVERY GRADUATE, POST-GRADUATE Speaking in Hazaribagh, Amit Shah also promised that the BJP will provide over 2 lakh government jobs to the youth and 2,000 to every graduate and post-graduate if the party is elected to power. If the BJP government comes to power, we will provide 2 lakh 85 thousand government jobs.BJP has resolved to give 2,000 per month to every graduate and post graduate youth in Jharkhand, Amit Shah said. IT IS OFFICIAL: for only the third time in the past 20 years, the UN has declared a full-blown famine. The declaration concerns a refugee camp called Zamzam, on the outskirts of the city of el-Fasher in Sudan. As long ago as April, Medecins Sans Frontieres, a charity, estimated that every two hours a child in the camp was dying from starvation or diseaseand since then the situation has got worse. View Full Image Anarchy-in-Sudan-has-spawned-the-world-s-worst-fam But it is not just Zamzam that is suffering a horrifying catastrophe. The camp has been singled out solely because it is one of the few places in war-torn Sudan about which the UN has reliable information. In fact, famine is consuming much of the country (see map). It is almost certain to be as bad as, or worse than, the one that afflicted Ethiopia in the 1980s. If much more help does not arrive very soon, it may prove the worst anywhere in the world since millions starved to death during Chinas Great Leap Forward in the late 1950s and early 1960s. In May the Clingendael Institute, a Dutch think-tank, released a report which estimated that hunger and related diseases would kill more than 2m people in Sudan by the end of the year. Timmo Gaasbeek, the reports author, has since extended his projections to cover the next two years. In an optimistic scenario", in which fighting stops and this years harvest, expected in October, is slightly better than the last, he predicts around 6m excess deaths" by 2027. In the (more likely) scenario in which fighting continues until early next year, more than 10m may perish. Although some experts have lower estimates, there is an emerging consensus that without decisive action Sudan faces mass starvation on a scale not seen in decades. Rapid collapse The cause of the famine is Sudans civil war, which began in April 2023, when the army and an auxiliary paramilitary, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), fell out. The ensuing conflict has a strong claim to be the biggest and most destructive in the world today. Perhaps 150,000 people have been killed by the fighting itself. At least 245 towns or villages have been burnt. Much of Khartoum, the capital, has been flattened. More than 20% of the countrys pre-war population of roughly 50m have been forced to flee their homes. Some have taken refuge in neighbouring countries such as Egypt, but the vast majority of the displacednearly 8mremain inside Sudan, many of them in camps like Zamzam.Medecins Sans Frontieres estimates that 80% of health facilities in war-torn areas are so ravaged by bullets and bombs that they are no longer functional. Our country is being destroyed by the hour," says Burai Sidig Ali, the governor of the central bank, which itself has been pillaged and torched. More on this At first, fighting was largely confined to Khartoum and Darfur, a region the size of Spain where the RSF has resumed a campaign of ethnic cleansing against black African ethnic groups first initiated by Arab militias 20 years ago. But the conflict has evolved, in the words of Tom Perriello, Americas special envoy to Sudan, into five or six different wars at the same time". Both sides encompass an increasingly complex constellation of armed factions. The regular Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) have enlisted both Islamist militias and voluntary civilian defence units. Foreign mercenaries and Arab tribal militias work with the RSF, itself best understood as a sprawling network of business interests underwritten by plunder. Though it is the more decentralised of the two sides, neither has complete control over its forces. Both block aid and terrorise civilians. Three times a refugee One victim of the spiralling violence is Husna Abdul Qader, a mother of five who has been forced to relocate three times in 16 months. She fled Khartoum when the RSF and the army first came to blows, narrowly escaping a volley of bullets aimed at the bus driving her out of the city. Drone strikes in the eastern town of Gedaref, where she spent much of the past year, then pushed her south to Sennar, her familys home state. Then, in early July, RSF fighters tore through her village on motorbikes, prompting Ms Abdul Qader to move again. She arrived two weeks later in Port Sudan on the Red Sea, carrying nothing but her slippers. All her other possessions had been either abandoned or stolen. An astonishing number of Sudanese have stories like that. Early expectations that the war would come to a quick conclusion, either on the battlefield or through negotiations, have been dashed. Other countries have become involved. Efforts to broker peace have failed. The army refused even to attend peace talks held this month in Switzerland. In Darfur the RSF and its local allies have crushed the SAF, besieged towns and expelled non-Arabs. Their goal, says Yacob Mohammed, a traditional leader of the Masalit people, who were ethnically cleansed from the city of el-Geneina in Darfur last year, is land, money and power". The RSF hopes to wrest control of Sudans western frontier from Libya in the north-west to South Sudan in the south. Doing so would secure it critical supplies of arms, fuel and mercenaries from its allies and business partners in the wider Sahel region. The only big city in Darfur still outside the RSFs control is el-Fasher. But with the RSF dug in around the city and nearby camps, including Zamzam, hundreds of thousands of civilians are being slowly strangulated", says Nathaniel Raymond of Yale University. More than a million may have fled. Satellites reveal swelling cemeteries. In Khartoum the battle lines have been relatively static for months. Despite some gains by the SAF earlier this year, most of the city centre remains under the RSF. The armys leaders and remnants of the civil authorities have decamped to Port Sudan, where they have established a sort of government-in-exile. The generals insist the move is temporary. We are not going to stop until we control the whole country," says General Ibrahim Jaber, a member of the sovereign council" that administers the areas the SAF controls. But the SAF has nonetheless begun renovating a British colonial mansion in Port Sudan to serve as the councils headquarters. Elsewhere the front lines are growing more fluid. In South Kordofan, on the border with South Sudan, the war is a three-way fight between the RSF, the SAF and a faction of the Sudan Peoples Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N), a local rebel group. In Blue Nile, near Ethiopia, a bit of the SPLM-N allied to the army is trying to beat back the RSFs southward march from Sennar, a breadbasket state, most of which it overran in July. Some places in the south and west are under the control of neither the army nor the RSF. Most alarming is the RSFs south-eastward advance. Unpublished satellite imagery shows trucks in Sennar state dumping objects the size of bodies" into the Nile, says Mr Raymond. More than 700,000 people have fled the region, including Ms Abdul Qader. Many, including her oldest son, have arrived in the eastern state of Gedaref, which is also home to tens of thousands of refugees from Ethiopia. Conditions in the makeshift camps they have built are deplorable", says Abdirahman Ali of CARE, another charity. Clean water and medical care are desperately scarce. The rainy season is helping to spread cholera and other diseases, which are especially dangerous to those weakened by hunger. Military analysts think the RSF aims to fight its way to the Ethiopian border to open up a new supply line. It may then turn northwards, either to Port Sudan or to the SAFs remaining toeholds in Sennar, White Nile and Gezira states. These are productive agricultural zones; the threat of more fighting in such places is one reason why Mr Gaasbeek thinks famine will blight an even greater area next year. The ever-shifting battlefield is also impeding the flow of humanitarian aid. Eddie Rowes, the head in Sudan of the World Food Programme, a UN agency, says it delivered more than 200,000 tonnes of food between April 2023 and July 2024, far less than is needed.Some of the shortage is down to theft and damage by the RSF and other militias.But much blame lies also with the SAF, which is loth to allow food into areas, including most of Darfur, under the control of the RSF. A single convoy of aid trucks can wait six weeks or more in Port Sudan to be cleared by the SAF for onward travel.Even then, almost all of it goes to SAF-controlled areas. Only a tiny fraction has reached Darfur. On August 15th the SAF agreed to allow aid agencies to resume shipments via a crucial border post controlled by the RSF between Chad and Darfur. That should help, but the army continues to drag its feet with the necessary paperwork. By spurning peace talks and impeding aid, the two sides are sentencing millions of Sudanese to death. 2024, The Economist Newspaper Limited. All rights reserved. From The Economist, published under licence. The original content can be found on www.economist.com Amid the ongoing power shortage in Bangladesh, Adani Group has reduced cross-border electricity supply to Indias neighbour by half due to some $850 million in unpaid bills. Dhaka is trying to meet the gap by running other power plants. "We are trying to meet the gap by running other plants," Rezaul Karim, chairman of the state-run Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB), told AFP on Sunday. Adani's coal-fired Godda power plant in Jharkhand a $2 billion project including transmission lines that was commissioned last year usually supplies between 7 to 10 per cent of Bangladesh's baseload power demand of 13 GW. On Friday, Adani's Godda plant supplied 724 megawatts, against the installed capacity of 1,496 MW, with Bangladesh facing around 1,680 MW of load shedding. In September, Adani had warned Bangladesh to settle its bills, which had surged to around $850 million. The company had said that it is an "unsustainable situation, where we are meeting not only our supply commitments but also those to our lenders and suppliers, despite rising receivables". Also Read | Adani power deal under scrutiny as Bangladesh weighs pricing and supply issues Discussions underway "We are discussing the issue with them (Adani), and informed them that it is not possible to make the total payment in a single month," Karim added. "But we are trying to increase the payment size gradually". Karim said Bangladesh paid $97 million to Adani in October, which was "higher than the previous three months's payment". Amid the ongoing political crisis, Bangladesh is struggling to find dollars to make the payments. Its new leaders are focused on the political fallout of a student-led revolution in August that toppled autocratic ex-leader and close Indian ally Sheikh Hasina. Bangladesh has a population of some 170 million (17 crore) people. As whiskey ages, a small amount evaporates, a loss that has long been poetically called the angels share." But in the resort town of York, Maine, residents see the vapor as far from romantic. At a town meeting last year, Beth Downs held up photos from Tennessee and Kentucky, showing stop signs and trees covered in an ugly black mold called whiskey fungus. This could be York," the 61-year-old resident warned the room. This is what happenswe know this, weve seen it." For the past two years, battle lines have been drawn in this coastal town of some 13,000 people. In one camp is a family-owned businessWiggly Bridge Distillerywhich wants to age its whiskey for longer in hopes of improving its flavor. In the other are hundreds of residents worried about the implications of whiskey fungus, in which ethanol vapors turbocharge a species of fungus called Baudoinia, leaving black stains on buildings and plants. The neighbors believe Wiggly Bridges expansion will cause mold similar to fungus seen near warehouses owned by whiskey giants such as Diageo, Brown-Forman and Beam Suntory in Scotland, Tennessee and Kentucky. Though the fungus has no known health effects, the residents fear it could cause property values to drop, as well as hurt tourism in a town that draws visitors to its sandy beaches, eclectic gift shops and whitewashed lighthouse, which locals affectionately call Nubble Light." I dont think vacationers want to see whiskey fungus staining as they arrive at their summer homes," said Downs, a retiree. For their part, the Woods family who own Wiggly Bridge said it ages a small amount of whiskey and that it is being unfairly conflated with enormous distillers. People made it sound like we were turning the town black," said 37-year-old Amanda Woods, whose husband and father-in-law run the distillery. For a time I felt terrible even walking into our local grocery store because I was concerned people hated us." The spat is emblematic of battles playing out elsewhere, potentially resulting in limits on where and how distillers age their products. In Scotland, a couple is seeking damages from Diageo over fungus staining their home, which they say has been caused by the companys nearby whiskey warehouse. A court case is scheduled for next year. The Johnnie Walker maker disputes the couples claim and notes that exterior blackening exists on properties across Scotland. Blackening is dependent on many different environmental factors and it is very difficult, if not impossible, to say that it is caused by any single environmental factor," said a spokeswoman. In Moriah, N.Y., WhistlePig Whiskey recently agreed to powerwash residents homes after state environmental officials concluded that ethanol emissions from its warehouses were contributing to black fungus. The distillery said it adheres to regulations. Vapors break down very quickly in ambient air and the distance they could potentially reach is very limited," said Ahren Wolson, WhistlePigs director of operations. In Tennessee, Christi Long last year sued Lincoln County for not requiring building permits from Jack Daniels owner Brown-Forman after black mold began appearing on the wedding venue she owned. Her complaint briefly halted some of the whiskey giants operations but Longwho received death threats from Jack Daniels supportershas since moved away. We had to sell the property because it was being destroyed," she said. You cant have a wedding venue if everything looks dead." A spokeswoman for Brown-Forman said the angels share is just one of microfloras many food sources." Available information indicates it isnt harmful and can be removed through pressure washing, she added. Fungus has been found to thrive near distilleries that make various liquors. In 2022, Diageo agreed to pay residents of St. Croix, in the U.S. Virgin Islands, more than $10 million after they said rum fungus caused by its operations had damaged their homes and fruit trees. The industry also fears reputational damage. Last year the Scotch Whisky Association successfully lobbied the Scottish government to water down language in a report the government had commissioned on the impacts of emissions from maturing Scotch whisky. The reports authors eventually agreed to scrub the phrase whisky fungus" from the report and delete a paragraph describing how damp and mold in homes could increase the risk of respiratory and other problems. The Scottish government told the authors in an email that the industry had raised significant concerns about the whisky fungus section." In York, yard signs for and against Wiggly Bridge dot the towns well-manicured lawns. Barbs have been traded on Facebook and in town meetings. Downs visited the local police station to explore filing a harassment complaint after an opponent took photos of her. Dave Razzaboni, 47 years old, knocked on doors this summer to get signatures for a petition demanding the town vote on a proposed ordinance requiring any new distillery production or aging buildings be banned within 400 feet of a residence. Razzaboni, who lives near Wiggly Bridge Distillery, said potential property buyers could be put off by the specter of whiskey fungus. Its the fear of the unknown," he said. The proposed ordinancewhich also says distilleries must be located 200 feet from any lot boundarywill go before voters on Tuesday. If approved, Woods said it could cripple Wiggly Bridges prospects since the distillery could make no further changes to its existing facilities and would need 25 acres to build new buildings. Founded in 2012 by a father and son both named David Woods, Wiggly Bridge for years coexisted peacefully with its neighbors. Then in 2022, the Woods family applied to build two new rickhouses so Wiggly Bridgenamed for a local pedestrian suspension bridge that is said to be Americas smallestcould age its whiskey for longer. Neighbors said they noticed black stains on the distillery and a building next door and fear an expansion could cause the fungus to spread. Their case was bolstered by a town-commissioned University of Maine study that concluded it was highly likely" that Wiggly Bridge was the source of a significant cluster of whiskey fungus spores" on the distillery. Two months later the Woods familys application to expand was denied. Then this past July the family put in another application. This time it asked to build just one new rickhouse, saying this wouldnt be used to age spirits but rather to store grain and glass. The application was approved last month. The neighbors called for the November referendum because they believe Wiggly Bridge will apply to change the rickhouses use so it could be used to age whiskey. As a small business were not sure what the future holds but our intention is to be able to age spirits longer," said Amanda Woods. The Woods family recently commissioned a rival study from a University of Hampshire researcher. It showed that whiskey fungus wasnt detected within roughly a mile of the distillery, which they attribute to the relatively small volume it produces. Amanda Woods said the study shows the distillery isnt creating whiskey fungus. James Scott, a professor at the University of Torontos Dalla Lana School of Public Health and an expert on whiskey fungus, said the emphasis on the volume of whiskey made is overstated. He said small distilleries can cause whiskey fungus and that factors like the characteristics of the warehouse and the areas climate are more important. While distillers could tackle the problem by installing thermal oxidizers, these are very expensive, said Scott. WhistlePigs Wolfson also said natural ventilation is crucial to the whiskey aging process. In the run-up to the York referendum, both sides have dug in. In September, Wiggly Bridge threw a party at its distillery, telling guests why voting for the proposed ordinance would harm small businesses. The neighbors on the other side of the issue lobbied parents who brought children trick or treating on Halloween to vote in favor of the ordinance. Perhaps the only silver lining from the episode is an unexpected camaraderie, said Marilyn Zotos, a 65-year-old retired schoolteacher who opposes Wiggly Bridges expansion. This has brought together so many neighbors that didnt really know each other," she said. Write to Saabira Chaudhuri at Saabira.Chaudhuri@wsj.com Perched on the rocks, overlooking the brilliant blue waters of the Pacific Ocean, Ayesha Singhs striking artwork injects a touch of India into the Australian landscape. Titled Hybrid Drawing, its black aluminium lines are evocative of the contours of an arch in an Indian monument. Singh says it is based on Agrasens baoli, a stepwell located in the heart of New Delhi. In the past, my Hybrid Drawings have referenced multiple spaces, layers of history and migration through the architecture of a city," remarks Singh. I decided to bring our local conversation to the space, specifically one with architectural references that have a history or relationship with water." Singhs work is part of Sculpture by the Sea, Bondi, the worlds largest public outdoor sculpture exhibition. This is the 26th edition. Set along the stunning 2km-long coastal walk from Bondi to Tamarama, it features 100 artworks by artists from 16 countries. Each year the annual event draws nearly half-a-million viewers. David Handley, founding CEO and artistic director, Sculpture by the Sea, believes that free-to-public events bring the community together. We have a motto that we want the poorest single mother and the poorest single father to be able to come to the exhibition and give their children the most extraordinary day out, and all they have to do is pay the price of public transport," he says. The funding for the event, which is just short of AU $4 million, is raised by corporate sponsorship, private philanthropy, commission on sculpture sales and public sector funds. While the exhibition has no curatorial theme, there have been country showcases for the past few years, which have included China and Ukraine. This year, the focus is on India with eight artists from the country as well as two of Indian origin living in Australia. Selected by a curatorial panel, the artists, besides Singh, are Avantika Bawa, Shovin Bhattacharjee, Harsha Durugadda, Teja Gavankar, Latika Katt, Subodh Kerkar and S.D. Hari Prasad Achari. Representing the Indian diaspora in Australia are Niharika Hukku and Shaumyika Sharma. Also read: Weekly planner: 5 events to set your November mood Even before a gun is fired or a car destroyed in director Rohit Shettys latest cop-and-terrorist saga, a disclaimer is read out in two languagesabout mentions of a Hindu god and respect for beliefs. When you consider that Singham Again is built on the bedrock of the epic, Ramayanawith Ajay Devgns Bajirao Singham likened to Lord Rama, the disclaimer seems like a safe bet. Shetty declares this film as another chapter in his ever-evolving cop universe. It opens in Kashmir, where senior superintendent of police, Bajirao Singham, makes an entry in slow motion on screen, accompanied by a piercing Singham chant in the background. Its not long before metal bodies start stacking up as a police convoy is ambushed in a terror attack. When he apprehends a high-value terrorist, Singham earns laurels at work, ends up heading a special squad, titled Shiva, of handpicked agents. Two years after this event, as Bajiraos wife Avni (Kareena Kapoor Khan) presents a staged extravaganza on the Ramayana, her husband becomes the target of a ruthless leader, dubbed Danger Lanka. And Sri Lanka becomes an area of conflict for India and the special squad, Shiva. Danger Lanka, whose real identity is that of Zubair Hafeez (Arjun Kapoor), is a formidable enemy. The UK-educated drug lord is likened to Ravana, who abducts Sita, or in this case Avni. Its now up to Singham to rally his troops and unite Shettys khaki-clad Avengers. The army consists of Sangram Simmba Bhalerao (Ranveer Singh), Sooryavanshi (Akshay Kumar), Shakti Shetty (Deepika Padukone) and Satya (Tiger Shroff). The screenplay switches from a detailed rendition of Ramayana on stage and the on-ground drama around Avnis kidnapping, aided by a plant in her team. That shes named Mrigya is so cheesy that the writers of Singham Again should also be cringing. Nine writers are credited with story, script and dialogue, yet they could not write better female characters. The action, not the story, is the centrepiece of this 144-minute-long action-drama. Arjun Kapoor is a solid fit as the villain in this heavy-duty cast. Most of the characters play up the actors imageKumar makes a grand entry via a helicopter, Shroff is the martial arts expert, Singh is the glib wild card Simmba, who describes his pairing with Singham as Super cop and Robocop. The comatose script gets a boost once Singh appears post interval with swagger and mischief, finally jolting a disengaged viewer out of slumber. One can enjoy barely for a few seconds between the pounding music and sound design. Offsetting Singhs wildness is Devgns unmoving performance, Kumars disinterested appearance and Padukones insufficient presence. Singham Again comes across as a long promotion for Ramayana tourism, traversing from India to Sri Lanka. Except this promo is presented Rohit Shetty-style, with a large body counthuman and metallic, and a big, bright, pounding visual canvas, as he gathers A-list Bollywood stars presented in cop versions of Laxman, Hanuman, Jatayu, Garuda, and more DCP Singham had his first outing in 2011 (Singham). Hes clearly ready for a desk job or early retirement. But hold on to your holsters, because Rohit Shetty isnt done yet. Salman Khans Chulbul Pandey just got added to this universe. But I would much rather see Singh in Simmba Again, without the robocops. In one of his Instagram reels, Athan Zimik uses a meme from the 1997 film Titanic to address the stereotypes associated with Naga food. As Rose (Kate Winslet) irritably snatches Jacks (Leonardo DiCaprio) weathered sketchbook, the camera zooms in on a page with the text Naga starter pack" written on it. What you next see is a list of ingredients smoked pork, king chilli, bamboo shoot and axone or fermented soybean. The 39-year-old banker (@wanderingsoul) often uses pop-culture references to debunk myths surrounding his foods culture on social media. Zimik is part of an exciting crop of content creators from the North-East who are reclaiming their indigenous food heritage through engaging themes and formats on social media. By sharing unfiltered stories of their unique eating habits, they are owning the ancient cuisines largely misunderstood in mainstream food conversations. Story-telling is key, and so is consistency. Take Avantika Haflongbar, for instance. Based in Haflong in the Dima Hasao district of Assam, she is best known for her thali challenge series on her Instagram page @roohi_haflongbar. Every day, she uploads a video of her lunch plate, introducing an array of dishes from her Dimasa heritage. Theres fish and meat, but the highlight is on the rare leafy greens and vegetables like winged beans and fish mint leaves that are endemic to her region. Currently on her 208th thalishe has over 200,000 followersHaflongbar can be seen biting into boiled pumpkin and bitter gourd whole with skin intact. I want a karela to taste like a karela," says the 39-year-old MasterChef India 2023 contestant, who does not stick to any content schedule and instead cooks for the series the way she would everyday for her family. View Full Image Athan Zimik wearing his traditional 'raivat' shawl. For Zimik, as someone born in the Tangkhul Naga community in Ukhrul, Manipur, and raised in Shillong, the videos are a way to stay close to his roots. Almost 80% of our food comes from the forests. Our tribal land rights govern the food systems, and are closely linked to daily life, including the political situation," he says while adding that it is crucial to create awareness about these dying food habits among Naga youth. Zimik shuttles between Delhi and Hamburg for work, and also conducts fermentation workshops in the Capital. During visits to his parents home, he forages for wild gooseberries, harvests ground apples, or helps his mother prepare sticky rice cakes. When in Europe, he shoots in the wilderness, and cooks on his camping stove by the stream, mimicking the village life of his people. Zimiks audience is aged 25-35, and is mostly from Nagaland, but also the US, UK, Europe and Canada. TACKLING PHOBIAS There was a time when Nambie Jessica Marak had to travel to the farthest end of her village of Upper Rangsa in Meghalayas West Khasi Hills, and climb a mountain on the border of Assam to catch an internet signal and upload videos on her YouTube channel @EatYourKappa. Things have started to look up since last year with the arrival of high-speed internet in her village. Maraks short-format videos on her Instagram page @masterchefnambiemarak stand out for their candid story-telling. From writing the script to shooting and editing the videos, she is assisted by her academic husband Sunny Arokiadoss. Decked in traditional finery, Marak shares recipes of dried eel delicacies, chutneys made of bitter eggplant and dodim or fermented soybean, and gulab jamuns with local cherry tomatoes, a speciality from the Manipuri kitchen. In one reel, Marak talks about kalchi, an indigenous alkali used in the region to amp up dishes and debunks the north-eastern people eat anything and everything" myth. I use my content to address certain perceptions and phobias that people have about the foods from my culture," says the 35-year-old MasterChef India 2023 first runner-up. Its not very often that you see food content from Arunachal Pradesh, but thats what Malachi Tania (@itsmemalachi) posts about. The 26-year-old from Yupia, about 20km from the state capital of Itanagar, says, Although Naga and Khasi foods are quite popular even outside the North-East, nobody talks about Arunachali cuisine." Tania has been documenting recipes from her Nyishi community for two years, and has 50,000 followers. View Full Image Malachi Tania in her kitchen. In her bamboo kitchen set-up, Tania tosses her ingredients and brandishes a butchers knife to prepare mithun meat (indigenous bovine species), steamed papok or banana flower parcels, egg chutneys and chicken with bamboo shoots. In the 2019 Netflix film Axone by Shillong filmmaker Nicholas Kharkongor, a bunch of friends from the North-East are attacked for cooking axone in a south Delhi neighbourhood. It is no different for these content creators. Getting trolled is normal to an extent they have learnt to ignore it. At one point it was about eating meat. Now I am called junglee because I eat leaves," laughs Haflongbar. Someone commented even dogs wont eat the food I cooked," says Marak. You can unfollow or mute me if you dont like what I cook," says Tania in one of her recipe videos. As Marak says in one of her recipe reels Lets not hide our plates in shame"its about time. Rituparna Roy is a Mumbai-based independent features writer. ISLAMABAD, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- Four terrorists were killed during an intelligence-based operation in Pakistan's northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Saturday, the military has reported. The security forces conducted the operation in the South Waziristan district of the province on reported presence of terrorists, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of the Pakistan Army, said in a statement on Saturday. "During the conduct of the operation, the terrorists' location was effectively engaged by our troops," the ISPR said, adding that four terrorists were killed during the operation. A clearance operation is being carried out to eliminate the presence of other terrorists from the area, the ISPR added. The military said the security forces of Pakistan are determined to wipe out the menace of terrorism from the South Asian country. Non-resident Indians (NRIs) now have a faster, more convenient option than traditional wire transfers to send money to family or make payments in India. The National Payments Corp. of India (NPCI) has extended UPI access to NRIs who hold non-resident external (NRE) or non-resident ordinary (NRO) accounts. This expansion allows NRIs to conduct instant transactions from their smartphones using UPI linked to their international mobile numbers, simplifying financial connections with India. Setting up UPI for NRIs NRIs must first link their international mobile numbers to their NRE or NRO bank accounts. This step is most important for enabling UPI or Unified Payments Interface transactions with their overseas numbers. Once linked, NRIs can download a UPI-enabled application compatible with international mobile numbers, such as iMobile or PhonePe. After downloading the app, users must undergo an onboarding process, including mobile number verification. Then, they must create a unique UPI ID or virtual payment address (VPA) linked to their international mobile number. Finally, they select their bank account and submit the details to activate their UPI profile. View Full Image Mint Supported countries, banks, and apps NPCI has enabled UPI for NRIs residing in specific countries, including the US, Canada, the UK, the UAE, Singapore, Australia, and more. In terms of banks enabling UPI transactions, NRIs can access services from the list of specific banks. These include AU Small Finance Bank, Axis Bank, Canara Bank, City Union Bank, DBS Bank, Equitas Small Finance Bank, Federal Bank, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, IDFC First Bank, IndusInd Bank, Punjab National Bank, and South Indian Bank. Each of these banks offers services to support NRIs in managing their finances through UPI. Presently, UPI applications that allow NRIs to make transactions from their international numbers include BHIM AU (by AU Small Finance Bank), FedMobile (by Federal Bank), iMobile (by ICICI Bank), BHIM Indus Pay (by IndusInd Bank), SIB Mirror+ (by South Indian Bank), and PhonePe. These apps ensure that NRIs can easily connect with their financial networks in India, regardless of their current location. Also Read: The NRIs guide to choosing the right kind of account to invest in Indian stock How NRIs can use UPI UPI enables NRIs to send money in Indian rupee for various purposes, such as paying Indian merchants, transferring to UPI IDs, or by scanning Indian QR codes. NRIs can also send money to any Indian mobile number or bank account, provided its UPI-enabled. With UPI, transactions are processed instantly, ensuring that the recipients account is credited almost immediately upon completion. Currently, UPI transactions are conducted only in Indian rupee (INR). When you initiate a successful UPI transaction, the funds are credited to the beneficiary's account almost instantly. However, payments to a contact can only be made to Indian mobile numbers, and this is possible only if the recipient has a valid UPI/VPA ID linked to an Indian bank account. Its important for NRIs to remember that UPI transactions have certain daily limits. NPCI mandates a maximum transaction cap of 1 lakh per day, though this may vary slightly depending on the bank. In the case of newly registered UPI IDs, NRIs have an initial transaction limit of 5,000 for the first 24 hours, after which the full daily limit is restored. Permissible transactions for NRIs NRIs are permitted to conduct UPI transactions between NRE and NRO accounts, as well as with resident Indian accounts. However, transfers from an NRO account to an NRE account are prohibited. Permitted transaction combinations include NRE to NRE, NRE to NRO, and both NRE or NRO to resident accounts. If an NRI holds multiple bank accounts, each account must have a unique UPI ID, as multiple accounts cannot be linked to a single UPI/VPA ID. Even if an NRI isnt registered on UPI, they can still receive funds through the send to account option on the UPI app. This option allows the sender to enter the recipients bank account details manually. Considerations for joint account holder For NRIs with jointly held accounts, UPI is limited to the primary account holder, who can generate a single UPI ID and access it on one device only. This limitation ensures secure and controlled access, particularly in joint accounts with multiple account holders. Also Read: Reintroduced indexation for property disallows loss offsets, excludes NRIs Convenient and low-cost option While UPI remains usable across borders, NRIs can transact even when travelling to India or other countries. Theres no need for re-registration with a local mobile number when switching locations. If NRIs encounter cellular connectivity issues, they can rely on Wi-Fi to make UPI payments, even when international roaming is inactive. According to the NPCI website, UPI transactions for NRIs are free, making it a cost-effective option for payments in Indian rupee. With the inclusion of NRIs, UPIs have become a convenient and low-cost option for supporting families, handling routine transactions, and being financially connected to India. "Its undoubtedly a very commendable step that enables NRIs to transfer and spend money in India in a very smooth, easy, and quick way" said Dipen Shah, co-founder at NRI FinOne. Still many NRIs are facing some practical issues while activating UPIs on their foreign numbers, but I think in a couple of months it will get resolved and many other banks will also start the same," Shah added. Also Read: Which is better for SIPs: UPI AutoPay or eNACH? All Delhi lawyers will be boycotting work on Monday, November 4, in protest against the police assault in a courtroom in Ghaziabad. The clash between lawyers and baton-wielding police erupted on October 29 after a district judge ordered the police to disperse some protesters who were allegedly chanting slogans against him over a disagreement. In a meeting of the Coordination Committee of all Bar Associations of Delhi, the members decided that all lawyers will boycott work on November 4 to register their protest. The development comes after the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) condemned the assault on the lawyers inside the Ghaziabad court, terming the incident as an egregious violation of rights and the rule of law. Criticising the incident, the association also said that such act happening the direction of the District & Sessions Judge, Anil Kumar-X, are unacceptable and undermine the integrity of the judicial system. The SCBA also called into an inquiry regarding the conduct of the judge who allegedly directed the attack on the protesting lawyers and investigation into the incident. It has also demanded that Anil Kumar-X and the police personnel involved in the incident be dismissed. Also Read | Non-serving of non-veg: SC lawyers protest against canteen for providing only Navratri menu, say wrong precedent THE GHAZIABAD COURTROOM CLASH The chaos erupted around 11 am in the district and sessions court complex in the Raj Nagar area following a heated exchange between an advocate and the judge regarding the hearing of an anticipatory bail case. According to the reports, the lawyers demanded that the judge should hear the case of anticipatory bail on priority but the reportedly judge refused, saying it would be heard as per the listing. In the complaint, former district bar president Nahar Singh Yadav said at this, the judge started abusing the lawyers. He added that the judge then called the police force, and personnel headed by DCP (City zone) Rajesh Kumar Singh and ACP (Kavinagar) Abhishek Srivastava came in and resorted to baton charge. During the incident, some lawyers sustained injuries. Police officials also accused the lawyers of setting a police post on fire. Chattisgarh news: Naxalites attacked two on-duty police officials at a weekly market in Chhattisgarh's insurgency-hit Sukma district on Sunday morning, reported PTI. The two officials were injured and taken to hospital after the attack. The incident occurred when the police were deployed on security duty at the market in Jagargunda village. Suddenly, a small action team of Naxalites, which normally includes four to five cadres, attacked the officials with sharp weapons. However, the two managed to escape the attack. "Two jawans of Jagargunda police station got injured in a Naxal attack during a weekly market in Sukma. They are being given first aid. An intensive search operation is being carried out by security forces in the area," ANI quoted Sukma Police as saying. The security forces have initiated an investigation and a search operation is underway in the region to nab the Naxalite attackers. According to ETV Bharat, the incident took place during 8 to 9 am on Sunday morning. The situation of the injured police officials is critical and they are likely to be airlifted to Sukma for further treatment. Further details about the incident are awaited. Despite intensified action against Naxalites, several areas in Chattisgarh continue to bear the brunt of the Naxal insurgency. Half of the state is affected by Naxalism. As a result, there are frequent attacks on security officials and common people in the region. Regions which are worst affected by naxalism also face a shortage of resources and a lack of development. In a separate incident of naxal attack, a 35-year-old man was killed by Naxalites on suspicion of being a police informer in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district, police told ANI. Also Read | Chhattisgarh: Encounter underway between security forces and naxals in Sukma Mumbai police on Sunday arrested a 24-year-old woman accused of making a death threat call against Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, according to an official statement on Sunday. The woman, named Fatima Khan, holds a BSc degree in Information Technology and lives with her family in Ulhasnagar, Thane district, Maharashtra. Her father works in the timber business, the official noted. While she is highly educated, the police mentioned that she has been experiencing mental instability. The Mumbai traffic police's WhatsApp number on Saturday received a threat message from an unknown number, the official said. During the probe, the police found Khan had sent the message, he said. Also Read | Death threat to Yogi Adityanath! Mumbai Police said they received alert The Mumbai Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) in a combined operation with the Ulhasnagar police traced the woman and apprehended her, the official said. Further investigation was on into the matter, the official added. The police are on alert as Adityanath is likely to come to Maharashtra for campaigning for the November 20 state assembly polls, as per officials. UP CM will be killed like Baba Siddique Mumbai Traffic Police Control Room received a death threat regarding UP CM Yogi Adityanath on Saturday. According to the authorities, the message said that if CM Yogi doesn't resign in 10 days, he will be killed like Baba Siddique. Former Maharashtra minister Baba Siddique was shot dead in Mumbai's Bandra area on October 12. Earlier on March 2, a chief constable positioned at the security headquarters received a threat to blow upCM Yogi Adityanath with a bomb. The case was registered against an unknown person following a bomb threat. The Mumbai Police said it received a death threat against Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday. The Chief Minister's security has been beefed up following the message. Eloborating on the matter, they said that Mumbai Police Traffic Control Cell from an unknown number claimed that Adityanath would meet a fate similar to that of the late NCP leader Baba Siddique if he did not step down in the next 10 days. The police are on alert as Adityanath is likely to come to Maharashtra for the state assembly election campaign and have launched a probe into the threat message, the official added. One held for making threat call On Sunday, a 24-year-old woman was arrested by Mumbai Police for allegedly making the threat call, an official said on Sunday. The woman, identified as Fatima Khan, who has done BSc in Information Technology, resided in Ulhasnagar area of neighbouring Thane district of Maharashtra with her family members. Her father is into timber business, the official said. The woman is well qualified but is mentally unstable, the police said. How Baba Siddique was killed? Baba Siddique was shot dead by three men outside his son Zeeshan Siddique's office while celebrating Dussehra on October 12. This incident follows the arrest of Azam Mohammed Mustafa, who threatened Bollywood actor Salman Khan with a demand for 2 crore. Additionally, Mohammad Tayyab, a 20-year-old from Noida, was arrested for threatening both Salman Khan and Zeeshan Siddique, demanding money from them. A foolproof plan and an unconventional solution biscuits helped security forces kill Usman, a commander of the Pakistan-based terror organisation Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), on Saturday. Kashmir General of Police (IGP) VK Birdi said the high-profile terrorist was killed in an encounter with security forces in the Khanyar area of Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, on Saturday. "Security forces have killed a terrorist, who has been identified as Usman...he was the commander of LeT, and four security personnel were injured. He is a foreign terrorist and his role and involvement in the murder of Inspector Masroor has come to light and further investigation is being done in this regard...," Birdi said. The anti-terror operation involved a joint effort from the local police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). The strategic planning Usman was well familiar with the Valley terrain. When intelligence indicated Usman's presence in a residential area, a nine-hour planning phase ensued to ensure the operation's success without collateral damage, officials were quoted by news agency PTI, as saying. The presence of stray dogs in the area was a significant concern. It was anticipated that the barking of these dogs could potentially alert the terrorist. To counter this, search teams were equipped with biscuits to pacify the dogs as they approached their target. The entire deployment was done before Fajar (pre-dawn prayers), with security forces cordoning off a cluster of 30 homes. The standoff escalated when Usman armed with an AK-47, a pistol, and numerous grenades engaged in a fierce gunfire exchange with the security forces. Usman was killed after several hours of intense gunfire. Four security personnel were also injured in the encounter. They were reported to be in stable condition. A serial hoax bomb threat mailer was detained in Maharashtra's Nagpur for sending nearly 100 emails to the Prime Minister's Office, government officials, and airlines. During the investigation, the accused admitted that he had sent the hoax bomb threats to seek support for publishing his book titled, Atankwad-Ek Tufaani Rakshash (Terrorism: A Demonic Storm), reported Times of India. Frequent fake bomb threats by the suspect, identified as Jagdish Uikey, caused a massive disruption in flight operations and triggered panic among the public. The Nagpur Police were searching for 35-year-old Uikey from Gondia in the matter. Why did the Maharashtra man send hoax bomb threats? After being arrested, Uikey told the police that he had sent emails to the PMO and other officials nearly 100 times since January seeking support for the endorsement of his book on terrorism, Atankwad-Ek Tufaani Rakshash (Terrorism: A Demonic Storm), reported TOI, citing Nagpur DCP for cybercrime Lohit Matani on Saturday. Prima facie, he seemed to be pursuing PMO and others to get his book published with repeated emails, but later he switched to sending hoax emails in frustration, TOI quoted police commissioner Ravinder Singal. According to the report, the book is a compilation of terrorist theories available online. Uikey had sent emails to various government bodies, including the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), Railway Minister, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and his deputy, airline offices, the Director General of Police (DGP) and the Railway Protection Force (RPF), reported PTI citing officials. Uikey also urged to arrange a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss his knowledge of terror threats, according to news agency. In another incident of sending fake bomb threats, Uikey had sent an email to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on October 21. Over the past two months, more than 200 hoax bomb threats have been issued to flights and other government departments. While there is no confirmation that all the threats were issued by Uikey, police expect that most of them were sent by him only. Sameer Khan the son-in-law of senior NCP leader Nawab Malik passed away on Sunday after a lengthy hospital stay. He had been undergoing treatment at a Mumbai hospital after being badly injured during a road accident in mid-September. My son-in-law, Sameer Khan, has passed away. May Allah grant him the highest place in Jannah. As we mourn this loss, all my scheduled for the next two days are postponed. Thank you for your understanding, Please keep him in your prayers, he tweeted. The NCP has fielded Malik from the Mankhurd-Shivajinagar seat in Mumbai while his daughter (Sana Malik) is contesting from the Anushakti Nagar Assembly constituency. Also Read | Devendra Fadnavis says BJP wont campaign for Nawab Malik in Maharashtra polls The incident took place in Kurla West while Nawab Malik's daughter and son-in-law were returning after a routine check-up at a hospital. Khan was immediately rushed to a city hospital for treatment with the help of locals. When they were getting into the car, the car driver accidentally pressed down the accelerator, and the car hit a wall. Sameer Khan sustained injuries on his head and is currently in ICU, the Mumbai police had said at the time. Officials said an investigation had also been launched into the matter. Senior NCP leader Nawab Malik announced plans to contest the upcoming polls from the Mankhurd Shivaji Nagar constituency on October 26 amid multi-party objections. Members of the allied BJP have said they will always oppose Malik over his alleged links to Dawood Ibrahim. The saffron party is in alliance with NCP (Ajit Pawar), and Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde), called the Mahayuti alliance. The Shiv sena has also expressed opposition citing his links with underworld don and gangster Dawood Ibrahim. These allegations are not true at all and we will file a case against those of have linked my father with Dawood. He had a case of money laundering against him, but the links with Dawood are untrue. The people will answer these allegations, Sana Malik insisted recently. Five people were injured on Sunday as terrorists threw a grenade into a crowded flea market in Srinagar. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah dubbed the incident deeply disturbing and lambasted the recent spurt of attacks targetting civilians. The incident also comes a day after Indian security forces eliminated a top Lashkar-e-Taiba commander in the Khanyar locality of downtown Srinagar. The last few days have been dominated by headlines of attacks & encounters in parts of the valley. Todays news of a grenade attack on innocent shoppers at the Sunday market in Srinagar is deeply disturbing. There can be no justification for targeting innocent civilians. The security apparatus must do everything possible to end this spurt of attacks at the earliest so that people can go about their lives without any fear, the CM wrote on X. This is at least the sixth attack by terrorists in the northern Union Territory since the formation of an elected government headed by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. Earlier this week two migrant labourers were shot and injured by terrorists in Budgam. The incident came less than two weeks after a doctor and six construction workers were killed in Ganderbal district. "This kind of thing never happened here before. I don't know what's going on these past few days... Even during the peak of militancy, nothing like this ever happened," a local resident told ANI on Sunday. Also Read | Two migrant labourers shot in Kashmir, second targeted attack in 12 days Meanwhile senior Congress leader Ravinder Sharma broached the possibility of a conspiracy behind the recent attacks. This is a conspiracy to disturb the atmosphere here. Such incidents have increased ever since elections have been held and the new government has been formed... Sunday market is mostly crowded. I will pray for the well-being of those injured in the attack... This proves that militancy is still there in the valley... Central government has the entire law and order and security apparatus in its hand. We call for strict action, he said. Utsav Dixit, a stand-up comedian and businessman, was arrested on Sunday in connection with a road accident involving a Porsche at KBR Park in Hyderabad, city police reportedly said. Utsav Dixit, (33) a resident of Banjara Hills, allegedly drove his luxury car in a rash manner and rammed it into the boundary walls of KBR Park in the early hours of Friday. He then left the car and fled the scene, Telangana Today reported. Also Read | Stunt goes wrong: Mumbai teen killed in freak accident as cycle hits wall Initial investigation indicated that the crash occurred due to reckless driving, causing Dixit to lose control of the vehicle, Assistant Commissioner of Police S. Venkat Reddy was quoted by Mathrubhumi as saying. The accident was reported around 5:45 am on Friday when a person informed police about it. Upon arrival, patrolling officers found a red Porsche with a damaged front and missing number plate. With regard to the missing registration plate for the car, police were quoted by Deccan Chronicle as saying that Dixit noticed that it had broken during the collision. He placed the pieces in the dickey of the vehicle and left the spot. Further investigation revealed a broken plate inside the car. Following the crash, a suo-moto case was registered based on the patrolling officers report. Also Read | Govinda makes first appearance after accidentally shooting himself, says this Dixit was traced and subsequently arrested after police verified available evidence. His driving licence was seized. He was then subjected to alcohol and drug testing, with results pending, according to legal procedures. Police said that Dixit had left the house reportedly after a domestic issue, and was going to distribute sweet boxes to fellow stand-up comedians. Police produced him before a court under the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act. BEIJING, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang will attend the opening ceremony of the seventh China International Import Expo (CIIE) and relevant events, and deliver a speech, a spokesperson announced Sunday. The seventh CIIE will be held from Nov. 5 to 10 in Shanghai, said He Yadong, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce. The Mumbai Police arrested one Fatima Khan on Sunday for allegedly issuing death threats to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. An official reportedly said that the Mumbai traffic police's WhatsApp number received a message from an unknown number on Saturday. The sender had allegedly threatened that if Adityanath did not resign from the chief minister's post within 10 days, then he would be killed like NCP leader Baba Siddique, the official was quoted by news agency PTI as saying. Also Read | Woman held for sending message threatening to harm UP CM Adityanath Former Maharashtra minister Siddique was shot dead in Mumbai's Bandra area on October 12. The official said a probe revealed that Fatima Khan had sent the message. "The Mumbai Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), in a combined operation with the Ulhasnagar police, traced the woman and apprehended her," he added. Also Read | Rajasthan news: CM Bhajan Lal Sharma gets death threat from Dausa jail Who is Fatima Khan? The official reportedly said that Fatima Khan, 24, lived in Ulhasnagar area of neighbouring Thane district of Maharashtra with her family members. Her father is into timber business, the official said. Khan has a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in Information Technology, the report added. "The woman is well qualified but is mentally unstable," police said. Also Read | Rajasthan news: CM Bhajan Lal Sharma gets death threat from Dausa jail Police are still trying to ascertain the motivation behind the threat message. Death threats Earlier on March 2, a chief constable positioned at the security headquarters received a threat to blow up CM Yogi Adityanath with a bomb. The case was registered against an unknown person following a bomb threat. "The caller told the Chief Constable that Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will be blown up by a bomb and disconnected the call," officials said. Yogi Adityanath is the latest to receive death threats. Earlier, Bollywood superstar Salman Khan and Bihar MP Pappu Yadav recieved threats. Jailed gangster's Lawrence Boshnoi gang members were suspected to issuing these threats to them. The international airport in Kerala is scheduled to witness disruption in flight operations on November 9 on the occasion of the 'Alpassi Arattu' procession from Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple. On the coming Saturday, the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport Ltd (TIAL) will suspend flights for five hours. Taking to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), TIAL said, The runway at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport remains closed twice a year for the Sree Padmanabha Swamy temple procession to pass through. The passenger advisory issued on November 2 states that flight operations will be suspended on November 9 from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm. It urged passengers to check the updated flight timings with their respective flights. Also Read | MoS Suresh Gopi detained for allegedly misusing ambulance. Details here The post adds, The practice of the procession taking the airport path to reach the Shangumugham Beach for the holy bath of the idols began centuries ago. This ritual continues even after the Airport was established in 1932, ensuring that the culture and traditions of the region remains intact. The 'Alpassi Arattu' procession takes place annually and crosses the airport runway on its route. The procession route heads to Shangumugham Beach, which is considered to be the holy place where the idols are ceremonially bathed. The century old tradition continues till date even after the establishment of Thiruvananthapuram airport in 1932. Also Read | 4 sanitary workers killed after being hit by Kerala Express near Palakkad The airport authorities halt operations twice every year, so that the centuries-old ceremonial procession could take the route it used to follow centuries ago. When the airport was built, Travancore King Sree Chithira Thirunal ordered that the airport will be available for public use for 363 days in a year. Thus, reserving the airport for two days, exclusively for the worship of royal family's deity Lord Padmanabha, according to historical records. Also Read | Kerala news: Film editor Nishadh Yusuf found dead at apartment At least nine persons were injured in a terror attack in Sunday market in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). According to the initial reports, terrorists hurled a grenade near the crowded Tourist Reception Centre (TRC) in Sunday market in Srinagar, injuring nine. Sunday Market is a weekly market along the road near TRC in Lal Chowk, the heart of Srinagar city. According to Greater Kashmir, the local media, terrorists lobbed grenades outside the TRC playground which was heavily crowded due to the market. There are no reports of any deaths in the Srinagar Sunday market terror attack. The video after the grenade attack in Sunday market showed police and paramilitary forces assembled in the area. Officials have said that the police are trying to evacuate the injured. A search operation has been launched to track the terrorists. The grenade explosion caused panic in the area and sent shoppers scrambling for cover. All the injured persons eight men and one woman have been admitted to SMHS Hospital. All the injured have been rushed to the SMHS hospital for treatment, an official was quoted as saying. All are said to be in a stable condition. Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah termed the attack on shoppers deeply disturbing. He said, The last few days have been dominated by headlines of attacks & encounters in parts of the valley. Todays news of a grenade attack on innocent shoppers at the Sunday market in Srinagar is deeply disturbing. There can be no justification for targeting innocent civilians. The security apparatus must do everything possible to end this spurt of attacks at the earliest so that people can go about their lives without any fear, Omar Abdullah said. The attack near the heavily-guarded TRC comes a day after a top Pakistani commander of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) was eliminated by security forces in the Khanyar locality of downtown Srinagar. The LeT commander, identified as Usman, was active in the Valley for several years and was also involved in the killing of Inspector Masroor Wani, a senior police officer said. Masroor Wani was shot dead from close range while he was playing cricket in the Eidgah ground in Srinagar in October last year. Usman was the senior most Pakistani LeT commander here, he said. Two Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) jawans and two policemen were injured in the encounter. This was also the first major encounter in two years in more than two years. CHISINAU, Moldova (AP) Moldovans cast votes in a decisive presidential runoff Sunday that pits pro-Western incumbent Maia Sandu against a Russia-friendly opponent, as ongoing claims of voter fraud, electoral interference, and intimidation threaten democracy in the European Union candidate country. In the first round held Oct. 20, Sandu obtained 42% of the ballot but failed to win an outright majority. She faces Alexandr Stoianoglo, a former prosecutor general, who outperformed polls in the first round with almost 26% of the vote. Polling stations will close at 9 p.m. (1900 GMT). By 6 p.m., more than 1.5 million people about 50% of eligible voters had cast ballots, according to the Central Electoral Commission. A poll released by research company iData indicates a tight race that leans toward a narrow Sandu victory, an outcome that might rely on Moldovas large diaspora. The presidential role carries significant powers in areas such as foreign policy and national security and has a four-year term. Allegations of vote-buying and Russian interference Moldova's diaspora played a key role in a nationwide referendum also held on Oct. 20, when a narrow majority of 50.35% voted to secure Moldova's path toward EU membership. But the results of the ballots including Sunday's vote have been overshadowed by allegations of a major vote-buying scheme and voter intimidation. Instead of winning the overwhelming support that Sandu had hoped, the results in both races exposed Moldovas judiciary as unable to adequately protect the democratic process. On Sunday, Moldovan police said they have reasonable evidence of organized transportation of voters illegal under the country's electoral code to polling stations from within the country and from overseas, and are investigating and registering evidence in connection with air transport activities from Russia to Belarus, Azerbaijan and Turkey. Such measures are taken to protect the integrity of the electoral process and to ensure that every citizens vote is cast freely without undue pressure or influence, police said. Moldovas foreign ministry said on Sunday afternoon that polling stations in Frankfurt, Germany and Liverpool and Northampton in the U.K. had been targeted by false bomb threats, which intended only to stop the voting process. Stanislav Secrieru, the presidents national security adviser, wrote on X: We are seeing massive interference by Russia in our electoral process, which he warned had a high potential to distort the outcome of the vote. Secrieru later added that the national voter record systems were being targeted by ongoing coordinated cyberattacks to disrupt links between domestic polling stations and those abroad, and that cybersecurity teams were working to counter these threats and ensure system continuity." Moldovas Prime Minister Dorin Recean said that people throughout the country had received anonymous death threats via phone calls in what he called an extreme attack to scare voters in the former Soviet republic, which has a population of about 2.5 million people. After casting her ballot in Chisinau, Sandu said today, more than ever, we must be united, keep our peace, keep our vote, keep our independence". Thieves want to buy our vote, thieves want to buy our country, but the power of the people is infinitely greater, she told reporters. Outside a polling station in Romanias capital, Bucharest, 20-year-old medical student Silviana Zestrea said the runoff would be a definitive step toward Moldovas future. People need to understand that we have to choose a true candidate that will fulfill our expectations, she said. Because I think even if we are a diaspora now, none of us actually wanted to leave. Moldovan police expose a scheme allegedly plotted by a convicted oligarch In the wake of the two October votes, Moldovan law enforcement said that a vote-buying scheme was orchestrated by Ilan Shor, an exiled oligarch who lives in Russia and was convicted in absentia last year of fraud and money laundering. Shor denies any wrongdoing. Prosecutors say $39 million was paid to more than 130,000 recipients through an internationally sanctioned Russian bank to voters between September and October. Anti-corruption authorities have conducted hundreds of searches and seized over $2.7 million (2.5 million euros) in cash as they attempt to crack down. In one case in Gagauzia, an autonomous part of Moldova where only 5% voted in favor of the EU, a physician was detained after allegedly coercing 25 residents of a home for older adults to vote for a candidate they did not choose. Police said they obtained conclusive evidence, including financial transfers from the same Russian bank. On Saturday at a church in Comrat, the capital of Gagauzia, Father Vasilii told The Associated Press that he's urged people to go and vote because it's a civic obligation and that they do not name any candidates. We use the goods the country offers us light, gas, he said. Whether we like what the government does or not, we must go and vote. ... The church always prays for peace. On Thursday, prosecutors raided a political party headquarters and said 12 people were suspected of paying voters to select a candidate in the presidential race. A criminal case was also opened in which 40 state agency employees were suspected of taking electoral bribes. Moldova's EU future at stake Cristian Cantir, a Moldovan associate professor of international relations at Oakland University, told AP that whatever the outcome of the second round, it will not deflate geopolitical tensions. On the contrary, I expect geopolitical polarization to be amplified by the campaign for the 2025 legislative elections. Moldovan law enforcement needs more resources and better-trained staff working at a faster pace to tackle voter fraud, he added, to create an environment in which anyone tempted to either buy or sell votes knows there will be clear and fast consequences." Savlina Adasan, a 21-year-old economics student in Bucharest, said she voted for Sandu and cited concerns about corruption and voters uninformed about the two candidates. We want a European future for our country, she said, adding that it offers many opportunities, development for our country and I feel like if the other candidate wins, then it means that we are going ten steps back as a country. A pro-Western government has been in power in Moldova since 2021, and a parliamentary election will be held in 2025. Moldova watchers warn that next years vote could be Moscows main target. In the wake of Russias invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Moldova applied to join the EU. It was granted candidate status in June of that year, and in summer 2024, Brussels agreed to start membership negotiations. The sharp Westward shift irked Moscow and significantly soured relations with Chisinau. Since then, Moldovan authorities have repeatedly accused Russia of waging a vast hybrid war, from sprawling disinformation campaigns to protests by pro-Russia parties to vote-buying schemes that undermine countrywide elections. Russia has denied it is meddling. ___ Tens of thousands of minority Hindus protested on Friday in Bangladesh to demand protection from a wave of attacks and harassment and drop sedition cases against Hindu community leaders. Rallies were held as the country's minority group, Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council, claimed there have been more than 2,000 attacks on Hindus since August 4, as the interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, has struggled to restore order. Also Read | Bangladesh Hindus hold rally to demand protection against attacks and harassment According to news agency PTI, around 30,000 Hindus held demonstrations at a major intersection in the southeastern city of Chattogram. They reportedly chanted slogans, demanding their rights while police and soldiers guarded the area. Other protests were reported elsewhere in the country. Why was the protest held? Friday's protest in Chattogram was hastily organised after sedition charges were filed Wednesday against 19 Hindu leaders, including prominent priest Chandan Kumar Dhar, over an October 25 rally in that city. Police arrested two of the leaders, angering Hindus. The charges stem from an event in which a group of rally-goers allegedly placed a saffron flag above the Bangladesh flag on a pillar, which was considered disrespecting the national flag. Also Read | Bangladesh skips India, reroutes global textile exports through Maldives Hindu community leaders say the cases are politically motivated and demanded Thursday that they be withdrawn within 72 hours. Another Hindu rally was planned for Saturday in Dhaka. Later Friday, the Dhaka Metropolitan Police announced it was banning any rallies near the Jatiya Party's headquarters. Hours after the police decision, the party said it postponed their rally to show respect to the law and a new date for the rally would be announced soon. The police decision came after a student group strongly criticised the police administration for initially granting permission for the rally, and threatened to block it. Also Read | India extends Bangladeshi author Taslima Nasreens residency permit Hindus attacked in Bangladesh Hindu activists have been staging protest rallies in the capital, Dhaka, and elsewhere since August to press a set of eight demands including a law to protect minorities, a ministry for minorities and a tribunal to prosecute acts of oppression against minorities. They also seek a five-day holiday for their largest festival, the Durga Puja. Hindu groups said there have been thousands of attacks against Hindus in Bangladesh since early August, when then Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was overthrown. Hasina fled the country following a student-led uprising. Muhammad Yunus, the Nobel peace laureate named to lead an interim government after Hasina's downfall, says those figures have been exaggerated. United Nations human rights officials and other rights groups have expressed concern over human rights in the country under Yunus. Hindus make up about 8 percent of the country's nearly 170 million people, while Muslims are about 91 per cent, PTI reported. Hindus and other minority communities were quoted as saying that the interim government hasn't adequately protected them and that hardline Islamists are becoming increasingly influential since Hasina's ouster. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi voiced concern over reports of attacks. Meanwhile, the administration of United States President Joe Biden said it is monitoring Bangladesh's human rights issues since Hasina's ouster, US presidential candidate Donald Trump has condemned what he described as barbaric violence against Hindus, Christians, and other minorities in Bangladesh. In a post on X, Biden said: I strongly condemn the barbaric violence against Hindus, Christians, and other minorities who are getting attacked and looted by mobs in Bangladesh, which remains in a total state of chaos. Top news today November 3: A host of developments, updates, and events are expected in India and internationally on November 3 in the markets, political, financial, technology, and general spheres. We take a look. Also Read | US Election 2024 Live: Muslims voters in Michigan swing to Donald Trump EAM S Jaishankar to visit Australia, Singapore External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will visit Australia and Singapore from November 3 to 8, PTI reported. During the visit he will meet leaders, address the 8th Roundtable of ASEAN, and co-chair the 15th Foreign Ministers' Framework Dialogue (FMFD), according to an official statement issued by the ministry. EAM will deliver the keynote address at the inaugural session of the 2nd Raisina Down Under to be held in the Australian Parliament House. EAM is also scheduled to have interactions with Australian leadership, parliamentarians, members of the Indian diaspora, business community, media and think tanks, it said. Jaishankar will travel to Singapore on November 8 for the second leg of the tour. Also Read | Nomura woes deepen on spoofing case, attempted murder arrest Realme GT 7 Pro to launch in November 2024 While an exact release date for GT 7 Pro hasn't been revealed yet, watchers expect a November release. This device is notable for being the first in India to feature the new Snapdragon 8 Elite processor. Ahead of the official launch, key specifications have surfaced through TENAA certification. The Realme GT 7 Pro is anticipated to showcase a 6.78-inch Samsung Eco OLED Plus micro-curved display with a resolution of 2780 x 1264 pixels. It will likely support a variable refresh rate from 1 to 120Hz and boasts a peak brightness of 6,000 nits. Under the hood, it is anticipated to offer storage options ranging from 128GB to 1TB and RAM variants from 8GB to 24GB. The device is expected to feature a 6,500mAh battery with 120W fast charging and a triple rear camera setup, including two 50MP sensors and an 8MP lens, complemented by a 16MP front camera. The phone might run on Realme UI 6.0 based on Android 15, potentially with IP68/69 certification for water resistance. Elections Preview: PM Modi to address two rallies in Jharkhand Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to address two rallies in poll-bound Jharkhand on November 4, Union minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan told reporters. He added that the PM and Home Minister Amit Shah will kick off the election campaign in the eastern state. For the development of Jharkhand, a double-engine government is required here. People of the state cannot be happy as long as there is a JMM-Congress (RJD) government. Development work came to a standstill here, and the law and order situation turned worse with over 7,400 rape cases and more than 8,000 murders in Jharkhand during the present regime, Chouhan said. Amid the euthanasia of Peanut, the internet-famous squirrel confiscated by New York state officials, Tesla founder Elon Musk on Sunday criticised the Joe Biden administration and levelled it a 'mindless and heartless killing machine'. Musk joined thousands online in mourning the beloved pet, who captivated audiences with his charming antics and heartwarming videos on social media, reported NDTV. Musk took to X and wrote, "President Donald Trump will save the squirrels", and shared an image of Peanut perched on owner Mark Longo's back. He also wrote, RIP P'Nut with a crying face emoji. Replying to a social media user on why the pet squirrel was murdered, Musk claimed the government was a mindless and heartless killing machine. Musk also posted a follow up tweet that had an AI generated image of Peanut as Star Wars character Obi-Wan Kenobi, holding a lightsaber. If you strike me down, I will become more powerful than you could possibly imagine, adding, Obi PNut Kenobi. Also Read | Why Elon Musks robotaxi dreams are premature Musk also wrote, The government should not be allowed to barge into your house and kill your pet! Thats messed up. Even if it is illegal to have a pet squirrel (which it shouldnt be), why kill PNut instead of simply releasing him into the forest!? About Peanut the squirrel: Peanut the squirrel used to live with New Yorker Mark Longo for seven years and charmed fans worldwide with his endearing antics. His videos and photos on his Instagram account, @peanut_the_squirrel12, often captivated people. His journey began after Longo rescued him as a baby following his mother had been struck by a car. He was bottle-fed by Longo, who tried to release Peanut in the wild. However, Peanut returned and styed back with Longo. As time passed and his videos gained momentum, Peanut became a social media star. But on Saturday, Chemung County Health Department and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) claimed that Peanut and a raccoon found in Mark Longo's care were euthanised to test for rabies. This happened after Peanut bit a government worker and agencies cited the risk of human rabies exposure as the reason for the euthanasia. Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris made an unexpected trip to New York on Saturday to appear on Saturday Night Live, just three days ahead of her election showdown with Republican Donald Trump. While Harris' campaign did not provide official comment, reporters accompanying her were taken to NBC's headquarters, the network that broadcasts the popular comedy show. Two sources confirmed her participation. The episode is set to air at 11:30 p.m. ET (03:30 GMT), providing a high-profile platform for Harris to connect with voters in the final stretch of the campaign, Reuters reported. A Saturday Night Live appearance would add a surprise jolt ahead of the presidential election on Tuesday. The long-running "Saturday Night Live" has previously hosted both Democratic candidate Barack Obama and Republican candidate John McCain in 2008, as well as featuring Donald Trump in 2004, long before his political career began. Earlier on Saturday, Kamala Harris and Donald Trump's planes were seen on the tarmac together in Charlotte, North Carolina. This close encounter highlighted the candidates' focus on a select few states where the outcome of Tuesday's U.S. presidential election will be determined. It marked the fourth consecutive day that both candidates campaigned in North Carolina. Only seven states, including North Carolina, are considered truly competitive. Interestingly, a recent Des Moines Register poll released on Saturday indicated that Harris has taken a surprising lead in Iowa, a state that Trump won convincingly in the last two elections. This shift in voter sentiment could prove pivotal as the election approaches. Harris campaigned in Charlotte, North Carolina, with rock star Bon Jovi, while Trump held a rally in suburban Gastonia. It was not clear whether he was on his plane when Harris arrived. Trump and Harris stuck to familiar themes at their appearances. Trump said he would deport millions of immigrants if elected and warned that if Harris wins, "Every town in America would be turned into a squalid, dangerous refugee camp." Campaigning in Atlanta, Harris said Trump would abuse his power if he returns to the White House. This is someone who is increasingly unstable, obsessed with revenge, consumed with grievance, and the man is out for unchecked power," she said. More than 72 million Americans have already cast ballots, according to the Election Lab at the University of Florida, short of 2020's record early-voting pace during COVID-19, but still indicating a high level of voter enthusiasm, Reuters reported. In North Carolina, the western counties that were devastated by Hurricane Helene appeared to be voting at roughly the same rate as the rest of the state, according to Catawba College political science professor Michael Bitzer. Trump criticised the federal government's response to the disaster and repeated his false claim that aid had been diverted from the state to help immigrants entering the country. US Election 2024: As a recent poll shows a dramatic shift of Indian Americans towards Donald Trump, Kamala Harris is making a concerted effort to connect with Indian American voters by honouring her mother, Shyama Gopalan. In a post on X, Harris said her mother came to the United States from India alone. By reflecting on her mother's journey as an immigrant and her significant contributions, Harris seeks to strengthen her bond with the community and emphasise shared values. This comes as a new survey of Indian American political attitudes finds that Indian Americans continue to support the Democratic Party in the US Presidential elections in 2024. Still, their attachment to the party has declined compared to the past. In a post on X, Harris wrote, My mother, Dr. Shyamala Gopalan Harris, came to the United States from India alone at the age of 19. Her courage and determination made me who I am today. What is Harris's India connection? Kamala Devi Harris was born in California to Shyama Gopalan, a Tamil biologist, and Donald J. Harris, a Jamaican-American professor. After her parents' divorce, she and her sister moved with their mother to various schools before settling at Howard University. At this historic all-black college, she earned her bachelor's degree. Harris graduated with a degree in political science and economics and later pursued a law degree, becoming a member of the bar association in 1990. She began her career as a deputy district attorney in California that same year. In 2003, she was elected as the district attorney of San Francisco and later served two terms as California's attorney general, winning elections in 2010 and 2014. In 2017, she became a junior U.S. Senator from California, making history as the second African American and the first Southeast Asian woman to hold that position. In 2020, she ran for the Democratic presidential nomination but ultimately dropped out to support Joe Biden, who later selected her as his Vice President. What do Indian Americans think of Harris? The survey found that sixty-one per cent of registered Indian American voters plan to vote for Democrat Kamala Harris, while 32 per cent intend to vote for Republican Donald Trump. At least 47 per cent of respondents in the Indian American Attitude Survey (IAAS) identify as Democrats. This is down from 56 percent in 2020, when the survey was last conducted. Those identifying as Republicans have remained steady at 21 per cent, while those identifying as Independents have increased to 26 per cent, the survey found. A survey by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace has found that she is likely to secure fewer votes from the community than incumbent President Joe Biden did in 2020. Speaking with news agency ANI, Indian-American politician Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi said the polls are going to be an extremely close contest. However, Krishnamoorthi said he thinks Kamala will ultimately " prevail. But as you know, we will be looking at six or seven states very closely on election night. Some of those results may not roll in entirely on election night. We're also going to have to be patient as votes get counted, he told ANI. How is Trump pleasing Indian Americans? Earlier on November 1, former US President Donald Trump vowed to safeguard the interests of Hindu Americans, protecting them from the anti-religion agenda of the radical left. In a bid to strengthen ties with India, Trump also expressed his desire to boost partnership with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whom he referred to as a good friend. Sharing a post on X, Trump wrote, We will also protect Hindu Americans against the anti-religion agenda of the radical left. We will fight for your freedom. Under my administration, we will also strengthen our great partnership with India and my good friend, Prime Minister Modi. The former President also condemned the violence against the Hindus and other minority groups in Bangladesh after the resignation of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. He said, I strongly condemn the barbaric violence against Hindus, Christians, and other minorities who are getting attacked and looted by mobs in Bangladesh, which remains in a total state of chaos. Trump also criticised President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, and said that they have ignored Hindus globally and in the United States. He said, It would have never happened on my watch. Kamala and Joe have ignored Hindus across the world and in America. They have been a disaster from Israel to Ukraine to our own Southern Border, but we will Make America Strong Again and bring back Peace through Strength! For individuals like Ashok Baddi, a businessman and community leader, Vice President Kamala Harriss Indian-African background has not swayed their voting decisions this election cycle. Baddi stated in Detroit, as reported by PTI, She has never connected with the (Indian) community, explaining why he is choosing to support Trump over Harris. The report noted that Baddi voiced concerns regarding Harriss possible effects on U.S.-India relations and commended Trump for maintaining strong relationships with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Additionally, Baddi mentioned that the rising costs of essential goods during the Biden-Harris administration have significantly influenced his voting choice. Kamal Rahman, a Bangladeshi-American advisor to Hamtramck Mayor Amer Ghalib, noted in the report that approximately 20% of Michigan's Muslim Americans have shifted their support to Trump in this election cycle. Ghalib, who is the first Arab-American and Muslim to hold the mayoral position, has recently backed Trump. Rahman explained that this change in support is due to various factors, including economic concerns and Trump's position on LGBTQ issues. He stated, I am voting for Trump, despite being affiliated with the Democratic Party. What are Muslims thinking of Donald Trump? In a strategic move to engage with local communities, Donald Trump visited Detroit on Friday to court the Muslim and Arab populations. This outreach effort highlights the importance of these demographics in the upcoming election, as candidates vie for every possible vote in a tight race. Recognizing the critical nature of Michigan in his campaign, Trump plans to hold his final public rally in Grand Rapids on Monday, underscoring the urgency of securing support in this crucial battleground state. Kamal Rahman, a Bangladeshi-American advisor to Hamtramck Mayor Amer Ghalib, noted in the report that approximately 20% of Michigan's Muslim Americans have shifted their support to Trump in this election cycle. Ghalib, who is the first Arab-American and Muslim to hold the mayoral position, has recently backed Trump. Rahman explained that this change in support is due to various factors, including economic concerns and Trump's position on LGBTQ issues. He stated, I am voting for Trump, despite being affiliated with the Democratic Party External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, who is on his five-day visit to Australia from November 3 to November 7, addressed the Indian diaspora in Brisbane and shared a backstory with them about India-Australia relations. Jaishankar shared that when Narendra Modi became prime minister in 2014, he asked him about Indias relationship with Australiaand Jaishankar found himself at a loss for words! The foreign minister stated that this inquiry initiated a reevaluation of the relationship, recognising the potential that had previously gone untapped. Jaishankar said the relationship between the two countries has not developed spontaneously; rather, it is the outcome of four key factors One PM Modi, two Australia, three the global dynamics and fourth is Indian diaspora. I mentioned PM Modi for a particular reason. After he had become Prime Minister, he posed a question to me in 2014. He asked, 'why hasn't our relationship with Australia developed? Despite having such a natural faith, there is language bonding, shared culture and tradition.' I had no answer that day because I hadn't reflected on it myself and maybe even if I had, I would not have probably realised that at the end of the day, things do not happen automatically; they need effort, leadership, and ambition, Jaishankar said. He further added that for a relationship to develop, efforts from people, governments, and leaders at both ends are needed. So when I present to you today a picture of such transformation, this did not happen when the India-Australia vehicle was on autopilot. It happened when people have worked at it; at both ends, there was a realisation of the value of these ties and the great efforts of building it, the EAM said. Reflecting on the growth in ties between the two nations, Jaishankar remarked that Australia would have featured among India's crucial partners a decade ago but that has changed significantly. Also Read | India, Australia set to expand trade pact, focus on e-commerce This is my fifth visit to Australia in the last three years... I first came to Australia when I was Foreign Secretary. Yesterday, before I boarded the flight, I launched a book in which they highlighted seven crucial friendships of India, Australia was one of them. And I told the author; that if he had written the book 10 years ago, I am not sure it would have been. I am saying this because I am trying to stress how much this relationship has in the last decade and why has it changed... There are four reasons. . That is the reason why the relationship has come a long way, the EAM said. GAZA, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- Dismantling the UN agency for Palestine refugees without a viable alternative will deprive Palestinian children of the opportunity to receive education, the agency said on Sunday. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) was providing education to more than 300,000 children in Gaza until October 2023, half of the school-age children who are now losing their second year of school, Philippe Lazzarini, commissioner-general of UNRWA, said on social media platform X. Lazzarini said that there are about 50,000 children in the West Bank studying in UNRWA schools, noting that UNRWA is the only UN agency that provides education directly through its schools. "Our schools are the only education system in the region that includes a human rights program and follows the standards and values of the United Nations. Without education, children slide into despair, poverty and extremism," he said. Lazzarini noted that instead of focusing on banning UNRWA or finding alternatives to it, the focus should be on reaching an agreement that ends the regional conflict. The Israeli parliament passed on Oct. 28 two legislations to prohibit UNRWA from operating in the country, and ban Israeli authorities from any contact with the agency. WASHINGTON, - U.S. Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris has surpassed Republican Donald Trump in a new poll in Iowa, with likely women voters responsible for the turnaround in a state that Trump easily won in 2016 and 2020, according to the Des Moines Register/Mediacom Iowa Poll released on Saturday. The poll of 808 likely voters, who were surveyed Oct. 28-31, has Harris leading Trump 47%-44% in Iowa, which has been trending deeply Republican in recent years. It is within the 3.4 percentage point margin of error, but it marked a turnaround from a September Iowa Poll that had Trump with a 4-point lead, the newspaper reported. "The poll shows that women particularly those who are older or who are politically independent are driving the late shift toward Harris," the Register said. Trump won Iowa in his past two presidential campaigns, by more than 9 percentage points in 2016 and 8 points in 2020. An Emerson College Polling/RealClearDefense survey of a similar number of likely voters Nov. 1-2 had a starkly different result, with Trump leading Harris by 10 points. This poll also has a 3.4 percentage point margin of error. The Emerson College survey had Trump with strong leads over Harris among men and independents, while Harris was performing well with those under the age of 30. Nationally, Harris and Trump are seen locked in a tight race for the White House, with early voting well underway. Election Day is on Tuesday. Whoever wins Iowa will collect six Electoral College votes. A total of 270 are needed to capture the White House. Both parties have been concentrating their efforts during the closing days of their campaigns on "battleground" states such as North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin. Iran has vowed a crushing response to recent Israeli attacks with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei claiming on Saturday that retaliation would also affect the allied US. The enemies, whether the Zionist regime or the United States of America, will definitely receive a crushing response to what they are doing to Iran and the Iranian nation and to the resistance front," Khamenei said in video released by Iranian state media. It was not immediately clear when such an attack would take place with contradictory reports emerging this week. According to a recent New York Times report quoting officials in the know, Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei had ordered plans drawn up by his Supreme National Security Council on Monday. The publication said a retaliatory attack would only come after the US elections on November 5. Also Read | Woman strips at Iran university in apparent protest against strict dress code Senior Iranian officials have also repeatedly indicated plans to launch unimaginable response to recent Israeli strikes in the coming days. Meanwhile Tel Aviv insisted that it would hit back very hard in case Tehran launched a fresh attack. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps confirmed on Sunday that the country would certainly launch a new attack against Israel. Details cannot be discussed, but it will certainly be carried out, Ali Fadavi, IRGCs deputy commander in chief, was cited as saying by the semi-official Iranian Students News Agency. ISNA said the possible attack is expected to be named Operation True Promise 3, in line with the previous missile strikes on Israel in April and October. Any further attacks from either side could engulf the Middle East into a wider regional conflict just ahead of the US presidential election this Tuesday. The region is already on shaky grounds due to the Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip and the Israeli ground invasion of Lebanon. Locals pelted stones at Spain's royals and Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Sunday with mud. The protesters cried: "Murderers, murderers!", assassins. The demonstration was held during the visit by Spanish King Felipe, Queen Letizia, and the Prime Minister to the Valencia suburb which is among the areas highly affected by the deadly floods last week. Also Read | Spain Deploys 1,700 Soldiers to Assist Deadly Storm Relief The extraordinary scenes unfolded on Sunday as they showed the depth of the anger in the country over the response to the nation's worst such disaster in decades, with the toll ever rising and hopes for finding survivors ebbing five days on. Spain's King Felipe VI is protected after a crowd of angry survivors of Spain's floods have tossed mud and shouted insults at the King and government officials when they made their first visit to one of the hardest hit towns after floods in Paiporta near Valencia, Spain, Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024. Spain is a parliamentary monarchy where the king is head of state. According to news agency AFP, King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia were hit in the face and clothes with mud as they tried to calm the angry crowd. The king and queen arrived just after midday at a crisis centre in Paiporta, ground zero for a disaster Sanchez called the second deadliest flood in Europe this century. Also Read | Spain Declares Three-Day Mourning as Storms Kill More Than 90 One protester shouted "you have arrived four days late", BBC reported. Security guards were soon called to stand between the royals and the rest of the delegation and the angry crowd, whose ire seemed most directed at Sanchez and Valencia region head Carlos Mazon. While Sanchez and the politicians quickly left, the king and queen spent an hour trying to calm tempers before leaving themselves. Later, public television said their visit to the flood-hit region had been suspended. An image showed the king with what appears to be objects and mud flying through the air behind him. Angry residents of Paiporta shout during King Felipe VI of Spain's visit to this town, in the region of Valencia, eastern Spain, on November 3, 2024, in the aftermath of devastating deadly floods. Why was the crowd angry? The locals vented pent-up anger over what has been widely perceived by local residents as tardy alerts from the authorities about the dangers of last week's flooding and then a late response by the emergency services when disaster struck, Reuters reported. "It was known and nobody did anything to avoid it," a young man told the king, who insisted on staying to talk to the people despite the turmoil, while the prime minister had quickly withdrawn. Following the attack, officials had to cut short their visit to the town worst hit by the floods which have killed more than 200. Heavy rains that began on Monday caused floods that destroyed bridges and covered towns with mud, cutting off communities and leaving them without water, food or electricity. Juan Bordera, a member of the Valencian parliament, says King Felipe's visit to flood-struck Valencia was "a very bad decision". Authorities didnt listen to any warnings, Bordera was quoted by BBC as saying. He said the response of the national government is also questionable. Days after the Halloween parade prank at Dublin's OConnell Street went wrong, Pakistan-based website creator that advertised a non-existent Halloween parade has publicly apologised to everyone, stating 'it was a mistake'. The Pakistan-based website in its statement said that they had no intention of pranking people who gathered in excitement and it was a misunderstanding which resulted in the rapid spread of misinformation leading up to October 31. Also Read | Top Halloween celebrity looks Identified himself as Nazir Ali, the man behind the website, spoke to The Irish Times and said that it was not his or his businesss intention to mislead people. It was our fault; we should have confirmed it before publishing, Hindustan Times quoted Ali as saying to The Irish Times. He added, "However, claims that we intentionally posted false information are completely inaccurate." What happened on 31 October? On 31 October, thousands flocked to OConnell Street in the hope of attending a fun Halloween parade. But later, they learnt from Garda and other sources that the event was never going to take place. Also Read | 5 Halloween traditions and their origins As per details, the website is maintained by a team of content creators who work remotely from various countries. Apart from the Pakistani website, several other individuals and businesses shared the announcement, which appeared in Google searches before Halloween. However, by 8 p.m., Garda confirmed the parade's absence via its social media post and urged attendees to disperse. However, Ali still claimed that his website had accurately reported numerous events in Ireland, including St. Patricks Day festivities. Stating that he has never faced similar issues before, Ali claimed he had no advance knowledge of the parade's cancellation. Had we been informed earlier, we would have taken it down. No one reached out to us, he added. Also Read | 10 spine-chilling horror movies to celebrate 2024 Halloween Ali mentioned, among other things, that his website ranks highly among Halloween-related information on Google, and this was the only misleading article. We feel deeply embarrassed and sincerely regret this incident, he reiterated. Change is inevitable, and accepted standards and benchmarks are under pressure from new touchstones and paradigms. In economic strategy and management, the liberalization-privatization-globalization (LPG) formula is up for review. Likewise, economists and planners are casting around for an alternative, comprehensive yardstick to supplant GDP as a reliable measure of economic well-being. Even the money markets classic totem, Libor, had to be retired and replaced. With such tectonic macro changes, a re-assessment of performance measurement at the micro or firm level has also become unavoidable. The rise of institutional investors and high net worth individuals with easy access to leveraged funds over the past three-four decades has resulted in company boards being over-populated with shareholder representatives. These directors started rewarding or punishing chief executives on the basis of narrow metricssuch as increases in gross margins, net margins and market capitalizationwithout concern or regard for how these were being met. As CEO performance got centred around shareholder returns, corporate finance and balance sheet re-engineering became central to management processes. This single-minded focus on short-term outcomes and shareholder returns influenced thought processes to the extent that every other corporate activitymanufacturing, quality control, safety, human resources and ethicsbecame secondary. Something had to give. Ongoing introspection and change-management processes at two iconic US companies, Boeing and Starbucks, will hopefully become triggers for change in the dominant management ethos. Both companies were hostage to the dominant paradigm of short-term results and financial engineering, to the detriment of operating excellence, and have suffered deep collateral damage. The chiefs of both companiesKelly Ortberg at Boeing and Brian Niccol at Starbucks, appointed recentlyacknowledged, separately, that the companies had drifted from their roots, given an unusual obsession with delivering positive cash flows every quarter while ignoring their core purpose of building safe and efficient aircraft or acting as community coffee houses. Interestingly, the two companies are dissimilar and suffer from different kinds of problems, but their CEOs are hinting at similar fundamental solutions. Boeing has been in the eye of a storm over the past few years, with the companys new 737Max aircraft dogged by multiple safety issues. A fuselage panel blew off mid-air this January on a plane deployed by Alaska Airlines. Boeings Starliner space capsule with Nasa had to leave behind two astronauts in space due to propulsion problems. Earlier, investigations of two commercial flight crashes in Indonesia and Ethiopia, coming within six months of each other in 2018-19 and resulting in 350 deaths, revealed that Boeing had failed to disclose safety compromises in its new flight control system, MCAS. But heres the thing: Then CEO Denis Muilenberg told investors a month after the first crash that 737Max planes were as safe as any airplane that has ever flown the skies," despite internal probes concluding that MCAS was a safety risk and needed to be rectified. Boeing and Muilenberg got off lightly for misleading investors by paying a fine of only $200 million and $1 million, respectively, to the US Securities and Exchange Commission, but, crucially, did not admit or deny any wrongdoing. Even more egregiously, Boeing struck a $2.5-billion sweetheart deal with the US department of justice to avoid prosecution for misleading regulators about the MCAS safety glitch, leaving loved ones of the crash victims without any closure. Boeings focus on squeezing costson wages by laying off staff regularly and on production by outsourcing work to dodgy external suppliersto generate consistent shareholder returns is a template that has been around for a while. Albert J. Dunlap, nicknamed Chainsaw Al, gained notoriety for sacking over 11,000 workers in Scott Paper and earning a $100-million bonus for selling off the shrunken company to Kimberly-Clark in 1995. Jack Welch, who headed General Electric Company (GE) from 1988 to 2001, secured the moniker Neutron Jack for sacking 10% of the companys staff every year; in his first year as CEO, he sacked close to 100,000 people across the conglomerate. As stock markets rewarded a bump-up in margins due to a reduced wage bill, the Welch formula became an accepted corporate doctrine across the globe. Regulators and politicians also bought into this corporate practice, as it became a vital component of the unshakeable LPG credo. This economic model assumed market omniscience, reasoning that markets would eventually sort out everything, including the re-employment of sacked workers. It also conveniently enabled lopsided remuneration policies, with top executives earning 70-100 times the wages of those in the bottom half of the company. Multiple companiesbeyond Boeing, Starbucks or GEare feeling the adverse effects of these policies. As the LPG model comes under review, it is appropriate that the prevalent corporate model also be put under the microscope. But that model first needs to be re-examined in business schools, the ideas nursery where such dodgy corporate practices have been germinated, nourished, justified and propagated. The four-year-long Galwan phase of India-China relations has come to an end. The two countries struck an agreement last week to disengage militarily and resolve the issues in these areas." If the deal is implemented seriously, it could be the first step of a slow and wary movement towards better ties in the next phase of the relationship. Indias best approach is to be cautiously optimistic without letting heady optimism overpower its caution, especially in the short term. There are many lessons to learn from the Galwan phase. The two most important are the following. First, Beijing can achieve small boundary-related objectives by conducting aggressive military operations short of war. Second, that the asymmetric emotional significance of the border conflict is disadvantageous to Indias interests. Let me explain. Why did Beijing raise the heat at Galwan in May 2020? The proximate answer is to prevent India from building road infrastructure in areas near the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Those roads would have subtly changed the military balance in Indias favour. My China specialist colleagues feel that the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) leadership did not expect the Indian Army to respond as forcefully as it did. The PLAs bosses in Beijing also underestimated New Delhis political response, and did not foresee a roll-out of hardline political and economic measures in the middle of the covid pandemic. Beijing paid a tremendous geopolitical cost for its miscalculation: the Indian establishment acquired strategic clarity" with respect to China and drew even closer to the United States. The price was much higher than Beijing may have estimated, but to the extent that it managed to prevent or slow down Indian infrastructure development along the LAC, it has achieved its objective. Indias road construction projects would have progressed significantly over the past four years had the PLA not intervened. Moreover, we do not know what the Kazan agreement entails for infrastructure building and how it will affect the military balance. From a purely military point of view, the PLA will probably conclude that aggression is effective in pursuing its territorial objectives, albeit at a high strategic cost. There is an asymmetry in the emotional significance of affairs along the Himalayan frontiers. It does not play the same way in Chinese and Indian public opinion. Incidents along the LAC in Ladakh or Arunachal Pradesh are felt more intensely in India, reported more passionately by the Indian media, and result in political pressure on the Indian government. Unlike Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chinas leader Xi Jinping does not have to face criticism from opposition politicians. This puts the Indian government in an uncomfortable spot. Fanned by the excitable media, public opinion tends to favour a stronger military response, but conflict escalation over remote Himalayan terrain involves bigger political risks. This emotional asymmetry enables Chinas political leaders to use the border to destabilize Indian policy. The latest agreement allows Chinas political and military leaders to retain their belief that military options are useful. At the same time, I think they will assess that the strategic costs of using them are extravagant. Was a favourable military balance in a couple of sectors of the Himalayan frontier worth pushing India into the arms of the US, freezing hugely profitable economic ties and convincing a whole generation of Indians that China is Indias enemy? Chinas leaders are nothing if not a pragmatic lot and I suspect there has been some rethinking in Beijing. One reason the Galwan phase started was the Chinese leaderships imperial disdain for countries it doesnt consider world powers. Leaders in Beijing didnt expect the Indian reaction and its geopolitical fallout as they underestimate the power of their big neighbours. Their fixation with the US means that they are blinkered when it comes to India, Japan and Vietnam. Unfortunately, I suspect that this imperial disdain is part of Chinas political culture, of its Middle Kingdom mindset, and that it clouds a clearer strategic assessment. Where do we go from here? The Kazan agreement is an opportunity. If both sides execute it in good faith, it can be the basis of rebuilding diplomatic and economic ties. As details of the deal unfold, we are likely to see concessions and compromises that we do not like. Once the disengagement is considered complete, the tricky business of resolution of issues" will begin. It is unlikely to be easy. Yet it is better to have officials negotiating with each other on a regular basis than persist with a situation where the two governments have blocked each other off. As I have argued for a long time, it is in Indias interests to shift the theatre of strategy away from the Himalayas and into the waters of the Indo-Pacific. Once India shows itself inclined and capable of affecting the maritime military balance east of the Malacca Strait, the PLA will recalculate the utility of deploying force along the LAC. And the emotional asymmetry in popular opinion at home will begin turning into Beijings disadvantage. As the Galwan phase has reminded us again, power is the only language Chinas leaders understand. PHOENIXKamala Harris is making a bet in the final days of a deadlocked election campaign that turning out women voters is her best path to the presidency. In a race that has been defined by gender politics, getting women to the polls is a crucial task for Harris. The Democratic vice president, who remains neck-and-neck with Republican former President Donald Trump, has made abortion rights and the importance of giving women freedom over their bodies a central part of her final message. She has stressed Trumps role appointing three justices to the Supreme Court that overturned Roe v. Wade, and seized on Trumps recent remark that he would protect" women. Helping Harris is Michelle Obama, who is typically a reluctant campaigner. Last week the former first lady delivered a blistering address in Michigan in which she graphically detailed how limits to reproductive healthcare affect womens bodies, and she made a plea to men to take our lives seriously." Obama will continue to make her case Saturday in Pennsylvania, following up on a get-out-the-vote rally this week focused on young people. Harris, for her part, will spend Saturday rallying voters in Charlotte and Atlanta. First lady Jill Biden will also be campaigning in Pennsylvania, and other surrogates such as Democratic Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer will be working to get out the vote. A Harris adviser said that if she wins, it will be attributable to a large turnout among womenespecially younger, college educated and suburban womenand limiting the losses among men. The Harris camp says it has managed to shift some Trump-supporting women by detailing his past statements on abortion. In 2016, Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton beat Trump among women voters by 15 percentage points, according to Pew Research Center. Since the Dobbs decision overturning Roe v. Wade in 2022, women have turned out in midterms, special elections and for ballot referendums on abortion to power Democratic victories. Both parties are now scouring polls and data about people who have already voted for any signs of supercharged turnout among women. National and swing-state polls have shown Trump enjoying a strong advantage with men, but struggling to land a winning message with women. He has run a campaign featuring a hypermasculine message, at times defined by coarse and sexist language. Trump has tried to moderate his stance on abortion, saying he wouldnt support a national ban. He recently offered a tax break for people who take care of a parent or loved one, after Harris rolled out a plan to have Medicare cover in-home healthcare. The former president has also argued that womens safety is under threat, promising to protect them. In Wisconsin this week, Trump said his advisers had told him to stop casting himself as a protector of women. I said, Well, Im going to do it whether the women like it or not," said Trump. Im going to protect them." Democrats and Harris highlighted those remarks, with the vice president declaring in Phoenix: Theres a saying that you gotta listen to people when they tell you who you are or who they are. And this is not the first time he has told us he does not believe women should have the agency and authority to make decisions about their own bodies." We trust women," said Harris to cheers. Trump spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt asked Why does Kamala Harris take issue with President Trump wanting to protect women, men, and children from migrant crime and foreign adversaries?" Trumps campaign has also pushed back by highlighting a comment from Harris-supporting billionaire Mark Cuban, who said that Trump doesnt surround himself with smart women. Some of Trumps female advisers promptly shared photos of themselves with the former president on social media. Trump also drew attention this week when he said would have Robert F. Kennedy Jr. work on health and womens health." Harris responded to the suggestion with a one-word social-media post: No." Kennedywho endorsed Trump after ending an independent bid for presidenthas questioned the safety and efficacy of Covid-19 vaccine and other government-endorsed vaccines. Kennedy has expressed conflicting views on abortion access. Trump senior adviser Jason Miller said the campaign is focused on winning the election, but said Trump had made clear Kennedy would play an important role. A campaign official also said that the abortion issue would be left to the states. On Thursday, Trump went after former GOP Rep. Liz Cheney, a critic of the former president who has endorsed Harris, during an interview with Tucker Carlson. Shes a radical war hawk," Trump said, suggesting Cheney should be sent into battle. Lets put her with a rifle standing there with nine barrels shooting at her, OK? Lets see how she feels about it, you know, when the guns are trained on her face." Trump has a long history of making crude and disparaging remarks about women. In 2023, a federal jury found him liable for sexually abusing and defaming advice columnist E. Jean Carroll in a Manhattan department store 30 years ago. He denied the charges. Galvanize Action, a nonprofit focused on moderate women, since the spring has been tracking a group of more than 6,000 moderate white women in 10 states, including the seven battleground states. Jackie Payne, the groups founder, said that they have moved slightly toward Harris. Payne said those voters put priority on the economy, democracy, reproductive rights and immigration. They give Trump an edge on the economy and immigration and Harris an advantage on democracy and reproductive rights. They view it as a freedom and they connect it to healthcare writ large," she said of abortion. Over the course of the presidential race, women campaigning for Democrats have come forward with harrowing stories of pregnancy complications and healthcare struggles, speaking in detail about miscarriages, ectopic pregnancies and fertility care in a way that was once unheard of in public life. A recent ad featured a Texas woman who couldnt receive an abortion during a miscarriage and developed a life-threatening infection. She shows a scar on her abdomen from an emergency surgery, and the ad states she might never be able to have children. Obama gave voice to those experiences in Kalamazoo, saying: If your wife is shivering and bleeding on the operating room table during a routine delivery gone bad, her pressure dropping as she loses more and more blood or some unforeseen infection spreads, and her doctors arent sure if they can act, you will be the one praying that its not too late." Delaney Tunstall, 21 years old, of Scottsdale, Ariz., said abortion was an important reason she was backing Harris. The Arizona State University student said she had an abortion in May 2022before the Dobbs decisionand that if she hadnt had the option it would have had a drastic impact on my life." Obamas comments havent gone unnoticed by Trump, who called her nasty." One challenge for Harris is that some women in battleground states who support abortion rights say they plan to support Trump. A recent Wall Street Journal national poll found that 33% of Trump voters say they want abortion to be legal with some or no restrictions, compared with 62% who want it to be illegal with some or no exceptions. A total of 92% of Harris voters support legal abortion some or all of the time, while 6% say it should be illegal. Jillian Glasser, 61, of Lower Gwynedd, Pa., has already voted for Trump. She said she thought abortion should be safe and legal, but I just dont think Pennsylvania is going to overturn it." Of Trump, the retiree said: I think we have to take him at his word. I really dont think he is going to do anything dramatic." Write to Catherine Lucey at catherine_lucey@wsj.com Janasena chief Pawan Kalyan on Saturday said he has set up a new wing in the party 'Narasimha Varahi Ganam' to protect Sanatana Dharma. "I am starting a separate wing in Janasena for Sanatana Dharma protection and naming it as Narasimha Varahi Ganam," said the Deputy Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh in a press release. Further, Kalyan asserted that he respects all the religions but those who tries to malign Hindu religion will face action. I respect all religions, but I stand firm on my faith. Those who criticize Sanatana Dharma on social media or speak disrespectfully about it will have to face the consequences. The announcement of forming of a new wing came during his visit to Eluru district. Demands for 'Sanatana Dharma' protection Amid the laddu controversy at Andhra Pradesh's renowned Tirupati Balaji temple, Pawan Kalyan called for the creation of a national-level Sanatan Dharma Rakshan Board. Following this, he has now established a separate wing within his own party dedicated to this cause. During the controversy, Kalyan had said, "Our government is committed to taking strict action, but this matter highlights the insult of temples, its land issues and other religious practices. Pawan Kalyan further said that now the time has come to form 'Sanatana Dharma Rakshan Board' at the national level to look into all the issues related to temples across India." The laddu controversy was triggered after the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu claimed that substandard ingredients, including animal fat, were used in the preparation of Tirupati laddus, the Prasdam offered at the Sri Venkateswara temple in Tirupati, during the previous YSRCP government. Reacting to INDIA bloc leaders' hate speech accusations, Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma clarified that talking about Hindus doesn't mean targeting Muslims and questioned why opposition leaders are hurt when he speaks against the infiltrators. The controversy erupted when INDIA bloc leaders raised objections against Assam CM Himanta Sarma's speech in Sarath, Jharkhand on November 1. Accusing Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma of making inflammatory and divisive speeches during an election rally in Jharkhand, INDIA bloc leaders on Saturday sought strict action from the Election Commission of India (ECI) against the BJP leader. Assam CEO Himanta Biswa Sarma's hate speech is an example of the divisive politics as he seeks to polarise the electorate and consolidate power for his agenda, INDIA bloc leaders said in a letter to the CEO, according to ANI. The leaders also demanded strict action against BJP leader Himanta Biswa Sarma's inflammatory and divisive speeches at an election rally in Jharkhand. What did Himanta Biswa say in Jharkhand? During his speech on November 1 in Sarath, the BJP leader stated, Those people will vote in one place, but our Hindus will vote half here and half there. He also remarked, This government invites infiltrators because a special community will vote for them, reported ANI. "His use of extremely divisive and hateful words in the speech targeting the Muslim minorities by saying words like "Woh log ek hi jageh par vote daalte hain lekin humaara Hindu aadha vote idhar daalega aadha udhar" and "ye sarkar ghuspaithiya ko bulaata hai Kyuki vishesh samudaay unko vote deta hai" are clear examples of the venomous language being used by him to create a civil warlike situation and incite violence in the ensuing assembly elections," ANI quoted INDIA bloc's letter to EC. Himanta Biswa Sarma's response to INDIA bloc complaint Reacting to the INDIA bloc's complaint, Himanta Biswa Sarma dismissed the allegations and mentioned that he didn't even utter the word Muslim in his speech. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Congress leader and party's candidate for Wayanad Lok Sabha by-election, while campaigning in the constituency slammed PM Narendra Modi that his government only works for big business and not for the common man. She said, "Modi ji's government works only for his big businessman friends. His objective is not to give you a better life. It is not to find new jobs. It is not to provide better health or education initiatives and programs. It is simply to stay in power by any means possible. And what are those means? Those means are dividing you, spreading anger, spreading hatred amongst you..." Priyanka Gandhi is contesting from the Wayanad constituency as a United Democratic Front (UDF) candidate, is seeking election from the seat her brother Rahul Gandhi vacated. The seat was vacated by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi after he was also elected to Lok Sabha from Raebareli in Uttar Pradesh in the general elections held earlier this year. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Rahul Gandhi reached Kerala's Wayanad on Sunday to kick off poll campaign ahead of Wayanad Lok Sabha bypoll. Gandhis was accompanied by Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal and was welcomed by Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee President K Sudhakaran, Congress MP K Suresh and Congress MLA T Siddique among others upon their arrival. Priyanka is scheduled to address a public rally in Mananthavady, Wayanad during her second phase campaigning in the district. Rahul Gandhi will participate in the election campaign in support of his sister for the bypoll. Wayanad to go to polls on Novmber 13 Wayanad, a Congress bastion is going to see a contest between Congress's Priyanka Gandhi, BJP's Navya Haridas and the Left candidate Sathyan Mokeri in the upcoming bypolls. It will go to the polls on November 13 along with voting for bye-elections in 47 assembly seats across 15 states. Earlier, Priyanka Gandhi reiterated her commitment to resolve the problems of the people of Wayanad constituency if elected to power. BEIRUT, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- Ten people were killed and nine others injured on Sunday in Israeli airstrikes on different areas in southern and eastern Lebanon, Lebanese official sources said. An anonymous source from the Lebanese Civil Defense said that the Israeli raid on the Saida neighborhood in southern Lebanon resulted in the deaths of three people and left nine others injured. Additionally, three civilians were killed in a raid on the town of Machghara in eastern Lebanon, and two more were killed in the village of Jabal al-Batam in southern Lebanon. The source added that two paramedics from the Islamic Health Authority were killed in the municipality of Bazourieh in southern Lebanon. Also on Sunday, a team from the Lebanese Red Cross retrieved five bodies of Lebanese civilians from the rubble of two houses destroyed by Israel's Wednesday airstrikes on the eastern edge of the southeast town of Khiam. Meanwhile, Hezbollah said in a series of statements that its military wing attacked various Israeli settlements and military bases with drones and missiles. The Israeli army has launched intensive attacks on Lebanon since late September in an escalation with Hezbollah. According to a report by the Lebanese Health Ministry on Sunday, the death toll from Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon since the beginning of the war on Oct. 8, 2023, reached 2,986, while injuries went up to 13,402. Officials from China have avoided direct comment on North Koreas despatch of thousands of troops to Russia, where they might help in a conflict that all three countries see as a contest against overweening American might. China itself is a crucial if undeclared backer of Russias war effort in Ukraine, providing technological support for Russias defence industries. But behind closed doors, Chinese officials may question North Koreas move. To celebrate their forging of diplomatic relations 75 years ago, China and North Korea describe 2024 as a year of friendship". China insists that their ties are as close as lips and teeth". But on Chinese social mediawhich are normally heavily censored to skew opinion in favour of authoritarian countriessome netizens with large followings have been wondering whether North Korea may have harmed Chinas interests. On October 24th, a day after America said there was evidence that North Korean troops were in Russia, a Chinese foreign-ministry spokesman said China does not have information on that." On Weibo, a microblogging site, a reporter for state media, Zhao Lingmin, told her more than 1m followers that this indicated China had not been informed in advance of North Koreas action, which is clearly a sign of disrespect". Qiu Zhenhai, a well-known political commentator with nearly 2m followers on Weibo, went further. So, who is the biggest direct victim in this situation? Its China," he said. He fretted about the possibility of Russia returning the favour by helping North Korea in a war on the Korean peninsula that could result in nuclear conflict on Chinas doorstep. Many analysts agree that China is peeved by North Koreas apparent tilt towards Russia. Since last year the two countries leaders, Kim Jong Un and Vladimir Putin, have exchanged chummy visits. These have resulted not only in the deployment of North Korean troops (on October 28th NATOs new chief, Mark Rutte, said they had been sent to the Kursk region of Russia, which Ukraine has invaded), but also massive shipments to Russia of North Korean shells and missiles. In return, Russia is providing North Korea with economic and military aid, Western officials believe. The Chinese always like to say that they have no influence over North Korea, but they guard their influence," says Victor Cha of the Centre for Strategic and International Studies, a think-tank in Washington. He says China has lost control" there. Chinese officials may fear that Mr Kim will become less reliant on their country, which has long been North Koreas largest trading partner. Emboldened by Russias support, he may also become more provocative in his dealings with South Korea. China has more at stake than Russia in preserving stability on the Korean peninsula. A conflict there could have a big impact on Chinese cities close to the border. China, which has a defence treaty with North Korea, may even get dragged in. If things kicked off, China would want to keep American power at bay, as it did during the Korean war of 1950-53. Kim Jong Un-interested North Korea-watchers note signs that Mr Kim is cooling towards China. Andrei Lankov of Kookmin University in Seoul says that North Korean media now publish far more articles about Russia than about China. In July North Korea did not send a senior official to a celebration by the Chinese embassy in Pyongyang of the anniversary of the China-North Korea treaty. Messages exchanged between the two countries to congratulate each other on 75 years of diplomatic ties have been shorter than in the past, some analysts observe. Despite Chinas concerns about Russias relationship with North Korea, it is pleased to see the West distracted, divided and fatigued by the war in Ukraine. China may even sense an opportunity. It may try to exploit Western hopes that it could help rein in North Korean support for Russia, says Seong-Hyon Lee of the Harvard University Asia Centre. China will demand a price for that," he says. But even if it is willing to try, China may find it hard to bend Mr Kim to its will. 2024, The Economist Newspaper Limited. All rights reserved. From The Economist, published under licence. The original content can be found on www.economist.com Soon after Simona Dai was born in 1992 in rural China, she was sent to live with a foster family, hidden away so her parents could hold out for a son. Driving that decision was the countrys one-child policy, in place from 1980 through 2015. Dai was the second daughter of her parents, under an exemption that let rural families have a second child if the first was a girl. She wasnt really a part of her birth family again until after her brother was born four years later. Her fate as an unacknowledged daughter wasnt uncommon among women born during that era, where the edict to limit births often collided with family pressure to have a son. Across Chinas villages and small towns, many women hid from state enforcers to avoid forced abortions in out-of-quota pregnancies or fought with relatives over whether to hide or abandon illegal" baby girls. Now 32, Dai has decided against having children herself. I never felt the kind of unconditional love from my mom," she said. I dont know how I could give it to another human." Having scrapped the one-child policy, the Communist Party is now championing the term family values" and pressuring women to have more children as it grows increasingly anxious over Chinas shrinking population. Those pressures are colliding with the lingeringand never addressedemotional toll of decades of draconian enforcement of birth restrictions. Dai and countless other women not only witnessed their parents pain over children abandoned or never born but were themselves made to feel that they were mere obstacles in the familys quest for a son. Some of these women now say the sense of feeling unloved and uncared for shattered their very concept of family, part of a backlash by women who resist getting married or having any children at all. The one-child policy created generational trauma," said Mei Fong, author of One Child: The Story of Chinas Most Radical Experiment," a book on the policy. And that has left such a deep scar that women today are reluctant to build happy families. Why would they? They had very unhappy families." Most Chinese women still marry and have children. But the percentage of unmarried women ages 30 to 44 in China increased from less than 1% in 2000 to 5.6% in 2020. And a 2023 study of childlessness by five Chinese demographers estimated that around 5% of 49-year-old Chinese women had no children, a number that for decades stayed below 2%. Chinas National Health Commission, which oversees birth issues, didnt respond to a request for comment. Trisha Zhu, 40, remembers her mother repeatedly disappearing for months from their home in a small town in central China, ostensibly to visit relatives. Later, Zhu realized her mother was hiding during pregnancies from officials and nosy neighbors. It took eight tries before her mother finally gave birth to a son. As a teenager, Zhu learned she had a younger sister who had been given away to another family as a newborn. Another sister was kept off birth registers to avoid punishment for an out-of-quota birth. There were also abortions and, in one instance, induced labor that resulted in one babys death. Zhu says her mother fainted when she found out it was a boy. It wasnt possible to interview Zhus mother. In a conversation that Zhu videotaped, her mother recounts being scorned by her in-laws for her failure to give birth to a son and her fear of being forced to terminate her pregnancies. Zhu recalls her mother telling Zhu and her sisters that she was tempted at times to drink pesticide, one of the most common methods of suicide for rural women back then. We couldnt make sense of what she went through," Zhu said. Research on the policys psychological impact has generally focused on children growing up without siblingsor the parents who lost their one child. Little research has focused on the policys mental-health impact on women of the era. The one-child policy was just one stress factor in the hard life of rural women of childbearing age, a group that at the end of last century had one of the worlds highest rates of suicide, according to one 1998 study. The rates of suicide among rural women have come down in recent decades, which some researchers have attributed partly to Chinas economic development. Four decades after the party launched the one-child policy, the number of births in China is in free fall. The country had just over nine million newborns in 2023, compared with around 16 million in 2013. The United Nations now expects Chinas population to drop from 1.4 billion today to 639 million by 2100. Please come, little brother In Chinas cities, where most families had only one child, many girls received access to education and opportunities similar to boys. In rural China, the limits on births exacerbated the Confucian preference for sons. One unsubtle practice that emphasized the second-class status of these extra, unwanted daughters was to give them names such as Zhaodi" or Laidi," meaning please come, little brother." In recent years, some of these women have changed their names. One of them posted on social media about how she had felt ashamed her entire life when called Zhaodi in public. Her post received thousands of comments and stories about other Zhaodis. In the cases where a younger brother was eventually born, the family generally stopped having children and directed resources toward their son. Researchers from Huazhong University of Science and Technology, examining data collected for a survey by the University of North Carolina, the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention and others, found that between 1991 and 2009, four out of 10 rural girls and women ages 6 to 30 had a younger brother, while only two out of 10 males of the same age did. Having brothers often hurt womens educational opportunities during the one-child era. Nanfu Wang, a filmmaker who co-directed One Child Nation," a documentary critical of the one-child policy, said her college dream was shattered when her family sent her to a vocational school instead of high school at age 13. The hope was that after graduation she could help lessen the familys financial burden so that her younger brother could continue his education. Her brother, Wang Zhihao, said he only learned about that in middle school. I felt really guilty," he said. I wish things had gone differently." One 2017 study based on 2010 national data by researchers from Jinan University and Guangzhou Philanthropy Academy found having brothers reduced the average years of education for women by half a year. Many girls also were hampered in their schooling by the mere fact that they had been hidden by their parents and were undocumented. Hard on my heart After Wu Yaping was born in 1992 as the familys third daughter, her parents left her on the curb outside the hospital. But her father came back for her, reasoning she would be an extra hand in family chores. Growing up, Wu says, she was at everyones beck and call." She didnt question the love and attention showered on the brother born after her. Wu and her sisters crammed into damp and crowded public schools, while her brother went to private school with his own snacks, brand-new school supplies and a monthly allowance seven times that of his sisters. When he got married, her parents paid the down payment for an apartment and bought him a car. Wu thought that was the way it should be. But she has also always had a strained relationship with her parents. Ive told my mom countless times that I really wish I hadnt been born," she said. Im worried if I had a kid, theyd become another me." Wu is now an intellectual-property lawyer in Shenzhen. She assumed she would one day herself marry and become a mother, but she has gradually turned her back on that prospect, saying she has realized she has options. Im not anyones attachment. I live for myself," she said. It wasnt possible to reach Wus parents or brother. Much like Wu, Zhu and Dai have spent much of their lives coming to grips with their upbringing. In 2015, Zhu started collecting personal stories from women who were abandoned or grew up as unacknowledged daughters. She republished more than 100 stories on her Chinese social-media account. It was a collective trauma," she said. After witnessing her mothers pain, Zhu wasnt even considering marriage and motherhood. That changed after she left China for graduate school in the U.S. She is now married and has a 4-year-old daughter. Had I stayed in China, I wouldnt have done either," she said. One evening in late 2019, Dai decided to interview her mother about her experiences during the one-child-policy era. She was shocked to learn her mother had a forced-labor induction when she was eight months pregnant in the early 1990s. The baby, who died, would have been another girl. I still find myself thinking about it at night. I really regret it," her mother said in a recording of the conversation. It is hard on my heart." Dai later used her mothers story as the first installment in a podcast she created on marriage and birth. It wasnt possible to reach her mother for comment. Dai got married when she was 26. For years she resisted persistent demands from both families to give birth and finally arrived at the conclusion that the only way to stop the demands was to end her marriage. Last year, she filed for divorce. Write to Shen Lu at shen.lu@wsj.com The one thing that managers reliably lack is time. They will often be doing their existing jobs as well as supervising others. They have bureaucracies to navigateexpenses to authorise, hiring requests to makeand mini-crises to solve. It is all too easy for the weeks to whizz past; suddenly it is September and the northern-hemisphere nights are drawing in again. But it is possible for even harried managers to ask themselves questions that force useful moments of reflection. For example: Would I hire this person again? There is a whole category of questions that executives should ask themselves which are basically about regret. Peter Drucker, a management guru, urged bosses to reallocate scarce resources to more useful pursuits by asking of various activities: If we did not do this already, would we go into it now knowing what we now know? To avoid meeting overload, it helps to routinely query whether get-togethers are really needed; some firms do a meeting detox by wiping calendars clean and forcing people to repopulate them. The version of the regret question that is useful to every manager is whether they would choose to hire each member of their team into the same position. If the answer is a genuine yes, pat yourself on the back and reflect on why these people are successful. If the answer is no, you dont have to get the axe out and start swinging. But you almost certainly owe them some awkward feedback, and should ask yourself why you hired them and whether there is a way to get more out of them. How often am I hearing dissent? This handy question comes from Amy Edmondson, a professor at Harvard Business School best known for her work on psychological safety. Most managers can recite the arguments for creating an environment in which team members feel comfortable disagreeing; some may even believe them. If you do subscribe to this idea, Dr Edmondsons question offers a useful way of working out whether the reality matches the ambition. If you say you want robust debate and cannot remember recent instances of people below you in the hierarchy saying why they think you are wrong, then it is possible you are actually a fan of psychological danger. (Do not include the office contrarian in your answer: they are incapable of agreeing with people and do not count for the purposes of this exercise.) What should we automate? There is an obvious reason to ask this question now, when artificial intelligence offers new ways to rethink white-collar work. But it is one that managers should be putting to their teams routinely. The amount of time that people spend on needlessly repetitive activities, from filling out holiday-request forms to juggling calendar invites, saps productivity and morale. Spotting these sources of boredom and frustration can lead to more engaged staff and greater efficiency. When different teams automate processes unilaterally and tech platforms proliferate within an organisation, overall workloads can rise rather than fall. It is hard to argue that more toggling is a big step forward for mankind. So if automation is needed, it should generally be done under the auspices of a central team. And even if you dont end up handing things over to machines, you are likely to spot opportunities to improve the way things work. How many people are leaving my team? Everyone, as soon as they can is not the right answer to this question. But none is not necessarily a good one either. Thats because one of the more malign diseases afflicting organisations is managers who hoard talent for themselves. Such behaviour is not just harmful to employees, whose opportunities for advancement are curtailed, and to firms, who may lose good people as a result. It also harms managers themselves. A recent study by J.R. Keller of Cornell University and Kathryn Dlugos of Pennsylvania State University looked at almost 100,000 internal applications over a five-year period at a large American health-care organisation. They found that bosses whose subordinates were more likely to be promoted attracted more and higher-quality applicants for open positions on their teams. This is not an exhaustive list; another obvious candidate is whether your team has clear goals. Some issues may not be in the gift of individual bosses to solve. But as a way for time-pressed managers to pause and take stock, questions like these are not a big ask. Apple's iPhone 17 series is still almost 10 months away, but rumors are already buzzing about the new features the Cupertino-based tech giant may introduce with its upcoming flagship lineup. According to a recent report, Apple aims to address a significant shortcoming of the iPhone 16 standard variants by equipping the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Air with ProMotion displays, similar to the Pro models. For the uninitiated, the iPhone 16 standard models faced considerable online criticism for sticking to a 60Hz refresh rate, even as many budget Android devices now offer 120Hz displays. A latest report from South Korea-based ETNews suggests that Apple will use LTPO technology across all four iPhone 17 models, with display panels supplied by Samsung and LG. What is LTPO technology and why is it a big deal? LTPO, which stands for Low-Temperature Polycrystalline Oxide technology, has become the standard not only among Android flagships but also in mid-range devices. The technology was first introduced in Apple smartphones with the iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max in 2021, while the standard variants continued to feature 60Hz low-density polycrystalline silicon (LTPS) panels. LTPO displays allow for a variable refresh rate depending on the task running on the screen, making them generally more power-efficient than their LTPS counterparts. Most Android LTPO panels support variable refresh rates between 1Hz and 120Hz, while the iPhone 13 Pro could go as low as 10Hz. Apple introduced support for refresh rates as low as 1Hz starting with the iPhone 14 Pro. Apple has announced free service programme for iPhone 14 Plus users who are affected by rare kind of issue that affected devices manufactured between April 10, 2023 to April 28, 2024. The affected iPhone 14 Plus devices suffer from a manufacturing defect where the smartphone does not show any preview while using the rear camera of the device. Is your iPhone 14 Plus eligible for free repairs? iPhone 14 Plus users affected by a specific camera issue can check their eligibility for free repairs by visiting Apple's official support page and entering their device's IMEI number. If eligible, Apple will provide the repairs free of cost. Additionally, those iPhone 14 Plus users who previously paid for repairs related to this issue are also eligible to request a refund. Apple has stated that users can make claims for these free repairs for up to three years from the original purchase date of their iPhone 14 Plus. This programme, however, applies only to a very small percentage of iPhone 14 Plus devices and does not extend to the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max, or newer models. This marks Apples first free repair programme in three years, with the last one being in 2021 for the iPhone 12 models affected by an earpiece issue. A Leitrim man has been sentenced to three years in prison following a harrowing case of harassment targeting a woman he met online. David Moran, 33, from Corrabeagh, Gorvagh in County Leitrim, was sentenced in Castlebar Circuit Criminal Court last week, after admitting to a sustained campaign of harassment against a 31-year-old woman from Mayo over a period of 13 months. Judge Eoin Garavan condemned Morans actions, calling them sinister and deceitful and at the higher end of harassment. The court heard that Moran met the victim on a dating app in early 2020, but despite her decision not to pursue a romantic relationship, they stayed in contact through messaging. Also read: Plans lodged by county councillor for major 28 home county Longford development This friendship deteriorated in late 2021, leading Moran to launch a lengthy campaign of harassment that included disturbing acts such as planting threatening signs near her home, creating fake social media accounts, and sending offensive messages to her friends and colleagues. The victim, whose identity remains confidential, endured more than a year of distress and fear, with Moran reportedly making multiple night-time trips to her home to plant disturbing messages. He was eventually identified as the culprit through a fake email account, which Gardai linked to his mobile number. Evidence, including messages, paint supplies, and disturbing signs, was later discovered at his residence in Mohill. In a moving statement, the victim described the mental torture she experienced, explaining how the ordeal not only disrupted her life but also deeply impacted her family. Her father even took to patrolling their home in an attempt to catch the person responsible. Also read: Money seized from criminals by CAB to be invested in four Longford projects Judge Garavan was visibly disturbed by the extent of Morans efforts to instill fear, highlighting the premeditation and persistence involved in Morans actions. He described Morans actions as extraordinary and questioned how long the harassment would have continued if Moran hadnt been caught. In his sentencing, the judge expressed concern about the absence of any clear motive beyond resentment, calling the sustained nature of the harassment astounding. Despite an offer of 20,000 in compensation from Moran, Judge Garavan felt that the sentence had to reflect the seriousness of his actions. Moran was given a four-year sentence, with the final year suspended, conditional upon participation in programs to address his behavior and support his rehabilitation. Additionally, Moran has been barred from contacting the victim or her family for ten years post-release. Moran, who ran a local machinery business, now faces social isolation, with his actions widely condemned within his community. His defense counsel noted that Moran had experienced significant backlash and personal repercussions since the case became public. The court also heard that he is committed to understanding the gravity of his actions and participating in rehabilitative programmes. Also read: Longford startup selected to showcase Irish tech at Web Summit 2024 in Lisbon Judge Garavan concluded the sentencing by commending the victims resilience, hoping this verdict marks a new beginning for her after a deeply traumatic experience. Leitrim Animal Welfare have issued a hopeful update on the adorable 'Chance' after his near-death rescue in September. The terrified young dog was seen darting through traffic in Sligo town on September 15, where a compassionate passerby stopped just in time to rescue him from what could have been a fatal accident. According to the animal welfare group, the rescuer named him Chance "because this is his second chancea chance to know love, comfort, and safety after a life of severe neglect". Also read: Longford startup selected to showcase Irish tech at Web Summit 2024 in Lisbon When Chance was found, it was clear that he had endured "unthinkable" neglect, described as having a "fragile body and wary gaze" at just one years old. PICTURES | Longford talent shines during an engaging showcase of drama and comedy Last Thursday, Chance visited the team at the Animal Health Centre in Manorhamilton. Unfortunately, he had developed a sore that required stitches, but thanks to the skill and care of the vets, he is reportedly healing well. In addition to treating his sore, Chance was also diagnosed with a condition where his body isnt producing enough pancreatic enzymes, which are essential for breaking down proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. Hes now started on a new medication to help him process his food better and regain his strength. REVEALED: One million visitors have come to Longford to enjoy Center Parcs Longford Forest Leitrim Animal Welfare ensured that there was god news for Chance in an update online, saying that they are "already seeing a positive difference". "Since starting this treatment, Chance seems more comfortable, and were beginning to see small but meaningful improvements in his energy and mood," the animal welfare group explained on social media. Also read: Money seized from criminals by CAB to be invested in four Longford projects "Theres still a long road ahead, but every step forward gives us hopeand none of this would be possible without your incredible support". A GoFundMe has been launched to help with Chance's recovery, and has already raised over 1,000 from local donations. PROPERTY WATCH | This Leitrim fixer-upper in picture perfect setting could be yours for 150k A major investigation is underway to help find the brazen criminals who stole a jeep, trailer and power tools during a daring overnight farm robbery in county Longford. Gardai have launched an investigation following the theft which occurred from a farm yard in Clonterm, Longford on Friday night, November 1 or in the early hours of Saturday morning, November 2. Among the items stolen were a Dublin registered silver Toyota Land Cruiser jeep, a yellow Chieftain double axle plant trailer and a Honda Gator. The raiders also got away with a large amount of DeWalt power tools, including a consaw, while cattle and horse dosing material was also stolen. Also read: Money seized from criminals by CAB to be invested in four Longford projects The diesel tank on the farm was also drained by the brazen thieves before they fled the scene. Garda Crime Prevention Officer for Roscommon Longford, Sergeant Damien Bartley said there is much concern in the local community following the incident. He outlined that local businesses had provided CCTV footage to investigating Gardai in a bid to track down the criminals. Footage from CCTV located close to the farm appears to show the stolen jeep and trailer passing at approximately 2:45am on Saturday morning. Also read: Passengers evacuated and investigation launched after bus catches fire on M1 motorway Sgt Bartley is urging anyone that may have seen anyone acting suspiciously in the area or who may be offered the stolen items for sale to come forward. Any person with information about the theft is asked to contact Longford Garda Station on 043 335 0570, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any garda station. NAIROBI, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- For decades, Francis Mayobo's farm, located along the Nzoia River in western Kenya, was repeatedly inundated by floods that destroyed his crops and pushed him to the brink of poverty. A retired public works official, Mayobo's farmland is near the river, which originates in Kenya's northwestern highlands and drains into Lake Victoria, Africa's largest freshwater body. Four years ago, Mayobo took a proactive step by planting hundreds of bamboo trees on his farm after learning about the tree's flood-mitigating potential. "I was motivated to venture into bamboo farming after training and research on how it could protect my farm from floods," Mayobo told Xinhua in a recent interview. Today, the bamboo trees not only shield his farm from seasonal floods but have also rejuvenated the soil, allowing him to grow crops such as maize, legumes, bananas, and millet. Mayobo is one of many smallholder farmers in western Kenya's flood-prone areas set to benefit from a bamboo agroforestry initiative funded by the Chinese Academy of Sciences through its Sino-Africa Joint Research Center. The project is implemented by the United Nations Environment Program's affiliated International Ecosystem Management Partnership (UNEP-IEMP), in collaboration with local partners. Dubbed "Ecosystem Restoration for Enhancing Livelihoods and Addressing Climate Change: China-Kenya Cooperation on Bamboo Technology Transfer," the project promises flood protection, income generation, and improved resilience for local farmers and fishermen. Under this initiative, Mayobo and other farmers have received training on bamboo cultivation, helping them establish nurseries and secure seedlings for replanting in flood-prone zones. Samuel Juma Magoba, an elderly farmer involved in the project, has cultivated bamboo on his one-acre farm and found new income opportunities by selling bamboo for furniture, ornaments, utensils, and compost. He recalled the severe flood damage he witnessed in his youth in his village near the Nzoia River basin -- a devastation that has notably decreased since local farmers started planting bamboo along the riverbanks. According to Dennis Otieno Ochuodho, a senior researcher at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology in Kenya, a project partner, the bamboo agroforestry project offers an effective, nature-based solution to climate-induced flooding. Ochuodho said the project aims to expand research, training, and technology transfer in bamboo farming, restore the degraded Nzoia River basin, and enhance food security through mixed cropping systems. A large-scale bamboo plantation, he added, will protect native species, serve as a carbon sink, and supply raw materials for herbal medicine, supplements, and roofing. Despite her advanced age, Alice Makhulo's passion for cultivating bamboo on her seven-acre farm near a swamp remains undiminished, thanks to the economic and environmental benefits she has reaped from the trees. "Even my children and grandchildren appreciate the cool breeze from the mature bamboo trees. I have also been selling the bamboo stems to local furniture makers," Makhulo said. As part of the China-funded bamboo agroforestry initiative, more than 200 farmers will receive training in sustainable bamboo cultivation, which also includes a 25-hectare demonstration site to showcase ecological restoration through the planting of this iconic tree species. Guoqin Wang, program manager at UNEP-IEMP, emphasized that by stabilizing the Nzoia River banks, the project not only curtails flooding but also enhances local livelihoods by combining food crops with bamboo and creating natural products for sale. Leveraging Chinese bamboo technology and expertise, the initiative aims to regenerate degraded landscapes, conserve water sources, and improve climate resilience for river communities, Wang added. Symprose Anyango, coordinator of Eco Green Kenya, a conservation lobby, noted that communities along the Nzoia River have embraced the project, particularly women, saying that "bamboo has in particular been of huge benefit to women who suffer most from climate change. They are using bamboo to revive traditional weaving and earn an additional income." Its a House lawmaker vs. House lawmaker battle in the race for the Plymouth/Barnstable Senate seat, pitting Democratic Rep. Dylan Fernandes against Republican Rep. Matthew Muratore. The district includes Kingston, Pembroke, Plymouth Bourne, Falmouth, Mashpee and Sandwich. The seat now held by Democratic state Sen. Susan Moran opened up after Moran announced she would not seek reelection, and would instead run for Barnstable County Superior Court clerk. Fernandes represents the Barnstable/Dukes/ Nantucket House District, which includes Marthas Vineyard, Nantucket and parts of Falmouth. First elected in 2016, he is the House vice chair of the Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources. Fernandes touts his support for the state transitioning to renewable energy, such as solar and wind; raising the area median income threshold for affordable housing; supporting early education centers and legislation that protects patient privacy, according to his website . Muratore represents the 1st Plymouth District in the House, which includes most of the city of Plymouth. Muratore was first elected to the House in 2014, where he currently serves on the Joint Committee on Ways and Means . Before he became a state lawmaker, he served on the Plymouth Select Board from 2010 to 2015 and as its chairman from 2012 to 2014, according to his biography on the Massachusetts Legislature website . Muratore faced a close primary election in September, defeating his opponent, Kari MacRae of Bourne, by 48 votes. Muratore touts a plan that would bring balance to Beacon Hill according to his website . He supports a residency requirement for the states emergency shelter system, measures that would make the Legislature comply with the states open meeting law, a full audit of the Legislature with the support of the state auditors office, reducing the state sales tax from 6.25% to 5%, reforming the estate tax and reducing the short-term capital gains tax. Incumbent Republican state Sen. Peter Durant faces a challenge from Democrat Sheila Dibb of Rutland in the race for the Worcester/Hampshire District seat, which covers the towns of Spenser, Ware, Gardner, Leicester and a part of Worcester. Dibb became Durants challenger through a successful write-in campaign in the September primary election. Durant was elected in a special election in 2023 after the districts previous senator, Democrat Anne Gobi, left office to join Gov. Maura Healeys administration. Durants victory over state Rep. Jonathan Zlotnik, a Democrat from Gardner, expanded the number of state senate seats held by Republicans from three to four. Before becoming senator, Durant was a state representative for 12 years, representing the 6th Worcester district. His priorities include reducing the sales tax from 6.25% to 5%, increasing the affordability of living in Massachusetts by lowering utility rates, blocking transfer taxes and road tolls. He supports increased transparency in the Legislature and increased state aid for local communities, according to his website. Dibb, who has worked in property and project management, served on the Rutland Select Board for 13 years and coordinated the Girls Initiative for the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to her website As a select board member, she touted her support for changes to the state education aid formula, fully funded regional transportation, water protection and sewer infrastructure, public safety, public works and good community policing. She points to her support and protection of community libraries, senior centers, parks, conservation land, affordable housing, municipal infrastructure and locally owned businesses, according to her website. 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de fortes pluies pour MauriceUne voiture detruite par les flammesThe 100 Most Influential Africans of 2024Recrutement de personnel de cabine dEmirates Airlines a Mauriceblink by Emtel annonce les 10 premiers gagnants de la 2 edition de sa campagne blink & WinMerck Foundation Chairman and First Ladies share their partnership journey in Transforming Patient Care Landscape[Video news] Message de fin dannee de Paul Berenger[Video News] La combinaison gagnante du Loto Vert du 27 decembre 2024Avis de fortes pluies en vigueur a AgalegaSarat Lallah retrouve la MT Towerle Premier ministre a rendu hommage au Dr Manmohan Singh,Revocation de lInformation and Communication Technologies (Registration of SIM) Regulations 2023Amaresh Singh Ramlugan, nomme president du Conseil dAdministration de la MBCDecisions du Conseil des Ministres du 27 decembre 2024Apercu du temps pour Rodrigues du 28 au 31 decembre 2024Apercu du temps pour Maurice du 28 au 31 decembre 2024Global Movement to drive clean energy solutions and sustainable livingDepression tropicale a lEst-Nord-est[Document] Debats parlementaires du 20 decembre 2024[Document] The Special Allowance Act 2024[Document] The Employment Relations (Amendment) Act 2024Maurice et lAfrique du Sud veulent renforcer leurs liens culturels en 2025[Video News] Message de Noel de Mgr Jean-Michael Durhone[Video News] Message de Noel de Mgr Stelio Andre[Video News] Message de Noel de Dharambeer Gokhool[Video News] La combinaison gagnante du Loto et Loto Plus du 25 decembre 2024 When you come from a newspaper background, you tend to have a penchant for correcting errors. A fair portion of my life in The Mayo News was taken up with removing stray spaces between words. I would always marvel at the Local Notes correspondents who would type a word, then hit space bar and then insert the comma or full stop. They were putting extra work on themselves and me. (Marvel is the kindest expression of my true feelings!) Of course no reporter ought ever get too uppity about such matters. I make plenty of mistakes, and some of them were/are blind spots. It took me years to instinctively know the difference between its and its. Im still not great on the use of gone versus went. Eamon is only five, but he is already showing signs of being a right pedant himself. He loves latching onto mistakes in expressions. It was cute at first. Now that his three-year-old brother Seimi is making his way with speech and language, Eamon sees it as his full-time job to correct his younger siblings errors. But I always try to stop him. Your kids use so many incorrect words and expressions that are just too cute to pull them up on. They will have long enough to learn the proper usage and pronunciation. Seimis vocabulary has come on leaps and bounds in the past few months, but there are some words he hasnt got the hang of, and were in no hurry for him to do so. The TV remote is the marote; the mirror is the menor. For a long time chicken nuggets were just uggets. Oftentimes ambiguity can be entertaining. Aisling was outside one day tidying up and spotted Seimi at the window holding her phone and talking out to her with a big happy head on him. Or at least thats what she thought at first. Then she realised he was talking into the phone. Nothing unusual in that; he loves pretending to be on the phone and has the Irish sign-off down pat Bye, bye, bye, bye, bye. But when Aisling went inside a few minutes later, she realised there was someone else on the other line! Seimi had gotten hold of the phone and managed to dial. He got through to Aislings last dialled number, Murrays Recycled Plastics in Castlebar, where another Aisling was having a lovely chat with Seimi. She asked Seimi if his mum or dad were nearby a reasonable question when a three-year-old rings you. The answer, as far as Aisling from Murrays could make out, was: My Mammys dog is dead in the rain! Im not sure where you would even start with trying to correct that! Flash A child receives a dose of the polio vaccine at a UN-run clinic in Deir al-Balah city, central Gaza Strip, on Oct. 14, 2024. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua) Three Palestinian children were wounded when an Israeli drone struck a medical facility during a polio vaccination campaign in Gaza City on Saturday, Palestinian medical sources said. The children were taken to al-Ahli Arab hospital after the strike hit Sheikh Radwan Clinic in the northern part of the city, medical staff told Xinhua. The Israeli army has not commented on the incident yet. The incident occurred as health workers launched an emergency polio vaccination drive for children under 10 in Gaza City. The campaign has already begun in central and southern Gaza but has been delayed in the north due to ongoing military operations. Separately, senior Hamas official Izzat al-Rishq on Saturday dismissed recent proposals for a temporary pause in fighting, calling them "a mere smoke screen" that failed to address key demands including Israeli military withdrawal and the return of displaced Palestinians. "We engage positively with any proposals ensuring the cessation of aggression and withdrawal of Israeli forces," al-Rishq said in a statement, while accusing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of using ceasefire talks as "cover" for continued military operations. The comments follow a recent Qatari-American announcement about negotiations in Doha focusing on hostage release and potential ceasefire arrangements. TOKYO, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- Japan's Onagawa nuclear power plant halted operations on Sunday following a malfunction with measurement equipment within the reactor, local media reported, just days after its first restart since the 2011 disastrous earthquake and tsunami. The issue arose when a device designed to improve the precision of neutron data readings stopped working partway through installation during testing, the public broadcaster NHK reported, citing Tohoku Electric Power Company. The power plant unit 2, located in Miyagi prefecture, restarted on Tuesday. Although there was no risk of radiation leakage, Tohoku Electric intended to halt reactor operations for thorough equipment checks. The timing for the reactor's reactivation remained undecided, NHK reported. The plant was seriously damaged in the March 11 earthquake and tsunami in 2011, losing most of its external power supply and experiencing flooding in underground facilities. The reactor cleared safety screening in February 2020 under tougher post-Fukushima crisis safety standards and gained local consent to resume operations. The Japanese government has been pushing for reactor restarts to help secure energy in the resource-limited nation, though safety concerns about nuclear power persist among the public. Beyond Onagawa, 12 other reactors across six power plants in central, western and southwestern Japan have resumed operations after meeting stricter safety standards, according to Kyodo News. An initiative is boosting cervical cancer screening in the South Pacific to enhance women's health. Trusted Source Major collaboration aims to eliminate cervical cancer in the Western Pacific Go to source Trusted Source #Cervicalcancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women in the #SouthPacific. Let's work together to raise awareness and improve screening rates. #womencancer #cancerscreening Cervical Cancer: New Insights Advertisement Major collaboration aims to eliminate cervical cancer in the Western Pacific - (https://www.kirby.unsw.edu.au/news/major-collaboration-aims-eliminate-cervical-cancer-western-pacific) A Sydney university has unveiled a new program to enhance cervical cancer screening and treatment in the South Pacific ().The University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney announced that its world-leading health research institute, the Kirby Institute, has received 25.9 million Australian dollars ($17.04 million) in a donation to support vital cervical cancer screening and treatment services for over 130,000 women in the south Pacific region.The donation, the single largest in the history of UNSW Sydney, was made by global conglomerate the Swire Group and would enable the Kirby Institute to work with regional partners to conduct cervical cancer screening, reports Xinhua news agency.Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that affects the cervix, the lower part of the uterus. It's primarily caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), a common sexually transmitted infection. While HPV infections often clear up on their own, persistent infections can lead to abnormal cell growth, eventually developing into cancer.Regular cervical cancer screenings, such as Pap tests and HPV tests, are crucial for early detection and prevention. Early diagnosis significantly improves treatment outcomes. Additionally, the HPV vaccine is highly effective in preventing HPV infections and, consequently, cervical cancer.The vast majority, 99 percent, of cervical cancer cases are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Most women with HPV infection do not experience symptoms, making screening, which looks for HPV and abnormal cells, crucial for early detection.The cervical cancer incidence and mortality rate in Australia has fallen by half since the introduction of the government-funded National Cervical Screening Program in 1991.Source-IANS AUCKLAND, New Zealand, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) Regional Director for Greater China Andrew White has announced a significant increase in New Zealand's participation at this year's China International Import Expo (CIIE). A record 58 New Zealand companies will attend the 7th CIIE, more than doubling the number from last year, he said. Among the exhibitors, 27 companies will showcase their products at the "Taste New Zealand" pavilion, organized by the China Chamber of Commerce in collaboration with NZTE. The pavilion will feature a diverse range of high-end food and beverages, alongside other unique consumer goods. Some of New Zealand's biggest exporters operating in China will also have their own pavilions. White highlighted the enthusiasm and high level of interest from New Zealand exporters in participating in the event, which has seen New Zealand's involvement since its inception in 2018. "There is a high level of interest and enthusiasm among New Zealand's exporters for this year's event," he said. Demand for New Zealand's premium quality, nutritious and sustainable food, and beverage products remains robust, particularly in categories where the country excels, such as fresh and chilled milk, grass-fed meat, seafood, fruit and wine from renowned production regions. Additionally, there is growing interest in health and well-being, high-value nutrition, and pet food. New Zealand businesses are also keen to collaborate with Chinese partners in non-consumer industries, offering expertise in niche areas such as manufacturing, creative industries and technology. White expressed confidence in the market. He said China is New Zealand's largest trading partner and largest export market. He emphasized that strong relationships and New Zealand's reputation as a reliable and innovative producer continue to create significant opportunities for New Zealand businesses in China. Platforms like CIIE are important for New Zealand companies to build connections and promote their products in the rapidly evolving Chinese market, said White. New Zealand businesses increasingly leveraging in-person engagement and digital channels to tell their stories and reach consumers. The 7th CIIE runs from Nov. 5 to Nov. 10 in Shanghai, China. JERUSALEM (AP) The Israeli military said Sunday it has carried out a ground raid into Syria, seizing a Syrian citizen involved in Iranian networks. It was the first time in the current war that Israel announced its troops operated in Syrian territory. Syria did not immediately confirm the announcement. Israel has carried out airstrikes in Syria multiple times over the past year, targeting members of Lebanons Hezbollah and officials from Iran, the close ally of both Hezbollah and Syria. But it has not previously made public any ground forays into Syria. The Israeli military said the seizure was part of a special operation that took place in recent months, though it did not say exactly when it occurred. The disclosure of the raid comes as Israel has waged an escalated campaign of bombardment in Lebanon for the past six weeks, as well as a ground invasion along the countries' shared border, vowing to cripple Hezbollah, On Saturday, an Israeli military official said naval forces carried out a raid in a northern Lebanese town, seizing a man they called a senior Hezbollah operative. The army in its statement Sunday did not specify where in Syria the raid took place or when. It identified the man it seized as Ali Soleiman al-Assi, saying he lives in the southern Syrian region of Saida. It said the man had been under military surveillance for many months and was involved in Iranian initiatives targeting areas of the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights near the border with Syria. Body camera footage of the raid released by the army showed soldiers seizing a man in a white tank top inside a building. The man was brought to Israel for interrogation, the military said. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited the border with Lebanon on Sunday, saying his focus was trying to keep Hezbollah from rearming itself through the oxygen lifeline of Iranian weapons transferred to Lebanon via Syria. Israel says its campaign in Lebanon aims to push Hezbollah away from the border and put an end to more than a year of fire by the group into northern Israel. Israel's strikes in Lebanon have killed more than 2,500 people over the past year. In Israel, 69 people have been killed by Hezbollah projectiles. Meanwhile, Israeli forces continued their campaign in Gaza. In the southern part of the territory, an Israeli strike hit a group of people gathered outside in an eastern district of Khan Younis, killing at least eight Palestinians, including four children and a woman, the Gaza Health Ministrys emergency services said. The citys Nasser Hospital, which received most of the bodies, confirmed the figures. Palestinian officials said an Israeli drone strike on Saturday hit a clinic in northern Gaza where children were being vaccinated for polio, wounding six people including four children. The Israeli military denied responsibility. Dr. Munir al-Boursh, director general of the Gaza Health Ministry, told The Associated Press that a quadcopter struck the Sheikh Radwan clinic in Gaza City early Saturday afternoon, just a few minutes after a United Nations delegation left the facility. The World Health Organization and the U.N. childrens agency, known as UNICEF, which are jointly carrying out the polio vaccination campaign, expressed concern over the reported strike. The reports of this attack are even more disturbing as the Sheikh Radwan Clinic is one of the health points where parents can get their children vaccinated, said Rosalia Bollen, a spokesperson for UNICEF. Todays attack occurred while the humanitarian pause was still in effect, despite assurances given that the pause would be respected from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani, an Israeli military spokesman, said that contrary to the claims, an initial review determined that the (Israeli military) did not strike in the area at the specified time. It was not possible to resolve the conflicting accounts. Israeli forces have repeatedly raided hospitals in Gaza over the course of the war, saying Hamas uses them for militant purposes, allegations denied by Palestinian health officials. Hamas fighters are also operating in the north, battling Israeli forces. Northern Gaza has been encircled by Israeli forces and largely isolated for the past year. Israel has been carrying out another offensive there in recent weeks that has killed hundreds of people and displaced tens of thousands. A scaled-down campaign to administer a second dose of the polio vaccine began Saturday in parts of northern Gaza. It had been postponed from Oct. 23 due to lack of access, Israeli bombings and mass evacuation orders, and the lack of assurances for humanitarian pauses, a U.N. statement said. The administration of the first dose was carried out in September across the Gaza Strip, including areas of northern Gaza that are now completely sealed off. Health officials said the campaigns first round, and the administration of the second dose across central and southern Gaza, were successful. At least 100,000 people have been forced to evacuate from areas of north Gaza toward Gaza City in the past few weeks, but around 15,000 children under the age of 10 remain in northern towns, including Jabaliya, Beit Lahiya and Beit Hanoun, which are inaccessible, according to the U.N. The final phase of the polio vaccination campaign had aimed to reach an estimated 119,000 children in the north with a second dose of the oral polio vaccine, the agencies said, but achieving this target is now unlikely due to access constraints. They say 90% of children in every community must be vaccinated to prevent the spread of the disease. The campaign was launched after the first polio case was reported in Gaza in 25 years a 10-month-old boy, now paralyzed in the leg. The World Health Organization said the presence of a paralysis case indicates there could be hundreds more who have been infected but arent showing symptoms. The war began on Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas-led militants stormed into southern Israel, killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducting another 250. Israels offensive has killed over 43,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health authorities, who do not say how many were combatants but say more than half were women and children. ___ Magdy reported from Cairo. ___ Follow APs war coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war INGHAM COUNTY, MI State police are investigating after four people died Saturday night and 17 others were hospitalized in a massive pileup crash. The aftermath of the crash will keep a portion of eastbound I-96 closed indefinitely, Michigan State Police said. Drivers should expect closures on westbound I-96 for an unknown period of time on Sunday, Nov. 3, because of potential structural damage on the overpass at M-52. The incident unfolded around 11:42 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2, as troopers assisted DTE Energy string powerlines on I-96 near M-52 in Ingham County. During that time, the highway was closed for a brief period, police noted. Police reopened the highway after completing westbound I-96 at M-52. At that time, numerous vehicles were stopped on the road. A semi-truck with a trailer attached was westbound on I-96 and coming up on the stopped traffic when police said the driver didnt see the backup and couldnt stop. The semi-truck was in the left lane and struck numerous vehicles, police said. The impact caused the semi-truck and several other vehicles to catch fire. Police believe there were 15 vehicles involved in the crash. Four people were killed in the crash and 17 others were taken by ambulances to area hospital with serious injuries. The Northview Band Boosters said buses bringing students and spectators back from state marching band finals at Ford Field in Detroit were behind the crash and had to be rerouted. The booster club posted on Facebook that no students or parents were injured in the crash. However, one of the bands trailers was damaged. Michigan Department of Transportation will be inspecting the bridge. GRAND BLANC, MI - A Grand Blanc woman renowned for her decades of leadership in philanthropy and community engagement has been honored with a prestigious Lifetime Humanitarian Award from Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. The award recognizes Vivian Pickards contributions to the state through her efforts in education, healthcare, and community development, as well as her impactful work with the General Motors Foundation, where she served as president for over 30 years. WARSAW, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- A car struck a group of pedestrians in northern Poland, leaving one person dead and five others injured, local police said on Sunday. It occurred around 2 a.m. (0100 GMT) in the city of Slupsk, where a 24-year-old man died at the scene. Five others, including a woman in critical condition, were taken to hospital, according to the Polish Press Agency (PAP). "Preliminary findings indicate that a 20-year-old driver lost control of his vehicle, striking six people on the sidewalk," said Amadeusz Galus from the Slupsk police department. He added that the driver was found to be intoxicated based on a breathalyzer test, and blood samples were collected for further analysis. The police are investigating the incident under the supervision of the prosecutor's office. Are you looking for a true "set it and forget it" kind of dividend stock? They're out there. Although not exactly common, there are names you can buy and hold forever without the need for constant monitoring. One of the best bets among these names right now is British American Tobacco (NYSE: BTI), while its forward-looking dividend yield stands at an impressive 8.8%. In fact, you'd be hard-pressed to find a better immediate return on your investment from a company of this caliber. Start Your Mornings Smarter! Wake up with Breakfast news in your inbox every market day. Sign Up For Free British American Tobacco in transition You likely know the outfit. Just as the name suggests, British American Tobacco is the London-based owner of several cigarette brands including Kent, Lucky Strike, and Pall Mall. Although the bulk of its business is done outside of the United States, its 2017 acquisition of Reynolds added a handful of popular U.S. brands like Newport and Camel to its lineup. The company also manages a range of non-combustible tobacco products including a heated tobacco option, along with vaping platform Vuse (which is also available in the United States). While its portfolio is impressive, it would be naive to ignore the global smoking-cessation movement that's clearly getting some traction. Whereas roughly one-third of the world regularly smoked cigarettes in 2000, the World Health Organization reports that proportion's been pared down to only around one-fifth of the planet's people now. Sensing what the future may hold, British American Tobacco itself anticipates a time when "cigarettes have become a thing of the past." Moreover, the company is "committed to delivering long-term multi-stakeholder value and aim to become a predominantly smokeless business by 2035." Its vaping, heated tobacco, and non-combustible tobacco products are of course intended to offset any continued contraction of British American Tobacco's cigarette business. Investors, however, are of course concerned such a transition may be easier said than done. The thing is, such a perfectly successful transition may be less necessary than you think. Holding up to the headwind just fine While the worldwide effort to reduce cigarette smoking is working, it's not an overwhelmingly successful effort. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates there are still on the order of 1.25 billion regular smokers, down only slightly from 2000's tally of 1.36 billion. Simple population growth has offset most of the smoking-cessation's effort's absolute net gains. Alibaba Group Holding (BABA) is scaling down its metaverse operations, according to a source familiar with the matter, making it the latest Big Tech company to pull back resources from the once-popular sector. Dozens of employees at Yuanjing, the metaverse unit of e-commerce giant Alibaba, have been laid off, as part of a restructuring that aims to optimise and improve efficiency in the organisation, the source said. Alibaba, owner of the South China Morning Post, did not immediately reply to a request for comment on Friday. Do you have questions about the biggest topics and trends from around the world? Get the answers with SCMP Knowledge, our new platform of curated content with explainers, FAQs, analyses and infographics brought to you by our award-winning team. Chinese companies often refer to job cuts as business "optimisation" to avoid drawing unwanted attention from the public. The lay-offs, which were first reported by Chinese media on Friday, affected Yuanjing's operations in both Shanghai and Hangzhou, capital of eastern Zhejiang province. Yuanjing, which had received "billions of yuan" in investment, previously employed a few hundred workers, according to a report by online news outlet AI Jingxuanshe. The source, however, said the Alibaba unit will continue to exist, with a focus on metaverse applications and tools, as well as providing metaverse-based services to customers. Yuanjing was set up by Alibaba in 2021 amid the intense hype surrounding the concept of the metaverse. That year, a number of major Chinese companies - including Alibaba, Tencent Holdings, ByteDance, Kuaishou Technology and carmaker Li Auto - scrambled to register their metaverse-themed trademarks with the National Intellectual Property Administration, as they rushed to explore opportunities in a virtual world referred to as the next iteration of the internet. Alibaba's move to downsize its metaverse workforce reflects how other major tech companies are cutting back on their investments in the much-hyped sector, while pouring more resources to artificial intelligence (AI). In October last year, Facebook parent Meta Platforms was reported to be laying off employees at Facebook Agile Silicon Team, a unit of its metaverse-based Reality Labs division focused on creating custom semiconductors, according to a Reuters report at the time, citing two sources. Baidu executive Ma Jie, who headed the firm's metaverse operations, left the company in May last year, as the Chinese internet search giant put greater focus on AI, several months after US start-up OpenAI introduced ChatGPT to the world. It's been a good week for Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE:MO) shareholders, because the company has just released its latest quarterly results, and the shares gained 8.4% to US$53.87. Altria Group reported in line with analyst predictions, delivering revenues of US$5.3b and statutory earnings per share of US$1.34, suggesting the business is executing well and in line with its plan. Earnings are an important time for investors, as they can track a company's performance, look at what the analysts are forecasting for next year, and see if there's been a change in sentiment towards the company. With this in mind, we've gathered the latest statutory forecasts to see what the analysts are expecting for next year. Check out our latest analysis for Altria Group NYSE:MO Earnings and Revenue Growth November 2nd 2024 Taking into account the latest results, Altria Group's nine analysts currently expect revenues in 2025 to be US$20.3b, approximately in line with the last 12 months. Statutory earnings per share are forecast to descend 15% to US$5.15 in the same period. In the lead-up to this report, the analysts had been modelling revenues of US$20.3b and earnings per share (EPS) of US$5.15 in 2025. So it's pretty clear that, although the analysts have updated their estimates, there's been no major change in expectations for the business following the latest results. There were no changes to revenue or earnings estimates or the price target of US$55.14, suggesting that the company has met expectations in its recent result. There's another way to think about price targets though, and that's to look at the range of price targets put forward by analysts, because a wide range of estimates could suggest a diverse view on possible outcomes for the business. The most optimistic Altria Group analyst has a price target of US$73.00 per share, while the most pessimistic values it at US$42.00. Analysts definitely have varying views on the business, but the spread of estimates is not wide enough in our view to suggest that extreme outcomes could await Altria Group shareholders. One way to get more context on these forecasts is to look at how they compare to both past performance, and how other companies in the same industry are performing. These estimates imply that revenue is expected to slow, with a forecast annualised decline of 0.2% by the end of 2025. This indicates a significant reduction from annual growth of 0.2% over the last five years. By contrast, our data suggests that other companies (with analyst coverage) in the same industry are forecast to see their revenue grow 4.0% annually for the foreseeable future. So although its revenues are forecast to shrink, this cloud does not come with a silver lining - Altria Group is expected to lag the wider industry. (Reuters) - Apple will invest up to $1.5 billion in Globalstar to fund the expansion of its iPhone communication services, the satellite provider said in a regulatory filing on Friday. Shares of Globalstar jumped over 30%, while Apple was down around 1.4% a day after it forecast tepid quarterly revenue growth. Under the funding agreement, Apple will commit $1.1 billion in cash and also purchase 20% equity in Globalstar for $400 million. The satellite company said it will use a portion of the funds to pay down debt. The move is another in a line of partnerships between space firms and mobile service providers looking to provide satellite-based connectivity to customers in regions with limited network access. Globalstar also said it will allocate 85% of its network capacity to Apple. The deal is expected to close on Tuesday. The iPhone maker partnered with Globalstar in 2022 for a feature that would allow Apple users to send emergency messages from remote areas. (Reporting by Zaheer Kachwala in Bengaluru; Editing by Shailesh Kuber) Palak Vij USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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I Accept Chandrima Sanyal USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Mohsin Issa (pictured) has previously worked alongside his younger brother, Zuber, on financial deals - Jon Super The billionaire co-owner of Asda has teamed up with his partner, Victoria Price, to launch a new private investment fund aimed at backing fast-growing UK start-ups. Mohsin Issa, who recently stepped down from running the supermarket, has joined forces with Ms Price to establish Boulder Investco, an offshore investment vehicle based in Jersey. In one of their first moves, the couple recently took a significant stake in Manchester-based second-hand clothing website, GoThrift, to back its expansion. This has since been followed by a 10m investment in protein powder business Applied Nutrition. Applied, based in Liverpool, debuted on the London stock market with a valuation of 400m. Mr Issa is named as one of its cornerstone investors. The new investment vehicle marks a departure for Mr Issa, who has typically worked alongside his younger brother, Zuber, on financial deals. Victoria Price, 41, had previously been an accountant at EY, which served as Asdas auditor up until July last year - LinkedIn Although the two brothers continue to have significant shared business interests including EG Group, Castore and HVS Systems Zuber is not listed as a shareholder in Boulder. Both men are worth a combined 5bn and rose from humble beginnings in Blackburn to build the UKs largest petrol station empire, EG Group. In 2020, they bought the UKs third-largest supermarket Asda, which has 150,000 employees and 1,000 stores. There has been speculation of a rift between the brothers as their business interests have diverged, although this has been denied by Mr Issa. The 53-year-old confirmed he was in a relationship with Ms Price, 41, earlier this year following a report in The Telegraph. Ms Price had previously been an accountant at EY, which served as Asdas auditor up until July last year. After leaving EY she joined Alvarez and Marsal in February to lead the firms private capital division. When asked about the new Boulder investments, Ms Price said: These investments are aligned to my passion for working with entrepreneurial businesses in the UK. Boulder is listed on the Jersey Financial Services Commission register, with Mr Issa and Ms Price described as joint shareholders. GoThrift runs an online fashion store where shoppers can buy vintage clothing. It was originally founded by three friends in 2019 to sell clothes on eBay before expanding. Carl Walker, who co-founded GoThrift, said he was thrilled to have the couple on board. Its fantastic to have two investors who not only believe in our vision and our commitment to sustainable fashion but are also dedicated to supporting both the business and our team on our entrepreneurial journey, he said. 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. Daily Voice: December quarter earnings expected to be better than September quarter, says fund manager Jitendra Sriram Sunil Matkar USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. 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For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Amit Shah to release BJP manifesto for Jharkhand polls on Nov 3, address three rallies 101Reporters USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. 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I Accept BJP to roll out Uniform Civil Code in Jharkhand, tribals to be out of ambit: Amit Shah 101Reporters USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept 101Reporters USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. 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I Accept Who is Sunil Sharma, BJP's leader of opposition in Jammu & Kashmir assembly 101Reporters USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Ideally, your overall portfolio should beat the market average. But in any portfolio, there will be mixed results between individual stocks. So we wouldn't blame long term Bonvests Holdings Limited (SGX:B28) shareholders for doubting their decision to hold, with the stock down 24% over a half decade. Now let's have a look at the company's fundamentals, and see if the long term shareholder return has matched the performance of the underlying business. View our latest analysis for Bonvests Holdings 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 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 five years of share price growth, Bonvests Holdings moved from a loss to profitability. That would generally be considered a positive, so we are surprised to see the share price is down. Other metrics might give us a better handle on how its value is changing over time. The modest 0.9% dividend yield is unlikely to be guiding the market view of the stock. Revenue is actually up 3.1% over the time 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. You can see below how earnings and revenue have changed over time (discover the exact values by clicking on the image). SGX:B28 Earnings and Revenue Growth November 3rd 2024 Take a more thorough look at Bonvests Holdings' financial health with this free report on its balance sheet. What About Dividends? As well as measuring the share price return, investors should also consider the total shareholder return (TSR). 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. So for companies that pay a generous dividend, the TSR is often a lot higher than the share price return. As it happens, Bonvests Holdings' TSR for the last 5 years was -22%, which exceeds the share price return mentioned earlier. And there's no prize for guessing that the dividend payments largely explain the divergence! A Different Perspective Bonvests Holdings shareholders are down 8.7% for the year (even including dividends), but the market itself is up 16%. However, keep in mind that even the best stocks will sometimes underperform the market over a twelve month period. Unfortunately, last year's performance may indicate unresolved challenges, given that it was worse than the annualised loss of 4% over the last half decade. 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. I find it very interesting to look at share price over the long term as a proxy for business performance. But to truly gain insight, we need to consider other information, too. Consider risks, for instance. Every company has them, and we've spotted 2 warning signs for Bonvests Holdings you should know about. Vikram Misri to brief Parliamentary panel on India-Canada ties on Wednesday 101Reporters USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Google reached a position of success because we have...': Sundar Pichai in face of anti-trust rulings Ankita Sengupta USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. 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For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Ankita Sengupta USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. 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I Accept Battleground states in US presidential election: Kamala Harris, Donald Trump remain within margin of error 101Reporters USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Elon Musk fumes after social media star squirrel Peanut euthanised for rabies testing, says 'Trump will save squirrels' Siddharth Chakravorty USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. 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For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept 'If Israel is attacked again...': US sends deadly warning to Iran Sandeep Shrivastwa USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. 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I Accept Sandeep Shrivastwa USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Israel says it carried out ground raid into Syria, seizing Syrian citizen connected to Iran 101Reporters USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. 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I Accept Kamala Harris to appear on 'Saturday Night Live' in final days of US election campaign, say sources Deblina Halder USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept We feel now is a pretty good time to analyse Bowen Coking Coal Limited's (ASX:BCB) business as it appears the company may be on the cusp of a considerable accomplishment. Bowen Coking Coal Limited, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the exploration, development, and production of metallurgical coal in Australia. The AU$23m market-cap company announced a latest loss of AU$95m on 30 June 2024 for its most recent financial year result. The most pressing concern for investors is Bowen Coking Coal's path to profitability when will it breakeven? In this article, we will touch on the expectations for the company's growth and when analysts expect it to become profitable. See our latest analysis for Bowen Coking Coal According to the 2 industry analysts covering Bowen Coking Coal, the consensus is that breakeven is near. They expect the company to post a final loss in 2024, before turning a profit of AU$15m in 2025. Therefore, the company is expected to breakeven roughly a year from now or less! At what rate will the company have to grow in order to realise the consensus estimates forecasting breakeven in under 12 months? Using a line of best fit, we calculated an average annual growth rate of 44%, which is extremely buoyant. Should the business grow at a slower rate, it will become profitable at a later date than expected. ASX:BCB Earnings Per Share Growth November 3rd 2024 We're not going to go through company-specific developments for Bowen Coking Coal given that this is a high-level summary, though, keep in mind that by and large a metal and mining business has lumpy cash flows which are contingent on the natural resource mined and stage at which the company is operating. This means, large upcoming growth rates are not abnormal as the company is beginning to reap the benefits of earlier investments. Before we wrap up, theres one issue worth mentioning. Bowen Coking Coal currently has a debt-to-equity ratio of over 2x. Generally, the rule of thumb is debt shouldnt exceed 40% of your equity, and the company has considerably exceeded this. A higher level of debt requires more stringent capital management which increases the risk around investing in the loss-making company. Next Steps: There are key fundamentals of Bowen Coking Coal which are not covered in this article, but we must stress again that this is merely a basic overview. For a more comprehensive look at Bowen Coking Coal, take a look at Bowen Coking Coal's company page on Simply Wall St. We've also compiled a list of important aspects you should further examine: Valuation: What is Bowen Coking Coal worth today? Has the future growth potential already been factored into the price? The intrinsic value infographic in our free research report helps visualize whether Bowen Coking Coal is currently mispriced by the market. Management Team: An experienced management team on the helm increases our confidence in the business take a look at who sits on Bowen Coking Coals board and the CEOs background. Other High-Performing Stocks: Are there other stocks that provide better prospects with proven track records? Explore our free list of these great stocks here. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Rumours, lies and disinformation: A lot of crazy in 2024 US election Sandeep Shrivastwa USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Russia sends nearly 100 drones into Ukraine, as Zelenskyy urges tougher sanctions against Moscow 101Reporters USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Flash Li Xi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and secretary of the CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, meets with Italy's Senate President Ignazio La Russa in Rome, Italy, Oct. 31, 2024. Li led a CPC delegation on official goodwill visit to Italy from Wednesday to Saturday at the invitation of the Italian Senate. (Xinhua/Yue Yuewei) Chinese senior official Li Xi met with Italian leaders this week to deepen strategic ties, marking the 20th anniversary of the China-Italy comprehensive strategic partnership and advancing cooperation in areas like green energy and digital technology. Li, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Secretary of the CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, met with Italy's Senate President Ignazio La Russa, and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani in Rome during his visit from Wednesday to Saturday at the invitation of the Italian Senate. During the meetings, Li highlighted the enduring ties between China and Italy, and called on the two sides to advance the consensus reached by Chinese President Xi Jinping and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in July. Li emphasized cooperation through the "China-Italy Action Plan," which aimed at enhancing political trust and collaboration in existing and emerging sectors like green energy, the digital economy, and artificial intelligence. He also highlighted the importance of enhancing people-to-people exchanges and multilateral coordination in multilateral arenas such as the United Nations and Group of 20 (G20) to elevate China-Italy relations. China and Europe share extensive common interests in upholding multilateralism, addressing climate change, and promoting global economic recovery, Li said, noting that China advocates for resolving relevant economic and trade issues through consultation based on pragmatic and balanced principles. He urged the Italian side to view China-Europe economic and trade relations "with an open attitude and a long-term perspective," and play a constructive role in China-Europe consultations and negotiations. China is willing to work together with Italy and other European countries to promote the healthy and stable development of China-Europe relations, he noted. Li also hailed the successes of China's anti-corruption campaign, which has bolstered public trust in the Party. China will continue to pursue a unique approach to anti-corruption, leveraging institutional and legal strengths to create a system where officials "do not dare, cannot, and do not want to engage in corruption," achieving both preventive and comprehensive governance, he said. China is committed to sharing governance insights and enhancing anti-corruption cooperation with other countries, including Italy, Li noted. La Russa spoke highly of the historic friendship between Italy and China, praising the CPC's achievements in Party-building and China's modernization, affirming Italy's readiness to enhance exchanges between legislative bodies and political parties. Tajani emphasized China's role as a vital economic partner, noting that Italy hopes to strengthen economic and trade exchanges with China, fostering a balanced and mutually beneficial relationship. He reiterated Italy's commitment to open economic policies and to actively working towards resolving trade frictions between Europe and China through negotiations. Italy also seeks to work with China to promote global peace and stability amid today's challenges, he noted. During his visit, Li also traveled to Venice to attend a cultural exchange event titled "Be a Contemporary Marco Polo, Build a New Bridge of Friendship," commemorating the 700th anniversary of Marco Polo's passing. Li Xi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and secretary of the CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, meets with Italy's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani in Rome, Italy, Oct. 31, 2024. Li led a CPC delegation on official goodwill visit to Italy from Wednesday to Saturday at the invitation of the Italian Senate. (Xinhua/Yue Yuewei) Generally we assume that a dollar today is more valuable than a dollar in the future, so we need to discount the sum of these future cash flows to arrive at a present value estimate: We're using the 2-stage growth model, which simply means we take in account two stages of company's growth. In the initial period the company may have a higher growth rate and the second stage is usually assumed to have a stable growth rate. In the first stage we need to estimate the cash flows to the business over the next ten years. Where possible we use analyst estimates, but when these aren't available we extrapolate the previous free cash flow (FCF) from the last estimate or reported value. We assume companies with shrinking free cash flow will slow their rate of shrinkage, and that companies with growing free cash flow will see their growth rate slow, over this period. We do this to reflect that growth tends to slow more in the early years than it does in later years. We generally believe that a company's value is the present value of all of the cash it will generate in the future. However, a DCF is just one valuation metric among many, and it is not without flaws. Anyone interested in learning a bit more about intrinsic value should have a read of the Simply Wall St analysis model . Today we will run through one way of estimating the intrinsic value of SFP Tech Holdings Berhad ( KLSE:SFPTECH ) by taking the forecast future cash flows of the company and discounting them back to today's value. This will be done using the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model. There's really not all that much to it, even though it might appear quite complex. Analyst price target for SFPTECH is RM0.96, which is 84% above our fair value estimate Story Continues After calculating the present value of future cash flows in the initial 10-year period, we need to calculate the Terminal Value, which accounts for all future cash flows beyond the first stage. The Gordon Growth formula is used to calculate Terminal Value at a future annual growth rate equal to the 5-year average of the 10-year government bond yield of 3.6%. We discount the terminal cash flows to today's value at a cost of equity of 9.2%. Terminal Value (TV)= FCF 2034 (1 + g) (r g) = RM110m (1 + 3.6%) (9.2% 3.6%) = RM2.0b Present Value of Terminal Value (PVTV)= TV / (1 + r)10= RM2.0b ( 1 + 9.2%)10= RM830m The total value, or equity value, is then the sum of the present value of the future cash flows, which in this case is RM1.3b. In the final step we divide the equity value by the number of shares outstanding. Compared to the current share price of RM0.6, the company appears around fair value at the time of writing. Remember though, that this is just an approximate valuation, and like any complex formula - garbage in, garbage out. KLSE:SFPTECH Discounted Cash Flow November 3rd 2024 Important Assumptions We would point out that the most important inputs to a discounted cash flow are the discount rate and of course the actual cash flows. If you don't agree with these result, have a go at the calculation yourself and play with the assumptions. The DCF also does not consider the possible cyclicality of an industry, or a company's future capital requirements, so it does not give a full picture of a company's potential performance. Given that we are looking at SFP Tech Holdings Berhad as potential shareholders, the cost of equity is used as the discount rate, rather than the cost of capital (or weighted average cost of capital, WACC) which accounts for debt. In this calculation we've used 9.2%, which is based on a levered beta of 1.014. Beta is a measure of a stock's volatility, compared to the market as a whole. We get our beta from the industry average beta of globally comparable companies, with an imposed limit between 0.8 and 2.0, which is a reasonable range for a stable business. SWOT Analysis for SFP Tech Holdings Berhad Strength Earnings growth over the past year exceeded the industry. Debt is not viewed as a risk. Weakness Earnings growth over the past year is below its 5-year average. Dividend is low compared to the top 25% of dividend payers in the Machinery market. Expensive based on P/E ratio and estimated fair value. Opportunity Annual earnings are forecast to grow faster than the Malaysian market. Threat No apparent threats visible for SFPTECH. Looking Ahead: Valuation is only one side of the coin in terms of building your investment thesis, and it shouldn't be the only metric you look at when researching a company. It's not possible to obtain a foolproof valuation with a DCF model. Instead the best use for a DCF model is to test certain assumptions and theories to see if they would lead to the company being undervalued or overvalued. For example, changes in the company's cost of equity or the risk free rate can significantly impact the valuation. For SFP Tech Holdings Berhad, we've compiled three relevant aspects you should further examine: Risks: Be aware that SFP Tech Holdings Berhad is showing 1 warning sign in our investment analysis , you should know about... Future Earnings: How does SFPTECH's growth rate compare to its peers and the wider market? Dig deeper into the analyst consensus number for the upcoming years by interacting with our free analyst growth expectation chart. Other High Quality Alternatives: Do you like a good all-rounder? Explore our interactive list of high quality stocks to get an idea of what else is out there you may be missing! PS. Simply Wall St updates its DCF calculation for every Malaysian stock every day, so if you want to find the intrinsic value of any other stock just search here. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. British author Nick Harkaway, son of John le Carre, poses for a photograph with copies of his book during an interview with The Associated Press at his home in London, Oct. 24, 2024. In August, Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE: CMG) announced that its chairman and CEO, Brian Niccol, was leaving the restaurant chain to take a similar role at Starbucks. His six-year tenure was bountiful for shareholders, with a market-crushing return of approximately 800%. Anytime a successful CEO leaves a company, shareholders should check in on its succession, recent financials, and long-term goals to see what to do with their investment. Start Your Mornings Smarter! Wake up with Breakfast news in your inbox every market day. Sign Up For Free Chipotle's CEO succession Following Chipotle's CEO departure, its board of directors appointed its Chief Operating Officer (COO), Scott Boatwright, as interim CEO. Boatwright joined the company in 2017 and has been "instrumental" in the company's success, including playing an integral role in implementing new technology into restaurants. In addition, Chipotle accelerated the appointment of its Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Adam Rymer, another Chipotle veteran who served 15 years with the company in various financial roles. Former CFO Jack Hartung, who previously announced his retirement on hold, is now staying on to support the transition. Given the appointments, Chipotle is prioritizing a promote-from-within approach with its new leadership. While the debate between an outside hire and internal promotion is unique to each company, some data points toward a cultural benefit to the latter. A Joblist survey of 1,000 American workers revealed that 56% feel internal promotions boost morale, and 71% believe they're better suited for scaling a business. Scaling continues to be a focus for Chipotle, with new CEO Scott Boatwright reiterating the goal of expanding to 7,000 restaurants in North America and expanding its footprint internationally when he was appointed to his position. For reference, Chipotle had 3,615 owned and operated locations at the end of its most recently reported quarter. Here are Chipotle's latest financial results Chipotle recently reported its third-quarter 2024 results, which generated positive growth on the top and bottom lines. Specifically, the company produced $2.8 billion in revenue and $387.4 million in net income, representing year-over-year growth of 13% and 23.7%, respectively. Driving this growth were 294 net-new company-owned locations since Q3 2023, bringing the total to 3,615, representing a nearly 9% year-over-year increase. Furthermore, Chipotle opened two internationally licensed locations during that time, a first for the company. A Mutare man has been sentenced to 20 years imprisonment for the rape of his 15-year-old neighbour. The 35-year-old perpetrator was found guilty of drugging his victim and subsequently assaulting her at her home on August 30th. The National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) detailed the events leading to the conviction in a statement on X (formerly Twitter). According to the NPAZ statement, the accused visited the complainants home on August 30th, ostensibly looking for her younger brother. Upon finding the complainant and her brother at home alone, he offered them juice. When he got there he found out that the complainants brother was not at home, instead he found the complainant and her younger brother alone at home. He offered them some juice whereupon they both felt dizzy after taking the juice, the statement reads. Following this incident, the accused returned to the complainants home. He attempted to grab the complainant, but she managed to escape to her parents bedroom. However, the accused followed her, overpowering her and committing the rape. The accused person followed her to the bedroom where he covered her mouth using a pillow, removed her clothes and raped her, the NPAZ statement continues. The perpetrator was only interrupted when he heard the complainants fathers motorbike approaching. He fled the scene, leaving behind his shorts, shirt, and leather jacket. In a disturbing twist, the accused then returned to the complainants home and falsely accused her and her brother of stealing his belongings. This led to the complainants father assaulting her. The statement explains, He jumped out through the window, left his short, shirt and leather jacket as he fled the scene. He returned later and accused the complainant and her brother of stealing the clothes and his mobile phone. The complainants father believed the accused persons story about the theft and assaulted the complainant who ran away to her mother who was at a funeral and confided in her about the offence. It was only after confiding in her mother, who was attending a funeral at the time, that the complainant revealed the rape. A police report was subsequently filed, leading to the arrest and prosecution of the accused. The NPAZ statement concludes, A Police report was made leading to the arrest of the accused person, and He was convicted and sentenced to 20 years imprisonment of which two years were suspended. He will serve 18 years effectively. Breaking News via Email Related Pin Share Share 0 Shares Ashmore Group Plc (LON:ASHM) stock is about to trade ex-dividend in 3 days. The ex-dividend date is usually set to be one business day before the record date which is the cut-off date on which you must be present on the company's books as a shareholder in order to receive the dividend. It is important to be aware of the ex-dividend date because any trade on the stock needs to have been settled on or before the record date. In other words, investors can purchase Ashmore Group's shares before the 7th of November in order to be eligible for the dividend, which will be paid on the 6th of December. The company's next dividend payment will be UK0.121 per share. Last year, in total, the company distributed UK0.17 to shareholders. Calculating the last year's worth of payments shows that Ashmore Group has a trailing yield of 7.9% on the current share price of UK2.14. Dividends are an important source of income to many shareholders, but the health of the business is crucial to maintaining those dividends. As a result, readers should always check whether Ashmore Group has been able to grow its dividends, or if the dividend might be cut. See our latest analysis for Ashmore Group Dividends are typically paid out of company income, so if a company pays out more than it earned, its dividend is usually at a higher risk of being cut. Ashmore Group distributed an unsustainably high 121% of its profit as dividends to shareholders last year. Without extenuating circumstances, we'd consider the dividend at risk of a cut. Generally, the higher a company's payout ratio, the more the dividend is at risk of being reduced. Click here to see the company's payout ratio, plus analyst estimates of its future dividends. LSE:ASHM Historic Dividend November 3rd 2024 Have Earnings And Dividends Been Growing? Companies with falling earnings are riskier for dividend shareholders. If earnings fall far enough, the company could be forced to cut its dividend. With that in mind, we're discomforted by Ashmore Group's 12% per annum decline in earnings in the past five years. When earnings per share fall, the maximum amount of dividends that can be paid also falls. Many investors will assess a company's dividend performance by evaluating how much the dividend payments have changed over time. It looks like the Ashmore Group dividends are largely the same as they were 10 years ago. When earnings are declining yet the dividends are flat, typically the company is either paying out a higher portion of its earnings, or paying out of cash or debt on the balance sheet, neither of which is ideal. Two Harare businessmen, Mike Chimombe and Moses Mpofu, are alleging political persecution in their ongoing trial for allegedly defrauding the government in the Presidential Goat Scheme. Currently incarcerated, they argue their chances of a fair trial are severely compromised, citing the seemingly preferential treatment afforded to controversial businessman Wicknell Chivayo, despite similar allegations of impropriety. Chimombe and Mpofu are facing charges of duping the state of millions of Zimbabwean dollars in connection with the goat scheme, a project aimed at distributing goats nationally. Prosecutors allege that their company, Blackdeck Private Limited, submitted tender documents in September 2021, containing misrepresentations that led to the Ministry of Lands paying 30% of the contract value a staggering ZWL1.6 billion (allegedly equivalent to US$7 712 197 at the time) in two instalments on April 21, 2022, and June 29, 2022. The court has calculated the alleged prejudice to the ministry at US$7 380 751.85. The Lands ministry invited bids for the supply of 632,001 goats under a scheme worth US$87 757 168. However, Chimombe and Mpofu contend that the goat scheme charges are a smokescreen, designed to deflect attention from their earlier exposure of alleged corruption involving Wicknell Chivayo and the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC). They claim they were wrongly accused of leaking ZEC tender documents and audios of Chivayo boasting about bribing government officials. They find it perplexing that Chivayo remains untouched while they face prosecution, suggesting a politically motivated campaign against them. Through their lawyers, Chimombe and Mpofu submitted evidence before High Court Judge Justice Pisirayi Kwenda, seeking referral of their case to the Constitutional Court. Their application highlights several alleged violations of their rights. They claim they have been repeatedly denied bail, despite this being a fundamental right. Furthermore, they accuse Justice Kwenda of unilaterally granting an application to livestream the trial proceedings without their input or the states consent. Their submission detailed the judges actions: On the third day of the hearing, the learned judge its not clear whether in the presence of assessors or not indicated that the court had commenced late because he was entertaining in chambers an application to have the trial proceedings livestreamed, they stated. The learned judge advised that he had granted the application for the media to livestream the proceedings in chambers. This alleged application was entertained in the absence of the accused persons and to the exclusion of the state. It is further not clear who the applicants were. It is not clear who were the parties to that application as the accused persons were not cited nor served with a copy of such application. The businessmen argue that the decision to livestream the proceedings, without their participation or that of the state, constitutes a further violation of their rights. They believe this lack of due process is a clear indication of bias and undermines their ability to receive a fair trial. Their application to the Constitutional Court seeks a determination on whether their continued detention violates their rights as accused persons. They are also requesting Justice Kwenda to grant a stay of proceedings pending the Constitutional Courts decision. The case raises serious questions about the fairness of the judicial process and the potential for political interference in legal matters. The outcome will have significant implications for the perception of justice and transparency within Zimbabwes legal system. Breaking News via Email Related Pin Share Share 0 Shares For brilliant foliage, look no further than native trees AP If You Think You Can Hold a Grudge, Consider the Crow NYT I like to be in prison. 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Nate Cohn, NYT * * * National security leaders update: UPDATED ENDORSEMENT: 1,043 National Security Leadersincluding 10 Cabinet & 11 Service Secretaries, 253 retired Admirals & Generals, 49 Senior Enlisted, and 164 Ambassadorsproudly endorse Kamala Harris for President. Full statement: https://t.co/ySwJYA29ZI #nationalsecurity pic.twitter.com/XPSbnHax2G National Security Leaders for America (@NSLforAmerica) November 2, 2024 For example (wait for it): As a conservative woman I could never vote for Kamala Harris b/c,,, What happened next was 3 separate attacks from this stranger! Her friend had to hold her back. I was called uneducated as she proceeded to give me her resume.#Unhinged pic.twitter.com/q1jRO5yUNs Annetta Catchings for Alexandria (@annetta_of) November 1, 2024 I am a thirty-five year national security expert! * * * A shocking Iowa poll means somebody is going to be wrong Nate Silver, SIlver Bulletin Trump ahead of Harris in Iowa in new Emerson College poll The Hill Why the right thinks Trump is running away with the race Boston Globe * * * Disinformation on the campaign trail threatens US election process France24 Voter fraud claims flood social media before US election BBC * * * Contested state supreme court seats are site of hidden battle for abortion access Guardian Infographic: US elections pivotal for agricultural trade, sustainability S&P Global * * * Im a geriatric physician. Heres what I think is going on with Trumps executive function STAT I was wrong: CNN panelist retracts Trump-Cheney firing squad smear After the MSM spent the day in histrionics peddling the falsehood that Trump said Liz Cheney should face a firing squad, - when he was simply calling her a chickenhawk -, and has retracted his claim that Trump called for Cheney's execution. (Article by Tyler Durden republished from ZeroHedge.com) "This morning on CNN I referred to Trumps rifles quote as him advocating a 'firing squad' for Liz Cheney," said Goldberg. "I was wrong to say he was calling for a firing squad execution. After I said that, my co-panelist, Brad Todd made the case that I was wrong." "I let my disgust at Trumps comments get the better of me as this was the first time Id heard them." Watch: NEW: The media's disinformation campaign to confuse voters over Trump's Liz Cheney comment appears to be backfiring. Columnist Jonah Goldberg, who falsely claimed on CNN that Trump wanted to execute Cheney, has issued a 'correction' for spreading the false story. Goldberg, pic.twitter.com/9DBGtxOWgP Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) November 1, 2024 This is going to make the decision by Arizona attorney general Kris Mayes (D-ildo) to investigate Trump's remarks look even more idiotic. Naturally, this will be strongly condemned by everyone who says hes worried about the spread of misinformation and opposed to the abuse of government power for partisan purposes. https://t.co/5fuAObNqdM Charles C. W. Cooke (@charlescwcooke) November 1, 2024 Meanwhile the nevertrumps are fighting, with Joe Walsh of all people defending the former president. Respectfully my friend, posting that 11 second clip without the context of what he was saying is deceptive. You should have posted the entirety of what he said. Thanks Joe Walsh (@WalshFreedom) November 1, 2024 * * * The left has fabricated a new hit on Donald Trump - suggesting that he said Liz Cheney should be executed after he clearly said she should fight in the wars she advocates for. While discussing Cheney with Tucker Carlson, Trump said: "She's a radical war hawk. Let's put her with a rifle standing there with nine barrels shooting at her, ok? Let's see how she feels about it, you know, when the guns are trained on her face. "You know they're all war hawks when they're sitting in Washington in a nice building saying 'oh gee, let's send 10,000 troops right into the mouth of the enemy." ?TRUMP: "Dick Cheney's daughter is a very dumb individual. She's a radical war hawk. Let's put her with a rifle standing there with 9 barrels shooting at her, let's see how she feels about it when the guns trained on her face. They're all war hawks when they're sitting in pic.twitter.com/Wzq4BBiP8C Autism Capital ? (@AutismCapital) November 1, 2024 Here's Drudge: Here's CNN: WATCH: Donald Trump suggests @Liz_Cheney should be fired upon It's an escalation of his violent rhetoric My open of today's @CNNThisMorning Cheney just responded to Trump -- shown below https://t.co/85RJ5VGZG3pic.twitter.com/oxV0taVsEk Kasie Hunt (@kasie) November 1, 2024 CNBC's Jim Cramer and Karl Quesadilla: On @CNBC @jimcramer & @carlquintanilla said multiple times Trump said Liz Cheney should face a firing squad. Has journalism become a bad game of telephone, where each misquotes the next outlet? Again, @NBCNews constantly chides X about misinformation, but lets this crap air. https://t.co/T9qgCXyHNM Charlie Harper (@CharlieBHarper) November 1, 2024 Here's Politico senior political columnist repeating the 'firing squad' lie (Jonathan you typically don't give the condemned their own rifle in a firing squad situation): And the willingness to explain away, well-what-he-really-meant by the firing squad is my point: no price too steep to pay to rationalize an aberrant figure https://t.co/lfvZq2pQOz Jonathan Martin (@jmart) November 1, 2024 KamalaHQ seized and pounced: You're spreading propaganda, again! Watch his full remarks! President Trump was talking about how Liz Cheney wants to send Americas sons and daughters to fight in wars despite never being in a war herself. pic.twitter.com/oWr1eEIEoV Eddie (@Eddies_X) November 1, 2024 Anyone with an IQ north of double-digits sees this for what it is: Even a Vox reporter is honest enough not only to tell corporate media that they're outright lying about what Trump said about Liz Cheney, but that it's what liberals said for decades. And yes: if Trump called for a firing squad, why we he say Liz should be given a rifle?? https://t.co/MfURnUxfmj Glenn Greenwald (@ggreenwald) November 1, 2024 I understand the muppet babies for whom this is their first election, but seasoned journalists? Chickenhawk and would you send your own son?? were standard lines 2002-2008. Not a single human being thought the Michael Moores of the world were threatening Bush and Cheney. https://t.co/mMfUbzEAaL T. Becket Adams (@BecketAdams) November 1, 2024 @CNBC Trump never threatened Cheney you fucking headline liars. Educate yourself. Show the clip of the Tucker interview liberal assholes. This show with activist Carl Quantnilla is a liberal cesspool. Its unwatchable. Lies lies and more liberal lies! CrashDavis (@CrashDavis8) November 1, 2024 I dont support Donald Trump but I also dont support journalists lying to their audiences, and when he says (paraphrased) these pro-war people wouldnt be talking such a big game if they were on the front lines it is actually not the same thing as saying they should be shot https://t.co/kyVtfjkv8e Kat Rosenfield (@katrosenfield) November 1, 2024 Meanwhile... Like clockwork, DNC operative and Biden WH official @neeratanden, along with scores of liberals, scream at this Vox reporter for telling the truth, in order to signal to other journalists that the liberal mob will castigate them if they do the same:https://t.co/6SKj3G6DVg Glenn Greenwald (@ggreenwald) November 1, 2024 Read more at: ZeroHedge.com Idaho health board defies government edicts, removes COVID-19 vaccines from clinics A health board in Idaho has removed Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccines from its facilities , going against federal government recommendations regarding the deadly injections. The seven-member board of Idaho's Southwest District Health (SWDH) voted 4-3 on Oct. 22 to remove the COVID-19 injections from the 30 locations where it provides healthcare services, The Defender reported. The SWDH board's vote came after it received about 300 public comments urging the district to stop promoting the injections. Before the vote, board members heard presentations from Drs. Peter McCullough, Ryan Cole, Renata Moon and James Thorp. Dr. John Tribble, the board's lone physician, invited them to speak. The board also heard counter-arguments from Dr. Perry Jansen, the district staff physician, who recommended keeping the COVID-19 injection on the district's clinic shelves. (Related: 1,000-plus doctors, scientists sign Hope Accord calling for SUSPENSION of all mRNA jabs.) "In the end, the evidence clearly showed a lack of safety and efficacy as it compares to the risk from COVID-19, and [the board members'] decision reflected that," said Tribble. He also lauded his colleagues who voted in favor of removing the shot, noting that they "exhibited courage" by casting their vote "based on the evidence in direct opposition to the federal health agencies' recommendations." Tribble told The Defender that "the people of this district were demanding answers," with many coming forward "with heartbreaking stories of vaccine injury." He and other board members felt it was important to permit "the free and open discussion and evaluation of the evidence for and against the safety and efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccine" after hearing the stories of vaccine damage. Laura Demaray, a nurse living in Southwestern Idaho who attended the board meeting where the issue was voted on, lauded the SWDH board's decision. "It's the first health agency in America to do that," she said. Demaray also shared that Tribble asked her "to help gather the presenters." She also praised him as "a very brave board member who is very aware of the harms of the COVID-19 injection." SWDH's decision serves as a precedent for other local health agencies Children's Health Defense CEO Mary Holland applauded the SWDH's vote. "After hearing from 300 constituents, listening to well-informed physicians and assessing the public record, the [SWDH] board made an informed decision not to stock its own clinics with COVID-19 shots," she said. "The health district board was conveying its values to the public 'these products are unsafe and we do not promote them.' The board was within its authority to do this." Meanwhile, Demaray said she already heard from two other health districts in the Gem State that are now mulling the withdrawal of COVID-19 vaccines from their clinics. She likewise urged other Americans to reach out to their local health board members and ask them to review the safety information on the COVID-19 injections. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends COVID-19 vaccines while the Food and Drug Administration approves them. However, local agencies such as the SWDH, are responsible for adopting these federal policies and promoting them at the lower level. Demaray remarked that many leaders in the federal health department are captured by Big Pharma, but it's not the case at the local level. "They aren't all bought out yet," she added. "I believe our actions here stand as an example and precedent for other health agencies to take back control of their health and freedoms from a corrupted federal system," Tribble ultimately concluded. "I hope this will inspire other health agencies to openly discuss this issue and evaluate the evidence for themselves. That is how you open up a can of truth." Visit HealthFreedom.news for more stories like this. Watch Karen Kingston revealing that 11 toxic rare earth metals found in electronic devices are also present in the COVID-19 vaccines that the SWDH board rightfully rejected. This video is from The Prisoner channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Vaccine makers could FINALLY lose liability protections, subjecting them to lawsuits for their injurious products. AstraZeneca WITHDRAWS COVID-19 injection worldwide after admitting it causes BLOOD CLOTS. DeSantis pushes to remove vaccine mandates, allow vaccine-injured to sue for damages. Sources include: ChildrensHealthDefense.org KTVB.com Brighteon.com Israels fake attack on Iran changes game in Middle East: Israel will never dominate Mideast geopolitical and military chessboard again reads a new headline from an independent media source about a changing of the guard that is currently underway in the Middle East. After Israel launched a "limited" military attack on Iran this past week instead of the mega-attack it promised, the world took notice and realized that Israel is done for on the world stage. Up until now, Israel has been beating its chest with pride about how it will win no matter what in the Middle East and much of the world believed them. Now, it is clear that things have, in fact, changed, leaving the Zionist state in fear that Iran will conduct a mega-attack itself "with much greater destruction than ever by the month," according to State of the Nation. "The entire Middle East military and geopolitical chessboard has radically changed since the inception of Israel in 1947. For example, Iran and other enemies of Israel now possess some of the most advanced drone weapon technology and hypersonic ICBM weaponry on the planet. Not only that, but Iran now has nuclear weapons which can turn Israel into a vitrified parking lot in a matter of hours." (Related: Did you know that 17 of the top 25 richest and most powerful hedge fund managers in the United States are Jewish?) Israel making enemies left and right The weakness that Israel demonstrated with its counter-counterattack on Iran means that the Zionist state can no longer rely on the U.S. military to have its back and win due to the sheer strength of Israel's enemies, which are many. The BRICS alliance alone, including the growing interest from many additional countries around the world, shows that the Western-led U.S.-Israel-United Kingdom alliance of nations is no longer the threat that it once was. As State of the Nation explains, "many secret mutual defense treaties have been signed by various BRICS-aligned nations so that, when and if Israel ever attacks Iran again, the Zio-Anglo-American Axis is really fighting Russia, China, India, Turkey, Egypt among others. Given the level of highly advanced weaponry aimed at Israel in an all-out firefight, Israel would be reduced to rubble in a day and a night." Israel has, in many ways, made its own bed with this one and that bed is a bed of thorns that will not end well for the Zionist state, even if it is still, as of this writing, slaughtering women, children, the elderly, and the infirmed in Gaza with apparent ease. "As the most hated country on the planet, Israel can no longer weather the massive loss of export revenue, especially after they blew up the various devices killing even more innocents," SOTN says. "Who would ever trust any technology made in Israel again?" "Likewise, imports into Israel have also been significantly curtailed after alienating so many nations around the globe. Many companies have ceased doing all business altogether with Israel, even giving up huge profits after witnessing the horrific Gaza Genocide. And those trade relationships will never be re-established on principle alone." Like the U.S. and other Western nations, Israel's economy is on the verge of a free-fall collapse once all the fiat finance scams come to an end. Once that happens, those who live in Israel now, often referred to as settlers, will "vacate the sinking ship as many are already doing to seek safety outside of a full-scale war zone." Difficult times, to say the least, are coming for Israel and the world. Which side will you find yourself on once the door to the ark closes? The latest Middle East news can be found at Prophecy.news. Sources for this article include: StateoftheNation.info NaturalNews.com Mentally damaged Israeli soldiers refusing orders to return to combat More and more Israeli soldiers are quietly refusing orders to return to fight , stating they are depressed, worn out, psychologically damaged and unmotivated after a year of committing genocide in the Gaza Strip. This was based on a report published on Sunday, Oct. 20, by the ultra-Orthodox-oriented Hebrew-language magazine Ha-Makom, which interviewed several soldiers and parents of veterans who refuse to return to Gaza. When a platoon of 30 soldiers of the Nahal Brigade was ordered to enter Gaza for the most recent of many tours, only six reported for duty. "They return to the same buildings that they cleaned, each time trapping them anew. They have been to the Al-Zaytun neighborhood three times already. They understand that it is futile and pointless," said the mother of one of the soldiers in the platoon. "Because they were a small team, they couldn't go out on missions. They just stayed there and waited for the time to pass. It was even more unnecessary." Apart from fighting Hamas, Israeli soldiers have been destroying residential buildings with explosives, sniping children, bombing hospitals and schools serving as lodging displaced people and devastating Gaza's water and electrical infrastructure. Many Israeli soldiers mentally damaged by war Another mother of a soldier shared what her son told her: "Everyone who is not dead or injured is mentally damaged. There are very few left who returned to fight. And they're not quite right either. I don't know what army they're thinking of entering Lebanon with, but I'm not going back to the battalion." As reported by those interviewed by Ha-Makom, no organization or mass movement helps soldiers decline to serve. Instead, a soldier simply goes to his commander and reports that he is unable to fight. He is then removed from the active rolls and deployed to a non-combat position somewhere else. "Things are resolved within the unit. It happens all the time. There is an incessant covert drop from fighting," one parent said. They call this "silent refusal" or "gray refusal." Meanwhile, the Israeli military has said it is giving care for thousands of soldiers who are suffering from PTSD or mental illnesses caused by trauma during the war. It is not clear how many have taken their own lives, as the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has not given an official number. (Related: More and more Israeli soldiers becoming DISABLED as Gaza conflict drags on.) The war is already Israel's longest since the Jewish state was established. As it now reaches Lebanon, some soldiers said they fear being drafted into another battle. "A lot of us are very scared of getting drafted again to a war in Lebanon. A lot of us don't trust the government right now," said an IDF medic who served four months in Gaza, talking on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the issue. Israeli authorities with few exceptions have closed off Gaza to foreign journalists unless under IDF escort, making it hard to capture the complete extent of Palestinians suffering or the experiences of soldiers there. Israeli soldiers who fought in the territory said they witnessed horrors the outside world can never truly understand. Their accounts provide a scarce preview into the brutality of what critics have branded as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's "forever war," and the indefinite toll it takes on the soldiers who take part in the fighting. Follow IsraelCollapse.com for more news about Israel. Watch the video below about an Israeli soldier speaking out against Israel's war in Gaza. This video is from the alltheworldsastage channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Former Israeli defense minister fears Israeli soldiers may be executing Palestinians. MUTINY: Israeli soldiers plan REVOLT if war on Gaza ends before complete victory. Israeli military deliberately shooting Gaza children IN THE HEAD, says American doctor: I was there. Sources include: TheCradle.co Ha-Makom.co.il CNN.com Brighteon.com Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson claims election winner in the state may not be known until next day a lot can happen in 24 hours Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson warned that the state's election results may not be known for up to a full day after voting , sparking fears of a repeat of the "bitter disputes" that arose in 2020 over questions regarding the integrity of the state's voting processes. In a statement to CBS's "Face the Nation," Benson claimed that while the state's ballot processing systems may be faster than in 2020, Americans should still expect to wait a while before the state's official victor is announced. (Related: Michigan's bloated voter rolls list nearly 500,000 names more than the total eligible voting population.) "We do have more options to process ballots sooner than Election Day, which is where we were restricted in 2020, so I'm optimistic we could see results even sooner," she said. "But I would estimate end of the day on Wednesday [November 6] as the best guess on how we'll perform. With that said, we will always prioritize accuracy and security over efficiency. Understanding how much people will want those results, were still going to make sure the process is secure and accurate before we put anything out to the public." The latest announcement from the state indicates that over 260,000 people in the Great Lakes State have already taken part in early voting. With that in mind, the state secretary's claim of not knowing who will win immediately raises concerns as to how reliable the counting of the votes in Michigan will be. Republicans concerned over integrity of election in Michigan Republicans have already filed multiple lawsuits against Benson's office over election administration, including Michigan's registered voter rolls exceeding the number of voting-age people in the state, and a guidance she issued on how to process ballots with missing or mismatched stubs. "Secretary Benson continues to expose Michigan's elections to cheating and fraud, forcing Republicans to file suit again to protect the vote for Michiganders," Republican National Committee Co-Chair Michael Whatley said last month. We will continue our efforts to make it easy to vote and hard to cheat in Michigan and around the country through November 5." Election integrity has long been an issue in American politics, but significantly intensified when the 2020 presidential election was marked by widespread election irregularities and numerous allegations that the election had been rigged for President Joe Biden against former President Donald Trump, bolstered by the dramatic expansion of voting by mail in the wake of the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19). Twenty-eight states relaxed their mail ballot rules in 2020, contributing to a 17-million vote increase from 2016. In addition to mail ballots generally being less secure than in-person votes, four of those states Georgia, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin changed their rules without legislative consent. Those four alone comprised 56 of Biden's electoral votes. The presidential race is extremely close. Vice President Kamala Harris' national lead is down to 0.9 percent in RealClearPolitics' popular vote polling average. Margins were also close in swing states that will decide the Electoral College outcome. In Michigan, Harris leads Trump by just 1.4 percent. Early voting and mail-in voting numbers continue to roll in. Watch this video. This video is from the KryptoKing187 channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Will Democrats accept the results of the 2024 presidential election? Nearly 800,000 absentee ballots were already submitted in Michigan by Oct. 16. HYPOCRISY ALERT: Democrats say they won't certify election if Trump wins because he's "dangerous to democracy." Judge strikes down New York law mandating moving local elections to even-numbered years as UNCONSTITUTIONAL. Get ready for LANDSLIDE TRUMP VICTORY November 5th followed by HARRIS STEAL of swing states Nov. 6th and 7th. Sources include: LifeSiteNews.com DailyWire.com CBSNews.com Brighteon.com POLL: Most Americans are worried about potential post-election violence A recent Associated Press/NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll has revealed that most Americans are worried about post-election violence The study, conducted from Oct. 11 to 14 among 1,072 registered voters, reveals that 41 percent of respondents are "extremely" or "very" concerned, with another 35 percent feeling "somewhat" concerned about the possibility of unrest after Election Day. Notably, 42 percent of respondents are "extremely concerned" regarding increased political violence, specifically threats against political figures or election officials. Among this group, 16 percent were "extremely concerned" and 25 percent were "very concerned." Another 40 percent of participants were "somewhat concerned" about political violence, while 18 percent were "not very" or "not at all concerned." (Related: Post-election 2020: Two studies say all hell to break loose.) Legal challenges also weigh in on Americans, with 37 percent reporting they were "extremely" or "very concerned" about attempts to overturn election results through legal avenues. Meanwhile, 36 percent of respondents believe the likelihood of legal attempts to overturn results is "somewhat concerning" and only 26 percent were not significantly worried. Concerns extended to actions by local state officials, with 32 percent of Americans "extremely" or "very concerned" about officials preventing election results from being finalized. In contrast, 35 percent of respondents believe this is only a "moderate concern" and 33 percent were "not very" or "not at all concerned" about local officials attempting to subvert the election. This political violence-related argument comes after former President Donald Trump stated that, should violence break out, the National Guard or even the military could be used to intervene and restore order. "I think it should be very easily handled by, if necessary, by National Guard, or if really necessary, by the military, because they can't let that happen," Trump said in an Oct. 13 interview with Fox News host Maria Bartiromo, in response to a question about the possibility of election-related violence. Additionally, Trump clarified that the potential threats will be due to "radical left lunatics" and "the enemy from within" and not from his supporters or even foreign actors. Americans feel anxious, frustrated and less excited about the upcoming election Many Americans feel a mix of emotions about the upcoming election. A separate Associated Press/NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll, conducted from Oct. 24 to 28 among 1,233 adults, reveals that American adults across the political spectrum and racial demographics feel a mix of anxiety, frustration and excitement about this year's presidential election. Most of these adults feel anxious, frustrated and interested, with less than half feeling genuinely excited. For instance, 37 percent of Democrats and 41 percent Republicans reveal feeling excited about the election. Meanwhile, independents are less enthusiastic, with only 24 percent saying they feel excited about it. In terms of anxiety, Democrats report the highest levels, with 79 percent of respondents feeling uneasy about the election, compared with 66 percent of Republicans and just 49 percent of independents. Frustration also runs high across the board, with 72 percent of Democrats and 68 percent of Republicans expressing irritation over the election. The survey also suggests political detachment among nonpartisan voters, as only 54 percent of independents show interest in the campaign compared to the 80 percent of Democrats and 77 percent of Republicans. The poll also sheds light on racial differences in emotional responses to the campaign. Black adults show greater excitement (46 percent) than white adults (33 percent) and report feeling less frustrated (55 percent to 74 percent) or anxious (62 percent to 73 percent) than their white counterparts. Hispanic adults also report less frustration (63 percent) than white adults. Watch this video explaining how mail-in ballots are a win for Democrats. This video is from the UAF Network channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: DoD shreds all remaining constitutional protections from Posse Comitatus Act in anticipation of post-election Civil War 2.0. Arizona officials claim Maricopa County needs 10-13 days to tabulate results of the election. SURVEY: Over 60% of Americans feel the 2024 presidential election is affecting their mental health. ELECTION LAB: More than 40 million voters have already cast their votes as early voting starts. Will Democrats accept the results of the 2024 Presidential Election? Sources include: TheEpochTimes.com APNORC.org 1 [PDF] APNORC.org 2 Brighteon.com RIGGED: Nevada SC rules that mail-in ballots without postmarks can be counted up to three days after Election Day The Nevada Supreme Court has upheld a district ruling that state officials are allowed to count absentee ballots arriving without a postmark up until three days after Election Day Under the current Nevada law, absentee ballots must be postmarked by Election Day to confirm they were mailed on time. However, the law permits county clerks to accept postmarked ballots for up to four days after the election and to process those without postmarks within a three-day grace period. This provision could lead to voter fraud. The Trump campaign, along with the Republican National Committee (RNC) and the Nevada GOP, sued Nevada's Secretary of State and several county clerks in June to stop counting all ballots with no postmark. Unfortunately, a Carson City District Court ruled in favor of the state due to voter access and protection from disenfranchisement in August. And now, the Nevada Supreme Court has upheld this decision. "If a voter properly and timely casts their vote by mailing their ballot before or on the day of the election and through a post office omission the ballot is not postmarked, it would go against public policy to discount that properly cast vote," the Nevada Supreme Court wrote in its majority opinion. "Rejecting timely mail ballots because of postal service omissions cuts against the strong public interest in exercising the right to vote. Notably, the RNC presented no evidence or allegations that counting mail ballots without postmarks under [state law] would be subject to voter fraud, or that the election security measures currently in place are inadequate to address its concerns regarding these ballots." (Related: Mail-in ballots need to GO if American elections will ever again have integrity.) The 5-2 decision saw five justices fully support the decision of the lower court. Justice Kristina Pickering questioned the interpretation but expressed hesitation about altering election protocols so close to the upcoming election on Nov. 5. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals rules against Mississippi's policy of counting mail-in ballots In contrast, the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled on Oct. 26 that Mississippi's policy of counting mail-in ballots arriving after Election Day violates federal law. The panel of three judges supports the RNC and other conservative groups that filed the lawsuit, seeking an end to the post-Election Day counting of mail-in ballots. Mississippi, a traditionally Republican state with minimal mail-in voting, has become a focal point for the legal challenge, which could have implications for voting practices in other states. "Congress statutorily designated a singular 'day for the election' of members of Congress and the appointment of presidential electors," the 5th Circuit panel said. "Text, precedent and historical practice confirm this 'day for the election' is the day by which ballots must be both cast by voters and received by state officials." The panel also clarified that it was not addressing the counting process itself but rather the deadline for ballot receipt. "That is not to say all the ballots must be counted on Election Day," the panel stated. "Even if the ballots have not been counted, the result is fixed when all of the ballots are received and the proverbial ballot box is closed. The selections are done and final. By contrast, while election officials are still receiving ballots, the election is ongoing: The result is not yet fixed, because live ballots are still being received." For now, the ruling does not require immediate changes to the mail-in ballot policy of Mississippi for the upcoming election. Instead, the case will return to a lower court for further proceedings. Judge Andrew Oldham, alongside Judges James Ho and Kyle Duncan, advised the lower court to weigh the potential disruption of modifying voting practices so close to the election. Follow VoteFraud.news for more news about election fraud using mail-in ballots. Watch this video explaining how mail-in ballots are a win for the Democrats. This video is from the UAF Network channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Mail-in ballot scheme was solely about padding vote counts for Democrats. ELECTION RIGGING: Pennsylvania court rules election officials cannot reject mail-in ballots with incorrect or missing dates on envelopes. Questions persist about falsification of 100,000 mail-in ballots in Michigan as Gov. Whitmer changes election laws to make fraud harder to expose. VINDICATION: Study finds Trump "almost certainly" won 2020 election, but mail-in ballot fraud resulted in Biden "winning" instead. WATCH: Texas AG Ken Paxton reveals Democrats rigged 2020 elections by merely ceasing to count votes (then running mail-in ballots until they achieved fake vote targets). Sources include: Infowars.com CNN.com MSN.com Brighteon.com Obama FBI ran off-the-books honeypot operation on Trump campaign in 2015: Whistleblower A whistleblower has told the House Judiciary Committee thatas soon as he announced his bid for the White House in 2015. (Article by Tyler Durden republished from ZeroHedge.com) The operation, ordered by then-FBI Director James B. Comey, predicated the Crossfire Hurricane operation. According to an FBI agent involved in the clandestine criminal investigation, Comey sent two female FBI undercover agents to infiltrate Trumps 2016 campaign at high levels, who were directed to act as "honeypots" while traveling with Trump and his campaign staff on the trail, the Washington Times reports. According to the disclosure, which The Washington Times reviewed, the investigation differed from the later Crossfire Hurricane counterintelligence operation targeting Russian collusion. It said the early off-the-books probe was a criminal investigation targeting Mr. Trump and his 2016 presidential campaign staff. The agent personally knew that Mr. Comey ordered an FBI investigation against Mr. Trump and that Mr. Comey personally directed it, according to the disclosure. The whistleblower says that the investigation wasn't targeting any specific crimes, but was more of a 'fishing expedition' to try and find something incriminating on Trump. Former FBI Assistant Director Chris Swecher told the Times that if the report is true, it's a "booming, egregious violation" of the rules governing the attorney general and the FBI. "Its an unpredicated infiltration of a presidential campaign which is sensitive," he said. "Its sensitive to the point where it would have to have been approved by the [attorney general] and would have to be predicated. And in this case, Im not hearing any predication. It would have to be on the books anyway, regardless." Unlike Crossfire Hurricane - a counterintelligence investigation into whether members of the Trump campaign coordinated, knowingly or unknowingly, with the Russian government - the earlier honeypot operation "had no predicated foundation, so Mr. Comey personally directed the investigation without creating an official case file in Sentinel or any other FBI system." The report claims that the undercover agents real targets included campaign adviser George Papadopoulos, a now-infamous figure in the Trump-Russia saga. Papadopoulos ultimately pled guilty to a single count of making false statements to the FBI about his Russian contactsa charge that landed him 12 days in prison. But documents released later showed that he had repeatedly denied Trump campaign involvement in the 2016 hacking of the Democratic National Committee emails. In one chilling detail, the whistleblowers disclosure alleges that the FBI closed the secret operation only after a journalist got hold of a photograph of one of the undercover agents, threatening to publish it. In an attempt to quash the story, the FBI press office reportedly told the outlet that the photo depicted an informant whose life could be endangered if her identity was revealed. One of the undercover agents was allegedly moved to the CIA to keep her out of the spotlight as a potential witness, while another FBI employee involved in the operation was promoted. Comey, who was fired by Trump in 2017 amid controversy over the Russia probe, has yet to respond to the new allegations. Read more at: ZeroHedge.com Generally we assume that a dollar today is more valuable than a dollar in the future, so we discount the value of these future cash flows to their estimated value in today's dollars: We use what is known as a 2-stage model, which simply means we have two different periods of growth rates for the company's cash flows. Generally the first stage is higher growth, and the second stage is a lower growth phase. To start off with, we need to estimate the next ten years of cash flows. Where possible we use analyst estimates, but when these aren't available we extrapolate the previous free cash flow (FCF) from the last estimate or reported value. We assume companies with shrinking free cash flow will slow their rate of shrinkage, and that companies with growing free cash flow will see their growth rate slow, over this period. We do this to reflect that growth tends to slow more in the early years than it does in later years. We generally believe that a company's value is the present value of all of the cash it will generate in the future. However, a DCF is just one valuation metric among many, and it is not without flaws. For those who are keen learners of equity analysis, the Simply Wall St analysis model here may be something of interest to you. Today we'll do a simple run through of a valuation method used to estimate the attractiveness of Freightways Group Limited ( NZSE:FRW ) as an investment opportunity by projecting its future cash flows and then discounting them to today's value. The Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model is the tool we will apply to do this. Models like these may appear beyond the comprehension of a lay person, but they're fairly easy to follow. The NZ$10.13 analyst price target for FRW is 35% less than our estimate of fair value Story Continues After calculating the present value of future cash flows in the initial 10-year period, we need to calculate the Terminal Value, which accounts for all future cash flows beyond the first stage. For a number of reasons a very conservative growth rate is used that cannot exceed that of a country's GDP growth. In this case we have used the 5-year average of the 10-year government bond yield (2.8%) to estimate future growth. In the same way as with the 10-year 'growth' period, we discount future cash flows to today's value, using a cost of equity of 7.0%. Terminal Value (TV)= FCF 2034 (1 + g) (r g) = NZ$156m (1 + 2.8%) (7.0% 2.8%) = NZ$3.8b Present Value of Terminal Value (PVTV)= TV / (1 + r)10= NZ$3.8b ( 1 + 7.0%)10= NZ$1.9b The total value, or equity value, is then the sum of the present value of the future cash flows, which in this case is NZ$2.8b. The last step is to then divide the equity value by the number of shares outstanding. Relative to the current share price of NZ$10.5, the company appears quite good value at a 33% discount to where the stock price trades currently. Remember though, that this is just an approximate valuation, and like any complex formula - garbage in, garbage out. NZSE:FRW Discounted Cash Flow November 3rd 2024 Important Assumptions Now the most important inputs to a discounted cash flow are the discount rate, and of course, the actual cash flows. Part of investing is coming up with your own evaluation of a company's future performance, so try the calculation yourself and check your own assumptions. The DCF also does not consider the possible cyclicality of an industry, or a company's future capital requirements, so it does not give a full picture of a company's potential performance. Given that we are looking at Freightways Group as potential shareholders, the cost of equity is used as the discount rate, rather than the cost of capital (or weighted average cost of capital, WACC) which accounts for debt. In this calculation we've used 7.0%, which is based on a levered beta of 1.024. Beta is a measure of a stock's volatility, compared to the market as a whole. We get our beta from the industry average beta of globally comparable companies, with an imposed limit between 0.8 and 2.0, which is a reasonable range for a stable business. SWOT Analysis for Freightways Group Strength Debt is well covered by earnings and cashflows. Weakness Earnings declined over the past year. Dividend is low compared to the top 25% of dividend payers in the Logistics market. Opportunity Annual revenue is forecast to grow faster than the New Zealander market. Trading below our estimate of fair value by more than 20%. Threat Dividends are not covered by earnings. Annual earnings are forecast to grow slower than the New Zealander market. Next Steps: Valuation is only one side of the coin in terms of building your investment thesis, and it is only one of many factors that you need to assess for a company. DCF models are not the be-all and end-all of investment valuation. Rather it should be seen as a guide to "what assumptions need to be true for this stock to be under/overvalued?" For example, changes in the company's cost of equity or the risk free rate can significantly impact the valuation. What is the reason for the share price sitting below the intrinsic value? For Freightways Group, we've put together three additional aspects you should consider: Risks: Consider for instance, the ever-present spectre of investment risk. We've identified 3 warning signs with Freightways Group , and understanding these should be part of your investment process. Management:Have insiders been ramping up their shares to take advantage of the market's sentiment for FRW's future outlook? Check out our management and board analysis with insights on CEO compensation and governance factors. Other Solid Businesses: Low debt, high returns on equity and good past performance are fundamental to a strong business. Why not explore our interactive list of stocks with solid business fundamentals to see if there are other companies you may not have considered! PS. The Simply Wall St app conducts a discounted cash flow valuation for every stock on the NZSE every day. If you want to find the calculation for other stocks just search here. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. South Africa submits 750 pages of evidence in genocide case against Israel to the ICJ South African legal representatives have formally presented hundreds of documents proving Israeli genocidal acts to the people in Gaza to the International Court of Justice (ICJ). The documents, which include 750 pages of claims and 4,000 annexed pages, detail the "undeniable evidence" collected by South African diplomats and legal experts about the ongoing and escalating Israeli genocide and incitement to genocidal acts in Gaza. (Related: South Africa calls for immediate halt to Israel's military offensive in Rafah.) The documents submitted on Oct. 28 also include recorded statements from National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and other prominent Israeli officials during the "Preparing to Settle in Gaza" conference earlier this month. During the conference, Israeli officials discussed strategies for potential changes in the demography and land use in Gaza. "[We will] tell them, 'We are giving you the chance, leave from here to other countries'," Ben-Gvir said during the conference, an event organized by the extremist Nachala Settlement Movement and supported by Israel's ruling Likud party. "The Land of Israel is ours." This line is just one of the many included in the document, which aims to expose the pattern of mass casualties in Gaza. The legal case initially began in December 2023 with an 84-page petition to the ICJ calling for an immediate halt to Israeli operations in Gaza. Over the months, this document has evolved and now it includes video evidence, statements from Israeli politicians and visual documentation of alleged destruction in Palestinian areas. A textbook case of genocide South Africa legal representatives believe these "undeniable evidence" are more than enough to sustain their case. "It's a textbook case of genocide," Zane Dangor, the director-general of South Africa's Department of International Relations and Cooperation said, adding that the "intent is clear." "Genocidal acts without intent can be crimes against humanity. But here, the intent is just front and center. You are seeing statements from leaders, but also ordinary Israelis saying 'kill all Gazans, even the babies'." However, Professor Cathleen Powell of international law at the University of Cape Town said the primary challenge for South Africa is to prove the genocidal intent of Israel and link the comments made by officials and the programmatic nature of the destruction of Gaza. She clarified that she believes war crimes are happening in Gaza, but South Africa has to prove Israel is responsible. "If they can find genocidal statements from state officials and show that that directly led to a particular program that led to destruction on the ground, then that's probably a very strong case, but it is a very difficult link to prove," Powell said. "It is difficult to attribute the intent of officials to the state. You have to find something different on behalf of the state [of Israel] to show genocidal intent." Moreover, legal insiders claim that the success of South Africa hinges on proving genocidal intent rather than merely demonstrating widespread harm. The legal threshold for genocide requires that the state itself harbored the intent to destroy a particular group. If South Africa cannot establish this specific intent, its case may falter. Follow Genocide.news for news about the relentless Israeli genocidal operations in Gaza. Watch this video explaining how the ICJ ruled that Israel's settlements in the West Bank are illegal. This video is from the alltheworldsastage channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: South Africa files GENOCIDE case against Israel: here's what you need to know. South Africa accuses Israel of violating its obligations under the Genocide Convention. ICJ orders Israel to end its 57-year military occupation of Palestinian territories "as rapidly as possible." 13 Countries join South Africa's case against Israel on genocide in Gaza. Israeli diplomats are lobbying U.S. politicians to pressure South Africa into dropping ICJ genocide case. Sources include: TheCradle.co AlJazeera.com Brighteon.com The so-called Star of David is actually the Babylonian symbol of Remphan, according to the Bible When most people think about the modern-day Jewish state of Israel, the first thought that comes to mind is that infamous blue and white star, known in popular culture as the "Star of David," that represents the face of their flag and nation but does that symbol actually have anything to do with King David, a man after God's own heart? It turns out that there is no mention of any Star of David anywhere in scripture. There is, however, a star symbol of Saturn that God Almighty condemns in Amos 5:26, Acts 7:43, and elsewhere throughout scripture. "But ye have borne the tabernacle of your Moloch and Chiun (the Assyria-Babylonian star symbol of Saturn used to reference Israel's apostasy) your images, the star of your god, which ye made to yourselves," reads Amos 5:26 with added information in brackets. "Yea, ye took up the tabernacle of Moloch, and the star of your god Remphan (the Assyria-Babylonian star symbol of Saturn used to reference Israel's apostasy), figures which ye made to worship them: and I will carry you away beyond Babylon," reads Acts 7:43, again with added information in brackets for clarification. Simply put, the so-called "Star of David" is actually a pagan occult symbol that represents worship to the god of this world, Satan, as opposed to worship for the true God of heaven and earth. "Remphan is a symbol of Molock, of the god of Saturn, Satan, the god of this world, or the Devil," one source explains. "Apostate Israel took up this symbol and even sacrificed their children to this god." "Molock is a deliberate Hebrew vowel perversion of the term 'Meleck' which means king. Ancient people saw their king as a god, a mediator between the heavens and the people. The star became a symbol of Molock and Remphan which plunged the nation into a form of statism and Molock (king) worship. Thus, the greatest occupation / worship was service to the state. To die for the king was the most noble way to die. 'Hail Caesar, we die for thee' cried the gladiators." (Related: Did you know that of the 25 top hedge fund managers in the United States, 17 of them are Jewish even though Jews account for only around two percent of the overall American population?) "Star of David" also used by freemasonry If you look closely, you will also notice the Star of Remphan on buildings associated with freemasonry, i.e., your local Masonic temple. Many local clubs of old emblazoned the Star of Remphan on their places of worship and gathering because they, too, are in rebellion against the One True God. "The full star of David is in many temples. Why? Because Masonry is a study of Judaism and the Kabala (Jewish mysticism). Without Judaism, there would be no Masonic Temples. The god they worship is the great architect, Jupiter or Molock or Remphan, symbolized by the occult star symbol." This is why it is dangerous for Christians to ally themselves with anyone or any group that features the Star of Remphan because to do so constitutes rebellion and compromise. It is basically like trying to mix darkness with light when someone who claims to worship Jesus aligns himself or herself with any person or group that uses the Star of Remphan as their symbol. The three questions that Christians would do well to ask themselves when confronted with this symbol is: 1) Is this star the Star of Solomon rather than the Star of David? 2) Is this an occult symbol rather than a Christian one? 3) Is this star a sign of the coming new world order under Lucifer, who is right now masquerading as an "angel of light" to deceive the world into following him as he takes down Satan, his dark side, as part of the grand deception? More related news coverage can be found at Antichrist.news. Sources for this article include: NikeInsights.FamGuardian.org NaturalNews.com JD Vance says its in Americas best interest not to go to war with Iran The Biden administration has faced plenty of criticism for its unwavering support for Israel, with many wondering just how deep into another world war it could end up leading us. Israel and Iran are already engaged in back-and-forth missile attacks, and all of the fears so many world leaders expressed about the conflict broadening are very much on the brink of coming to fruition. Now, Donald Trumps vice presidential nominee, JD Vance, has admitted that America's and Israels interests are not always going to align and that we need to avoid a war with Iran. Speaking on The Tim Dillon Show, Vance made his position clear. "So obviously, Israel has the right to defend itself. But America's interest is sometimes going to be distinct." "Sometimes we're going to have overlapping interests and sometimes we're going to have distinct interests and our interest, I think, very much is in not going to war with Iran. It would be a huge distraction of resources, it would be massively expensive to our country." His remarks came in response to a question posed about how the Trump administration would deal with the potential for a major war in the Middle East. He added that he does not want to see Iran obtain nuclear weapons and that the world should proceed carefully. I dont want Iran to get a nuclear weapon, and I think we should be using all the influence we have to encourage them to not have a nuclear weapon But we just have to be smart about it. This is where smart diplomacy really matters. He also shared his belief that America should take a more hands-off approach, saying that Israel and Gulf Arab states should serve as a counterbalance to Iran instead of letting the U.S. get involved. America doesnt have to constantly police every region of the world. We should empower people to police their own regions of the world. One: We would save a lot of money. Two: Wed save a lot of focus, he said. He also pointed out the hypocrisy of the Biden-Harris administration, with Harris talking about how they want to keep Palestinian civilian casualties to a minimum while enacting a policy that maximizes those casualties. He accused them of choosing actions that are extending the war and leading us down a path toward conflict with Iran. Even Trump himself seems to be pushing back more against Israels actions lately, although many people have their doubts about just how much things will change between the U.S. and Israel if he wins the election. After all, he received $100 million in donations from Israeli American billionaire Miriam Adelson and told donors from Israel First that hell be on their side in the White House. Poll shows Americans are worried about rising tensions in the Middle East Meanwhile, a poll released by the Pew Research Center earlier this month revealed a rise in the percentage of Americans who think Israel is going too far with its military operation in Gaza, with more than three in ten agreeing with this sentiment, while confidence in Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his likelihood of handling the situation appropriately remain quite low. They also found that 44 percent of Americans are worried about the war expanding to involve other countries, while 40 percent are extremely or very concerned about American troops getting involved directly in the fighting. Sources for this article include: InformationLiberation.com TimesOfIsrael.com PewResearch.org Suspects of arson attacks against ballot drop boxes in Pacific Northwest believed to be ANTIFA operatives Reports indicate that the recent wave of arson attacks against ballot drop boxes in the American Pacific Northwest were orchestrated by left-wing domestic terrorist organization Antifa The ballot boxes that were attacked were in Portland, Oregon and Vancouver, Washington. The Pacific Northwest has in the past few years been a hotbed for Antifa activity, especially around the time of the Black Lives Matter riots. Analysts warn that the arson attacks may just be the beginning of a sprawling far-left operation to deprive former President Donald Trump of votes and keep him out of office. In Portland, the city's police bureau said in a statement that an incendiary device was placed inside the ballot box and used to ignite the fire. "We don't know the motive behind these acts it sounds like a series of three at this point but we do know that acts like this are targeted, and they're intentional. And we're concerned about that intentional act trying to affect the election process," Portland Police Bureau (PPB) Assistant Chief Amanda McMillan said. "We're dedicated to stopping that kind of behavior." Flame retardants protected all but three ballots from being damaged beyond recognition, and the PPB said in its statement that "voters should be assured that their votes will be counted." Hundreds of ballots damaged by the attack in Vancouver However, authorities said hundreds of ballots were likely damaged by the attack in Vancouver. Authorities could be seen scooping charred ballots into a bag after they responded to the attack. Vancouver is part of Washington's third congressional district. In 2020, the district voted for Trump. In 2022, the district was flipped by Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez. This year, it is one of the most hotly contested races in the country, with Perez going up against U.S. Army Special Forces veteran Joe Kent, who lost to Perez by less than 3,000 votes in 2022. This makes Vancouver a prime target for such sabotage attacks, and Kent himself has warned of potential future attacks against votes. "Stay focused on driving voter turn-out and early voting, don't be deterred from voting by a cowardly act of terrorism," Kent posted on X. "Vote early, check your voter status & have confidence that our great law enforcement officers in will stop whoever attacked our democratic process." Police believe the three arson attacks on the ballot drop boxes in Washington and Oregon are connected, and have identified a vehicle they believe was used to target one of the drop boxes in Portland. Officials note that the two arson attacks in Portland resemble the one in Vancouver. The suspects may have driven to and from the ballot boxes using a Volvo that CCTV footage saw at both bombing sites in Portland. (Related: Threatening letters laced with FENTANYL and covered in Antifa symbols found in election centers all over the country.) Potential charges for the suspects include possession of a destructive device and illegal acts related to voting machines, among others, a PPB official said. Watch this report from KATU discussing the arson attack against the mail-in ballot drop boxes in Portland and Vancouver. This video is from the Cynthia's Pursuit of Truth channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Election fraud rears head in Pennsylvania as local official "dropped off and dumped numerous amount" of fraudulent voter registrations. Two containers with completed ballots fall out of truck in Florida. Nevada voters question the integrity of electoral process: "There are so many ways to cheat." Arizona officials claim Maricopa County needs 10-13 days to tabulate results of the election. Georgia prepares for 2024 election STEAL with $5M scheme to "identify local election officials" who might challenge results. Sources include: BigLeaguePolitics.Substack.com Reuters.com Brighteon.com Anxiety over the elections is making many Americans reconsider their travel plans Americans planning their vacations are being wrecked with anxiety over the coming election, resulting in many would-be travelers reconsidering their plans Some of the people feeling anxious over the election are Emily Reeve and her husband, who usually spend Thanksgiving by going on a trip to Hawaii, Florida or even just Disneyland but not this year. "I have a toddler now and I'm worried about being in a potentially volatile situation should we be traveling post-election," said Reeve, 32. The couple doesn't have family near their home in Portland, Oregon, so they like to skip town for the November holiday. But they say they're staying put this time to avoid getting caught in an airport or a popular destination at the same time when news develops of unrest, like rioting or looting "because the people in the area aren't happy with the election outcome." People like Reeve and her husband are among the growing number of people in the United States who are developing anxiety around the election, leading to them rethinking their travel plans. (Related: SURVEY: Over 60% of Americans feel the 2024 presidential election is affecting their mental health.) Industry experts and travel agents note that this regularly happens around presidential elections and is unavoidable even if they and federal authorities alike attempt to reassure the public that security procedures are in place for Election Day and its aftermath. The Transportation Security Administration "always remains vigilant in this heightened global threat environment," a spokesperson said, adding that federal air marshals "continue to carry out critical in-flight security missions" and other duties to keep travelers safe. "We prepare for all contingencies and employ multiple layers of security that are seen and unseen." Flyers may notice tighter airport security in coming weeks, said Jeffrey Price, who runs the aviation security consultancy Leading Edge Strategies. In addition to more uniformed officers, "there may also be a combination of plainclothes law-enforcement personnel amongst the passengers," he said. Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian recently told CNBC he expected consumers to take "a little bit of a pause" in the weeks around the election, as the carrier has seen in the past. "People like to be home during the election period. They don't want to be out traveling," he said. "I dont think they want to be spending money until they understand what's going to happen." While the pandemic upended travel during the 2020 vote, Delta also saw demand flag in the run-up to the 2016 ballot before bookings rebounded in subsequent weeks. United Airlines supported Delta's findings, with executives saying they expect to see a similar pattern this month and in November and "don't think there's anything to be surprised by." Businesses are also on alert, said Kelly Soderlund, a spokesperson for the online business travel management company Navan. Its domestic flight bookings are down 19 percent for the week of the election compared with the same week last year. Bookings for the following week, though, are 42 percent higher than the preceding seven days and 82 percent higher than the equivalent week a year ago. Concerns over possible unrest affecting travel plans this election cycle Sixty-four percent of U.S. adults said they are avoiding traveling in the U.S. out of concerns about unrest, depending on who wins, according to a recent poll by the travel site The Vacationer. About 25 percent said they would stay home if Vice President Kamala Harris is elected, while just 16 percent said they would hold off if former President Donald Trump wins. Twenty-four percent said they're staying put no matter the outcome, and 36 percent said the election's outcome won't affect their travel plans. Another poll, this time from the American Psychological Association, found that 77 percent of Americans are stressed about the future of the country and 69 percent are specifically anxious about the election. Seventy-two percent are worried that the results of the election could lead to violence, and another 56 percent believe the election could be the end of democracy in the United States. "People feel very strongly about their beliefs, what they want for this country, and how they want issues to be handled," said psychologist Thea Gallagher of NYU Langone Health. "Depending on who wins the election, it seems like issues are going to be handled differently that's a lot to process." Watch this episode of "X22 Report" discussing the rising phenomenon of people developing anxiety over the presidential election. This video is from the Sanivan channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: GALLUP POLL: Americans' trust in mass media falls to record-low of 31%. Survey finds 8 out of 10 Americans fear outbreak of WORLD WAR III. Housing market seeing decline in activity due to uncertainty associated with upcoming election. Poll: Majority of American teens ANXIOUS about their future and DISILLUSIONED by politicians. Sources include: NBCNews.com Fortune.com Brighteon.com Liberals panicked that controversial government censorship agency could be on the chopping block if Trump wins the election The Department of States Global Engagement Center is focused on combating foreign disinformation, but it is often used as a way to censor Americans political speech and silence conservatives. With the centers congressional authorization about to expire at the end of the year, some Democrats are panicking at the prospect that it could be shut down entirely should Trump take office. The founder of the Global Engagement Center is former Obama staffer Rick Stengel, who once described himself as a propaganda artist for the former president. He has said on the record that he thinks the First Amendment needs to be modified to allow hate speech to be censored in the digital age. Stengel was also behind a controversial propaganda campaign known as Hamilton 68, which sought to smear any views that went against the political establishment as Russian disinformation, claiming that legitimate American accounts that used hashtags such as #SchumerShutdown and #FireMcMaster were Russian bots without any evidence to support it. This initiative was exposed as a scam in the Twitter Files, which also provided documentation demonstrating how the center smeared posts from media outlets and individuals alike who criticized how the Biden administration responded to COVID-19 as more Russian disinformation. GEC-funded index labeled conservative outlets as "high risk" The GEC also funded the Global Disinformation Index, which was widely mocked for labeling conservative American media outlets such as the New York Post and Newsmax as high risk. The Global Engagement Centers censorship has become so extreme that Elon Musk described it this way on X: The worst offender in US government censorship & media manipulation is an obscure agency called GEC. Therefore, its not surprising that its existence is in question depending on the outcome of the election. Defense One warned about this possibility back in July, when they said the centers $61 million per year funding could expire if it does not get reauthorization from Congress at the end of the year. They cautioned: Now, the Global Engagement Center, which acts as Americas nerve center in combating foreign, state-backed disinformation campaigns in other countries, is itself under threat not from foreign capitals but from within the halls of Congress. And now, Politico has published an article about how the Global Engagement Center, which they point out exposed a major Russian disinformation campaign in Africa, is in danger if Trump takes office. Although it may survive if Democrats take the House in November, it doesnt stand much of a chance if it remains Republican controlled. Some senators are trying to extend the centers authorization, but Politico notes that theyll need to muscle past several skeptical Republican colleagues. One of the senators who is pushing for its extension through 2031 is Senator Chris Murphy (D-Connecticut), who argues that it has played an indispensable role in combating Russian and Chinese disinformation. He added: It would unnecessarily undermine U.S. national security if we eliminated this tool. However, House Foreign Affairs Chair Michael McCaul (R-Texas), Subcommittee on Oversight and Accountability Chair Brian Mast (R-Florida), and Representative Darrell Issa (R-California) claimed that the GEC is at best indifferent to, and at worst complicit in, an orchestrated and systematic effort to stretch the term disinformation to encompass viewpoints that, among American progressives, are deemed to be politically disfavored or inconvenient. Sources for this article include: Revolver.news DefenseOne.com Illegal ballot harvesting scheme to rig election results revealed by Democrat operative On Monday, Oct 28, political commentator Steven Crowder shared on X an undercover video where a Democrat operative revealed the ways in which previous elections were rigged, including through the controversial ballot harvesting scheme in nursing homes The post featured Joel Caldwell, the director of operations for the Coalition for the People's Agenda in Georgia, who seemed to be unaware that he was being recorded by an undercover journalist. CAUGHT ON TAPE: Democratic Operative Details Potentially Illegal Ballot Harvesting Schemes Used to Rig American Elections; Appears to Admit 2020 Election Fraud Took Place in Georgia MugClub Army - please be aware of this type of activity ahead of Election Day! Send ALL tips and pic.twitter.com/3pqNOhX66y Steven Crowder (@scrowder) October 28, 2024 In the video, Caldwell recounted how in Atlanta, Republican poll watchers were kicked out of the State Farm Arena back in 2020 because of an alleged water leak. "They were counting ballots and were told that there was a leak on the opposite side of the dome. Everybody needed to evacuate. Then when they all left, the Democrats went back in and started counting. The Republicans went back to their headquarters. They didn't know," he said. The undercover woman who was recording the video asked: "You know that for a fact?" Caldwell confirmed it saying, "That's what happened, yeah." When the woman inquired if the leak issues were legitimate, he answered: "So, they said it was a leak. So you see in the videos they were putting everything up and they were leaving. Then, they were out in the parking lot when I guess they told them they could come back in." However, the Republican watchers had already left and this was when the Democrats went back in and resumed the counting. "During that hour, that stretch of that, it was only like less than a hundred votes were counted for Trump. Statistically, you're downtown. There's gonna be more than a hundred votes for Trump," he admitted. He further revealed that "They started stuffing them ballots. They got videotape of them but nobody talks about it." He added that this is the reason why former President Donald Trump has been accusing them of stealing the elections because he saw the footage. Caldwell even cited a video where a man was pulling up and putting a hundred ballots in the box. Caldwell further disclosed in the video that groups were paying people to go around collecting absentee ballots from senior houses and then drop them off ballot boxes. He also said that the preparation for election rigging takes a long time and canvassers, harvesters and election officials are paid to perform these massive election stealing operations. Caldwell confirms Dinesh D'Souza's 2000 Mules movie was accurate Elsewhere in the video, Caldwell admitted that Dinesh D'Souza's documentary "2000 Mules," which exposes widespread, coordinated voter fraud in the 2020 election, sufficient to change the overall outcome, was accurate. However, he said that in the movie, they never said what groups were involved. "They just said investigations were being launched into nonprofits in different states. They did not name the organizations. So, I was just waiting for the sh*t to drop. They got the evidence because they showed that in the documentary." Back in June, Salem Media Group, the company behind D'Souza's film pulled both the film and the book from its platforms and apologized to a man from Georgia named Mark Andrews. Andrews filed a defamation suit after the film allegedly falsely depicted him as engaging in voter fraud. Andrews is seen in the film depositing five ballots into a ballot box as D'Souza says in a voiceover: "What you are seeing is a crime. These are fraudulent votes." Andrews' face was blurred in the footage, but during the promotion and discussion of the film, his face was allegedly shown. (Related: 2000 Mules documentary by Dinesh D'Souza finally reveals PROOF that 2020 election was completely stolen from Trump.) However, Caldwell said that what happened was true as he further exposed that the rigging operation even included local elections. "I knew they were doing stuff like that. That's how they got one of the mayors, dropping ballots in the boxes and stuff around Metro Atlanta for the mayor's race in Atlanta." When the journalist asked: "So they are not going to do that again in 2024?" "Harvesting ballots and sh*t?" Caldwell clarified and quickly continued: "That is why the Republicans are always trying to fight the ballot, you know? That is the argument of the whole thing. It's because Republicans are the ones who want to do voter IDs and stuff." He then said that Democrats, on the other hand, would fight voter ID laws. They would push for ballot harvesting, online voting and other different things they would try to come up with, he added. Head over to CancelDemocrats.news for stories on how the Democrats stole the 2020 election. Sources for this article include: WorldTribune.com MSNBC.com Kamala Harris struggling to win the support of male voters in major labor unions Vice President Kamala Harris is now facing lower-than-expected support from male union members , whose participation is essential in mobilizing Democratic voters. Historically, labor unions have been among the staunchest allies of the Democratic Party, but former President Donald Trump has made significant inroads among union workers in recent years. For instance, when the United Auto Workers (UAW) union executive board announced their endorsement for Harris in July, one of the UAW members revealed that the membership's support for Trump was stronger than the level of support the UAW's leadership is publicly claiming. "We've got two people to choose from I'm throwing in with the one who at least has a record of being interested in manufacturing and preserving it in this country," said Chris Vitale, a UAW member for 30 years and employee at Stellantis. Similarly, the 1.3-million-member International Brotherhood of Teamsters refused to endorse a candidate in September when an internal poll showed that former president Donald Trump led Harris by a significant margin of 59.6 percent to 34 percent. (Related: Harris-Walz campaign is trying to win male voters by pushing pornography and abortion.) This issue is particularly pronounced within building trader unions, those that represent laborers like electricians and pipe fitters, which have predominantly male and White memberships. But this phenomenon is not limited to them. Male members of service unions that are larger and more diverse are also turning away from Harris. Harris is perceived as "not being presidential" Liz Shuler, the president of the 12.5 million-member American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO), associated the dampening support for Harris on sexism within some union circles. "Let's be honest, there are people who look at a female candidate and at face value dismiss her because, you know, she's perceived as not being presidential," she said. "No one questions Donald Trump in that way." This statement reflects the report of many AFL-CIO door knockers that many households feel disillusioned with Harris and relate more to Trump. Meanwhile, James Maravelias, the head of the Delaware AFL-CIO, noted that weaker support for Harris among male union members was due to her liberal stance on social issues and underlying male chauvinism. "I am afraid some won't come out at all," Maravelias said about the potential impact of diminished turnout on Election Day. But Harris claimed the country is now "absolutely" ready to elect a female president. "Come to my events and you will see there are men and women," Harris said at her official residence in the Naval Observatory in Washington, D.C. "The experience that I am having is one in which it is clear that regardless of someone's gender, they want to know that their president has a plan to lower costs, that their president has a plan to secure America in the context of our position around the world." "My challenge is the challenge of making sure I can talk with and listen to as many voters as possible and earn their vote," she continued. "And I will never assume that anyone in our country should elect a leader based on their gender or their race, instead that that leader needs to earn the vote based on substance and what they will do to address challenges and to inspire people." Head over to KamalaWatch.com for more stories on the Democratic presidential candidate. Watch the video below that talks about Kamala Harris, who laughs "crazily at stuff that's not funny." This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Two anti-Trump WaPo columnists quit following paper's refusal to endorse Kamala Harris. Bill Gates donates $50M to Kamala Harris-linked PAC. 'Drag Queens for Kamala' release music video supporting her campaign for president. Grooming the next puppet: Over 1,100 pro-LGBT political leaders endorse Kamala Harris for president. Kamala Harris now supports nationwide legalization of recreational marijuana use a strategic move to gain more votes. Sources include: Reuters.com 1 Reuters.com 2 NBCNews.com Brighteon.com Texas AG Ken Paxton has opened a CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION into Dominion Voting Systems for potential election-related crimes Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has opened a criminal investigation into electronic voting technology company Dominion Voting Systems for potential election-related crimes Dominion Voting Systems has long been considered a controversial choice of voting machine provider. It is one of 10 different voting systems manufacturers that the federal Election Assistance Commission has approved. This election cycle, the election machines will be used by 27 states and Puerto Rico, including in some of the largest counties in the United States. (Related: Tool of the Deep State: Dominion Voting Systems accused of racketeering operation by Colorado lawyer Tina Peters.) Its ongoing use despite its controversial past has raised concerns especially in Texas and Michigan. In the latter state, the sheriff's office of Barry County said it has been referring suspected electoral crimes to Paxton. "The Barry County Sheriff's Office has an ongoing investigation into election-related crimes since December 2020," said Sheriff Dar Leaf in a statement explaining how his office "has made referrals for criminal investigations to the Texas Attorney General's Office." The statement further noted that Leaf's requests for aid have been answered, and Paxton's office has opened a criminal investigation into Dominion Voting Systems as well as other companies that either supply voting machines or other election technologies, including Election Systems & Software, Hart InterCivic and SolarWinds. Certain "subcontractors, agents and employees" have also been included in the investigation. "The Barry County Sheriff's Office will continue to collaborate and assist the Texas Attorney General with its ongoing investigation. More information will be provided as it can be publicly released without compromising these ongoing investigations," concluded Leaf's statement. "The Barry County Sheriff's Office appreciates the Texas Attorney General's prompt and thorough response." Michigan already reporting problems with Dominion Voting Systems machines The Michigan Department of State warned that it was experiencing a programming issue with "some" Dominion Voting Systems machines being used in the state. It claimed this will not prevent voters from casting their ballots, but it may make it "more inconvenient" for some of them. According to the state government, people using the Dominion machines will have to carefully follow instructions to verify their ballot selections if they don't want to be hit with an error message. This error message may come up if a voter selects the "straight party" option at the beginning of the voting process, but then chooses to instead cast votes for candidates from different parties later on. "Although the issue will not stop people from voting or making their preferred selections, and it will not change anyone's votes, it will make the process more inconvenient for some voters using the VATs [Voter Assist Terminals]," said the department. Dominion Voting Systems provides voters with disabilities the VATs to help them mark their ballots. The Michigan State Department noted that the issue will only affect voters in counties that use equipment from Dominion. Each early voting site and polling place in these counties has at least one VAT to aid disabled voters. While only Michigan has reported this concern, Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson claimed that the issue was affecting Dominion VATs "nationwide." "I think all of us that use Dominion machines were unhappy to learn about this during the testing period and as early voting began," she said. "We're working with Dominion to seek accountability on that front and also are working with our clerks to ensure voters are aware of this programming issue that will require them to ensure they are voting every section on the ballot." Watch this Oct. 31 episode of "The Kim Iversen Show" as she discusses, among other topics, the recent "bug" hitting Dominion Voting Systems machines. This video is from the channel Sanivan on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Nevada voters question the integrity of electoral process: "There are so many ways to cheat." Arizona officials claim Maricopa County needs 10-13 days to tabulate results of the election. Georgia prepares for 2024 election STEAL with $5M scheme to "identify local election officials" who might challenge results. Texas AG probe finds that bad actors can disguise political donations to interfere with U.S. elections. Colorado County Clerk: Shocking "feature" on Dominion ImageCast Central tabulators allows mail-in ballot results to display BEFORE election day. Sources include: TheNationalPulse.com DominionVoting.com Newsweek.com Brighteon.com October was Israels deadliest month this year, with more than 62 soldiers killed October was the deadliest month for Israeli soldiers so far this year as fighting continues in Gaza and southern Lebanon. Official figures show that at least 62 soldiers were killed throughout the month, making it its deadliest since the height of fighting in Gaza last December, when 110 soldiers were killed. It is also a considerable increase over recent months, with only 9 deaths in September and a total of 63 across June, July and August. The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs website reports that there have been 780 military casualties since October 7, 2023, including hundreds who died during the Hamas attacks on October 7, while at least 365 died in combat in Gaza, Lebanon and the occupied West Bank. Other soldiers died in road accidents, rocket attacks and other attacks inside of Israel, although some soldiers who are listed without details about how they were killed. Data also suggests that the number of wounded soldiers who need medical treatment is on the rise. Israeli military rehabilitation department figures indicate that they have received 910 soldiers who were wounded in Lebanon this month, while the total number of soldiers who have received treatment since fighting began on October 7 last year was raised to around 12,000. When it comes to the nature of the injuries, around 14% were labeled as having serious or moderate injuries, which amounts to around 1,680 soldiers. Psychological issues also appear to be a significant problem, with 5,200 soldiers, or 43%, requiring treatment for psychological problems such as post-traumatic stress disorder. However, it is important to keep in mind that the media is forced to comply with strict military censorship, and information about casualties is controlled tightly by the government. This means that it is possible that the official figures could be under-reporting the actual scale of deaths. On Tuesday alone, at least four Israeli soldiers were killed and an officer was seriously wounded in fighting in northern Gaza; all four soldiers were aged between 20 and 22 and were part of an elite unit. Trauma and suicide on the rise The psychological toll the war is taking on Israeli soldiers is staggering, with many struggling to process their trauma and numerous suicides. The mother of a 40-year-soldier and father of four who suffered from PTSD and took his own life before he was due to redeploy said: He got out of Gaza, but Gaza did not get out of him. And he died after it, because of the post-trauma. The IDF has admitted it is caring for thousands of soldiers dealing with PTSD and other trauma-related mental illnesses but has not supplied an official figure on the number of suicides. Many soldiers and reservists have told the media anonymously that they dont trust the government and are scared of being drafted. A statement from the Israeli Defense Ministrys rehabilitation division in August said that more than 1,000 new wounded soldiers are withdrawn from fighting each month to receive treatment, 35% of which have mental health problems as a result of fighting. They said they are expecting 14,000 wounded soldiers to be admitted for treatment by the end of this year and project that 40% will have mental health issues. Rising soldier deaths could influence Israeli ceasefire decision Israels popular Haaretz newspaper recently published a report about the rising death toll among soldiers and theorized that it could gradually change the publics view of the need to continue the war. With more and more soldiers dying and leaving behind grieving widows and orphans, some wonder if it will influence governmental decisions about continuing the war. Israeli journalist Meron Rapoport told the Middle East ye: If the army now says the war must end it is because of the dead. They say it's to preserve the achievements in Lebanon but in my opinion its because of the fear of an increase in the number of casualties and an erosion of public support. Sources for this article include: MiddleEastEye.net CNN.com GuocoLand (Malaysia) Berhad (KLSE:GUOCO) Full Year 2024 Results Key Financial Results Revenue: RM434.1m (flat on FY 2023). Net income: RM54.4m (up 57% from FY 2023). Profit margin: 13% (up from 8.0% in FY 2023). EPS: RM0.081 (up from RM0.052 in FY 2023). KLSE:GUOCO Revenue and Expenses Breakdown November 3rd 2024 All figures shown in the chart above are for the trailing 12 month (TTM) period The primary driver behind last 12 months revenue was the Property Development segment contributing a total revenue of RM344.9m (79% of total revenue). Notably, cost of sales worth RM338.3m amounted to 78% of total revenue thereby underscoring the impact on earnings. The largest operating expense was General & Administrative costs, amounting to RM59.1m (100% of total expenses). Over the last 12 months, the company's earnings were enhanced by non-operating gains of RM17.6m. Explore how GUOCO's revenue and expenses shape its earnings. GuocoLand (Malaysia) Berhad's share price is broadly unchanged from a week ago. Risk Analysis It's still necessary to consider the ever-present spectre of investment risk. We've identified 2 warning signs with GuocoLand (Malaysia) Berhad, and understanding these should be part of your investment process. 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. Palestinian man who escaped Israeli prison launches Abandon Harris movement A 49-year-old Egyptian-American man who previously taught at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities has started a movement that he hopes will influence other Palestinians like himself not to vote for Kamala Harris for president. Hassan Abdel Salam is a newbie when it comes to grassroots American politics, but he is no stranger to persecution. In 2022, Salam's research into the strategies of Palestinian youth activities in their peaceful protests led him straight to the front lines in Jerusalem and the occupied West Bank where he ran into trouble. Salam originally started working directly with Palestinian youth, helping to inspire the 2018 Great March of Return protests in Gaza and the 2011 Tahrir Square protests in Egypt that led to then-President Hosni Mubarak resigning. When Salam first stepped foot in Jerusalem while trying to enter the site of the Al-Aqsa Mosque is when he says he realized first-hand the severity of the Israeli occupation and its impact on the Palestinian people who live in the fray of all the fighting. "They're often feeling a lot of contradictory emotions because they see the disaster all around them, and they want to do something, but they're constantly being made impotent because they're met by detention, attack, the possibility of injury," Salam told Middle East Eye (MEE) about some of the conversations he had with Palestinian people whose family and friends have succumbed to Israeli abuse. "Their homes are being demolished, which I saw with my own two eyes." (Related: Have you read the open letter from Kim Dotcom to the worldwide Jewish community petitioning Jews everywhere to condemn Israel's actions in Gaza?) Israel targets Salam over peace proposal Salam's original plan was simply to protest at the sites where Palestinians are suffering most. He tried to rally peace activists and others as part of a "liberation of Palestine" movement, which quickly fell apart on Dec. 1, 2022, when Salam's research assistant was arrested while traveling into the occupied West Bank from Jordan. Salam went to Al-Aqsa that very same day to pray, only to soon find himself in handcuffs. Israeli soldiers stripped him of his clothes and forced him into detention. "There was one guy who really hated me," Salam recalled. "I'd seen him many times before. As I was approaching the gate around a little bit after 6pm, he really excitedly came at me while tripping over himself sort of thrilled now and he started scrolling down his phone." "I could see there was a photo of me on it, and the intelligence or the government of Israel was calling for the capture of me and my research assistant. I hadn't known by then that my research assistant was already captured." Salam, an American professor, mind you, was detained by Israel and sent to Moscobiyeh prison in West Jerusalem, a facility that, according to the prisoners' rights organization Addameer, is known for torturing its detainees. "They blindfolded me in a claustrophobic experience and guided me as I humbly tiptoed to my dungeon cell a poorly lit, windowless cell where I spent 23 days behind two metallic doors," Salam recalled. "My company was this toilet hole, which was disgusting, and I engaged in 12 days of hunger strike." Salam was eventually released and deported back to the United States, this being a common way that Israel punishes American peace activists who go there to defy the violent Zionist agenda. "They were pleased to get rid of me, although they kept threatening that I would stay for my whole life," Salam explained to MEE about the conclusion of his time of persecution, which ultimately inspired him to start the Abandon Harris movement. "The United States was fully aware that I was imprisoned, fully aware that my company was a toilet hole with its dense interrogations again and again, the torture, the 12 days of hunger strike, they did nothing. The United States did nothing, and that's exactly symbolic of how they approach the state of Israel." The latest Middle East news can be found at Prophecy.news. Sources for this article include: MiddleEastEye.net NaturalNews.com Panic erupts at the IDF after Israeli soldiers learn about online Genocide Tracker An X / Twitter account called "Israel Genocide Tracker" (@trackingisrael) is sparking panic within the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) as soldiers worry about getting doxed for killing civilians in the Gaza Strip. Middle East Eye (MEE) released a video about the saga, which you can watch below. Created back in May, the Israel Genocide Tracker says it "scans social media and gathers data on Israeli soldiers from previous posts they had published boasting about their actions in Gaza." "It then creates a profile for each soldier, including personal information such as their name, age, family origin, and army unit," an MEE report explains. "According to TRT, which cited Israel's Channel 12 News, multiple soldiers have expressed concerns over the account." One soldier reportedly told Channel 12 that he is "afraid" the Israel Genocide Tracker will allow people to "Google my name and find it there." (Related: Did you hear? Donald Trump is promising no more wars but Kamala Harris, he says, will "gamble with the lives of millions" if installed into the White House.) If Israel can monitor its critics, why can't everyone else do the same? To be clear, Israel already maintains a number of tracking modules of its own to keep a close eye on critics of Israel who speak out in support of the Palestinians. Sites like the Canary Mission and the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) are notorious for tracking those who Israel wants to silence, but the minute the tables are turned, Israel pitches a fit. Take, for example, the following video in which several top pro-Israel leaders discuss ways to combat "antisemitism" following the October 7 attack last year. "After October 7, [we implemented] an Iron Dome for Israel here in the U.S., where we're monitoring every elected official at every level of government," the trio discussed watch below. "Every school board commission, from social media to press releases to official documents, we're monitoring all of it." "After Oct 7 [we implemented] an Iron Dome for Israel here in the US, where we're monitoring every elected official at every level of government. Every school board commission, from social media to press releases to official documents, we're monitoring all of it." - Dillon pic.twitter.com/Cd88YVAMmh Chris Menahan ?? (@infolibnews) October 30, 2024 ADL head Jonathan Greenblatt could not contain himself as he openly bragged about how his group monitors every popular app so offending speech can be censored: Jonathan Greenblatt of the ADL brags about monitoring every app to censor speech they don't like. pic.twitter.com/WXTZA1EoYZ Expat Vibes (@expatvibes) April 22, 2024 The Israel Genocide Tracker account claims that Elon Musk, the new owner of X / Twitter, has already begun censoring its page, which is why it is pointing followers to Telegram instead. X has started censoring our account. To stay connected and get uninterrupted updates about Israeli soldiers' participation in the genocide, follow us on Telegram https://t.co/C5PZrlX7dJ Thank you for your support! ?? Together, well continue exposing the criminals. ?? pic.twitter.com/SLVALnOAQa Israel Genocide Tracker (@trackingisrael) October 30, 2024 "Israel activist accounts like StopAntisemitism can dox and harass young people making minimum wage at Home Depot with total impunity but when the same tactics are used against soldiers fighting in the IDF, it's a TOS violation," writes Chris Menahan for Information Liberation about Musk's double standards. "Musk instituted reasonable rules against doxing two years ago but they're clearly not being evenly enforced," he added, sharing multiple examples of X / Twitter accounts that dox pro-Palestine protesters and call on their employers to fire them for not supporting Israel. "Whereas doxing and harassing a young woman for dressing up as Yahya Sinwar for Halloween is of no public interest whatsoever, documenting the actions of accused war criminals clearly is of public interest as many of these soldiers are dual citizens who could be prosecuted if they ever returned to the West." The latest Middle East news can be found at Prophecy.news. Sources for this article include: InformationLiberation.com NaturalNews.com Sorry, something doesn't look right. Something seems unusual about your device or browser. Please contact support. It's TSMC's world; the rest of us are just living in it. 2024 is turning into a positive year for Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (NYSE: TSM), the leading manufacturer of advanced semiconductors around the world. The company has embarked on a big expansion outside of its home market of Taiwan due to geopolitical concerns with China, leading it to invest billions in factories in Arizona. Last week, the company announced a major milestone with these new United States factories. Start Your Mornings Smarter! Wake up with Breakfast news in your inbox every market day. Sign Up For Free Here's why TSMC's latest update is important for the business moving forward and what it could mean for the stock over the long term. Chip yields and why they matter TSMC's factory in Arizona is getting prepped for commercial production in 2025. As it ramps up the facility, the company tests the yield of the semiconductor wafers pumped out by its manufacturing process. These wafers then become advanced computer chips, making them vital to companies like Apple or Nvidia and the artificial intelligence (AI) revolution. The higher the yield, the more of each wafer that works in the manufacturing process. Essentially, it is a measure of how much of each wafer is working correctly. Last week, TSMC reported that it achieved 4% higher yields at its Arizona facility compared to its factories in Taiwan. This is huge news for the company. Why? Investors and analysts doubted that TSMC's factories would be as successful outside of Taiwan, which has been the beating heart of the semiconductor market for ages. Manufacturing advanced semiconductors is no easy feat, requiring teams of scientists, engineers, advanced technologies, and institutional know-how that have been built up over decades. Now, TSMC has alleviated fears this process could not be replicated in the United States. Higher yields mean TSMC can sell more semiconductors per unit of production while costs stay the same. In other words, it should lead to higher profits, all else being equal. If TSMC was unable to replicate its Taiwan yields in Arizona, there was a risk its profit margins would come down significantly as all these new facilities started coming online. These fears are now being put to bed. AI demand is not slowing down These Arizona facilities -- along with others in Japan and Europe -- will be important for the AI market over the next five to 10 years. TSMC is perhaps the only company currently capable of building the most advanced semiconductors in the world for companies like Nvidia, which is the key supplier for all the data center spending associated with the AI boom. Kyiv, Nov 3 : Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said during a video address that more than 2,000 Shahed drones and missiles utilising Western components were used by Russia against Ukraine in October alone, calling for stricter control of special exported components and resources. "This number means more than 170,000 components that should have been blocked from being supplied to Russia. Microchips, microcontrollers, processors, and lots of different parts without which this terror would simply be impossible," he stressed, adding that all this equipment came from companies in China, Europe, and America. Zelensky urged the international community to further increase sanctions against Moscow, adding that these restrictions must be "effective". The Ukrainian President further stressed the urgent need for enhanced export controls to prevent sanctions evasion and said that Russia's supply chain relies on more than 1,70,000 individual components from firms in China, Europe, and the US. Sharing a post on X, Zelensky wrote, "Russia is gradually ramping up its daily attacks with Shahed drones and missiles, still using Western components to do so. In October alone, over 2,000 Shaheds were launched against Ukraine--almost every single day." Zelensky further emphasised the importance of enhanced export controls on specialised components and resources, which is crucial to prevent Russia from evading the sanctions imposed. "This ongoing supply chain highlights, yet again, the urgent need for the world to step up export controls on special components and resources. Russia must not be allowed to circumvent sanctions that were imposed long ago in response to this war," he said. Zelensky added, "Sanctions must increase and be effective. Every scheme to bypass sanctions is a crime against people and the world. These very schemes also enable Russia to strengthen regimes in Iran and North Korea. This is a global threat, and only global, unified pressure can overcome it." The remarks by Zelensky come after US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken on Thursday revealed that nearly 10,000 North Korean soldiers are currently in Russia, with around 8,000 deployed in the Kursk region. He further said that while these troops have not yet been engaged in combat against Ukrainian forces, he anticipates their involvement in the coming days. Blinken said, "We now assess that there are some 10,000 North Korean soldiers in total in Russia. Recent information indicates that as many as 8,000 of those North Korean forces have been deployed in the Kursk region. We have not yet seen these troops deployed in the combat against Ukrainian forces but we expect that to happen in the coming days." He added, "Russia has been training South Korean soldiers in artillery, UAVs, and basic infantry operations, indicating that they fully intend to use these forces in front-line operations. Should these troops engage in combat or combat-support operations against Ukraine, they would become legitimate military." Mumbai, Nov 3 : Actor R. Madhavan has finally unveiled the highly-anticipated first look from his upcoming film "Adhirshtasaali," which marks his return to Tamil cinema. On Sunday, Madhavan shared his first look on Instagram, captioning it, "Proudly unveiling the first look of my film #Adhirshtasaali. Directed by @MithranRJawahar, this has been an awesome and unforgettable journey. #AdhirshtasaaliFirstLook." The poster presents a split screen showcasing two contrasting versions of Madhavan. On one side, he appears as a wealthy businessman, with a developed city in the background. On the other, he looks like a concerned commoner, set against a countryside landscape. "Adhirshtasaali" is directed by Mithran Jawahar, who is known for helming films like "Yaaradi Nee Mohini" and "Thiruchitrambalam". The filmmakers initially announced the project on social media, sharing a photo of Madhavan depicting his progression from owning a bike to an expensive car. Interestingly, "Adhirshtasaali" marks Madhavan's first collaboration with Mithran. The film's script is penned by author Jeyamohan. The cast includes Sharmila Mandre, Radikaa Sarathkumar, Madonna Sebastian, Sai Dhanshika, Jagan, Niroop NK, Upasana RC, Mathew Varghese, Udhay Mahesh, KSG Venkatesh, and Ravi Prakash, among others. Sharmila Mandre will reportedly play the female lead, while Radikaa Sarathkumar is set to portray Madhavan's mother. Filming for "Adhirshtasaali" recently concluded, and it is now in the final stages of post-production. This fantasy drama was shot in stunning locations across Scotland, including the Forth Bridge, Edinburgh, and Dean Village. Filming also took place on Victoria Street, a notable location from the Harry Potter films. The makers have yet to announce the film's release date. Meanwhile, R. Madhavan was last seen in the Netflix series "The Railway Men", based on the 1984 Bhopal Gas Tragedy. Apart from "Adhirshtasaali", he is set to appear in the Tamil film "Test", directed by producer Sashikanth. The film also stars Nayanthara and Siddharth in the lead roles. New Delhi, Nov 3 : The air quality in Delhi deteriorated drastically as the air quality index (AQI) crossed the 400 mark on Sunday, two days after Diwali, pushing it into the hazardous category. A thick layer of pollution blankets the city, and AQI readings reveal a critical situation for residents' health. Delhi's AQI surged from 327 to 447 within 12 hours on Saturday night. While most areas of the city reported very poor or hazardous air quality, regions like Anand Vihar recorded AQIs above 500 on Sunday morning. On Sunday morning, the AQI levels across various locations in Delhi reflected a concerning trend. Anand Vihar recorded an extremely hazardous AQI of 532, while Alipur and Punjabi Bagh also faced hazardous conditions with levels of 318 and 381, respectively. Narela showed a slightly better but still concerning reading of 295, categorised as very poor. Meanwhile, RK Puram and Bawana continued to experience hazardous air quality, with AQI levels of 329 and 382, respectively. This data highlights the significant air pollution challenges that the city is currently facing. A Delhi resident, Ashim Basne, attributed a significant portion of the pollution to stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana. "If we only look at Delhi, vehicular and construction pollution are not the major contributors. It's the stubble burning from neighbouring states that, worsens our air," he said. "Children are facing health issues, with coughing becoming common. But if stubble burning could be stopped, I don't think Delhi residents would face this much trouble," he added. Sanjay, another Delhi resident, expressed frustration while on his morning walk. "Pollution has caused throat irritation, this is the biggest problem. We check the AQI before deciding to go for a walk," he shared. "Though it's not affecting our eyes yet, we feel it in our throats. The air seems slightly better in the afternoon sun, but stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana adds to our difficulties." Residents are urging the government to take decisive steps, particularly regarding stubble burning, to curb pollution. Additionally, they are calling for a consistent clean-up effort for the Yamuna River, stressing that regular maintenance could improve conditions. Mumbai, Nov 3 : Surbhi Jyoti and Sumit Suri recently paid a visit to Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami following their wedding celebrations. The couple, who tied the knot on October 26 at a resort in Jim Corbett, Uttarakhand, posed for pictures with the CM. Surbhi took to her Instagram handle to share their photo and expressed her gratitude to Pushkar Singh for the support and warmth they received during their special day. The 'Qubool Hai' actress wrote in the caption, "Honourable Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, Shree Pushkar Singh Dhami, @pushkarsinghdhami.uk Thank You so much for your Valuable Time, Support and Good Wishes". In the image, the actress is seen sporting a white silk outfit with red chooda. On the other hand, Sumit complimented her in white shirt paired with matching coat pant. To note, Sumit Suri is from Rishikesh, Uttarakhand. The couple got married at a resort in Jim Corbett in a traditional Hindu ceremony. It was an intimate affair, with only close friends and family in attendance. They later shared stunning photos from the wedding on social media, where Surbhi looked radiant in a red lehenga with gold and silver jewellery, while Sumit wore white sherwani. Meanwhile, Surbhi Jyoti had earlier given fans a glimpse of her first rasoi. She shared a series of her photos where she was seen preparing halwa. Sumit was also seen admiring Surbhi as he savours the halwa she made. Surbhi and Sumit had initially planned to wed in March, but they decided to postpone the celebration due to difficulties with venue arrangements and other preparations. On the professional front, Surbhi Jyoti is widely recognized for her acclaimed performances in popular television series such as "Qubool Hai" and "Naagin 3". In 2021, she ventured into films with her debut in Saurabh Tyagi's comedy-drama "Kya Meri Sonam Gupta Bewafa Hai?", where she starred alongside Jassie Gill. Mumbai, Nov 3 : Kangana Ranaut recently shared a heartwarming photo on social media celebrating the festival of Bhai Dooj with her brothers. On Sunday, the actress posted a sweet photo of herself giving blessings to her brothers, Akshat and Karan. In the image, Kangana radiates joy as she smiles while posing for the candid click. In the caption, she simply wrote, "#bhaidooj." She also added Asha Bhosle's iconic track "Mere Bhaiya, Mere Chanda." In a follow-up post, the 'Tanu Weds Manu' star is seen feeding sweets to her brother while holding a pooja thali. She captioned it, "Do you know that #bhaidooj is a festival where sisters vow to protect the dignity, pride, and overall well-being of their brothers? Missed you @varunranaut." Ranaut wore an elegant suit for the occasion. The 38-year-old actress had earlier shared glimpses from her family getaway. She joined her family for a picnic despite being unwell. The post was captioned, "Woke up with a severe throat infection today. I had planned a picnic for my family but was really irritated by the infection and fever, so I decided not to join them. I never force myself to do anything against my wishes, but they all really forced me to join them. Honestly, it was such a great idea to get out of the house and get some sun, spicy noodles, and quality time with the kids. Sharing some moments from today with you all. Happy birthday again, dearest @ritu_ranaut002." Work-wise, Ranaut will next be seen in the upcoming biopic "Emergency" where she essays the role of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. The movie has received a censor certificate from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) provided the filmmakers implement three edits and substantiate any controversial historical statements with credible sources. "Emergency" is Kangana's second directorial effort after "Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi." --IANS ps/ Brisbane, Nov 3 : External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar arrived in Brisbane on Sunday, marking the beginning of his two-nation visit to Australia and Singapore from November 3 to November 8. In Australia, he will inaugurate India's fourth consulate and attend the 15th Foreign Ministers' Framework Dialogue (FMFD). Upon arrival, EAM Jaishankar posted on X: "Namaste Australia! Landed in Brisbane today. Look forward to productive engagements over the next few days to take forward the India-Australia Dosti." EAM Jaishankar's first leg in Australia will continue until November 7. During his stay, he will co-chair the 15th FMFD alongside his Australian counterpart Penny Wong in Canberra, where the two will discuss ways to bolster bilateral ties, focusing on mutual interests across the Indo-Pacific. Previously, Jaishankar met Wong in Tokyo in July ahead of the Quad Foreign Ministers' Meeting. "A great start this morning meeting Australian FM Senator Penny Wong in Tokyo," he posted on X at the time, noting discussions to further enhance cooperation in security, trade, and education. While in Australia, EAM Jaishankar will also deliver the keynote address at the opening session of the 2nd Raisina Down Under conference, scheduled to take place in the Australian Parliament House, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). His itinerary includes meetings with Australian leaders, parliamentarians, members of the Indian diaspora, as well as business, media, and think tank representatives, the statement read. Following his Australian visit, EAM Jaishankar will travel to Singapore on November 8, where he will participate in the 8th Roundtable of the ASEAN-India Network of Think Tanks. He will also meet the leadership of Singapore to review the close partnership between the two countries and explore avenues to further enhance the bilateral relationship, the MEA statement read. Brisbane, Nov 3 : During his address to the Indian community in Brisbane, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar outlined four key factors behind the deepening India-Australia relationship, stressing the transformation in bilateral ties under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership. "There are four reasons - PM Modi, Australia, the world, and all of you," Jaishankar remarked as he acknowledged the warm reception from the Indian diaspora. Jaishankar stressed the significance of his visit not only for inaugurating India's fourth consulate in Brisbane but to fulfilling PM Modi's commitment to the Indian community. "Your presence, effort, and contribution have made this consulate possible. I have come to redeem Prime Minister Modi's promise, made in public, that he would open a consulate in Brisbane," he said. Reflecting on the 125,000 Indians residing in Queensland, including 15,000-16,000 students, Jaishankar highlighted the state's economic importance to India, noting that "75 per cent of Australia's exports to India actually come from this state." This cooperation, he said, should be viewed not merely as an achievement but as a framework for future growth. "There's no doubt that the QUAD ranks right up there, and Australia is a founding partner of that mechanism in terms of our bilateral ties," he added. The EAM described India's designation of Australia as a "comprehensive strategic partner" as significant in diplomatic terms, underscoring that such a term is reserved for only a few countries. "The more adjectives you add, the weightier it gets," he said. Jaishankar also praised the Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) for the positive impact it has had on trade and emphasised the importance of mobility, migration, and mutual recognition agreements, specifically mentioning the MATES agreement. Regarding India's aspirations, the EAM stated, "India will grow, India is growing, but India wants to grow with the world. When we look at the world, we see opportunities. We are optimistic there may be problems, but overall, we think the world has goodwill. The world has a desire to work with India. We see a sentiment overall in the world for India to succeed, and it's important we harness that sentiment." This sentiment, he explained, aligns with the Government of India's transformative policies, which have spurred progress across sectors over the last decade. Reflecting on these changes, Jaishankar said, "In the last 10 years, we have made significant progress through efforts that feed into each other, making it easier to do business, improving ease of living, radically improving infrastructure with the Gati Shakti program, establishing digital public infrastructure, and improving governance quality overall." He further added that political stability has allowed for continuity in decision-making and policy implementation. Highlighting the strides India has made in the last ten years, Jaishankar noted, "Today's India is building 28 kilometres of highway daily, 12-14 kilometres of railway track every day, and has expanded metro cities from 6 to 21, with 39 more planned. The country had 75 airports a decade ago; today, it has nearly 150, with over 1,000 planes on order from the global aviation industry." He also praised the advancements in education and initiatives such as the Ayushman Bharat scheme, PM Vishwakarma Yojana, Digital India, and others supporting entrepreneurship. Jaishankar's visit to Brisbane marks the beginning of a two-nation tour, covering Australia until November 7, where he will co-chair the 15th Foreign Ministers' Framework Dialogue (FMFD) with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong. He will also deliver the keynote address at the 2nd Raisina Down Under conference at the Australian Parliament House and engage with Australian leaders, parliamentarians, business representatives, media, and think tank members. After Australia, Jaishankar will visit Singapore on November 8 to participate in the 8th ASEAN-India Network of Think Tanks Roundtable and meet Singaporean leaders to discuss ways to further strengthen the close partnership. New Delhi, Nov 3 : With a week's time left to him in the highest judicial office of the country, Chief Justice of India (CJI) D.Y. Chandrachud is yet to pronounce several important decisions. Here are the key judgments yet to be pronounced before CJI Chandrachud demits office. AMU minority status case In February this year, a CJI Chandrachud-led Constitution Bench had reserved its judgment on the issue of minority status of the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU). A 7-judge Constitution Bench was hearing a reference arising out of the 2006 decision passed by the Allahabad High Court, striking down the 1981 amendment conferring minority status on the institution. The Parliament, by virtue of the Aligarh Muslim University (Amendment) Act, 1981 conferred minority status on the institution after a five-judge Constitution Bench in the 1967 Azeez Basha case had laid down that AMU being a Central university, cannot claim to be a minority institution. In the course of oral arguments, CJI Chandrachud had orally observed that an educational institution could not be deprived of minority status merely because it is being regulated by a statute made by the Centre or a state government. "Today, in a regulated state, nothing is absolute. Merely because the right to administer is regulated by a statute, does not detract the minority character of the institution," he had observed. UP Madarsa Act A bench presided over by CJI Chandrachud recently reserved its verdict on a batch of petitions challenging the Allahabad High Court ruling which had struck down the Uttar Pradesh Board of Madarsa Education Act, 2004 as unconstitutional and violative of the principles of secularism. Earlier on April 5, staying the impugned decision, the Bench, also comprising Justices J.B. Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, had observed that the Allahabad High Court misconstrued the provisions of the Madarsa Act and the view taken by it was prima facie not correct. Delivering a verdict on a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by an advocate challenging vires of the Madarsa Act, 2004, the Allahabad HC, in its March 22 order, had held the law violative of the principles of secularism, Articles 14, 21 and 21-A of the Constitution of India and Section 22 of the University Grants Commission Act, 1956. It had asked the Uttar Pradesh government to take steps to accommodate madrasa students in regular schools, adding that if required, new schools would be established to ensure that children between the ages of 6 to 14 years are not left without admission in duly recognised institutions. Can LMV license holders drive light transport vehicles? The CJI-led Constitution Bench will decide the question of whether Light Motor Vehicle (LMV) licence holders require a separate endorsement to drive a transport vehicle of LMV class. The Constitution Bench, also comprising Justices Hrishikesh Roy, P.S. Narasimha, Pankaj Mithal, and Manoj Misra, is seized of the reference where the correctness of the decision of a 3-judge bench in Mukund Dewangan judgment has been doubted. The 2017 Mukund Dewangan judgment had held that the need for a transport licence would arise in the case of medium/heavy goods and passenger vehicles only, adding that no other vehicle will require any separate endorsement, even if they are used for commercial purposes. In other words, a holder of an LMV license would not require any separate endorsement for commercial usage of light motor vehicles (LMV) like e-rickshaws, cars, vans, etc. The Centre issued notifications and brought amendments to the Motor Vehicles Rules to bring them in conformity with the above judgment of the Supreme Court. However, the 2017 judgment gave rise to various disputes over payment of claims by insurance companies in accident cases involving transport vehicles being driven by those having licences to drive LMVs and the matter was re-agitated at the instance of insurance companies. In March 2022, a bench headed by Justice U.U. Lalit (now retired) held that certain provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act were not noticed by the top court in its 2017 Mukund Dewangan decision and the issue needs to be re-visited by a five-judge Constitution Bench. In the course of the hearing, CJI Chandrachud asked the Union government to consider the impact on lakhs of people across the country who are engaged in driving commercial vehicles on the basis of the judgement in Dewangan case as they will be "completely put out of their livelihood". He repeatedly emphasised that the Union government should review the entirety of the position and then take an appropriate call. Delhi Ridge tree-felling A CJI Chandrachud-led Bench is dealing with a contempt plea alleging that a large number of trees on the ridge had been felled by the DDA (Delhi Development Authority) without seeking the top court's permission. Delhi Lt Governor V.K. Saxena, who functions as DDA Chairman ex-officio, has expressed his regret before the Supreme Court over the felling of trees in the capital's Ridge area in violation of the apex court's order. Previously, the CJI Chandrachud-led Bench had asked the Delhi LG to file an affidavit before October 22, detailing the steps taken to attribute accountability to the officials who acted in breach of its directions. It had said that the DDA Chairman should set in action disciplinary proceedings or criminal prosecution against the erring officials without awaiting its direction. Mumbai, Nov 3 : Bollywood megastar Shah Rukh Khan, who recently turned 59, may have buried the hatchets with actor Sunny Deol but there was a time when the two held their guards up during the filming of 'Darr'. SRK portrayed the antagonist in the film, who is obsessed with Sunny's fiancee, played by Juhi Chawla. During the climax of the movie, when Sunny was told by the director of the film, Yash Chopra that he would take a beating from SRK's character, Sunny protested saying that his character is physically superior to SRK's character as he is a trained soldier. However, both SRK and Yash Chopra were adamant on executing the scene in a particular way. Action director Tinu Verma spoke about how Sunny was boiling with anger during the shoot of the climax. He said, "Sunny said he (SRK) can't attack me from the front because I am a naval officer. Sunny was right in his logic. SRK said, 'I am not Shakti Kapoor, Prem Chopra, Gulshan Grover that I will attack on the back'". He further mentioned, "Sunny (Deol) got so angry eventually that he had his hands in his pocket, and he pushed his hands so hard that his pants tore. Everybody was shocked. SRK was also there. And then pack-up was announced". "He (Shah Rukh Khan) was stubborn. He told Yash Ji that 'I won't stab him in the back'. It's because of that confident attitude that Shah Rukh is Baadshah", he added. SRK and Sunny finally put the feud behind their backs when they reunited at the success party of the Sunny Deol-starrer 'Gadar 2'. Meanwhile, Sunny Deol has 'Lahore 1947', 'Jaat' and 'Border 2' in the pipeline. SRK will be next seen in 'King' which also stars his daughter Suhana Khan. InnoCare Pharma (SEHK:9969) has achieved a significant milestone with the successful phase II clinical trials of ICP-488 for psoriasis, showcasing its potential to meet the high demand for new oral medications in China. Despite its projected revenue growth of 26.4% annually, the company faces challenges such as unprofitability and operational inefficiencies. Readers should expect an analysis of how InnoCare's strategic initiatives and financial hurdles could impact its future market positioning and profitability. Unlock comprehensive insights into our analysis of InnoCare Pharma stock here. SEHK:9969 Share price vs Value as at Nov 2024 Unique Capabilities Enhancing InnoCare Pharma's Market Position InnoCare Pharma's revenue is projected to grow at an impressive 26.4% per year, significantly outpacing the Hong Kong market average of 7.7%. This growth is supported by strong demand for its core product lines, as highlighted by a 15% year-over-year revenue increase. The company's innovative product development, such as the EcoSmart line, has captured a substantial share of the sustainable market, reflecting its commitment to addressing unmet medical needs. Additionally, InnoCare's management team, with an average tenure of 3.2 years, brings valuable experience that aligns with its strategic goals. The company is trading at 73.2% below its estimated fair value, which, despite being considered expensive based on its Price-To-Sales Ratio, indicates potential for future market positioning improvements. See what the latest analyst reports say about InnoCare Pharma's future prospects and potential market movements. Internal Limitations Hindering InnoCare Pharma's Growth Currently, InnoCare faces financial challenges, being unprofitable and forecasted to remain so for the next three years. This is compounded by a negative Return on Equity of -6.98%, which complicates comparisons of past earnings growth. Operational inefficiencies, particularly in supply chain management, have also led to increased costs, pressuring margins. The company's valuation, considered expensive compared to industry peers despite trading below its estimated fair value, highlights these financial hurdles. To dive deeper into how InnoCare Pharma's valuation metrics are shaping its market position, check out our detailed analysis of InnoCare Pharma's Valuation. Growth Avenues Awaiting InnoCare Pharma InnoCare's strategic initiatives, including the successful phase II clinical trials of ICP-488 for psoriasis, present significant growth opportunities. This product's promising results could enhance the company's market position, especially given the high demand for new oral medications in China. Additionally, the approval of ICP-248 for AML trials underscores potential expansion into new therapeutic areas, offering avenues for future profitability. Lucknow, Nov 3 : The Uttar Pradesh government led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has achieved a significant milestone in the battle against tuberculosis (TB). This shows remarkable success in identifying and treating patients throughout the state of Uttar Pradesh. This financial year, the state has once again surpassed others in its mission to become TB-free. With a goal of identifying 6,50,000 TB patients, Uttar Pradesh has already achieved 86 per cent of this target by the end of October, which makes it the top state in TB notifications. Recent data reveals that Uttar Pradesh leads the nation in notified TB cases, followed by Maharashtra with 185,765 patients and Bihar with 1,67,161. This ongoing momentum reflects last year's achievements, suggesting that the state is on track to surpass its TB notification target once again. Experts are of the view that identifying and treating as many TB patients as possible is essential for eradicating the disease in both the country and Uttar Pradesh. To bolster this initiative, the Central TB Division established notification targets for each state at the beginning of the year. Uttar Pradesh was tasked with identifying 6,50,000 TB patients, an increase from last year's target of 550,000. As of October 31, Uttar Pradesh has identified 5,59,000 TB patients, with private doctors playing a crucial role in this achievement. Approximately 40 per cent of these cases -- over 200,000 patients -- were registered through private healthcare providers. In cities such as Agra, Mathura, Jhansi, Kanpur, Meerut, and Moradabad, private doctors have outperformed their government counterparts in TB notifications. In Lucknow, Gorakhpur, and Bareilly, both the government and private sectors have made equal contributions to identifying TB cases. State TB Officer Dr. Shailendra Bhatnagar emphasised that, under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's mission, efforts to achieve a TB-free Uttar Pradesh by 2025 are in full swing. Thanks to these rigorous measures, the state continues to lead the nation in TB notifications. Key initiatives from the Health Department, like the monthly Integrated Nikshay Diwas on the 15th, the Active Case Finding (ACF) Campaign, and the ongoing Dastak Abhiyan, have significantly boosted progress toward this goal. Last year, these efforts led the state to achieve 115 per cent of its TB notification target. In 2023, the target was set at 5.5 lakh notifications, but Uttar Pradesh successfully identified 6.33 lakh patients. While many private doctors across the state are actively collaborating with the government to combat TB, some districts are lagging in private notifications. For instance, Shravasti has reported only 38 private notifications this year. Other districts with low private notifications include Mahoba (215), Sant Ravidas Nagar (271), Hamirpur (277), Kannauj (293), Sonbhadra (297), Chitrakoot (312), Sultanpur (370), Amethi (392), and Kanpur Dehat (395). There is a pressing need to enhance the involvement of private doctors in these districts to boost TB detection and treatment efforts. Mumbai, Nov 3 : Bollywood actress Kriti Sanon, who is receiving a lot of positive response for her maiden production 'Do Patti', was spotted at the Mumbai airport on Sunday with her rumoured boyfriend, the UK-based businessman Kabir Bahia. However, the two refrained from posing together for the shutterbugs. Pictures shared by the paparazzi show Kabir at the airport followed by Kriti. Kriti went for a solo photo-op for the shutterbugs instead. Interestingly, the two twinned in black outfits as they jetted off to an undisclosed location. Kabir, who is the son of Kuljinder Bahia, the owner of a UK-based leading travel agency, is the Managing Director at Worldwide Aviation and Tourism. He studied at the Regent's University London where he specialised in Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services. Meanwhile, Kriti essays dual roles in 'Do Patti' which is written by Kanika Dhillon of 'Manmarziyaan' fame. The film touches upon the subject of domestic abuse, and blends it with the elements of thriller with a pair of twins at the opposite ends of the spectrum. Earlier, this year in July, the actress bought a 2000 sq ft plot of land in the celebrity capital of Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), Alibaug. The land is situated in a prime location, and is less than 20 minutes away from Mandwa jetty. Kriti, who has been increasing her real estate portfolio, purchased the plot at Sol De Alibaug, which is India's first signature land development and embodies exquisite design, lush green surroundings, and top-notch amenities. The recently inaugurated Mumbai Trans Harbour Link further enhances connectivity for the high profile investors seeking retreat in Alibaug's real estate landscape. The sewerage and stormwater drains will be developed by HoABL while the actual construction of the property will have to be undertaken by plot owners. Pre-surgery treatment with the novel drug vidutolimod and the PD-1 checkpoint inhibitor nivolumab led to tumor control in 55% of patients with stage 3 cutaneous melanoma, according to the results of a single-arm phase 2 clinical trial led by the University of Pittsburgh, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center and the National Cancer Institute (NCI). The findings, published in Cancer Cell, support the development of vidutolimod for treating cutaneous melanoma and provide important insights that could advance research on this drug for use in other cancers. This is the first and only clinical trial so far to test the novel combination of nivolumab and the experimental drug vidutolimod in the neoadjuvant setting. It's exciting that we saw a response rate of 55%, which is on par with currently approved immunotherapy combinations." Diwakar Davar, M.D., lead author, associate professor, Pitt School of Medicine and UPMC Hillman Vidutolimod, which has not yet been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), targets the TLR9 pattern recognition receptor, which is a protein that plays a critical role in the initiation of innate immune responses to foreign threats. TLR9-targeting agents are often included in drugs and vaccines because of their immune-augmenting effects, but less is known about how they work in combination with other cancer therapies. For this phase 2 clinical trial, 31 patients with high-risk stage 3 resectable melanoma received seven injections of vidutolimod into their tumors and three rounds of intravenous nivolumab prior to surgery. Following surgery, they continued to receive both drugs every four weeks for one year. After pre-surgical therapy, 55% of patients responded so well that less than 10% of viable tumor cells remained in the surgical specimen, which previous research has shown is a good predictor of long-term survival in melanoma patients. The other 45% of patients had either partial (10-50% viable tumor) or no response (>50% viable tumor). In the patients with the highest response rate to the combination therapy, the two-year recurrence-free survival rate and metastasis-free survival rate was 88% and 94%, respectively. When the researchers compared tumors and blood from the high responding patients to those who didn't respond as well, they found that plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) and myeloid cells were enriched in the former compared to the latter. pDCs augment the ability of T cells to eliminate tumors. Myeloid cells can suppress immune responses in tumors but can be targeted by multiple agents, including TLR agonists, to augment cancer immunotherapy. Neither pDCs nor myeloid cells are typically enriched in patients treated with nivolumab alone, so these observations suggest that vidutolimod stimulates anti-tumor immunity in a unique way. In experiments led by Amanda Paulovich, M.D., of Fred Hutch Cancer Center and conducted as part of the NCI's Clinical Proteomic Tumor Analysis Consortium, the researchers used a technique called mass spectrometry to show that most patients treated with vidutolimod and nivolumab had higher levels of key immune-related proteins, suggesting that unique signatures of TLR9 activation underlie the drugs' activity. "For any drug, it's important to be able to measure proteins or markers that indicate whether a drug is working or not, which is known as a pharmacodynamic response," said Davar. "It's like when you put gas in the car, the gas meter goes up to indicate you have a full tank. Prior to this work, we did not have a pharmacodynamic parameter for TLR9 agonists and other innate agonists, so identifying a protein signature associated with TLR9 administration was a key finding." The team of investigators also analyzed the gut microbiome of the patients. Notably, the patients whose tumors shrank the most had higher levels of Gram-negative bacteria, bacteria that are not usually associated with response to anti-PD1 therapy, according to many other studies, including research by Davar and co-senior authors Hassane Zarour, M.D., professor at the Pitt School of Medicine and UPMC Hillman and Giorgio Trinchieri, M.D., chief of the Laboratory of Integrative Cancer Immunology at the National Cancer Institute. "Our data suggest that the mechanisms by which the gut microbiome modulates responses to cancer immunotherapy may differ depending on the specific therapy," said Zarour. "Such novel findings highlight the complexity and context-dependency of the gut microbiome's effects in cancer immunotherapy and have prompted ongoing studies to confirm this observation." Other authors on the study are listed in the Cancer Cell manuscript. Checkmate Pharmaceuticals (now owned by Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc.) provided funding support for the clinical trial. This research was supported by the National Institutes of Health (R01 CA257265, P50 CA254865, R01 CA222203, U01CA268806 and U01CA271407), the Melanoma Research Foundation Breakthrough Consortium Team Science Award and the Visium Spatial FFPE Challenge Award. Today, Prof. Howard Feldman presented revised diagnostic criteria for Alzheimer's disease at the Clinical Trials on Alzheimer's Disease (CTAD) Conference in Madrid on behalf of the International Working Group (IWG). The IWG, led by Professor Bruno Dubois and Dr. Nicolas Villain (Hopital universitaire Pitie-Salpetriere-Sorbonne Universite, Paris, France), Professor Howard Feldman (University of California, San Diego, USA) and Professor Giovanni Frisoni (Hopitaux universitaires de Geneve, Geneva, Switzerland) and comprised of 46 International experts from 17 countries, including a representative of Alzheimer Europe, reviewed the available evidence on the role and influence of biomarkers on the diagnosis and definition of Alzheimer's disease. The IWG proposed a number of important recommendations which were published today in parallel to this presentation in the Journal of the American Medical Association Neurology (JAMA Neurology): Alzheimer's disease should be defined as a clinical-biological entity where diagnosis is made in consideration of both a clinical disorder and the support of positive amyloid and tau biomarkers. This definition supports a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease at an early prodromal stage once mild but definite clinical features are in place. For people who are cognitively normal with positive amyloid related biomarkers only, the IWG proposes the term "Asymptomatic at risk of Alzheimer's disease", since these individuals have an increased lifetime risk of developing symptomatic Alzheimer's disease. The IWG also proposes the category of "Presymptomatic Alzheimer's disease" for those people with autosomal dominant genetic mutations, with Down syndrome and with other distinct biomarker profiles that put them at extremely high lifetime risk of expressing the clinical disorder (f.ex. combining amyloid positivity with tau accumulations in the neocortical regions). When presenting these recommendations, Professor Feldman highlighted: "The recommendations of the IWG that are published today advocate for the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease as being one that is established clinically with support from biomarkers which reflect disease pathology. We consider that on their own these biomarkers reflect varying levels of risk of developing disease in people without clinical symptoms." In its recommendations, the IWG also takes a position on the recently published "Revised criteria for diagnosis and staging of Alzheimer's disease" of the Alzheimer's Association Workgroup. The IWG highlights that a purely biological definition of Alzheimer's disease, which extends a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease to cognitively normal people with one core biomarker, could lead to false positives and people potentially living with a label of Alzheimer's disease without ever developing any symptoms (patients-in-waiting) with large societal ramifications. Dr Nicolas Villain commented: "As our understanding of Alzheimer's disease evolves, the advancements in biomarkers are allowing for earlier diagnosis, even before symptoms appear. However, it's crucial to emphasise that our main focus should be on the potential future risks of cognitive decline associated with these biomarkers, rather than just the biological changes themselves." These recommendations are the collaborative effort of 46 international experts who emphasise that diagnosing Alzheimer's disease should primarily rely on clinical evaluation supported by biomarkers. Importantly, we are distinguishing between two groups: those who show typical Alzheimer's symptoms and have positive biomarkers are diagnosed with the disease, while those who have positive biomarkers but no typical Alzheimer's symptoms are considered at risk. This distinction is crucial as it paves the way for more targeted research, risk assessment, and the development of personalised treatments for those at risk." Professor Bruno Dubois The IWG also stressed the importance of continued research on asymptomatic people at risk of AD to better understand and measure individual risks. Professor Frisoni commented: "Further developing brain health services for the prevention of dementia could lead to better evaluation of risk, communication of risk and risk reduction strategies targeting modifiable risk factors." Jean Georges, the Executive Director of Alzheimer Europe and one of the co-authors welcomed the recommendations: "The IWG recommendations are in line with Alzheimer Europe's current position against routine biomarker testing for diagnostic purposes in individuals without any cognitive symptoms. Labelling people who test positive for amyloid as having preclinical Alzheimer's disease may have significant negative psychological consequences. Instead, we would recommend disclosing an individual's risk, ensuring that appropriate support, counselling and tailored risk reduction plans are provided to help them process and manage this information." As part of ongoing work to define and advance high-quality cancer care globally, leaders from the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) - an alliance of leading cancer centers in the United States - will be in Vietnam today to collaborate on improving cancer care standards throughout the country. NCCN Chief Executive Officer Crystal S. Denlinger, MD will be presenting on the development and implementation of NCCN resources worldwide and in Vietnam, as part of an event hosted by Vietnam National Cancer Hospital (K Hospital) - Best of ASCO 2024: Multimodality Treatment of Cancer and Hospital Management in the Digital Era. During the conference, Dr. Denlinger will highlight the ongoing collaboration with the Vietnam National Cancer Hospital and the Vietnam Cancer Association to develop NCCN Harmonized Guidelines for Vietnam, a framework for improving and standardizing cancer care across the country. Our ongoing collaboration with esteemed colleagues in Vietnam allows us to learn and share information on the latest advancements in cancer care. By tailoring the NCCN Guidelines to fit local needs, we can make significant strides in improving patient outcomes and ensuring that all people facing cancer in Vietnam receive the highest quality of care." Dr. Crystal S. Denlinger, MD, NCCN Chief Executive Officer The NCCN Harmonized Guidelines for Vietnam are based on the original NCCN Guidelines Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines), with modifications to reflect both optimal care and pragmatic approaches for treating cancer in resource-constrained settings. The first set of NCCN Harmonized Guidelines for Vietnam, focused on Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC), is now available in both English and Vietnamese. Ongoing efforts are underway to develop harmonized guidelines for Breast Cancer and Liver Cancer, with more cancer types to follow. "These guidelines represent a significant resource for ensuring that cancer care in Vietnam is aligned with global best practices while also reflecting the realities of our local healthcare settings," said Prof. Le Van Quang, MD, PhD. "We are committed to working together to advance these tools so people with cancer across Vietnam can receive the best care possible." The NCCN Harmonized Guidelines for Vietnam will continue to expand, with plans to cover the top 10 most common cancer types in the country. These guidelines will continue to be translated into Vietnamese by medical professionals with advanced degrees, ensuring they are both accurate and accessible to the local healthcare community. The initiative aligns with NCCN's ongoing work to improve access to high-quality cancer care worldwide. During winter, cold indoor temperatures can increase blood pressure, leading to hypertension and an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). While insulation and heating can keep homes warm, they may be expensive to install and maintain. However, these costs may be offset by health benefits, such as lower medical bills and longer, healthier lives from insulating homes. Identifying the most cost-effective insulation strategy can help keep homes warm, prevent diseases, and save lives. In this vein, a research team led by Assistant Professor Wataru Umishio from Institute of Science Tokyo (Science Tokyo) investigated the cost-effectiveness of living in well-insulated warm homes to prevent CVDs by comparing houses in Japan with different levels of thermal insulation and indoor temperature. The multidisciplinary team included researchers from Science Tokyo, Institute for Built Environment and Carbon Neutral for SDGs, Jichi Medical University School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Tokyo Dental College Ichikawa General Hospital, The University of Kitakyushu, and Nara Medical University School of Medicine. Their study was published in Volume 2, Issue 2 of BMJ Public Health on September 24, 2024. Explaining the motivation behind their study, Umishio says, "In Japan, a rapidly aging country, over 90% of homes had indoor temperatures below 18C, which is the level recommended by the World Health Organization. Since older adults are more vulnerable to low temperatures and at a higher risk for CVDs, there is an urgent need to address housing and health issues here." The researchers collected data from a nationwide health survey supported by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism of Japan and developed an economic model to explore the relationship between indoor temperature, blood pressure, and CVDs. Using this model, they created five home scenarios. The base scenario represented a typical home in Japan with lower insulation and an indoor temperature of 15C. Two scenarios (1-1 and 1-2) focused on upgrading insulation when purchasing new homes at the age of 40 years, with insulation grades ranging from moderate (Grade 4, 18C) to high (Grade 6, 21C). The other two scenarios (2-1 and 2-2) examined retrofitting older homes with similar insulation improvements at the age of 60 years. They then ran simulations with 100,000 virtual husband-and-wife pairs to analyze lifetime costs for insulation, heating, and medical treatments for hypertension and CVDs, and measured healthy life expectancy using quality-adjusted life years (QALYs). For the scenarios of upgrading insulation, lifetime costs increased by JPY 0.26 million for Scenario 1-1 and JPY 0.84 million for Scenario 1-2 compared with the base scenario. This means that 74.1% and 57.9% of the insulation costs were recovered, primarily due to reduced medical expenses for CVDs. Moreover, healthy life expectancy for couples increased by 0.31 QALYs in Scenario 1-1 and 0.48 QALYs in Scenario 1-2. As a result, the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) for both scenarios was lower than Japan's threshold of JPY 5 million per QALY, indicating that the health benefits gained justify the upgrading costs. On the other hand, retrofitting insulation may not be as favorable. The probabilistic sensitivity analyses showed that Scenario 2-2 was cost-effective only for those willing to pay JPY 6.5 million or more. However, this amount exceeds Japan's ICER threshold, making it less reasonable. Therefore, more affordable options, such as partial insulation retrofitting, should be considered. In this evaluation, the researchers focused solely on hypertension and CVDs. However, well-insulated and warm houses are known to help prevent respiratory diseases and nocturia. By including other health conditions in the scope of evaluation, retrofitting insulation may become a more reasonable option. These findings will help policymakers make informed decisions about health and housing improvements, and encourage the use of well-insulated houses, contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals 3, 10, 11, and 13, which focus on health, reduced inequalities, sustainable cities, and climate action." Wataru Umishio, Assistant Professor from Institute of Science Tokyo To conclude, this study can pave the way for a future where healthy housing is prioritized to prevent winter-related health risks. How Coworking Sector Catalysing Local Economies, Employment? Published By : News18.com Last Updated: November 03, 2024, 09:23 IST Recent reports show an increasing inclination of medium-to-large-sized businesses to increase the proportion of flexible spaces in their overall office plans over the next two years. Coworking spaces create direct jobs, including roles in management, customer service, and facilities maintenance. (Representative image) Authored by Manas Mehrotra: The employment scenario in India is undergoing a significant shift towards flexible and hybrid workspace ecosystems driven by economic policies that are encouraging companies to decentralize operations in response to workforce preferences and the emergence of well-being as a central value. The popularity of flexible workspaces, such as managed and coworking spaces, is increasing as businesses recognise benefits such as agility, diverse experiences for employees, and modern amenities that create exceptional work environments. related stories With businesses exhibiting dynamism in recent times, especially in the metros, there is high demand for coworking spaces to cut capital expenditure and rationalize operations. Rapid expansion of coworking sector Recent reports show an increasing inclination of medium-to-large-sized businesses to increase the proportion of flexible spaces in their overall office plans over the next two years. Additionally, there is a projected 25 per cent increase in small businesses planning to incorporate flexible spaces into their office portfolio. Flexible workplaces are being driven by the technology sector and startups as well as large enterprises which are demonstrating high adoption rates. Interestingly, MSMEs from non-tech industries too are evincing interest in flexible spaces across metros as well as Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities. The market for flexible workspaces is growing due to factors such as adaptable office spaces, portfolio optimization, hub-and-spoke location strategies, financial advantages, strategic partnerships and new business models. This projected massive shift towards flexible office models is exhibiting a new era of employment in India and as demand for coworking and flexible offices grow along with expanding commercial real estate, prospects for both the white and blue-collar opportunities are growing rapidly. A boost to local economies Given the expansion and profitability of the enterprises, coworking spaces are having a significant impact on local economies and communities. The expansion is ushering in a steady stream of professionals and entrepreneurs resulting in positive spinoffs for the neighborhood. As coworking spaces provide an affordable and flexible workspace option, it lowers the entry barrier for entrepreneurs, encouraging more people to launch their own businesses. Seeing a thriving coworking space can signal that a neighborhood is vibrant and has potential, encouraging economic investment and development. Coworking spaces create direct jobs, including roles in management, customer service, and facilities maintenance. They also indirectly support jobs by attracting businesses that need local services, such as IT support and other infrastructure support. Coworking spaces also offer networking opportunities that can lead to collaboration and partnership opportunities. This can enhance the local business ecosystem and encourage innovation. The success of coworking spaces can also lead to increased interest in real estate and overall development in the surrounding area, potentially revitalising underdeveloped or neglected neighbourhoods. In conclusion, it can be said that coworking spaces often attract a diverse range of businesses that help stabilise the local economy by reducing reliance on any single sector. In the overall scheme of things, coworking companies can act as economic catalysts, enhancing the vitality and resilience of local economies through their multifaceted impact. In the long run, the development of any metro would be heterogenous in nature as the city centre and peripheries would complement each other. With office spaces getting distributed across different regions of a metro, concentration and resultant congestion would scale down. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all This would ensure the healthy growth of urban centres that would ultimately enhance the quality of life of not only the general population but of the working professionals too. This has a direct bearing on the health of the economy that would demonstrate a vibrancy benefiting society as a whole. (The author is founder of 315Work Avenue) First Published: November 03, 2024, 09:23 IST Sebi Proposes Rs 1 Crore Minimum Investment, Mandatory Demat Form for Securitized Debt Instruments Published By : PTI Last Updated: November 03, 2024, 12:39 IST Public offers should remain open for a minimum of three days and a maximum of 10 days, with advertisement requirements aligned with Sebi's regulations for non-convertible securities. Sebi has suggested that all securitized debt instruments should be issued and transferred exclusively in demat form. Markets regulator Sebi has proposed a minimum ticket size or investment threshold of Rs 1 crore for the RBI-regulated originators and unregulated entities engaged in securitisation activities. The proposal also introduced limitations on the number of investors in private placements, allowing securitized debt instruments (SDIs) issued privately to be offered to a maximum of 200 investors. If this limit is exceeded, the issuance must be classified as a public issue. Public offers should remain open for a minimum of three days and a maximum of 10 days, with advertisement requirements aligned with Sebis regulations for non-convertible securities. related stories Additionally, the regulator has suggested that all securitized debt instruments should be issued and transferred exclusively in demat form. SDIs are financial products created by pooling together various types of debt such as loans, mortgages, or receivables and then selling them as securities to investors. This process, known as securitisation, allows the originator (such as a bank) to convert illiquid assets into liquid ones, providing an alternative source of funding. Investors in these instruments receive returns based on the performance of the underlying debt pool, and the risk is spread across multiple assets, offering potentially attractive returns. The current framework is based on Sebis 2008 regulations, with updates from the Reserve Bank of Indias (RBI) 2021 directions on securitising standard assets. The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) is now considering updates to the regulatory framework for securitized debt instruments and sought public comments till November 16 on the proposals. Regarding risk management, Sebi has proposed that originators retain a minimum risk retention of 10 per cent of the securitised pool or 5 per cent for receivables with a maturity of up to 24 months. A minimum holding period requirement will also be specified by Sebi for underlying receivables to ensure that originators maintain an interest in the underlying assets, the regulator said in a consultation paper. The regulator further suggested including an optional clean-up call for originators, allowing them to repurchase up to 10 per cent of the original value of the assets. This call is optional and intended to help manage the pools longevity without mandating additional commitments from the originator. Liquidity facilities, essential to handle timing mismatches in cash flows, should either be provided directly by the originator or through an appointed third party. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The updated definition of debt/receivables" limits permissible underlying assets to listed debt securities, accepted trade receivables, rental incomes, and equipment leases while disallowing single-asset securitisation. The proposal establishes minimum track record requirements for both originators and obligors. Originators should have a minimum of three years of operating experience, while trade receivables specifically require at least two cycles of successful, default-free payments. First Published: November 03, 2024, 12:39 IST 'RINL Is In Serious Financial Trouble': Government Injects Rs 1,650 Crore into State-Owned Entity Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 03, 2024, 11:50 IST RINL is in serious financial trouble, and the steel ministry is taking several steps to keep RINL as a going concern in consultation with the Ministry of Finance, according to an official document. Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Ltd (RINL), under the Ministry of Steel, is a steel manufacturing company. The government has infused around Rs 1,650 crore in state-owned RINL, which is facing operational and financial issues, according to an official note by the Ministry of Steel. It said the government is also taking various measures to keep RINL as a going concern. In this regard, the Government of India has infused Rs 500 crore towards equity on September 19, 2024, and a working capital loan of Rs 1,140 crore on September 27, 2024," according to the document. related stories It also said that SBICAPS, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the State Bank of India (SBI), is preparing a report on the sustainability of RINL. RINL is in serious financial trouble, and the (Steel) Ministry is taking several steps to keep RINL as a going concern in consultation with the Ministry of Finance," it added. Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Ltd (RINL), under the Ministry of Steel, is a steel manufacturing company. It owns a 7.5 million tonne plant at Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh. The company has been facing severe financial and operational issues. Two of the three blast furnaces (BF) were closed till October 2028, when the second BF was made operationalised after nearly 4-6 months. The overall dues of RINL have gone above Rs 35,000 crore. In January 2021, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) gave its in-principle approval for 100 per cent disinvestment of government stake in RINL, also called Visakhapatnam Steel Plant or Vizag Steel, along with RINLs stake in its subsidiaries/joint ventures through strategic disinvestment by way of privatisation. The governments decision to privatise the company has attracted resentment from workers unions, which cite RINL not having the advantage of having captive iron ore mines as one of the major reasons for the crisis being faced by the company. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all RINL never had captive mines. All other primary steel makers who make steel through blast furnaces enjoy the benefit of captive mines. It helps with the cost of raw materials. We have always bought iron ore at market price. You also add transportation cost to it," said J Ayodhya Ram, leader of a union protesting against privatisation of RINL. (With PTI Inputs) First Published: November 03, 2024, 11:50 IST PM Modi To Address 2 Rallies In Poll-Bound Jharkhand On Monday Last Updated: November 03, 2024, 23:30 IST Polling for the Jharkhand assembly elections will be held on November 13 and November 20. The counting of votes will be held on November 23. PM Narendra Modi addresses a public meeting (Image: PTI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to address two rallies in poll-bound Jharkhand on Monday. He will address the election rallies in Chaibasa and Garhwa. related stories "Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to arrive at Gaya airport in Bihar around 11 am and fly to Garhwa via helicopter to address a rally there," a senior BJP leader told PTI. After addressing the rally in Garhwa, the PM is scheduled to come to Ranchi and from there, he will travel to Chaibasa where he is scheduled to address another rally around 2.30 pm, he said. Last week, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, who is also the election-in-charge of Jharkhand, said that all arrangements have been made for the PMs visit. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Polling for the Jharkhand assembly elections will be held on November 13 and November 20. The counting of votes will be held on November 23. Union Home Minister Amit Shah addressed three political rallies here on Sunday and released the BJPs election manifesto. Location : Ranchi, India First Published: November 03, 2024, 22:20 IST Protecting Constitution Is India's Primary Battle: Rahul Gandhi At Wayanad Rally Last Updated: November 03, 2024, 19:03 IST The Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha pointed out that this is a fight between love and hatred. Congress leader rahul Gandhi addressing a rally in Mananthavady, Wayanad, Kerala. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Sunday emphasised that the primary struggle in the country today is to protect and preserve the Constitution. He said the Constitution of the country was not written with hatred, but with humility and love. related stories "The main fight in the country today, that is taking place, is the fight for the Constitution of our country. The protection that we get, the greatness of our country, all emerged from the Constitution," the Lok Sabha MP said while addressing a corner meeting in Mananthavady here as part of the campaign for his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. Priyanka is the Congress candidate for the Wayanad Lok Sabha by-election. "The Constitution was not written with anger or with hatred. It was written by the people who fought the British, the people who had suffered, who spent years and years and years in jail. And they wrote the Constitution with humility, with love and with affection," he said. The Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha pointed out that this is a fight between love and hatred. "A fight between confidence and insecurity. And if you truly want to win this fight, then you must help by removing anger from your heart, by removing hatred from your heart, and replacing them with love, humility and compassion," he told the gathering. Rahul Gandhi highlighted the qualities of her sister and shared nostalgic memories of their childhood. He also said it was the first time he is seeking votes for his sister, who has campaigned for him, and their parents earlier. She is the person who went and hugged the girl who was implicated in my fathers (Rajiv Gandhi) assassination. She said to me after she came back after meeting Nalini, she went emotional and then she said to me that Im feeling bad for her," Rahul Gandhi recalled. "That is the training that she has received. And to me, this is the type of politics that needs to be done in India. Not the politics of hatred, but politics of love and affection." During the second phase of her campaign, Priyanka continued her tirade against the central government alleging that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has done everything for his business friends. Modi jis government works only for his big businessmen friends. His objective, is not to give you a better life. It is not to find new jobs for your young one who are educated. It is not to provide better health, education and well being of the people," she alleged. Priyanka accused the Modi government of dividing people, spreading hatred among them and taking away their rights, besides damaging democratic institutions. "They attacked Rahul Gandhi Ji for fighting for peoples rights," the Congress leader said. She also mentioned her work with Mother Teresa and also about sister Rosebell who resides in Mananthavady. Priyanka promised to continue her fight for the establishment of a medical college here with full health facilities. In her speech, the Congress leader also highlighted night ban, traffic issues on Ghat Road, man-animal conflicts, tribals and agrarian issues in the mountain constituency. Referring to Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Programme (MGNREGA) which greatly benefited the tribal community, she alleged that the Centres funding for this programme and the job availability through the scheme have been reduced. "We need to raise our voice in the Parliament, and all the platforms to push the government to increase the funding." Priyanka Gandhi resumed her campaign from Sunday by holding public and corner meetings in the hill constituency with her brother Rahul Gandhi. The Congress general secretary, who is making her electoral debut, will be in Kerala till November 7, according to her itinerary released by the party. After the meeting at Gandhi Park in Mananthavady here, she attended corner meetings separately at Valad and Korom in Mananthavady Assembly constituency on Sunday. Priyanka resumed her campaign for the by-poll amid criticism from rival candidates that she would visit the constituency like a guest or a seasonal festival. The Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency consists of seven Assembly segments Mananthavady (ST), Sulthan Bathery (ST) and Kalpetta in Wayanad district, Thiruvambady in Kozhikode district and Eranad, Nilambur, and Wandoor in Malappuram district. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The by-election for Wayanad LS seat was necessitated after Rahul Gandhi, who won the Lok Sabha polls from there and Rae Bareli constituency, decided to vacate Wayanad. Voting in Wayanad will be held on November 13. Location : Wayanad, India First Published: November 03, 2024, 19:03 IST 'Crush Terror Outfits': J-K LG Manoj Sinha Tells Security Forces After Srinagar Grenade Attack Curated By : Last Updated: November 03, 2024, 21:33 IST Terrorists lobbed a grenade at a CRPF bunker near a crowded flea market in Srinagar on Sunday, injuring at least 11 civilians. J-K LG Manoj Sinha | Image/CNN-News18 Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday took strong note of a grenade attack in Srinagar and directed the Union Territorys top police officer and other security officials to give a forceful response to the terrorists." The Lieutenant Governor reaffirmed the governments resolve to thwart the plans of terrorist elements. Terrorists targeting our citizens will have to pay a very heavy price for their actions. You have full freedom to crush terror outfits and leave no stone unturned to complete this mission," Sinha told senior security officials. related stories Shortly after the grenade attack in Srinagar, which left 11 people injured, Sinha, who heads the Unified Command in Jammu and Kashmir, spoke with Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat and other senior security officials, directing them to respond forcefully to punish those responsible for the attacks. The Lieutenant Governor wished a speedy recovery to those injured and directed the district administration to provide all possible assistance. Security experts believe that Manoj Sinhas freehand to security forces" reflects his administrations commitment to eradicating terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. It is because of the freehand given by the LG to the security officials that Jammu and Kashmir witnessed peace for many years and that many hardcore terrorists were killed by security forces," a security expert told CNN-News18. LG Underscores Need For Pre-Emptive Acton During a recent review meeting of the unified command in Srinagar that focused on the security situation and development aspects across all districts of Kashmir Division, the Lieutenant Governor underscored the need for pre-emptive action against terrorist threats. He highlighted that peace and development must be safeguarded and called for the strongest possible actions against terrorists and those providing any form of assistance to them. We aim to ensure socio-economic development and promote a sense of security among the people," Sinha stated. He emphasized a zero-tolerance approach to anti-national propaganda and public safety threats, advocating for greater vigilance and coordination among security agencies to dismantle the terror ecosystem. Additionally, he directed that the issue of narco-terrorism should be dealt with immediately, prioritizing the dismantling of the entire network. While chairing the meeting at Raj Bhawan in Srinagar, Sinha reinforced that terrorism must be eradicated from Jammu and Kashmir, and those responsible for attacking innocent civilians and security forces should not be spared under any circumstances. He instructed the security apparatus to devise a comprehensive strategy to hold accountable all supporters of terrorism and those who take up arms. The Unified Command meeting followed the Gagangir terror attack, in which terrorists killed seven innocent civilians. Following that attack, Sinha tweeted: The brutal and savage attack against construction workers will be avenged. Ive asked the J&K Police and security forces to exact a price that will be remembered by the terrorists and their associates for time to come." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Sinha also visited Ganderbal after the attack, interacting with officers and workers from the Project Implementing Agency and reviewing the security measures at the project site. During his visit, he chaired a meeting with officers from the Police, Civil Administration, and other agencies, stressing the need to secure key infrastructure projects and establish a comprehensive coordination mechanism with project agencies to prevent security breaches. The Lieutenant Governor has been closely monitoring progress in the fight against terrorism, staying in touch with top security officials to receive firsthand updates. He commended the J&K Police and the administrative apparatus for the peaceful conduct of elections and the successful completion of the Amarnath Yatra. Location : Jammu and Kashmir, India First Published: November 03, 2024, 21:06 IST 'Will Kill You Like Baba Siddique': Death Threat Against Yogi Adityanath In Mumbai Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 03, 2024, 10:09 IST Mumbai Police received the death threat against Yogi Adityanath, where the blackmailer threatened to kill him like NCP leader Baba Siddique. Mumbai Police received a death threat against Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath. (File) A death threat against Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath was received by the Mumbai Police on Saturday, following which all security forces have been put on high alert. The Mumbai Police Traffic Control Cell received a call from an unknown number on Saturday evening. The alleged blackmailer threatened that Adityanath would face similar consequences as slain NCP leader Baba Siddique if he did not resign within 10 days. related stories Security forces are on high alert after receiving the threatening message. The Mumbai police are currently investigating the matter and are also attempting to locate the perpetrator of the death threat against Adityanath. Baba Siddique Murder Case Baba Siddique, a former Maharashtra minister and senior leader of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) led by Ajit Pawar, was killed after being shot by three individuals in Bandra East, Mumbai, on October 12 evening. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The 66-year-old politician was shot in the chest after which he was rushed to the Lilavati Hospital where he succumbed to the injuries. The leader had received a death threat just 15 days ago and was under Y category security. So far, the police arrested 15 accused in the case and are still searching for alleged masterminds Gautam, Zeeshan Akhtar, and Shubham Lonkar. The key shooter, Shivkumar Gautam, is also absconding. The Mumbai Police Crime Branch initiated the process for the extradition of Gangster Anmol Bishnoi, the brother of jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, in connection with the case. First Published: November 03, 2024, 09:44 IST Delhi Lawyers To Keep Shop Shut On Monday Over Ghaziabad Courtroom Clash Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 03, 2024, 19:28 IST Lawyers and baton-wielding police personnel clashed in a courtroom in Ghaziabad on October 29 after the judge called in the force to remove a group of protesting advocates raising slogans against him over a disagreement. The clash took place at the District and Sessions Court complex in the Raj Nagar area in Ghaziabad. Condemning the lathi charge action on lawyers in a courtroom in Ghaziabad by the police on the direction of district judge, the advocates across Delhi have resolved to strike and abstain from work on Monday, November 4. A coordination committee of Delhi bar associations in a meeting on Sunday said that a heinous act of violence" against a member of the Bar cannot be tolerated. related stories We stand united in demanding justice and accountability. We urge all lawyers to participate in abstain from work to show solidarity with the affected lawyer and to protest against police brutality at the direction of the district judge. Let us come together and raise our voices against this injustice," news agency PTI reported citing the committees official address. The communication signed by the committees general secretary Atul Kumar Sharma urged all lawyers to abstain from work to show solidarity with their affected peers and protest against the police brutality". Reportedly, lawyers of Allahabad High Court have also resolved to abstain from work on November 4 as a mark of protest to demonstrate concern and deep pain on the brutal attack on lawyers" in the courtroom in Ghaziabad. Meanwhile, the Ghaziabad Bar Association has moved the Allahabad High Court seeking an SIT investigation, under the direct supervision of the HC, into the lathi-charge violence. The PIL said that the absolutely false and frivolous" justification of protecting the district judge was given by the police for using brutal force and an independent enquiry/investigation is warranted for unearthing the truth. Additionally, The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) had on Wednesday, passed a resolution condemning the act at the behest of the directions of a District Court Judge. The SCBA has also sought an inquiry into the incident by a sitting judge of the Allahabad High Court. The SCBA said that compensation should be paid to the injured advocates and measures should be taken to ensure that such incidents do not recur. Further, it called upon the Bar Council of India (BCI) and all other State Bar Councils to take necessary steps to protect the rights of advocates and to ensure that they are able to discharge their duties without fear of intimidation or harassment. What Happened at Ghaziabad Court? Chaos erupted in the Ghaziabad District Court after lawyers and a judge clashed following an argument over a case related to an official of the Bar Association on Tuesday. The lawyer, identified as Nahar Singh Yadav, became embroiled in an argument with the judge during a bail hearing for an accused. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all As the brawl escalated, police resorted to lathi-charge to disperse the lawyers. Several lawyers suffered injuries during the incident. Visuals of the clash between police and lawyers went viral on social media. Videos showed the police using lathi-charge to evict the lawyers from the court premises. Chairs were also hurled in the courtroom during the brawl. (With inputs from agencies) Location : Delhi, India First Published: November 03, 2024, 18:12 IST In the wake of back-to-back damage from hurricanes Helene and Milton, a wave of Florida homeowners are selling their flood-damaged properties using words like "as is," "cash only" and for investors. Don't miss The Tampa Bay market is reportedly seeing dozens of such listings from homeowners desperate to get rid of houses that have become liabilities. I just want to leave, St. Petersburg homeowner Ali Linville told ABC Action News. I mean, once you've had it done three times, it's like, OK, I've had enough. Linville has decided its time to cut her losses. According to the report, she bought her home in 2021 for $575,000. It flooded three times in just two years, and it has been stripped down to the studs again. The home is now listed for $425,000, reflecting the cost of flood repairs that still need to be completed. "I can't live in a flood zone where you are constantly having to move out for six or seven months," she said. After Milton and Helene, residents are ready to cash out Linville is not alone. Realtor Ross Fengfish represents a couple a quarter of a mile away who is also ready to sell. His clients bought, renovated, and flipped the property before the hurricanes hit. The house was on the market, and they were seeing interest until the flood waters rose. The house was previously listed for $460,000. Now it's gutted, and Fengfish has dropped the price to $299,990. Fengfish is hopeful residents will be able to sell and start over. He says investors are calling and ready to buy up the homes. A lot of [houses are] pending. I was actually surprised to see that, he told ABC Action News. ... maybe including with the insurance money, they're going to do okay, like they, you know, they can walk away, maybe just unscarred, and move on with life. That's possible. Chris Beardslee, another Shore Acres resident, is also pulling up stakes. "Is this worth going through again? How am I going to feel next year, let alone two weeks later like this one was?" Beardlee told Fox 13. "Its more important for peace of mind for the future to move along and sell the house for what we can get for it." 12 Wounded In Grenade Attack Near Srinagar's Lal Chowk Reported By : CNN-News18 Edited By: Ashesh Mallick Last Updated: November 03, 2024, 22:11 IST A grenade was hurled near TRC, an area close to Lal Chowk in Srinagar, sources said. Visual from the spot of blast in Srinagar (Photo: CNN-News18) A total of 12 civilians sustained injuries in a grenade attack near the heavily-guarded Tourist Reception Centre, an area close to Lal Chowk in Jammu and Kashmirs Srinagar on Sunday, J-K police said. According to Srinagar Police, terrorists lobbed a hand grenade at a security force deployment near crowded Sunday Market of Srinagar on Sunday at around 2pm. related stories The grenade exploded within the crowd, injuring 12 civilians, one among them a lady who sustained serious injuries. The injured have been identified as Misba aged about 17 years, Azaan Kaloo aged about 17 years, Habibullah Rather aged about 50 years, Altaf Ahmad Seer aged about 21 years, Faizal Ahmad aged about 16 years, Uer Farooq, Faizan Mushtaq aged about 20 years, Zahid aged about 19 years, Gulam Muhammad sofi aged about 55 years, and, Sumaiya Jan aged about 45 years. Out of these, four people were discharged after giving first aid. Srinagar Deputy Commissioner Dr Bilal Mohidin said that two injured would have to undergo a surgery due to severe injuries. We came here (hospital) to meet the injured. They are undergoing treatment, 2 patients will have to undergo surgery. Special care will be given and the remaining injured will be released after treatment" he said. Case FIR No. 66/2024 under sections of 16 UAP Act, 109, 115(2) BNS and 3/4 of Explosives Substances Act has been registered in Police Station Kothibagh and investigation has been initiated, the police said. Todays attack came a day after the top Pakistani commander of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) was gunned down by security forces in the Khanyar area of downtown Srinagar. #WATCH | Militants hurled grenade at TRC, Sunday market in Srinagar, Jammu and KashmirMore Details Awaited. pic.twitter.com/BS2YRaF933 ANI (@ANI) November 3, 2024 Special Operation Group of J&K Police has been deployed to investigate the attack. A search operation has also been launched by the security forces to track down the attackers. The explosion triggered panic in the area as the shoppers were seen scrambling for cover. A local resident said, Nothing like this ever happened here. I dont know whats going on here for a few days now Even during the peak of militancy, nothing like this ever happened." The Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir visited the injured civilians and assured them that strict action would be taken against the perpetrators of this crime. Omar Reacts, LG Takes Stock Chief Minister Omar Abdullah described todays attack as deeply disturbing" and said that those responsible for peoples security must do everything possible to end this spurt of attacks". The last few days have been dominated by headlines of attacks & encounters in parts of the valley. Todays news of a grenade attack on innocent shoppers at the Sunday market in Srinagar is deeply disturbing. There can be no justification for targeting innocent civilians. The Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) November 3, 2024 The last few days have been dominated by headlines of attacks & encounters in parts of the valley. Todays news of a grenade attack on innocent shoppers at the Sunday market in Srinagar is deeply disturbing. There can be no justification for targeting innocent civilians. The security apparatus must do everything possible to end this spurt of attacks at the earliest so that people can go about their lives without any fear," Abdullah posted on X. Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary condemned the attack and urged the J-K police to do everything possible to end the spurt of attacks at the earliest in the region. Todays news of a grenade attack on innocent shoppers at the Sunday market in Srinagar is deeply disturbing. There can be no justification for targeting innocent civilians. @JmuKmrPolice must do everything possible to end this spurt of attacks at the earliest so that people can go about their lives without any fear," he said in a post on X. Todays news of a grenade attack on innocent shoppers at the Sunday market in Srinagar is deeply disturbing. There can be no justification for targeting innocent civilians. @JmuKmrPolice must do everything possible to end this spurt of attacks at the earliest so that people Surinder Choudhary (@Surinderch55) November 3, 2024 Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha also spoke to DGP Nalin Prabhat and senior officials of the security agencies on grenade attack in Srinagar. He directed the security officials for an effective and forceful response to punish the terrorists and their associates. The LG reaffirmed the governments resolve not to allow terrorist elements to succeed in their nefarious designs. Terrorists targeting our citizens will have to pay a very heavy price for their actions. You have full freedom to crush terror outfits and leave no stone unturned to complete this mission," the Lieutenant Governor told the senior security officials. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Former Chief Minister and PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti also condemned the attack. She said, Condemn the heinous grenade attack in #Srinagar today. Such acts of #violence are deplorable and only serve to perpetuate a cycle of fear and hatred. Praying for the swift recovery of the injured," on X. Congress leader Ravinder Sharma said that there is a conspiracy to destabilise the elected government. This is a conspiracy to disturb the atmosphere here. Such incidents have increased ever since elections have been held and the new government has been formed Sunday market is mostly crowded. I will pray for the well-being of those injured in the attack This proves that militancy is still there in the valley Central government has the entire law and order and security apparatus in its hand. We call for strict action" he told news agency ANI. Location : Srinagar, India First Published: November 03, 2024, 14:41 IST Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train: 9 River Bridges Connecting Vapi To Surat Ready Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: November 03, 2024, 15:16 IST With these nine bridges, of the 20 river bridges planned for Gujarat, 12 have been completed so far, the NHSRCL statement read The recently completed Kharera River bridge in Navsari. (X) All nine river bridges have been completed between Vapi and Surat stations of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train corridor, an official statement announced on Sunday. With these nine bridges, of the 20 river bridges planned for Gujarat, 12 have been completed so far, the statement from National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL) read. related stories Last week, the bridge on Kharera River in Gujarats Navsari district was completed for the bullet train project which marks the completion of all river bridges between Vapi and Surat stations. The bridge is 120 metres long consisting of three full span girders of 40 metres each. The height of piers ranged from 14.5 m to 19 m. The latest bridge is between Vapi and Bilimora station. The much-awaited bullet train project is expected to be ready by 2026, with partial services operation between Surat and Bilimora. Vapi is the next station after Bilimora towards Mumbai. The other completed river bridges between the two stations are on Kolak, Par, Auranga and Kaveri River. Kharera river is one of the tributaries of the Ambika River, which originates from the hills of Vansda taluka in the border area of Gujarat state with the state of Maharashtra Kharera river is around 45 km from Vapi station and six km from Bilimora. All nine river bridges between Vapi and Surat #BulletTrain Stations on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor are now complete. The recently completed Kharera River bridge in Navsari spans 120 meters, bringing the total to 12 completed river bridges out of 20 in Gujarat. pic.twitter.com/oroFckBSi6 NHSRCL (@nhsrcl) November 3, 2024 The nine bridges between Vapi and Surat stations included Karera (Navsari district), Par (Valsad district), Purna (Navsari district), Mindhola (Navsari district), Ambika (Navsari district), Auranga (Valsad district), Kolak River (Valsad district), Kaveri River (Navsari district) and Venganiya (Navsari district). Further three more bridges were completed in the state Dhadhar (Vadodara district), Mohar (Kheda district), and Vatrak River (Kheda district). There will be at least 24 river bridges for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project and 20 of these are in Gujarat alone while the remaining are in Maharashtra. The river bridge on the Narmada being the longest for the project followed by those on the Tapi and Mahi rivers. The work on the project started in September 2017. Initially, it was expected that it would be completed by December 2023. However, the project is delayed and now one of the stretches could be started around 2026. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The total length of the project is 508 km across three states 156 km in Maharashtra, four km in Dadra and Nagar Haveli, and 384 km in Gujarat covering 12 stations. The high-speed trains on the corridor will operate at 320 km/hour. As per the plans, there will be 35 trains per day from one direction, with a frequency of 20 minutes in peak hours and 30 minutes in non-peak hours. It is a limited-stop project and the operational control centre for the corridor will be located in Sabarmati. First Published: November 03, 2024, 15:16 IST 'Razor Blade Pieces, Batteries, Screws': Teen With 65 Objects In Stomach Dies After Surgery Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 03, 2024, 14:20 IST The 14-year-old boy from Hathras must have swallowed 65 objects, including razor blade fragments, and batteries, his family said. Representative Image (File photo) A 14-year-old boy from Uttar Pradesh died hours after undergoing a massive nearly five-hour-long surgery at Delhis Safdarjung Hospital where the doctors removed nearly 65 objects from his stomach including batteries, razor blade fragments and screws, Times of India reported on Sunday. The boy, identified as Aditya Sharma who was a Standard 9 student, hailed from Hathras and was shifted to the Safdarjung Hospital where he died due to intestinal infection, TOI quoted an official as saying, adding that the child must have swallowed all of these objects in the past. related stories What did the family of the deceased say? According to the boys father, Sanchet Sharma, who himself is a medical representative at a pharma company in Hathras, his son complained of breathing problems on October 13 after which he was taken to an Agra hospital. According to the TOI report, the boys parents took him to four cities, including Jaipur, Aligarh, Noida, and Delhi, searching for the cure for the sons disease, however, their son died on the night of October 28. All of this happened within a month He never had any physical or mental ailments in the past," the father was quoted as saying in the TOI report. How did the disease come to the fore? After the parents took Aditya to Agra, he was referred to a Jaipur hospital where some medical tests and scans were conducted, after which they returned to Uttar Pradesh on October 19. It didnt take long before Adityas problems of breathing resurfaced, prompting his parents to rush him to a hospital in Aligarh where a CT scan revealed that he had a nasal blockage" which was successfully removed by the doctors, TOI quoted Sharma as saying. After the son started feeling abdominal pain, an extensive ultrasound test was conducted in Aligarh was it was discovered on October 26 that 19 objects were stuck inside his stomach. He was immediately referred to a private hospital in Noida, and we took him there the same day. In Noida, doctors found 42 objects in the stomach and called for urgent medical attention," the father said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Aditya was shifted to Safdarjung Hospital in the national capital thereafter, where a scan identified a total of 65 objects". The boys heartbeat was also recorded at 280 per minute, according to the family. First Published: November 03, 2024, 14:20 IST Srinagar Attack Shows LeTs Desperation: Exclusive From Intelligence Sources Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: November 03, 2024, 21:01 IST The LeT is attacking workers, labourers and innocent women, stooping to their lowest," said top intelligence sources Forensic team collects samples from the site of a grenade attack by terrorists, in Srinagar, on Sunday. (PTI) Sundays grenade attack near the heavily guarded Tourist Reception Centre (TRC), an area close to Lal Chowk in Jammu and Kashmirs Srinagar, shows the desperation of Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) operatives, according to top intelligence sources. Terrorists lobbed a grenade at a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) bunker near a crowded flea market in the heart of the city, injuring at least 10 civilians. The attack, which took place near a heavily guarded complex housing All India Radio and Doordarshan Kendra near the TRC, comes a day after security forces eliminated a top Pakistani commander of LeT Osman and two of his aides in the Khanyar locality of downtown Srinagar. related stories They are attacking workers, labourers and innocent women, stooping to their lowest. After Osmans killing in an encounter, they wanted to make him a local hero and wanted to organise a hartal, which was stopped by forces. As revenge, they started to attack innocent civilians who are unrelated to any fight in Kashmir," said sources. Ten of the injured, who were brought to SMHS hospital, have been identified as: Misba, 17, daughter of (d/o) Mohammad Amin Tantry, resident of (r/o) Nowgam Azaan Kaloo, 17, son of (s/o) Javaid Ahmad kaloo, r/o Noorbagh Habibullah, 50, s/o Abdul Jabbar, r/o Kaloosa Bandipora Altaf Ahmad, 21, s/o Abdul Rashid, r/o Amshipora, Shopian Faizal Ahmad, 16, s/o Fayaz Ahmad Beig, r/o Khaniyar Uer Farooq, s/o Farooq Ahmed Bhat, r/o Pattan Faizan Mushtaq, 20, s/o Mushtaq Ahmad Sofi, r/o Pampore Zahid, 19, s/o Gulzar Ahmad Wani, r/o Checkpora Kalan, Nowgam Gulam Muhammad, 55, s/o Gulam Ahmad, r/o Chattabal Sumaiya Jan, 45, wife of (w/o) Zubair Ahmed Lone, r/o Naidkhai Sumbal All injured suffered multiple injuries, but are said to be in a stable condition. Grenades exploded on the vendor cart. Twitter handles such as Kashmir Fight are making Osman a Shaheed," said sources. The blast took place close to the weekly flea market, popularly known as the Sunday market, which is thronged by thousands. The explosion caused panic in the area and sent shoppers scrambling for cover. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The officer said the attack was borne out of the desperation of terrorists following Saturdays killing of the LeT commander. With PTI Inputs First Published: November 03, 2024, 19:11 IST UP: Stones Hurled At Vande Bharat With Bhim Army Chief Onboard, Windowpane Damaged Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 03, 2024, 18:10 IST Azad also expressed his concern over the damage to government property and safety of passengers, saying that such acts are reprehensible and cannot be tolerated. Bhim Army chief expressed his shock at the incident, highlighting the reckless actions of the attackers. (Image: X/ @BhimArmyChief) Azad Samaj Party (Kanshi Ram) MP Chandra Shekhar Azad on Sunday claimed that stones were hurled at a Vande Bharat Express train early this morning, damaging a windowpane, in which he was travelling. Azad said that the incident took place at around 7:12 am after the train passed the Kamalpur station in Uttar Pradeshs Bulandshahr district. related stories In a post on X, the Nagina MP shared the occurrence of the event, saying, This morning I was travelling from Delhi to Kanpur by Vande Bharat train. As soon as the train crossed Kamalpur station in Bulandshahr district at around 7:12 am, some antisocial element threw stones from outside, due to which the glass near the passenger sitting two seats ahead of me got shattered." 7:12 , , pic.twitter.com/jdkrJwqEKx Chandra Shekhar Aazad (@BhimArmyChief) November 3, 2024 Azad also expressed his concern over the damage to government property and safety of passengers, saying that such acts are reprehensible and cannot be tolerated". I was shocked and stunned by this incident. This incident not only caused damage to government property but also raised questions on the safety of passengers. Such incidents are reprehensible and cannot be accepted at any cost," he said. He further claimed that according to a report, there were 1,503 such incidents in 2022, causing loss of crores of rupees to the Railways. This figure forces one to think why such incidents are happening again and again. Stone pelting on trains not only causes damage to property, but it can also prove fatal for the passengers," he said. He added that people need to understand that railways are a valuable asset of the country and its protection is the responsibility of all of us citizens of the country". Such acts in society not only create a feeling of insecurity but also harm the image of our country," Azad said. The lawmaker further called on the Union Railway Minister, railway police and administration to take strict steps as well as spread awareness in society. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all My request is that it is necessary for parents and teachers in schools to make children aware of this subject. This will not only reduce such incidents but will also ensure the safety of railway passengers," Azad said. This country is ours, and the protection of the countrys property is not only the moral responsibility and constitutional fundamental duty of the government but also of all of us," he said. First Published: November 03, 2024, 17:44 IST 'BJP To Implement UCC, But Tribals Not Included': Amit Shah Promises Ahead Of Jharkhand Polls Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 03, 2024, 14:13 IST There had been long-time concerns over the impact of the Uniform Civil Code on the tribal communities, who have their own customs and traditions. Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched the manifesto for Jharkhand Assembly election on Sunday. (PTI) The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday published its election manifesto for the upcoming Jharkhand Assembly election, where it has promised that tribal communities will be excluded from the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), clearing the air over long-time concerns over the laws impact on backward communities. Our government will introduce UCC in Jharkhand but tribals will be kept out of its ambit. The JMM government is making false propaganda that UCC will impact tribal rights and culture, which is totally baseless as they will be kept out of its ambit," Union Home Minister Amit Shah said in a public rally in Ranchi, where he shared the BJPs Sankalp Patra. related stories BJP, if voted to power in Jharkhand, will deliberate on the Sarna religious code issue, and take appropriate decisions. A Displacement Commission will be formed to ensure the rehabilitation of people displaced by industries and mines in Jharkhand," Shah said. He also said the BJP would create 5 lakh employment opportunities, including 2.87 lakh government jobs, in Jharkhand. He claimed that Mati, Beti, Roti (land, daughter and food) were under threat from the illegal immigrants and the BJP would provide security to the indigenous people. Hindus are under attack and appeasement is at its peak. Jharkhand is the most corrupt state in the country," he alleged. BJPs Big Promises For Tribals In Jharkhand The party made several promises ahead of the Jharkhand elections such as making a law for returning the land occupied by the infiltrators to the tribals and ensuring that the infiltrators marrying tribal women are not given tribal status so as to protect the identity and rights of these communities. The BJP also promised to provide financial assistance to develop tribal religious and cultural sites in the state and allocate Rs 5o0 crore to protect tribal language, history, culture and traditions. It said it would also honour tribal heroes like Birsa Munda, Sido and Kanhu Murmu and others. The Congress has always been against the interests of the backward classes; it has never done anything for them. The Modi government, on the other hand, has given this community respect. A daughter of Santhal, Droupadi Murmu, is now the President of the country," said Amit Shah in Ranchi. Why Is This A Big Deal? The Uniform Civil Code (UCC) aims to establish a common set of laws governing personal matters such as marriage, divorce, and inheritance, applicable to all citizens regardless of religion. The BJP-led government has included the UCC in its electoral promises, while various political parties express differing views on its implementation. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Several minority groups, such as the All India Muslim Personal Law Board, have opposed the implementation of the UCC fearing its impact on other groups. Many tribal groups have been concerned over the UCC over fears that it will impinge upon their customs and traditions that are protected by law and erode their identity. However, the BJP had exempted tribals from the UCC in Uttarakhand, Assam and Gujarat in response to the speculation over the customary laws. Notably, people from Scheduled Tribe (ST) and Scheduled Caste (SC) constitute around 38 per cent of Jharkhands population, while Other Backward Communities (OBCs) occupy 46 per cent of the population. Location : Ranchi, India First Published: November 03, 2024, 11:48 IST Two Cops Injured After Naxals Attack On-Duty Personnel In Sukma, Search Operations Underway Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 03, 2024, 10:13 IST The security forces launched the search operation soon after the attack in Chhattisgarh's Sukma on Sunday morning. Sukma Naxal attack (Image used for representational purposes) (Image: PTI) Two on-duty police personnel were injured in a Naxal attack in the Jagargunda weekly market in Chhattisgarhs Sukma on Sunday, the officials said. The incident took place when the policemen of the Jagargunda police station were attacked by a small action team of Naxalites. related stories The injured personnel were given first aid treatment and an intensive search operation was launched by the security forces in the area. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Both the injured personnel, posted at Jagargunda police station, were admitted to a local hospital from where they will be shifted to Sukma for further medication, the officials said. Further details into the incident are awaited Location : Sukma, India First Published: November 03, 2024, 09:40 IST Amitabh Bachchan's Old Tweets On Aishwarya Rai's Birthday Viral As Bachchans Skip Wishing Her: 'Feel Good...' Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 03, 2024, 11:27 IST The Bachchan family is keeping everyone guessing about the divorce rumours surrounding Aishwarya Rai and Abhishek Bachchan. Aishwarya Rai turned 51 on November 1. On November 1, fans couldnt help but notice that neither Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, nor Shweta Bachchan publicly wished Aishwarya Rai Bachchan on her birthday. The silence from her in-laws and husband sparked quite a stir online, leaving many fans confused and some even irked by the lack of any acknowledgment for Aishwaryas special day. In response, fans on Reddit scoured the internet, bringing to light old tweets from Amitabh Bachchan that show just how different things once were. In previous years, Aishwarya Rais father-in-law Amitabh Bachchan not only thanked fans for their warm wishes for the Bachchan Bahu but even shared glimpses into how the family celebrated the big day. related stories The tweets from 2010 read, T172 -First things first thank you all for wishing Aishwarya on her birthday !! Have passed it on to her.. she thanks all love." T172 -First things first thank you all for wishing Aishwarya on her birthday !! Have passed it on to her .. she thanks all love Amitabh Bachchan (@SrBachchan) November 1, 2010 In another tweet, Amitabh Bachchan wrote, T171 -.family dinner at Chinese in Taj where function was held and brought in Aishwarya Birthday ..good feel about the day.." The Bachchan family is keeping everyone guessing about the divorce rumours surrounding Aishwarya Rai and Abhishek Bachchan. Married for 17 years and parents to their daughter, Aaradhya Bachchan, the couple has faced speculation for months now. The gossip mill really started churning when Aishwarya opted out of attending the Ambani wedding with the family, making a solo entrance instead with Aaradhya in tow. Adding fuel to the fire, Abhishek recently liked a post about divorce, which sent fans into a frenzy. Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rais love story began as friends while working together on films like Dhai Akshar Prem Ke (2000) and Kuch Naa Kaho (2003). However, romance blossomed during the filming of Umrao Jaan in 2005-2006. They got married on April 20, 2007, in a grand ceremony. Before this, Aishwarya had been in the spotlight for her past relationships with Salman Khan and Vivek Oberoi. Abhishek and Aishwarya later welcomed their daughter Aaradhya Bachchan in 2011. First Published: November 03, 2024, 11:27 IST Dayanand Shetty Recalls Entering Manholes And Sewage While Shooting For CID: 'You Don't Say No...' Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 03, 2024, 17:23 IST Dayanand Shetty recalled shooting for CID in its first season. He mentioned that they he has entered manholes and sewages because the scene required him to do so. Dayanand Shetty will be seen in the new season of CID. After much anticipation, CID is all set to make a comeback on television with a new season. The new season will see most of the old characters also making their comeback. In a latest interview, actor Dayanand Shetty, best known for playing the role of Senior Inspector Daya, recalled shooting for CID for 20 years. He recalled how the shooting was looked at from a military mindset and how they performed challenging scenes which also involved the actors jumping into manholes and sewers. In a conversation with AP Podcast, Dayanand Shetty recalled how shooting for CID was different when compared to soap operas. He mentioned how the sets always changed depending on the story. He said, The plus point of CID was that every day was different. The location and co-stars kept changing. Sometimes we would shoot with a big star and sometimes with other actors. We had around 15-17 locations in every episode. So, we werent bored." related stories Shetty mentioned how seven to eight actors shared a single makeup room on the set. He revealed how all the actors would treat each other with respect and how they often hung out together. He added, There was no distinctionno one was considered a big or small actor, nor were people treated differently if they were planning to leave the show. We were all human beings, treating each other with respect. It was like a military setupeveryone did their job, and no one felt superior or inferior." The actor also mentioned how the actors did everything that was asked of them. He added, We have never told the director that we cant jump in that as it is dirty. We have got down in manholes, sewage and so much dirty water that I can even speak about it for a scene. You dont say no. Shooting was done on a military level." CID first aired in 1998. It went on to become one of the longest-running television shows in India. The show ended its run in 2018 with more than 1500 episodes. Location : Delhi, India First Published: November 03, 2024, 17:23 IST Opinion | Exploring The Jatakas: Cultural Transmission And Representation In South And Southeast Asia Published By : News18.com Last Updated: November 03, 2024, 23:22 IST These tales, primarily originating from Indian Buddhist traditions, have transcended geographical boundaries, evolving into rich narratives that reflect local customs, values, and artistic expressions. In South Asia, the Jataka tales began their journey in ancient India, where they were shared orally before being transcribed in various texts. (Representative image) The Jataka tales, a collection of stories about the previous lives of the Buddha, hold a significant place in the cultural and religious heritage of South and Southeast Asia. These tales, primarily originating from Indian Buddhist traditions, have transcended geographical boundaries, evolving into rich narratives that reflect local customs, values, and artistic expressions. This article explores the dissemination and depiction of Jatakas across various countries in these regions, examining their impact on art, literature, and social values. The Jatakas are rooted in the Pali Canon and each tale recounts a past life of the Buddha, often featuring him in various formshumans, animals, or even celestial beingsillustrating virtues such as compassion, wisdom, and self-sacrifice. Common themes include moral lessons, the importance of good deeds, and the interconnectedness of life. These narratives serve not only as spiritual teachings but also as tools for ethical guidance. related stories In South Asia, the Jataka tales began their journey in ancient India, where they were shared orally before being transcribed in various texts. The stories quickly spread across the region, adapted by different cultures and languages. The influence of Jataka tales is particularly notable in Buddhist communities in Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Bhutan. In Sri Lanka, the Dhammapada Jataka and other compilations have found a place in the Theravada tradition, where monks use these tales to educate laypeople about Buddhist principles. Artistic representation of Jatakas in South Asia can be seen in the intricate carvings at ancient stupas and temples. The famous Sanchi Stupa, for instance, features beautifully detailed reliefs depicting various Jataka stories, allowing visitors to visualize the moral teachings embedded within the narratives. As Buddhism spread to Southeast Asia, particularly through trade routes, the Jataka tales underwent further transformation. Countries such as Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia, and Indonesia adapted these stories to reflect their local cultures and artistic styles. In Thailand, the Jataka tales are an integral part of Buddhist teachings, often depicted in temple murals and sculptures. The Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok, for instance, features a detailed mural series that narrates the Jatakas, showcasing local artistic interpretations while remaining true to the original moral messages. In Myanmar, the Jataka tales are celebrated in festivals and theatrical performances, reflecting the cultural significance of these stories in everyday life. The Zat Pwe performances often include dramatizations of Jataka tales, allowing audiences to engage with the narratives in a dynamic and interactive manner. This practice not only preserves the stories but also revitalizes them for contemporary audiences. Cambodia, too, has embraced the Jataka tales, especially in the context of Khmer art and architecture. The magnificent bas-reliefs at Angkor Wat depict various Jataka stories, including the renowned Vessantara Jataka, which recounts the tale of Prince Vessantara and his boundless generosity. This story, central to Buddhist teachings on selflessness and compassion, illustrates the moral values that underpin Khmer culture. The bas-reliefs serve as a visual narrative, intertwining history, religion, and artistry in a single, cohesive expression, reinforcing the importance of these teachings in the lives of the Cambodian people. The impact of Jataka tales extends beyond visual art into literature and folklore throughout South and Southeast Asia. In India, these stories have inspired numerous adaptations in local languages, with authors weaving the moral lessons into regional folklore and storytelling traditions. This adaptability has allowed the Jatakas to remain relevant, influencing generations of storytellers and writers. In Southeast Asia, the oral tradition of storytelling continues to thrive, with Jataka tales often incorporated into local folklore. For example, in Indonesia, these stories have been depicted as narrative bas-reliefs on ancient Javanese temples, such as Mendut, Borobudur, and Sajiwan. They recount animal fables that illustrate the virtues of Buddha, who demonstrated remarkable kindness in his animal incarnations before being reborn as a Bodhisattva and the future Buddha. These tales have been further compiled and integrated into the Indonesian education system, often found in affordable small books associated with specific districts or regions of Indonesia. Many stories convey moral lessons or explain events through iconic or symbolic characters from the past. Today, the Jataka tales continue to resonate with diverse audiences across South and Southeast Asia. Modern adaptations, including childrens books and animated series, aim to introduce these ancient stories to younger generations. Jataka tales are also explored in a contemporary sculpture by Cambodian artist Svay Sareth. The tales serve as valuable resources for teaching moral values, promoting empathy, and fostering a sense of community. Furthermore, academic interest in the Jataka tales has surged, with scholars exploring their significance in the context of cultural exchange, ethics, and social values. This renewed focus highlights the timeless nature of the Jataka narratives, which continue to inspire reflection on moral and ethical dilemmas in contemporary society. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The dissemination and depiction of Jataka tales across South Asia and Southeast Asia illustrate the enduring power of these narratives. From ancient texts to modern adaptations, the Jatakas have woven themselves into the cultural fabric of these regions, enriching artistic expression, literature, and ethical discourse. As these tales continue to evolve, they remind us of the universal values of compassion, wisdom, and interconnectedness that transcend borders and time. Written by Anukriti (She is a PhD Scholar at Nava Nalanda Mahavihara, Nalanda. She works at Strat News Global and also serve as a part time consultant with International Buddhist confederation.) Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views. First Published: November 03, 2024, 23:22 IST Were now just days away from the 24 elections, and what a race its been. Polls have been all over the place, and both parties can make legitimate claims to holding the advantage as we approach Tuesdays vote. Amidst the political drama, the stock market has remained robust, with the S&P 500 surging 20% year-to-date. Historically, the index tends to perform well in election years, but this year has been exceptional, making it the most bullish election-year market in decades. A mix of macroeconomic factors, especially expectations of further Fed rate cuts, has fueled strong investor confidence. Morgan Stanleys analysts are embracing this momentum, picking out stocks they believe are primed for gains regardless of the election outcome. Theyve zeroed in on two specific stocks poised for substantial growth in the coming year including one with a potential upside as high as 670%. As if that werent compelling enough, according to the TipRanks database, both stocks are also rated as Strong Buys by the analyst consensus. Lets see whats driving this optimism among market experts. Tenaya Therapeutics (TNYA) Well start with Tenaya Therapeutics, a research-oriented biopharmaceutical company that is focused on developing and producing new therapeutic drugs for the treatment of heart disease. Tenaya is targeting its approach on the underlying causes of heart disease, including rare genetic disorders. The companys approach includes gene therapies, cellular regeneration, and precision medicines. Heart disease is the worlds leading cause of death among adults, making its treatment an important niche. Tenaya currently has two primary drug candidates under investigation, TN-201 and TN-401, for the treatment of MYBPC3-associated hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and PKP2-associated arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy, respectively. The leading candidate, TN-201, is currently undergoing a Phase 1b human clinical trial. The study is focused on safety and tolerability and will enroll up to 24 adults. Data from the first patient cohort in the study are expected to be released in December, presenting a significant milestone for the stock. Meanwhile, enrollment is ongoing for the second cohort. The second candidate, TN-401, entered its Phase 1 RIDGE-1 trial earlier this year. This global, open-label, dose-escalation study, which will continue patient dosing through Q4 2024, aims to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and effectiveness of a single intravenous dose of TN-401. Morgan Stanley analyst Michael Ulz views TNYA as a compelling investment, with TN-201 as the primary value driver. Ulz notes, Interim Ph1b MyPEAK-1 data for TN-201 in nHCM are expected in [December] and represent a key catalyst for Tenayas lead program. We see a favorable risk/reward on initial data, which could provide early de-risking, followed by more robust data in 2025. Actor-Politician Vijay's Party TVK Opposes 'One Nation One Election' Last Updated: November 03, 2024, 21:17 IST In one of the resolutions, the TVK opposed the One Nation, One Election proposal of the BJP while also another resolution was passed against the NEET. The TVK said that they want to abolish the NEET and revert the state list. Actor and founder of Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam Vijay (PTI) Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) under Tamil superstar Vijay held an executive meeting on Sunday and passed 29 unanimous resolutions while opposing the Central governments One Nation, One Election proposal and National Eligibility Cum Entrance Test (NEET). In one of the resolutions, the TVK opposed the One Nation, One Election proposal of the BJP while also another resolution was passed against the NEET. The TVK said that they want to abolish the NEET and revert the state list. related stories The party also lashed out against the DMK for delaying the state-wide caste-based census and also demanded the state of the euro revert to the monthly electricity billing system. The party office bearers also stood a few moments in silence in memory of six people who died in road accidents while on the way to attend the first state conference of the party held at Vikkaravandi in Villupuram district on October 31. Among the dead were two office bearers of the party including one state-level office bearer. Vijay also called upon his party cadres and leaders to oppose all criticisms levelled against the party in a constructive manner and with valid points. He called upon the cadres to be respectful against adversaries even on social media. Sources said that the meeting will also finalise the roadmap for Vijays upcoming statewide tour, set to begin in December. Vijays statewide yatra is expected to kick off on December 2, starting in Coimbatore and culminating with a large public gathering in Tirunelveli on December 27. During the tour, Vijay aims to connect with people, sharing his vision and gathering public opinion along the way. The meeting also reportedly will touch on strategies to counter political rivals, such as Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) leader Seeman, who recently criticised Vijay. Vijays rally at Vikkaravandi attracted over 300,000 attendees, a notable event in Tamil Nadu politics. During the rally, he criticised both the DMK and BJP, labelling the BJP as his ideological adversary and the DMK a political opponent. Vijay accused the DMK of being a family-centric party that exploits the Dravidian" identity for personal gain while condemning the BJP for divisive politics. In response, DMK leader and State Law Minister S. Raghupathy dismissed Vijay and TVK as the C team" of the BJP. BJP Tamil Nadu spokesperson A.N.S Prasad suggested that Vijay, rather than stirring up political passions, should prioritise the welfare of the people. He also encouraged Vijay to recognise the support he has received from multiple political factions, including the BJP, as he embarks on his political journey. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Vijays political profile has been on the rise since his fan club, the All India Thalapathy Vijay Makkal Iyakkam (AITVMI), won 115 out of 169 seats it contested in the 2021 Tamil Nadu local body elections. In contrast, Kamal Haasans Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) and Seemans NTK did not secure any seats. This success has added weight to Vijays growing influence in the political landscape of Tamil Nadu. First Published: November 03, 2024, 21:17 IST Australia Man Lands In Hospital For Lead Poisoning After Taking Stimulant Kamini Tablets Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: November 03, 2024, 09:00 IST The product, marketed as a powerful stimulant intended to boost strength and energy, is available in the form of dark pellets. Kamini is illegally imported and sold in Australia even though it is prohibited. (Representative Image) Australian health officials have issued an urgent warning following a serious case of lead poisoning linked to a supplement product. The supplement, Multani Kaminividravana Rasa, commonly known as Kamini, was consumed by a patient who later required hospitalisation due to alarming levels of lead and mercury found in the product. According to Nine News, a local media outlet, the contaminated Kamini was bought at a Southeast Asian store in Adelaide and is believed to have been brought into the country illegally. The product, marketed as a powerful stimulant" intended to boost strength and energy, is available in the form of dark pellets. related stories Risks posed by uncontrolled products like Kamini were emphasised by Chris Lease, director of protection and regulation at SA Health. As they are not regulated, they may contain a potpourri of harmful ingredients some of which may cause severe illness and even death. Not only does the presence of heavy metals in the tablets pose a serious risk to your health, the potential inclusion of opioids also creates a high risk of dependence, further escalating potential harm," said Lease, as quoted by Nine News. Several public health warnings have been issued in recent years as a result of toxic chemicals found in Kamini that were found during earlier investigations. As mandated by Australian law, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has previously issued a warning to the public on Kamini, emphasising that the product has not completed safety, quality or efficacy studies and that its ingredients are categorised as dangerous poisons. As testing to check for the presence of drugs like codeine and morphine continues, there are increasing worries about Kaminis potential opioid content. In the past, reports have connected Kamini to a rise in opioid dependence among Australian users, which has led to many of them seeking treatment for withdrawal symptoms. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Lead poisoning symptoms include headaches, nausea, irritability, abdominal pain and severe neurological effects that can cause hospitalisation or even death. Kamini is still illegally imported and sold in some supermarkets and online marketplaces even though it is prohibited in Australia. The health department emphasises that Kamini should never be consumed and adds that current users should always seek professional medical guidance. Location : Delhi, India First Published: November 03, 2024, 09:00 IST Fugitive Thai YouTuber 'Nutty' Nabbed In Indonesia After Evading Arrest For 2 Years Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: November 03, 2024, 15:00 IST Natthamon rose to prominence through her YouTube channel known as Nuttys Diary, where she performed dance and singing, especially remaking scenes of Blackpink and BTS. Thai YouTuber Nutty was facing arrest warrants in Thailand in connection with a financial scam. (Photo Credits: Instagram) Popular Thai YouTuber Natthamon Khongchak, who is famous by her screen name Nutty, has been arrested in Indonesia after being on the run for two years in a financial scam. The 31-year-old influencer was arrested in Dumai town of Riau province, on October 18, 2024, with her mother, Thaniya Khongchak, according to local media reports. Their capture brought an end to a dramatic escape that the duo embarked on in July 2022 when they were facing several arrest warrants in Thailand in connection with a financial scam, according to a report by the South China Morning Post. related stories According to the report, the fugitive YouTuber had launched a forex investment scheme promising her followers high returns of 25% in three months, 30% in six months and 35% in a year, with monthly disbursement of gains. The scheme was launched in July 2022. However, the investors failed to get the returns as promised and she fled the country along with her mother and their secretary, Nichaphat Rattanukrom, the South China Morning Post report added. Natthamon rose to prominence through her YouTube channel known as Nuttys Diary, where she performed dance and singing, especially remaking scenes of Blackpink and BTS. As per The Bangkok Post, at the time she had more than 800,000 subscribers, she created an audience base, which she then used to become an investment guru. In her forex trading program, more than 6,000 investors lost nearly around 2 billion baht, or approximately $59 million, and they never got back their money. Explaining the discrepancies at the company, Natthamon stated that the missing money was lost from the trading strategies and later she fled the country. According to the South China Morning Post, Khongchaks tried to assimilate into Indonesian society but were arrested when immigration authorities began to suspect them for not being locals due to their Thai accent. They reportedly asked Natthamon to sing the Indonesian national anthem, which she failed to do. This made the officials investigate further and discover her real identity. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Indonesian police successfully coordinated with Thai police and Interpol to deport them back to Thailand. When they landed at the Don Mueang airport in Bangkok on October 25, the accused were handed over to the police officers, the news outlet mentioned. Natthamon has 13 arrest warrants pending against her from Thailands Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau for her alleged involvement in the investment scam and her mother faces arrest in two cases. Both are reported to be charged extensively for the offences of fraud and misleading the public. Speaking briefly to reporters when she arrived at the immigration bureau, Natthamon apologised to her victims but did not elaborate on the case, as per The Bangkok Post. Location : Delhi, India First Published: November 03, 2024, 15:00 IST Mark Zuckerberg Dresses Up As John Wick For Halloween, But Gets Compared With Severus Snape From Harry Potter Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: November 03, 2024, 11:00 IST Many suggested a different wig might have captured John Wick's essence more accurately. Mark Zuckerberg posted a photo of himself wearing a black suit and tie, just like John Wick movies. (Photo Credits: Instagram) Halloween at the Zuckerberg household was a mix of fun and creative costumes, with Mark Zuckerberg channelling his inner action star. The Meta CEO dressed up in a sleek black suit and tie, drawing inspiration from the iconic John Wick character, portrayed by Keanu Reeves. Joining him were his wife, Priscilla Chan, and their daughters, who looked adorable in ballerina outfits. While many praised Zuckerbergs take on the look, others on social media couldnt help but compare him to Severus Snape, the beloved character from Harry Potter, played by the late Alan Rickman. Mark Zuckerberg nailed the classic black suit and even added bruises to look like Wick. But some social media users felt his wig missed the mark, leading to playful comparisons with Severus Snape. related stories Many suggested a different wig might have captured the assassins essence more accurately. Sharing photos, Zuckerberg captioned the post, When your house full of girls decides to be ballerinas, be John Wick." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mark Zuckerberg (@zuck) Reacting to the post, one user wrote, Keanu Zuckgustus is too much for my heart." Another jokingly asked, Is that Severus?" You look like a good Severus Snape," a comment read. Another questioned, You have so much money and you cant buy a good wig?" One individual stated, Professor Snape dressed up as John Wick for Halloween." One more added, Aimed at Keanu Reeves and hit Severus Snape." On Halloween, while Mark Zuckerberg transformed into John Wick, Aravind Srinivas, the CEO of Perplexity AI, turned heads by dressing up as Zuckerberg himself. Srinivas posted a photo on X(formerly Twitter), sporting Zuckerbergs signature black T-shirt, jeans, dark sunglasses, and a silver chain nailing the tech moguls iconic look. Adding a playful twist, Srinivas hinted at next years costume inspiration, writing, Halloween costume. Next year I will do Sam. Congrats on the launch." Halloween costume. Next year I will do @sama. Congrats on the launch! pic.twitter.com/niQwrRyVXh Aravind Srinivas (@AravSrinivas) November 1, 2024 Google celebrated Halloween in style by inviting employees to bring their pets dressed as their favourite characters. Among the crowd, Sundar Pichai stood out with his clever outfit choice a black T-shirt that read, Error 404: Costume Not Found." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sundar Pichai (@sundarpichai) top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Social media users joined the fun and filled the comments section with hilarious reactions. Location : Delhi, India First Published: November 03, 2024, 11:00 IST UCLA Chemists Challenge A 100-Year Rule That May Change The Face Of Pharma Industry Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: November 03, 2024, 16:00 IST For a long time, scientists thought molecules could not have a carbon-carbon double bond at the bridge spot of a bicyclic molecule. This idea is called Bredts rule and its been in textbooks since 1924. UCLA team used silyl halide molecules and triggered a reaction that created these new ABOs. (Representative Image) Chemists at UCLA have found a big problem in the core principles of organic chemistry. They have disproven a key rule thats stood unchallenged for a century and suggest that their latest findings call for a textbook update. Organic chemistry, the study of carbon-based molecules, involves rules about how atoms connect to make molecules. Some molecules, called olefins (or alkenes), have two carbon atoms bonded with a double bond, which makes them flat or two-dimensional in structure. For a long time, scientists thought molecules could not have a carbon-carbon double bond at the bridge spot of a bicyclic molecule. This idea is called Bredts rule and its been in textbooks since 1924. This rule stated that putting a double bond on this bridge spot would make the molecule too twisted and unstable. Due to this, chemists have always avoided trying to make these kinds of molecules, limiting their research in drug discovery. related stories Olefins are useful in pharmaceutical research and the study findings could pave the way for development of new drugs. Theres a big push in the pharmaceutical industry to develop chemical reactions that give three-dimensional structures like ours because they can be used to discover new medicines," said Neil Garg, the UCLA professor who led this research. The UCLA team has published a paper against the rule in their journal Science. The new research has shown this rule isnt as solid as it seemed. They figured out how to make these so-called impossible" molecules with the double bond on the bridge. They call these anti-Bredt olefins (ABOs). Whats exciting is that creating these ABOs could lead to new ways to develop medicines or other valuable chemical products. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all To do this, the UCLA team used a clever chemical process. They started with a type of molecule called a silyl halide, added another ingredient, and triggered a reaction that created these new ABO molecules. Since ABOs are unstable, they added an extra chemical to trap" or stabilise them, making it possible to study and use these molecules. Neil Garg explained that rules like Bredts rule can hold back creativity if scientists see them as unbreakable. Now that they know it can be broken, it opens up exciting new possibilities for chemistry. We shouldnt have rules like thisor if we do, they should be seen as guidelines rather than unbreakable laws. Rules like these limit creativity by suggesting certain things are impossible when theyre not," Garg added. Location : Delhi, India First Published: November 03, 2024, 16:00 IST Woman Takes DNA Test After Colleagues Joke About Her Looks. What Happens Next Is Shocking Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: November 03, 2024, 14:00 IST After her family gave unclear answers to her questions, Dong sought confirmation through a DNA test. The woman belongs to Xinxiang, China. In an unexpected turn of events, a woman based in Northern China underwent a DNA test after her colleagues joked about her unusual looks and found out that she was not genetically related to her parents. In an interview with the South China Morning Post, the woman who hails from Xinxiang, Henan province revealed that the test was prompted by her coworkers light-hearted remarks about her different appearance, stating that it did not look local." Driven by their comments, she began to question where she originated from and sought clarification from her family. Ive always lived in Xinxiang, but when I started working, my coworkers said, You dont look like us at all. You have a wider nose, thicker lips, and larger and deeper eyes than we have. You dont look like someone from Henan at all," the woman, surnamed Dong, told SCMP. Every night I wondered where I came from?" she added. related stories However, her family gave unclear and contradictory answers to her questions, therefore, she sought confirmation through a DNA test. The results confirmed her doubts, revealing that she was not her parents biological daughter. Moreover, the test indicated that she likely originated from Guangxi province, located in the far southern part of China. Since its initial coverage by Henan Broadcasting System on October 24, the story generated a lot of interest and conversations on social media. After Dong revealed the results of her tests, Chinas internet community flooded with support with many users urging her to find her biological parents. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all After the incident came under the spotlight, a woman from Guangxi, surnamed Qi, reportedly contacted Dong, suspecting that she was her long-lost daughter due to their facial similarities. However, there has been no confirmation of whether Qi is her biological mother. Previously, a similar case came into the limelight after a family based in the US took a DNA test just for fun and found out that their youngest son was not genetically related to them. Donna Johnson, 47, and her husband Vanner, 47, along with their two boys, Vanner Jr, 18, and Tim, 12, took the tests for fun" in 2019, unaware of the life-changing truth that awaited them. The results revealed that Tim, their youngest kid, was not biologically linked to Vanner. Donna revealed that she had sought the help of in vitro fertilisation in 2008 to conceive. Location : Delhi, India First Published: November 03, 2024, 14:00 IST Trump Leapfrogs Harris In Every Swing State As US Election Draws Near, New Poll Reveals Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 03, 2024, 22:53 IST US Election 2024: The swing states havent historically aligned with any of the two parties- Republican and Democratic, and could sway either way. Former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris | File Image (AP) As the US presidential election draws near, the latest polling data suggests that former president Donald Trump is leading against Vice President Kamala Harris in every swing state by narrow margins. The survey conducted of likely American voters, who will decide the fate of the US presidential candidates, revealed that Republican nominee Trump is leading against Democratic Harris in North Carolina, Georgia, Arizona, Nevada, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Pennsylvania. related stories The survey of likely American voters from AtlasIntel found Trump garnered 52.3 per cent support to Harris 45.8 per cent in Arizona; 51.2 per cent support from likely voters to Harris 46 per cent in Nevada; 50.5 per cent support to Harris 47.1 per cent in North Carolina. Similarly, Trump is leading 50.1% to 47.6% over the Democrat in Georgia; 49.7 per cent to 48.2 per cent in Michigan, 49.6 per cent to 47.8 per cent in Pennsylvania; and 49.7 per cent to 48.6 per cent in Wisconsin, making it the closest contest between Trump and Harris. Overall, Trump has secured a lead of 49 per cent to 47.2 per cent over Harris, according to the poll which claimed that several of the swing states are within the polls two-point margin of error. AtlasIntel claims in its poll that it was the most accurate during the 2020 election cycle, successfully predicting the outcomes in every swing state within the margin of error. The latest polling data comes just two days ahead of the much-anticipated election day, which will follow a chaotic and highly polarized campaign cycle that featured two assassination attempts against Trump and President Biden exiting the race. Harris Outpaces Trump In New Lowa Poll According to a stunning new poll, Kamala Harris has overtaken Donald Trump in Lowa, a state that Trump won decisively in both 2016 and 2020. The remarkable shift observed in the Selzer poll conducted for the Des Moines Register, released on Saturday, can be attributed to women and older voters. The Selzer poll, which surveyed 808 likely voters between October 28 and 31, shows Harris ahead of Trump by 47% to 44% in a state that has leaned heavily Republican in recent years. The Trump campaign criticised these findings and highlighted another poll released on the same day that shows the Republican candidate with a ten-point lead in the state. What Are Swing States? Will America elect its first female president, or will Donald Trump win a second term in office? Well, its answer goes with the mood of the seven swing states, which havent historically aligned with any of the two parties and could sway either way. The seven statesArizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsinaccount for 93 electoral college votes. Pennsylvania has the most at 19 votes, followed by Georgia and North Carolina, each with 16, and Michigan with 15. Swing states, commonly referred to as battleground states, are defined by their unpredictable voting behaviours, frequently changing between Democratic and Republican candidates. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all These states feature a diverse array of demographic groups, economic interests, and cultural perspectives, resulting in shifting voter preferences from one election to another. Several opinion polls have pointed towards a dead heat between both Trump and Harris in the 2024 presidential polls which will be conducted on November 5. Location : United States of America (USA) First Published: November 03, 2024, 20:56 IST 'Had No Answer': When PM Modi's Question On India-Australia Ties Stumped Jaishankar In 2014 Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 03, 2024, 18:45 IST EAM S Jaishankar shared the story from 2014 while addressing the Indian community in Brisbane, Australia on Sunday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar | File Image External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, who arrived in Brisbane on Sunday, shared a story from 2014 when Prime Minister Narendra Modis question on India-Australia relations left him speechless, prompting him to reflect on ties between both nations. Addressing the Indian community in Brisbane, the EAM said, I remember an early conversation with him (PM Modi) in 2014. He asked me Explain to me why hasnt our relationship with Australia developed? Because it has everything going for it. There is a language, shared culture, and tradition and yet somehow, something is not happening." related stories Jaishankar admitted that he found himself without an answer for PM Modi, as he hadnt previously reflected on the question. Things dont happen automatically. It needs effort, mission and leadership," the EAM said. PM Modi-led government, credited widely for changing Indias diplomatic outlook in several ways, came to power for the first time in 2014. Sharing his views on how the bilateral relationship between the two nations evolved in the last decade, Jaishankar said, This didnt happen on auto-pilot. People, on both ends, made great efforts to build it." VIDEO | I mentioned PM Modi and I did so, for a particular reason. I remember an early conversation with him in 2014. He asked me that explain to me why hasnt our relationship with Australia developed? Because it has everything going for it. There is a language, share pic.twitter.com/2NUdR3awbg Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) November 3, 2024 4 Factors That Shaped India-Australia Ties Jaishankar emphasised the transformation in India-Australia relations, attributing the progress to four key factors while reflecting on the evolution of the bilateral partnership between the two nations. Jaishankar credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Australian government, the global dynamics, and the contributions of the Indian diaspora for the evolution of the India-Australia ties. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all I want to highlight how much this relationship has changed in the last decade. There are four reasons. One PM Modi, two Australia, three the world and fourth is all of you. That is the reason why the relationship has come a long way," the EAM said. EAM Jaishanka is on his five-day visit to Australia from November 3 to November 7, during which he will inaugurate the fourth Indian consulate in Australia in Brisbane on November 4. Location : Australia First Published: November 03, 2024, 18:21 IST Iran Vows 'Tooth-Breaking' Response to Israel As US Deploys B-52 Bombers In Middle East Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 03, 2024, 11:07 IST Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei made the threats after Israel's latest round of strikes on Iranian military sites last month. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei threatened a 'teeth-breaking' response to Israel and the US. (Reuters) Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei promised a tooth-breaking" response to Israel and the United States after Israel targeted Iranian military sites in retaliatory strikes late last month. The enemies, both the US and the Zionist regime (Israel), should know that they will definitely receive a teeth-breaking response for what they are doing against Iran and the resistance front," said Khamenei, referring to Iran-allied militant groups including Hamas and Hezbollah. related stories He was speaking during a meeting with students on Saturday, ahead of the anniversary of the 1979 seizure of the US embassy in Tehran, Irans state-run Press TV reported. We are certainly doing everything necessary to prepare the Iranian nation to stand against arrogance, whether in terms of military readiness, armaments, or political actions, and thank God, our officials are currently engaged in this," he added. Also this week, Iran said it could increase the range of its missiles, according to a report in state-run media. If the Islamic Republic of Iran faces an existential threat, we will inevitably change the policy of our military doctrine," the head of Irans Strategic Council on Foreign Relations, Kamal Kharrazi, told Lebanons al-Mayadeen TV on Friday, per Press TV. He also said Iran is capable of producing nuclear weapons but remains curbed by a mandate by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei against weapons of mass destruction, Press TV reported. Israeli Strikes On Iran Khameneis remarks come a week after Israels latest round of strikes on Iran in response to the Islamic Republics October 1 missile attack on the Jewish state, which itself was a response to the Israeli killing of leaders from Hamas and Hezbollah. For the first time, Israeli officials admitted hitting targets on Iranian soil in a significant escalation of tensions, although Israel stopped short of hitting Iranian energy or nuclear facilities. Iran has been mulling its response to Israels strikes, with a high-ranking source telling CNN on Wednesday that they will be met with a definitive and painful" retaliation that will likely come before the US presidential vote. Khameneis remarks on Saturday signal a departure from Irans initial attempts to downplay the severity of the strikes carried out by Israel on October 25. Following the strikes, Khamenei took a more measured tone, saying the attacks should neither be exaggerated nor downplayed." An Israeli military source on Thursday said the country is at a high level of readiness" for a response from Iran. But the source told CNN that they are still assessing the decision-making process in Iran" to determine if and when a retaliation will take place. US B-52 Bombers, Warships Arrive In Middle East Meanwhile, American B-52 bombers have arrived in the Middle East, the US military said Saturday, a day after Washington announced their deployment in a warning to Iran. B-52 Stratofortress strategic bombers from Minot Air Force Bases 5th Bomb Wing arrived in the US Central Command area of responsibility," the military command for the Middle East and surrounding countries said in a post on social media. 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 measure necessary to defend our people," Pentagon spokesperson Air Force Major General Patrick Ryder said in a statement on Friday. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Prior to that, White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre on Wednesday said Iran should not respond to Israels strikes on its territory, adding that if Iran does choose to respond, however, the US will be standing by to assist Israel in its defence." (with agency inputs) Location : Tehran, Iran First Published: November 03, 2024, 08:19 IST 'They Have True Superpowers: Marvel Star Ruffalo Calls On Native Americans To Back Harris Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 03, 2024, 23:43 IST Mark Ruffalo endorsed Harris for the US election and lashed out at Trump for "ignoring and disrespecting" the Native people. Marvel Cinematic Universe star Mark Ruffalo (Left), Vice President Kamala Harris (Right) | Image/File (AFP) As the US presidential election draws closer, Marvel Cinematic Universe star Mark Ruffalo underscored the importance of Native American votes in the swing states while voicing his support for Democratic candidate and Vice President Kamala Harris. Ruffalo, known for his role as Bruce Banner, the Hulk, said, We are just actors, the Native people have real superpowers. And with this election being so close, the Native vote could save our democracy." related stories Sharing a recorded video of a conversation on X, Ruffalo wrote, Excited to share this new video to get out the Native vote, which can win elections in many swing states." He further urged the native Americans to bring their two relatives to the polls, in a bid to triple the Native vote for Harris." The Democratic candidate has been pitted against Republican candidate and former president Donald Trump in a dead heat. Happy #NativeAmericanHeritageMonth! Excited to share this new video to get out the Native vote, which can win elections in many swing states.Please bring two relatives to the polls & triple the Native vote for Democratic candidate for President @KamalaHarris weve got this! pic.twitter.com/zHmePW1t8o Mark Ruffalo (@MarkRuffalo) November 3, 2024 The endorsement comes just two days ahead of the much-anticipated election day, which will follow a chaotic and highly polarized campaign cycle that featured two assassination attempts against Trump and President Biden exiting the race. Ruffalo Hits Out At Trump Endorsing Harris for the US election, Ruffalo lashed out at Trump for ignoring and disrespecting" the Native people which makes up around 2 per cent of the US population, according to a report. The states with the highest percentage of Native Americans are Alaska, Oklahoma, New Mexico, South Dakota, Montana, and North Dakota, the report showed. Trump doesnt care about Native people and also doesnt respect them. This election could impact the money that the tribal nations receive from the federal government, and support in healthcare and infrastructure. All these are at risk right now," the Marvel star said. The endorsement from the Marvel star comes after recent polling data showed Trump leading Vice President Kamala Harris in every swing state by narrow margins. The survey conducted of likely American voters by AtlasIntel revealed that Republican nominee Trump is leading against Democratic Harris in North Carolina, Georgia, Arizona, Nevada, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Pennsylvania. What Are Swing States? Historically, the seven swing states of America have never aligned with any of the two parties- Republican and Democratic- and could sway either way. The seven statesArizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsinaccount for 93 electoral college votes. Pennsylvania has the most at 19 votes, followed by Georgia and North Carolina, each with 16, and Michigan with 15. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Swing states, known as battleground states, are defined by their unpredictable voting behaviours, frequently changing between Democratic and Republican candidates. They feature a diverse array of demographic groups, economic interests, and cultural perspectives, resulting in shifting voter preferences from one election to another. Location : United States of America (USA) First Published: November 03, 2024, 23:41 IST Flash Kemi Badenoch was elected the new Conservative Party leader of the United Kingdom (UK) on Saturday, becoming the first black woman to lead a major political party in the UK. Badenoch, former secretary of state for business and trade, won 57 percent of the votes, beating Robert Jenrick, former minister of state for immigration, the Conservative backbench 1922 Committee Chairman Bob Blackman announced. The Tory leadership race was triggered by former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's announcement of his intention to resign on July 5 after the Conservatives lost to the Labour Party in the country's general election. On July 29, the 1922 Committee announced six contenders had met the requirements to enter the leadership race: Robert Jenrick, Kemi Badenoch, James Cleverly, Priti Patel, Mel Stride and Tom Tugendhat. The list was whittled down to the final two through several rounds of voting among Tory MPs (Members of Parliament) before the Conservative Party members were asked to cast their votes between Oct. 15 and Oct. 31 to decide the ultimate winner. Badenoch said in her victory speech that the Tories need not only clear "Conservative pledges that appeal to the British people," but also "a clear plan to change this country by changing the way that government works." The new Tory leader also asked her party members to "be honest about the fact that we've made mistakes." "The time has come to tell the truth, to stand up for our principles, to plan for our future, to reset our politics and our thinking, and to give our party and our country the new start that they deserve," she said. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer congratulated Badenoch on her election victory on social media platform X, saying that "the first black leader of a Westminster party is a proud moment for our country." Elon Musk has ramped up his support of Donald Trump in the run-up to Tuesdays presidential election - ANGELA WEISS/AFP Elon Musks Tesla has hit out at Joe Bidens plans to ban Chinese parts from American cars, in a fresh rift between the billionaire and the White House just days before the US election. In a staunch rebuttal to the president, Tesla said the plans to restrict imports of modern car technology from the Far East amounted to a massive and ultimately unnecessary regulatory reporting regime. It said President Bidens proposal would create unneeded regulatory burdens on Western carmakers, many of which are already struggling amid competition from Chinese rivals. It comes after the White House recently unveiled plans that would require US car companies to ensure high-tech car components imported from overseas were not coming from China or Russia. However, to enforce this, it will require manufacturers to submit detailed information on all relevant suppliers, therefore increasing the burden of red tape. Tesla has weighed into the debate as Mr Musk, who has frequently sparred with US regulators, ramps up his support of Donald Trump in the run-up to Tuesdays presidential election. Teslas comments on the ban, published last week, criticise specific parts of the proposal rather than the overall plan. If enacted, the ban would target hardware and software connecting cars to the outside world, such as driverless systems and Bluetooth. US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said in September that the rules were essential to prevent foreign adversaries from taking control of cars on US roads. But in a submission to the Commerce Department, Teslas trade counsel Miriam Eqab said the rules adds unneeded regulatory burdens on software that is designed by non-US persons. Mr Musk has previously attacked Mr Bidens tariffs on electric cars imported from China, saying: In general Im in favour of no tariffs. Analysts have warned that strict US policies designed to squeeze Chinas car industry could see Beijing retaliate against Tesla, which sold 600,000 cars in China last year. The Biden administrations proposals, which are expected to apply from 2027, have provoked backlash from other carmakers. Polestar, the electric carmaker owned by Chinas Geely, warned last week that the rules would effectively prohibit it from selling cars in America. Lotus, which is also owned by Geely, said the plans may be of concern to its future in the US. Ford warned that the rules risked being overly broad and unnecessarily expansive and could prohibit the sale of its cars manufactured abroad, while Volkswagen called for preferential status for carmakers based in allied countries. Woman Strips At Iran University In Protest Against Strict Dress Code: Reports Published By : Reuters Last Updated: November 03, 2024, 10:59 IST The woman was detained after her protest, with authorities reportedly claiming that she suffered from a mental disorder. Visual of protest by Iranian woman (Photo: Social media) A young woman stripped to her underwear at an Iranian university on Saturday in an apparent protest against the countrys strict Islamic dress code, according to online videos and media reports. A video posted on social media showed security guards at a branch of the Islamic Azad University detaining the unidentified woman. University spokesperson Amir Mahjob said on X that at the police station,it was found that she was under severe mental pressure and had a mental disorder". related stories Brave Iranian woman strips down to her underwear in protest after shes verbally and physically abused by campus security for inadequate" hijab. The courage of these women is not from this world.#__pic.twitter.com/i8nuBcBzGv H. Ferdosy | . (@AuthorHFerry) November 2, 2024 But some social media users suggested the womans action was a deliberate protest. For most women, being in their underwear in public is one of their worst nightmares, This is a reaction to the (authorities) stupid insistence on the mandatory hijab," Lei La, a user on X, said in a comment accompanying the video. Her courageous nude protest against misogyny of Islamic regime of Iran has reverberated around the globe.When a regime is obsessed with controlling & policing womens bodies, nudity is an important form of resistance and defiance. #FreeGirlOfScienceResearch #__ pic.twitter.com/PKZk6wBKSS Maryam Namazie (@MaryamNamazie) November 3, 2024 top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The fate of the woman was not known but the mass-circulation daily Hamshahri said on its website: An informed source saidthe perpetrator of this act has severe mental problems and, after investigations, she will most likely be transferred to a mental hospital." Growing numbers of women have defied authorities by discarding their veils after nationwide protests that followed the death in September 2022 of a young Iranian Kurdish woman in the custody of the morality police for allegedly violating hijab rules. Security forces violently put down the revolt. Location : Tehran, Iran First Published: November 03, 2024, 08:44 IST One way to get into an elite college is to have your rich parents buy you spot in shady fashion . At the opposite end of the spectrum: Start working at it early, meaning well before high school. The Wall Street Journal profiles 29-year-old Jamie Beaton, a New Zealander whose Crimson Education company has made a name for itself by guiding students to do just that. At one recent meeting in New York with a handful of students from around the world to meet with Beaton, the youngest was 11. The newspaper sums up Beaton's philosophy: One of the attendees at the aforementioned meeting, a high school student from Japan, described Beaton as the "Steve Jobs of college counseling." Beaton himself is a Rhodes Scholar, one with a slew of degrees from top schools, who was raised by a single mom of modest means. And while his company has a strong track record on elite admissionsthat's documented in the story, along with Crimson's growing reputation on Wall Streetthe cost is steep: Parents pay from $30,000 to $200,000 for tutoring and counseling programs that range up to six years. The profile includes the view of critics (including those who work in college admissions) that such programs result in students with a laundry list of only superficial accomplishments. Read it in full here. (Or check out other longform recaps.) As the saying goes, in this world, nothing is certain except for death and taxes. Well, an octogenarian biohacker seeks to prove the former false. Kenneth Scott, an 81-year-old biotech investor and real estate mogul, spends upward of $70,000 every year on processes he believes can reverse the aging processand has invested hundreds of thousands of dollars in anti-aging technology and research. "Our culture has the mentality that we were born to die," he tells Quartz . "From childhood, we were taught that we're going to die. But I suggest that that culture is out of date." After years of experimental treatments, Scott claims tests have shown his biological age to be much younger than his actual one. And when he goes out dancing with his wife, he believes he still moves like an 18-year-old. (He dances in this video.) Scott tells Longevity that seeing his grandfather's health struggles when he passed away about 60 years ago first drove him to seek out ways to halt aging. "He had a few rough years before he died. I decided then I didn't want to go that way. And even more, I didn't want to live a life like he did as he got older. So I started to try and do things at that time, that I thought would be helpful." So how does Scott manage to spend $70,000 a year, even as he eschews most soaps and shampoos? Some examples: Vampire facials: Like Kim Kardashian, Scott is a fan of the platelet-rich plasma facialknown as the vampire facial because it involves using a patient's blood. According to KTAL News, after that blood is extracted, it's spun in a centrifuge until plasma is separated. The plasma is applied to the face to encourage regeneration and skin repair. (Note: Evidence this works is "thin," as McGill explains.) Like Kim Kardashian, Scott is a fan of the platelet-rich plasma facialknown as the vampire facial because it involves using a patient's blood. According to KTAL News, after that blood is extracted, it's spun in a centrifuge until plasma is separated. The plasma is applied to the face to encourage regeneration and skin repair. (Note: Evidence this works is "thin," as McGill explains.) Peptides: Scott spends up to $600 a month on anti-aging peptides, though he acknowledges it's "hard to measure exactly what the benefits are." Scott spends up to $600 a month on anti-aging peptides, though he acknowledges it's "hard to measure exactly what the benefits are." Gene therapy: Scott travels to Honduras for gene therapy injections (and sometimes chronicles the process on Instagram). While the FDA cautions against partaking in unapproved treatmentsparticularly those out of the countryScott says he's not getting any younger, so to speak. "I have a life expectancy of seven years at this point. I don't really have a lot of interest in five-year trial programs, so I just get on and do it." (Odd bonus of travel: It may slow aging .) The Army's Criminal Investigation Division says it is investigating a claim that Army Gen. Erik Kurilla, head of US Central Command, shoved a member of his air crew member during an overseas flight. The Army Criminal Investigation Division issued a statement Friday saying it is "aware of an alleged incident and is currently looking into it," offering no further details at this stage. Routine preliminary inquiries are standard procedure to decide if a complete investigation is necessary. The general remains active in his role and is currently stationed in the Middle East. President Biden has designated southeast New Mexico a major disaster zone following devastating floods that claimed two lives and necessitated over 300 rescues last month. The declaration, announced on Friday, unlocks federal resources for residents of Chaves County. In Roswell, rainfall on October 19 reached 5.78 inches, surpassing the city's previous record of 5.65 inches set in 1901. Mayor Tim Jennings described the event as "a 500-year flood," with the potential damages estimated at up to $500 million. The Roswell Museum has suffered at least $12 million in water damage, prompting the relocation of artworks for out-of-state restoration. The Biden administration outlined that federal aid will include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-interest loans for uninsured property losses, and additional measures to support local residents and businesses in their recovery efforts. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP) A respected leader within Mexico's Santa Muerte cult, "La Madrina Chayo," was fatally shot at an altar dedicated to the folk saint in Leon, Guanajuato, on Friday. The violent incident, which also claimed the lives of another woman and a child, left eight others injured. Prosecutors did not give the woman's real name; the killings occurred during preparations for the annual Santa Muerte celebration. La Santa Muerte, or "Holy Death," attracts worshippers from marginalized communities, including convicts and those facing hardship; she is supposed to safeguard her followers from death. An Iranian-American journalist who once worked for a US government-funded broadcaster is believed to have been detained by Iran for months now, US authorities confirmed Sunday, further raising the stakes as Tehran threatens to retaliate over an Israeli attack. The imprisonment of Reza Valizadeh, acknowledged to the AP by the US State Department, came as Iran marked the 45th anniversary of the American Embassy takeover and hostage crisis on Sunday. It also followed Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei threatening both Israel and the US the day before with "a crushing response" as long-range B-52 bombers reached the Middle East in an attempt to deter Tehran. Valizadeh had worked for Radio Farda, an outlet under Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty that's overseen by the US Agency for Global Media. In February, he wrote on X that his family members had been detained in an effort to force his return to Iran. In August, Valizadeh apparently posted two messages suggesting he had returned to Iran despite Radio Farda being viewed by Iran's theocracy as a hostile outlet. "I arrived in Tehran on March 6, 2024. Before that, I had unfinished negotiations with the (Revolutionary Guard's) intelligence department," the message read in part. "Eventually I came back to my country after 13 years without any security guarantee." Rumors have been circulating for weeks that Valizadeh had been detained. The Human Rights Activists News Agency, which monitors cases in Iran, said that he had been detained on arrival to the country earlier this year, but later released. He was then rearrested and sent to Evin prison, where he now faces a case in Iran's Revolutionary Court. The State Department said it was "aware of reports that this dual US-Iranian citizen has been arrested in Iran" when asked about Valizadeh. "We are working with our Swiss partners who serve as the protecting power for the United States in Iran to gather more information about this case," the State Department said. "Iran routinely imprisons U.S. citizens and other countries' citizens unjustly for political purposes." Meanwhile, thousands at the gate of the former US Embassy in Tehran chanted "death to America" and "death to Israel." (More Iran stories.) Yemen's Houthi rebels have been transformed from a local armed group with limited capabilities to a powerful military organization with support from Iran, Iraqi armed groups, Lebanon's Hezbollah militants, and others, UN experts said in a new report. The Iranian-backed Houthis have exploited the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza and worked to enhance their status in Iran's self-described "Axis of Resistance" to gain popularity in the region and beyond, the experts monitoring sanctions against the Houthis said in the 537-page report to the UN Security Council. After having 30,000 fighters in 2015, the force now numbers 350,000, the experts said, per the AP . To support Iranian-backed Hamas militants, whose surprise attacks in southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, sparked the war in Gaza, the Houthis have been attacking vessels in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, disrupting global shipping. Despite Houthi claims that they would target ships linked to Israel, the panel said its investigations revealed the rebels have been targeting vessels indiscriminately. Its analysis of data from the International Maritime Organization, the US and the UK revealed that at least 134 attacks were carried out from Houthi-controlled areas against merchant and commercial vessels and US and UK warships in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden between Nov. 15, 2023, and July 31, 2024. "The group's shift to actions at sea increased their influence in the region," the UN experts said. "Such a scale of attacks, using weapon systems on civilian vessels, had never occurred since the Second World War." Sources told the panel that the Houthis are coordinating operations with al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula and strengthening ties to the al-Qaida-linked al-Shabab militant group in Somalia, per the AP. The Houthis have been fighting a civil war with Yemen's internationally recognized government, backed by a Saudi-led coalition, since 2014. The experts said that conflict "has now escalated into a major international crisis." The report says: "The panel observes the transformation of the Houthis from a localized armed group with limited capabilities to a powerful military organization, extending their operational capabilities well beyond the territories under their control." (More Houthis stories.) Holding signs with slogans including "Stop the plop" and "Species not feces," thousands of people marched in London on Sunday to demand a cleanup of Britain's sewage-clogged waterways. Organizers estimated that 15,000 people took part in the march along the River Thames to Parliament, many wearing blue and waving blue flags to form a "human river." Water pollution has become an increasingly high-profile issue in Britain, focusing attention on climate change and the legacy of privatization of utilities several decades ago, the AP reports. Rower Imogen Grant, a gold medalist at the 2024 Olympic Games, said it was commonplace for rowers to get sick after training on the Thames. "I spend hours and hours on the water training every day in the rowing boats during my sessions, and seeing nappies floating along, seeing plastic bags, seeing scum along the pontoons that we're training on. ... It's just not good enough and something needs to change," she said. Private companies that provide both water and sewage have not updated their often-Victorian infrastructure as populations have grown and demand swelled. Leaks are common, per the AP, and during heavy rainfall companies discharge raw sewage into rivers, lakes, and the sea. The number of discharges increased by more than 50% last year to a record 464,000 spills, according to the Environment Agency. Pollution from farm runoff also taints Britain's waterways, and climate change is making the situation worse by bringing more intense rain. Water companies say the industry regulator won't allow them to raise water bills enough to finance improvements. The Labour Party government has introduced a bill to strengthen regulation and impose tougher penalties on water companies responsible for pollution. Demonstrators said more needs to be done. Britain's rivers are "among the worst in Europe," said nature broadcaster Chris Packham, who attended the march. "But I'm hopeful, firstly because we know what we need to do, and we have the technologies to fix it. What we need to do is to convince our new government to act more rapidly." (More clean water stories.) Protesters in Belgrade have voiced their anger over the deadly collapse of a concrete canopy at a railway station, staging demonstrations outside government buildings and demanding the arrest of officials. The collapse at the Novi Sad railway station on Friday claimed 14 lives, including that of a 6-year-old girl, and injured three others, all of whom had to have limbs amputated. Protesters have called for high-ranking officials, such as Prime Minister Milos Vucevic, to resign. Demonstrators left red handprints on government buildings, shouting "Arrest, arrest!" and accusing authorities of corruption, while banners read "corruption kills." The station has undergone two renovations in recent years, as part of of a larger deal with Chinese construction companies. Critics blame the incident on shoddy construction practices and a lack of oversight, implicating the populist government's influence over judicial processes. Officials have said the collapsed structure was not part of the recent renovations but provided no further clarification. In response to the public outcry, Serbia's government has promised a detailed investigation, with prosecutors interrogating over two dozen individuals. Despite official pledges, many are doubtful justice will prevail, given the tight hold populists have over the judiciary and law enforcement agencies. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP) Firefighters are grappling with persistent brush fires throughout Massachusetts, prompting officials to urge caution to prevent new incidents. Over the past week, hundreds of acres suffered damage in the greater Boston area, with additional blazes emerging in western and central regions. Typically, October sees around 15 wildland fires; however, this year that number skyrocketed to 200, paralleling figures from the more traditional spring fire season. Fire officials noted human activity as the cause for all fires that occurred in the last week of the month, which led some communities to cancel school and Halloween events. On Friday, the National Weather Service issued a "red flag" warning for eastern Massachusetts due to dry, warm conditions increasing fire risk. Open burning is prohibited statewide through January, and fire officials have advised against outdoor cooking, heating, and using power tools, as hot engines can ignite dry vegetation. Additionally, residents are warned against carelessly discarding cigarette butts in hazardous areas. On Saturday, a Boston man faced charges related to a Milford fire, located 40 miles west of Boston; he was charged with setting fire to another's land and burning land, trees, lumber, and produce. Chief Fire Warden David Celino reported that more than a quarter of this year's fires occurred in October, accounting for over half of the 1,158 acres burned so far. "The weather conditions and dry surface fuels...are expected to continue," warned Celino. State Fire Marshal Jon Davine emphasized that nearly 45% of homes are near potential fire zones, where activities like outdoor cooking or using power equipment often ignite blazes. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP) We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription. Potential Image Resources NL (ASX:IMA) shareholders may wish to note that the MD, CEO & Director, Patrick Mutz, recently bought AU$202k worth of stock, paying AU$0.099 for each share. That's a very solid buy in our book, and increased their holding by a noteworthy 34%. View our latest analysis for Image Resources The Last 12 Months Of Insider Transactions At Image Resources In fact, the recent purchase by Patrick Mutz was the biggest purchase of Image Resources shares made by an insider individual in the last twelve months, according to our records. That means that an insider was happy to buy shares at above the current price of AU$0.095. Their view may have changed since then, but at least it shows they felt optimistic at the time. We always take careful note of the price insiders pay when purchasing shares. Generally speaking, it catches our eye when an insider has purchased shares at above current prices, as it suggests they believed the shares were worth buying, even at a higher price. Patrick Mutz was the only individual insider to buy shares in the last twelve months. Patrick Mutz purchased 3.04m shares over the year. The average price per share was AU$0.087. You can see the insider transactions (by companies and individuals) over the last year depicted in the chart below. By clicking on the graph below, you can see the precise details of each insider transaction! ASX:IMA Insider Trading Volume November 3rd 2024 There are always plenty of stocks that insiders are buying. If investing in lesser known companies is your style, you could take a look at this free list of companies. (Hint: insiders have been buying them). Insider Ownership Of Image Resources Looking at the total insider shareholdings in a company can help to inform your view of whether they are well aligned with common shareholders. We usually like to see fairly high levels of insider ownership. Image Resources insiders own about AU$21m worth of shares. That equates to 20% of the company. We've certainly seen higher levels of insider ownership elsewhere, but these holdings are enough to suggest alignment between insiders and the other shareholders. So What Do The Image Resources Insider Transactions Indicate? It is good to see the recent insider purchase. We also take confidence from the longer term picture of insider transactions. But we don't feel the same about the fact the company is making losses. Insiders likely see value in Image Resources shares, given these transactions (along with notable insider ownership of the company). So while it's helpful to know what insiders are doing in terms of buying or selling, it's also helpful to know the risks that a particular company is facing. To that end, you should learn about the 3 warning signs we've spotted with Image Resources (including 1 which doesn't sit too well with us). State-owned media has highlighted Shein, the China-founded fast-fashion giant, as a model company reshaping the country's garments supply chain, even as it faces uncertainties over a UK initial public offering (IPO) and slower growth overseas. Shanghai Securities News, under the state-run Xinhua News Agency, published the first of its "Unicorn Growth Series" on Friday, with Shein as the featured company. The series is intended to emphasise the role of unicorn companies, or start-ups worth more than US$1 billion, as the vanguard of "new quality productive forces" - a term introduced by President Xi Jinping in September last year to describe productivity gains driven by technology innovation. Shein, which sells budget clothing to a global customer base from its vast network of suppliers in the Pearl River Delta, was praised for its contribution to industry upgrading, in a report titled "The Growth Miracle of Fashion Company Shein". Do you have questions about the biggest topics and trends from around the world? Get the answers with SCMP Knowledge, our new platform of curated content with explainers, FAQs, analyses and infographics brought to you by our award-winning team. Known for its agile production model, Shein typically starts with small orders of around 100 to 200 per stock-keeping unit - a number assigned to each product for inventory purposes - then adjusts the production based on data like clicks and sales. Fast-fashion juggernaut Shein is known for its agile production model. Photo: dpa alt=Fast-fashion juggernaut Shein is known for its agile production model. Photo: dpa> That on-demand production method enhances efficiency and cuts waste, according to a Shein vice-president cited in the report. As a result, the company's excess-inventory rates have dropped to single digits, compared to an industry average of 50 per cent. The article also featured Shein's investment in garment production technology, such as an in-house developed glove-making machine that can complete each piece within three minutes, one-sixth of the previous production time. Suppliers frequently visit Shein's Innovation Research Centre, where they receive training in fabric inspection, sewing, quality control and production management. "With the help of intelligent equipment, Shein empowers small-scale apparel suppliers, facilitating their digital, smart, and standardised transformation," reads the article. In August 2023, Shein pledged to invest 500 million yuan (US$70.2 million) over five years in technology innovation, training support, factory establishment and services for suppliers, as a way to empower the transformation of China's traditional apparel industry. OTTAWA, ON, Nov. 3, 2024 /CNW/ - Today, the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence, and the Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence, issued the following statement to mark the 80th anniversary of the Liberation of Belgium: "The fall of 1944 was a defining period for the First Canadian Army. After clearing coastal areas in northern France following the successful D-Day landings and the Battle of Normandy, tens of thousands of Canadian troops played a leading role in opening the Scheldt Estuary toward the Belgian port of Antwerp. "Not only did maintaining such a vital supply line allow the Allied armies to continue their push toward Germany, it also helped to ultimately free Western Europe from more than four years of Nazi occupation. "Eighty years ago today, the people of Belgium were finally liberated. For weeks, Canadian soldiers fought their way across flat, muddy and flooded terrain that offered them little cover as they advanced. Undeterred by the challenges they faced, they succeeded in clearing the Breskens Pocket and liberate the last portions of Belgian territory held by enemy troops, on 3 November 1944. "The victory was costly, with the Canadian army accruing thousands of casualties including more than 800 Canadian soldiers making the ultimate sacrifice in battle in Belgium. To this day, we remain grateful that our friends and allies in Belgium continue to honour the memory of the hundreds of Canadian service members who were laid to rest at in cemeteries like Adegem Canadian War Cemetery and Schoonselhof Cemetery. "The lasting bond between our countries was forged by thousands of Canadians and Belgians who bravely fought for freedom during the Second World War. Canadians like Edna Beattie who enlisted in 1940, and served as a nurse in England, France and later Belgium where she treated Allied wounded, and Joseph Ross who served with the Queen's Own Rifles of Canada helping liberate the Breskens Pocket. "Today, we remember them and their families, and all they endured to liberate Belgium and Europe." Associated Links: Liberation of Belgium Veterans Affairs Canada SOURCE Veterans Affairs Canada - Ottawa Cision View original content: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/November2024/03/c2895.html A maintenance worker was rescued from a lift towering over a Jersey Shore hotel Saturday night after it malfunctioned, local fire officials said. The worker was painting and changing outdoor lights at the Angel of the Sea in Cape May when their aerial platform lift began malfunctioning, the firefighters union said Sunday. The worker was about 50 feet above ground when the device became inoperable. City firefighters were called to the bed and breakfast around 6:30 p.m. A fire trucks ladder was raised to the worker, whose lift was stuck at the top of one of the buildings towers. The worker was brought down uninjured, firefighters said. It was unknown if the worker was employed by the hostel or if they were a contractor. The bed and breakfast did not immediately return an emailed request from NJ Advance Media for comment. Thank you for relying on us to provide the local news you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a subscription. Eric Conklin may be reached at econklin@njadvancemedia.com. With Pennsylvania seen by many political experts as a key to Tuesdays presidential election and crucial to Vice President Kamala Harris road to 270 electoral votes one of her biggest celebrity supporters crashed the Eagles game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday to lobby for votes. BETTING: Our expert Jaguars vs. Eagles player prop bets and game props MORE: Jaguars vs. Eagles NFL Week 9 predictions and best bets: Is Philly a no-brainer? Actor Robert De Niro, who has been one of Donald Trumps harshest Hollywood critics, spent the pregame convincing tailgaters at Lincoln Financial Field to vote for Harris. De Niro and former Secretary of State John Kerry hosted a get out the vote event in M Lot at The Linc. Meanwhile, in Lititz, Pa., Trump gave a profane and conspiracy-laden speech two days before the presidential election, talking about reporters being shot and suggesting he shouldnt have left the White House after his 2020 loss to Democrat Joe Biden. In remarks Sunday that bore no resemblance to his standard speech in the campaigns closing stretch, the former president repeatedly cast doubt on the integrity of the vote and resurrected old grievances about being prosecuted after trying to overturn his defeat four years ago. Trump intensified his verbal attacks against a grossly incompetent national leadership and the American media, steering his Pennsylvania rally at one point on to the topic of violence against members of the press. The GOP nominee for the White House noted the ballistic glass placed in front of him at events after a gunmans assassination attempt in July at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, and Trump talked about places where he saw openings in that protection. I have this piece of glass here, he said. But all we have really over here is the fake news. And to get me, somebody would have to shoot through the fake news. And I dont mind that so much. The AP contributed to this report. Since the charter school movement took off in New Jersey under Gov. Chris Christie, there have been some districts where they are now dominating, like Newark and Camden. Theyve done remarkably well, but critics say their success comes at the expense of district schools that they divert too much money from traditional schools, and cream the most active parents and best students. That leaves most kids left behind in diminished district schools, the argument goes. But fresh data tells a different story. Rather than injuring the traditional public schools, it shows the opposite: That cities with lots of charter schools do better, on the whole. The charter schools, it turns out, are not poison. They help lift all boats. Thats what we saw in both Camden and Newark at least until the pandemic landed in Newark like a gut punch, leaving the district schools hobbled. Thats a local management issue, given that other districts have recovered better. The new report, from the Progressive Policy Institute, looked at the performance of kids from 2010 to 2023, minus the first two years of the pandemic for which there was no data. It used average standardized test scores from third through eighth grade. And it found that low-income students in the traditional Newark district schools boosted their test scores, closing the gap with the state performance average by 13.5%. In Camden, the traditional district students did even better, closing the gap by 35% during that period. We were thrilled to see that the benefits were spreading even to students who did not get a seat in the lottery or whose parents didnt apply to have them get into a charter school, said the author of this report, Tressa Pankovits. Weve seen ample evidence already that charters are doing fantastically, with their mostly low-income, minority students getting higher scores on math and reading tests than their peers in the district schools, according to state data compiled by the Charter School Association of NJ. When given a menu of schools to choose from, families in Newark repeatedly select charters. It is an ugly myth to suggest poor families dont care. More than a third of students in Newark are now enrolled in charter-run schools, and in Camden, its more than two-thirds. And its heartening now to see that kids in the district are benefiting too. The better performance of the charters appears to pull them along as well what Pankovits calls a spillover effect. While this study finds a strong correlation between charter expansion and a citywide boost in performance, it could not prove causation, she notes. Deeper research is warranted, as well as a closer look at when these districts made their biggest strides, particularly given the many phases Newark has gone through since 2011. From 2011 to 2017, it was run by two state-appointed superintendents, Cami Anderson and Christopher Cerf, who were more supportive of charters than the current superintendent, Roger Leon, who took over after the state restored local control in 2018. There are many reasons why charters may boost performance in traditional district schools. It may show that districts with a heavy charter footprint tend to have better management overall. It may come from the pressure of competition, or collaboration on successful teacher training programs. The study didnt examine that. This study looked at a total of 10 cities with a majority of low-income students where at least a third are enrolled in public charter schools, and what it found was stunning, Pankovits said. In all 10, kids did better citywide. Low-income students in these districts closed the gap with the state performance average by 25% to 40%. Citywide, Newark kids boosted their performance on state tests by 11 points during this period, closing the performance gap with their peers across the state by 45%. And Camden started out significantly further behind than the other cities, so its strides were particularly striking. Citywide, Camden kids boosted their proficiency on state tests by 21 points, closing the gap with their wealthier peers around the state by 42%. These findings send a powerful message, as we strive to figure out how to make large gains in urban school districts: This idea that charters are inevitably damaging to the main school district is a myth. Creating more options for families does not hurt. It helps. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Bookmark NJ.com/Opinion. Follow on Twitter @NJ_Opinion and find NJ.com Opinion on Facebook. By Kurt Davis Jr. The battle lines of the 2024 election extend far beyond Donald Trump and Kamala Harris trading barbs on the campaign trail. We are witnessing something rarer and more profound: a fundamental renegotiation of Americas social contract. Six-day (Tuesday through Sunday) print subscribers of the Watertown Daily Times are eligible for full access to NNY360, the NNY360 mobile app, and the Watertown Daily Times e-edition, all at no additional cost. If you have an existing six-day print subscription to the Watertown Daily Times, please make sure your email address on file matches your NNY360 account email. You can sign up or manage your print subscription using the options below. By Steve Holland LITITZ, Pennsylvania (Reuters) -Republican Donald Trump complained to supporters on Sunday about gaps in the bullet-proof glass surrounding him as he spoke and mused that an assassin would have to shoot through the news media to get him, adding, "I don't mind that so much." In a meandering 90-minute rally speech two days before Tuesday's U.S. presidential election, Trump noted that there were gaps in the panes of glass around him. Some of the members of the press following Trump at the event in Lititz, Pennsylvania, had a sight line through one of the gaps. The former president has escaped two attempted assassinations this year, including being grazed in the ear by a gunman's bullet during a July rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. Surveying the gaps, Trump said: "To get me, somebody would have to shoot through the fake news and I don't mind that so much." Trump's rhetoric has become increasingly unrestrained in the campaign's final weeks. Arizona's top prosecutor on Friday opened an investigation after Trump suggested prominent Republican critic, former congresswoman Liz Cheney, should face gunfire in combat. Trump campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung issued a statement after the media remarks. He said Trump was looking out for the media's safety. "The presidents statement about protective glass placement has nothing to do with the media being harmed, or anything else. It was about threats against him that were spurred on by dangerous rhetoric from Democrats," the statement said. A source familiar with internal Trump campaign dynamics said Trump's comment about the media was not planned and noted that he often makes ad lib statements. Trump personally requested the statement that Cheung issued, the source said. Trump spent a considerable amount of his speech attacking the news media at the rally, at one point gesturing to TV cameras and saying, "ABC, it's ABC, fake news, CBS, ABC, NBC. These are, these are, in my opinion, in my opinion, these are seriously corrupt people." (Reporting by Steve Holland; Editing by Scott Malone and Howard Goller) 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. A child enjoys the toys inside the Talk and Play Center Wednesday, May 29, 2024, at the Louisiana Children's Museum in City Park in New Orleans, La. By Marianna Parraga and Mircely Guanipa HOUSTON/MARACAY (Reuters) - Venezuela's oil exports rose to a four-year high, approaching 950,000 barrels per day in October, boosted by growing crude output and more sales to India and the United States, according to shipping data and documents from state firm PDVSA. The increase happened despite a large storage terminal fire last month, tighter U.S. sanctions since June and the arrest of the country's former oil minister, Pedro Tellechea, and former PDVSA executives over corruption allegations. A bounce in crude production, mainly due to the stabilization of processing operations at Venezuela's largest oil region, the Orinoco Belt, has allowed the recovery of heavy crude inventories, the PDVSA documents showed. In total, PDVSA and its joint ventures exported an average of 947,387 bpd of crude and fuel, 21% over the previous month and the highest monthly figure since early 2020, according to the data, based on tanker movements. The South American country, which has remained under U.S. sanctions since 2019, also exported 314,500 metric tons of oil byproducts and petrochemicals, slightly more than the 267,000 tons of September. Crude shipments by Chevron to the United States reached a peak of 280,000 bpd, the highest since the U.S. producer resumed exports of Venezuela's heavy grades early last year. Spanish producer Repsol also exported Venezuelan oil cargoes to the U.S. and Spain last month. PDVSA increased exports to India, which used to be a top market before the sanctions, sending three cargoes, or about 141,000 bpd, last month, the data showed. Crude deliveries to the U.S., Europe and India are authorized under U.S. licenses to some PDVSA's joint venture partners and customers, including Chevron, Repsol, Eni, Maurel & Prom, and Reliance Industries. However, China remained the main destination of Venezuela's oil exports in October with 385,300 bpd shipped to the world's top oil importer directly and indirectly. Exports to China had been higher in September, when they averaged some 451,500 bpd. Venezuela's exports to political ally Cuba, which is struggling to overcome an acute energy crisis, slightly rose to 28,000 bpd, from 22,000 bpd in September. Venezuela also saw an increase in fuel imports to 81,000 bpd, from 67,000 bpd the previous month, according to the data. (Reporting by Marianna Parraga in Houston and Mircely Guanipa in Maracay, Venezuela; Editing by Marguerita Choy) The best companies can deliver above-average total returns year after year. For example, Walmart and Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE: BRK.A)(NYSE: BRK.B) have delivered 12% and 13% annualized returns, respectively, over the past 30 years, outpacing the S&P 500's 11%. Meanwhile, Amazon has delivered an 18% annualized return during the past 25 years, well ahead of the S&P 500's 8% return. However, as good as those returns from these well-known companies have been, they pale in comparison with a lesser-known wealth creator: Brookfield Corporation (NYSE: BN). The Canadian investment firm has delivered an 18% annualized total return over the past 30 years, and 19% over the past 25. Start Your Mornings Smarter! Wake up with Breakfast news in your inbox every market day. Sign Up For Free Brookfield Corporation believes even better days lie ahead for its investors. Here's a closer look at its plan to make them a lot richer over the next five years and beyond. A simple strategy Brookfield Corporation aims to deliver 15%-plus returns over the long term for its investors. The company believes it's in a better position to achieve that goal than ever before. It has a simple plan to compound the wealth of its investors over the long term: Invest in good businesses. Run the companies well. Allocate excess free cash flow wisely. Align everyone with its long-term objectives. Evolve with the world around it. Brookfield Corporation shares many similarities with Berkshire Hathaway. Like Warren Buffett's company, Brookfield has insurance operations and buys operating businesses it controls. It strives to identify high-quality businesses that it can buy for value. It seeks out those that can deploy capital in a productive way to grow their earnings. Brookfield focuses on companies with resilient earnings and strong recurring cash flows, like those in the infrastructure, real estate, and renewable energy sectors. While Buffett strives to buy wonderful companies at a fair price, Brookfield often seeks to purchase companies in need of operational improvement. It has a more private equity mindset of fixing companies by reducing costs to improve the efficiency of the business. The company then aims to wisely allocate the growing excess cash flows its operating businesses produce, which Buffett's company also strives to do. Brookfield reinvests money back into its operating businesses and buys new ones. It also invests in the funds managed by its alternative asset management affiliate, Brookfield Asset Management. The company typically reinvests 75% of its annual free cash flow to compound value for shareholders. It will return the remaining cash through dividends and share repurchases. Work is progressing on the Grand Canal Greenway stretch at Convent View in Tullamore THE laying of paving on the widened footpath on the Convent View stretch of the Grand Canal Greenway in Tullamore commenced this week. Work has been progressing at a fast pace over the past number of weeks on the stretch of greenway linking Kilbeggan bridge and the eastern end of Convent View. Earlier this week paving work commenced at the entrance to the footbridge linking Convent View to Convent Road and is expected to continue next week on both sides. On Saturday morning work also started on the stretch of the greenway at its eastern edge adjacent to the Fiona Pender Memorial. A one-way system remains in place along Convent View and the footbridge linking the street to Convent Road on the other side of the canal will remain closed for health and safety reasons while work continues in the area. It was due to open again to the public at the end of October but it is understood it will reopen in the coming weeks. No parking on Convent View is allowed during the duration of the works though residents, with permits, can park on nearby Store St and St Brigid's Place. The new one way system runs east to west along Convent View and vehicles travelling in a west to east direction are being diverted through Davitt St, Callary St and the by-pass. The works at Convent View include widening of footpaths to two metres along the canal bank, the installation of a cycle path, undergrounding of cables and street enhancement, new paving and kerbs, road realignment, resurfacing and relining, traffic calming features, signage and new lighting. The Grand Canal Urban Greenway project, funded under the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund, will complement the previously completed URDF funded Tullamore Town Centre enhancement works, a statement from Offaly County Council said. "This will effectively provide an attractive and easily accessible vibrant town centre destination for all greenway users which will in turn benefit all local businesses." Chief Executive of Offaly County Council, Anna Marie Delaney, explained: These works will complete the Grand Canal greenway through Offaly, a total distance of 70kms, and are an integral part of the proposed Greenway link from the Grand Canal Dock Dublin to Shannon Harbour in west Offaly. "The completion of these works will further strengthen Offalys tourism offering as greenway users will be spoilt for choice. Both new and returning visitors to Tullamore will experience a wealth of attractions, enhanced public realm features while also being an enhanced amenity for local users." Investor Wesley Chan has shown a knack for making very early investments into multi-billion-dollar unicorns, such as Plaid, Gusto, Flexport, and, most recently, Canva. Chan comes from an unconventional background he grew up in an immigrant family and had only middling grades in high school. But he landed a job washing test tubes in a lab at Caltech and impressed lab manager Ellen Rothenberg enough to get her help in getting into MIT. From there, his serendipitous journey continued: He majored in computer science because it seemed like a good career path, but landed in Silicon Valley just after the dot-com bust, when the only company hiring was a search upstart called Google. After nearly a decade there working on vital products such as Google Analytics, Chan was ready to do his own thing, but co-founder Sergey Brin convinced him to join the company's nascent venture arm, then called Google Ventures (now GV), and from there he's had a long career in venture, spinning out his own firm, FPV, with partner Pegah Ebrahimi, a few years ago. The point of all this is there's an incredible amount of luck and timing involved in any success story, and Chan is the first to admit it, telling the audience at TechCrunch Disrupt 2024, "luck matters a lot, but the best founders who know how to push luck in their favor really have a keen sense of why timing matters." He points back to what Brin told him about founding Google, which they started at a particular moment when other search engines were trying to keep users on their sites as long as possible to show them ads. Google's innovation was delivering results almost immediately, then giving users no particular incentive to stick around, but to send them off on their way. (It's changed a bit since then.) But Brin said that timing was everything if they'd started six months earlier or six months later, business conditions would've been different and the competition wouldn't have given them such an easy opening. So what does Chan look for when he's trying to pick the next unicorn? He says there are almost no commonalities in the companies he funds except for founders who remind him of Sergey Brin and Larry Page, with a strong conviction that they are solving an urgent and timely problem with truly unique insight. That, and a focus on building a great product first, instead of trying to buy customers or buy growth. "A lot of challenges for founders in the early stages, they raise money and then they spend it all in 18 months, buying growth, but there's no reason for people to stay on it, or engage in the product, or tell other people. And then you burn all your money, and you go, oh, I need to raise another round." Author, Bruce Lerro, Co-Founder and Co-Organizer Socialist Planning Beyond Capitalism Orientation What is politics? Nine Questions for Determining What is Politics In Part I of my article Seven Theories of Politics I posed ten questions for narrowing down what the range for defining what is politics. Temporal reach How far back into human history does politics go? Does politics go back to pre-state societies? Or does politics begin with state societies? Is politics possible before there were political parties? Cross-species scope Is politics confined to the human species or does it ooze into the life of other species? If so, which ones? If politics crosses species, is it social species that are political? Is it possible to have animal societies which are social such as lions or wolves, but not political? Does a species need to be social to be political? Is being social a necessary but not sufficient condition for politics? Is being social a necessary and sufficient condition for politics? Or is being social neither a necessary nor sufficient condition? In other words, is it possible for a non-social species to have political relationships? How much does evolutionary biology impact politics? At a macro level, how does natural adaptation impact human politics? In terms of men and women, how much does sexual selection determine politics? At the micro level, how much do genetics and brain chemistry determine the level and the interest and skill in politics? Or is politics primarily a creature of the socio-historical level of reality? Spatial reach Where does politics take place? Many political scientists limit politics to what is taking place within states. Is that casting the net too narrowly? Can there be politics through discussions in private space? Is it politics when I get into a discussion about the viability of capitalism while I am at the unemployment line waiting for my check? Are there politics within families? Are there politics between lovers? Or are politics only about public affairs? Am I being political if I ask my partner if she wants to go to the movies and propose a movie and she agrees to both proposals, is spontaneous agreement political? Suppose she said she wants to go to a movie but prefers another movie. We debate about it, and one of us persuades the other. Has the discussion become political? Suppose you and I are riding bicycles. We reach a crossroads where we have to decide whether to turn left or right. We each want to go in a different direction. Is the process of deciding this political? Political agency Who does politics? Is politics done only by politicians? If I argue with my neighbor about police brutality in my neighborhood, are my neighbor and I political beings in this discussion? Do I become political only when I vote on the issue in the next election? Do I become political when I bring police brutality to a town hall meeting next month? Or is the only person who is political the mayor who decides whether or not to make it part of his platform for his campaign next month? What is the relationship between politics and power? Can you have politics without having power? Can you have power without having politics? If power and politics are related, in what way? Are politics and power interchangeable? Is one a means to another? Is power the means and politics is the end? Is politics the means and power the end? Politics, force and coercion Let's go back to this movie issue. Suppose Sandy has been drinking, and in the past she has been bad-tempered to her partner. She starts drinking while they are deciding on a movie. Sandy's partner starts worrying and gives in to the movie Sandy wants to watch prematurely to avoid the risk of being yelled at. Is that politics? This example is a small slice of a larger issue: what is the relationship between politics and force or the threat of force? Is violence an inherent part of politics or is politics what you do to win someone over without being violent? Some political theorists like Bernard Crick say that politics is the art of compromising when you know you cannot get what you want. Others say that the whole political system is based on violence because the entire class system is based on exploitation and force. All attempts to change things must come up against this militaristic force which protects the rulers. Some say that the only force is political and that the state is the ultimate political actor because it has, in Weber's words, a monopoly on the means of violence. Interdisciplinary span of politics How (if at all) is politics related to economics? What is the relationship between technology and politics? Does the economy dictate politics? Does politics determine economics? Does technology determine politics or does politics determine technology? The same question could be asked about religion or mass media. What, if any, is the relationship between theories of politics and political ideologies? Is there a relationship between a consistent set of answers to these questions and whether you are a liberal or conservative? How will the answers of social democrats, communists and fascists be different than that of either anarchists on the left or libertarian capitalists on the right? As it turns out, the field of cross-cultural politics I will be discussing gives very narrow answers to these questions and therefore leaves a great deal out. Temporal reach - narrow, starts with class societies and leaves out tribal societies Cross-species - narrow, limits it to the human species Is politics biological? Narrow, politics is limited to the social, psychological Spatial reach - narrow, limited to what happens in states Political agency-- limited to what politicians do, no one else Relationship between politics and power, wide, used interchangeably How is politics related to force or coercion? Narrow, understates force Interdisciplinary span of politics - narrow, it excludes economics Theories of politics and ideology -narrow, it tries to make politics scientific and above ideology In Part II of my article, I identity seven theories of politics: Old Institutionalists Civil Republicans Weberian political sociologists Marxian political scientists Rational choice theorists Radical feminists Bio-evolutionary All the answers comparative politics gives to those questions primarily come from two schools, the old institutionalists and rational choice theorists. They pretty much leave out the other five schools. Connection to past articles About three years ago I wrote four articles about the ideological nature of political science. One article Anti-Communist Political Science: Propaganda for the Capitalist State was primarily about political science as it is practiced in the United States (not Europe). The second article, Invasion of the Body Snatchers connects political science to neo-classical economics and shows how both support each other while blocking out an integrated approach called political economy. In my third article Dictatorship and Democracy I expose how Mordor political scientists were quite interested in dictatorships both in Europe and even within the United States in the 1930s. On the other hand, their interpretation of democracy was thin and lacked any subsistence. Lastly, my piece Totalitarian Anti-Communism showed the manipulation of the use of the word "Totalitarian" from the 1930s into the late 20th century. However, there is one topic that I did not cover in much detail and that is the subject of comparative politics. I did discuss it a bit in the last part of my first article but not in any depth. I would especially like to write about it now because while the field of comparative politics is not taken seriously outside the United States because its political manipulation is well-known, it still serves as propaganda for war and imperialism within the United States. It is as part of Yankee self-propaganda that discussing the field of comparative politics is still worth an analysis. Sources for my criticisms of comparative politics Sources for my criticisms of comparative politics are as follows. Ronald Chilcote wrote a very good criticism of comparative politics from a Marxian point of view. He was especially good at exposing the ideological nature in the field. For example he pointed out the connection between the social sciences and the CIA. Ido Oren was also really excellent at showing the connection between modernization theorists and the promotion of US foreign policy. Michael Latham's book Modernization as Ideology reveals how modernization theory was behind JFK's international anti-communist program, Alliance for Progress. Lastly, Irene Gendzier's book Development Against Democracy explains how the word "development" was used by comparative politics involved in foreign policy to railroad countries on the capitalist periphery away from socialist and communist transition programs. Where are we going? In this article I will show eight foundational problems with comparative politics: Its characterization of capitalist societies as democratic; Its characterization of states as governing rather than ruling; Its relative exclusion of propaganda from political communication in the West; Its ignoring the presence of how capitalism undermines political relations; Its ignoring of the Secret Service and the rest of deep state in political decision-making processes; Its blanket characterization of socialism with authoritarian; Its neglect of anarchism as a legitimate part of socialism; Its treatment of nation-states as autonomous and not determined by alliances and between larger, more powerful states and transnational capitalists. Oligarchies vs Democracy Those of you who were unlucky enough to take a political science class might have been exposed to a cross-cultural version of the same thing. I refer to the field of comparative politics. The first thing that struck my eye in looking at the table of contents of a college textbook on comparative politics was the different types of rule. According to mainstream theorists, there are only two kinds of rule, democratic and authoritarian. The United States and Western Europe are deemed "democratic" whereas Russia, China and Iran are deemed authoritarian. The unpopularity of democracy in the West until the 20th century One problem with this formulation is that it fails to address the unpopularity of democracy in Yankee history itself, not only among conservatives but liberals as well all the way to the end of the 19th century. In the 19thcentury when liberalism really took hold as a political ideology, liberals were not interested in democracy, and considered it "mob rule". Most industrialized countries did not have the right to vote at the end of the 19th century. Back then farmer populist parties and socialist parties took their democracy seriously, bringing economics into it. The result was a "substantive democracy" championed by Charles Merriman and Charles Beard in the 1930s. But the rise of fascism and communism had shaken liberal confidence in the natural sympathy between democracy and capitalism. So in the 1940s Joseph Schumpeter introduced a weakened form of democracy as simply the circulation of elite politicians that people choose between. The procedural democracy of Robert Dahl of the 1950s involved choosing between these elites through voting. There was nothing about economics. In his book Strong Democracy, Benjamin Barber distinguishes "thick democracy" from the "thin democracy" of Dahl. My point is by the standards of thick democracy few if any Western countries are democratic. To call them democratic serves the ideological purposes of cold warriors and their desire to fight communism. Since democracy is a loaded virtue word, and authoritarian is a loaded vice word, a cold war opposition between the two is built into the entire field of comparative politics. How many parties make a democracy? What is striking is the criteria for what constitutes democracy when it comes to political parties. For comparative politics, a single party rule constitutes authoritarian rule. But the addition of just one more party, as in the American political system, we suddenly then have a democracy. Countries with many parties including most of Europe are also constituted as democracies. Aristotle argued that there were 3 forms of rule - monarchy, oligarchy and democracy. Oligarchy is the rule of the few. Given the actual nature of who controls the elections in the United States, it is most reasonable to say the United States and Western Europe are oligarchies, ruled by the ruling class, the upper class and the upper middle class. Taken together this is about 20% of the population, hardly a democracy. In the United States most of middle class, working class and poor have no representation and yet the country is called democratic. One party - authoritarian Two parties - democratic Many parties - democratic In other words, the difference between one and two parties is greater than the difference between two parties and many parties. In fact, the implication of those who defend the two-party system is that having many parties can be confusing and unwieldly. So we wind up with the two parties of the United States as a kind center of stability. This is so despite the fact that for about the last 50 years, forty percent or more people in the United States do not vote. Is this a sign that democracy in the United States doesn't work? Not at all. Those who don't vote are dismissed as ignorant, apathetic or pathological in some way. The reason people don't vote is simply because neither party represents their interest is never present. When voting tallies are presented, the number of people who don't vote is rarely presented. Voting tallies are presented like 50% vs 49% for the two parties as if that constituted all the people who could have voted. In fact, in the actual tallies the winning party gets 30% of the vote. The loser gets 29%. What is ignored is the highest tally: 40% who don't vote. This is democracy? What we have here is an oligarchy. But in comparative politics, democracy is not a process that actually exists but a self-congratulating ideology for the ruling capitalist oligarchs who control both parties. Governing vs Ruling In comparative politics, "governing" is a taken for granted term for Western capitalist societies. "Ruling" is saved for countries suspected of not being democratic, like "authoritarian" countries. I prefer to take the governing word very seriously as it is used in cybernetic systems. Governing in cybernetic systems means steering a system which includes goals, communication within the system, adaptation to the environment, feedback systems which allow for adjustment and few forward system which results in planning. The human heart is a "governor" of the human body. By these standards the only type of society in which there was governing was the egalitarian politics of hunting and gathering societies. Simple horticulture societies in these societies decision-making was collective. They adapted and moved when the ecology dictated a change. For the last 5,000 years, complex political systems had rulers. This means that political goals were rarely carried out, communication systems were blocked and muddled by self-interested bureaucracies. Adaptations to the environment were slowed down by the machinations of the short-term thinking of ruling classes. Feedback systems were ignored such as extreme weather and pollution. Feed forward mechanisms were clogged by myopic ruling classes who couldn't think three months ahead - if that. In Joseph Tainter's book The Collapse of Complex Societies he describes how inept the ruling classes can be. Calling complex societies "governing" is ridiculous when compared to hunting and gathering societies which prevailed for 90% of human history. We are ruled by oligarchies and this should be reflected in any political field that considers itself scientific. The Exclusion of Propaganda from Political Communication in the West In part, the reason we have the illusion of democracy and a governing class rather than rulers of an oligarchy is because of Western propaganda. There are many textbooks describing propaganda in the West. If you like videos more than books, check out Adam Curtis' documentary, The Century of the Self. This video demonstrates how 100 years of psychological propaganda in the person of Edward Bernays and the brainwashing in the work of Ewen Cameron controlled the Mordor public. Despite this, the only mention of propaganda in my comparative politics textbook is when it comes of "authoritarian" regimes. No surprises here. Comparative Politics Ignores Capitalism Following the tradition of Mordor social sciences, just as political science excludes economics while neoclassical economics ignores politics, comparative politics ignores the economic system of capitalism when it discusses Western politics. They ignore economic exchange and act as if politics was merely system of law, voting, institutional systems of bureaucracies and foreign policies. Without saying so, countries that count as "democratic" have capitalist exchanges. The field of comparative politics theorists act as if there was a natural, unremarkable relationship between capitalism and democracy. But as Rueschemeyer, Stephens and Stephens have described in their book Capitalist Development and Democracy, it was not the capitalist merchants that brought representative democracy to the West, but the working class. Capitalist economic exchanges should be foundational to understanding political systems. Yet in my comparative poetics textbook that I'm reading, "political economy" is buried in the last chapter of the book. Two reasons why capitalism should be included in politics Capitalism should be foundational to politics because countries that have counted as politically "underdeveloped" have become so because of capitalist imperialism, as Gunder Frank pointed out decades ago. At the same time capitalist societies should be foundational to politics because it was under capitalist crisis that fascism emerged. The political ideology of fascism can never be understood without its roots in capitalism. There has never been fascism in human history before capitalism and there has never been fascism without the presence of capitalism. The Deep State and International Pressure Groups are not Included in the Decision-making Processes of Politics Supposedly, democratically elected leaders of political parties govern their populations by carrying out "the will of the people". I am countering this by saying these politicians represent the will of the oligarchs who rule over people. But the oligarchs do not just use political leaders to carry out their will. Besides capitalists that politicians have to answer to, there are agencies such as the FBI, the CIA as well as international pressure groups such as AIPAC, Five Eyes, and NED. None of these groups are mentioned in my comparative politics textbook as involving political decision making. The textbook on Political Psychology in International Relations writes as if political leaders make decisions for their nation by themselves. It is only in "authoritarian" societies that bureaucracies, revolutionary factions and terrorist groups come into play that constrain the decision-making will of the official political leaders. Authoritarian Politics is Synonymous With Socialism When it comes to the West the field of comparative politics ignores the fact that its ruling oligarchy is run by capitalism. However, they have no problem declaring that authoritarian politics goes with a socialist "command economy". Western countries that became socialist, such as Sweden and Norway, are presented as socialist democracies only because the presence of a market or capitalism. This made the naturally socialist authoritarian states more democratic. Most military dictatorships are capitalists Advocates of comparative politics ignore the fact that military dictatorships are often attempts by capitalists to hold on to power in the face of socialist uprisings. Most dictatorships are not socialist, but capitalist installations. In the case of socialism, the textbook cases that are trotted out are the old Soviet Union, Cuba or China. These countries have oligarchies as well. But whether or not they are more authoritarian than the capitalist West is much more complex than it first appears. Theories of comparative politics play down or ignore the relentless international class war any socialist system has to endure on a daily, weekly, monthly and yearly basis at the hands of the heads of state in the West along with their capitalist rulers. Capitalists in the West act as if the whole world is their private property. They treat any elected national leader (even if not a socialist) who has the nerve to set their own agenda for international trade as an enemy. All socialist leaders have to treat most any oppositional party in their country as potentially a tool of international capital. The extent to which socialist countries are authoritarian has a great deal to do with the pressure they experience from international capital. What about "totalitarian"? Fortunately, this Cold War vice word is now internationally discredited. However, the use of the term totalitarian to characterize socialist or communist countries, leaves out at least the following. If we grant that Sweden and Norway were once socialist, there has never been a socialist country with an advanced technology, communication systems, or advanced science. These societies have never had the ability to control the messages sent out to the population so that people were all thinking the same thing at the same time due to centralized control of propaganda. It is only advanced capitalist countries that have the capacity to do this. For example, Mordor's media has roughly five corporations that all send out the same propaganda message in the case of Israel. People are severely punished by the police for supporting the Palestinians. All third parties in Mordor are blacked out. They cannot get into the "debates". My point is that because of its control over mass media, capitalist control of the state is much closer to real totalitarianism than anything Stalin or Orwell ever dreamed up. The Soviet Union and China are poor countries. Their communist parties have no centralized control over their entire nation state. Peasants in both countries made up their own mind as to what was happening. Only in Mordor do you hear the same anti-working-class slogans against health care, or "welfare queens" from New York to San Francisco, from Houston Texas to Missoula in Montana. This is the power political propaganda holds to be internalized by people who imagine they are making up their own minds. Comparative Politics Ignores Anarchism as Part of Socialism The claim that all socialism is authoritarian ignores the 180-year history of the anarchist movement and its leaders from Proudhon to Bakunin to Malatesta, Kropotkin, to Lucy Parsons, Emma Goldman to Durruti. Anarchism was no intellectual movement. It was followed by thousands of people who fought in and out of labor unions and in the Russian and Spanish revolutions. This negligence on the part of comparative political theorists is ironic given that anarchism at its best is the purist form of democracy - direct democracy. If comparative political theorists understood the scale that the anarchists organized during the Spanish revolution of 1936-1939, they would be ashamed to think that what goes on in Western societies has anything to do with democracy, at least comparatively speaking. Comparative Politics Ignores the International Pressures Within Larger States or Alliances Between other States Comparative politics acts as if political decisions begin and end at national borders and with only official political leaders. But today's nation-states have formed alliances with other nation-states. They have agreements about where they or won't all act together. In the West we have the alliance of United States, England and Israel. None of those countries enacts a political decision by themselves. The same is true with China, Russia and Iran. Nation-states are interdependent, not independent actors. Conclusion I began this article with nine foundational questions of what politics is. I described how narrowly the field of comparative politics is in answering these questions. Then I identified seven theories of politics and showed how each of the seven theories of politics answers these nine questions differently. As it turned out, the field of political science uses only two of the seven theories: old institutionalism as rational choice theory. Then I embedded within this article other articles I had written about how anticommunist domestic political science and neoclassical economics are in their studies and how international political science (comparative politics) is in carrying on that tradition. After that I named eight areas in which comparative politics are weak, including: Flash Bultosa Hirko, deputy head of the Oromia Regional State Education Bureau, speaks at the first annual seminar on Chinese language education in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia's capital, on Nov. 1, 2024. Xinhua/Michael Tewelde) The first annual seminar on Chinese language education was held Friday in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia's capital, emphasizing the need to promote Chinese language education across the East African country. The event, which brought together Chinese and Ethiopian language instructors and experts, focused on establishing an effective Chinese language education system in Ethiopia and addressing challenges in the process. Speaking at the seminar, Zhang Yawei, cultural counselor at the Chinese Embassy in Ethiopia, said the conference aimed to share experiences, build on successes, address issues and jointly advance Chinese language education in Ethiopia. "With globalization accelerating and cultural exchanges between China and Ethiopia increasing, expanding Chinese language education in Ethiopia is essential. It helps Ethiopian students understand Chinese culture and history and opens more opportunities for them in the future," Zhang said. Noting that Chinese language education in Ethiopia faces challenges such as a shortage of teaching staff and resources, Zhang said that a significant number of Ethiopian students are now studying Chinese at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels in both Ethiopian and Chinese universities. Bultosa Hirko, deputy head of the Oromia Regional State Education Bureau, said Chinese language education is gaining popularity in Ethiopia, unlocking economic opportunities, promoting cultural exchange and fostering mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries. "Ethiopia and China have developed a robust partnership over the years, marked by collaboration across various sectors, including education, infrastructure, trade, investment and development assistance," Hirko said. He added that China's rising global influence has underscored the importance of learning and understanding the Chinese language worldwide. "The Chinese government has been instrumental in supporting the implementation of the Chinese language curriculum in Ethiopia, recruiting and training teachers, and providing essential curriculum materials," Hirko added. The seminar also featured presentations of research papers on Chinese language learning in Ethiopia, the recognition of Chinese as a global language, and the strengthening strategic partnership between China and Ethiopia. With Ethiopia's strong economic ties to China and the growing presence of Chinese companies, especially in road, railway and industrial zone development, the demand for Chinese language education has surged in Ethiopian universities and colleges. Zhang Yawei, cultural counselor at the Chinese Embassy in Ethiopia, speaks at the first annual seminar on Chinese language education in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia's capital, on Nov. 1, 2024. (Xinhua/Michael Tewelde) The first annual seminar on Chinese language education is held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia's capital, on Nov. 1, 2024.(Xinhua/Michael Tewelde) The East Fork of the Jemez River cuts through Valles Caldera National Preserve, New Mexico, in this Sept. 3, 2010, file photo. Yeltsin Gleefully Drove Bill Clinton to Tears (Image by Itar-Tass) Details DMCA Yeltsin grinned while Clinton cried. The Russian president had just blurted out his unfiltered reaction to American news reporting. It was October, 1995. Clinton and Yeltsin had just spoken at the United Nations 50th anniversary meeting. Hyde Park , New York US Clinton Clinton Vancouver Clinton Vancouver Tokyo Ukraine Russia Russia Ukraine Russia Russia Ukraine US Russia The next day the two presidents got together atfor a bilateral meeting followed by a press conference.It was then that Yeltsin told the media his take on hisvisit. He said that when he came here that October he did not have the degree of optimism with which he was now departing. The bilateral meeting had apparently been productive.But then he dropped his brutal statement about our American press:"Coming from my statement yesterday in the United Nations, and if you looked at the press reports, one could see that what you were writing was that today's meeting with President Bill Clinton was going to be a disaster. And now for the first time I can tell you that you're a disaster."That's what set off's crying. But his tears were not for the press or over any danger or fear. They were tears of laughter. Both presidents had a good laugh over Yeltsin's remarks about our American news style. You can see the video in this AP archive: .ly/48u81Fb Today, though,would have nothing to laugh about given the present state of bilateral relations.Back at Hyde Park, Yeltsin had gone on, "...our partnership is not calculated for one year or for five years, but for years and years to come -- tens of years, for a century; that we're friends, and that it's only together, together, [that] we're going to be trying to solve not only our joint bilateral issues but issues affecting the whole world."This was not the first time the new Russian and American friendship was mutually proclaimed. That was made clear at the presidents' April 1993summit. A White House press release that followed said, "President Bill Clinton of the United States of America and President Boris Yeltsin of the Russian Federation declared their firm commitment to a dynamic and effective US-Russian partnership that strengthens international stability."In a follow-up phone call now declassified,told Yeltsin, "I'm about to issue a statement in support of your policies. I want you to know that we're in this with you for the long haul. We made some significant progress inand. We'll keep working here to be supportive. If there is anything I can do for you here, please let me know."It is quite obvious today, that that those past optimistic aspirations did not stand the test of time. Today we find ourselves lavishly sponsoringas it bombsand invades and occupies a small part of's home territory.Our actions were seemingly as support for the beleaguered, a victim of a brutal invasion ordered by Vladimir Putin in 2022. But any idea of friendship and partnership withis long gone. Truth be known, it was even gone long before's disastrous invasion ofAnd ironically, it was President Bill Clinton himself who set theandon a collision course. Next Page 1 | 2 | 3 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). Fars Photo of Casualties in Gaza Strip during 2023 War 05. (Image by Wikipedia (commons.wikimedia.org), Author: Saleh Najm and Anas Sharif) Details Source DMCA Wait, what? We're talking about Joe Biden? Why? He's a "lame duck." No matter who wins the US presidential election on November 5, he's going home to Delaware on January 20. His chances of asking for, and getting, much from Congress during that two-and-a-half month interregnum are negligible. But as head of the US government's executive branch, what he can do is follow the laws, no matter how loudly Congress howls, absent Supreme Court intervention in support of criminal behavior. He won't do it now for fear of harming Kamala Harris's chances versus Donald Trump, but once the votes are in he's free to follow his conscience ... if he still has one after decades in politics, where a conscience is a liability. The laws I'm speaking of are Section 620M of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2378d), which applies to the Secretary of State, and its Department of Defense analog, 10 U.S.C. 362, informally known as the "Leahy Laws." Those laws, according to the US State Department Fact Sheet on them, prohibit "the U.S. Government from using funds for assistance to units of foreign security forces where there is credible information implicating that unit in the commission of gross violations of human rights." Evidence that Israeli units have committed, and continue to commit, gross violations of human rights in Gaza, the West Bank, and Lebanon isn't just credible, it's overwhelming. Israeli forces have killed at least tens of thousands, and more likely in the 200,000 range, in Gaza, the occupied West Bank, and Lebanon, since last October. Most of the dead are non-combatants, many of them children. Israeli forces have been caught red-handed in numerous atrocities, from bombing hospitals and refugee camps to anally raping male prisoners with metal rods. Israeli politicians openly defend and encourage even that last one. There's no doubt whatsoever that Israeli forces are committing gross violations of human rights ... and it is therefore illegal for the US government to provide one thin dime of military aid or assistance to those forces. Period. Why hasn't Biden already ordered the Secretaries of State and Defense to stop writing checks and shipping weapons to Israel? Because Israel has a powerful political lobby in the US. Anything less than complete and unquestioning obedience to Benjamin Netanyahu's every demand is a "third rail" ... for politicians who face re-election. Biden doesn't face re-election. And these days, the Israel lobby's support goes mostly to Republicans. Its main intervention on behalf of Democrats is meddling in primaries to ensure "pro-Israel" Democrats get nominated in "safe" Democratic seats. At some point, there's going to have to be one of those "national conversations" over whether it's really in the interests of the United States to unstintingly support a violent, atrocity-prone, ethno-supremacist regime. That conversation is unlikely to go Israel's way. But it has to be started by a figure of national stature who needn't worry about re-election. If Biden does possess a conscience, or even just desires a big "legacy" accomplishment, he'll cut the Israeli regime off come November 6. It is worth repeating this: All colonial powers use violence since you cannot remove indigenous people from their lands without violence. Colonial powers get meaner in time while claiming indigenous resistance to be "terrorism" and thus place the entire population under that category and proceed to kill indigenous people or ethnically cleanse them (they want the land without the people of the land). This leads to genocides like the one we are seeing of the native Palestinians or what happened to Aborigines or native Americans. This is a textbook case of genocide and the last two weeks so a plethora of damning reports from: independent International Commission of inquiry the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967, Francesca Albanese Principals of the Inter-Agency Standing Committee: Stop assault on Palestinians Diakonia International Law Center on Responsibility of Third Parties Emanating from the Findings of the ICJ's Advisory Opinion of 19 July 2024 [on illegality of the Israeli occupation] UN report confirms MASS RAPE of Palestinian hostages in Israeli torture camps South Africa which filed 750 Pages of 'Overwhelming' Evidence in ICJ Genocide Case Against Israel Action: Global civilian intervention in Palestine and Western Sahara. What will Gaza's health crisis mean for its future? (includes my interview on TRT). On medical evacuations or lack thereof. They Got 60 Days in Jail for Protesting Israel's Largest Arms Maker -- and Say That's a "Huge Victory": After trying to block production at an Elbit factory in New Hampshire, the Palestine solidarity activists are calling for more, better direct action. 'I couldn't cry over my children like everyone else': the tragedy of Palestinian journalist Wael al-Dahdouh: After his wife and two of his children were killed in Gaza, Al Jazeera journalist Wael al-Dahdouh became famous around the world for his decision to keep reporting. But this was just the start of his heartbreaking journey. Latest from the Gaza Strip Two billion dollars increased Jewish donations to the Zionist regime as it engaged in genocide (estimates of 180-250,000 Palestinians killed 72% of them women and children) and ecocide. Contemplate that for a while. Stay Humane and keep Palestine/hope alive Mazin Qumsiyeh A bedouin in cyberspace, a villager at home Professor, Founder, and (volunteer) Director Palestine Museum of Natural History Palestine Institute of Biodiversity and Sustainability Bethlehem University Occupied Palestine facebook pages Personal Institute French The US sits at the pinnacle of global power and influence. To think of sitting out the 2024 US presidential election is to abdicate one's responsibilities as a fellow global citizen and caretaker of the earth's bounty and largesse - since the regressive US Republican Party is steeped in climate-science denial. As Trump further descends into pure, dangerous. unstoppable madness, on an hourly basis, the potential fallout of his wicked proclivities and malignant narcissism terrifies the global community as both he and Vance, goad their gullible, robotic, supporters into violence. The global ripple effects of widespread mania breaking out and gaining the ascendancy in the US, a nation awash in military-grade fire arms, are unfathomable and beggars the imagination. If America fails in upholding democratic leadership, stability and values, as a beacon of the free world, then for all intents and purposes, it is lights out for democratic rule writ large. It would also open the gate for the apocalyptic pale horse of climate-change-planetary-upheaval to have free rein, reigning over universal chaos and death. If there were any lingering doubts as to Trump's sanity, morality and bona-fides, they should be urgently dispelled, in light of his recent appalling performances (alarmingly passing for grave and weighty political discourse/persuasion), as he sinisterly closes out his pitiful, pesky presidential campaign. The depraved words and actions that freely flow from the wounded, enfeebled, garbage-spewing, wanna be dictator/king/emperor that Trump is and has always been, are not only universally offensive, but chilling to the bone. Instances of which include, resolutely refusing to disavow racist/dehumanising remarks directed at the island of Puerto Rico and its latino inhabitants, by a comic green-lighted by his campaign. issuing a public death threat to an open critic of his leadership, in the person of Liz Cheyne. an erstwhile Republican Party stalwart and most recently, sickingly simulating a sex-act at an event, crowning his presidential run. This supremely vulgar abomination was done infront of the whole world. Howbeit, his shameful conduct elicited apologies to the international community from outraged, moral, well-meaning US citizens. Their condemnation thankfully portrays that all is not lost. click here As a member of the global community pondering the possibility of a Trump victory due to eligible US voters, choosing not to vote - my heart sinks. This scenario would make the present widespread monumental human need, pale in comparison, to the unmitigated horrors a second Trump presidency would unleash on the whole world. We in Africa are undeserving of and unprepared to deal with the fallout of a Trump Administration egged on by self-serving, lily-livered enablers. One only needs to reflect on his gross and cruel mismanagement of the Covid pandemic. It will be recalled that he was responsible for hundreds of thousands preventable Covid deaths of his compatriots, whom he was sworn to serve and protect. The sad tragedy of epic proportions, represents the tip of the iceberg of Trump's myriad, multifaceted abject failings, as a human being, a man and a US president. A vote for the Harris/Walz ticket is a vote for democracy, common decency and the dignity of all mankind. At every turn, vice president Harris and Tim Walz display positive human qualities, which will at least stave-off the total universal cataclysm, a flawed, callous and inequitable calcfied-world-system, would rapidly engender, under the iron boot of a heartless, unethical, Trump/Vance Administration. Eligible US voters should be encouraged not to let the perfect be the enemy of the good. As members of the human race and co-heirs of planet earth, we have a shared responsibility for one another. Non-participation in the 2024 'mother of all elections,' flies in the face of the parable of the good Samaritan, which answers the question: "Who is my neighbour?" (Luke 10: 29-37) The parable also underscores the biblical admonition that states - to whom much is given, much is required. (Article changed on Nov 02, 2024 at 8:03 PM EDT) (Article changed on Nov 02, 2024 at 8:25 PM EDT) (Article changed on Nov 03, 2024 at 2:09 PM EST) The Charlottesville Terrorist, aka the Pittsburgh Terrorist; aka the El Paso Terrorist, etc. (Image by Spencer Means) Details DMCA BY Harper West, MA, LLP, Psychotherapist | January 25, 2021 The following are excerpts from an earlier version... Four years ago, psychiatrists and authors Dr. Robert Jay Lifton and Dr. Bandy Lee, among others, felt a duty to warn the country about dangerous possibilities stemming from a man who lacked the mental fitness to be president. With Dr. Lee as editor, they joined with other experts to publish The Dangerous Case of Donald Trump: 27 Psychiatrists and Mental Health Professionals Assess a President. The book went on to become an instant number one bestseller in 2017 and a second edition added ten additional chapters. The authors have also written hundreds of articles and spoken out in the news media about the continuous crisis that was the Trump presidency As a bookend to the Trump era, one of the book's contributors, psychotherapist Harper West, compiled excerpts from each of the essays in the original book. Even these brief selections show that at a time when few were speaking out about Trump's pathological personality, these experts were extremely prescient in their predictions about a wide range of aspects of Trump's behaviors, including the psychological impact on the country. As you read these, remember the authors were writing four years ago and yet their statements sound as if they could be describing Trump's most recent behaviors. Clearly, he did not become more "presidential." In fact his behaviors all worsened, as was predicted. We can take heart, however, that the authors offer not only a roadmap to preventing future authoritarians, but also words of advice for moving forward past Trumpism. Foreward: Our Witness to Malignant Normality, by Robert Jay Lifton "[Trump] has also, in various ways, violated our American institutional requirements and threatened the viability of American democracy. Yet, because he is president and operates within the broad contours and interactions of the president, there is a tendency to view what he does as simply part of our democratic process - that is, as politically and even ethically normal. In this way, a dangerous president becomes normalized, and malignant normality comes to dominate our governing (or, one could say, our antigoverning) dynamic." (p. xvi-xvii) Next Page 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). SACRAMENTO, Calif. In the past two weeks, nearly 850,000 poultry have been killed in the San Joaquin Valley as the highly pathogenic avian influenza tightens its grip on Central California. Its the third time HPAI has been detected in a commercial poultry operation since the state was considered HPAI-free in late June. And officials caution that the number of outbreaks could soon be surging as the annual migration of water fowl makes it way through the Valley. First, 64,800 turkeys were killed after the virus was confirmed on Sept. 19, 2024, in Merced. State officials confirmed another HPAI discovery on Oct. 16 at a Tulare County mixed broiler/turkey ranch and 786,000 birds were killed. The latest outbreak was confirmed on Oct. 24 and resulted in the death of 6,000 broilers in Tulare County. Poultry experts say that because the virus is highly contagious, just a few infected birds can contaminate an entire flock quickly. For that reason, the state allows for the mass destruction of the herd through foam or carbon dioxide. Avian flu and annual water fowl migration Bill Mattos, president of the California Poultry Federation, is hopeful there wont be any more major poultry depopulations this winter, but he realizes its wishful thinking. This time of year, water fowl, one of the main carriers of avian influenza, are set to fly through the Central Valley on their annual migration south increasing the potential for more cases of poultry infections. Millions of geese, ducks and other waterfowl migrate via the Pacific Flyway and stop over in California wetlands, lakes, rice, and corn fields. At its peak, the Central Valley is home to 6 million waterfowl. Although a spectacle for bird watchers, the wild bird migration adds to the potential for spreading the avian flu virus, an illness that is deadly to poultry, said Maurice Pitesky, associate professor in cooperative extension at the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. Outbreaks of the virus occur worldwide periodically and in January 2022 surfaced in the United States, wiping out millions of wild birds, commercial poultry and backyard flocks, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Virus jumping from birds to humans and more What concerns Pitesky and others is that the virus has jumped from birds to mammals, and for the first time in history to dairy cows. On Wednesday, federal officials announced another first in the United States: A pig on an Oregon farm was infected with the virus. Pitesky points out that the virus has now spread to six continents. It is slowly spreading to other species, including humans, he said. It keeps surprising us. Pitesky warns poultry producers that with the abundance of dairy and poultry operations, coupled with the habitat for water fowl, the migration creates a very dangerous combination in the Valley. Poultry representative Mattos aid he has been reminding his members to always practice bio security measures, including wearing protective equipment and limiting visitors. We have learned that this virus can come in on trucks, people just about everything, Mattos said. At breeding farms, workers must shower before working with the poultry and prior to leaving the ranch. We are on high alert, Mattos said. _____ 2024 The Sacramento Bee. Visit sacbee.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. The Hmong American Community of Oregon brought together about 3,000 people Saturday to celebrate the Hmong New Year at Reynolds High School in Troutdale. The festivities, marking the 49th anniversary of the Hmong exodus from Laos and Thailand, featured music, dance, sports, traditional clothing and cultural rituals. Cheers and loud clapping echoed under the tent sent up to protect attendees from the rain at Centro Culturals Dia de los Muertos event on Saturday evening. Even in the cold and wet weather, community members were eager to see who would win the Catrina contest. Originating from an early 1900s print made by Mexican printmaker and lithographer Jose Guadalupe Posada, La Catrina, a skeleton-faced woman, has become a symbol of the holiday. Participants modeled their interpretive spins on the iconic figure with handmade dresses fashioned out of corn husks, vibrant floral patterns and skeletal shimmering face paint. Each elaborate outfit was carefully created over months with hair and face paint taking some participants many hours to apply. The Dia de los Muertos event has been a staple for around a decade at Centro Culturals campus in Cornelius. Throughout the building and surrounding parking lot, visitors watched folklorico (traditional Mexican) dance, participated in arts and crafts, enjoyed tamales and pan de muerto (bread of the dead) or had their face painted in colorful skull imagery. Ballet Folk-Oro, a folklorico dance group for seniors, kicked off the performances at the event.Chiara Profenna Founded 50 years ago, the organization has been a vital resource for the Latino community in Washington County, offering a wide range of services from education and advocacy to cultural celebrations and a free food pantry. Here in Oregon, we see it as a part of our mission to celebrate culture and tradition and to advance Latino identity and culture for people that are close to Centro and people that live in Washington County and Greater Portland, said Juan Carlos Gonzalez, chief strategy officer at Centro Cultural. We want to make sure we have an opportunity for people to connect. The connection to culture was an integral factor that brought people out for the event. Angelita Huapeo, who won the adult Catrina contest, said in Spanish that its important to celebrate memories. While she cant visit Mexico during this time, she can feel close to those who have passed at events like Centros. Its important to have these types of events to keep our culture alive, she told the audience in Spanish while on stage, because a town without culture is a dead town. Finalists in the adult Catrina contest vied for the audiences loudest cheers, with Angelita Huapeo (right) ultimately taking home the win.Chiara Profenna The audience cheered and clapped louder after Huapeos statement. The sentiment resonated with many attendees at the event. I think its important that the younger generations get to see traditions, said Mindy Rodriguez, a vendor at the event. A lot of the younger kids are kind of steering away from it. So its kind of nice for people to kind of come together they need to teach the younger kids how to keep it alive. Dia de los Muertos hasnt always been a symbol of Latinidad in the U.S. The Mexican holiday is a regional event, with different traditions celebrated in particular states. It is kind of this cultural norm that Centro is aiming to adapt to this Mexican American, Latino American context within Oregon, Gonzalez said about the holiday. [Were] using it as a tool for identity and for placemaking and for redefining what that might mean for communities here. The annual event is also a favorite among children. Amelia Islas, a five-year-old from Hillsboro, was joyfully spinning and screaming during the childrens Catrina competition, rallying the audiences loudest cheers, which won her the contest and prize money. Christopher, Christina and their daughter, Amelia, pose for a photo after the Catrina contest, showing off Amelia's handmade dress.Chiara Profenna Her dress was handmade by her mother, Christina Islas, who has cultivated a deep appreciation for culture in her daughters life. With Mexican, Vietnamese and Irish heritage, Amelia has many opportunities to engage with different traditions, yet Dia de los Muertos holds a special place in her heart. Obviously her favorite part is the Catrinas, Christina Islas said. She itches and waits for it all year long. And we love watching her be so excited and really embracing something thats so important its really great to see it already becoming part of her identity. Originally from Los Angeles, the family was accustomed to the vibrant Latino heritage that is a part of Southern Californias culture. Moving to Oregon, they worried it might be harder to find events celebrating Latino traditions. Its a really beautiful holiday, and we really appreciated finding a community that holds it and celebrates it, Christina Islas said. Its not a caricature, but a real celebration of it. 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. LAVEEN VILLAGE, Ariz. (AP) President Joe Biden did something Friday that no other sitting U.S. president has: He apologized for the systemic abuse of generations of Indigenous children endured in boarding schools at the hands of the federal government. For 150 years the U.S. removed Indigenous children from their homes and sent them away to the schools, where they were stripped of their cultures, histories and religions and beaten for speaking their languages. We should be ashamed, Biden said to a crowd of Indigenous people gathered at the Gila River Indian Community outside of Phoenix, including tribal leaders, survivors and their families. Biden called the government-mandated system that began in 1819 one of the most horrific chapters in American history, while acknowledging the decades of abuse inflicted upon children and widespread devastation left behind. For many Native Americans, the long-awaited apology was a welcome acknowledgment of the governments longstanding culpability. Now, they say, words must be followed up by action. Bill Hall, 71, of Seattle, was 9 when he was taken from his Tlingit community in Alaska and forced to attend a boarding school, where he endured years of physical and sexual abuse that lead to many more years of shame. When he first heard that Biden was going to apologize, he wasnt sure he would be able to accept it. But, as I was watching, tears began to flow from my eyes, Hall said. Yes, I accept his apology. Now, what can we do next? Rosalie Whirlwind Soldier, a 79-year-old citizen of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe, said she felt a tingle in my heart and was glad the historical wrong was being acknowledged. Still, she remains saddened by the irreversible harms done to her people. Whirlwind Soldier suffered severe mistreatment at a school in South Dakota that left her with a lifelong, painful limp. The Catholic-run, government-subsidized facility took away her faith and tried to stamp out her Lakota identity by cutting off her long braids, she said. Sorry is not enough. Nothing is enough when you damage a human being, she said. A whole generation of people and our future was destroyed for us. The schools were designed both to assimilate Native American, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian children and to dispossess tribal nations of their land, according to an Interior Department investigation launched by Secretary Deb Haaland, the first Native American to lead the agency. Introducing Biden on Friday, Haaland said that while the formal apology is an acknowledgement of a dark chapter, it is also a celebration of Indigenous resilience: Despite everything that happened, we are still here. Haaland, a citizen of the Pueblo of Laguna, commissioned the investigation in 2021. It documented the cases of more than 18,000 Indigenous children, of whom 973 were killed. Both the report and independent researchers say the overall number was much higher. The report came with several recommendations taken from the testimony of school survivors, including resources for mental health treatment and language revitalization programs. Gila River Indian Community Gov. Stephen Roe Lewis noted that Biden has pledged to make good on those recommendations. This lays the framework to address the boarding school policies of the past, he said. Benjamin Mallott, president of the Alaska Federation of Natives, who is Lingit, said in a statement that the apology must be accompanied by meaningful actions: This includes revitalizing our languages and cultures and bringing home our Native children who have not yet been returned, so they can be laid to rest with their families and in their communities. That view is shared by Victoria Kitcheyan, chairwoman of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska, which sued the U.S. Army in January seeking the return of the remains of two children who died at the Carlisle Indian Industrial School in Pennsylvania. That healing doesnt start until tribes have a pathway to bring their children home to be laid to rest, Kitcheyan said. In an interview Thursday, Haaland said Interior is still working with several tribal nations to repatriate the remains of several children who were killed and buried at a boarding school. Democratic U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, who introduced a bill last year to establish a truth and healing commission to address the harms caused by the boarding school system, called the apology a historic step toward long-overdue accountability for the harms done to Native children and their communities. And Sen. Lisa Murkowski, an Alaska Republican who is vice chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, also commended Biden while saying it reinforces the need for a truth and healing commission. This acknowledgement of the pain and injustices inflicted upon Indigenous communities while long overdue is an extremely important step toward healing, Murkowski said in a statement. As Biden spoke Friday, tribal members rose to their feet, with many recording the moment on their phones. Some wore traditional garments, and others had shirts supporting Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. There was a moment of silence, the formal apology and then an eruption of applause. At the end of Bidens remarks, the crowd stood again. There were shouts of, Thank you, Joe. Hall, the boarding school survivor in Seattle, and others have long been advocating for resources to redress the harm. He worries that tribal nations will continue to struggle with healing unless the government steps up, and he sees a long road yet ahead. It took a lifetime to get here. Its going to take a lifetime to get to the other side, he said. And thats the very sad part of it. I wont see it in my generation. ___ By GRAHAM LEE BREWER and SEJAL GOVINDARAO Associated Press. Associated Press writer Matthew Brown in Billings, Montana, contributed to this report. MISSOULA, Mont. A Washington state man accused of leading a wildlife trafficking ring on a Native American reservation that killed thousands of eagles and hawks to sell on the black market was sentenced Thursday to nearly four years in prison. The trafficking ring operated for years on the Flathead Indian Reservation in northwest Montana, exploiting high demand among tribal members for feathers and other bird parts that are used in powwows and sacred ceremonies. The defendant and others killed at least 118 eagles, 107 hawks and as many as 3,600 birds overall, prosecutors said. Juvenile golden eagles in particular were targeted because their black and white feathers are highly desired among Native Americans, officials said. The poaching operation centered on the Flathead Indian Reservation in northwestern Montana, which researchers say has some of the highest concentrations of eagles and other birds of prey in the U.S. Members of the trafficking ring would set out carcasses of elk, calves and deer, and then shoot eagles that came to feed on them, officials said. They would also shoot hawks opportunistically off of power poles and other perches. Travis John Branson, 49, of Cusick, Washington, pleaded guilty in March to charges of conspiracy and wildlife trafficking. U.S. District Judge Dana Christensen in Missoula said during his sentencing hearing that the killing of birds by Branson was calculated, extensive and carried out with full knowledge that he was breaking the law. If you had not been caught youd still be doing it today, the judge said. Christensen ordered Branson to pay $777,250 in restitution $5,000 for each eagle killed and $1,750 for each hawk. The sentence was at the upper end of federal sentencing guidelines. Prior to being sentenced, Branson apologized to the court and his family. Its my own fault, he said. I know what I did was wrong. In text messages obtained by investigators and presented at the sentencing hearing, Branson wrote of killing birds since the 1980s. So many I cant remember anymore LOL, Branson said in one text. Other texts described eagles being shot in Nevada and Idaho and instances of dozens of birds being shot on a single weekend. This is just a small glimpse of the killing that was happening, U.S Fish and Wildlife Service Special Agent Mona Iannelli said during the hearing. A second defendant in the case told authorities that the trafficking ring had been operating since 2009, killing 300 to 400 birds annually. Prosecutors from the U.S. Attorneys Office have said others were also involved. But Branson was described during Thursdays hearing as the organizer of the trafficking ring instructing others on where and when to shoot birds, and then arranging for the sale of their feathers and parts. FILE - This undated photo from a court document provided by the U.S. Attorney for the District of Montana shows golden eagle feet recovered by law enforcement officers from a Washington state man's vehicle. (Courtesy of the U.S. Attorney for the District of Montana via AP, File)AP His lack of respect for the sanctity of these protected birds was driven by only one thing: greed, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said following the hearing. Laslovich added that those who purchased the feathers shared responsibility for the killings. The prosecutor said he wanted to put buyers on notice that their conduct is a federal crime. Prosecutors had asked the judge to impose a significant prison sentence and order Branson to pay restitution. He faced up to five years in prison on the conspiracy charge. His public defender asked for a sentence of probation and claimed that prosecutors overstated the number of birds killed. Federal Defender Andrew Nelson also disputed the restitution amount, saying it was too high for the eagles and the hawks should not be counted. Christensen rejected the arguments. Branson had no prior criminal history, according to Nelson. He grew up on the Flathead reservation, home of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes. Because of the criminal charges, he lost his job as a maintenance supervisor for the Kalispel Tribe in Washington and suffered a stroke in April, Nelson said. The large numbers of birds killed in the case underscores the persistence of a thriving illegal trade in eagle feathers despite law enforcement efforts over the past decade that netted dozens of criminal indictments across the U.S. West and Midwest. Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes Chairman Mike Dolson said the loss of so many birds of prey from the Flathead Reservation will be felt for years to come. Eagles are important to the reservations ecosystem and also the cultural and spiritual practices of tribal members, he said. We hope this helps put a stop to illegal poaching on our homelands, Dolson said. Bald eagles, once highly imperiled by the pesticide DDT, have bounced back in recent decades and are now abundant. The recovery of golden eagles has been more tenuous and researchers have warned that the population is on the brink of decline due to shootings, poisonings, electrocutions on power lines, collisions with wind turbines and other threats. Its illegal to buy or sell eagle feathers or other parts. The government has sought to offset strong demand for feathers among Native Americans by providing them for free from a government repository. But theyre unable to keep up with demand and the repository has a yearslong backlog. Branson made between $180,000 and $360,000 from 2009 to 2021 selling bald and golden eagle parts illegally, court records said. Christensen allowed Branson to remain out of custody until he reports for prison. The defendant made an obscene gesture to reporters as he left the courthouse without commenting further. He waived his right to appeal Thursdays sentence, under a plea deal that included the dismissal of additional charges. The second defendant, Simon Paul, of St. Ignatius, Montana, remains at large. A federal judge issued an arrest warrant for Paul in December after he failed to show up for an initial court hearing. Court documents have suggested he fled to Canada. Federally recognized tribes can apply for permits with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to take a bald or golden eagle for religious purposes. Enrolled tribal members can apply for feathers and other bird parts from the National Eagle Repository in Colorado and non-government repositories in Oklahoma and Arizona. Following years of high-skill job growth in the Pikes Peak region, its public school districts and businesses alike have taken strides in working together to build up tomorrow's workforce. While each local school district has historically offered its own career and technical education programs, also referred to as "vocational education" or "tech ed" over the years, industry and education leaders alike agreed that the societal need for this education crossed beyond district boundaries. Colorado Springs School District 11 career and technical education director Duane Roberson recalled what a local employer told him years ago while speaking at a recent career summit. He said, Duane, I own a business in one school district, I live in a second school district and my kids are in a third school district, said Roberson. He said, I dont understand all of the school districts, but I know is that I need a workforce for every one of the school districts. In the years since, Roberson, also a committee member with the Colorado Association for Career & Technical Administrators, has worked with neighboring school districts to bolster all offerings throughout the entire region. He and other districts' program directors meet monthly to discuss and share practices in each other's programs. New facilities have also been built and programming expanded over this time to teach students the skills for burgeoning industries in the region. Beginning this schoolyear, Calhan School District RJ-1 opened a new facility that features nine welding bays, woodworking and metal shops, a fully staffed kitchen, and new classrooms. In October, District 49 cut the ribbon to a new wing for career technical education pathways at Vista Ridge High School to increase student capacity. A large part of the increased offerings is the shared vision of workforce development across the board. What we are are 17 strong school districts that talk to each other regularly and collaboratively," Roberson told the crowd. "We meet all the time with leadership and we encourage teachers to talk across school districts. Because an engineering program in one school district can only be as strong as the engineering program in another school district. The career pathways summit, held at Fountain Fort Carson High School Oct. 29, brought together local business leaders, educators and students throughout the region to highlight the impacts of career and technical education in the region. The summit was the first of its kind and put on by the Pikes Peak Business Education Association (PPBEA) to allow attendees to explore how potential partnerships might address the workforce needs of the ever-growing local economy. School district representatives and business leaders met with local students before breaking out into meetings to discuss the current landscape of different career pathways like hospitality, health sciences, skilled trades, culinary and manufacturing. According to the PPBEA, the career fields with the most job openings in Teller and El Paso counties this year have been nursing and health sciences and cybersecurity and computer science at 20,323 and 18,082 openings, respectively. Similarly, an October progress report in El Paso County listed registered nurses, software engineers and maintenance/repair workers among the top 10 job openings. In the same report, the number of workers available per job opening was calculated at 0.87. To help fill these workforce needs, the PPBEA formed in 2019 to increase the local talent pool, help address chronically unfilled jobs and enhance K-12 education through career-connected learning for students like internships and worksite visits. Operating under the Pikes Peak Workforce Center, it has grown to work with over 12,000 students this past year. PPBEA director Bob Gemignani said it formed following his tenure as a workforce learning manager in D-49, where he helped design and implement its occupational training program and business partnerships and other school districts took notice. Despite the recent progress with these collaborations, he said student engagement remains the key to filling current job gaps. "At scale, we need to get these high school kids better informed and more motivated to look at these pathway programs, not just take their regular academics and a throwaway class," he said. Recent responses According to the 2023 state talent pipeline report, roughly 35% of Tier 2 Top Jobs required only a high school diploma or equivalent, showing a shift in demand for training requirements rather than postsecondary degrees for some jobs. The report also noted that the lower educational attainment requirements for in-demand jobs would likely lead to employers opting for candidates with some type of previous job training. Across the state, legislative action has taken place to address overall workforce needs, Recent state legislation like Senate Bill 24-104 and House Bill 22-1215 has worked to improve the connectedness of high school students to career pathways like career and technical education, apprenticeships and postsecondary coursework available for them to take. Recommendations from the state Secondary, Postsecondary and Work-based Learning Integration Task Force outline a need for increased communication to access, report and track all career pathway options throughout the state. It also recommends that every Coloradoan have no-cost access to a quality short-term credential, quality work-based learning experience or college credits by age 21. In Colorado Springs, the position of workforce administrator was recently resurrected by Mayor Yemi Mobolade to meet the economic development goals laid out in his strategic framework. Among these goals are building school district K-12 partnerships for workforce for tomorrow jobs and training focused on sectors in the region and specifically supporting cybersecurity and space education to become a direct feeder to higher education and industry. With these in mind, city workforce administrator Robin Lovewell has met with local high schools and program directors to observe their current offerings to students and make connections with local businesses for internships or presentations. She noted the growth and expansion of what is now considered career and technical education and what specifically is offered in the Pike Peak region. Featured Local Savings "I think back in the day, when you think of voc ed, you think more of the trades ... but there is so many more," Lovewell said. "There's business, there's aviation, there's manufacturing, there's health care, graphic arts, multimedia. So, there are so many different career fields that kids have an opportunity to get trained in." Going forward As far as El Paso and Teller counties are concerned, the recent momentum shows no signs of slowing down. Earlier this year, the state Department of Education approved an incoming innovation zone for D-11 that will partner high school students with the University of Colorado Colorado Springs Cybersecurity and Research Center, the National Cybersecurity Center and industry professionals. Students will also be able to earn dual enrollment credits at UCCS and Pike Peak State College and certifications through their classwork. Lovewell also said that D-11 is in discussions with the city to potentially develop a new student cohort with a focus on city government work. In addition to the UCCS's bachelor degree program in aerospace engineering, which launched in 2022, a new engineering center opened in 2024 to house modern research labs and instructional spaces. This year, Pikes Peak State College began offering its own bachelor's in cybersecurity. Up in Lewis-Palmer D-38, a brand-new career and technical education facility that will provide students the opportunity to earn both certifications and college credits for career pathways is slated for completion by the start of the 2025-26 school year. Career pathways mentioned include manufacturing and skilled trades in addition to newer offerings like health care and cybersecurity. Out east, the Pikes Peak Board of Cooperative Educational Services approved the location for a new trade school campus near Peyton. If finalized, it would serve students in rural school districts like Big Sandy, Calhan, Edison, Elbert, Ellicott, Hanover, Miami-Yoder and Peyton. As for established programming in the region, interest continues to grow. Lovewell recalled during her visit to Air Academy High School in August that there was a waitlist of 100 students for the school's aviation program. To keep this momentum going, Gemignani said that student engagement with career and technical education may continue to grow if it were presented more as core classwork rather than voluntary classwork for students, given the possibilities they can present. "By the time they graduate, they've got probably three or four classes of college credit," he said. "They've got college credit that potentially qualify them for an entry-level job in that career cluster coming out of high school. Or, if it's not a job that you can enter with a high school diploma and some credentials, it'll better put them on a path to make a really solid college decision." For students like Fountain-Fort Carson senior Tautinei Aflava, her career and technical education classes offered her the chance to find her calling in life in a way that her core academics couldn't. After previously struggling with attendance and her grades, she now has a 3.2 grade-point average and was recently named the CTE student of the year by the Colorado Association of for Career and Technical Education. In addition to the applicable hands-on work skills she gained through classes like culinary arts and interior design, she said that she's also learned how to effectively communicate with others, how to enter the workforce and take on leadership roles. Despite being unaware of the statewide award until she was announced this year's winner, she surmises it was the focus and commitment she exhibited through her daily classwork that won her the distinction. "It really showed, not just to me but to other people, that I can do what I want, and it proved to me that I wasnt dumb like I thought I was," she said. Her current classes have her going out and working with the local Fountain community and educating them about career and technical education offerings. Going forward, she says she hopes to continue to serve her community through the skills she's developed through these classes. I want to continue that community work, she said. I want to be the voice for those people that feel like they arent heard. Election Day is Tuesday, but dont expect to know the results in short order. Projections for a tight presidential contest, the adoption of a new form of voting in Portland and a possible flood of last-minute ballots from procrastinators all suggest that voters, exhausted from this intense election season, may need to be patient a little longer. And even after the races are decided, the drama may continue. Worries over who wins the presidency have prompted some businesses in downtown Portland to board up their buildings. The protests-turned-riots in 2016 following former President Donald Trumps election and in summer 2020 following the Minneapolis Police killing of George Floyd are front of mind for those who have put in the hard work ever since to restore downtown as a cultural and commercial destination. A lot can happen amid uncertainty and disappointment, and that is what has many on edge. Credit elected officials and community leaders for making preparations for the elections aftermath, adding training for police months ago and presenting a united front to the public. While calling for any protests to remain peaceful, theyve broadcast their commitment to arrest and prosecute criminal behavior with buy-in from the Portland Police, Multnomah County sheriff, Multnomah County district attorney and other law enforcement agencies. Drawing the line between allowing vigorous free expression while intervening to stop criminal behavior is a delicate balancing act, particularly in crowds with mixed intentions. The broad cooperation and plans for how law enforcement will coordinate their response are key to walking that line and avoiding the aggressive tactics that also contributed to 2020s incendiary political climate. But Portlanders should do their part as well, regardless of what the results, locally or nationally, show. The outcomes inevitably are going to disappoint some people thats the nature of elections. And protest is an inherent part of Portlands culture of expression. But residents should commit now to promoting peaceful demonstrations and resisting provocateurs and extremists of any political stripe looking to start a fight. The downtown core is still recovering from the pandemic-fueled office vacancies and a negative public image that dissuades visits to downtown shops and arts organizations, even by those who live here. Too often, protesters in the past have dismissed property damage as some insignificant consequence compared to protesters greater goal. Downtowns continuing struggles which directly affect the tax revenue that local governments have to pay for basic services show how misguided that belief is. Voters can also help keep the temperature down by understanding final results necessarily will take some time to tally and ignoring uninformed social media screeds. While theres little anyone can do but be patient for national results, Oregonians should keep in mind our state allows ballots to be postmarked as late as 8 p.m., Tuesday and that many voters choose to submit their ballots on the last day. Turnout in some areas of the state are lagging previous years, which also may contribute to the number of ballots landing in county drop boxes on Tuesday. Locally, residents should be prepared for how Portland race results compiled by the Multnomah County elections office will look. County officials will be releasing daily updates, but results will change as ballots go through multiple rounds of tallying under the new ranked-choice voting system for Portland races. So, someone who is leading the pack on one day may not be the next and may very well be eliminated. This is not fraud this is the counting process working through a complicated progression of tallying votes, determining whether anyone has reached the threshold for winning and if not, eliminating the lowest vote getter in a round and adding those supporters next-ranked choices to active candidates totals. (For multi-winner races, such as City Council, the county will also factor in whether any candidates exceed the winning threshold, which results in those supporters next-ranked candidate receiving a fraction of a vote based on the surplus). It certainly takes more effort to understand how the totals are updated, but the county has wisely pledged to release detailed data so people can track it for themselves. Such transparency will help build trust in this new system and must continue to be the guiding philosophy for the county. Elections are about the direction that voters collectively want to take, whether we individually agree or not. Whatever the outcomes, locally, statewide or nationally, lets make sure that direction for Portland and Oregon isnt backward. -The Oregonian/OregonLive Editorial Board Sign up for our free Oregon Opinion newsletter. Email: Daylight saving time ends at 2 a.m. local time Sunday, which means you should set your clock back an hour before you go to bed tonight. Standard time will last until March 9 when we will again spring forward with the return of daylight saving time. That spring time change can be tougher on your body. Darker mornings and lighter evenings can knock your internal body clock out of whack, making it harder to fall asleep on time for weeks or longer. Studies have even found an uptick in heart attacks and strokes right after the March time change. Fall back should be easier. But it still may take a while to adjust your sleep habits, not to mention the downsides of leaving work in the dark or trying to exercise while theres still enough light. Some people with seasonal affective disorder, a type of depression usually linked to the shorter days and less sunlight of fall and winter, may struggle, too. Most countries do not observe daylight saving time. For those that do mostly in Europe and North America the date that clocks are changed varies. Two states Arizona and Hawaii dont change and stay on standard time. Heres what to know about the twice yearly ritual. How the body reacts to light The brain has a master clock that is set by exposure to sunlight and darkness. This circadian rhythm is a roughly 24-hour cycle that determines when we become sleepy and when were more alert. The patterns change with age, one reason that early-to-rise youngsters evolve into hard-to-wake teens. Morning light resets the rhythm. By evening, levels of a hormone called melatonin begin to surge, triggering drowsiness. Too much light in the evening that extra hour from daylight saving time delays that surge and the cycle gets out of sync. And that circadian clock affects more than sleep, also influencing things like heart rate, blood pressure, stress hormones and metabolism. How do time changes affect sleep? Even an hour change on the clock can throw off sleep schedules because even though the clocks change, work and school start times stay the same. Thats a problem because so many people are already sleep deprived. About 1 in 3 U.S. adults sleep less than the recommended seven-plus hours nightly, and more than half of U.S. teens dont get the recommended eight-plus hours on weeknights. Sleep deprivation is linked to heart disease, cognitive decline, obesity and numerous other problems. Other things to do After you set the clocks back one hour, officials are hoping youll use some of your weekend time to prepare yourself and your residence for potential dangers as winter approaches and diminished daylight becomes a factor in the afternoons and evenings. At the top of the list: Make sure your smoke alarm and its batteries are in working order. Check your carbon monoxide alarms as well. Use your headlights when driving because of diminished daylight after the time change. We encourage people to change the batteries in their smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors in the fall and the spring each year, said Clark County, Nevada, Fire Chief John Steinbeck. This is a life-saving habit that can keep you and your family safe in the event of a fire or a problem with carbon monoxide levels in your home. Reduced visibility while driving is a major concern. We are asking motorists and pedestrians to be extra cautious as the hours of daylight become much shorter, Clark County Commissioner Michael Naft, a traffic safety advocate, said in a county news release. Sadly, most pedestrian fatalities occur between dusk and dawn when its harder for motorists to see pedestrians. It is critical that drivers slow down, pay extra attention, and use their headlights. Smoke alarm tips: Smoke alarms more than 10 years old need to be replaced. Test smoke alarms at least once a month using the test button; replace immediately if they dont respond properly when tested. Make sure everyone in the home understands the sound of the smoke alarm and how to respond. Chirping alarms are a warning sign that that battery is low and needs to be replaced. Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home. Smoke rises, so install smoke alarms following manufacturers instructions high on a wall or on a ceiling. Smoke alarms with strobe lights and vibration devices are available for hearing impaired people. Carbon monoxide alarm tips: Install in a central location outside each sleeping area of a home. Follow manufacturers instructions for placement and height. Choose a carbon monoxide alarm that has the label of a recognized testing laboratory. Test carbon monoxide alarms at least once a month and replace according to manufacturers instructions. If the carbon monoxide alarm sounds, immediately move to a fresh air location outdoors or by an open window or door. Make sure everyone inside the home is accounted for. Call for help from a fresh air location and stay there until emergency personnel arrive. --The Associated Press and Tribune News Service contributed A steady stream of false and misleading information is circulating online around the 2024 election. The Associated Press checked out the claims. Here are the facts: CLAIM: A Dominion voting machine in Whitfield County, Georgia, flipped a vote to a candidate not marked by the voter. THE FACTS: Thats false. The Whitfield County Board of Elections and Registrars issued a press release Oct. 19, noting the case involved one voter out of 6,000 ballots cast since early voting began Oct. 15. The ballot was spoiled, and the voter cast a replacement that was counted. Officials said there was no problem with the voting machine. Gabriel Sterling, chief operating officer for the Georgia secretary of states office, said every report theyve seen so far of someone saying their printed ballot didnt reflect their selections on the touchscreen voting machine has been a result of voter error. The statements followed a post by U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, who claimed on X that a voting machine had changed a voters ballot in her Georgia district during early voting. She later updated her post to include a statement from county election officials explaining what happened and thanking them for resolving the issue. Whitfield County election officials said in the press release that the voter noticed when reviewing their printed ballot that it didnt reflect their choice. A poll worker assisted the voter in marking their choice and casting their vote. Georgia law allows voters to spoil their printed ballot if they make the wrong selection on the ballot marking device. If a voter requests to change their selections, they are immediately given a new opportunity to make and print the correct choice, officials said. They noted that if there was reason to suspect that the machine made an error it would be taken out of service. No machines were taken out of service, county election officials said. ___ Associated Press writer Melissa Goldin in New York contributed to this report. Find AP Fact Checks here: https://apnews.com/APFactCheck. Colorado Voter Guide: 2024 General Election The 24th vote in the Colorado Senate is the golden ticket Democrats are chasing this election season. Democrats hold a 23-12 majority in the chamber and a 46-19 advantage in the House. That 24th vote would give Democrats the first supermajority or two-thirds in state history. With a supermajority in both chambers, which includes 44 seats in the House, Democrats could send constitutional amendments to voters without a single Republican vote. They could override gubernatorial vetoes, which Gov. Jared Polis has not been shy about handing out over the last six years. Since taking office in 2019, Polis has vetoed 32 bills, including 10 in 2023, the high watermark. What could Democrats do with a supermajority? They could, in theory, start pushing back against Gov. Jared Polis' preferences. For example, perhaps no bills in 2024 got the ire of fellow Democrats more than three labor-related bills that earned a veto from Polis. All three had strong support from Democrats, above the two-thirds threshold in the House and just a vote or two shy of a supermajority in the Senate. Supporters said HB 24-1008 would have put more teeth into protecting employees of general contractors from wage theft, frequently union jobs. It won a straight party-line 23-12 vote in the state Senate and 43-17 in the House, one shy of the two-thirds majority, due to two absent Democrats on the day of the final vote and who would have been expected to vote for it. HB 24-1260 would bar an employer from threatening to either discipline or fire an employee who refuses to attend employer-mandated training on religious or political matters. It passed on a straight party-line vote in the Senate with one Democratic no vote from House Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, in the House. Seen as a union jobs bill, HB24-1307 required school HVAC installation and maintenance using federal funds to be completed by certified contractors. It passed 22-13 with one Democratic no vote from Sen. Dylan Roberts, D-Dillon, and on a 45-18 vote in the House, with one representative from each party absent. Union supporters and their allies cried foul over Polis vetoes, claiming he had abandoned labor. The actions of Governor Polis are an attack on working Coloradans and their communities, said Dennis Dougherty, executive director of Colorado AFL-CIO, in a statement from the BlueGreen Alliance last May. Gov. Polis turned his back on us, read one pro-union banner at a rally to protest the vetoes last May. A supermajority in the Senate could have gotten at least two of those bills past a gubernatorial veto. The sponsors of those bills in the House and Senate are all expected to return for the 2025 session. The veto threat has kept other Democratic-sponsored measures from making it to the governors desk. In 2023 and 2024, a ban on assault weapons and a bill to create sites where users can inject or ingest prohibited substances both failed early on, under worries the governor would reject them. While in theory a supermajority would give Democrats the power to override a veto, it remains to be seen whether they would actually exercise that power and effectively embarrass their party mate at the top of the ticket. Outgoing Senate President Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder, downplayed the notion of a supermajority, telling Colorado Politics he's always been more concerned with quality than numbers. He added that, even with a supermajority, Democrats don't always agree on everything. And the notion of a supermajority is more useful as a tool for Republicans to fundraise from, he added. The crucial Senate contests While 18 seats are up for election next week, just five will determine whether Democrats get to that 24th seat. Republicans expect to flip the Weld-Adams Senate District 13 seat currently held by Democratic Sen. Kevin Priola of Henderson. Priola changed parties two years ago, leading to calls for his resignation and a brief, failed attempt at a recall. After redistricting, the newly drawn Senate District 13 leans Republican by 3.7%. Senate District 12, on the other hand, is held by Sen. Bob Gardner, R-Colorado Springs. Gardner, like Priola, is term limited. Despite a 2.4% Republican lean, Democratic Rep. Marc Snyder of Manitou Springs is expected to win the seat. The Senate Majority Fund spent $1.5 million to support his Republican opponent, Stan Vanderwerf, in the last two weeks. The outcome? Likely a zero-sum game. Three others races, as demonstrated by the spending in these races, could determine whether Democrats gain a supermajority: Senate District 5 and Senate District 6 in the Western Slope, and Centennials Senate District 16. Senate District 6 is held by Republican Sen. Cleave Simpson, R-Alamosa, who faces Democratic challenger Vivian Smotherman of Durango. The district covers the southern half of the Western Slope and extends east to Alamosa. Outside groups are spending more to back Simpson and almost not at all for Smotherman, indicating that Simpson may have the advantage on Nov. 5. Senate District 13 is held by Democratic Sen. Chris Kolker of Centennial, who faces Republican Robyn Carnes. Outside spending in the race heavily favors Kolker. If Simpson and Kolker kept their seats, the question might come down to Senate District 5, a seat being given up by Republican Sen. Perry Will of New Castle, whos instead running for Garfield County commissioner. Republican Rep. Marc Catlin of Montrose, who earned a rare accolade by being named vice-chair of the House Agriculture, Water and Natural Resources Committee by two House speakers, is term-limited. He is now running for the Senate seat. He faces Democratic candidate Cole Buerger of Glenwood Springs. Big money is being spent by outside groups on this contest. For Catlin, the Senate Majority Fund has spent an unprecedented $1.7 million on the race since Oct. 10 and a total of $3.36 million on four of the five Senate races at the same time. All Together Colorado, the primary independent expenditure group for Senate Democrats, has spent $1.46 million in support of Buerger during the same period. Senate Minority Leader Sen. Paul Lundeen, R-Monument, doesnt believe the 24th seat will drop into the Democrats laps. Featured Local Savings We dont expect that, he said. We expect well stay out of the super minority and doing everything we can. Thats resonating with the people of Colorado, as well as funders, he said. Our effort to maintain the lever of authority we have in the state Senate is resonating with voters, he said, adding that people are struggling with kitchen table issues and are opposed to how the economy has been handled. He noted that, in the past, Democrats have outraised Republicans for spending on legislative races, but that is not the case this year. The Senate Majority Fund reported spending $3.5 million through Oct. 23, while All Together reported spending $2.9 million. The road to a House supermajority Democrats task in the 2024 election is to hold onto 44 seats to keep that supermajority, which they gained with the five additional seats they won in the 2022 wave year. Outside groups have been spending millions to decide control of at least five seats. Still, Republican-leaning independent expenditure groups appear to be spending more in the campaign's final two weeks than their Democratic counterparts in virtually every competitive race. The hottest race will likely be House District 43, where Democratic Rep. Bob Marshall of Highlands Ranch pulled off an upset in 2022 in a district with a 7.4% Republican lean. Marshall won by 405 votes, the closest race in the state, and became the first Democrat to represent the northern Douglas County district. Marshall, who is running for his second term, faces Republican Matt Burcham. Meanwhile, in House District 19, of Weld and eastern Boulder counties, former Republican Rep. Dan Woog of Erie faces first-time candidate Jillaire McMillan, also of Erie. McMillan had just 110 days to put together a campaign after Democratic Rep. Jennifer Parenti announced she would not run for a second term, an announcement made after the June 25 primary. A vacancy committee chose McMillan to replace Parenti. In 2022, Woog lost to Parenti, who was also a first-time candidate, by 1,467 votes. The district leans slightly toward Republicans, at 1.9%, and Republican-leaning outside groups have spent over $400,000 to either support Woog or oppose McMillan, who has garnered little backing from Democratic-leaning committees. Meanwhile, spending is also hot in House District 25. Two years ago, Rep. Tammy Story, D-Evergreen, surprised political observers by winning the seat. The commission had redrawn the district for a 1.8% Democratic lean, but it was represented by Rep. Colin Larson, R-Littleton, who was expected to become the next House Minority Leader. This year, Story faces former police chief George Mumma. Spending by outside groups favors Mumma. In the Colorado Springs-based House District 16, Rep. Stephanie Vigil faces Republican Rebecca Keltie next week in an area that leans 3.1% Republican. Finally, outside groups are spending big on both sides in House District 50, where Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley, is running for her fourth and final term against Republican Ryan Gonzalez in a district that leans Democrat at 6.1%. Spending by groups for House and Senate races in the last three weeks has topped $7 million. Will it work? The supermajority is only as good so long as everyone sticks together. Officially, its illegal for lawmakers to take caucus positions. And sometimes, the governor is seen as a backstop and policymakers are relieved to see a bill vetoed, though they may not publicly say so. Senate Majority Leader Sen. Robert Rodriguez, D-Denver, told Colorado Politics he doesnt see Democrats getting into fights over vetoes with Polis, something he said could be egregious. But Rodriguez said a 24th seat would give the caucus a greater voice and more understanding of things in different parts of the state, with the potential addition of two more Western Slope Democratic senators in addition to Roberts. I care about rural communities and ag, and its always been portrayed that we dont care. Having those voices would show we do care, he said. Senate President Pro tem James Rashad Coleman of Denver said a supermajority to him means just one more Democrat. Coleman, who aims to become the next Senate president, said, Its great to have one more Democrat in the chamber. But he added: Its only beautiful if we do our work, engaging with our communities and the governor. Its one additional vote that aligns with our values. We will appreciate the authority we have. However, in the last two sessions, even with a supermajority in the House, not everyone has agreed in both the House and Senate. In 2023, moderate Senate Democrats shot down Polis most significant legislative proposal, the omnibus housing bill. In the House, the June 25 primary took a little of the steam out of the progressive caucus in the state House, losing Reps. Tim Hernandez and Elisabeth Epps, who are both from Denver. Republican consultant Dick Wadhams said even with the loss of Hernandez and Epps, a supermajority in both chambers would empower the far-left wing of the Democratic Party. The bottom line is that element of the Democratic Party is alive and well and growing. Democrats, even mainstream Democrats, will be looking over their shoulder at primary challenges. It wouldn't take much pressure to cave on fundamental issues that could pass with a supermajority in both chambers. Thats the reality of what Democrats are dealing with, Wadhams said. Today, we drove out to Teotihuacan to see the enormous pre-Columbian complex there that includes the massive Pyramid of the Sun and the almost equally huge Pyramid of the Moon. It is located about twenty-five miles to the northeast of downtown Mexico City. The original name of the city is unknown, as is the ethnicity of those who built it. The name Teotihuacan was given to it by the Nahuatl-speaking Aztecs centuries after its fall, which seems to have occurred along with systematic pillaging and burning around 550 CE. Teotihuacan has been interpreted as meaning something like birthplace of the gods, or place where gods were born, reflecting the influence of Nahua creation myths that were located in Teotihuacan. At its height, which it probably reached in the first half of the first millennium (that is, between AD 1 and AD 500), Teotihuacan was the largest city in the Americas, with a population that may have hit 125,000 or more, making it at least the sixth-largest city in the world during the time of its flourishing. The Pyramid of the Sun, which is said to be the third-largest pyramid in the world, is believed to have been constructed about AD 200. It is the largest building in Teotihuacan and is among the largest buildings in all of Mesoamerica. It is roughly 750 feet on each side and about 233.5 feet high, with a total volume of 41,841,817 cubic feet. To put such figures in comparative perspective, the Great Pyramid of Cheops or Khufu at Giza, in Egypt, is approximately 755.6 feet on each side and stands 454.4 feet tall, which gives it a volume of roughly 92 million cubic feet, making it considerably larger than Teotihuacans largest pyramid. And Gizas Great Pyramid initially stood 481 feet tall: Over time, most of its smooth white limestone casing was removed, especially in order to construct the booming late-medieval Cairo, which lowered the pyramids height to its current level. What is visible today is the underlying and rather irregular core structure. But the greatest pyramid in Mexico remains very large and very impressive. The name Pyramid of the Sun comes from the Aztecs, who first visited the city of Teotihuacan several centuries after it was abandoned; the name given to the pyramid by the Teotihuacanos themselves is unknown. The Pyramid of the Moon that name too was, of course, bestowed upon it by the Aztecs many centuries after its construction is the second-largest pyramid in Mesoamerica, after the Pyramid of the Sun. It was built between AD 100 and AD 450 over an earlier structure that is contained within it. Remains of human sacrificial victims have been found within it, both animal and human. I havent seen Teotihuacan since I was seventeen years old, so it was fun to see it again. I had forgotten, for one thing, about the colorful murals that have been preserved in some areas of the complex. Some scholars of the Book of Mormon have proposed Teotihuacan as the great city that was built by King Jacob of the Gadianton Robbers, according to the Book of Mormon, not long prior to the coming of Christ to the New World: 1 Now behold, I will show unto you that they did not establish a king over the land; but in this same year, yea, the thirtieth year, they did destroy upon the judgment-seat, yea, did murder the chief judge of the land. 2 And the people were divided one against another; and they did separate one from another into tribes, every man according to his family and his kindred and friends; and thus they did destroy the government of the land. 3 And every tribe did appoint a chief or a leader over them; and thus they became tribes and leaders of tribes. 4 Now behold, there was no man among them save he had much family and many kindreds and friends; therefore their tribes became exceedingly great. 5 Now all this was done, and there were no wars as yet among them; and all this iniquity had come upon the people because they did yield themselves unto the power of Satan. 6 And the regulations of the government were destroyed, because of the secret combination of the friends and kindreds of those who murdered the prophets. 7 And they did cause a great contention in the land, insomuch that the more righteous part of the people had nearly all become wicked; yea, there were but few righteous men among them. 8 And thus six years had not passed away since the more part of the people had turned from their righteousness, like the dog to his vomit, or like the sow to her wallowing in the mire. 9 Now this secret combination, which had brought so great iniquity upon the people, did gather themselves together, and did place at their head a man whom they did call Jacob; 10 And they did call him their king; therefore he became a king over this wicked band; and he was one of the chiefest who had given his voice against the prophets who testified of Jesus. 11 And it came to pass that they were not so strong in number as the tribes of the people, who were united together save it were their leaders did establish their laws, every one according to his tribe; nevertheless they were enemies; notwithstanding they were not a righteous people, yet they were united in the hatred of those who had entered into a covenant to destroy the government. 12 Therefore, Jacob seeing that their enemies were more numerous than they, he being the king of the band, therefore he commanded his people that they should take their flight into the northernmost part of the land, and there build up unto themselves a kingdom, until they were joined by dissenters, (for he flattered them that there would be many dissenters) and they become sufficiently strong to contend with the tribes of the people; and they did so. 13 And so speedy was their march that it could not be impeded until they had gone forth out of the reach of the people. And thus ended the thirtieth year; and thus were the affairs of the people of Nephi. (3 Nephi 7:1-13) Then came the great destruction at the time of the crucifixion of Christ in the Old World: 9 And behold, that great city Jacobugath, which was inhabited by the people of king Jacob, have I caused to be burned with fire because of their sins and their wickedness, which was above all the wickedness of the whole earth, because of their secret murders and combinations; for it was they that did destroy the peace of my people and the government of the land; therefore I did cause them to be burned, to destroy them from before my face, that the blood of the prophets and the saints should not come up unto me any more against them. (3 Nephi 9:9) Now, though, for a link to Tikal, the great Maya site in the Guatemalan lowlands that we visited at the very beginning of this Interpreter Foundation educational tour: The Mundo Perdido, or Lost World, at Tikal is the largest ceremonial complex there dating from the Preclassic period. It was an astronomical center consisting of a pyramid aligned with a platform to the east that supported three temples. The Mundo Perdido complex was rebuilt many times over the course of its history. By AD 250300, however, its architectural style had been substantially influenced by that of Teotihuacan, the rising power located all the way up in the Valley of Mexico. If I recall correctly, both Brant Gardner and Blake Allen, our Mesoamerican gurus for this tour, have suggested that the downfall of the Nephites and their polity may have come about, at least in part, because they were positioned between two newly allied and very ambitious trading partners, Teotihuacan (to the north) and Tikal (to the south). Posted from the Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico Im afraid that, owing to the demands of our travel schedule and other factors, Ive been recounting our adventures somewhat out of order. I apologize for that. But it cant really be helped. In fact, Ill backtrack a little bit in this entry, yet again. On Friday, 1 November, we were up characteristically early. We had breakfast right on the shore of the remarkably pretty Lake Catemaco and, across the water in the distance, were able to see Cintepec, the small peak that might be the Book of Mormons Hill Shim. (The previous night, we had arrived after dark and, so, were unable to see it.) Then we drove to a vantage point from which we could look out over the town of Santiago Tuxtla and, behind it, Cerro Vigia, which is probably the leading candidate to be the location of the final battle of the Nephites and, before them, of the Jaredites: 2 And I, Mormon, wrote an epistle unto the king of the Lamanites, and desired of him that he would grant unto us that we might gather together our people unto the land of Cumorah, by a hill which was called Cumorah, and there we could give them battle. 3 And it came to pass that the king of the Lamanites did grant unto me the thing which I desired. 4 And it came to pass that we did march forth to the land of Cumorah, and we did pitch our tents around about the hill Cumorah; and it was in a land of many waters, rivers, and fountains; and here we had hope to gain advantage over the Lamanites. 5 And when three hundred and eighty and four years had passed away, we had gathered in all the remainder of our people unto the land of Cumorah. 6 And it came to pass that when we had gathered in all our people in one to the land of Cumorah, behold I, Mormon, began to be old; and knowing it to be the last struggle of my people, and having been commanded of the Lord that I should not suffer the records which had been handed down by our fathers, which were sacred, to fall into the hands of the Lamanites, (for the Lamanites would destroy them) therefore I made this record out of the plates of Nephi, and hid up in the hill Cumorah all the records which had been entrusted to me by the hand of the Lord, save it were these few plates which I gave unto my son Moroni. (Mormon 6:2-6) Please note, by the way, the important fact that Mormon buried in the hill that he mentions all of the records in his possession except for those that I handed over to his son Moroni. Those are the plates, presumably, that Moroni ultimately buried in the hill in western New York nearly three and a half decades after the cataclysmic final Nephite battle and that, in the early nineteenth century, he delivered to the Prophet Joseph Smith. And here is a reference to Cumorah (aka Ramah) in Moronis account of the final Jaredite battle: 11 And it came to pass that the army of Coriantumr did pitch their tents by the hill Ramah; and it was that same hill where my father Mormon did hide up the records unto the Lord, which were sacred. 12 And it came to pass that they did gather together all the people upon all the face of the land, who had not been slain, save it was Ether. (Ether 15:11-12) After looking out over the likely site of the destruction of both the Nephites and the Jaredites fittingly enough, on the day celebrated in Mexico as the Day of the Dead (the Dia de (los) Muertos) we continued through a large area of ponds and marshes that can, I think, be plausibly identified with the waters of Ripliancum as mentioned in the Book of Mormon. Im told, too, that the area through which we passed was described among the Aztecs by a term, in Nahuatl, that bears the meaning of something like exceeding large waters: 7 And when Coriantumr saw that he was about to fall he fled again before the people of Shiz. 8 And it came to pass that he came to the waters of Ripliancum, which, by interpretation, is large, or to exceed all; wherefore, when they came to these waters they pitched their tents; and Shiz also pitched his tents near unto them; and therefore on the morrow they did come to battle. (Ether 15:8) When we reached Veracruz, we enjoyed a good early dinner in a Mexican chain restaurant called Vips, walked around the beautiful little Veracruz Mexico Temple nearby, and caught an evening flight to Mexico City, the last destination of our tour. Its been interesting to see the temporary Day of the Dead Shrines, and the costumes, and the holiday face painting. The holiday is a combination of Halloweenish fun and somewhat solemn memorials to the departed dead. I would imagine that the particular mix varies from person to person, from family to family, and from place to place. Incidentally, a bit of trivia: I mentioned the other day that Mel Gibson had lodged in the same hotel (La Finca) on the shore of Lake Catemaca where we stayed last Thursday night. He was filming his 2006 Mesoamerican-themed film Apocalypto. (He both produced and directed it.) The hotel has a beautiful setting on the lake and is quite adequate and clean, but it is not at all luxurious. Evidently, Sean Connery had already stayed there during the filming of his 1992 movie Medicine Man. And, now, the hotel can add Larry Ainsworth, Steve Densley, Brant Gardner, and Verlanne Johnson volunteers, all of them, with the Interpreter Foundation to its list of distinguished guests. Posted from the Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico Today we hear the most sacred prayer of the Jewish faith, first in its original iteration in the Book of Deuteronomy, and then from the lips of Jesus: Shema Israel, adonai eloheinu, adonai ehad Hear, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD alone! Therefore, you shall love the LORD, your God, with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength. This prayer is known as the Shema Israel, which is recited twice daily by observant Jews, in the morning and in the evening. This short prayer captures the essence of the Jewish faith (and our own). God is one, and we are called to love him with our whole being. There is nothing greater than him nothing can even compete with him. Parents teach the Shema Israel to their children and pray it with them before going to bed. Oftentimes these are the last words uttered before death by observant Jews. Jesus answered correctly to the question posed to him by the scribe in the Gospel passage. The scribe should not have been very surprised actually that Jesus answered with the Shema. Jesus does add to the Shema Israel however, raising the bar in Gods commandments: the second is like this, you should love your neighbor as yourself. Jesus does this, not in a spirit of changing Scripture, but rather, to add greater understanding as to how one can love God completely. By loving neighbor as yourself, you get a little closer to loving God. The scribes response to Jesus also adds something to the Shema. The scribe says that loving God and neighbor is worth more than all burnt offerings and sacrifices. This addition gives even greater emphasis to the importance of loving God wholeheartedly. Jesus and the scribe, perhaps at first adversaries or at least suspicious of one another, walk away satisfied, they were able to agree on something. The Shema Israel teaches us that we cannot be divided, but rather we are to place God above all else. No country, no culture, no political leader can compete with God who is the supreme good that we are called to love and follow. In the year 250 after Christ, the Roman emperor Decius issued an edict that required every single subject of the Roman empire (except Jews), to offer a sacrifice by burning incense to the Roman gods in the presence of a Roman magistrate for the well-being of the emperor and the glory of Rome. After offering the incense, the subject would receive a written certificate stating he had offered the sacrifice. Everyone had to do this. Being caught without the certificate meant certain death because it implied you were not a loyal subject of the emperor. Christians in the empire refused to offer the sacrifice because it involved offering sacrifice to pagan gods. This action would violate their belief in One God who commanded love and service to him alone. The persecution under Decius was brutal. Many were martyred, but a good number of Christians gave in, offering the sacrifice to the gods. Once Decius died and the persecution ended, the church had a serious dilemma: thousands of people who offered the sacrifice had now repented, and wanted to come back to the church. They made penance, and were admitted back into the fold. I share this historical event in the context of todays readings and the elections which will be held next week. The Catholic Church has learned a profound lesson throughout its 2,000-year history. The Catholic Church will not tell you who to vote for. No political party captures the Christian values and beliefs of the Catholic faith. In a way, we are caught in the middle similar to the early Christians there are no good options. Some argue it is better to choose the lesser evil. Yet remember, there is still evil in a lesser evil, and one must repent and make amends even when a lesser evil is chosen. We cannot make a god of a political party or candidate. Our situation is not easy my friends, and I recognize it. The Church encourages us to be informed on the issues important to our faith and to vote according to our conscience. Then, we must make reparation through word and action for the evils advanced by whoever we choose. If your conscience does not allow you to vote for any candidate, it is more important to follow your conscience and act in that way. When it comes to social issues, the Church speaks of the dignity of the human person from the womb to natural death, of the importance of the family, the responsibility to assist the poor and vulnerable, of the rights and needs of immigrants, the care of Gods creation, and the dignity and rights of workers (taken from the website of the US Bishops). We pray today for our civil leaders, for those running for office, and for us. We pray for wisdom and clarity to move forward seeking God above all else. Not creating other gods or new gods, but praying and remembering the words uttered by Jesus today: Hear, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD alone! Therefore, you shall love the LORD, your God, with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength. Picture is free to use (At our half day sit with Empty Moon Zen today, our guiding teacher Roshi Edward Sanshin Oberholtzer gave the dharma talk. He unveils the miracle promised in Dongshans Five Ranks, a promise which reconciles the absolute and relative, the essential and the contingent, form and emptiness. I asked if I could reprint it at my Monkey Mind blog and he graciously agreed. Well worth a read) In philosophy departments the pre-Socratics are often treated as precursors to the philosophical greats, Plato, Aristotle and on through a progression, from Hume to Kant, to Hegel, to Russell and others, culminating in the present day. But I prefer to see the Pre-Socratics as they are sometimes viewed in Classics departments, as shadowy representatives of a shamanistic past, the often irrational side of that Apollonian view of Greek civilization so treasured by our rational present. My favorite of these somewhat ghostly figures from a time at the dawn of letters, sages known only through scraps of quotes in later writers, my favorite is Heraclitus, who is remembered, if at all by the public and by Zen practitioners, for having prefigured Shunryu Suzukis famous one sentence summation of Buddhism Everything changes. Well over two and a half millennia before Suzuki, Heraclitus said Panta Rei Everything flows. But its not this seeming flirtation, accidental or otherwise, with a summation of the Dharma that interests me today. Rather its another of his statements, hodos ano kato mia kai houtei or, the road up down one and the same. I was reminded of this recently when going back to study again Dongshans Five Ranks. The Austrailian Zen teacher Ross Bolleter likes to group the Ranks together with the First and Second Ranks as a pair. We can easily see why that is so the First Rank examining the particular within the essential, the second the essential within the particular; the road up, the road down, one and the same. Dongshans poem for the first Rank runs: Sho Chu Hen (J: the particular within the essential) When the third watch begins, before the moon rises, dont think it strange to meet and not be conscious of meeting, yet still somehow recall the beauty of ancient days. The vast darkness of the night sky studded with twinkling stars, with the dust of planets, of asteroids, of meteors, with the occasional bat or owl flitting across the firmament overhead. The deep shadows of your house at midnight when, as you stumble out of bed, searching for the bathroom light, you stub your toe on that very particular, very solid coffee table lurking there in the darkness. And our view, but only in our view and not in the road itself, our view of that upperward tending road now turns downwards as Dongshan himself turns from the particular within the essential to the essential within the particular, and to that sensation you have when, having stubbed your toe there in the dark, you find a whole world, a whole universe of sensation, of pain just there in what, up until a moment ago had been, perhaps, the most insignificant of body parts, your little toe, which now overwhelms you, which now consumes you in that vast all encompassing world of pain, the toe itself becoming a world which obliterates every other thought. Dongshans illustrative poem, the poem that forms his second set of koanic points, goes: 2. Hen Chu Sho (J: the essential within the particular) An old woman, oversleeping at daybreak, meets the ancient mirror, so bright and clear, face to face, no special reality. Stop searching for your head and dont take shadows for reality. Who among us hasnt met that ancient mirror, perhaps at the end of stumbling through a darkened bedroom late at night after stubbing our toe on misplaced and mysterious furniture strewn there in the dark by some malefactor, probably you yourself. Or perhaps just at dawn like the old woman, standing before that mirror, cracked and dust ridden or fogged with the morning showers steam but still, revealing there through its particularity, through its very thusness, the absolute in all its bright clarity. You are not it, but in truth, it is you. And Dongshan continues with an echo of that old Halloween tale of the headless horseman galloping along the roadways of the Hudson Valley in Washington Irvings retelling, searching for his head in among the shadows of Sleepy Hollow. Its enough, for us at least, to reach up our hands and grasp the head that was there all along, heeding Dongshans admonition to stop searching for your head and not take shadows for reality. We might replace Dongshans poem with one a bit more current, if only a couple of centuries old. William Blakes Auguries of Innocence begins, of course, with four lines that easily evoke the essential within the particular. To see a World in a Grain of Sand And a Heaven in a Wild Flower Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand And Eternity in an hour But we neednt turn to nature, to the sand stewn beaches or the flower bedecked meadows. Open your eyes and look into anothers face. There, in that single instance, in that one moment of the actual, youll find all of the Dharma, all of creation, a universe of pain, of joy, of wonder; heaven, yes; infinity, yes; eternity, yes; but also the simple, the mundane, the everyday, a universe of the everyday, an eternity of the simple. As we walk down the sidewalk, each person we meet, each person we nod to, each person we smile at, even, perhaps especially, each person we ignore and dont see, each has a life as complex, as full, as astounding as our own. Each an instantiation of the particular, each blooming forth a whole world, there if we could just see it. Each the absolute within the particular. As we travel down Dongshans road, we sense the intimacy that comes with this interplay of the essential and the contingent, the absolute and the particular. The Buddha stepping forth from beneath the Bodhi tree and announcing that Today, I and all beings are awakened together, is the same movement that sees the sadness in the face of the Virgin Mary holding her dead son in Michelangelos Pieta, the same recognition one sees in the grief of Emmit Tills mother standing with his casket, refusing to let the world turn away from what it had done to her child, the same hope we find in a young family making it to the other shore of the Rio Grande, the same joy in the face of a friend finding a long lost friend. Today, you and I and all beings feel that sadness, that grief, that hope, that joy. As we travel down Dongshans road the very pebbles, the puddles, the cracks and crevices blossom forth with potential, each containing the whole of creation, the vast mystery. A nineteenth century English clergyman walking the cliffs of Dover and finding, there in a fossilized crustacean just lying out there on the beach, a whole new world. A squirrel, rummaging through the grass in my backyard, finding a treasure of hidden acorns. A child gazing up at the night sky in wonder finds in that moon, in those stars, all of the universe, the great unknown. And we hear this in Eugene Fields childrens poem, which I hope youll forgive a grandfather for reciting: Wynken, Blynken, and Nod one night sailed off in a wooden shoe Sailed on a river of crystal light, into a sea of dew. Where are you going, and what do you wish? the old moon asked the three. We have come to fish for the herring fish that live in this beautiful sea; Nets of silver and gold have we! said Wynken, Blynken, and Nod. I cant help but call to mind the net of Indra, cast into that sea of dew, each cross link knotted and bejeweled with a crystal whose facets reflect all of the other jewels and all of the rest, the river of light, the sea of dew, the old moon, the herring swimming in that sea. The old moon laughed and sang a song, as they rocked in the wooden shoe, And the wind that sped them all night long ruffled the waves of dew. The little stars were the herring fish that lived in that beautiful sea Now cast your nets wherever you wish never afraid are we; So cried the stars to the fishermen three: Wynken, Blynken, and Nod. That old moon, risen after the third watch now, for what child hasnt woken up in the middle of the night, who among us has not stirred before or after the third watch, stumbling through the dark, fumbling for the light switch, encountering the particularity of that coffee table, perhaps even more acutely the particularity of that lego brick painfully and amusedly under foot. Just this, just this. But the children are not yet done: All night long their nets they threw to the stars in the twinkling foam Then down from the skies came the wooden shoe, bringing the fishermen home; Twas all so pretty a sail, it seemed as if it could not be, And some folks thought twas a dream theyd dreamed of sailing that beautiful sea But I shall name you the fishermen three: Wynken, Blynken, and Nod. And here, here is the particularity out of which the universal arises: Wynken and Blynken are two little eyes, and Nod is a little head, And the wooden shoe that sailed the skies is a wee ones trundle-bed. So shut your eyes while Mother sings of wonderful sights that be, And you shall see the beautiful things as you rock in the misty sea, Where the old shoe rocked the fishermen three: Wynken, Blynken, and Nod. But heres the miracle promised in Dongshans Five Ranks, a promise which reconciles the absolute and relative, the essential and the contingent, form and emptiness. Deep within the particularity of those two little eyes, of that little head, lies that growing child, the Dharmic being given birth to on those misty seas. We have all been there. We all come from there. Whether the road we take goes up or down, this reconciliation is here, in each of us, in each of you, nothing special and yet so very precious. As that old woman found, So bright and clear, face to face, no special reality. Just before Javonte Hill got out of the Navy and settled in Denver, he was diagnosed with PTSD, anxiety and depression but had not sought treatment yet. His girlfriend, an occasional marijuana user, recommended he try pot as a way to chill out. You know Im not like a pot smoker. I just got out of the military, he recently told a New York Times reporter. But hed heard it was a much safer alternative to alcohol, and he wouldnt wake up hung over, so why not? The second time he used it, he ended up seeing devils. Slowly, surely, as the night went on, I completely lost all touch with reality, and I replayed a lot of my time in Afghanistan, Hill told Megan Twohey. Its almost like all my worst fears came to the forefront. Hill was quickly overwhelmed with dread, paranoia and hallucinations. An hour or so into the psychotic episode, as the couples two dogs started fighting, he went upstairs, retrieved his gun and started shooting, injuring his girlfriend and killing one of the dogs. It was like reality dissolved in front of me. I was seeing depictions of the devil in hell and demons, said Hill, 33. He was diagnosed with drug-induced hallucinations, medical records show, and is on probation after pleading guilty to animal cruelty and assault charges. He is suing the dispensary chain, claiming it failed to warn him about the risk of psychosis. This Election Day, recreational marijuana could become legal across more than half the country, a trend that started right here in Colorado 12 years ago. But as more Americans consume more potent forms of the drug more often, A New York Times investigation, reprinted in todays Gazette, has revealed that some of the heaviest users are experiencing serious and unexpected harms to their health, including psychotic breaks like Hills. Among the key takeaways from the landmark Times reporting: Millions of people are addicted to marijuana despite repeated assurances from the now-$33 billion industry that pot is non-addictive and safe to use. About 18 million people nearly a third of all users ages 18 and older have reported symptoms of something called cannabis use disorder, with significant health problems associated with frequent and ongoing use. This can develop into an acute condition researchers have now identified as cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting and severe stomach pain that can last several days, even weeks. In extreme cases, CHS can lead to dehydration, seizures, kidney failure and cardiac arrest, and even death. More than 4.5 million 18- to 25-year-olds use pot daily or near daily, the report found, and 81% of those users meet the criteria for the disorder. In Colorado, 51.5% of adults who use marijuana use it daily, which means half of all pot users in our state are at risk of contracting the disorder. The rate of cannabis use disorder among people ages 18 to 25 has soared to 16.6% since legalization has spread nationwide, which means it has caught up to the rate of alcohol use disorder, 15.1%. The Times reporting also found that marijuana use can affect brain development, particularly during the critical period of adolescence through age 25. This is also the period when psychotic disorders typically emerge, and theres growing evidence associating the two. Recent studies show that the more potent the pot, the more frequent the use and the earlier the age of consumption, the greater the risk. Most frighteningly, The Times reported that paranoia and hallucinations can happen to people of all different ages, chronic users or first-time users alike, and people who are already at risk of experiencing psychosis, or those that dont have risk factors. To honestly assess the health risks of cannabis use, The Times examined medical records and public health and insurance data; reviewed scientific research; and interviewed more than 200 health officials, doctors, regulators and consumers. Reporters also surveyed more than 200 physicians in about a half-dozen specialties and almost 600 people who suffer from cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome. The dangerous misconceptions about marijuana were a really striking theme for us, reporter Twohey told me. Featured Local Savings As we pieced this together it was like this realization that the way that legalization and commercialization was being done in this country amounted to a large public health experiment. Few people understood they were the unknowing participants, she said. That experiment on the unknowing happened because there was a whole lack of science to inform the drug use, and because there was so little oversight in tracking by government and the medical field. There is still no federal oversight of legalization or federal funding for research into harms because pot is still illegal on a federal level. As a result, you have a hodgepodge of state laws that are inadequate, she added. And you dont have consistent public health messaging on the risks of those products. This is especially true in Colorado. I dont think Colorado went about legalization in the most thoughtful way, Dr. Kennon Heard, an emergency physician at the University of Colorado Hospital in Aurora, told me. During his medical residency in the 1990s, Heard had been taught that cannabis-related issues were rarely seen in the emergency department. But that changed after legalization. Once Colorado got to the point that we had dispensaries, we started seeing more and more of these cases of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome. Now, he said, his hospital treats patients with the syndrome every day. Yet there is still no specific diagnosis code for it yet, so it is not tracked by Colorado hospitals. But if you talk to emergency physicians pretty much at any of the hospitals throughout the state, everybody sees it fairly regularly, Heard said. Still, theres nobody really championing this as a significant problem, Heard notes. Its not cancer, its not alcoholism. So theres not a big push to look at it. This is not what we were promised when Colorado became the canary in a coal mine for retail marijuana 12 years ago. We were told it would be safe, arrests would go down, the black market would disappear, and all would be mellow. But these emerging harms documented by Times reporters are certainly hitting our start harder than other states, given how prevalent pot has become in the last decade. Since usage is higher here than the national average in every category, that means these harms are happening at a much higher rate as well. The most recent report by Rocky Mountain High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Program on Colorado shows that since legalization, marijuana use (ages 12 and older) in Colorado is 61% higher than the national average, currently ranked 3rd in the nation. And yet the same study showed treatment for marijuana use for all ages decreased 34% in Colorado from 2013 to 2020. The Times report lands just as Colorado Springs voters are deciding whether to allow recreational marijuana sales, or outlaw retail pot permanently. Right now, only medical marijuana is allowed in the Springs, one of the few cities in Colorado that prohibits retail pot outlets. Ironically, just as research about serious emerging harms is being published, some political prognosticators are saying they think this is the year the Springs will make it legal. All of which begs the question: Why dont we have prominent warning labels telling users about all these documented risks? Why dont we have caps on the potency of marijuana in Colorado? Why isnt there much much better public messaging by state and medical officials about the risks of marijuana? In many ways, the government and the medical community have been cosigning the marijuana market and whats been happening," Twohey said. Or the biggest question of all: Why is pot still legal without any restrictions for anyone under 25, when the risks for developing brains are clearly so much greater? What are we doing to our kids? USB flash drives are pretty self-explanatory, arent they? All you have to do is plug it into your PC and its ready to go, whether youre using it to transfer files, play media, or launch an app. But mistakes can happen, and these mistakes can go further than the familiar meme of always needing at least three attempts to finally get that USB connection plugged in. (Less of an issue with USB-C, but I digress.) Here are the various ways you might be using your USB flash drive incorrectly and the kinds of issues that can crop up. Youre using the wrong USB port Many PCs and laptops have multiple USB ports, and many people simply assume that all USB ports are basically equal. When you need to plug in your drive, you might assume it doesnt matter where it goes so you just stick it into whichever port is most convenient. a fast ssd that works like a flash drive SK Hynix Tube T31 USB SSD stick Read our review But thats far from the truth. In fact, it can make a huge difference to how well your USB drive performs, and its most keenly felt when youre transferring files. Pick the wrong port even if your drive fits and you could be hampering your read and write speeds. USB technology has continued to improve over many years but the shape of a USB-A port hasnt changed. When you plug in, it could be a slower USB 2.0 port or it could be a faster USB 3.2 port. And it can be hard to tell which ports are which, so dont feel too bad if you didnt know. On most devices, the faster USB 3.0 ports are usually located on the rear side and have a blue inner strip inside the port. (If the port is colored green or red, its USB 3.1 or USB 3.2.) Slower USB 2 ports, on the other hand, tend to be on the front and have no special color. If you have a USB 3.x flash drive, make sure you use the corresponding 3.x port. Your USB drive isnt optimized If your USB flash drive feels like it has slowed down and isnt performing as well as it once did, you can optimize it using Windows. To do this, use the Windows key + R keyboard shortcut to open the Run window, then type diskmgmt.msc and click OK. This will launch the Disk Management window, where you can right-click on the USB flash drive (make sure its currently plugged in) and select Properties. In the Properties window, navigate to the Hardware tab, select the proper disk drive, then click Properties. Then navigate to the Policies tab and check both Enable write caching on the device and Turn off Windows write-cache buffer flushing on the device. If successful, data transfers should be significantly faster. Alternatively, you can also change the file system of your USB flash drive to one that can better cope with large amounts of data. However, beware that formatting a drive will delete all the data stored on it. You arent removing your USB drive safely In a lot of cases, it doesnt really matter whether you safely eject your USB drive before unplugging it. However, if you followed the above tips and optimized your drive, you must start ejecting it safely before removal or else the data on the drive could be lost. To safely eject a USB flash drive, open This PC in File Explorer and right-click on the USB drive in question, then select Eject. That will properly deregister the drive and make it safe to unplug. Youre tossing your broken USB drives What do you do when a USB flash drive begins to malfunction? Maybe files cant be deleted anymore, or maybe the drive itself cant be formatted. This can happen, especially with older or cheap drives. But you shouldnt immediately despair, and definitely dont throw it away until youve tried to recover it. There are ways to save the USB drive, which you can read about in our guide to reviving a broken flash drive. A brush fire in Franklin County burned around 200 acres before being contained by fire crews, according to responding fire departments. The fire started on Friday and crews responded to the area of Corls Road on South Mountain in Greene Township around 2:40 p.m., according to the Fayetteville Volunteer Fire Department. Fire crews were on-scene until 10 p.m. making a fire line around the area. The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources estimates 200 acres burned in total, including a small shed. No cabins or homes were damaged as a result of the fire, fire crews said. A video of the fire was posted to social media by Fairfield Fire and EMS. Several roads in the area were closed as a result of the fire, but it is unclear whether they have reopened as of Saturday evening. First responders from Franklin County, Cumberland County, Adams County and Fulton County were assisted by crews from Washington, Maryland and Fredrick, Maryland. Additional fire crews returned to the area again Saturday morning to assist with extinguishing hot spots. Although smoke may remain in the area, the fire has been contained as of Saturday and is being monitored as it continues to smolder. On Friday, the state Department of Environmental Protection issued a drought watch for 33 Pennsylvania counties due to drier-than-usual conditions, including one of the driest Octobers recorded. Parts of central Pennsylvania were under a red flag fire warning Friday, according to the National Weather Service. PAIPORTA, Spain A crowd of enraged survivors hurled clots of the mud left by storm-spawned flooding at the Spanish royal couple on Sunday during their first visit to the epicenter of their nations deadliest natural disaster in living memory. Spains national broadcaster reported that the barrage included a few rocks and other objects and that two bodyguards were treated for injuries. One could be seen with a bloody wound on his forehead. It was an unprecedented incident for a royal house that carefully crafts the image of monarchs adored by their country of more than 48 million people. The fury had been unleashed against a state that appears overwhelmed and unable to meet the needs of people used to living under an effective government. Officials also rushed Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez from the scene soon after his contingent started to walk the mud-covered streets of one of the hardest-hit areas, where over 60 people perished and thousands of lives were shattered. The disaster fueled by climate change killed at least 205 people in eastern Spain. Get out! Get out! and Killers! the crowd in the town of Paiporta shouted, among other insults. Bodyguards opened umbrellas to protect the royals and other officials from the tossed muck. Police had to step in, some officers on horseback, to keep back the crowd of several dozen, some wielding shovels and poles. Queen Letizia broke into tears sympathetically after speaking to several people, including one woman who wept in her arms. Later, one of the queens bodyguards had a bloody wound on his forehead But even after being forced to seek protection, King Felipe VI, with flecks of mud on his face, remained calm and made several efforts to speak to individual residents. He insisted on trying to speak with people as he tried to continue his visit. He spoke to several people, patting two young men on their backs and sharing a quick embrace, with mud stains on his black raincoat. Still, one woman smacked an official car with an umbrella and another kicked it before it sped off. Spain's Queen Letizia reacts as she visits people affected by the floods in Paiporta, near Valencia, Spain, Sunday Nov. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/David Melero)AP While far from awakening the passion that the British hold for their royals, Felipe and Letizias public events are usually greeted by crowds of fans. The 56-year-old Felipe took the throne when his father, Juan Carlos, abdicated in 2014 after he was tarnished by self-made financial and personal scandals. Felipe immediately cut a new figure, renouncing his personal inheritance and increasing the financial transparency of his royal house. He and the 52-year-old Letizia, a former journalist, dedicate a significant part of their public agenda to cultural and scientific causes. Visits to sites of national tragedies are also part of the royal duties for monarchs seen as a stabilizing force in a parliamentary monarchy restored following the death of dictator Francisco Franco in 1975. But the public rage over the haphazard management of the crisis has been building. Felipe heard some jeers when he took part in a tribute to the dead of a deadly 2017 terror attack in Barcelona, but that was nothing comparable to Sundays reception. The queen had small glops of mud on her hands and arms as she spoke to women. We dont have any water, one woman told her. Many people still dont have drinking water five days after the floods struck. Internet and mobile phone coverage remains patchy. Most people only got power back on Saturday. Stores and supermarkets are in ruins and Paiporta, population 30,000, still has many city blocks completely clogged with piles of detritus, countless totaled cars and a ubiquitous layer of mud. Thousands have had their homes destroyed by a tsunami-like wave of muck and indignation at mismanagement of the disaster has begun. The floods had already hit Paiporta when the regional officials issued an alert to mobile phones. It sounded two hours too late. More anger has been fueled by the inability of officials to respond quickly to the aftermath. Most of the cleanup of the layers and layers of mud and debris that has invaded countless homes has been done by residents and thousands of volunteers. We have lost everything! someone shouted. Shouts Sunday included demands aimed at regional Valencia President Carlo Mazon, whose administration is in charge of civil protection, to step down, as well as Where is Pedro Sanchez? I understand the indignation and of course I stayed to receive it, Mazon said on X. It was my moral and political obligation. The attitude of the king this morning was exemplary. Spanish national broadcaster RTVE reported that the barrage aimed at the royals included a few rocks and other hard objects were tossed and that two bodyguards were treated for injuries, and the monarchs and officials called off another stop Sunday at a second hard-hit village, Chiva, about half an hour to the east of Valencia city. Wilson reported from Valencia, Spain. We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form After a night of celebrating ghosts and ghouls, Colorado Remembers, a nonprofit organization made up largely of victims of the funeral home industry, gathered on a chilly Dia De Los Muertos, Day of the Dead, to honor loved ones and celebrate their memories. This event followed the recent court hearing where Carie and Jon Hallford, owners of the Return to Nature funeral home, pleaded guilty to their federal charges. The home came under a multi-agency investigation in October 2023 after reports of a complaint about a foul odor in the area. Investigators said they found nearly 190 bodies in various states of decomposition that were not properly stored. Colorado Remembers is a 501c(3) organization established in May and has members representing several different mortuaries that came under investigation in recent years. Victims from Apollo Funeral and Cremation Services in the Denver suburb of Littleton and Sunset Mesa Funeral Home in Montrose also are represented. The organization held its first event Friday at What's Left Records off Platte Avenue, celebrating Dia De Los Muertos and attempting to raise more community awareness of the lack of laws that govern the mortuary industry in the state. "I feel like more and more people die in Colorado than there should be, and I don't want another funeral home to have to put another 1,000 families through what (Return to Nature) has put them through," said volunteer Genessa Seelye. "To be honest, this situation is one of the reasons why I'm scared to die in Colorado, or why I'm scared to have anyone else die in Colorado." The centerpiece for the event seemed to be the ofrenda, or altar, set up to honor those affected by the funeral homes' actions. Flowers, photographs and candles decorated the table, with those in attendance pausing in front to reflect on those they had lost. Lots of hugs were exchanged on Friday, as most of the time, members of Colorado Remembers only see each other in the courtroom or in their weekly Zoom calls. "I don't think in real life we would have been friends," Carol Prest said. "And we say to each other, hate knowing you, but I love you, you know, because the reason we know each other is through this tragedy." Prest lost her husband and used Return to Nature for his after-life services. Her husband's body was one of the first to be identified at the Penrose location. There was a wide range of emotions throughout the day, but one activity helped some victims get out their anger. Board members set up five "corpses" representing their "five least favorite perpetrators" for friends and families to throw tomatoes and beanbags at. The Hallfords were among the five, alongside Megan Hess and Shirley Koch from Sunset Mesa and Miles Harford from Apollo. When asked, nearly everyone with Colorado Remembers agrees that there need to be new and improved laws regulating the state's funeral home industry. Crystina Page, whose son David was among those identified at the Return to Nature funeral home in Penrose last October, wants crematoriums to have more communication and confirmation with the state when a body is cremated. Featured Local Savings "My biggest issue, the hill I will die on with this is two parts, one is the secondary identification during the change of custody between the transport and the crematorium, and the second is for the crematorium to have to report back to the state that the cremation has been done," Page said. "Those two things would have prevented the entire Return to Nature case from happening." Another attendee of the event, Megan Morgan, whose sister was found at the Penrose location, would want to see funeral home directors have more education before being able to open up shop in Colorado. "I think that if there was more mandatory training, only people that really care about the (work) would do it," Morgan said. "Also, they need to have more inspections. Obviously, if someone had done an inspection, we could have prevented a lot of this." However, most also agree that change is in the far future, leading some to fear the idea of dying in Colorado, not out of fear of death, but fear for what could happen to them afterward. "They said Kansas took 35 years to get to where they are now so we kind of have a pact among several of us that says, if we die, throw us in your trunk and drive us to Kansas," Prest said. "I'm not afraid of dying, I'm afraid of what's going to happen in my body (in Colorado.)" Explained by Page, the state of Kansas took a "notably long time" to reform its funeral home industry laws and regulations, with significant change only coming in recent years. The Kansas Funeral Directors Association assisted in advocating for more clear standards, including defined responsibilities for funeral directors. Over time, the state's legislative updates have added requirements for licensing, ethical practices and more consistent on-site supervision to ensure accountability. While the cause for Friday's celebration was dreary, emotions were high for members of Colorado Remembers Friday, with many talking openly about their hopes and goals for the future of the nonprofit. One goal the organization has is to create a small memorial park somewhere in the state. One board member talked about his disdain for cemeteries, and his preference for somewhere new he can go to reflect. "Especially after going through all this, I don't like the whole idea of going to the cemetery," Hector Cruz said. "We've been talking about building a memorial, and I want it made of granite, so that in 100 years, when we're all gone, people remember that we need to always be on guard to make sure that we're taking care of our deceased." Page's hope for the future park is that it becomes a place to spread all ashes, as so many victims in the Return to Nature case do not know who they are carrying every day. "You can go there and visit knowing that your loved one is there, even if you weren't the one who brought them there," Page said. Looking further into the future, Colorado Remembers hopes to host more advocacy events, like Friday's, in hopes to continue the efforts to raise community awareness. The nonprofit hopes to host a holiday-themed event in December. Before then, within the next month, the group hopes to release a trailer for a new HBO Max and Investigation Discovery documentary. The series is planned for release in January. WSOP Circuit Commerce Casino November Series Features $1m Gtd. Main Event Jon Pill Contributor Copy link It's just under two weeks until the World Series of Poker Circuit heads to the Commerce Casino for one of the biggest stops on the WSOP Circuit's calendar. The WSOP Circuit Commerce festival will kick off on November 13 with the $400 No Limit Hold'em Opener. The festival then runs until the $400 No Limit Hold'em Closer on November 26. In between, there will be a total of 18 ring events including a $1 million guaranteed $1,700 buy in Main Event, a $130,000 guaranteed $400 buy in No-Limit Hold'em Monster Stack, and a $75,000 guaranteed $1,100 buy in Mystery Bounty. There will also be a $2,800 buy in Landmark Bahamas Mega Satellite with a $142,500 Guaranteed Prize Pool in which players can win travel expenses and a buy in for the Bahamas Super Main Event. Win a Circuit Ring at the Circuit Commerce Casino WSOP Circuit ring. With 18 numbered ring events on the docket, there are plenty of ways to win a ring at the WSOP Circuit Commerce. All eyes will be on the Main Event with its massive $1,000,000 guarantee. High rollers will also want to check out the $1,100 Mystery Bounty, Event #16 which is a straightforward $1,100 no limit hold'em event, and the $100,000 guaranteed WSOPC Event #17: $2,200 No-Limit Hold'em High Roller. However, if these all sound a bit big for your bankroll, there are plenty of budget options. The Mini Main is a prime example. With a buy in of just $600, the Commerce is guaranteeing a prize pool for the Mini Main of $400,000. If you're seeing the word "guarantee" a lot, that's because this festival has a bunch of them. Of the 18 ring events, 15 come with prize pool guarantees (as do both of the Bahamas Super satellite events). In total, these guarantees are worth a massive $2,750,000. Last WSOP Circuit Commerce Casino Winner Jessica Vierling at the WSOP. The last edition of the WSOP Circuit Commerce went down in May, when Jessica Vierling became the fifth woman to win a WSOPC Main Event ring. Vierling took down the event for a first place prize of $328,273. This was culled from a total prize pool of $2,222,505 generated by 1,467 entries. Vierling's victory came after a heads up battle with Christian Roberts who won $218,807 for his second place finish. WSOP Circuit Commerce Casino Main Event Final Table Results Place Player Prize 1 Jessica Vierling $328,273 2 Christian Roberts $218,807 3 Cooper Feltham $154,959 4 James Pilpa $111,325 5 Stephen Sharrah $81,148 6 Amit Shah $60,029 7 Edward Pak $45,076 8 Jared Greiner $34,365 9 Johnny Bromberg $26,607 Before the WSOP Circuit Commerce kicks off, the WSOP Circuit Lake Tahoe will be coming to a close on November 4 and the WSOPC Choctaw Durant will end on November 11. After the WSOP Circuit Commerce the full schedule for which you can see below there are just two more Circuit festivals left in the year. The first of these festivals is the WSOP Circuit Horseshoe Las Vegas on November 21 and the last is WSOP Circuit Harrahs Cherokee on November 28. WSOP Circuit Commerce Casino Schedule Date Time Event Buyin Guarantee Wed, Nov 13th 11:00 a.m. WSOPC Event #1: $400 No-Limit Hold'em - 30K Opener $400 - Wed, Nov 13th 4:00 p.m. WSOPC Event #2: $600 Mini Main Event - Flight A $600 $400,000 Thu, Nov 14th 11:00 a.m. WSOPC Event #2: $600 Mini Main Event - Flight B $600 $400,000 Thu, Nov 14th 4:00 p.m. WSOPC Event #3: $400 No-Limit Hold'em $400 $40,000 Fri, Nov 15th 11:00 a.m. WSOPC Event #2: $600 Mini Main Event - Flight C $600 $400,000 Fri, Nov 15th 4:00 p.m. WSOPC Event #2: $600 Mini Main Event - Flight D $600 $400,000 Sat, Nov 16th 11:00 a.m. WSOPC Event #2: $600 Mini Main Event - Flight E $600 $400,000 Sat, Nov 16th 4:00 p.m. WSOPC Event #4: $400 No-Limit Hold'em $400 $150,000 Sun, Nov 17th 11:00 a.m. WSOPC Event #5: $1,100 Mystery Bounty - Flight A $1,100 $75,000 Sun, Nov 17th 2:00 p.m WSOPC Event #6: $600 Pot-Limit Omaha $600 $75,000 Sun, Nov 17th 4:00 p.m. $1,400 Bahamas Landmark Satellite $1,400 $130,000 Mon, Nov 18th 11:00 a.m. WSOPC Event #7: $400 No-Limit Hold'em 8-Handed $400 $150,000 Mon, Nov 18th 2:00 p.m. WSOPC Event #5: $1,100 Mystery Bounty - Flight B $1,100 $75,000 Mon, Nov 18th 4:00 p.m. WSOPC Event #8: $600 Pot-Limit Omaha 8 or Better $600 $150,000 Tue, Nov 19th 10:00 a.m. WSOPC Event #9: $400 No-Limit Hold'em Monster Stack - Flight A $400 $150,000 Tue, Nov 19th 4:00 p.m. WSOPC Event #9: $400 No-Limit Hold'em Monster Stack - Flight B $400 $150,000 Wed, Nov 20th 10:00 a.m. WSOPC Event #9: $400 No-Limit Hold'em Monster Stack - Flight C $400 $150,000 Wed, Nov 20th 2:00 p.m. WSOPC Event #10: $600 H.O.R.S.E. $600 - Thu, Nov 21st 11:00 a.m. WSOPC Event #11: $1,700 MAIN EVENT - Flight A $1,700 $1,000,000 Thu, Nov 21st 4:00 p.m. WSOPC Event #12: $400 No-Limit Hold'em $400 $40,000 Fri, Nov 22nd 11:00 a.m. WSOPC Event #11: $1,700 MAIN EVENT - Flight B $1,700 $1,000,000 Fri, Nov 22nd 4:00 p.m. WSOPC Event #13: $400 No-Limit Hold'em $400 $40,000 Sat, Nov 23rd 11:00 a.m. WSOPC Event #11: $1,700 MAIN EVENT - Flight C $1,700 $1,000,000 Sat, Nov 23rd 4:00 p.m. WSOPC Event #14: $400 No-Limit Hold'em $400 $40,000 Sun, Nov 24th 10:00 a.m. WSOPC Event #15: $400 Seniors Event - Flight A $400 $40,000 Sun, Nov 24th 2:00 p.m. WSOPC Event #16: $1,100 No-Limit Hold'em $1,100 - Sun, Nov 24th 4:00 p.m. $2,800 Landmark Bahamas Mega Satellite $2,800 $130,000 Mon, Nov 25th 10:00 a.m. WSOPC Event #15: $400 Seniors Event - Flight B $400 $40,000 Mon, Nov 25th 2:00 p.m. WSOPC Event #17: $2,200 No-Limit Hold'em High Roller $2,200 $100,000 Tue, Nov 26th 12:00 p.m. WSOPC Event #18: $400 No-Limit Hold'em - Closer $400 $40,000 *Photos courtesy WSOPC Share this article The final flight of the $550 Mystery Bounty begins at noon local time here at the PokerStars North American Poker Tour (NAPT) hosted by Resorts World Las Vegas. The tournament features a $300,000 guaranteed prize pool, which has already been far surpassed with four flights having been completed. Players who advance from each flight will combine and return for Day 2 on Monday, November 4, where a champion will be named. Chris Shebat (570,000), who bagged the biggest stack on Day 1a, currently leads the way as the overall chip leader with one flight left to play. Through four starting flights so far, 774 entrants have ponied up the $550 buy-in. Only 116 of those competitors will be advancing to Day 2, all of whom have already made the money. Overall Top 10 Chip Counts Place Player Country Chip Count 1 Chris Shebat United States 570,000 2 Quang Vu United States 568,000 3 Justin Young United States 522,000 4 Victor Paredes United States 479,000 5 Joshua Bergman United States 452,000 6 Karel Kratochvil Czechia 437,000 7 Leon Dejoras United States 436,000 8 Ryan Wolfson United States 414,000 9 Matt Edge United States 412,000 10 Christian Roberts Venezuela 374,000 Players begin each starting flight with 30,000 in chips and blinds will start at 100/200 with a 200 big blind ante. Blinds will increase every 30 minutes and play will conclude once 15% of the field remains. Late registration and reentries are permitted through Level 10. Those who bag will be in the money for Day 2, which is when the bounties are up for grabs. Remaining Schedule Date Time Flight November 3 12 p.m. Day 1e November 4 12 p.m. Final Day Be sure to follow PokerNews throughout the entirety of the $550 Mystery Bounty here at the NAPT Las Vegas. Out of a total of 285 entrants, only 18 players remain in contention for the title after successfully qualifying for Day 3 of the Irish Poker Festival 3,000 Main Event at the Intercontinental Hotel in Dublin, Ireland. Tomorrow, Sunday, November 3, one of them will be crowned the winner and take home the first-place prize of 177,000. After Day 2, Finlands Joni Rantamaki is closest to the trophy, finishing as the chip leader with 2,113,000 chips. He holds a substantial lead over Conor ORourke (1,520,000) and Mark Buckley (1,350,000), while only six players bagged over one million chips. 2024 Irish Poker Festival 3,000 Main Event Day 2 Top Ten Rank Player Country Chip count Big blinds 1 Joni Rantamaki Finland 2,113,000 106 2 Conor O'Rourke Ireland 1,520,000 76 3 Mark Buckley Ireland 1,350,000 68 4 Sean Hegarty United States 1,232,000 62 5 Leo Worthington-Leese United Kingdom 1,098,000 55 6 Jonathan Proudfoot Ireland 1,000,000 50 7 Niall Farrell United Kingdom 972,000 49 8 Vasilijus Piskunovas Lithuania 810,000 41 9 Rafael Golka Germany 663,000 33 10 Alec Torelli United States 638,000 32 Day 2's Action A total of 121 players bagged chips after all four Day 1s and gathered for Day 2 at 1:00 p.m. However, late registration remained open for two levels, allowing new players to join or previously eliminated players to reenter after losing their chips the first time today. This was the case for Kuljinder Sidhu and Maria Lampropulos, but both were eliminated definitively shortly after the payouts were announced. Last years winner of this Irish Poker Festival Main Event, Michel Molenaar, looked poised for a back-to-back victory as he led the tournament's chip lead during the earlier dinner break. He maintained one of the top stacks through the following levelsuntil the money bubble approached. After several pot losses, he ran into Richard Ashbys kings and was left with less than 10 big blinds. He then went all-in with ace-jack but faced ace-queen, becoming this years bubble-boy. Liam Chevalier, Keith Cummins, and Dara OKearney were the first players to be eliminated in the money, each securing a minimum cash prize of 8,000. The goal was to reach the end of Level 21 or the final three tables. It seemed like an easy task for Joni Rantamaki, who became the first player to reach 2,000,000 chips. He lost a big pot to Mark Buckley during the last minutes of the day, but still managed to bag the chip lead. Richard Ashby The day went smoothly as well for Leo Worthington-Leese, who started as second in chips and ended with 1,098,000 chips. After the three-table redraw, he eliminated Raul Martinez (22nd - 9,000) and Duane McDonnell (21st - 9,000) within a few hands, before battling with Alec Torelli. Torelli managed to qualify with 638,000 chips. At the same table, two-time WSOP bracelet winner Richard Ashby bagged 450,000 chips. At other tables, Niall Farrell reached 972,000 chips, followed by Vasilijus Piskunovas (810,000), Rafael Golka (663,000), and Florian Fuchs (570,000). Eoghan ODea (310,000) also secured his place in Day 3, while Sam Dobbins lost almost all his chips in a flip on the last hand of the day. He will return on Day 3 with 51,000, the starting stack. Remaining Payouts Place Prize Place Prize 1 177,000 10 17,500 2 113,000 11 15,000 3 70,000 12 13,000 4 50,000 13 11,580 5 38,000 14 10,750 6 31,500 15 - 16 10,000 7 27,500 17-18 9,500 8 24,000 9 20,500 Day 3 was originally scheduled to restart at noon, but the players voted to move it to 1 p.m.. They will be back at the tables later with blinds of 10,000/20,000 and a big blind ante of 60,000. The plan is to play down until a champion is crowned. That concludes coverage of Day 2 of the Irish Poker Festival Main Event, be sure to tune back in to PokerNews tomorrow for all the action, directly from the tournament floor. Aiken, SC (29801) Today Thunderstorms, some locally heavy this morning, then mainly cloudy during the afternoon hours. A few storms may be severe. High 77F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 100%.. Tonight Clear skies. Low around 45F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph. UPDATE: Police reported Abigail was safely located just before 5 p.m. on Saturday. The Colorado Springs Police Department is asking for the community's help in finding missing 13-year-old Abigail Nicole Smith. Police say Smith was last seen Friday around 7:30 a.m. in the area of Research Parkway & Austin Bluffs Parkway, near Timberview Middle School. PR-Inside.com: 2024-11-03 00:42:17 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 313 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / November 2, 2024 / Levi & Korsinsky notifies investors that it has commenced an investigation of Customers Bancorp, Inc. ("Customers Bancorp, Inc.") (NYSE:CUBI) concerning possible violations of federal securities laws.Customers Bancorp revealed via an SEC filing on April 12, 2024, that Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer ("CFO"), Carla Leibold, "was notified of her termination from employment with the Company on April 10, 2024, for 'cause' under her employment agreement for violating Company policy, which termination was effective immediately." The Company then admitted in an SEC filing on April 25, 2024, that contrary to its prior filing, that Ms. Leibold "agreed that the termination of Ms. Leibold's employment is a separation by mutual agreement." Additionally, the Company disclosed that Ms. Leibold would receive $2.5 million in cash. The investigation focuses on whether the Company issued false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose information pertinent to investors. To obtain additional information, go to:or contact Joseph E. Levi, Esq. either via email at jlevi@ levikorsinsky.com or by telephone at (212)363-7500.WHY LEVI & KORSINSKY: Over the past 20 years, Levi & Korsinsky LLP has established itself as a nationally-recognized securities litigation firm that has secured hundreds of millions of dollars for aggrieved shareholders and built a track record of winning high-stakes cases. The firm has extensive expertise representing investors in complex securities litigation and a team of over 70 employees to serve our clients. For seven years in a row, Levi & Korsinsky has ranked in ISS Securities Class Action Services' Top 50 Report as one of the top securities litigation firms in the United States. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.CONTACT: Levi & Korsinsky, LLPJoseph E. Levi, Esq.Ed Korsinsky, Esq.33 Whitehall Street, 17th FloorNew York, NY 10004 jlevi@ levikorsinsky.com Tel: (212)363-7500 Fax: (212)363-7171 https://zlk.com/ SOURCE: Levi & Korsinsky, LLP PR-Inside.com: 2024-11-03 00:41:58 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 292 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / November 2, 2024 / Levi & Korsinsky notifies investors that it has commenced an investigation of Franklin Resources, Inc. ("Franklin Resources, Inc.") (NYSE:BEN) concerning possible violations of federal securities laws.Franklin subsidiary Western Asset Management Company issued a press release on August 21, 2024, announcing that co-Chief Investment Officer Ken Leech "is on a leave of absence, effective immediately" after "receiv[ing] a Wells Notice from the Staff of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission". That same day, Bloomberg reported that "[f]ederal prosecutors in New York are investigating whether a Western Asset Management executive allocated winning trades to favored accounts, as part of a criminal probe into a practice known as cherry-picking.'" Following this news, Franklin's stock price fell over 12% on August 21, 2024. To obtain additional information, go to:or contact Joseph E. Levi, Esq. either via email at jlevi@ levikorsinsky.com or by telephone at (212)363-7500.WHY LEVI & KORSINSKY: Over the past 20 years, Levi & Korsinsky LLP has established itself as a nationally-recognized securities litigation firm that has secured hundreds of millions of dollars for aggrieved shareholders and built a track record of winning high-stakes cases. The firm has extensive expertise representing investors in complex securities litigation and a team of over 70 employees to serve our clients. For seven years in a row, Levi & Korsinsky has ranked in ISS Securities Class Action Services' Top 50 Report as one of the top securities litigation firms in the United States. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.CONTACT: Levi & Korsinsky, LLPJoseph E. Levi, Esq.Ed Korsinsky, Esq.33 Whitehall Street, 17th FloorNew York, NY 10004 jlevi@ levikorsinsky.com Tel: (212)363-7500 Fax: (212)363-7171 https://zlk.com/ SOURCE: Levi & Korsinsky, LLP PR-Inside.com: 2024-11-03 03:59:47 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 342 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 LOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESSWIRE / November 2, 2024 /SocialFoodBank, a social media-driven charity initiative dedicated to alleviating hunger, is pleased to announce its global expansion. Having successfully implemented numerous projects to support those in need, SocialFoodBank is now broadening its reach with a vision to impact even more communities worldwide. This expansion marks a significant step in the organization's mission to provide essential food aid and support to underserved populations, regardless of location.To support its global efforts, SocialFoodBank is actively engaging with corporate partners and sponsors, inviting businesses to join as vital allies in the fight against hunger. Through these collaborations, the initiative aims to amplify its resources and extend its impact, developing sustainable projects that deliver food and other essential resources to communities in crisis."Expanding our reach means extending our hand to more communities around the world," said a representative of SocialFoodBank. "With the help of corporate partners and sponsors, we can accelerate our impact and scale projects that make a real difference in people's lives." SocialFoodBank invites companies to join this vital initiative, combining social responsibility with sustainable outreach efforts to create a world where no one has to face hunger alone. Together, SocialFoodBank and its partners are demonstrating the potential of social media as a powerful tool for global good.SocialFoodBank is also actively seeking partnerships with other charitable organizations to maximize collective impact. By joining forces, the organization aims to highlight the positive outcomes of collaboration, encouraging broader community support. In today's digital landscape, where social media plays an essential role, it's more crucial than ever for NGOs and charities to engage online to reach and resonate with wider audiences.About SocialFoodBankSocialFoodBank is a charitable initiative leveraging the power of social media to provide food aid to communities in need. By mobilizing a global network of supporters and partners, SocialFoodBank seeks to alleviate hunger and provide essential resources to vulnerable populations around the world.For more information on partnership opportunities, please contact info@ socialfoodbank.com Contact:SocialFoodBankinfo@ socialfoodbank.comhttps://socialfoodbank.com/ SOURCE: SocialFoodBank PR-Inside.com: 2024-11-03 18:05:24 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 467 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Tom Loglisci Jr., MEd. Offers a Vision for Transforming First Responder TrainingPHILADELPHIA, PA / ACCESSWIRE / November 3, 2024 / The landscape of police education is rapidly evolving to meet modern challenges, driven by technological advances and shifting community expectations. Tom Loglisci Jr., MEd., an expert in adult education and a doctoral student proposes an ambitious three-to-five-year plan to transform police training to ensure officers are well-prepared for 21st-century demands. AdultEducation.info is a public profile of Tom Loglisci Jr., MEd. offering insights and research, empowering adults through education.Tom Loglisci Jr. MEd. Traditional police training often relies on outdated methods like rote memorization and limited practical scenarios, leaving officers ill-prepared for real-world complexities. According to a 2022 Police Executive Research Forum report, many officers felt their training lacked relevance, highlighting a growing need for modernization. Loglisci's approach to police education reform is rooted in adult learning principles, emphasizing experiential and scenario-based training that simulates real-life situations officers may encounter. This shift aims to make training more practical and directly applicable to their roles in the field.A significant element of Loglisci's vision involves leveraging technology to enhance learning. Online modules provide flexible learning opportunities, while virtual reality simulations offer immersive experiences, helping officers develop critical decision-making skills in a controlled environment. This technological integration supports various learning styles, making training both engaging and effective.Community engagement is also central to Loglisci's plan. He advocates for initiatives like community workshops to foster trust between officers and residents and feedback mechanisms to incorporate public input into police practices. By building stronger relationships with the community, officers can improve their communication skills, potentially reducing conflict during crises.To implement these reforms, Loglisci plans to collaborate with municipal governments and educational institutions, which can provide funding and academic support for curriculum development. He also stresses the need for continuous assessment to ensure the training remains relevant and practical, using metrics like officer retention rates and community feedback scores.Challenges to this transformation include securing funding and overcoming resistance to change within police departments. Loglisci proposes grants and partnerships with nonprofits to address financial hurdles and suggests "train-the-trainer" programs to ensure instructors are equipped with the latest methodologies. By fostering transparency and involving all levels of the police force, Loglisci aims to ease the transition to this new training model.In summary, Tom Loglisci Jr.'s approach to police education emphasizes adapting to modern realities, focusing on adult learning principles, technology integration, and community involvement. His plan addresses current shortcomings in police training and outlines a path toward a more effective, empathetic, and community-focused police force. This transformation could help create a safer, more responsive law enforcement workforce better aligned with community needs and expectations.Contact InformationTom Logliscitom@ tomld.com 484-809-5848SOURCE: AdultEducation.info View the original press release on newswire.com MANAMA, Bahrain, Nov. 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- ARRAY Innovation, the Bahrain-based leader in AI, enterprise software, and cloud solutions, proudly celebrated a milestone at Gateway Gulf 2024. During the event, organized by the Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB) in the Kingdom of Bahrain, ARRAY signed strategic agreements with Bahraini organizations: Aluminium Bahrain B.S.C. (Alba), National Bank of Bahrain (NBB), and the Labour Fund (Tamkeen), highlighting ARRAY's commitment to digital transformation. ARRAY Innovation Celebrates Landmark Success at Gateway Gulf with Three Major Partnership Deals ARRAY Chairman, Mr. Khalid Taqi, commented, "Our collaborations with Alba, NBB, and Tamkeen underscore ARRAY's dedication to Bahrain's digital transformation journey. We are committed to delivering technology solutions that support local enterprises in sustainable growth and operational excellence." "ARRAY's mission is to develop advanced enterprise software and AI solutions that create high-value jobs for Bahrainis. Our latest agreements with leading Bahraini organizations reflect our vision to positively impact the Bahraini enterprises and communities," said Alaa Saeed, ARRAY Founder & CEO. ARRAY's partnership with Alba focused on AI, data analytics, and automation solutions, driving operational excellence and cost reduction. "Our strategic collaboration with ARRAY marks a significant step towards positioning Alba as a technology-driven industry leader. This partnership will not only advance our Industry 4.0 journey, driving operational excellence, but also aligns with Bahrain Economic Vision 2030 by investing in local talent," said Alba's Chairman of the Board, Mr. Khalid Al Rumaihi. ARRAY's partnership with the National Bank of Bahrain (NBB) aims to enhance NBB's technology infrastructure with advanced Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Generative AI. The collaboration will deliver actionable insights, optimize operations, and improve customer experience. "By integrating the latest in artificial intelligence, we are positioned to drive our digital transformation forward, delivering solutions that enrich our customers' banking experience. Our partnership with ARRAY Innovation underscores our focus on modern technology to reinforce Bahrain's leadership in financial ingenuity," said NBB Group CEO Mr. Usman Ahmed. In its agreement with Tamkeen, ARRAY will develop an AI-powered job-matching solution boosting Bahrain's economic growth through strategic private sector alignment. Her Excellency Ms. Maha Abdulhameed Mofeez, Chief Executive of Tamkeen, highlighted, "By enhancing both internal and external operations through this partnership, we aim to maximize the impact of our initiatives and increase opportunities for Bahraini talent within the private sector." These landmark agreements underscore ARRAY's role as a trusted partner in Bahrain's digital transformation, empowering organizations to drive efficiency and growth aligned with Bahrain's Economic Vision 2030. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2547651/Bahrain_ARRAy.jpg SOURCE Bahrain - Congruence has been awarded the Neuroscience Section Blitz Talk Award for transformative research in MC4R-related early-onset genetic obesity - - Congruence's insights into the biology and pharmacology of MC4R deficiency and its proprietary drug discovery engine, Revenir, identified MC4R corrector small molecules with the potential to treat the underlying cause of early-onset genetic obesity - MONTREAL, Nov. 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Congruence Therapeutics, a computationally-driven biotechnology company building a unique pipeline of transformative small molecule correctors rationally designed to rescue aberrant protein function, today announced two poster presentations at Obesity Week 2024. In recognition of its innovative research, Congruence has been awarded the Neuroscience Section Blitz Talk Award and will present during the Blitz Talks session of the meeting. Obesity Week will take place on November 3-6, 2024, in San Antonio, TX. "We are excited to present data demonstrating the development and validation of robust in vitro biological assays and the first animal model of MC4R-deficient obesity which are being used to discover transformative first-in-class small molecule MC4R correctors for patients suffering from MC4R-related early-onset genetic obesity," said Sharath Hegde, Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer of Congruence. "Mutations of the melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R) gene, leading to protein misfolding and impaired trafficking, are the leading cause of severe early-onset genetic obesity. At Congruence Therapeutics, we are using Revenir, our in silico drug discovery engine to discover small molecule MC4R correctors which stabilize mutant MC4R and rescue their trafficking and functional deficits." Poster presentations: Title: "Discovery of Small Molecule Correctors for Treatment of Early-onset MC4R-deficient Genetic Obesity" Poster Number: 065 Session Date and Time: 11/3/2024, 7.30pm 8.30pm Presenting Author: Tunde Golenar PhD, Principal Scientist, Biology, Congruence Therapeutics Title: "Development of a Novel Melanocortin Receptor Mutant Mc4r+/R165Q and Mc4rR165Q/R165Q Mouse Model for Genetic Obesity" Poster Number: 623 Session Date and Time: 11/5/2024, 2.30pm 3.30pm Presenting Author: Alex Caron, Executive Director, Pharmacology, Congruence Therapeutics Neuroscience Section Blitz Talk Awarded Winner Presentation: Title: "Discovery of Small Molecule Correctors for Treatment of Early-onset MC4R-deficient Genetic Obesity" Session Date and Time: 11/05/24, 5:30-6:30 pm Presenter: Tunde Golenar, PhD, Principal Scientist, Biology, Congruence Therapeutics Location: Room 205 About Congruence Therapeutics Congruence is a computationally-driven biotechnology company building a unique pipeline of transformative small molecule correctors rationally designed to rescue aberrant protein function. Our proprietary scalable platform, Revenir, captures the biophysical features of proteins across their conformational ensembles, in order to identify novel allosteric and cryptic pockets which are virtually screened to generate novel chemical matter. For more information, please visit www.congruencetx.com . Company Contact Charles Grubsztajn Chief Operating Officer [email protected] Media Contact Amy Conrad Juniper Point [email protected] 858-366-3243 SOURCE Congruence Therapeutics 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 September 20, 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, Nov. 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- 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 Logo (PRNewsfoto/Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP) 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 28's 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. Finally, after the market closed on September 20, 2024, Paragon disclosed the abrupt departure of Defendant Erik Mickelson, the Company's Chief Accounting Officer. This news sent the price of Paragon shares down $0.30 (-4.3%) on September 23, 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 28's 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. SOURCE Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP ZUNYI, China, Nov. 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- On October 31, the Zunyi Talk "China's Development: An Opportunity for a Colorful World" was held in Zunyi City, southwest China's Guizhou Province. The event was attended by more than 100 people from both home and abroad, including experts, scholars, representatives of enterprises, university students, and media reporters. The attendees pose for a group picture at the Zunyi Talk on Oct. 31, 2024 In his keynote speech at the Zunyi Talk, Steven Weathers, an American entrepreneur and media professional, shared his insights into the people-to-people exchange and the economic transformation in Guizhou Province. He also talked about his recent trip in the province, including the visit to Kweichow Moutai Group, Miao villages, and Libo County, as well as his understanding of the local culture of Guizhou. In his keynote speech, Andy Mok, a professor at Beijing Foreign Studies University and CGTN commentator, talked about the role of technological innovation in promoting Guizhou's development momentum and creating opportunities for global cooperation. He said that Guizhou Province has achieved great success in eradicating absolute poverty, which is also a part of China's success. China's poverty alleviation success can be attributed to the strong leadership, the proper approach that adapts to local conditions and a collective effort of both government and the people. China's successful experience is also worth of learning by other countries. Other experts and youth representatives from China and abroad shared their views on the economic, scientific, technological, and ecological development of Guizhou at the event. As the closing event of the International Exchange Week entitled "China's Development: An Opportunity for a Colorful World", the Zunyi Talk serves as a platform to gather precious advices for the better development of Guizhou, and promote the cultural exchange between China and the rest of the world. SOURCE The International Exchange Week Organizing Committee Office If you were looking for the Charlestown Democratic Town Committee website and ended up here, try this Got news tips, gossip, suggestions, complaints?E-mail us: progressivecharlestown@gmail.com We strive to avoid errors in our articles. Our correction policy can be found here London, Nov 3 : Kemi Badenoch was elected the new Conservative Party leader of the United Kingdom (UK), becoming the first black woman to lead a major political party in the country. Badenoch, former secretary of state for business and trade, won 57 per cent of the votes, beating Robert Jenrick, former minister of state for immigration, the Conservative backbench 1922 Committee Chairman Bob Blackman said on Saturday. The Tory leadership race was triggered by former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's announcement of his intention to resign on July 5 after the Conservatives lost to the Labour Party in the country's general election, Xinhua news agency reported. On July 29, the 1922 Committee announced six contenders had met the requirements to enter the leadership race: Robert Jenrick, Kemi Badenoch, James Cleverly, Priti Patel, Mel Stride, and Tom Tugendhat. The list was whittled down to the final two through several rounds of voting among Tory MPs (Members of Parliament) before the Conservative Party members were asked to cast their votes between October 15 and 31 to decide the ultimate winner. Badenoch said in her victory speech that the Tories need not only clear "Conservative pledges that appeal to the British people," but also "a clear plan to change this country by changing the way that government works". The new Tory leader also asked her party members to "be honest about the fact that we've made mistakes". "The time has come, to tell the truth, to stand up for our principles, to plan for our future, to reset our politics and our thinking, and to give our party and our country the new start that they deserve," she said. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer congratulated Badenoch on her election victory on social media platform X, saying that "the first black leader of a Westminster party is a proud moment for our country". Gaza, Nov 3 : At least 42 Palestinians were killed and more than 150 injured in Israeli air and artillery bombardment on Nuseirat refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip, Palestinian medical sources said. The Israeli army has been bombarding inhabited houses in Nuseirat with both aircraft and artillery since Friday morning, said Palestinian security sources on Saturday. The Gaza government media office condemned the strikes, describing them as the "deliberate targeting of civilians, including children and women," and called on the international community to pressure Israel to halt these actions against Gaza's civilians. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement on Saturday that it conducted operations in Rafah and central Gaza to kill militants, dismantle militant infrastructure, and locate weapons. Israel has been conducting a large-scale offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip in retaliation for a Hamas attack across the southern Israeli border on October 7, 2023, during which about 1,200 people were killed and nearly 250 taken hostage. The Palestinian death toll from ongoing Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip has risen to 43,314, according to a statement from Gaza-based health authorities on Saturday. Mumbai, Nov 3 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to address a series of rallies between November 8 to 14 in Maharashtra for the upcoming Assembly polls slated for November 20. BJP leaders said that PM Modi is likely to address 11 rallies between November 8 and 14. Maharashtra BJP Chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule said that PM Modi is expected to address election meetings in Dhule and Nashik on November 8, Akola and Nanded on November 9, Chandrapur, Chimur, Solapur and Pune on November 12 and Sambhajinagar, Navi Mumbai, and Mumbai on November 14. BJP leaders said that Home Minister Amit Shah is expected to address around 20 rallies, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath around 22 and Union Health Minister and BJP Chief JP Nadda about 13. Union Road, Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari, who hails from Maharashtra, is slated to address about 50 rallies and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis around 55 rallies. Maharashtra BJP Chief Bawankule will also campaign extensively. There will be rallies by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. BJP leaders said that the focus will be on the MahaYuti government's welfare schemes for people. "We will highlight the government's welfare schemes and achievements, including the Ladli Behna Yojana, electricity waiver for 44 lakh farmers and 58 initiatives personally benefiting the public. The MahaYuti alliance aims to showcase its commitment to Maharashtra's development. A double-engine government will again be formed in the state," a BJP leader said. Both the ruling MahaYuti alliance and the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) -- comprising the Shiv Sena (UBT), NCP (Sharad Pawar faction), and Congress -- have intensified their preparations for the elections to the 288-member Maharashtra Assembly. The BJP is part of the ruling MahaYuti alliance alongside the Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction) and Ajit Pawar-led NCP. Jerusalem, Nov 3 : The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has said that it had killed Jaafar Khader Faour, the commander overseeing Hezbollah's missile and rocket operations in its Nasser unit. The IDF reported on Saturday that Faour was targeted and killed in a precision airstrike by an Israeli Air Force fighter jet in the village of Jouaiyya in southern Lebanon, without telling the time of the operation, Xinhua news agency reported. The IDF said that Faour was responsible for initiating Hezbollah's first firing order on October 8 last year, and since then had been responsible for multiple attacks from eastern Lebanon against Israeli civilians and soldiers. He was also responsible for multiple rocket attacks towards the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights, including the attack on Druze town Majdal Shams, which resulted in the killing of 12 children and teenagers in July, according to the IDF. The IDF said another senior figure in Hezbollah's Nasser unit, the commander of the drone operations, was also killed in the airstrike. Hezbollah has not commented on this matter. According to the Israeli military, Jaafar Khader Faour was the head of the rocket and missile array in Hezbollah's Nasr regional division. The division is responsible for the region between Mount Dov and the Bint Jbeil area. Flash An aerial drone photo shows a section of the Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway in Kampong Speu province, Cambodia. (Cambodian PPSHV Expressway Co., Ltd./Handout via Xinhua) The number of users of the Chinese-invested Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway in Cambodia had hit 10 million during the first two years of its operation. The Cambodian PPSHV Expressway Co., Ltd., which is the operator of the 187-km expressway, marked the motorway's second anniversary on Friday, awarding a gift to the 10 millionth user of the road. According to the company, Chhum Sophearun, a 42-year-old taxi driver, became the 10 millionth user of the Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway on Oct. 2 and was given free travel for one year on the expressway. Speaking at the event, Cambodian Minister of Public Works and Transport Peng Ponea said the expressway, the first of its kind in Cambodia, has become a key strategic route, linking the first economic powerhouse of Phnom Penh with the second economic powerhouse of the coastal province of Sihanoukville. "This expressway has been providing great benefits to Cambodia's socio-economic development and tourism," he said. "It has played a crucial role in improving the efficiency of travel and goods transport." Ponea said the motorway was one of the major achievements in Cambodia under Belt and Road cooperation, in addition to the Sihanoukville Special Economic Zone, the Siem Reap Angkor International Airport, and the Morodok Techo National Stadium. "These achievements are a solid testament to our joint efforts in building a Cambodia-China community with a shared future," he said. Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia Wang Wenbin said the expressway was a landmark project of China-Cambodia cooperation under the BRI. "It is a vivid example of China-Cambodia joint efforts in building a high-quality, high-level and high-standard community with a shared future in a new era," he said. The ambassador said the expressway has significantly contributed to creating job opportunities, promoting regional development and improving the well-being of local people. Wang added that he had traveled on the expressway many times and was impressed with the road's high quality and sound management. Speaking to Xinhua at the event, Sophearun said he was excited to be contacted by an expressway staff member to inform that he had become the 10 millionth expressway user. "Usually, I travel on the expressway from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville and vice versa, carrying tourists from Europe, China or Indonesia," he said. Sophearun said traveling on the expressway saves a lot of time, as it takes only two hours to go from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville, while traveling on the National Road 4 takes up to five hours at the same distance. "Traveling on the old road (National Road 4) takes a lot of time and costs a lot of money on fuel and car maintenance due to uneven road surface, so in sum, the expense for traveling on the old road is higher than that on the expressway," he said. "The expressway is the best choice," he said. "I would like to urge all drivers to use this expressway because it is quite safe and very convenient to travel." An aerial drone photo taken on Sept. 25, 2024 shows a toll station of the Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. (Cambodian PPSHV Expressway Co., Ltd./Handout via Xinhua) Invested by the China Road and Bridge Corporation under the build-operate-transfer (BOT) model in the amount of 2 billion U.S. dollars, the Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway is the first-ever freeway in Cambodia and is the largest single project under the Belt and Road Initiative. With two lanes for traffic in each direction plus an emergency lane on each side, vehicles can reach their destinations within two hours through the expressway instead of five hours on National Road 4. Teng Sokhen, a 25-year-old toll collector at the Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway, said the expressway has provided a safe, convenient, and efficient travel option for all drivers. "I'm really happy to work at this expressway because this road has contributed to Cambodia's social development, economic growth and tourism, and has provided a lot of benefits to the people of Cambodia," she told Xinhua. "As a staff member, I'm glad to be a contributor to the society," she said. According to Sokhen, more than 10,000 vehicles ply the expressway on average per day. Mumbai, Nov 3 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to address a series of rallies between November 8 to14 in Maharashtra for the upcoming Assembly polls slated for November 20. BJP leaders said that PM Modi is likely to address 11 rallies between November 8 and 14. Maharashtra BJP Chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule said that PM Modi is expected to address election meetings in Dhule and Nashik on November 8, Akola and Nanded on November 9, Chandrapur, Chimur, Solapur and Pune on November 12 and Sambhajinagar, Navi Mumbai, and Mumbai on November 14. BJP leaders said that Home Minister Amit Shah is expected to address around 20 rallies, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath around 22 and Union Health Minister and BJP Chief JP Nadda about 13. Union Road, Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari, who hails from Maharashtra, is slated to address about 50 rallies and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis around 55 rallies. Maharashtra BJP Chief Bawankule will also campaign extensively. There will be rallies by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. BJP leaders said that the focus will be on the MahaYuti government's welfare schemes for people. "We will highlight the government's welfare schemes and achievements, including the Ladli Behna Yojana, electricity waiver for 44 lakh farmers and 58 initiatives personally benefiting the public. The MahaYuti alliance aims to showcase its commitment to Maharashtra's development. A double-engine government will again be formed in the state," a BJP leader said. Both the ruling MahaYuti alliance and the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) -- comprising the Shiv Sena (UBT), NCP (Sharad Pawar faction), and Congress -- have intensified their preparations for the elections to the 288-member Maharashtra Assembly. The BJP is part of the ruling MahaYuti alliance alongside the Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction) and Ajit Pawar-led NCP. Chennai, Nov 3 : Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin will coordinate with engineers from Indian Railways and the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) on Monday to expedite flood mitigation projects in the city. This follows delays in completing various flood-control initiatives. According to a statement from the Chief Minister's Office, Stalin will specifically inspect the ongoing work related to the Perambur culvert near the Ganesapuram subway, which has been delayed for the past three years. Railways had cited safety concerns as the reason for the delay. The GCC initially proposed the Ganesapuram subway project in 2021, but the work is still unfinished. GCC officials reported that 32 neighbourhoods across Chennai have experienced flooding due to the delay in completing culverts along railway tracks. Many areas near railway lines were inundated during recent rains. To address immediate issues, GCC is constructing temporary drains in flood-prone areas and plans to install pumps to remove water. Social activist and Chennai Study Circle Chairman Krishnan Subramanian commented, "Many areas of Chennai were flooded during the recent rains, but GCC's timely intervention helped. The state government must coordinate with Railways to accelerate culvert construction, especially on railway land, highway land, and near major waterways, to prevent flooding." He added, "The lack of proper culverts in areas like Kodambakkam and T. Nagar, which drain water across railway tracks, has been a major cause of flooding in these neighbourhoods." C. Rajeev, Director of the Centre for Policy and Development Studies, a Chennai-based think tank, observed, "Engineers from GCC attempted to construct drains along a different alignment rather than focusing on culverts across railway land." He noted that this may be why flooding persists in some areas. Rajeev also mentioned reports indicating that Railways had issued a no-objection certificate for four culverts in Korattur, but GCC did not pay the required amount requested by Railways. Additionally, Kodambakkam and T. Nagar continue to experience flooding due to the lack of proper drainage across railway tracks. Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 3 : A team of scuba divers from Palakkad has started searching for Lakshmanan, a native of Tamil Nadu, who fell into the Bharathapuzha River after being struck by Kerala Express on a railway track in Shoranur. A group of four contract workers from Tamil Nadu, including two women and two men, were cleaning railway tracks on the bridge over the Bharathapuzha River on Saturday when the Kerala Express unexpectedly approached. Unable to get out of the way in time, all four workers were hit by the speeding train and fell into the river. Fire and Rescue Services personnel and scuba divers recovered the bodies of three workersa"Rani, Valli, and one Lakshmanan. However, the body of the fourth worker, also named Lakshmanan, has not yet been found. Heavy rains and strong undercurrents in the Bharathapuzha River hampered the scuba diversa efforts, making it challenging to continue the search. As night fell, the team had to call off the search operations on Saturday evening. The deceased women, Rani and Valli, were sisters, both married to men named Lakshmanan. All four were residing together in rented accommodations in Ottapalam. Railway officials informed IANS that the search for the missing Lakshmanan is concentrated near pillars 3 and 4 of the bridge. Shakthivel, another worker who was with the group, said that there was no signal warning them of an approaching train as they entered the track. He added that the train arrived suddenly, leaving those on the track with no time to react and no space to escape. Local businessman S. Ajim noted that the train continuously honked, but the workers had no where to move, which ultimately led to the tragic accident. New Delhi, Nov 3 : In a bid to remove physical toll plazas across the country in the near future, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has sought applications from banks for the country's first multi-lane free flow (MLFF) toll collection on Dwarka Expressway. New Delhi, Nov 3 (IANS) In a bid to remove physical toll plazas across the country in the near future, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has sought applications from banks for the countryas first multi-lane free flow (MLFF) toll collection on Dwarka Expressway. If this plan is successful, the only toll plaza on the 28-km Dwarka Expressway will end and the bank will deduct money based on your vehicle data, as per reports. Union Road and Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari has reiterated that toll plazas will be removed from roads in the coming years. For Dwarka Expressway NHAI will rope in a bank to collect user fee on a highway stretch. The tolling system will have field equipment and sensors that will capture information from passing vehicles. The data will be transmitted to the electronic toll payment system for the deduction of user fee, said reports. The new system will collect information from the vehicle database and send it to the bank. The bank will deduct money from the FastTag wallet. If a driver does not pay the toll, it will continue to show on the vehicle portal and app. NHAI is preparing to install multi-lane free flow system on many more expressways. Meanwhile, the government will track around 100 toll plazas with GIS-based software for seamless movement of traffic at national highways. The live monitoring and tracking system at the toll plazas will help to ensure free flow of traffic and a hassle-free tolling experience for the national highway users at the fee plazas across the country. These toll plazas have been identified based on congestion feedback received through 1033 National Highway helpline, according to Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. The GIS-based software has been developed by the Indian Highways Management Company Limited (IHMCL), a company promoted by NHAI. The toll fee collection on national highways under the NHAI reached Rs 54,811.13 crore in the fiscal 2023-24. The ministry spent Rs 6,523 crore towards maintenance of national highways during the last year. Washington, Nov 3 : As the final phase of the US elections gets underway, Republican candidate Donald Trump intensified his campaign efforts with three major rallies -- two in North Carolina and one in Virginia -- urging voters to turn out on November 5, the election day. Following the rallies, Trump shared a video on X, writing, "Three beautiful MAGA RALLIES today in Gastonia, North Carolina, followed by Salem, Virginia -- and this evening in Greensboro, North Carolina!" He further encouraged supporters to "stand up and tell Kamala that you've had enough," adding, "Kamala Harris, You're Fired!" On Saturday, Trump projected confidence as he addressed crowds in the battleground state, stressing his strong position while urging voters to show up on Election Day. "When you're winning by a lot, you could still lose by a little," he remarked. "And we can't take a chance of losing the great state of North Carolina. We're not going to lose the great state of North Carolina." In Gastonia, North Carolina, Trump cautioned that "the suburbs are under attack." Later, at a rally in Salem, Virginia, Trump spoke to a crowd of thousands, promising to usher in a new era of "peace and prosperity" for the country. He also continued his criticism of Harris, labelling her a "liberal Left radical." While in Salem, Trump also addressed a recent case involving a trans woman who had been permitted to join Roanoke College's women's swim team, claiming that seven swim team members met him backstage before he invited them on stage. Swimmer Lily Mullens criticised current policies, saying, "Joe Biden and Kamala Harris have advocated for and pushed for this anti-woman sex-based discrimination to continue all over this country." She added, "We are so lucky to have a leader like Donald Trump with common sense," while thanking him for "standing with women." During his rally in Gastonia, North Carolina, Trump highlighted the recent slowdown in job growth, with employers adding only 12,000 jobs in Octobera"the lowest rate since 2020. Blaming what he termed "Kamala's economy," he promised to address the issue if elected. Staying on theme, Trump targeted immigration as another priority, describing open borders as the "biggest issue." He pledged sweeping tax cuts and policy shifts, stating, "I will massively cut taxes. I will cut taxes for workers and small businesses, and we will have no tax on tips." On immigration, he outlined his plans for mass deportations, saying, "When I'm president, we're going to evict the illegals, and we'll take back our properties." Linking Harris to Biden's record, Trump added, "Kamala says she would not do one thing differently from crooked Joe Biden, which itself is disqualifying." Trump's campaign will continue Sunday with an event in Kinston, North Carolina, as he maintains a busy schedule in other battleground states, including Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Georgia. With 272 electoral college votes needed to secure the presidency, Trump is working to lock in support. In his address, Trump also claimed that elections in blue states like California and New York are compromised, alleging that election officials would face execution if they asked for voter ID. "If we had an honest election in California, we would win California," he added. New York, Nov 3 : People waiting for the US Presidential election results on Tuesday night may not know the outcome unless Vice President and Democratic nominee Kamala Harris or Republican candidate Donald Trump scores a significant victory in most states, especially the so-called swing states. If there are no blow-out margins of victory and the election numbers follow the polls all of which give leads within the margin of error -- with crucial swing state Pennsylvaniaas as narrow as 0.4 per cent for Trump -- it may take days or even weeks to sort out the contested results with recounts. Traditionally, the candidate losing the election concedes defeat even before the official announcement of the results if the outcome is clear. But Trump has not admitted he lost even four years after President Joe Biden defeated him in 2020. If Trump loses, he is sure to mount legal challenges, and so would Harris in a very tight election where a few hundred, or even fewer votes can decide the winner. Both have armies of lawyers waiting in the wings. A complicating factor is that the President is elected by the electoral college of 538 members distributed among states according to their population and not by the popular vote. Except in two small states, whoever gets the majority of popular votes in the state gets all of its electoral votes. Therefore, a candidate can get the majority of the popular votes but still lose if that does not translate into a majority in the electoral college. In 2016, Democrat Hillary Clinton won nearly 3 million more votes than Trump, but lost to him because he won the majority in the electoral college, 306 to 227. The final verdict will come from the seven swing states where neither party has a definitive majority and could go either way and together they have 93 electoral college votes. Another complication in getting the results is that the Federal Election Commission deals only with election finance laws and does not run the elections. Therefore, without a national election body overseeing elections or uniform procedures and regulations across the country, states follow different timetables for closing the polling and counting absentee ballots -- those sent by post or, in some cases, deposited by other means. The official tally comes later, with each state following its procedures to certify the results. If the margins of the votes cast in person either on election day or early voting days in a state do not markedly exceed the yet-to-be-counted absentee ballots, the results will be held up for that state. If the margins are very close, either party could demand recounts which could also delay the results. In 2020, the media announced the results of the November 3 elections four days later on November 7 after tallying the electoral college vote needed for a victory, even though the counting was not complete in all the states. The 2020 election in which Republican George W. Bush defeated Democrat Vice President Al Gore took 35 days to be resolved because of a dispute over the Florida votes. Finally, on December 12, the Supreme Court stopped the recount and the result of the November 7 election was announced. If all goes smoothly and the margins are wide enough in the key states, the results could be known as early as midnight in New York (Wednesday 10.30 a.m. Indian Standard Time - IST), with the balloting ending an hour earlier in California. Media may also start giving an idea of the trend earlier at about 9 p.m. in New York (7.30 a.m. Wednesday IST) about an hour after Pennsylvania closes. The elections close in states at different local times which translates to between 6 p.m. New York (Wednesday 4:30 am IST) to midnight New York (10.30 a.m. IST). The official announcements are certain to be delayed in several states because of legal challenges. The governors of each state have a deadline of December 11 to submit 'Certificates of Ascertainment' - the official tally of electoral college votes a" to National Archivist Colleen J. Shogan, whose role is like that of a head record-keeper for the country. The electoral college was scheduled by law to meet on the second Tuesday after the first Wednesday of the month - December 17. They do not meet in one place but vote in their state capitals. New Delhi, Nov 3 : Government interventions in India and Pakistan may be able to curb the illegal practice of crop burning and reduce deadly air pollution in South Asia, a new study has said. According to the study, co-led by US-based Brown University researcher Gemma Dipoppa and published in the journal Nature, air pollution, driven in large part by practices like crop burning, contributes to 2 million deaths a year in South Asia and persists as a public health emergency. As part of the study, the researchers also examined the effects of crop-burning pollution on infant and child mortality and estimated that that 1.5 to 2.7 deaths per 1,000 children could be prevented if action were taken to reduce crop fires. "This is a very clear health emergency, and we wondered, 'Why isn't the government able to address this challenge, which is visible and extremely damaging for people?'" said Dipoppa, an assistant professor of political science at Brown Universuty. "We decided to study the aspect of government intervention and in particular the administration of the state that is in charge of reducing air pollution from a big-picture point of view," said Dipoppa, who co-authored the paper with Saad Gulzar of Princeton University. Through their analysis of a decade of wind, fire and health data from satellites and surveys, Dipoppa and Gulzar found that government officials in India and Pakistan were more likely to reduce crop residue burning when its negative effects were felt in their own jurisdictions rather than outside of them. Crop-burning fires increased by 15 per cent when wind was most likely to direct pollution to neighbouring jurisdictions and decreased by 14.5 per cent when it polluted their own, the study found. The researchers found that government-led actions against burning, such as fines for those violating the law, deterred future polluters and reduced fires by an additional 13 per cent, a finding that contradicted a common perception that the widespread problem is impossible to control. "Government officials are already acting on this issue, but they are doing it only in times and places where it is incentive-compatible for them, including when the pollution affects their own jurisdictions and not neighbouring areas," Dipoppa noted. This is important because it tells us that government leaders do have the power to reduce crop burning. If they had more resources, they would probably be capable of reducing pollution to a larger extent, the authors said. Ranchi, Nov 3 : Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday unveiled the BJP's manifesto or 'Sankalp Patra' for the upcoming Jharkhand Assembly elections, pledging to protect the state's "Roti, Maati, Beti" (livelihood, land, and daughters) from infiltrators. Ranchi, Nov 3 (IANS) Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday unveiled the BJP's manifesto or 'Sankalp Patra' for the upcoming Jharkhand Assembly elections, pledging to protect the stateas "Roti, Maati, Beti" (livelihood, land, and daughters) from infiltrators. Shah emphasised the BJP's commitment to Jharkhand's development and targeted the current state government for alleged failures in safeguarding tribal communities and upholding progress. Addressing a gathering, Shah accused the current government of allowing infiltrators to threaten Jharkhand's identity and resources, stating, "The Jharkhand election is not just about changing the government but securing Jharkhand's future. People must decide if they want a corrupt administration or a BJP government under PM Modi's leadership that prioritises development and protects 'Roti, Maati, Beti'." Expressing concern over the plight of Jharkhandas youth, Shah remarked, "The youth, troubled by unemployment and exam paper leaks, are looking at the BJP with hope. Jharkhand's public seeks a government that benefits the poor, unlike those who engage in corruption and loot the people." Shah highlighted the BJP's reliability in fulfilling its promises, declaring, "This 'Sankalp Patra' stands apart because the BJP does what it says. This is why Jharkhand's backward classes, tribals, Dalits, and urban populations are looking at us with hope and expectations." Stressing the manifesto's commitment to Jharkhand's unique identity, he stated, "The Sankalp Patra declares our dedication to safeguarding Jharkhand's land, tackling corruption, and improving governance. The BJP is devoted to defending the state's borders, ensuring Adivasi identity, and protecting 'Roti, Maati, Beti'." Shah slammed the ruling Hemant Soren-led government, accusing it of halting development projects initiated by the "double-engine" BJP government. "Under Hemant Soren, every developmental effort of PM Modi's government has stalled. Today, the BJP stands before the people of Jharkhand with renewed promises," he asserted. Addressing concerns for the tribal population, Shah said, "The tribal community in Jharkhand, especially in Santhal Pargana, is facing an existential threat. Infiltrators are not only occupying land but also disrupting the cultural and social fabric by marrying local daughters. The BJP's agenda is to safeguard 'Roti, Beti, Maati' and secure Jharkhandas heritage." He also highlighted a historic milestone achieved by the BJP government, noting, "For the first time, a daughter from a poor tribal background, Droupadi Murmu, has become the President of India. This is the pride of Jharkhand. The BJP, under PM Modi, has worked for Jharkhand's development, regardless of who held power in the state." Targeting the state's handling of financial support from the Central government, Shah questioned Soren's demand for a review of allocations. "Recently, Soren asked for an account of Rs 1 lakh crore. From 2004-2014, the UPA provided Jharkhand with Rs 84,000 crore, while PM Modias government allocated Rs 3,80,000 crore from 2014-2024. If you're sitting with Congress, answer why the UPA gave such limited funds to Jharkhand," he challenged. Shah also criticised the Soren government's track record on safety and women's rights, alleging that Jharkhand now ranks second in cases of minor trafficking and women's abductions. "During Hemant Soren's tenure, atrocities against women have surged, and women have been disrespected. Jharkhand deserves better," he said. He pledged that if the BJP returns to power, it will eliminate intruders from Jharkhand. "In Assam, the BJP government acted decisively against infiltrators. Hemant Soren, you have failed to protect the women of Jharkhand," he added. Shah accused the state government of going too far in its appeasement policies. "Kanwariyas were attacked in Lohardaga, Kirtans were banned during Ramnavami, and temples were vandalised in Sahibganj. A BJP-led government will ensure that no one dares such actions," he asserted. The Home Minister took aim at unfulfilled promises, saying, "Poor families were promised Rs 72,000 each, widows a pension of Rs 2,500, and cooking stoves with firewood. None of this has been delivered. Hemant Soren, how can you ask for votes from Jharkhand's youth, the poor, and the elderly?" Among the manifesto's highlights, Shah pledged five lakh jobs for Jharkhand's youth within five years and announced a cap on gas cylinder prices at Rs 500 for women, with an additional free cylinder on Diwali and Raksha Bandhan. The BJP's 'Sankalp Patra' includes 150 resolutions focused on issues such as agriculture, women's welfare, youth employment, and infrastructure development. Shah described the manifesto as a reflection of the BJP's commitment to Jharkhand's unique needs. Looking ahead, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Jharkhand on Monday to address two rallies, with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also scheduled for a public meeting in Jamshedpur on November 5. Mumbai, Nov 3 : Bollywood superstar Salman Khan, who has been maintaining a low-profile of late, has played many iconic characters. One such character is Radhe Bhaiyya from 'Tere Naam'. However, Salman has said multiple times that he would never encourage the audience to follow his character in the film. At different instances, Salman has said that he has dissuaded people from closely following his character of Radhe Bhaiyya because of his disturbing attitude, and his going crazy for a girl. A recently resurfaced video shows all the instances where Salman spoke of the character stitched together forming a narrative thread. In the video, Salman can be heard saying, "There was nothing in 'Tere Naam'. Simple, one part of the film had my character with so much hair and in the other half, the character was bald, that's what the screenplay said. Everyone told me not to do this film. Did I say any dialogue in the second half? Did I do anything in the second half? When I promoted that film, I told everyone to watch it but not to follow that character". He further mentioned, "That character is a loser. He went crazy because of a girl, and ruined his life. It doesn't happen. Go ahead in life. Following the character's hairstyle is fine, following his clothing sense is fine. But following the personality of that character is very wrong. So I was afraid that the public should not start following that character's personality". Earlier, Salman Khan received another death threat from a caller, who demanded Rs. 2 crore. This came after the cops arrested a NOIDA based man for sending threats to Salman Khan. The Worli police have registered an offence against an unknown person for sending various WhatsApp messages on Mumbai Police's Traffic Helpline number demanding Rs. 2 crore from the Bollywood superstar. Cali, Nov 3 : The 16th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP 16) concluded with a landmark acknowledgement of Indigenous and Afro-descendant communities' essential role in protecting biodiversity. After two weeks of discussions, the final session of COP16 on Saturday approved a work plan to permanently incorporate Indigenous and local communities into the Convention on Biological Diversity, Xinhua news agency reported. COP16 President Susana Muhamad and Colombian Foreign Minister Luis Gilberto Murillo hailed the decision, saying the event has become a "people's COP," especially in advancing the rights of Latin American and Caribbean communities. "Our lands, rich in natural resources, have long been home to Indigenous and Afro-descendant communities whose sustainable practices are critical to addressing global environmental challenges," Murillo said. Indigenous leader Camila Paz Romero welcomed the decision as "unprecedented in the history of global biodiversity agreements," saying it will compel countries to respect, preserve, and maintain traditional knowledge held by Indigenous and local communities. With the theme "Peace with Nature," COP16 achieved several major outcomes, including a global agreement to identify and protect ecologically vital marine areas in international waters and the creation of a global fund for resources derived from digital genetic sequences. Colombia will hold the COP16 presidency until Armenia hosts the conference in 2026. Kolkata, Nov 3 : A man was arrested on charges of abducting and raping a minor girl in North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal. The accused was arrested on Saturday night. The accused's family was said to be having links with the Trinamool Congress. This is the third incident of rape involving minor victims that have been reported from the state in the last 24 hours, the previous two being at Kumargram in Alipurduar district and Domkal in Murshidabad district. As per the police complaint filed by the victim's parents, she was abducted, taken to a secluded place and then raped by the accused while she was returning from her tuition class on Friday evening. Although she did not tell anyone anything after returning home, her parents found her in shock. On Saturday evening, she attempted suicide but was prevented by her parents. Thereafter she narrated the entire story and on the same night the parents filed the police complaint against the accused. Thereafter the cops arrested him late Saturday night. He will be presented at a district court on Sunday afternoon only and the public prosecutor will seek his police custody, a local police official said. It is learnt that there had been frequent complaints against the accused youth earlier of teasing young girls. A year back, the people of the locality became furious after the same victim complained against the accused of teasing her publicly. However, the victim's father said, the accused youth somehow escaped police complaint by tendering a public apology. Local BJP legislator from Gaighata Subrata Thakur accused the family members of the arrested youth and the local Trinamool Congress activists of threatening the members of the victim's family since the time the complaint was filed. However, local Trinamool Congress leader Prasenjit Ghosh has denied the charges and said in such cases, the law will take its course. West Bengal has been in the news for the last three months over repeated reports of rapes and murders. The most talked-about tragedy was the gruesome rape and murder of a junior doctor of R. G. Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata within the hospital premises in August. New Delhi, Nov 3 : In a surprising turn of events, Mumbai Police received a death threat to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in a message. In the message sent to Mumbai Police Traffic Control Cell, it was warned that CM Yogi would be "killed like Baba Siddiqui" if he did not resign within 10 days. Former Maharashtra minister Baba Siddique was gunned down allegedly by the Lawrence Bishnoi gang on October 12 in Bandra (East) of Mumbai. The message came from an unknown number on Saturday evening, which later led to tracing the woman behind the message who has been arrested. Her intention behind the message, however, is not yet clear. While further investigation is on to find out about other details behind the message, authorities have beefed up CM Yogi Adityanath's security following the message. The threat comes after similar messages targeting Bollywood actor Salman Khan were received by the Mumbai traffic police after former minister Baba Siddique was shot dead. On October 29, the police got a message threatening Salman Khan and demanding Rs 2 crore from him. A man from Bandra was arrested in the case. In the second instance, a threat message said that Salman Khan would meet a fate worse than Siddique if he did not pay Rs 5 crore. This is the third time a threat message has been received by the Mumbai traffic police since Siddique's murder. Baba Siddique was shot dead by three men outside his son Zeeshan Siddique's office on October 12. Seoul, Nov 3 : South Korea, the US and Japan held combined air drills, involving at least one B-1B bomber, south of the Korean Peninsula on Sunday, the South's military said, in a show of force after North Korea's new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) launch last week. The trilateral drills took place over waters east of South Korea's southern island of Jeju amid heightened tensions after the North fired the new Hwasong-19 ICBM into the East Sea on Thursday in its first launch of a long-range ballistic missile this year, Yonhap news agency reported. During the drills, South Korean, US and Japanese fighter jets escorted the US heavy bomber over waters where the air defence identification zones of South Korea and Japan overlap, the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said. The drills also involved the heavy bomber striking a simulated target in a show of its "overwhelming" capabilities, according to the JCS. It did not specify the number of B-1Bs involved. "This exercise took place in response to North Korea's launch of an ICBM on October 31," the JCS said in a release. "Amid gradually increasing security cooperation between the three countries, (we) will strengthen coordination to deter and jointly respond to North Korea's threats." It marked the second air exercise between the three sides this year, the JCS said, amid joint efforts to strengthen trilateral security cooperation against evolving North Korean nuclear and missile threats. Chennai, Nov 3 : Tamil superstar-turned-politician Vijay chaired a meeting with the office bearers of his Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) at the party headquarters here on Sunday. According to insiders, the meeting, which is underway at the party headquarters, is focusing on finalising the roadmap for Vijayas upcoming statewide tour, set to begin in December. TVK sources said that Vijay held private discussions with senior party leaders, including his close confidant and party General Secretary Bussy Anand, a former MLA from Puducherry. Vijayas yatra is expected to kick off on December 2, starting in Coimbatore and culminating with a large public gathering in Tirunelveli on December 27. During the tour, the actor-turned-politician aims to connect with people across Tamil Nadu, sharing his vision and gathering public opinion along the way. The meeting also reportedly touched on strategies to counter political rivals, such as Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) leader Seeman, who had criticised Vijay when he described his new partyas ideology as a blend of Dravidian and Tamil nationalism at a rally at Vikkaravandi last week. Seeman, a staunch advocate of Tamil nationalism, called this combination incompatible, stating: "This is very wrong, bro. You either stand on that side or this side. Standing in the middle risks getting run over". He argued that those genuinely committed to Tamil nationalism often face personal sacrifices, even from family, and accused Vijay of political posturing. Seeman has previously denounced Dravidianism as opposed to Tamil nationalism, language, and culture. Vijayas rally at Vikkaravandi attracted over 300,000 attendees, a notable event in Tamil Nadu politics. During the rally, he criticised both the DMK and the BJP, labelling the BJP as his ideological adversary and the DMK as a political one. Vijay accused the DMK of being a family-centric party that exploits the "Dravidian" identity for personal gain, while condemning the BJP for divisive politics. In response, DMK leader and State Law Minister S. Raghupathy dismissed Vijay and TVK as the "C team" of the BJP. BJP's Tamil Nadu spokesperson A.N.S. Prasad suggested that Vijay, rather than stirring up political passions, should prioritise the welfare of the people. He also encouraged Vijay to recognise the support he has received from multiple political factions, including the BJP, as he embarks on his political journey. Vijayas political profile has been on the rise since his fan club, the All India Thalapathy Vijay Makkal Iyakkam (AITVMI), won 115 out of 169 seats it contested in the 2021 Tamil Nadu local body elections. In contrast, Kamal Haasanas Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) and Seemanas NTK did not secure any seats. This success has added weight to Vijayas growing influence in the political landscape of Tamil Nadu. Patna, Nov 3 : Independent MP Pappu Yadav expressed concerns over a new incident on Sunday, a day after the Purnea Police arrested a man allegedly involved in threats issued against him. He claimed that a suspicious individual conducted surveillance, or "recce," of his native residence in Khurd village, located in Bihar's Madhepura district, on Friday night. This surveillance was reportedly captured on video, which has since circulated publicly. Yadav mentioned that he and his office-bearers have been receiving consistent threats since October 14, with messages warning of "dire consequences" sent to him. People who are threatening him claim they are present in Purnea and Jharkhand. Despite these threats, Yadav, currently involved in campaigning for the Jharkhand Assembly elections, stated his resolve to continue his work unshaken. He also plans to move to Maharashtra to campaign further. Pappu Yadav's remarks raise concerns over the potential influence of political power that allows criminals to make the threatening calls he has been receiving. "These threats might be occurring with the implicit or explicit protection of influential political groups, potentially even elements within the ruling party. They use selective enforcement practices, such as the use of bulldozers against criminals based on caste," Yadav said. He also drew a pattern of discrimination and protection for some individuals. Yadav highlighted two high-profile cases to underscore his point: "The death of Sushant Singh Rajput in Mumbai which I believe was a murder and the murder of Karni Sena chief's case in Rajasthan, both occurring under "double-engine" governments -- where the same political party is in power at both state and central levels." Yadav suggests that both cases reflect failures of the government to deliver justice, despite the support the Karni Sena, a Rajput community organisation, has shown for the BJP. "Neither justice nor public statements in support of these families have materialised, calling into question the political will to address such cases fairly and transparently," he said. In regard to the specific investigation of threats against him, Yadav expressed gratitude towards Purnea SP Kartikeya Sharma for initiating a probe into the phone numbers linked to the threatening calls. However, he has demanded action against individuals allegedly orchestrating these threats, including a man named Mayank Singh, who he claims is making threatening calls to him from Malaysia. He pointed out that enforcing the law without bias should be the highest priority and that those tampering with legal safeguards, such as manipulating jail jammers to allow illicit calls, must be held accountable. Yadav's comments reflect frustration with what he perceives as selective justice and a lack of accountability. Earlier on Saturday, Purnea SP Kartikeya Sharma confirmed that Mahesh Pandey, the man behind the threats against Pappu Yadav, was taken into custody in Delhi. Pandey allegedly made the calls in the name of Lawrence Bishnoi gang and used a SIM card obtained during a recent trip to Dubai, where he reportedly visited his sister-in-law. This detail has raised questions from Yadav, who finds it suspicious that someone would use a family member's foreign SIM card to make such threatening calls. Yadav has since demanded a deeper investigation, hinting at potential layers of influence or involvement that could complicate the case. After the murder of NCP (Ajit Pawar) leader Baba Siddique in Mumbai, Pappu Yadav uploaded a post on social media and said if the laws allow him, he would destroy the network of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi in 24 hours. Following his post, he received multiple threatening calls and messages. The office of Pappu Yadav shared evidence supporting the threats he received, including seven voice-recorded calls, four screenshots of WhatsApp call logs with pictures of Lawrence Bishnoi, and a press statement by Mayank Singh who is also said to be a member of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. The caller also said that Lawrence Bishnoi called Pappu Yadav after getting the jammer of Sabarmati Jail in Ahmedabad switched off for 10 minutes but he did not pick up the phone. However, after the threat, Pappu Yadav's tone has also changed and he said that whether they intend to kill actor Salman Khan or anyone else, is not his concern and is ultimately the responsibility of the government to address. In a Facebook live session on Friday, Yadav expressed his frustrations, underscoring that the issue was not about Hindu-Muslim conflicts and reiterating that he has no involvement with anyone's personal matters, including any potential threats to Salman Khan. He conveyed a sense of resignation mixed with defiance, remarking, "Whether Salman has to be saved or not is the responsibility of the government." Beijing, Nov 3 : The 2024 US presidential race has been filled with astonishing events, presenting chaotic "surprises" each month. An annual survey by the American Psychological Association revealed in October that the election has become a significant source of stress for Americans, who fear that the election results could trigger political violence and even lead to the "end of American democracy." The election is predicted by US media to be the "most divisive" in history. As November 5, Election Day approaches, the tense political atmosphere keeping the American public on edge will only increase, reports Xinhua news agency. In January, the US federal government and the Republican-led state of Texas clashed over immigration issues. The Texas Army National Guard set up barriers such as barbed wire fences at the US-Mexico border to prevent immigrants from entering. Meanwhile, it also denied entry to federal law enforcement officers, causing a standoff between the two sides to briefly escalate into an armed confrontation. The "border crisis" highlights the conflict and division between the Democratic and Republican parties on immigration issues. Previously, Republican-led states such as Texas and Florida had repeatedly transported undocumented immigrants by bus or plane to cities governed by Democrats, using such moves as a weapon against the Democratic Party. Barbed wire fences and buses transporting immigrants have become symbols of partisan strife in the United States, as politicians from both parties continuously politicise the issue and seek selfish benefits at the cost of further dividing American society. On February 17, former US President Donald Trump made an appearance at a shoe exhibition in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, showcasing his own brand of sneakers. Priced at $399, only 1,000 pairs were available for limited release. On the day before, Trump received a sky-high fine from the state of New York, where a judge ruled that Trump must pay a fine of approximately $355 million for exaggerating his net worth to deceive banks into providing better loan terms. Trump's fine should have hit the headlines, but was unexpectedly upstaged by "Trump selling shoes." Vanessa Friedman, chief fashion critic of The New York Times, wrote in an article: "It's easy to get distracted by the sheer absurdity of it all -- a former president, selling sneakers!" With sneaker culture popular in the United States, especially among young people and African Americans, the Trump campaign hoped to attract more young voters and minority voters, especially African American males, an article by the Associated Press said. On May 30, a jury in a Manhattan court in New York City ruled that Trump had violated New York state laws by concealing a 130,000-dollar "hush money" payment to an adult film actress during the 2016 US presidential election and falsifying business records. He was convicted on 34 criminal charges. It was the first time in US history that a former president has been indicted or convicted in a criminal case. Trump claimed that the case was a "witch hunt" and a "political attack" by the Democratic Party. Republicans also seized the opportunity to criticise the unfairness of the US judicial system, characterising it as politicised and weaponised. On June 11, a jury of 12 members in the US state of Delaware found Hunter Biden, son of US President Joe Biden, guilty of three federal gun charges, marking the first time a sitting president's child has been criminally convicted. Hunter's conviction has fueled mutual attacks between Democrats and Republicans, escalating the already fraught atmosphere of the US presidential election. Hunter and Trump, now both convicted, assert they are victims of political persecution. On July 13, during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, Trump was targeted in an "attempted assassination" while delivering a speech. A few days later, Trump officially accepted the nomination to become the Republican presidential candidate for the third time. In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump said he was shot with a bullet "that pierced the upper part of my right ear." "I knew immediately that something was wrong in that I heard a whizzing sound, shots, and immediately felt the bullet ripping through the skin," he said. The attack was the most serious attempt to assassinate a president or presidential candidate since Ronald Reagan was shot in 1981, said the Associated Press, adding that it drew new attention to concerns about political violence in a deeply polarised US. On August 22, US Vice President Kamala Harris officially accepted the Democratic Party's presidential nomination at the Democratic National Convention held at the United Center in Chicago, "resetting and reshaping" this year's US presidential election. On July 21, Biden was "forced" to withdraw from the race under pressure from party leaders, lawmakers and donors. Before Biden's withdrawal, he and Trump exchanged accusations, each claiming the other was a "threat to American democracy." After Harris stepped in, she criticised Trump's policy proposals while repeatedly highlighting his criminal record, saying that it would lead the US into "chaos, fear, and hatred." In response, Trump repeatedly asserted that Harris's status as the Democratic presidential candidate lacked "legitimacy." On September 10, Harris and Trump faced off for the first time in a 2024 US presidential debate in the city of Philadelphia. During the debate, which was scheduled to last 90 minutes, Harris spoke for a total of 37 minutes and 41 seconds, of which 17 minutes and 25 seconds were spent attacking Trump. Trump, on the other hand, spoke for 43 minutes and 3 seconds, with 12 minutes and 54 seconds dedicated to attacking Harris, according to The New York Times. As the election race enters the "final sprint," this "reality show" of an election highlights the increasing political divisions and polarisation in the United States. On October 19, US billionaire Elon Musk gave a 1-million-dollar check to an attendee at the rally in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, to back Trump. He also announced a plan to give away 1 million dollars each day until November 5 to a randomly chosen person who's signed a petition from his political action committee. Musk, the richest man in the world, has given more than 75 million dollars to his pro-Trump super political action committee (PAC), according to CNN. Forbes has recorded 83 billionaires supporting Harris and 52 backing Trump so far until October 30. While many more billionaires may also financially back a candidate, their donations won't be learned until after the election. The 2024 presidential election is on track to be the most expensive in history. According to OpenSecrets, a nonprofit organisation that tracks and publishes data on campaign finance and lobbying, the two major-party presidential campaigns, their related super PACs, and other aligned groups will spend more than $15.9 billion throughout the 2024 election cycle, breaking the record set in 2020, which stood at $15.1 billion. This once again illustrates the famous quote from former California Assembly Speaker Jesse Unruh in 1966: Money is the mother's milk of politics. New Delhi, Nov 3 : BJP national spokesperson Nalin Kohli on Sunday condemned the Samajwadi Party (SP) for displaying controversial posters and hoardings outside their Lucknow office ahead of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly by-elections. The posters, featuring Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav, include slogans targeting UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, with phrases like "Mathadheesh baatenge aur kaatenge... PDA jodegi aur jitegi." Installed by SP leader Amit Chaubey, the latest hoarding criticises CM Yogi Adityanath's "Batenge to Katenge" slogan, which stresses Hindu unity. This exchange marks an escalation of billboard politics between SP and BJP as both parties vie for voter support in the upcoming by-elections. Kohli called the language used in the SP posters "hateful," while questioning the party's intentions. "This raises serious questions on the SP's mindset," Kohli said, citing the SP's historical stance on 'Hindu issues'. "Why does SP take such positions on matters related to Lord Ram? Remember the SP's reaction during the Ram Mandir movement in the 1990s?" he questioned. Speaking to IANS, Kohli further mentioned recent Diwali celebrations at Ayodhya and the consecration of the Ram Mandir, adding, "CM Yogi himself is a Mathadhish. After that, SP puts up a divisive poster; it makes one question their views on Sanatan Dharma and Lord Ram. The SP will have to answer for this." Meanwhile, Chaubey, contesting from Maharajganjas Pharenda seat, had criticised CM Yogi Adityanath for not focusing on development, womenas rights, law and order, or youth issues. "The Chief Minister speaks about division, not development. How can a Mathadhish use such divisive rhetoric?" he asked. This is not the first time SP has used such hoardings. Recently, a poster read, "Na katenge, na batenge... PDA ke saath rahenge." Another viral poster described Akhilesh Yadav as the "ruler of 27", referring to a slogan popularised by SP leader Jairam Pandey in Sant Kabir Nagar. Amaravati, Nov 3 : Telugu Desam Party President and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu is under pressure from Muslim leaders of the party to oppose the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024, as they say it harms the interests of the community. With the report of the Joint Parliament Committee (JPC) on the Waqf Amendment Bill likely to be tabled in the winter session of the Parliament, TDPas Muslim leaders have urged Naidu not to support the proposed amendments to the Waqf Act, party sources said. The TDP is a key partner of BJP-led NDA government at the Centre and its support is crucial for passing the Bill in the Parliament. The party has still not taken a final decision on the issue. Political analysts say the Waqf Amendment Bill is the first test for Naiduas secular image since he joined the NDA government. A delegation of Muslim leaders, led by the AIMPLB General Secretary Maulana Mohammed Fazlurrahim Mujaddidi, had met Naidu in Amaravati on October 23 and urged him to oppose Waqf Amendment Bill 2024 in the Parliament. Accompanied by Minister for Minority Welfare N. Md Farooq and former Chairman of Andhra Pradesh Legislative Council Mohammed Ahmed Shariff, the delegation presented a memorandum to Naidu. The leaders had explained to the Chief Minister how the amendments proposed by the Narendra Modi government to the Waqf Act would be detrimental to Waqfs. The TDP chief assured the delegation that the party would take an appropriate decision after a discussion with stakeholders over the issue. As a follow-up to this meeting, the TDP sent its state Vice-President V.S. Ameer Babu to New Delhi to meet the leaders of AIMPLB and other organisations to discuss their objections to the Bill. Claiming that the TDP is against the Bill, he said it was not in the interest of the community. He mentioned that Naidu has already made it clear that a board running a religious institution should have members of only that community as its members. Muslim groups have been opposing the Waqf Bill also on the ground that it proposes to appoint non-Muslims as members of the Central Waqf Council and state Waqf Boards. Asserting that Naidu is a secular leader, he said the TDP chief would take into account the sentiments of the Muslim community while making a decision. The TDP leader said that a public meeting would be held in Andhra Pradesh on December 15 against the Waqf Bill. This public meeting proposed to be organised by Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind is also likely to be attended by Naidu. Meanwhile, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind is holding a public meeting at Vijayawada on Sunday evening to highlight how state interference poses a threat to religious freedom. Jamaat-e-Islami Hind President Syed Sadatullah Hussaini and All India Muslim Personal Law Board spokesperson S. Qasim Rasul Ilyas will be the key speakers at the public meeting, for which Jamaat has invited Vijayawada MP Kesineni Sivanadh Nani of the TDP. Senior TDP leader Ahmed Shariff is also scheduled to address the public meeting. With 16 MPs, the TDP is the second-largest party in the NDA after the BJP. The party is also sharing power with the BJP and the Jana Sena in Andhra Pradesh. The TDPas Muslim leaders point out that during the election campaign, their leader had made it clear that the TDP would never compromise on secularism. At every public meeting, Naidu recalled that as a partner or outside supporter of coalition governments in the past, the TDP always worked to protect the interests of minorities. While the Narendra Modi government claims that it brought the Bill to protect Waqf properties, AIMPLB and other Muslim groups say that the amendments would destroy the Waqf. They argue that the amendments would have an adverse impact on the very purpose of Waqf and the management of Waqf properties. Terming the Bill as a retrograde step to target the Muslim community and Waqf institutions, they alleged that a divisive agenda was being pushed through the controversial bill. The Bill was introduced in the Parliament in August but following opposition from Congress and other parties, it was referred to the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC). The panel under the leadership of Jagdambika Pal visited various states and held consultations with various stakeholders. The JPC is in the final stage of consultations and is likely to prepare its report by the end of November. The same will be tabled in the Parliament during the winter session. New Delhi, Nov 3 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday highlighted the nation's achievements in reducing tuberculosis (TB) incidence. In a significant acknowledgment of India's efforts to eradicate TB, the Prime Minister said that the decline in TB incidence is an "outcome of Indiaas dedicated and innovative efforts". "Commendable progress! The decline in TB incidence is an outcome of India's dedicated and innovative efforts. Through a collective spirit, we will keep working towards a TB-free India," PM Modi posted on X. The Prime Minister responded to a post by Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda who acknowledged the recognition of India's remarkable progress by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in reducing tuberculosis by 17.7 per cent from 2015 to 2023. "We remain steadfast in our commitment to creating a TB-free India. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has recognised India's remarkable progress, with a 17.7 per cent decline in TB incidence from 2015 to 2023 a" a rate more than double the global decline of 8.3 per cent. This acknowledgment reflects India's transformative approach to TB care and control," Health Minister Nadda had posted. Under the visionary leadership of PM Modi, "our government has expanded and strengthened the National TB Elimination Programme by taking key initiatives such as the Ni-Kshay Poshan Yojana to provide essential nutritional support to TB patients, and introduction of the BPALM regimen, a novel treatment for Multi-Drug Resistant Tuberculosis", the Health Minister had posted on X. J.P. Nadda also acknowledged the tireless efforts of the Ministry of Health Affairs' "dedicated healthcare workers, whose unwavering commitment and hard work play a crucial role in this fight against tuberculosis". According to the WHO, India has one of the highest levels of treatment coverage for tuberculosis among the 30 high TB-burden countries. India also achieved a significant increase in the number of people receiving preventative therapy for household contacts of TB patients and people living with HIV, a WHO report showed. According to the report, 12.2 lakh people in India were put on preventive therapy in 2023, up from 10.2 lakh in 2022, and 4.2 lakh in 2021. India aims to end TB by 2025, five years ahead of the global target. Brisbane, Nov 3 : During his address to the Indian community in Brisbane, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar outlined four key factors behind the deepening India-Australia relationship, stressing the transformation in bilateral ties under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership. "There are four reasons a" PM Modi, Australia, the world, and all of you," Jaishankar remarked as he acknowledged the warm reception from the Indian diaspora. Jaishankar stressed the significance of his visit not only for inaugurating India's fourth consulate in Brisbane but to fulfilling PM Modi's commitment to the Indian community. "Your presence, effort, and contribution have made this consulate possible. I have come to redeem Prime Minister Modi's promise, made in public, that he would open a consulate in Brisbane," he said. Reflecting on the 125,000 Indians residing in Queensland, including 15,000a"16,000 students, Jaishankar highlighted the state's economic importance to India, noting that "75 per cent of Australia's exports to India actually come from this state." This cooperation, he said, should be viewed not merely as an achievement but as a framework for future growth. "There's no doubt that the QUAD ranks right up there, and Australia is a founding partner of that mechanism in terms of our bilateral ties," he added. The EAM described India's designation of Australia as a "comprehensive strategic partner" as significant in diplomatic terms, underscoring that such a term is reserved for only a few countries. "The more adjectives you add, the weightier it gets," he said. Jaishankar also praised the Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) for the positive impact it has had on trade and emphasised the importance of mobility, migration, and mutual recognition agreements, specifically mentioning the MATES agreement. Regarding India's aspirations, the EAM stated, "India will grow, India is growing, but India wants to grow with the world. When we look at the world, we see opportunities. We are optimistic there may be problems, but overall, we think the world has goodwill. The world has a desire to work with India. We see a sentiment overall in the world for India to succeed, and it's important we harness that sentiment." This sentiment, he explained, aligns with the Government of India's transformative policies, which have spurred progress across sectors over the last decade. Reflecting on these changes, Jaishankar said, "In the last 10 years, we have made significant progress through efforts that feed into each other, making it easier to do business, improving ease of living, radically improving infrastructure with the Gati Shakti program, establishing digital public infrastructure, and improving governance quality overall." He further added that political stability has allowed for continuity in decision-making and policy implementation. Highlighting the strides India has made in the last ten years, Jaishankar noted, "Today's India is building 28 kilometres of highway daily, 12-14 kilometres of railway track every day, and has expanded metro cities from 6 to 21, with 39 more planned. The country had 75 airports a decade ago; today, it has nearly 150, with over 1,000 planes on order from the global aviation industry." He also praised the advancements in education and initiatives such as the Ayushman Bharat scheme, PM Vishwakarma Yojana, Digital India, and others supporting entrepreneurship. Jaishankar's visit to Brisbane marks the beginning of a two-nation tour, covering Australia until November 7, where he will co-chair the 15th Foreign Ministers' Framework Dialogue (FMFD) with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong. He will also deliver the keynote address at the 2nd Raisina Down Under conference at the Australian Parliament House and engage with Australian leaders, parliamentarians, business representatives, media, and think tank members. After Australia, Jaishankar will visit Singapore on November 8 to participate in the 8th ASEAN-India Network of Think Tanks Roundtable and meet Singaporean leaders to discuss ways to further strengthen the close partnership. New Delhi, Nov 3 : A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed before the Allahabad High Court seeking an impartial and independent enquiry into the incident, where "brute and atrocious force" was used on lawyers inside the courtroom of district judge Ghaziabad. New Delhi, Nov 3 (IANS) A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed before the Allahabad High Court seeking an impartial and independent enquiry into the incident, where "brute and atrocious force" was used on lawyers inside the courtroom of district judge Ghaziabad. The plea filed by the President of the Bar Association Ghaziabad said that the "absolutely false and frivolous" justification of protecting the district judge was given by the police for using brutal force and an independent enquiry/investigation is warranted for unearthing the truth. "The petitioner at the outset submits it is not entering into the arena of allegations and counter allegations and is more concerned about the maintaining of the dignity of the majesty of the justice which has suffered primarily due to the high handedness of the Ghaziabad District Magistrate who considered himself above the law and went to the extent of foisting unprovoked violence upon the lawyers due to some ulterior objects or his personal grudges," said the plea, calling for an impartial and independent enquiry under the aegis of the Allahabad High Court. Further, the PIL prayed the Allahabad HC to lay down guidelines providing for the conduct of the court proceedings by the lower judiciary in an absolutely transparent manner by making it mandatory to record the proceedings to prevent the happening of any unforeseen incident in future and also for identifying the wrongdoers instantly. The plea said that it has been repeatedly held that the judges and advocates are integral part of the justice dispensation system and the institution of justice could not function without either of them, however lately advocates are being considered by judicial officers as an unwanted and lesser mortals and are repeatedly insulted and threatened by the judicial officers by flashing their powers and judicial immunity. Therefore, the Bar Association Ghaziabad is praying for appropriate guidelines to protect and preserve the dignity of the advocates in the interest of justice, otherwise, the entire justice dispensation system will be adversely impacted, it added. In a resolution passed on Wednesday, the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) condemned the lathi charge on advocates in Ghaziabad and sought an inquiry into the incident by a sitting judge of the Allahabad High Court. The SCBA said that compensation should be paid to the injured advocates and measures should be taken to ensure that such incidents do not recur. Further, it called upon the Bar Council of India (BCI) and all other State Bar Councils to take necessary steps to protect the rights of advocates and to ensure that they are able to discharge their duties without fear of intimidation or harassment. "The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) stands in solidarity with the advocates of Ghaziabad and pledges to do everything in its power to ensure that justice is served," said the resolution issued under the signature of Honorary Secretary Vikrant Yadav. Mumbai, Nov 3 : Bollywood actress Kriti Sanon, who is receiving a lot of positive response for her maiden production 'Do Patti', was spotted at the Mumbai airport on Sunday with her rumoured boyfriend, the UK-based businessman Kabir Bahia. Mumbai, Nov 3 (IANS) Bollywood actress Kriti Sanon, who is receiving a lot of positive response for her maiden production aDo Pattia, was spotted at the Mumbai airport on Sunday with her rumoured boyfriend, the UK-based businessman Kabir Bahia. However, the two refrained from posing together for the shutterbugs. Pictures shared by the paparazzi show Kabir at the airport followed by Kriti. Kriti went for a solo photo-op for the shutterbugs instead. Interestingly, the two twinned in black outfits as they jetted off to an undisclosed location. Kabir, who is the son of Kuljinder Bahia, the owner of a UK-based leading travel agency, is the Managing Director at Worldwide Aviation and Tourism. He studied at the Regent's University London where he specialised in Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services. Meanwhile, Kriti essays dual roles in aDo Pattia which is written by Kanika Dhillon of aManmarziyaana fame. The film touches upon the subject of domestic abuse, and blends it with the elements of thriller with a pair of twins at the opposite ends of the spectrum. Earlier, this year in July, the actress bought a 2000 sq ft plot of land in the celebrity capital of Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), Alibaug. The land is situated in a prime location, and is less than 20 minutes away from Mandwa jetty. Kriti, who has been increasing her real estate portfolio, purchased the plot at Sol De Alibaug, which is Indiaas first signature land development and embodies exquisite design, lush green surroundings, and top-notch amenities. The recently inaugurated Mumbai Trans Harbour Link further enhances connectivity for the high profile investors seeking retreat in Alibaugas real estate landscape. The sewerage and stormwater drains will be developed by HoABL while the actual construction of the property will have to be undertaken by plot owners. Lucknow, Nov 3 : Uttar Pradesh is making impressive progress toward energy self-reliance, focusing on ambitious goals in solar and bio-energy under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, an official release said. The Yogi Adityanath government aims to ensure 100 per cent electricity availability throughout the state while establishing a robust foundation for a $1 trillion economy through renewable energy. The government is already in mission mode while planning to achieve energy self-sufficiency in Uttar Pradesh within the next two and a half to three years. Major efforts are being made to expand access to solar energy in the state. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'PM Suryaghar Yojana', Uttar Pradesh has set a goal of connecting 2.5 million households to solar power within the next three years. To date, over 48,000 homes have been outfitted with solar panels, with an additional 30,000 expected to benefit by the end of the fiscal year. This initiative aims to enhance home energy supply, promote environmental conservation, and lower electricity costs. The 'PM Kusum Yojana' also aims to generate 2,000 MW of solar energy by 2027. This programme allows farmers to install solar panels on unused land, creating an additional source of income while promoting sustainable energy production throughout the state. The Yogi Adityanath government is taking major initiatives to boost large-scale solar energy projects across Uttar Pradesh. This includes developing solar parks with a combined capacity of 4,800 MW, with the tendering process underway. Plans are also in place to establish floating solar projects across seven reservoirs, in partnership with National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC), Tehri Hydro Development Corporation (THDC) and Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam (SJVN). By 2027, the state aims to reach a solar power generation capacity of 14,000 MW. Moreover, the Yogi Adityanath government is advancing toward bio-energy self-sufficiency. Over the next two years, it has set ambitious targets to expand bio-compressed gas capacity to 1,000 TPD, bio-coal to 4,000 TPD, and bio-diesel to 2,000 KLPD (Kilo Liters Per Day). Currently, bio-compressed gas plants with a 210 TPD capacity are operational, with further projects in progress. This bio-energy initiative not only seeks to curb pollution, but will also create new employment opportunities. In anticipation of future energy demands, particularly for new industries, the government has laid a detailed blueprint for enhancing power infrastructure over the next decade. This includes establishing modern power plants and upgrading existing ones to ensure an uninterrupted energy supply, accelerating industrial growth. These significant efforts aimed at energy self-sufficiency will lead to economic growth, promote industrial development, and encourage environmental conservation in Uttar Pradesh. This way, the state could be a model for solar and bioenergy progress nationwide. New Delhi, Nov 3 : Condemning "brutal attack on an innocent lawyer in Ghaziabad by the police on the direction of district judge", the advocates of the national capital have decided to abstain from work on Monday. New Delhi, Nov 3 (IANS) Condemning "brutal attack on an innocent lawyer in Ghaziabad by the police on the direction of district judge", the advocates of the national capital have decided to abstain from work on Monday. After an emergent meeting was convened on Sunday, the Coordination Committee of all Bar Associations of Delhi said that a "heinous act of violence" against a member of the Bar cannot be tolerated. "We stand united in demanding justice and accountability. We urge all lawyers to participate in abstain from work to show solidarity with the affected lawyer and to protest against police brutality at the direction of the district judge. Let us come together and raise our voices against this injustice," the Coordination Committee said. Reportedly, lawyers of Allahabad High Court have also resolved to abstain from work on November 4 to demonstrate "concern and deep pain on the brutal attack on lawyers" in the courtroom in Ghaziabad. Bar Association Ghaziabad has filed a public interest litigation (PIL) before the Allahabad High Court seeking an impartial and independent enquiry into the incident, where "brute and atrocious force" was used upon lawyers inside the courtroom of the district judge. The PIL said that the "absolutely false and frivolous" justification of protecting the district judge was given by the police for using brutal force and an independent enquiry/investigation is warranted for unearthing the truth. In a resolution passed on Wednesday, the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) condemned the lathi charge on advocates in Ghaziabad and sought an inquiry into the incident by a sitting judge of the Allahabad High Court. The SCBA said that compensation should be paid to the injured advocates and measures should be taken to ensure that such incidents do not recur. Further, it called upon the Bar Council of India (BCI) and all other State Bar Councils to take necessary steps to protect the rights of advocates and to ensure that they are able to discharge their duties without fear of intimidation or harassment. Amaravati, Nov 3 : An MP of Andhra Pradesh's ruling Telugu Desam Party on Sunday walked out of an official meeting in Nellore after he was not offered a bouquet. The incident occurred in Nellore during the meeting of the District Development Council at the Zilla Parishad office in the presence of Endowments Minister Anam Ramnarayan Reddy and Municipal Administration and Urban Development Minister P. Narayana. Nellore MP Vemireddy Prabhakar Reddy felt insulted when he was not offered a bouquet by the official concerned while welcoming the elected representatives at the meeting. Nellore Rural Revenue Division Officer Pratyusha announced the names of the ministers, MLAs and others to welcome them with bouquets. She, however, missed the name of Nellore MP. This angered Prabhakar Reddy to such an extent that he stood up and walked off the dais. Both the Ministers got down from the dais too and tried to pacify the MP but he left the Zilla Parishad office in a huff, saying he was not given due respect. MLA Vemireddy Prashant Reddy also left the venue with the MP. Ramnarayan Reddy found fault with the officials for the incident. He directed the Collector and senior officials to ensure that such incidents do not happen again. New Delhi, Nov 3 : BJP leader and MP from Delhi's Chandni Chowk Lok Sabha Constituency, Praveen Khandelwal, said on Sunday that if Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) comes to power in Delhi, one of the priority decisions of his party will be to reinstate all the contractual employees. Slamming Delhi Chief Minister Atishi for her claims that BJP leaders were playing dirty politics over the reinstatement of bus marshals, Khandelwal stated, "Atishi ji has also learnt lying (like Kejriwal) and the whole of Delhi knows who is not confirming the temporary employees. Be it a case of bus marshals or government employees and any kind of employees who were given permanent jobs." "It is the duty of the Delhi Government to reinstate the contractual employees because the Delhi Government is its controlling authority but the Delhi Government has no intention to regularise such people and hence they are blaming Bharatiya Janata Party which is not right at all," he told IANS. "If Bharatiya Janata Party will come to power, one of the first decisions to be taken will be to reinstate all the contractual employees," Khandelwal added. Earlier in the day, Delhi CM Atishi warned BJP leaders to stop playing dirty politics over the reinstatement of bus marshals, claiming that the out-of-job civil defence volunteers (CDVs) were aware that their troubles were due to the saffron party and not the ruling AAP or its Convener Arvind Kejriwal. She dared the BJP to push officials to accept her government's proposal, likely to be sent to Raj Niwas this week and get all the 10,000 CDVs regularised immediately. The BJP leader also attacked AAP convenor and former Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal for claiming that inflated water bills were sent to people in Delhi when he was in jail. He said, "This statement of Kejriwal ji is very funny. The Jal Board is under the control of the Delhi Government. To say that Bharatiya Janata Party has increased the electricity and water bills, I think there can be no bigger lie than this." "Arvind Kejriwal ji and the leaders of the Aam Aadmi Party keep lying, one after other. Why has the Aam Aadmi Party increased water bills? Kejriwal ji is not concerned with the people of Delhi, that is why he is taking such steps and talking baseless," Khandelwal told IANS. Kejriwal at a programme in Delhi on Saturday, said that if AAP is re-elected in the forthcoming Assembly polls, all inflated water and power bills will be waived off. Chennai, Nov 3 : Tamil Nadu Assembly Speaker M. Appavu has written to Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, urging his intervention with the Union government to secure the release of 28 fishermen who are currently held in Bahrain jails. In the letter, dated November 3, Appavu highlighted that 28 fishermen from Idinthakarai in Radhapuram Taluk, Tamil Nadu, went fishing in Iran during the first week of September. However, they were apprehended by the Bahrain Coast Guard on September 11 and have since been lodged in Bahrain jails. Appavu noted that the matter had been previously brought to the Union governmentas attention but without an adequate response. He requested the Chief Minister to escalate the issue with the Union government to ensure the safe return of the fishermen. Additionally, he suggested that the Tamil Nadu state government consider providing relief to the fishermenas families, who are struggling financially in the absence of their primary earners. Tamil Nadu fishermen frequently face arrests by the Sri Lankan Navy while families of the affected fishermen, along with fishing associations, regularly protest against these mid-sea detentions. Since June 16, 2024, the Sri Lankan Navy has reportedly arrested 425 Tamil fishermen and seized 58 boats. The president of Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) and former Union Minister, Anbumani Ramadoss, also called on the Union External Affairs Minister to address the issue. During a recent visit to Sri Lanka, the Union External Affairs Minister discussed the issue with the Sri Lankan government, urging them to take measures to prevent further arrests and boat seizures. However, despite these discussions, the arrests have continued, prompting fishing associations in Tamil Nadu to plan significant protests across the coastal districts of the state. Fishermen association leaders have said that they would conduct massive protests across the state to highlight the issue of Tamil fishermen being arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy in mid-seas. New Delhi, Nov 3 : Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Sunday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government has put the country on track to becoming a 'Vishwa Guru' by revamping the education sector. The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways said this during an interaction with the students at the 78th Foundation Day of Assam Medical College & Hospital as well as at the 62nd Foundation Day of Dibru College at Dibrugarh in Assam, a statement said. Advising students not to look for shortcuts to success, the Minister said: "You must work hard on your character and discipline. Our dynamic PM Modi works tirelessly for the nation, not just as a leader but as someone fully immersed in serving the country. May you find a role model in his life." Addressing the Assam Medical College students, the Union Minister said: "The role played by any doctor is crucial to building scientific temperament in society. It is a matter of immense pride that the rich legacy of the Assam Medical College is in the safe hands of all of you to further this temperament while enriching the lives of people, both physically as well as mentally." The prowess of the doctors' community as well as that of our scientists proved essential to fight the pandemic (Covid-19), he said. While the vaccination has healed people, the selfless service by the doctors' community proved crucial to healing the community, Sarbananda Sonowal said. The Union Minister later also took to X and said: "Glad to join students and staff of Assam Medical College & Hospital (AMCH) in Dibrugarh on its 78th Foundation Day. North East's premier medical and healthcare institute, AMCH has a rich history of public service, churning out exceptional medical professionals over the decades and providing care to people of the region. My best wishes to AMCH for its journey ahead." Earlier, Sarbananda Sonowal highlighted the expansion in the country's soft power through Yoga. "India's biggest soft power export to the world is Yoga which has been healing the health and mind of humanity. Today, under the dynamic leadership of PM Modi, we are integrating the best of traditional and modern medicines to provide a holistic treatment and provide for complete well-being," he said. Speaking at the 62nd Foundation Day Celebration of Dibru College in Dibrugarh, the Union Minister said: "The 21st century is one of competition, and we must participate to reach success with dignity. Dibru College is here to prepare you for that challenge. Students from across the Northeast are studying here, and it has been training and honing the human resources contributing handsomely to the cause of nation building." Pius Kamau, M.D., a retired general surgeon, is president of the Aurora-based Africa America Higher Education Partnerships; co-founder of the Africa Enterprise Group and an activist for minority students STEM education. He is a National Public Radio commentator, a Huffington Post blogger, a past columnist for Denver dailies and is featured on the podcast, Never Again. Moscow, Nov 3 : The BRICS could expand further in 2025 as the member countries will deliberate on new full-fledged entrants as well as the criteria for partner countries, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has indicated. "People in countries of the global East vote primarily for politicians proclaiming their plans to establish closer relations with BRICS one way or another. I have already said that a number of countries are seeking full-fledged membership. This issue will be considered throughout the next year," Lavrov said in an interview with TV BRICS, Russian media reported. The Russian minister noted that many countries "want to take part in BRICS events". "There are more than 30 of them. As I have said, the criteria for the partner country category will be agreed upon. After the summit in Kazan, the Russian presidency sent invitations to several countries that applied to join our work. Ten such countries enjoy a consensus among the existing BRICS members," he said. "We have an accord that as soon as we receive a reply from the invited country, this country will be proclaimed as joining BRICS as a partner country. We believe that they will have an opportunity to take part in all BRICS events," he added. Following the recent BRICS summit in Kazan, Algeria, Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Turkey, Uganda, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam were added as partner countries. While Russian authorities announced the number of partner countries, these were not named and it was BRICS members' media, or a particular country's leaders, who identified the partner countries. Lavrov also said: "A separate format of meetings involving only full-fledged members is most likely to be preserved, and all other formats, including Outreach Plus ones, meetings of Foreign and other ministers (of Economy, Energy, Trade, Health, Culture) will be open to them." He, however, said that they want the partner countries "to join this work". "They will take part in practically all events," the Russian Minister said. On the BRICS' global influence, he said: "It influences domestic processes in the sense that being informed about BRICSa work, its achievements and plans it sets and implements, people want to join this equitable and mutually beneficial process." New Delhi, Nov 3 : Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah has been the side's hero ever since he joined in 2017. With the Egyptian now in the final year of his contract, the forward posted on social media suggesting he may be on his way out of the club soon. "Top of the table is where this club belongs. Nothing less. All teams win matches but there's only 1 champion in the end. That's what we want. Thank you for your support last night. No matter what happens, I will never forget what scoring at Anfield feels like," read the post on X. Salah scored a curling effort to give his side a comeback 2-1 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion to help the team regain the top berth in the Premier League table. So far this season, Salah has scored seven goals and provided five assists in 10 league games this season showcasing his importance to the side. The forward confirmed that he may be on his way out of the team at the end of his contract after Liverpool's 3-0 win over Manchester United on September 1. "As you know it's my last year in the club I just wanna enjoy it, I don't wanna think about it, No one in the club has talked to me yet about a contract, so I say it's my last season. New deal? It's not up to me but no one has spoken to me at the club," said Salah to reporters. The Egyptian, whose current contract at Anfield is set to expire next July, has been at Anfield since the summer of 2017, when he signed from Roma for a then club-record fee. He is tied alongside Alan Shearer, Thierry Henry, and Harry Kane to be the only four players to have won the Premier League Golden Boot award three times. Islamabad, Nov 3 : As residents of Lahore gasp for breath under persistent smog with the air quality index mark surpassing 1,000 once again on Sunday, making it the most polluted city in the world, the Punjab province government on Sunday announced the closure of all primary schools in the city in the coming week. As per a notification, schools, both public and private, up to Class 5 will remain closed from November 4 to 9 in the light of the smog situation, Geo TV reported. For days, the 14 million people of the city have been affected by smog, a mix of fog and pollutants caused by diesel fumes, and smoke from seasonal agricultural burning, amid the cooling effect of the approaching winter season. As per the Swiss air quality monitor, IQAir, the level of deadly PM2.5 pollutants peaked at 613, which is 122.6 times higher than the level considered unhealthy by the World Health Organisation. The AQI, which measures a range of pollutants, spiked to 1,073 at 10 a.m., surpassing Saturday's "unprecedented" 1,067. At one point, the AQI reached 1,194 before dipping down to 766 by noon. Multiple measures by the provincial government, including a "green lockdown" in the city's air pollution hotspots, imposed on October 30, have had no effect. Addressing a press conference in Lahore, Punjab's Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, who holds multiple portfolios including environment protection and climate change, said two more regions in Lahore would be marked for green lockdown next week as the pollution level was not dying down. Given the pattern of prevailing winds, the province would continue to face spiking pollution levels in the morning for the next week, she said. "Playgroup to primary group classes will remain off while strict vigilance will be kept on children above primary classes," she said, adding wearing masks should be made mandatory at government and private schools. She also warned that construction sites would be permanently shut down if guidelines were flouted Marriyum Aurangzeb emphasised that smog could not be controlled without talking to India, as most of the pollution was coming from across the border. aThough local factors are also behind the smog, however, the winds coming from the neighbouring country are affecting Lahore the most. The citizens are inhaling methane gas," she said. She said smog had spread to Islamabad as well. Guwahati, Nov 3 : The week-long celebration of the classical language status of Assamese, Bhasha Gaurav Saptah (Language Pride Week), kickstarted in Assam on Sunday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the effort of the state government to observe the Bhasha Gaurav Saptah. "#BhashaGauravSaptah is a noteworthy effort, highlighting people's enthusiasm for Assamese being conferred Classical Language status. My best wishes. May the programmes planned over the week deepen the connection between people and Assamese culture. I also urge Assamese people outside Assam to participate," the Prime Minister wrote on X. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma thanked the Prime Minister for his comments. He wrote, "Thank you Adarniya Pradhan Mantri Shri @narendramodi ji for your warm wishes on the commencement of #BhashaGauravSaptah." "People of Assam are indebted to the Government of India for conferring Assamese with the classical language status and numerous other efforts to preserve our linguistic diversity. This week is a celebration of the various languages that enrich Assam's cultural landscape," he added. Sarma further said: "#BhashaGauravSaptah, a week-long celebration of Assam's rich linguistic heritage and the conferring of Classical Language status to Assamese, begins today. This week, people from various linguistic groups will celebrate their languages and commit themselves to preserving them." The Chief Minister asserted that many facts about the 2000-year-old Assamese language will be unfurled during the celebration. "Assamese is over 2000 years old, facts such as these need to be reinforced during Bhasha Gaurav Saptah. Along with other online and offline activities in schools, colleges and public offices, we will also release a booklet explaining the importance of Classical Language," the Chief Minister said. Sarma earlier sought cooperation from all sections of the people of the state to make the celebration of the 'Bhasa Gourav Saptah' a grand success. Marathi, Bengali, Pali, Prakrit, and Assamese are the five additional languages that have been acknowledged as classical languages on 3rd October in a Union cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Tamil, Sanskrit, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, and Oriya have previously achieved the coveted title, bringing the total number of classical Indian languages to eleven. The creation of a Center of Excellence for the study of the language, funds for Professional Chairs at Central institutions, and worldwide awards for notable contributors are just a few of the major advantages that come with being designated as a classical language. Gurdaspur, Nov 3 : Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Sunday campaigned for Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) candidate from Dera Baba Nanak Assembly constituency, Gurdeep Randhawa, urging people to support the party's candidate. Mann claimed that this time, the 'jharoo' would sweep everyone in Dera Baba Nanak. "All survey reports indicate our victory. The people have decided to defeat the Congress this time, as they have not done any work and have only registered false cases against the locals," he said. The Punjab Chief Minister targeted Congress leader and former MLA Sukhjinder Randhawa, stating that he would soon expose all his misdeeds. "These people have looted Punjab. While in power, he (Randhawa) amassed billions in assets from Gurdaspur to Amritsar. I have the files against Randhawa." Attacking Congress legislator Partap Singh Bajwa, CM Mann said that as the PWD Minister, he set up the highest number of toll plazas in Punjab. "Since becoming Chief Minister, I have closed 16 toll plazas, saving the public over Rs 62 lakh daily," he said. The Punjab Chief Minister said the government has made significant progress in two and a half years, and the results are now evident. "Our work speaks for itself. Today, over 90 per cent of households are receiving zero electricity bills. The opponents ask us where we will get the funds, but we have delivered because our intentions are clear. When intentions are pure, everything becomes possible. "We have provided government jobs to over 45,000 people without any bribery or favouritism. In previous governments, securing a government job without bribery was impossible. Recently, we implemented a historic decision by removing the requirement for an NOC (no-objection certificate) for registrations. Additionally, we introduced the One MLA One Pension policy, which saves the Punjab treasury millions of rupees each month. Previously, many former legislators were receiving seven or eight pensions; now, they receive only one," he said. CM Mann also attacked Shiromani Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Singh Badal, stating that those who claimed nothing would happen in Punjab without them knowing have fled the election field. "They couldn't even find four candidates for the by-elections," he added. The Chief Minister urged the public to choose a good representative this time, freeing themselves from these 'looters'. Punjab's four Assembly seats -- three represented by the Congress and one by AAP -- fell vacant after MLAs from these constituencies were elected to the Lok Sabha this year. The bypoll is scheduled on November 13. Amrinder Singh Raja Warring, the Congress legislator from Gidderbaha, was elected from the Ludhiana Parliamentary seat, while Raj Kumar Chabbewal, a Congress MLA who later switched loyalties to AAP, became MP from the Hoshiarpur Lok Sabha seat. Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, who was a Congress legislator from the Dera Baba Nanak seat, got elected from the Gurdaspur parliamentary seat, while Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer, the AAP legislator from Barnala, was elected as MP from the Sangrur Lok Sabha seat. New Delhi, Nov 3 : Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi, President of All India Muslim Jamaat, has slammed the Akhara Parishad's proposal to prohibit Muslims from trading at the upcoming Kumbh Mela. Reacting to this, Razvi said that he wants the Kumbh to proceed peacefully and expressed concern that the Akhara Parishad's decision could deepen anxieties among crores of people in India. Expressing concern over the development, Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi pointed out: "This decision undermines religious tolerance and could lead to societal division." "Denying Muslims the opportunity to participate or conduct business at the Kumbh Mela poses a serious threat to social unity. This decision goes against the foundational values of our country, such as secularism and social harmony," he remarked, adding: "When we aspire to live together as a society, such decisions inevitably push us toward division. Any fragmentation in society will negatively impact the nation's unity and development." He urged the Uttar Pradesh government to intervene and retract such decisions to maintain social harmony. He assertively said that every community, regardless of religion or caste, deserves the right to coexist peacefully. He warned that failing to collaborate could lead to serious crises for the country. Following an advisory discouraging the purchase of daily essentials from Muslim-owned shops, the Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad (ABAP) a few days ago announced that non-Hindus will not be allowed to open shops during the upcoming Maha Kumbh Mela. A meeting will be held next week in Prayagraj to finalise this decision. ABAP President Mahant Ravindra Puri had said that only Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, or Jain shop owners would be granted space and facilities at the event. "This decision is not motivated by any animosity toward a particular caste or religion. However, frequent incidents involving the contamination of food have hurt devotees' sentiments," he explained. The Mahakumbh, set to begin on January 13, 2025, in Prayagraj, will last until February 26 and is expected to attract millions of devotees from across the country. Preparations for the event have already commenced. Guwahati, Nov 3 : One of the escaped prisoners from Assam's Morigaon District Jail was arrested by police from Andhra Pradesh, officials said on Sunday. The inmate was identified as Joynal Islam and he was taken into custody from Tirupati district of Andhra Pradesh. "We have been tracing Islam since he escaped from the prison and a few days ago we could trace his location in the Tirupati district in Andhra Pradesh. Accordingly, in a joint operation with Andhra Pradesh Police, Islam was arrested," a senior police official said. Earlier, one of the escaped prisoners from Assam's Morigaon district jail was found dead in a lake who was identified as Abdul Rashid. He was undergoing trial in a POCSO case and was lodged in the Morigaon district jail last year. Superintendent of Police (SP) in the Morigaon district, Hemanta Kumar Das said: "One of the inmates known as Abdur Rashid who broke the jail and escaped, died in a pond. We got to know about his movement in the Lahorighat area in the district two days ago and accordingly, an operation was launched to nab him." He added that the investigation team also traced the mobile of Rashid and surrounded him in the Dumduma Lake in Laharighat. "The local people also helped the police team in the operation. However, Abdur Rashid somehow fell into the lake from a boat he was hiding and died. The body was recovered and sent for a post-mortem examination," he said. The jail superintendent of Morigaon district jail was suspended following the escape of five undertrial prisoners a few weeks back. The suspension of Prashanta Saikia, the jail superintendent was ordered by the Inspector General (Prison) of Assam Police. It was alleged that there were lapses from the jail authority which was utilised by five inmates in breaking the rods of the barrack. According to police, the inmates allegedly used blankets, lungis, and bedsheets to scale the jail wall during the Friday night. They broke the iron rods in their respective barracks and escaped the jail wall. The jail wall is about 20 feet high; however, the prisoner used blankets, lungis, and bedsheets to make a long thread to escape the tall boundary, the police claimed. New Delhi, Nov 3 : India and Zambia will revive their Joint Permanent Commission, which last met in New Delhi nearly two decades back, with Minister of State for External Affairs and Environment, Forest and Climate Change Kirti Vardhan Singh set to make an official visit to the African country. During the visit (November 4 to November 7), the MoS will co-chair the 6th Session of the India-Zambia Joint Permanent Commission with Zambia's Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Mulambo Haimbe on November 6 to review all aspects of bilateral relations, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Sunday. The 5th Session of the Joint Permanent Commission was held in 2005 in New Delhi, while the last visit by a Minister of State for External Affairs to Zambia was in October 2019 to inaugurate the CII Exim Bank Southern Africa Regional Conclave in Lusaka. Ahead of the JPC, senior officials held a virtual meeting to prepare the ground for the meeting. The meeting was co-chaired by Zambia's Permanent Secretary, International Relations & Cooperation, Etambuyu Anamela Gundersen, and Joint Secretary (East and Southern Africa) in the MEA, Mayank Singh. During the visit, the Indian minister will also hold discussions with senior leadership of the Zambian government. He will also participate in an India-Zambia Business Round Table Conference to promote trade and investment between the two countries, the MEA said. The bilateral trade between the two countries stood at $448.39 million in 2023-24. India is one of the leading investors in Zambia with a pledged investment of over $5 billion. The Minister will also interact with the Indian community in Lusaka. Zambia has a large and vibrant Indian community which numbers around 30,000, the ministry said. India and Zambia are commemorating 60 years of the establishment of diplomatic relations and the visit of MoS Kirti Vardhan Singh would pave the way for further enhancing India-Zambia bilateral relations, it added. Chandigarh, Nov 3 : Amrita Warring, the first woman candidate to contest from the Gidderbaha Assembly seat in Punjab, on Sunday called her candidacy a "historic win for women, marking a significant step toward empowering women". As the by-election campaign intensified, Amrita Warring issued a sharp critique against the ruling Aam Aadmi Party and Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, condemning their alleged manipulation and misuse of power in an attempt to suppress genuine democratic voices in the constituency. "This election is a victory in itself for the women of Gidderbaha," Amrita Warring declared. "The people of Gidderbaha, especially its resilient women, will lead the way in showing the incumbent AAP government the door. They have exploited their position to manipulate the panchayat elections, and now they're trying to do the same here during the by-elections. But just as we stood strong before, we will stand even stronger now." Amrita Warring, wife of Amrinder Singh Raja Warring, the Congress MP from Ludhiana, pointed out the AAP government's broken promises and failure to fulfill the commitments it made to the people. "Why would Gidderbaha stand with turncoats who never had our interests at heart? They promised Rs 1,000 to the women of Punjab, which they have not delivered as they fail to keep their word like all other promises. Yet they continue to manipulate, misuse power, and try to sway our villagers by tearing down our posters and replacing them with their own, all while pressuring our people to show public support. These are the very tactics that have stripped this government of its legitimacy," the Congress candidate said. Amrita Warring assured that the campaign would not stoop to the ruling party's level, preferring instead to rely on the collective strength and power of Gidderbaha's people. "We won't dignify their malpractices with a reaction. Instead, we'll answer them with our votes. Every single vote will play a role in ousting this government that has lost the trust of the very people it claims to represent," she added. "Gidderbaha is our family," Amrita Warring emphasised, adding, "and we will not allow anyone, especially those with no genuine loyalty to our people, to attack or destroy our home. We have never looked back, and we never will. This by-election is going to set the stage for 2027, where Gidderbaha will make it clear that it will not stand for leaders who turn their backs on their promises and community". Throughout the day, Amrita Warring campaigned across key areas in Gidderbaha, including Hari Ke Kalan, Surewala, Assa Buttar, Kauni, Doda, and Husnar, before concluding the day in Gidderbaha city. Punjab's four Assembly seats -- three represented by the Congress and one by AAP -- fell vacant after MLAs from these constituencies were elected to the Lok Sabha this year. The bypoll is scheduled on November 13. Amrinder Singh Raja Warring, the Congress legislator from Gidderbaha, was elected from the Ludhiana Parliamentary seat, while Raj Kumar Chabbewal, a Congress MLA who later switched loyalties to AAP, became MP from the Hoshiarpur Lok Sabha seat. Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, who was a Congress legislator from the Dera Baba Nanak seat, got elected from the Gurdaspur parliamentary seat, while Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer, the AAP legislator from Barnala, was elected as MP from the Sangrur Lok Sabha seat. Patna, Nov 3 : A unique and interesting scene unfolded in Patna during the Chitragupt Puja on Sunday when Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar honoured former Rajya Sabha MP and BJP leader R.K. Sinha, by touching his feet. The Chief Minister surprised everyone there by this gesture on the occasion. The video of the same is viral on social media, with netizens giving reactions appreciating the gesture by Chief Minister Kumar. The ceremony took place at the Adi Chitragupt Temple in Patna City, where former MP R.K. Sinha led the celebrations. During the event, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar provided special instructions regarding the temple's arrangements and renovation work. He asked the individuals concerned to take care of every single aspect that is necessary to make the temple a perfect place for worship. On this R.K. Sinha got quite happy and following this, he expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister showering praise. In response to Sinha's thanks and expression of gratitude, Nitish Kumar approached him and touched his feet as a sign of respect. This moment quickly went viral on social media, eliciting a variety of reactions from viewers, with many of them lauding the gesture of the chief minister. Speaking from the stage during the celebration, former BJP MP R.K. Sinha appreciated the Chief Minister's keen attention to the temple. He opined that the improvements were made possible due to Kumar's specific directives. As Sinha tried to stop the Chief Minister who approached to touch his feet, Kumar placed a hand on his shoulder, attempting to embrace him. This isn't the first time Nitish Kumar has shown such deference; he previously touched Prime Minister Narendra Modi's feet during an NDA leaders' meeting in Parliament after the Lok Sabha elections. At that time, PM Modi attempted to stop him, and Kumar's gesture that time had evoked mixed reactions from political circles. A patron looks through the shelves at Rockrimmon Library on Thursday. The library is slated to close. Moscow, Nov 3 : In a tongue-in-cheek gesture amid its growing tensions with its western neighbours, the Russian Foreign Ministry has renamed its Department of European Cooperation as the Department of European Problems (DEP) - on its website. The changes to the structural diagram on the ministry's webpage were made earlier this week but only reported by Russian media on the weekend, as per RT. However, notwithstanding the renaming, the department, which deals with matters of "international European organisations" such as the OSCE (Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe), the Council of Europe, the EU, and NATO, will do the same work as before. However, the department renaming has only been done on the Foreign Ministry's Russian version and the department's name remains the same on the English, French, and German versions. Russia's relations with most European countries and organisations have deteriorated since 2014 since the change of regime in Ukraine and its takeover of Crimea, and gotten only worse since the conflict began with Ukraine in February 2022, in which the EU has been supporting Kiev with weapons and funds. While Russia had held that the OSCE is in "a crisis situation" due to the inability of its members to find common ground on the most basic issues, it had withdrawn from the Council of Europe last year, contending that the West had hijacked the transnational grouping to further its interests. EU nations, due to their support of Ukraine, participation in sanctions and other actions against Russia and its citizens, are seen by Moscow as "unfriendly" countries and NATO as a hostile military bloc. During his meeting with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban in July, Russian President Vladimir Putin described the state of relations between Moscow and the EU as being "at its lowest point". Srinagar, Nov 3 : The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly will meet on Monday to elect its new Speaker, with senior NC leader and former minister Abdul Rahim Rather proposed for the post. As per the list of business for Monday, released by the Assembly Secretariat, the house will meet at 10.30 a.m. and the election of the Speaker is the first item on the agenda. Agriculture Production, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Cooperatives, and Election, Javid Ahmed Dar will move a resolution, reading: "That Advocate Abdul Rahim Rather, a member of this House, be chosen as the Speaker of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly". National Conference member Arjun Singh Raju will second the motion. The election of the new Speaker will be easy as the National Conference has 41 members in the 90-member Assembly, while allies Congress and the CPI-M have six and one members, respectively. Furthermore, the Omar Abdullah government can also count on the support of the sole AAP member and six of the seven Independents. The National Conference has offered the Deputy Speaker's post to the BJP, which is the second largest party in the Assembly with 29 members - though one member has subsequently passed away. The party on Sunday chose Narender Singh for the post. After the Speaker's election, the members will gather in the Assembly hall at 11.30 a.m. for Lt Governor Manoj Sinha's address, as per the list of business. The Assembly will gather for the transaction of formal business, half an hour after the Lt Governor's address, as per the agenda, adding that it is then that the new Speaker will then report and lay a copy of the Lt Governor's address on the table of the house. Members were also asked to take their seats in the house in the same order as approved by the Pro-tem Speaker under Rule 4 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly. Chandigarh, Nov 3 : In an act of generosity and commitment, the family of a 23-year-old man who tragically sustained serious injuries and despite efforts by treating doctors at AIIMS Jodhpur could not be saved and was declared brain dead on November 2 at AIIMS Jodhpur. His brave heart family consented to donate his organs after he was declared brain-dead. Since there was no matching recipient for the kidneys and pancreas locally, ROTTO North allocated these organs to PGIMER Chandigarh for a simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplant and assigned the second kidney to ILBS New Delhi. The liver was successfully transplanted for a matching recipient at AIIMS Jodhpur. Led by Dr Ashish Sharma, Professor and Head, of the Department of Renal Transplant Surgery, PGI, his team undertook a challenging journey to make this mission possible. Overcoming logistical hurdles, the team travelled by road overnight to Delhi, catching a 6.45 am flight to Jodhpur on November 3. After the successful retrieval of the organs, the team handed over one kidney to the ILBS Hospital team at the Delhi airport while en route to Chandigarh. They returned on the 3 pm flight on Sunday reaching the PGIMER at 7.05 pm through a green corridor, from the international airport to the PGIMER and prepared to perform the simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplant. This mission made possible by the selfless donor family and the well-coordinated efforts of AIIMS Jodhpur, SOTTO Rajasthan, ROTTO North, and Dr Sharmaas dedicated team, from the PGIMER is a testament to the power of organ donation and the lengths medical professionals go to in their commitment to saving lives. In a historic first, two-year-old Kenyan boy Prosper became the youngest pancreatic donor in India last week, granting two terminally ill renal failure patients a renewed opportunity for health and happiness through simultaneous pancreas and kidney transplant in one and solo kidney transplant in another. Additionally, the family's selfless decision has enabled cornea transplantation, giving two more individuals the precious 'gift of sight', thereby impacting four lives. In a significant milestone, this was the first foreign national case of organ donation at PGIMER, Chandigarh. In a poignant twist of fate, Lunda Kayumba, affectionately known as Prosper, has become an unexpected beacon of hope for those in need of organ transplants. The family of Prosper has made the brave decision to donate his organs, instilling a sense of purpose and life in the wake of immense loss. Hyderabad, Nov 3 : Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Sunday asked the officials to constitute a dedicated Commission to conduct an empirical data survey over reservations for Backward Classes in local bodies. The state government decided to constitute an exclusive Commission as per the orders of the Telangana High Court'. The government had earlier entrusted the task to the Backward Classes Commission. At a meeting on Sunday, the Chief Minister instructed the officials to take the necessary steps to constitute the dedicated Commission by Monday. The Chief Minister held a review meeting at his residence in Jubilee Hills. The meeting discussed the recent High Court order. Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee president (TPCC) Mahesh Kumar Goud, ministers Uttam Kumar Reddy, Sridhar Babu, Damodar Rajanarasimha and senior officials attended the meeting. The Chief Minister directed officials to take precautions to ensure that there are no legal hurdles in reservations for backward classes in local bodies. The High Court last week directed the state government to establish a dedicated commission within two weeks to conduct a thorough empirical data survey to facilitate reservations for backward classes in the upcoming local body elections and submit a compliance report. A single-judge bench found the stateas existing approach of tasking the Backward Class Commission with data collection contrary to the Supreme Courtas judgment in aVikas Kumar Gavali vs. State of Maharashtraa. The Supreme Court had mandated that a distinct commission must be constituted specifically for empirical data collection related to reservations for backward classes. The High Court passed the orders on a writ petition filed by former Rajya Sabha member and Backward Class leader R. Krishniah who urged the court to order a dedicated commission, separate from the Backward Class Commission, for collecting data. Meanwhile, the Telangana government is launching a comprehensive survey from November 6 to assess the socio-economic and caste details of the entire population. Telangana is claimed to be the first state to take up a comprehensive caste survey. Based on its findings, the government will decide the quantum of funds to be allocated for each welfare programme. Agartala, Nov 3 : Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Sunday said that the state government has undertaken various important schemes for the welfare of women, and the BJP government also is giving special attention to the safety of women in line with 'Ek Tripura, Shrestha Tripura' vision. Participating in a function at his official residence on the occasion of 'Bhai Phota' the Chief Minister said that with a united effort "we all have to unite to build an Ek Tripura, Shrestha Tripura". Noting that the BJP government is prioritising women's protection, Saha said that the state government has initiated various important schemes for the welfare of women. The Festival of Bhai Dooj is being celebrated on Sunday across the country. This festival is also known across India by different names like Bhai Phota, Bhaubeej, Bhai Tika or Yama Dwitiya. The annual function is celebrated two days after Diwali, the day marks the end of several days of festivities in October-November. The Chief Minister expressed that a large number of sisters from various parts of Tripura came to his official residence Sunday and sought blessings for him. "The sisters prayed that no one can harm me and that I may have a long life. I am very happy and excited. Everyone from Bharatiya Janata Party's Pradesh Mahila Morcha to corporators of civic bodies joined the celebration. I also pray to God for all of them. Protecting our sisters and mothers is one of our duties. Let us hope that their lives will be spent happily and their socio-economic status will improve further," the Chief Minister said. He also mentioned that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is committed to the development of all. "The Prime Minister always provides guidance for the welfare of the people. Various beneficiary schemes are being implemented for them. On this auspicious occasion, I just want to say that we should come together to build Ek Tripura, Shrestha Tripura," he added. MLAs Antara Dev Sarkar, Mina Rani Sarkar, and BJP Mahila Morcha State President Mimi Majumder among others were present at the function. Seoul, Nov 3 : The CEO of Samsung Electronics has called for the need to establish stronger technology leadership to address looming challenges and secure its dominant position in the evolving tech landscape. "Securing technology and quality for our customers is the foundation of our competitiveness and the only way we can lead the paradigm shift," Han Jong-hee, Samsung's vice chairman and CEO, said at an event marking the 55th anniversary of Samsung Electronics' foundation held in Suwon, a city on the southern outskirts of Seoul. "Let's make desperate efforts to further strengthen our technology leadership, ensuring a level of quality that remains unmatched," he said, reports Yonhap news agency. Han's comments come as the South Korean tech giant faces increased pressure in its semiconductor business, especially in the high-bandwidth memory (HBM) chip market, a crucial component in AI computing. Its chipmaking rival SK hynix is leading the industry, supplying U.S. AI chip giant Nvidia Corp. with advanced 12-layer HBM3E products. Han said Samsung Electronics will focus more on AI technology, which will define the next decade, urging its employees to get ready for the new paradigm. "AI will move from a period of a bubble and uncertainty to an era of AI democratization, where unimaginable changes will become everyday realities," he said. "We must adapt our approach, from how we work to how we identify new growth engines, beyond specific products or business lines." The ceremony saw attendance from senior executives and employees, including Han and Vice Chairman Jun Young-hyun, who recently took on the leadership of the semiconductor division in May. Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong did not attend the event. Samsung Electronics was first established in January 1969, but the foundation date is commemorated on Nov. 1, as the company merged with a semiconductor arm on the date in 1988. Tehran, Nov 3 : Hossein Salami, chief commander of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), on Sunday said the US policies are to blame for the terrorism and divisions in the Muslim world. Salami made the remarks at a rally to mark the 45th anniversary of the former US embassy takeover in Tehran and the "National Day of the Fight against Global Arrogance," also known as the "National Student Day". Speaking at the gathering, the IRGC chief commander stressed that the "phenomenon of Takfiri (extremist) terrorism and bloody divisions in the Muslim world" were all outcomes of the US policies, Xinhua news agency reported. Salami described the US as a "paradoxical identity," according to the official news agency IRNA. He added while the US spoke of global peace, security, and order, it was the source of all "crimes, massacres and occupations" in the world. Iranians took to the streets on Sunday, staging a march to the premises of the former US embassy, chanting slogans against the US and Israel. The demonstrators waved flags of Iran, Hezbollah, and Palestine, as well as pictures of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and slain leaders and commanders of Iran and the regional resistance groups. At the end of the rally, the demonstrators issued a statement vowing allegiance to Iran's supreme leader and condemning Israel's "crimes" in Gaza and Lebanon, "which are being perpetrated with the direct participation and support of the US." They also called on the international community to work towards the achievement of ceasefires in Gaza and Lebanon. A few months after the victory of Iran's Islamic Revolution in February 1979, Iranian university students took over the US embassy building, saying that the embassy was, based on the documents found in it, planning to overthrow the Islamic Republic and serving as an espionage base for the US government. Iran commemorates the takeover every year by holding nationwide rallies. Imphal, Nov 4 : One of Manipur's biggest festivals, Ningol Chakkouba, was held nationwide with religious fervour and gaiety. 'Ningol Chakkouba' is the biggest festival of the majority Meitei community, but the scenario has changed over the last many years, with the participation of different communities in the annual festival. The festival is held every year on the second day of the lunar month of Hiyangei of the Meitei calendar. The main component of the festival is the visit of married sisters to their maternal homes for a grand feast and joyous reunion followed by giving away gifts. It is customary for the son of the family to extend a formal invitation to his sister for 'Ningol Chakkouba' a week before the get-together. The festival is also held on Sunday outside Manipur and various northeastern and other states of the country where Manipuris are settled. Last year, the festival could not be held due to ethnic violence in the state. Manipur Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya, Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, and Congress' Lok Sabha MP from Inner Manipur parliamentary seat Angomcha Bimol Akoijam greeted the people of Manipur on the occasion of 'Ningol Chakkouba'. The Manipur Raj Bhavan in a post on X said: "Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya extended warm wishes on the joyous occasion of Ningol Chakkouba. May this celebration be filled with blessings, unity, and warmth for all." The Chief Minister in his post on X said: "On the joyous occasion of Ningol Chakkouba, I extend my warmest wishes to all the beloved daughters and sisters of Manipur. This beautiful festival is a reminder of the deep-rooted love and respect we hold for family bonds, especially the cherished place of our daughters. May the love and warmth of family continue to strengthen the spirit of our communities." Congress Lok Sabha MP and a former professor of Jawaharlal Nehru University in Delhi, Angomcha Bimol Akoijam, in his post on X said: "Ningol Chakouba highlights women's role in strengthening bonds." He extended his greetings to the people of the state on the auspicious occasion of Ningol Chakouba festival. Ningol Chakouba is similar to the Festival of 'Bhai Dooj' which is being celebrated on Sunday across the country. This festival is also known across India by different names like Bhai Phota, Bhaubeej, Bhai Tika, or Yama Dwitiya. The annual function is celebrated two days after Diwali, the day marks the end of several days of festivities in October-November. Kabul, Nov 4 : Three persons have been killed as a blast ripped through a mechanic shop in eastern Afghanistan's Ghazni province, provincial police spokesman Khalid Sarhadi said. The blast took place on Saturday noon when some mechanics were busy in the shop repairing an oil tanker in the provincial capital Ghazni City. The blast killed three on the spot, the official added on Sunday. Without providing further details, the official said that an investigation is underway to determine the reason for the deadly incident, Xinhua news agency reported. Earlier, an explosive device from past wars went off in the Nawar district of Ghazni province, killing two children and injuring another on Wednesday. Earlier on October 22, three children were killed and three others injured as a device went off in Afghanistan's Ghazni province, the provincial police office said in a statement. The accident occurred in the province's Qara Bagh district when the children worked on a potato farm. The device exploded, killing the three kids on the spot and injuring three others, the office said. The injured have been shifted to a nearby hospital for treatment. A total of 292 people lost their lives in blasts of landmines and explosive remnants in the first six months of 2024, most of them children, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reported. War-ravaged Afghanistan is one of the most landmine-contaminated countries in the world, with dozens of people, mostly children, being killed and maimed every month. Baghdad, Nov 4 : The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, a Shia militia group, has claimed responsibility for three drone attacks on Israeli targets. According to its statements on Sunday, the group's fighters launched two drone attacks on "vital sites" in the Jordan Valley, which forms Jordan's western border with Israel and the West Bank, and a third in the occupied Golan Heights, Xinhua news agency reported. The statements did not provide further details about the targeted sites or report any casualties. The group said that the strikes were carried out "in solidarity with our people in Palestine and Lebanon," pledging to continue targeting "the enemy's strongholds at an escalating pace". Since the outbreak of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in the Gaza Strip on October 7, 2023, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq has repeatedly attacked Israeli and US positions in the region to show support for Palestinians in Gaza. The militia has stepped up its attacks on Israel after the latter intensified strikes against Hezbollah across Lebanon on September 23. Earlier on November 2, The Islamic Resistance in Iraq claimed responsibility for four drone attacks on the Israeli city of Eilat. In a statement, the group reported that its fighters launched separate drone attacks on four "vital sites" in Eilat in southern Israel. Kabul, Nov 4 : Six people lost their lives and nine others were injured due to a big fire at a gas factory in Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan, local media reported. The fire erupted on Saturday noon in a gas factory in the Qala-e-Haidar Khan area of Paghman district, west of Kabul city as reported by Xinhua news agency. Noorullah Ansar, head of the natural disasters and firefighting department under the Ministry of Interior Affairs, confirmed that six people were killed, with nine others injured. "Fire has been completely put out, and the firefighters were able to prevent the flames from spreading to nearby markets," said Ansar. According to the source, the economic losses are not yet determined and the cause of the fire is being investigated. In a separate incident, three persons were killed as a blast ripped through a mechanic shop in eastern Afghanistan's Ghazni province, provincial police spokesman Khalid Sarhadi said on Sunday. The blast took place on Saturday noon when some mechanics were busy in the shop repairing an oil tanker in the provincial capital Ghazni City. The blast killed three on the spot, the official added. Without providing further details, the official said that an investigation is underway to determine the reason for the deadly incident, Xinhua news agency reported. Earlier, an explosive device from past wars went off in the Nawar district of Ghazni province, killing two children and injuring another on Wednesday. Ankara, Nov 4 : An explosion caused by natural gas in a building in the Black Sea region of Turkey left one person killed and 17 others injured, media reported. The explosion occurred on Sunday in a five-storey apartment on the Osmancik road in Corum province, causing damage to surrounding houses, the state-run TRT broadcaster report said. Fire, health, and police teams were dispatched to the scene, working to rescue the citizens trapped in the building, it said as reported by Xinhua news agency. The surrounding buildings were evacuated, the street was closed to traffic, and a security lane was drawn into the area, it added. Corum Chief Public Prosecutor's Office launched a judicial investigation into the explosion. On July 1, a natural gas explosion in Turkey's western province of Izmir killed five people and injured at least 60 others. According to state-run TRT broadcaster, the explosion occurred at 2:43 p.m. local time on Sunday at a business on the ground floor of a building in Torbali district. At least 10 of the injured are in critical condition. Izmir Governor Suleyman Elban told TRT that the explosion damaged 11 buildings in the vicinity. "As a precautionary measure, the gas supply has been cut off, and the area is being evacuated. Our security forces have taken necessary actions," Elban said. Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc said on X that an investigation has been launched into the explosion, with the coordination of two public prosecutors. Ramallah, Nov 4 : A Palestinian teenager was killed by Israeli army gunfire in the town of Halhul, north of Hebron, in the southern West Bank, according to the Palestinian Red Crescent Society (PRCS). "Our team received the body of a 14-year-old child" from the Israeli army and transferred it to a hospital in Hebron, according to a press statement by PRCS on Sunday. The statement did not provide further details, Xinhua news agency reported. Local sources reported that Israeli forces had chased a group of children who were playing in a neighbourhood, and gunfire was opened, critically injuring the child Naji al-Baba. The Israeli army has not issued any comment on the incident. The West Bank has witnessed raids by the Israeli army amid escalating violence since October 7, 2023, which has led to the deaths of more than 760 Palestinians by Israeli gunfire and shelling, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry. Ramallah, Nov 4 : A Palestinian teenager was killed by Israeli army gunfire in the town of Halhul, north of Hebron, in the southern West Bank, according to the Palestinian Red Crescent Society (PRCS). "Our team received the body of a 14-year-old child" from the Israeli army and transferred it to a hospital in Hebron, according to a press statement by PRCS on Sunday. The statement did not provide further details, Xinhua news agency reported. Local sources reported that Israeli forces had chased a group of children who were playing in a neighbourhood, and gunfire was opened, critically injuring the child Naji al-Baba. The Israeli army has not issued any comment on the incident. The West Bank has witnessed raids by the Israeli army amid escalating violence since October 7, 2023, which has led to the deaths of more than 760 Palestinians by Israeli gunfire and shelling, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry. The latest killing comes amid a year-long ramp-up in attacks by Israeli forces and settlers in the occupied West Bank, coinciding with Israel's war on Gaza. Last month, the UN's Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) said at least 165 Palestinian children had been killed by Israeli forces in the West Bank over the past year. The OHCHR report said 36 were killed by air strikes, while 129 were killed by Israeli live ammunition "mostly in the upper body and head". The report cited the recent killing of 11-year-old Abdullah Jamal Hawash, who was shot during an Israeli army raid on Nablus. The young boy sustained wounds from the Israeli gunfire, before eventually succumbing to his injuries later that day. OHCHR said the boy did not pose any "realistic threat" to Israeli forces after videos shared online showed Hawash throwing stones at them during the violent raid. Jerusalem, Nov 4 : The Israeli military has said they have detained a man in Syria allegedly gathering intelligence on Israel's army in the border area. In a statement on Sunday, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) identified the man as Ali Soleiman al-Assi, a Syrian national, describing him as "an Iranian terror network operative". The IDF said al-Assi was "detained" and transferred to Israel, and that the operation took place "in recent months" as reported by Xinhua news agency. "His activities included gathering intelligence on IDF troops in the border area for future terror activity of the network," the IDF said. Video footage released by the IDF shows soldiers from the Egoz commando unit, along with field interrogators, conducting a nighttime raid on a one-storey building. The footage later shows the arrest of a man inside the building, his hands cuffed behind his back. In another clip, the man is shown during one of his interrogations, saying he was approached by a person who he later learned was linked to Iranian intelligence. He was instructed to "just observe the border" and report on military movements, such as tank and patrol activities. Gaza, Nov 4 : Dismantling the UN agency for Palestine refugees without a viable alternative will deprive Palestinian children of the opportunity to receive education, the agency said. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) was providing education to more than 300,000 children in Gaza until October 2023, half of the school-age children who are now losing their second year of school, Philippe Lazzarini, Commissioner-General of UNRWA, said on Sunday on social media platform X. Lazzarini added that there are about 50,000 children in the West Bank studying in UNRWA schools, noting that UNRWA is the only UN agency that provides education directly through its schools, Xinhua news agency reported. "Our schools are the only education system in the region that includes a human rights program and follows the standards and values of the United Nations. Without education, children slide into despair, poverty, and extremism," he said. Lazzarini noted that instead of focusing on banning UNRWA or finding alternatives to it, the focus should be on reaching an agreement that ends the regional conflict. The Israeli Parliament passed on October 28 two legislations to prohibit UNRWA from operating in the country and ban Israeli authorities from any contact with the agency. Find a great selection of commercial real estate, manufactured homes, timeshares and more for Sale Buy real estate. Find a great selection of commercial real estate, manufactured homes, timeshares and more for Sale in US and Canada. Search Real Estate Disney/Christopher Willard By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 11/02/2024 ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Elizabeth Kwiatkowski is Associate Editor of Reality TV World and has been covering the reality TV genre for more than a decade. star Joan Vassos has reacted to Pascal Ibgui quitting the show before their overnight Fantasy Suite date.Pascal, a 69-year-old salon owner from Chicago, IL, chose to quit before enjoying his overnight date with Joan in Tahiti because he said he was missing "a spark" with her and didn't feel like he was falling in love.Pascal said he viewed Joan more like a friend, and so he bowed out of the competition instead of seeing if their connection could develop into something more.Joan said on the show that she had strong feelings for Pascal and could see a future with him, but she told Katie Couric Media in an interview that she wasn't exactly shocked by Pascal's choice to leave."There were hints before [the Fantasy Suite] that things might not be great," Joan explained."At his hometown date, he said, 'I've had some heartbreak in my life, and I just need to move slowly.' It seemed like a little bit of a red flag, but not a final thing -- he was keeping the door open."Pascal had been in a relationship with a woman he truly loved about a year before his stint. The couple almost got engaged, but Pascal said they often fought and broke up multiple times, which resulted in him ending the romance for good.Joan therefore said she actually considered eliminating Pascal after her Final 4 hometown dates with Pascal, Jordan Heller Charles "Chock" Chapple , and Guy Gansert "When I needed to make a decision about the last person I was going to take to Tahiti, it came down to Pascal and Jordan, and Jordan seemed less sure about us," Joan recalled."He was fairly certain he wouldn't make it to the place I needed him to be on the last day. So I decided to bring Pascal, knowing that it was a bit of a risk."Joan said she felt like she and Pascal "were in a good place," however, when he accepted a rose at that Rose Ceremony."At that last Rose Ceremony at the mansion, he whispered to me, 'My walls are coming down,'" Joan recalled.Joan began her Fantasy Suite date with Pascal with optimism and high hopes as a result.But their date was not exactly thrilling or fun-loving. The pair, instead, had a cultural experience in which they tried new foods and watched locals dance.Joan shared how Pascal seemed "more at ease" in the beginning because he could understand the language and translate for her."But that also put the burden on him to be hosting the date when it's usually my job," Joan explained.The pair then participated in a traditional Tahitian bonding ceremony, which appeared to be similar to a wedding.The serious, romantic wedding-like atmosphere rocked Pascal's world and made him "freak out" that he wasn't ready to commit to Joan, nevermind get engaged to her at the end of process.Joan admitted she and Pascal were both "awkward" and "way more uncomfortable" during that portion of the date."We were asked to talk about things that neither of us were ready to talk about. I just felt very uncomfortable," Joan confessed."He clearly was uncomfortable. He was sweating. I could tell things weren't good, and by the end of it, I felt like he couldn't get out of there fast enough. He was done. The ceremony was fairly long, and it was emotional, and neither one of us felt comfortable doing it."Joan added, "So I knew, as that date ended, we were not in a great place."Joan explained how the ceremony "scared" Pascal and she was also "not ready for that kind of vibe" at all."So when the date was over, we were not in a good place, and I knew that," Joan reiterated.Once Pascal left the show and broke Joan's heart in a clearly tense moment , Joan was left crying, feeling "unlovable" and pretty hopeless."I thought that I was choosing, and the men were automatically going to like me. I thought it would be way harder for me to have multiple relationships and try to figure out my heart. It shouldn't have been as hard for them, in my mind," Joan confessed to Katie."I thought that when I got down to the Final 4, they would want to be with me, and that they would be as far along in their emotions and the journey as I was. I found that they weren't, and that was really shocking."Joan had told her bachelors throughout the process that it was a two-way street and they could reject her roses at any time, but she admitted she was "surprised" when a couple of her Final 4 guys -- Pascal and Jordan, namely -- weren't sure about her."I thought, at that point, I could be confident that they felt the same way about me as I did them," Joan said. "I certainly didn't expect it!"On 's latest episode, Pascal could sense that Joan was very hurt and wasn't okay, and so he snapped in a confessional that he wasn't okay either. He even swore at production and shooed the cameras away."I hate hurting people. I am hurt right now. I'm hurting because I hurt her, and I feel terrible about that right now -- terrible," Pascal explained in a confessional.Pascal hugged Joan goodbye, and he asked her to be safe and take care of herself. He also noted how he was just a phone call away.Joan whispered to Pascal, "I love you," on his way out, and he replied -- but in a platonic manner -- "I love you, too. Goodbye."Joan admitted the breakup was hard for her and she felt "like a failure."Joan, losing hope, cried to cameras, "I might leave with nobody. That could happen. I was afraid coming into this, but then my fears started getting better. And now I am afraid again."Interested in more The Bachelor news? Follow our Bachelor Nation News Page on Facebook or join our The Bachelor Facebook Group To prepare for the 2024 election, the Athens-Clarke County Elections Department has continued to provide safety training for poll workers, now with updated safety precautions, to safeguard both the workers and the democratic process. This is the first time that our county has set up an emergency operations center with the police and emergency services, so we will have a quick response center, Lisa McGlaun, elections assistant for the ACC Election Department, said. Earlier this month, the Georgia Supreme Court reinstated Georgia's six week abortion ban. Heres a recap of the rulings that led up to this decision, and what it means for Georgians. On Oct. 7, the Georgia Supreme Court reinstated Georgia's six week abortion ban during its review of the state's appeal after the Superior Court of Fulton County struck down the ban on Sept. 30. The Superior Court of Fulton County found in their decision that the Georgia Constitution doesnt allow politicians to deny citizens the right to make personal healthcare decisions. Nationalist Congress Party leader and candidate from Mankhurd Shivaji Assembly constituency Nawab Malik said on Sunday that he is solely the candidate of his party as the Mahayuti alliance fighting against him in the upcoming assembly elections in Maharashtra. IMAGE: NCP candidate from Mankhurd seat Nawab Malik on his way to file nomination for the Maharashtra assembly elections, in Mumbai, October 29, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo Saying that his fight is with the Mahayuti alliance partners and Samajwadi Party too, he told ANI, "I am the candidate of Nationalist Congress Party, I am with Ajit Pawar, he has made me a candidate, now Mahayuti alliance people, whether from Bharatiya Janata Party, Shiv Sena, they are fighting the elections against me and my fight is with them." He further said that he believes Ajit Pawar will play a key role as a "kingmaker" after the elections. "There is a very tough competition in Maharashtra. We cannot predict who will get the majority. On both sides, there is an alliance of 3 parties. So, Ajit Pawar will play a big role in the formation of government... No one can neglect the fact that Ajit Pawar will play the role of kingmaker in Maharashtra," he said. Addressing the accusations of being silent over having links with Dawood Ibrahim and the underworld, he added, "The way I am being linked to the underworld, people have even called me a traitor in the Vidhan Sabha, and connecting me to terrorists, I have said clearly that we did not reply to it because there was a restriction of speaking on it. Whoever tries to defame my image, they have a right to speak and I have the right to defend. There are laws in the country too." "Through criminal defamation or civil defamation, we will take action against the people who have been putting these false allegations against me," he added. NCP's Mahayuti's alliance partners, Bharatiya Janata Party and Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde) have expressed their opposition to Malik's candidature. Bharatiya Janata Party's Mumbai chief Ashish Shelar already clarified that the party would not be campaigning in support of Nationalist Congress Party's (Ajit Pawar) Nawab Malik. The Shiv Sena has also expressed opposition, claiming his links with underworld don and gangster Dawood Ibrahim. Nawab Malik further told ANI, "Whatever politics they have they will decide, I also have my politics. I have been in politics for 50 years. People have seen me do the work as a five time MLA, a six time minister. We are not scared of these allegations, but whoever is putting these false allegations we would need to investigate them." Earlier, Sana Malik, NCP candidate from Anushkati Nagar seat and daughter of Nawab Malik attacked the Bharatiya Janata Party for opposing her father. Sana said that the BJP has always opposed Nawab Malik but the NCP have faith in the people that they will make him win. "The issues in Lok Sabha were different. But what kind of work has the MP done in the last 6 months? All these things are being discussed among the people today. In the assembly elections, people believe that if we are electing an MLA, then how much work will he do for us or how accessible he is to us, all these things are being discussed," Sana Malik told ANI on Saturday. The Maharashtra assembly elections are scheduled for November 20, with counting for all 288 constituencies set for November 23. In the 2019 assembly elections, the BJP won 105 seats, the Shiv Sena 56, and the Congress 44. In 2014, the BJP secured 122 seats, the Shiv Sena 63, and the Congress 42. Foreign secretary Vikram Misri is likely to brief the Parliamentary panel on external affairs on Wednesday on the India-Canada ties, which have taken a hit after Canadian officials accused Indian government functionaries of ordering the murder pro-Khalistani terrorist Harjeet Singh Nijjar. IMAGE: Foreign secretary Vikram Misri (right) greets Saudi Arabia deputy minister for political affairs Dr Saud Al-Sati after holding a meeting to review work of SPC committee , in New Delhi, October 19, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo Misri is also likely to brief the parliamentary panel on the recent upswing in India's ties with China following the agreement to resume patrolling at friction points along the Line of Actual Control in eastern Ladakh. India's relationship with Canada has taken a hit after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau linked top Indian officials to the murder of Nijjar, a charge rubbished by New Delhi. Canada's deputy Foreign Affairs Minister David Morrison had alleged on Tuesday that Home Minister Amit Shah ordered a campaign of violence, intimidation and intelligence-gathering targeting Sikh separatists inside Canada, a charge dismissed as "absurd and baseless" by India. India has been maintaining that the main issue between the two countries is that of Canada giving space to pro-Khalistan elements operating from Canadian soil with impunity. India had withdrawn its high commissioner to Canada Sanjay Verma after the security officials there named him as a "person of interest" in the investigation in Niijar's murder case. India had also expelled six Canadian diplomats, including acting high commissioner Stewart Ross Wheeler on October 14. On October 25, Misri had briefed the Parliamentary panel on the Israel-Palestine conflict and asserted that India favoured a two-state solution to the issue. India has supported a negotiated two-state solution, towards establishment of a sovereign, independent and viable state of Palestine within secure and recognised borders, living side by side in peace with Israel. The Parliamentary panel on external affairs, chaired by former Union minister Shashi Tharoor, is examining the demand for grants of the external affairs ministry. A successful anti-terror operation that led to the elimination of a high-profile terrorist commander in Jammu and Kashmir was marked not only by strategic planning but also an unconventional solution -- biscuits. S IMAGE: Security personnel during an encounter with terrorists at Khanyar, in Srinagar, November 2, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo enior officials highlighted the importance of the snack in mitigating the challenge posed by stray dogs during the operation against Usman, a commander of the Pakistan-based terror organisation Lashkar-e-Tayiba. Usman was killed on Saturday in a day-long encounter in the densely-populated Khanyar locality of downtown Srinagar, marking the first significant gunfight in the summer capital in more than two years. The operation involved a joint effort from the local police and the Central Reserve Police Force. The officials said Usman, who was well familiar with the Valley terrain, was a significant figure in orchestrating numerous terror attacks since his initial activity in the early 2000s. After a stint in Pakistan, he infiltrated back into the region around 2016-17 and was implicated in the shooting of police inspector Masroor Wani last year. When intelligence indicated Usman's presence in a residential area, a meticulous nine-hour planning phase ensued to ensure the operation's success without collateral damage. A significant concern was the presence of stray dogs, whose barking could potentially alert the terrorist. To counter this, search teams were equipped with biscuits to pacify the dogs as they approached their target. The entire deployment was done before Fajar (pre-dawn prayers), with security forces cordoning off a cluster of 30 homes. The standoff escalated when Usman -- armed with an AK-47, a pistol, and numerous grenades -- engaged in a fierce gunfire exchange with the security forces. During the confrontation, some grenades detonated, igniting a fire in the house that was quickly contained by the security personnel to prevent it from spreading to nearby structures. After several hours of intense gunfire, Usman was neutralised. The encounter resulted in injuries to four security personnel who are reported to be in stable condition. The operation represents a significant victory for the forces, particularly against The Resistance Front, a LeT offshoot that has increasingly targeted non-local labourers and security personnel. The successful mission underscores the lengths to which the authorities will go, including finding unique and unconventional solutions, to ensure their operations' safety and effectiveness. The encounter not only marks a pivotal moment in counter-terrorism efforts in Jammu and Kashmir but also highlights the ongoing challenges faced by security forces in maintaining peace in the region. A pregnant tribal woman was allegedly made to wash the blood stains from the bed of a government hospital in Dindori in Madhya Pradesh after her husband bled to death on it, officials said on Saturday. Image used only for representation. Photograph: Somit/ANI Photo Raghuraj Maravi (28) was brought to the government primary health centre in an injured state after being attacked by relatives on Thursday night over a land dispute, they said. "He died later. His wife Roshani Bai, who is five months pregnant, was made to wash the blood stains off the bed on which he was admitted. This took place on Saturday. We have suspended nursing officer Rakumari Markam and helper Chotti Bai Thakur and transferred medial officer Dr Chandrashekhar Singh," an official said. Raghuraj's brother Shivraj Maravi, 40, and father Dharam Singh Maravi, 65, were killed in the attack while another brother Ramraj is hospitalised in a critical condition, he said. The attack was allegedly the fallout of a dispute over harvesting crops on a piece of land in Lalpur village, some 50 kilometres from the district headquarters, as per police. Pakistan has tested various artillery systems including a replica of the SH-15 and a 155 mm truck-mounted howitzer developed by a Chinese firm along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir, according to officials. Photograph: Rajesh Karkera/ Rediff.com IMAGE: File photo of an Army jawan keeping vigil at the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir. This comes as the neighbouring country strengthens defence ties with Gulf and Western European countries, and its long-standing ally Turkiye, the officials said. The movement of the 155 mm guns, produced in collaboration with a Gulf nation under the supervision of a state-owned Chinese defence company, along the LoC was observed recently, they said. The guns -- a variant of SH-15 that is known for its 'shoot and scoot' capability -- can fire a range of munitions, including high-explosive, armour-piercing and smoke rounds, boasting of a maximum range of approximately 30 kilometres and a firing rate of up to six rounds per minute. Among the arsenal being tested is the refurbished M109, which has a firing range of 24 kilometres and can launch six shells in just 40 seconds. Initially acquired from a Western European country, this artillery system is now undergoing trials in its enhanced version, the officials said. Turkiye has contributed to this military enhancement with the deployment of a modern 105 mm artillery piece manufactured by a Turkish defence company, FNSS, they said. This medium-weight tank is equipped with a two-man turret armed with a standard 105 mm rifled gun capable of firing both armour-piercing and high-explosive ammunition. China has also been instrumental in bolstering Pakistan's military capabilities along the LoC, according to the officials. This assistance includes construction of fortified bunkers, provision of unmanned aerial vehicles, combat aerial vehicles, and advanced communication systems, the officials said. Early this year, China's North Industries Group Corporation Limited delivered the second batch of 56 SH-15 155 mm calibre wheeled self-propelled howitzers to the Pakistan army. Chinese support has also extended to the installation of encrypted communication towers and underground fibre optic cables along the LoC, the officials said. In a significant blow to Hezbollah, Israel announced the elimination of Jaafar Khader Faour, commander of the Nasser Unit's Missiles and Rockets Array, in southern Lebanon's Jouaiyya area. IMAGE: Lebanese army soldiers patrol after a suspected Israeli naval force landed in the northern Lebanese coastal town of Batroun early on Friday. Photograph: Mohamed Abd El Ghany/Reuters Sharing a post on X, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) wrote, 'The Commander of the Hezbollah Nasser Unit's Missiles and Rockets Array, Jaafar Khader Faour, was eliminated in the area of Jouaiyya in southern Lebanon.' According to IDF, Faour was reportedly responsible for multiple devastating rocket attacks on Israeli territory, including the tragic deaths of Israeli civilians from Kibbutz Ortal and 12 children in Majdal Shams, as well as five civilians in Metula. 'Faour was responsible for multiple rocket attacks toward the Golan, including an attack that resulted in the deaths of Israeli civilians from Kibbutz Ortal, an attack on Majdal Shams which killed 12 children and injured many and the rocket attack on Metula last Thursday, which resulted in the deaths of 5 civilians,' the IDF said. Faour's command also oversaw terrorist attacks launched from eastern Lebanon, commencing on October 8, which targeted Israeli territory. 'Additionally, Faour was responsible for terrorist attacks carried out from eastern Lebanon, from which the first rocket launches toward Israeli territory were fired on October 8, under his command,' IDF added. Meanwhile, Israeli naval commandos carried out a raid in northern Lebanon late Friday and captured a Hezbollah official, according to a report by Times of Israel. The raid took place approximately 140 kilometres (87 miles) north of Israel's maritime border with Lebanon. The IDF late on Saturday confirmed that the Navy's Shayetet 13 commando unit was involved in the operation. The Hezbollah operative, named in media reports as Imad Amhaz, was considered by the IDF to be a "significant source of knowledge" in the terror group's naval force, Times of Israel reported. Amhaz has been taken into Israeli custody for questioning by Unit 504, the Military Intelligence Directorate's specialised human intelligence (HUMINT) division. The focus of the interrogation will be Hezbollah's naval operations. A case was registered against Union Minister Suresh Gopi and two others for "misusing" an ambulance during the Thrissur Pooram festivities in April this year, the police said on Sunday. IMAGE: Union Minister of State for Tourism, Suresh Gopi (right) exchanges greetings with chairman of the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation RS Bali during the Northern States/UT Tourism Ministers Conference, in Chandigarh, August 23, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo On Sunday, the Thrissur East police registered an FIR against Union Minister of State for Petroleum, Natural Gas and Tourism Suresh Gopi and an ambulance driver in this regard. Sections 279 (rash driving or riding on a public way) and 34 (acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention) of the IPC and sections 179, 184, 188 and 192 of Motor Vehicles Act were imposed against them, the police said. The case was registered following a complaint filed by KP Sumesh, a local Communist Party of India leader, seeking legal action against Gopi for allegedly misusing an ambulance to reach the Pooram venue flouting police restrictions. According to the FIR, Gopi, who was the then Bharatiya Janata Party candidate in Thrissur Lok Sabha constituency, and the other accused acted as part of the election campaign strategy and travelled in an ambulance owned by Seva Bharati, which was allowed to take only patients, to hold talks with the Thiruvambadi Devaswom authorities violating the police restrictions. "They drove the ambulance through Thrissur Round amidst the crowd on the Pooram day (April 20) in such a way as to cause harm to human life and so on," the FIR added. Suresh Gopi on Thursday refuted the allegations that he reached the festival site in an ambulance and claimed that he reached close to the festival site in his car, which was then attacked by some 'goondas' of the rival political parties. The MoS claimed that he was rescued from there by some youngsters who put him in an ambulance which was there at the festival site to cater to those in distress. Gopi had earlier refuted the claims, including by some BJP leaders, that he had reached the festival venue in an ambulance. The Thrissur Pooram disruption row has triggered a political debate in the state after Chief Minister Vijayan stated that the Pooram and the other rituals were not disrupted. Congress and the Left ally CPI have alleged that the Pooram was purportedly disrupted to help the BJP win the Thrissur Lok Sabha seat by evoking Hindu sentiment. Meanwhile, the Thrissur East police registered a case for disrupting the Pooram. There were police interventions in the Thrissur Pooram rituals and the subsequent controversies took the sheen off the annual spectacle held in April this year. For the first time in the history of the festival, the display of fireworks, one of the major attractions of the event, which was scheduled in the early hours, was held in broad daylight the next day, which turned out to be a disappointment for the festival buffs. The Mumbai police have arrested a 24-year-old woman for allegedly giving a death threat to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, an official said on Sunday. IMAGE: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Photograph: ANI Photo The woman, identified as Fatima Khan, who has done B.Sc in Information Technology, resided in Ulhasnagar area of neighbouring Thane district of Maharashtra with her family members. Her father is into timber business, the official said. The woman is well qualified but is mentally unstable, the police said. The Mumbai traffic police's WhatsApp number on Saturday received a message from an unknown number threatening that if Adityanath did not resign from the CM's post within 10 days, then he would be killed like Nationalist Congress Party leader Baba Siddique, the official said. During the probe, the police found Khan had sent the message, he said. The Mumbai Anti-Terrorism Squad in a combined operation with the Ulhasnagar police traced the woman and apprehended her, the official said. Further investigation was into the matter, the official added. The police are on alert as Adityanath is likely to come to Maharashtra for campaigning for the November 20 state assembly polls, as per officials. Former Maharashtra minister Baba Siddique was shot dead in Mumbai's Bandra area on October 12. Stepping up its campaign against the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, the Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind on Sunday urged Telugu Desam Party's Chandrababu Naidu and Janata Dal-United's Nitish Kumar to heed the sentiments of Muslims on the matter and said the parties within the National Democratic Alliance that claim to be secular must distance themselves from supporting this "dangerous" legislation. IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Bihar CM Nitish Kumar (left0, TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu (right) and Jana Sena Party chief Pawan Kalyan (second from right) during the NDA meeting, in New Delhi, June 6, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo It also cautioned that if the legislation is passed, the "two crutches" on which the Bharatiya Janata Party-led government is running at the Centre would not be able to escape responsibility. Jamiat chief Maulana Arshad Madani made the assertion at the prominent Muslim body's 'Save Constitution Convention' held in New Delhi at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium. "People of the country defeated the BJP. They did not accept their policies. This government is dependent on two crutches - a strong one is Chandrababu and the other is Bihar's Nitish Kumar. I had invited him (Naidu), he excused himself but has sent (senior party leader) Nawab Jan. I look at this positively as he will convey the sentiments of the people gathered here," Madani said, gesturing to the large gathering of Jamiat functionaries and supporters. "If the Waqf Bill is passed ignoring the emotions of the Muslims -- it would be as much a responsibility of the crutches as it would be of other powers at the Centre," Madani asserted. A resolution passed by the Jamiat at the Convention put forward the demand that no individual from any other religion be included in the Waqf Board, and that Parliament's joint committee be bound to consult only Muslims, Muslim organisations, and Muslim leaders. "Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind supports the stance of opposition parties regarding the proposed Waqf Amendment Bill and appeals to the parties within the NDA that claim to be secular to distance themselves from supporting this dangerous proposed bill and to prove their secular credentials," the resolution read. In his remarks, Madani said Jamiat has decided that either by the end of this month or in December, it will hold a gathering of around five lakh Muslims in Chandrababu Naidu's "area" and put forward Muslims' feelings before him. "If this bill is passed, the crutches on which the government is dependent would not be able to escape responsibility for it," he reiterated. Madani said the waqf is established by "our ancestors and is a part of Allah's ownership, with mosques built on it". "You (government) should protect them because we live in this country and we have not come from outside. If a Hindu is a Gujjar, a Muslim is also a Gujjar...Hindus are Jats, Muslims are also Jats -- They chant slogans saying that Hindus, Muslims, and Sikhs are separate, but we say that 'Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, and Christians sab hai bhai bhai'," the Jamiat chief said. "There are so many mosques, some of which are 400-500 years old, located in Delhi... There is a section in India that seeks to usurp these mosques... Who can present 500-year-old documents? The law states that any mosque built on Waqf land is indeed Waqf," Madani said. He also said that the INDIA bloc and Rahul Gandhi had stated in the run-up to the Lok Sabha polls that if they came to power, all minorities would be free to practice their religion, an assertion he appreciated. "That is why I urged Muslims to support the alliance that gives them the freedom to practice their religion and I am happy that Muslims supported the alliance throughout the country. The alliance moved forward and the BJP was defeated," Madani said. "I say that if they did not have the crutches of Chandrababu Naidu and Nitish Kumar, the BJP would not have been able to form a government. The policy of divisiveness and trying to burn down the idea of secularism has led them to this state after thumping wins in two earlier elections," the Jamiat chief said. A Joint Committee of Parliament is examining the contentious Waqf Amendment Bill 2024. The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 was introduced in Lok Sabha in August and referred to a Joint Parliamentary panel after a heated debate, with the government asserting the proposed law, did not intend to interfere with the functioning of mosques and the Opposition calling it targeting of Muslims and an attack on the Constitution. The committee's meetings have often seen tempers fly with opposition members accusing the Chair of inviting different organisations, including those working for Hindu causes, that have no stake in the waqf issues and the BJP members charging their political rivals with deliberately disturbing the proceedings. In its resolution, the Jamiat said it has always been vigilant and proactive, in accordance with its official duties, to protect waqf endowments. "It has consistently raised its voice against unnecessary government interference in endowment properties and has emphasised the need for strong legislation to ensure the protection of these endowments. "After independence, when the political landscape of the country changed, Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind made significant strides in protecting endowments with determination, courage, and a solid strategy, whether it was dealing with the eviction of illegal encroachments or the inappropriate use of income," the resolution said. Jamiat is still actively engaged with the same determination today, asserting that the Muslim community in India cannot accept any proposal or plan regarding endowments that do not guarantee the complete protection of waqf properties and do not provide for the use of Islamic endowments in accordance with Islamic law, the resolution said. "Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind's 'Save Constitution Convention' demands that: The Waqf Act of 2013 is a very comprehensive and effective act in itself, and it does not require any amendments. Instead, it needs to be implemented honestly and to free Waqf properties from illegal occupation and control," it said. Jamiat completely rejects the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024 and confidently asserts that there is not a single amendment in the proposed changes that warrants consideration, it said. Jamiat's Convention demands that the government withdraw the proposed Waqf Amendment Bill 2024 and maintain the Waqf Act of 2013, the resolution said. Yasaman crossed more than half a dozen countries on foot, bus, and boat and paid thousands of dollars to smugglers to reach Mexico. Yasaman, an Afghan woman whose name has been changed to protect her identity, believed she was within touching distance of realizing her dream: entering the United States. But her hopes came crashing down on January 20, when new U.S. President Donald Trump declared an emergency on the southern border with Mexico as part of a crackdown on illegal immigration. As part of the executive order, U.S. authorities shut down the CBP One mobile app -- the only legal way for migrants to make an appointment with U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers, request asylum, and enter the country legally. "I don't know what to do now," said Yasaman, who arrived in Mexico in November 2024. "I'm waiting [for] what Trump will decide next about migrants." Yasaman, speaking by telephone from Mexico, said she received a notification on January 20 that read: "Existing appointments scheduled through CBP One are no longer valid." The shutdown of the app will affect thousands of migrants, including Afghans, hoping to enter the United States legally. Around 1 million appointments had been scheduled through CBP One since it was introduced in January 2023. Not Happy In Brazil Mexico has been a relatively new route for thousands of Afghan migrants seeking a new, better life in the United States. RFE/RL contacted the United Nations refugee agency and the Mexican migration authorities to find out how many U.S.-bound Afghan migrants are currently in Mexico. We have not received a response. An Afghan migrant who spoke to RFE/RL from the southern Mexican city of Tapachula estimated there were up to 1,500 people from Afghanistan in that city alone. Karimullah, whose name has been changed over privacy concerns, said Afghan migrants live in rented apartments, relying on the "limited amount of money" they have brought from Afghanistan or borrow from their relatives abroad. "Families go hungry for days while waiting for money from relatives," he said. A former civil rights activist, Karimullah fled Afghanistan after the hard-line Taliban returned to power in August 2021. After running out of money to pay for food and rent and as she was still waiting to get an appointment through CBP One, Yasaman got a job as a kitchen helper at a restaurant in the capital, Mexico City. Like many other Afghan migrants in Mexico, both Karimullah and Yasaman had already been offered asylum in other safe countries -- in their case Brazil, which has issued thousands of humanitarian visas for Afghan nationals since 2021. Asked by RFE/RL why they didn't want to stay in Brazil, where they had been given free accommodation and food, both Karimullah and Yasaman said they did not see a "good future" there due to a lack of jobs and other opportunities. Instead, many Afghans pay money to people-smugglers to take them through Bolivia, Peru, Equador, Colombia, Panama, and other countries to reach the U.S.-Mexico border. 'Life For Immigrants Not What It Used To Be' Some cross the border illegally. Ehsan Khan, a 26-year-old former driver from Kabul, entered the United States illegally in November 2024, hoping to get settled in the country before Trump closes the U.S. borders. After spending two months at an immigration detention facility, Khan was released on January 11 with an electronic ankle bracelet for authorities to monitor his movements. Speaking from San Diego by phone, Khan told RFE/RL that Afghan migrants should think twice before coming to the United States, because "the life in America for immigrants is not what it used to be." Khan did not give details of his new life in the United States but said it isn't worth the traumatic journey he had through Honduras and Guatemala, where he said he "was beaten by thieves who demanded money" and witnessed his best friend drown in the sea. "I saw my friend screaming for help as he drowned and I looked helplessly. I wanted to jump into the water, but I knew I couldn't swim. His parents often call me from Kabul and ask about him, and we cry," Khan said. Back in Mexico City, Yasaman is determined to enter the United States "by any means, legally or illegally." "I don't have a life or home in Afghanistan to go back to," Yasaman said. "I see my future only in America." Welcome back to the China In Eurasia briefing, an RFE/RL newsletter tracking China's resurgent influence from Eastern Europe to Central Asia. I'm RFE/RL's China Global Affairs Correspondent Reid Standish and here's what I'm following right now. Minding The Transatlantic Gap China is looking to capitalize on a transatlantic rift between the United States and Europe that is widening as U.S. President Donald Trump looks to quickly end the war in Ukraine. But how much of an opening is there actually for Beijing? Finding Perspective: The threat of tariffs, a war of words at the Munich Security Conference earlier this month, U.S.-Russia talks that excluded Europe and Kyiv, and a standoff at the United Nations over how to commemorate the third anniversary of the war in Ukraine have all been recent fissures between Washington and European governments. That brought new questions about relying on the United States to European capitals and left an opening for Beijing, which has been trying to woo back Europe over the past four years. On the sidelines in Munich, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held bilateral meetings with several top European officials, including EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, outgoing German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte. Spain's foreign minister seems to be at least more open to the idea of keeping China closer amid tensions with the United States. Jose Manuel Albares told the Financial Times that the European Union should craft its own China policy and not follow the more confrontational line with Beijing advocated by those in the Trump administration. "Europe must take its own decisions, on its own. And we have to decide when China can be a partner and when China is a competitor," Albares told the newspaper. How We Got Here: During Trump's first term in office, Washington pushed European governments to take a harder line on China. That led to the bloc labeling China a "systemic rival" in 2019. The Chinese government's untransparent handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, trade, human rights, and supply chain concerns, and Beijing's backing of Russia throughout the war in Ukraine all saw that harder line solidify in Europe under former U.S. President Joe Biden's tenure. Now amid growing transatlantic tensions, some European governments see following Trump's tough stance on China as a way to win over Washington. Others, like the Spanish government, are arguing to preserve vital economic ties with Beijing, especially amid growing uncertainty about the United States. This has even led to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, one of Brussels's more hawkish voices on China, calling in January for a new effort to improve relations between Brussels and Beijing. A True Rift? Tensions on each side of the Atlantic are real. Following his party's victory in elections on February 23, Friedrich Merz, Germany's chancellor-in-waiting for the conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU), said the Trump administration "does not care much about the fate of Europe" and that the Continent needs to act accordingly. "My absolute priority will be to strengthen Europe as quickly as possible so that, step by step, we can really achieve independence from the U.S.A.," he said. Talk of a seismic shift in the geopolitical order is also under way in Brussels. One EU official recently back from discussions with U.S. officials told RFE/RL that the White House's focus is on ending the war in Ukraine and that there is a "take it or leave it" attitude from Washington. The Trump administration wants to "remove the Ukraine issue from the table and move on to other issues. It is becoming clear that Trump's goal is to rule the world together with Russia and China" and work toward "strategically separating them from each other," said the official, who was granted anonymity in order to discuss sensitive matters. Why It Matters: Europe may be grappling with a realignment, but that doesn't mean China is its only option to hedge. As European leaders like French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer visit Washington, von der Leyen is set to arrive in India on February 27. James Crabtree, a visiting fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations, told me that "it's hard to imagine a better time to re-energize Europe's and India's historically lackluster ties" and that a focus of the trip will be technology cooperation. "A meeting of the EU-India Trade and Technology Council -- only the second since its foundation in 2023 -- offers opportunities to deepen collaboration in areas ranging from artificial intelligence to clean technologies," he said. China may also be short on opportunities, with most EU members unable to look past its support for Russia amid the war in Ukraine. The bloc's most recent sanctions package passed on February 24 once again included Chinese companies and individuals. What is likely to emerge is a more fragmented Europe when it comes to China. While some governments look to countries like India, South Korea, and Japan to balance out their foreign policy, others -- such as the current Spanish government and Hungary -- will keep courting Chinese investment and create new openings for Beijing. Three More Stories From Eurasia 1. A Reverse Nixon? China publicly backed the Trump administration's recent talks with the Kremlin, but analysts and former U.S. officials I spoke with mostly said the prospect of a U.S.-Russia reset is also making Beijing "nervous" about having less leverage over its partner. The Details: "While a complete rapprochement might not be in the cards, they're nervous because if Trump lifts sanctions on Russia, then Moscow's dependency on China decreases," Dennis Wilder, who was a top White House China adviser to former U.S. President George W. Bush, told me. One of the hallmarks of Chinese leader Xi Jinping's foreign policy has been a burgeoning strategic partnership with Russian President Vladimir Putin that's grown closer since Moscow's full-scale invasion in February 2022. Beijing has propped up the Russian economy through enhanced trade and energy purchases while fueling the Kremlin's war effort with the supply of key goods as both Xi and Putin have found common ground in wanting to challenge the West and unseat the United States. The fear of all that being derailed by a new type of U.S.-Russia relationship born out of a negotiated end to the war in Ukraine is real for Beijing. Wilder says he's had conversations with "very senior Chinese officials" since Trump's election in November who have expressed concern about a potential U.S.-Russia reset. He says they've used the phrase "Only Trump goes to Moscow," a play on the historical reference to former U.S. President Richard Nixon's landmark visit to Beijing in 1972, when he defied precedent and courted China to exploit its split with the Soviet Union at the height of the Cold War. 2. But Can It Work? A grand bargain would be a major diplomatic feat, but it's something Trump administration officials have hinted at in public comments of late. What You Need To Know: The Trump administration has made clear it sees managing a long-term rivalry with China as its top foreign policy objective and may look to deprioritize regions like Europe and the Middle East in order to raise pressure on Beijing in Asia. Following the talks in Riyadh, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the possibility for future "geopolitical and economic cooperation" between Washington and Moscow was among the key points discussed. And in an interview this month with The Wall Street Journal, U.S. Vice President JD Vance said Washington was prepared to reset the relationship with the Kremlin following an agreement over Ukraine as a move to end Russia's isolation and its growing dependence on China since the war began. "It's not in Putin's interest to be the little brother in a coalition with China," Vance said. The thinking is that even new cracks between the two powers may loosen Moscow's alignment with Beijing and could have a deterrent effect on China, especially if it decides to use military force to take Taiwan. Still, both Beijing and Moscow are aware of what the White House is trying to do, and Beijing has made a point to show it and Moscow are still a tandem, including a recent phone call between Putin and Xi on the third anniversary of the war in Ukraine. Steve Tsang, director of SOAS University London's China Institute, told me he believes Washington's efforts to reset its Russia ties are also not all bad news for Beijing. "Xi does not want Putin to fail in the war, and so Trump delivering a peace that mostly meets Russian conditions is a positive," he said. "Who knows who will be the next U.S. president and if there will be a reversal of U.S. posture post-Trump." 3. Taiwan Watches A New U.S. Line On Ukraine Ukrainians living in Taiwan and local supporters protested outside the de-facto Russian Embassy in Taipei on the eve of the third anniversary of Moscow's invasion. What It Means: The self-governing island has been a vocal supporter of Kyiv, which the Taiwanese government sees as a foil for its own tenuous geopolitical position where China has long threatened to invade and annex Taiwan if it refused to peacefully accept unification. Those parallels have grown since Trump's election. The United States is Taiwan's largest military backer and its support is considered vital for its survival, but Trump's global shakeup, including launching negotiations with Russia without Ukraine and threatening to cut off future aid to Kyiv, has brought anxiety to Taiwan about a similar withdrawal of American assistance. When I was in Taiwan in December, I spoke with several senior officials who said they were closely watching what happened to Kyiv on the battlefield and with the new U.S. administration. So far, the White House has reaffirmed its support for Taiwan, but Washington has also threatened tariffs on the island's semiconductor industry, which is responsible for around 60 percent of world production for microchips and 90 percent of the most-advanced ones needed for the global AI boom. Across The Supercontinent Choking Off Iranian Oil: Earlier this month, the United States brought in a new tranche of sanctions on Iranian oil, my colleague Kian Sharifi and I reported . The move is seen as an opening shot against Tehran and Beijing -- Iran's top oil customer. New Bridge Deal: The Transport Ministry of Tajikistan and the Tajik branch of the Chinese company Zhejiang Communications Construction Group (ZCCC) signed a cooperation agreement for the construction of what will be the longest road bridge in Central Asia. New Tools For Tashkent: Uzbekistan showcased on February 25 newly purchased Chinese-made air-defense systems, including the FM-90 short-range surface-to-air missile system and the KS-1C medium-to-long-range air-defense system. One Thing To Watch A Chinese-crewed cargo ship is detained in Taiwan's southern port of Tainan after a key Taiwan-Penghu Internet cable was mysteriously severed. Taiwanese prosecutors are investigating whether this was an accident or part of a broader pattern of disruptions to vital communication lines, but the country's Coast Guard released footage of them apprehending the vessel. The move comes amid growing tensions from a rise of so-called gray zone tactics, the term often used by Taiwanese officials to refer to the hybrid tactics used to intimidate the island but which remain below the threshold for war. That's all from me for now. Don't forget to send me any questions, comments, or tips that you might have. Until next time, Reid Standish Moldovans voted in a presidential runoff on November 3. After casting their ballots in the capital, Chisinau, both runoff rivals referred to suspicions of foreign meddling. "There are thieves who want to buy our votes and our country," said incumbent President Maia Sandu. After the first round, which was held on October 20 together with a referendum on a pro-EU constitutional amendment, Sandu accused "criminal groups" of vote-buying attempts. Sandu's rival, former Prosecutor-General Alexandr Stoianoglo, often portrayed as pro-Russian, told reporters: "I have no ties with Kremlin representatives." Moldovan voters appeared to be united around the wish for a better future as they elected a new president on November 3. In the capital, Chisinau, an explicitly pro-EU voter told RFE/RL: "We want to be where life is better." Another voter talked about "peace," a resonating topic amid Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine, a country that borders Moldova. A senior aide to President Vladimir Putin has rejected any temporary cease-fire with Ukraine just hours before a US delegation arrived in Russia for talks with Moscow where they will urge the Kremlin to agree to a 30-day cease-fire proposal or face sanctions. Ukraine Invasion: News & Analysis RFE/RL's Ukraine Live Briefing gives you the latest developments on Russia's invasion, Western military aid, the plight of civilians, and territorial control maps. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war, click here. Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov said in an interview broadcast on state television on March 13 that U.S. President Donald Trump's proposed cease-fire, which Kyiv has agreed to, would only give Ukraine time to recover from pressure Russia has been exerting on its troops. "I have stated our position that this is nothing other than a temporary respite for the Ukrainian military, nothing more," said Ushakov, Ushakov, who has more than half a century of involvement in diplomacy and is considered to be the Kremlin's chief foreign policy adviser. He added that he had laid out Moscow's position in a phone call to US national-security adviser Mike Waltz a day earlier. "It seems to me that no one needs any steps that (merely) imitate peaceful actions in this situation," he said, noting that Russia wants a long-term settlement that addresses its interests and concerns into account. During a March 12 White House meeting with Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin, Trump expressed confidence about securing a cease-fire for Ukraine and said that U.S. negotiators were traveling to Russia right now, as we speak. On March 13, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed that the US team reportedly headed up by Trump's special envoy. The state news agency TASS later reported that the envoy, Steve Witkoff, had arrived in Moscow. Trump had earlier told reporters that Russia "has no way out but cease-fire. If needed, we will sanction it, but I hope we won't need to." The US President has made ending Russia's more than three-year full-scale invasion of Ukraine a top priority since taking office for a second term less than two months ago, quickly dispatching his top officials to Moscow and Kyiv to prepare the groundwork for peace talks. His latest comments on the war come after Kyiv agreed to the temporary cease-fire plan following nine hours of talks with Trump administration officials in Saudi Arabia. At the same time, it is unclear how interested Russia is in the idea, with Russian President Vladimir Putin expected to speak on Ukraine on March 13 after talks with Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko. "Regrettably, for more than a day already, the world has yet to hear a meaningful response from Russia to the proposals made," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in a post on X on March 13. "This once again demonstrates that Russia seeks to prolong the war and postpone peace for as long as possible. We hope that U.S. pressure will be sufficient to compel Russia to end the war," he added. Putin Visits Kursk As Trump spoke at the White House, Russian President Vladimir Putin was donning combat fatigues for a visit to troops in Russia's Kursk region, where fierce fighting is currently taking place and Moscow's forces are advancing. Ukraine seized a swath of the Kursk region in a stealth incursion in August, a move seen as an effort to divert Russian forces from eastern Ukraine and use the territory as a bargaining chip in any peace talks. That strategy is now at risk of failing as Russian forces slowly push the Ukrainians out of Kursk, having retaken more than half the territory initially captured by Ukraine. During his visit to Kursk -- his only visit since the incursion began -- Putin urged his troops to retake the region in its entirety "as soon as possible." He also said that captured Ukrainian soldiers would be treated as "terrorists." In an interview with Current Time, the editor in chief of Novaya Gazeta Evropa, Kirill Martynov, said that the US proposal of a cease-fire free of additional conditions had angered pro-war elements in Russian society, including so called Z-Channels on Telegram. Putins appearance in military garb was a response, said Martynov, and a way of showing this more aggressive group of citizens that everything is under control, and he continues to wage war. Absolutely in his style, after the situation has improved [in the Kursk region], he appears and takes credit for what is happening, Martynov said. Unconfirmed reports on March 12 indicated that Ukraine has begun to draw back units as Russian officials claimed their troops had captured more settlements, including Sudzha, the largest settlement that Ukraine had taken in the offensive. Ukraine's top military commander, General Oleksandr Syrskiy, said that fighting continued in and around Sudzha. "Despite increased pressure from the Russian and North Korean forces, we will maintain the defense of the Kursk region as long as it is appropriate and necessary," Syrskiy wrote on Telegram. In a Facebook post, Syrskiy said that saving soldiers lives is a priority and that Ukrainian troops would "maneuver to more favorable positions, if necessary," wording often used to describe a retreat. Concessions? Trump has so far used Washington's significant leverage over Ukraine -- namely military aid and intelligence sharing -- to get Kyiv to agree to the cease-fire proposal, which, if implemented, would leave almost 20 percent of the country in Russia's hands for the time being at least. The United States announced after the talks in Saudi Arabia that it would immediately lift the pause on intelligence sharing and restore military aid to Ukraine, which could be a boost to Ukrainian forces, whose battlefield positions have been under heavy pressure, particularly in Kursk. Trump lacks that kind of leverage with Russia, which has navigated sweeping US and European sanctions placed on its economy following the invasion much better than most experts forecasted. Putin may seek to drag out talks with Washington over a cease-fire to improve Russia's position on the battlefield, experts say, and hence at the negotiating table when and if Moscow and Kyiv hammer out a peace deal. Trump has also hinted that Ukraine would have to make concessions on land, something more and more experts say is inevitable given Russia's momentum on the battlefield. "When we talk cease-fire [with Ukraine], we talked land, who's withdrawing -- we discussed a lot of things [with Ukraine]," Trump said. "We don't want to waste time, people are dying. Russia is not in the best situation now. I hope [Putin] gets a cease-fire." Trump has said fresh sanctions could do "very unpleasant, very bad things, devastating for Russia," but has offered few details. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy praised the cease-fire proposal and said he hoped it would be used as a draft for a lasting peace deal that included security guarantees for Ukraine. "It's now up to Russia what is next," he said at a March 12 press conference, and whether "it wants to continue its aggression against Ukraine or not." Moscow has so far declined to comment on the specifics of the proposal for the 30-day cease-fire. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Moscow was "carefully studying" the joint US-Ukraine statement issued following the Jeddah talks and will wait to comment until Russian negotiators receive more detailed information from Washington. Reaction on the streets of Moscow, however, was mixed, with one man saying that "agreeing to a truce now, when the enemy is weakened, is completely inappropriate and wrong." But others welcomed the news. "We just want this to end as soon as possible so that people stop dying," said one woman in the Russian capital. "So many have already perished." Meanwhile, on the streets of Kyiv, some Ukrainians told RFE/RL's Current Time that they doubted whether Russia would sign on to, and adhere to, a cease-fire deal. "I'm not sure what to say, but it all seems implausible, frankly speaking," said one Kyiv man, while a woman in the capital said the cease-fire talks were "meaningless without Russia taking part." US President Donald Trump said he sees a "very good chance" for peace between Ukraine and Russia after "very good and productive discussions" between US officials and Russian President Vladimir Putin. In a March 14 post on his Truth Social site, Trump also said the United States had urged Russia to spare the lives of "thousands" of Ukrainian soldiers that Putin has said have been isolated by Russian troops in Russia's Kursk region. Ukraine disputes that claim. The post came just hours after the Kremlin said it was "cautiously optimistic" following a meeting late on March 13 between Putin and US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff. "We had very good and productive discussions with President Vladimir Putin of Russia yesterday, and there is a very good chance that this horrible, bloody war can finally come to an end," Trump wrote. Trump added that "thousands of Ukrainian troops are completely surrounded by the Russian military, and in a very bad and vulnerable position." "I have strongly requested to President Putin that their lives be spared," he wrote. "This would be a horrible massacre, one not seen since World War II." Putin said a day earlier that a group of Ukrainian troops were "isolated" in the Kursk region, the site of a surprise incursion by Ukrainian forces last August. Responding to Trump's plea on March 14, he said the soldiers' lives would be spared if they surrendered and urged Kyiv to order them to do so. Officials in Kyiv have said that while Ukrainian forces have been slowly withdrawing in the Kursk region under heavy pressure from Russian troops, but the armed forces general staff said on March 14 that "[r]eports of the alleged 'encirclement' of Ukrainian units...in the Kursk region are false and fabricated." "There is no threat of encirclement of our units," it said in a statement on social media. Zelenskyy Challenges Putin's Motives Earlier on March 14, Putin's spokesman said there were grounds for "cautious optimism" over Trump's 30-day cease-fire proposal, which Ukraine accepted earlier this week at talks with US officials in Saudi Arabia. Ukraine, meanwhile, questioned Moscow's sincerity in ending the war, which is now in its fourth year since Russia's full-scale invasion on February 2022. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters in Moscow that Putin sent Trump a message about his cease-fire proposal after his talks with Witkoff in the Russian capital. "When Mr Witkoff brings all the information to President Trump, we will determine the timing of a conversation (between Trump and Putin). There are reasons to be cautiously optimistic," Peskov said. Putin said a day earlier that he agrees in principle with the US proposal for a temporary cease-fire with Ukraine, but added that "there are nuances," such as Western weapons deliveries to Kyiv, that he wants addressed first. The Russian leader also said any agreement should lead to long-term peace that addresses the "root" reasons for the war, an apparent reference to NATO expansion and other developments Putin claims have put Russia's security in jeopardy. In a video posted late on March 13, Zelenskyy questioned Putin's motives, saying the Russian leader was preparing to reject the proposal but was afraid to tell Trump. "That's why in Moscow they are imposing upon the idea of a cease-fire these conditions -- so that nothing happens at all, or so that it cannot happen for as long as possible," Zelenskyy said. He followed up on March 14 with a post on social media accusing the Kremlin of trying to "complicate and drag out the process." "Russia is the only party that wants the war to continue and diplomacy to break down," he said on X after a call with the Secretary of State of the Holy See, cardinal Pietro Parolin. Putin's Response To Trump's Pressure Kyiv agreed to Trump's 30-day cease-fire proposal at a meeting in Jeddah on March 11, putting the onus for peace in Moscow's lap. Putin's response threw the ball back into US hands, at least to some degree. Trump called Putin's initial reaction to peace talk developments "promising" but incomplete, though he added he hoped Russia would "do the right thing" and agree to the deal. "I think the Russians are keen not to be seen as the intransigent party as that could lead to consequences from Trump, such as sanctions. So that informed Putin's comments today," John Hardie, deputy director of the Russia Program at Foundation for Defense of Democracies, a Washington-based think tank, told RFE/RL. Trump has made ending the war in Ukraine a top priority since taking office for a second term less than two months ago, and is wielding US leverage to get both Kyiv and Moscow to the table. On March 13, the US administration heightened pressure on Russia by increasing restrictions on the country's oil, gas, and banking sectors. Among the measures, the Treasury Department was allowing the expiration of a 60-day exemption put in place in January by the Biden administration that let some energy transactions involving sanctioned Russian banks continue. The move would make it more difficult for other nations, especially in Europe, to buy Russian oil. Meanwhile, the foreign ministers from the Group of Seven (G7) -- which includes the United States, Canada, UK, France, Germany, Italy, and Japan -- said they discussed imposing more sanctions on Russia and boosting support for Ukraine if the Kremlin does not agree to the cease-fire. Among the measures discussed during the March 13-14 meeting were caps on the price for Russian oil exports, they said in a joint statement. Western nations in late 2022 imposed a $60-a-barrel price cap on the export of Russian oil using Western ships or insurance. It is unclear if the G7 discussions touched on lowering the price cap. Russia's economy is heavily dependent on oil exports, which account for a third of federal budget revenues. In a joint statement following the meeting, the G7 said that "we reaffirmed our unwavering support for Ukraine in defending its territorial integrity and right to exist, and its freedom, sovereignty, and independence." "We welcomed ongoing efforts to achieve a ceasefire, and in particular the meeting on March 11 between the US and Ukraine in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia," it added. Putin also said there were several unanswered questions in the proposal, such as what to do about Ukraine's incursion into Russia's Kursk region. "If we have a cease-fire, does that mean that everyone there would leave?" Putin said. "Should we release them [Ukrainian troops] after they committed crimes against the population? Or would they surrender?" Ukraine denies committing such crimes, saying it abides by humanitarian law and does not target civilians. Why Should Russia Agree To A Cease-Fire? Kyiv seized a swath of the Kursk region in a stealth incursion in August, a move seen as an effort to divert Russian forces from eastern Ukraine and use the territory as a bargaining chip in any peace talks. That strategy is now failing as Russian forces supported by North Korean troops push the Ukrainians out of Kursk. Russia has regained more than half the territory in Kursk initially captured by Ukraine. Zelenskyy told reporters on March 14 that the situation in Kursk was "obviously very difficult." Among the other concerns Putin voiced about the cease-fire proposal is whether Ukraine would use the 30-day period to mobilize and train forces or rearm with the help of the West. He also raised the question of how the nearly 2,000-kilometer front would be monitored. Zelenskyy told reporters that the front could be monitored by US satellites. Experts had warned that Putin would likely seek to drag out cease-fire talks because his forces have the upper hand on the battlefield. Aside from the advances in Kursk, Russia is gaining territory in eastern Ukraine -- albeit at high human and material costs -- due to its significant manpower advantage. However, Zelenskyy said Ukraine has stopped Russian forces at the gates of Pokrovsk, a key logistical hub in Donetsk region, after months of fighting on the outskirts of the city. Zelenskyy asserted that the incursion into Kursk forced Russia to pull forces from eastern Ukraine, giving his troops time to defend the city. Russia is seeking to capture at a minimum the entirety of the four regions of Ukraine it claims to have annexed in September 2022: Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhya, and Kherson. A cease-fire freezing the current front lines would leave them short of that goal. "One way the Russians could slow down this process without coming out directly and saying 'no', is by dragging out those technical discussions on monitoring" the cease-fire, Hardie said. "That could also give them ways to try to pin the blame back on Ukraine, by insisting on certain technical matters that Ukraine might find objectionable," he said. A young Boyle man who passed away at the age of 22 was remembered at the Irish Kidney Associations 39th annual Service of Remembrance and Thanksgiving in Dublin. An estimated 1,600 people from across Ireland and beyond, including hundreds of families of deceased donors and transplant recipients, attended at the Church of the Holy Child, Whitehall, Dublin 9 for the unique service. Eileen and Seamus Barry from Boyle brought candles to the altar. Their son, Shane, was just 22 years old when he passed away over three decades ago and they have attended the Service of Remembrance almost every year since. The service is an important annual event on the calendar for many families of organ donors, many of whom make it a priority to attend every year. It serves as a meaningful opportunity to remember their loved ones and honour the gift of life their donations have provided to others, said a spokesperson for the organisers. It is an important occasion for remembering deceased loved ones who have in their death given the gift of life to others. It's an opportunity for grateful transplant recipients, their families and the wider organ donation and transplant community including Organ Donation Transplant Ireland, organ donor coordinators and transplant coordinators, and other healthcare professionals, to give thanks and pay tribute to organ donors for their precious gifts of life, added the spokesperson. Shane Barry, son of Seamus and Eileen from Boyle, who became an organ donor at the age of 22 when he passed away. The opening procession included fourth generation firefighter Ger Dolan in uniform, from Claddagh in Galway and stationed at Anglesea Fire Station in Cork city. Ger donated a kidney to his brother Jimmy in 2017 three months before his 18-year-old cousin Orla tragically died and her family selflessly donated her organs saving four lives. Orlas mother (Gers aunt) Dolores travelled from Cross, in County Mayo to participate in the service by carrying the Book of Remembrance, the roll of honour in which Orlas and other organ donors names are inscribed, to the altar. Following the service, organ donor families viewed the name of their deceased donor loved one inscribed in the Book of Remembrance. Here are the biggest stories leading Sundays front pages. A poll in the Sunday Independent shows the gap in public support between Fine Gael and Fianna Fail is tightening ahead of the expected general election. The Business Post reveals plans by both Fine Gael and Fianna Fail to woo middle class voters with tax cuts. The Taoiseach has been told by officials that a Donald Trump victory in the US presidential election would be the worst result for Ireland's economy, according to the Irish edition of The Sunday Times. The parents of a seven-month-old have called for an independent inquiry into how their baby died from suspected septic shock, the Irish Mail on Sunday reports. Sunday World reveals that two men linked to the Kinahan gang have opened up a coffee shop in Dublin city centre after their release from prison. Details of how hundreds of children died in State care have been published for the first time, the Irish Sunday Mirror says. Sunday Life has details of 10,000 text messages that a paedophile teacher exchanged with her teenage victim. A variety of royal stories lead the British front pages. The Sunday Times touts an exclusive, revealing the private property empires that fund Britain's King Charles and Prince of Wales are making millions from charges paid by the armed forces, hospitals, schools and big businesses. Meanwhile, the Sunday Mirror reveals scores of Williams rental properties are failing to meet energy standards. Sunday Mirror: Scandal of mouldy hard-to-heat royal rentals #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/EespxisKrf George Mann (@sgfmann) November 2, 2024 The Mail on Sunday reports the Palace held talks about potentially dropping the word empire from British honours, ditching references to the UKs colonial past. The Sunday Express splashes on RAF pilots being sent to the US for training because the UK is short of jets. Kemi Badenoch says the Conservatives need a fresh start as she is elected party leader, according to the Sunday Telegraph. The front page of tomorrow's Daily Telegraph: 'It's time for a fresh start'#TomorrowsPapersToday Sign up for the Front Page newsletterhttps://t.co/x8AV4Oomry pic.twitter.com/Ai48M7sjFm The Telegraph (@Telegraph) November 2, 2024 The Observer reports Labour has challenged Ms Badenoch to back British finance minister Rachel Reeves budget plans for increased tax, borrowing and spending. The Observer: Labour challenges Badenoch over billions for public services #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/kWHyu0bhJK George Mann (@sgfmann) November 2, 2024 Lastly, the Daily Star Sunday says local councils have banned Bonfire Night parties amid noise and smoke complaints. Srinagar Grenade Blast: 6 People Injured as militants lobbed grenade attack at Sunday Market Soon after the incident, the whole area was cordoned off to capture the attackers. Srinagar Grenade Blast, Jammu and Kashmir Latest News Today: At least 6 people were injured in a grenade blast that took place at the Sunday Market area of Central Kashmirs Srinagar district on Sunday. A top police officer told GNS that militants lobbed a grenade in a busy Market near TRC resulting in injuries to six people. Advertisement All of them have been immediately shifted to a nearby hospital for treatment. However, all are stable as they have received few splinters. Soon after the incident, the whole area was cordoned off to capture the attackers. The number of injuries could rise as this information is preliminary in nature. Advertisement More details to follow. (For more news apart from Srinagar Grenade Blast, Jammu and Kashmir Latest News Today, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman) Yogi Adityanath Latest News: Death Threat Issued to Uttar Pradesh CM in Baba Siddique Style The anonymous message echoes the ominous threats used in Baba Siddiques case. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath Death Threat Latest News: Amid a major sequence of death threats across the nation, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has reportedly received a death threat reminiscent of the one issued to former Maharashtra politician Baba Siddique, demanding that he step down within 10 days or face lethal consequences. In a shocking revelation revealed that the threat was issued by a woman who has been arrested by Mumbai Police. The anonymous message echoes the ominous threats used in Baba Siddiques case. The shocking development has raised serious security concerns around the Chief Minister. In the meanwhile, the authorities have been actively investigating the source of the threat. Advertisement This threat follows other high-profile death threats in India, including one issued against Bollywood superstar Salman Khan earlier this year. Reportedly, Salman Khan had been under heavy security after receiving threats allegedly from the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, a group reportedly angered over past controversies involving the Bollywood actor. Siddiques threat situation, much like Khans, led to a notable police response and bolstered security arrangements, as law enforcement aims to track down those responsible and prevent potential violence. (For more news apart from Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath Death Threat Latest News, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman) GLOBALink | One year into free trade zone, Xinjiang embraces further opening up Pub Date:24-11-03 19:17 Source:Xinhua Friday marks the first anniversary of the establishment of the China (Xinjiang) Pilot Free Trade Zone (FTZ). #GLOBALink Editor:Qin Shuying Related News BRICS expansion a boon for ASEAN China's Shenzhou-18 astronauts complete ha... Fabio Takes a Nocturnal Excursion into the... Xinhua Headlines: From ancient hub to mode... More than 70% of security breaches in the last decade have listed identity as the primary source of entry. It's something companies must get right. CyberArk VP Khizar Sultan says its solutions can identify and protect high-risk users, those whose job puts them in contact with valuable data and finances. CyberArk VP Identity Solutions Khizar Sultan has been in Australia to speak about critical security challenges at the CyberArk Impact World Tour in Sydney. CyberArk Impact is the company's big annual tech user conference, kicking off in the USA and then travelling over the globe to ensure it meets customers where they're at. There have been around 20 of these through Asia, Europe, and elsewhere, with Sydney taking place during October. There is certainly no shortage of things to talk about. While network administrators once spoke about the building as the 'network perimeter', today there is no perimeter. The entire Internet is your perimeter with remote working, 24x7x365 business, follow-the-sun models, and more. Yet, at the same time, cybercriminals show no sign of abating, only increasing their efforts. Identity remains a major weak point where companies are exploited, but CyberArk points out identities are exploding in scale. Fortunately, CyberArk is on the job. "The product protects workforce users, protecting their access to applications, and the entire user lifecycle," Sultan told iTWire. "It protects the high-risk workforce user - which could be anybody depending on what action they take or what they may be logging into, throughout the day." To illustrate, "imagine someone from the Finance team doing a normal part of their job like approving a purchase or making a transaction. These are high-risk actions, and they've become a high-risk workforce user while they perform that action." The high-risk user can change throughout the day, and is based on people's roles and actions. To be clear, it's not the user who is high-risk in themselves, but the actions they perform and their access to data, to systems, to finances, to confidential records, that make them high-risk at that time. Here's where CyberArk comes in; "we specialise in that persona. We provide additional capabilities and controls to protect the user, the session, the organisation from risk or threat," Sultan said. "Every department in the organisation has this concept of high-risk user," he said. Finance is an obvious example with access to company funds, "but consider an ancilliary department like Marketing," Sultan said. "They have access to social media accounts and these can be high risk. If an account or credential was compromised it can cause a lot of chaos. The attacker can use the social media accounts to execute a larger plan." It's the for sales, product, engineering, and all other departments across the business. Even software developers "who often sit outside a lot of the control schemes and tooling because of the nature of their job", Sultan said, who have access to API keys, sandbox environments, and other things living inside of their endpoints. You might not think of specific people in the business as "high-risk" but what they have access to needs to be protected all the same. However, "traditional tools in the market today - SSO, MFA, endpoint protection - don't cover for these," Sultan said. Instead, you need a new kind of tool. "We've introduced AI tools to read into user actions, events, and sessions, and see what type of actions users are taking. It can pick up insider threats or other indicators that something is occuring outside of normal activity, notifying the organisation and its administrators." Additionally, Sultan explained, CyberArk released its CyberArk secure browser earlier in the year. This is an enterprise-grade, security-first browser that CyberArk makes available for free to its CyberArk Identity Platform customers. "The CyberArk secure browser starts with the idea that today we interact with the organisation and apps in the cloud. Typically people use commercial browsers they download for free like Chrome, Edge, or Firefox," he said. Yet, "these browsers don't have your security or privacy in mind like an enterprise browser would, because they're trying to sell you ads. They don't have your productivity in mind." The CyberArk secure browser hones in security, privacy, and productivity. "It eliminates ad-tracking, eliminates the commercial-like delivery of information to the browser's owner, and so on," Sultan said. For enterprise administrators, the browser also provides a rich suite of controls baked right into the browser to help the organisation manage credentials and secured items, and turn off the ability for user's to exfilitrate credentials. In fact, "we have over 100 security controls inside the admin console," Sultan said. "The user identifies within the browser, which is turned on by default, and when navigating to any of your resources they will be more protected. It has session monitoring that snapshots every step taken when performing high-risk actions, and allows for auditing, as well as for AI to inspect and look for trends." This AI is known as CyberArk Cora AI, and it works through all the collected CyberArk telemetry data to find trends and patterns, learning about behaviour, and gaining general threat intelligence from the overall customer base. In other news, CyberArk has been deploying AI chatbots trained on its support and documentation sites to provide a greater experience for CyberArk administrators, allowing them to ask questions and get help in configuring and deploy their environment. Security is never-ending, of course, and Sultan told iTWire he and the company are now busy working on their 2025 roadmap. "What's coming next year will push the envelope to keep protecting the workforce," he said. "One of the really interesting things we're doing will be taking our endpoint solutions and merging them with identity solutions. It will enforce least-privilege and managed privilege on your machine so if you have CyberArk on your laptop the organisation could prevent you doing certain administrative items like plugging in a USB storage device, for example, or challenging for MFA when launching certain apps." Preventing ransomware is top of mind, Sultan explained. "We've got all these solutions that are in the endpoint story and we want to bring them together with the identity story. We're bringing those two together to protect every step of the user's digital journey." For example, Sultan said, "this morning you started your laptop and logged in via a password or touch ID or Windows Hello or something like that, and typically ended up in some sort of app like Office 365, Salesforce, Dropbox, whatever, to get your job done." "Protecting the workforce end-to-end every step of the way is what we're leaning heavily into next year, protecting every step from the endpoint to the app." "This is the vision and story my group talking about and building towards," Sultan said. Courtesy Bryan EslerImage Photo Local artists, like Bryan Esler's lakeshore at sunset panoramic image, contributed to the photo and video elements produced by Freshwater Digital. Photo by Tommy Allen Comfy furniture and the serene, soothing, immersive video landscape from Grand Rapids' Blandford Nature Center help neurodivergent travelers reconfigure before their flight. Photo by Tommy Allen Lisa Adams, director of Citizen HKS, and Nicole Chapman, senior designer with HKS, converse with Jon Cauchi, an inclusion consultant with DAKC. Photo by Tommy Allen HKS' designed this space with soft, sound-absorbing round panels to guide neurodivergent travelers to this cloud-like area, where weighted pillows offer comfort and calm while folks soak in natural light. Photo by Tommy Allen The Sensory Room includes an Airplane Simulation Zone where Delta Air Lines contributed seating for the simulation zone. Photo by Tommy Allen At the Sensory Room dedication, Tory Richardson, President and CEO of the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority, says West Michigan strives to embrace everyone. Photo by Tommy Allen GRR's Sensory Room dedication included a festive ribbon cutting. Being neurodivergent can be a daunting experience when it comes to air travel. From the loud noises of boarding announcements to the confined space of a plane, it can easily overwhelm those with sensory sensitivities.Gerald R. Ford International Airport has unveiled a new sensory room that offers a reprieve from the stresses of travel by providing a calming, immersive environment designed to make flying more accessible for all.The sensory room is the first of its kind in Michigan. It is located at the beginning of Concourse A. The space is tailored specifically for individuals on the autism spectrum or with sensory processing disorders, offering different zones that help ease the anxiety associated with travel. Whether its a space to decompress or an area to practice boarding a plane, the sensory room caters to a variety of needs."This space is designed to be a refuge for those who need a break from the sensory overload of traveling," says Nicole Chapman, senior designer with HKS, the architecture firm that designed the room. "Weve created areas that simulate various sensory experiences, allowing travelers to familiarize themselves with the process of boarding a plane, placing luggage, and even walking through a jet bridge."Chapman and her team worked closely with Disability Advocates of Kent County (DAKC) and other partners to develop the room, which incorporates zones that both stimulate and soothe."Air travel can be overwhelming for anyone, but for individuals with sensory sensitivities, it can be debilitating," explains Jon Cauchi, an inclusion consultant with DAKC. "This room is a game-changer in terms of inclusion, showing a commitment to welcoming travelers of all abilities."The sensory room is divided into four distinct zones:: A buffer between the bustling airport terminal and the sensory room, this area helps travelers adjust gradually to the quieter, more controlled environment inside.: Here, guests can engage in activities that stimulate their senses in a thoughtful, controlled manner. The zone includes an activity wall for fine motor skill development, along with playful graphics like a Cloudscape that softens bright light.: This tranquil space is inspired by nature and designed for those needing quiet time to recalibrate. It features calming elements like a faux fireplace, twinkling lights, and scenic videos from around Michigan, including jellyfish from a Michigan aquarium, landscapes from Grand Rapids' Blandford Nature Center, and scenes of a Lake Michigan lighthouse. For travelers looking to manage anxiety, a breathing exercise video is also available. The room is soundproof, ensuring a peaceful environment even amidst the airports bustle.: This interactive space allows travelers to practice the entire boarding process in a safe, low-pressure setting. Its especially beneficial for parents teaching their children how to navigate the experience of flying.For the last, Delta Air Lines contributed seating for the simulation zone, while Aero Bridge donated a portion of a jet bridge for the project.Lisa Adams, director of Citizen HKS, a division of HKS that focuses on public interest design work, sees this project as groundbreaking."This is the first airport sensory room Ive seen that incorporates multiple modalities of sensory sensitivities. We aimed to offer a balance between refuge and stimulation because many individuals on the spectrum experience extreme sensory sensitivity," Adams says. "Providing a space for them to recalibrate is critical, but offering the right kind of sensory stimulation in a thoughtful way can also help prevent them from feeling overwhelmed during their travels."The sensory room is part of Michigans second-biggest airport's broader commitment to accessibility and inclusion. Adult care stations and other inclusive features have been added to enhance the travel experience for everyone."We want people to know that this is West Michigan, a place that embraces everyone," says Tory Richardson, President and CEO of the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority. "Weve been intentional in making sure all travelers, including those with disabilities, feel welcome."The sensory room is receiving positive feedback, and plans are underway to raise awareness through social media campaigns and tours. The goal is to ensure that travelers and their families know about this new resource."This is more than just a room, its a symbol of our commitment to accessibility," Richardson adds. "Were excited to offer this space and provide a welcoming environment for all travelers, regardless of their abilities."This series is made possible through a partnership with Centers for Independent Living organizations across West Michigan. Now backed by two of the worlds largest owners of critical infrastructure, the Australian climate tech platform has cemented its position as a global leader in energy transition and resiliency enablement The round was anchored by a consortium led by EQT (a leading global investment organisation), with participation from Partners Group (one of the largest firms in the global private markets industry) and Square Peg Capital (one of the companys earliest investors). Additional support was provided from existing investors Skip Capital and Prosus Ventures. The funding will accelerate Nearas global operations across the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe, and Asia Pacific as the company continues to address increasing energy resilience and infrastructure modernisation challenges. Nearas 3D digital modelling technology enables utilities to adopt a more proactive approach to network optimisation through simulations surfacing safety and reliability risks and identifying the most effective remediation actions. Through Neara, utility partners perform critical analysis in just hours and days that would otherwise take months or years. This analysis enables utilities to execute faster and make more informed decisions on issues ranging from routine operations and load growth planning, emergency scenario response strategies, and double and triple-digit million-dollar grid hardening decisions without the need for verification from manual surveys. Originally launched in Australia in 2019, Neara has become a global climate tech leader expanding and now scaling into North America and Europe to accelerate the clean energy transition. Nearas technology has modelled over 12 million infrastructure assets covering more than 2.4 million kilometres across four continents, improving network risk assessment and enhancing reliability and resilience. Nearas extensive work navigating the complexities of Australias clean energy transition with local network utilities including Essential Energy, Ausgrid, Endeavour Energy, Powercor, and SA Power Networks, has supported its accelerated expansion into new markets. Nearas global utility partners now include CenterPoint Energy and Southern California EdisonESB Networks (Ireland), Scottish Power (UK), and Hedno (Greece). in the US. Its European team has grown four-fold over the last twelve months with customers spanning ESB Networks (Ireland), Scottish Power (UK), and Hedno (Greece). As global energy challenges intensify, government bodies are recognising the importance of technology in informing data-driven decision-making and aligning stakeholders on essential projects to ensure timely funding and execution. Nearas network-wide simulations help utilities gain regulatory support by objectively demonstrating how proposed upgrades, including wind-resistant poles and flood-resilient network design, will improve reliability and resiliency. Through the platforms capabilities, global utilities are identifying and addressing potential outage risks 9x faster, restoring power 3x faster and bringing new infrastructure online 85 per cent faster. We are asking the grid to do more in the next 10 years than we have in the last 50. Neara helps strengthen critical infrastructure to keep global communities safe, connected, and economically viable despite intensifying severe weather, age, and overuse. Reliable, affordable, clean energy depends on resilient high-functioning infrastructure, which demands the laser-focused, fast decision-making were empowering for utilities, said Jack Curtis, Chief Commercial Officer at Neara. Nearas technology is playing a central role in the global energy transition by significantly simplifying the traditionally complex challenges of transmission design and construction hurdles. Nearas simulation functionality also empowers utilities to optimise existing infrastructure, accelerating the integration of renewable energy sources by sourcing untapped network capacity. Neara will also expand its modelling and simulation capabilities to address new critical infrastructure sectors including telecommunications and public transportation. Neara is already supporting broadband infrastructure projects in the US, helping providers fast-track efforts to connect underserved communities. This investment marks EQT's first venture growth investment in an Australia-headquartered company, highlighting our ambition to support world-class platforms from early growth partnerships through to large-cap buyouts. We are excited to further advance Neara's growth and impact by leveraging our global network and expertise across energy transition, infrastructure augmentation and best-in-class software development," said Frank Heckes, Partner on the EQT Private Equity advisory team and Co-Head of EQT Private Capital Australia and New Zealand. "EQT is focused on making responsible investments that address global challenges and drive innovation for a better future. Neara exemplifies this by empowering mission-critical service providers to enhance infrastructure reliability and efficiency, unlocking bottlenecks, and accelerating energy transition in key markets, added Sam Franklin, Managing Director on the EQT Infrastructure advisory team. Cyrus Driver, Managing Director at Partners Group, said, "In many cases, infrastructure is lagging behind rapidly changing societal needs, including across the energy grid, transportation, and digital infrastructure. As a result, its never been more important that every dollar invested in infrastructure demonstrably improves performance. Nearas industry-leading technology is essential for every asset owner to run high-functioning and resilient infrastructure. We have deep thematic conviction in Neara's offering and we are already working with management on multiple opportunities to deploy its solutions within Partners Group's global network." James Tynan, Partner at Square Peg, explained, For most of us, infrastructure is invisible until there is a problem, but then it can be a matter of life and death. With infrastructure under pressure like never before, Nearas unique ability to help intelligently and cost-effectively manage these critical assets could not be more important. At Square Peg, we concentrate our investments around a small number of outlier teams attacking critical, global problems, and were proud to be continuing to back Neara almost four years into our journey with them. To receive more information please visit https://neara.com/. What kind of music do you listen to when you're reading? That's one question. My quick answer would be composers like Max Richter, whose lit credentials include the soundtracks to TV series based on Tom Perrotta's The Leftovers and Elena Ferrante's novels (My Brilliant Friend), or sometimes medieval choral music--something that accompanies the reading experience rather than distracts from it. My serious musically-inclined friends would be appalled if I said that part out loud. The music is the experience, they would insist. It's not background noise. And they would, of course, be right, which is why I tend not to tell them about my music/reading habit. And I've never read a book during a live concert, so there's that. But one of my favorite authors, Jonathan Coe, recently told the Guardian that he "takes himself off to a classical concert when he's stuck with his writing. Some authors walk it out, or nap to get around a mental brick wall, but for Coe, who at 63 is publishing his 15th novel, the experience of 'sitting there for two or three hours with your thoughts wandering, but in a disciplined way because the music is guiding them' can help resolve the toughest of literary puzzles. The process works particularly well, he adds mildly, at those concerts 'where you're not really into the music.' " More than half of my work life was spent in music-infused retail environments, beginning with a supermarket job in the 1970s. To this day, I retain a distinct, spine-tingling memory of the butcher's band saw whining in counterpoint to Muzak. This is perhaps one reason why '60s flower children like myself remain a little bewildered. How could we psychologically process a catatonic string arrangement of "The Age of Aquarius," accompanied by steel cutting through flesh and bone? Booksellers have a different relationship with music. Many, perhaps even most, bookshops have music playing in the background on the sales floor. Sometimes they host live performances by local musicians. By the 1990s, when I became a bookseller, there were logical retail grounds for inflicting piped music on bookstore customers in the form of increased CD sales. Playing a select rotation of CDs--soft jazz or classical or folk, minimal words--not only fostered a certain aural calm, it also consistently sparked patron's interest, despite moments of confusion: Customer: "What's that playing? Do you have the CD in stock?" Me (listening closely for the first time in hours, having instinctively learned how to not hear the endless music loop): "That? It's... Let me check. (quick glance at CD cases by stereo) It's George Winston's Forest." Customer: "I think it's beautiful. Don't you?" Me: "Um, sure... Let me show you where to find it." (Customer follows, whistling an unrecognizable tune in the spirit of George Winston.) During the holiday season, we sold buckets of seasonally-appropriate CDs, thanks to a lush wave of piped Yuletide tunes, ranging from solemn to jolly, punctuated at regular intervals by our PA system's semi-desperate calls for assistance at the customer service stations. Now that was an odd bit of accompaniment to carols: "Oh, Holy night, the... 'We need help at the front service desk, please!' ...of our dear Savior's birth." Music is still in the air at most bookstores I visit now, and I like the fact that not every shop feels compelled to play only quiet stuff, the piped music equivalent of library shushing. While few bookstores would get away with cranking the volume to 11, the range of music played in-store expanded admirably, even as CD sales lost their bookstore lives. Music has many bookshop applications. On social media, #BookTok rules. At this year's TikTok Book Awards U.K. and Ireland, Melissa McFarlane, operations manager at TikTok U.K. & Nordics, said: "This year's longlist was a true celebration of what makes the BookTok ecosystem unique, from romantasy epics to our much-loved local book shops.... It has been humbling to see the impact this community of book lovers is having not only on the sales and discovery of books, but the lives of new authors and young readers. We cannot wait to see what the future has in store for literature fans everywhere!" But bookstore videos on every platform almost require a soundtrack, whether the subject is a bookseller cat (Ratty Books, Jeffersonville, N.Y.), finding your soulmate, '80s style (Bookish, Modesto, Calif.), a rainy day (Black Cat Books & Oddities, Medina, Ohio), or enhancing your Halloween spirit with "Bad Reputation" (Bleak House Books, Honeoye Falls, N.Y.). And speaking of Joan Jett, the Booksmiths, Danbury, Conn., posted a pre-work musical observation on Instagram: "Even before work, Saw this on my way into work. Be yourself. Yeah. I was blasting Joan Jett and rocking it out with myself. I love this song ." Where else am I hearing bookstore music lately? Well, to showcase events at Loyalty Bookstore, Washington, D.C., and Belmont Bookshop, Belmont, N.C. The most popular option, logically enough, is to use music to accompany book recommendations. Among the stores doing so recently were the Pretty Posy, Overland Park, Kan., Ink & Paper Bookstore, Cazenovia, N.Y., Urban Reads Bookstore, Baltimore, Md., the Family Bookshop, Deland, Fla., Chapter Book Lounge, Noblesville, Ind., and Betty's Books, Webster Groves, Mo. What does the future hold? Who knows, but I bet it will have something to do with Artificial Intelligence (not a big stretch as predictions go). Do I hear somebody queuing up "Daisy" from 2001: A Space Odyssey? STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Friends of Firefighters (FOF), a not-for-profit organization, has recently launched The Bravest Children program to address the mental health needs of FDNY families. Established in the wake of 9/11, The Bravest Children program was designed to deliver care to the FDNY community and provide mental health care to the children of New Yorks Bravest. Friends of Firefighters is the leading independent provider of free and confidential mental health counseling and wellness services for active and retired FDNY firefighters and their families. In recent years, FOF has experienced a rise in demand for mental health services, with nearly a 50% increase in clients and a 300% rise in counseling sessions over the last five years. As the suicide rates among firefighters remain nearly double that of the general population and the likelihood of dying by suicide greater than the line of duty, FOF is dedicated to dismantling the stigmas surrounding mental health care in the firefighting community. The Bravest Children program is a new initiative aimed at supporting the youngest members of the FDNY family by providing group sessions for children aged 6-11 at FOFs historic firehouse in Red Hook, Brooklyn. These sessions create a safe space for children to express their feelings and develop healthy coping mechanisms alongside peers who share similar experiences. As needs dictate, the program will expand to include other age ranges and family participation. With the demand for our mental health services at an all-time highunderscored by a record 4,500 counseling sessions last year The Bravest Children offers a vital lifeline to the youngest members of our firefighting community helping to ensure the children of those who serve and protect our city receive the care and attention they deserve, said Nancy Carbone, Executive Director of Friends of Firefighters. We are profoundly grateful to council members and leaders, whose advocacy has made this essential program possible. The launch of this program was made possible by $70,000 in discretionary funding from local elected officials, including New York City Council Members and Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella. Of this, Fossella, a long-time supporter of FOF, contributed $10,000. The Bravest Children program marks a significant milestone in FOFs mission to deliver comprehensive care to the FDNY community. For more information on Friends of Firefighters, check out their website, Instagram, and Facebook. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. In a celebration honoring the 164th birthday of Girl Scout founder Juliette Gordon Low, Girl Scout troops from St. Clares School, Great Kills, recently gathered to welcome the first baby girl born on or after Oct. 31 at Staten Island University Hospital (SIUH). According to a press release from the hospital, the Girl Scouts assembled five gift baskets filled with baby essentials to give families of newborn baby girls, in celebration of their founder, who was born more than a century ago. Forty Girl Scouts from three troops at St. Clares School visited the hospital for the First Baby Born service project. Whats the saying we make plans and God laughs? We had hoped for a baby girl born on the 31st to celebrate, but all babies born on Halloween turned out to be boys. I was a little disappointed not to welcome a girl on the 31st, but were thrilled to celebrate two girls born today, said Milazim Durakovic, senior director of operations at SIUH, referring to Nov. 1. Girl Scouts from St. Clare's School in Great Kills assembled five gift baskets filled with baby essentials to give to families of newborn baby girls as part of the First Born Service project. (Courtesy of Staten Island University Hospital)Staten Island University Hospital The girls were lauded by their the Interim CEO of Girl Scouts of Greater New York, Karen Lundgard. In a statement Lundgard said, Were thrilled to see the sixth-grade troops at St. Clare bring our Girl Scout values to life by celebrating Juliette Lows birthday in such a meaningful way. Through the First Baby Born service project, these young leaders are exemplifying our mission of courage, confidence and character by giving back to their community and collaborating to create a joyful welcome for Staten Islands newest resident. She went on to say that she could not be more proud of their hard work, generosity and teamwork. Durakovic added that there were enough supplies to be able to divide the baskets among two families who welcomed baby girls on Nov. 1. Hi Neighbor, Complain about the economy all you want. Its sticker shock at the supermarket checkout line. But as much as high prices hit us in the pocketbook, Tuesdays election hinges on one thing the immigration crisis. Kamala Harris says she wants to fix it. My presidency will not be a continuation of Joe Bidens presidency, she assured Americans. But Donald Trump has elevated the immigration conversation to the point where a lot of us worry less about nuclear war than we do about migrant shelters in our neighborhood. There is no doubt U.S. immigration policy is a mess. But has anyone really considered what Trumps pledge of mass deportation would mean? If hes elected and does what he swears he will do . . . Good luck with your landscaping. Good luck having dinner in your favorite restaurant, or your go-to fast-food joint. Good luck getting your brick steps repaired, your roof replaced, your living room painted. Or finding a home health aide, or someone to clean your home. Our economy is built on these workers legal or not. There is no one more familiar with the immigrant population on Staten Island, the Rev. Terry Troia. Rev. Troia has headed Staten Islands homeless agency, Project Hospitality, for decades. She doesnt sit behind a desk. She patrols our streets on the coldest nights, looking for people without homes, and in so many cases, gets those people back on track. She helps them find shelter and employment. I asked Rev. Troia for her thoughts on what mass deportation would mean for Staten Island. Ill let her tell you directly. By the Rev. Troia For more than 400 years, immigrants have been coming to Staten Island to seek refuge from religious or political persecution or for a better way of life. Eleven million of them were forced into migration -- torn from their families and lands on the African continent and forced to build the America whose wealth we now enjoy. From the first French Huguenots and Belgic Walloons, to enslaved Africans who were brought to Staten Island by European slave traders in those same years, to the Irish who fled the Potato Famine of the early 20th Century, to the Italians brought to America as skilled artisans and construction workers, a few years after the Irish, Staten Island has been a welcome ground for new immigrants. And the burgeoning Eastern European Jewish families who also settled at the turn of the 20th Century, fleeing pogroms in Russia and banishment from nations elsewhere in Europe. In the 60s to 70s, new arrivals on Staten Island included Albanian immigrants, South Asians from India, Sri Lanka and Pakistan, as well as Asians from Korea, the Philippines and China. In the early 80s, a significant population of Mexicans began emigrating to our Staten Island shores. Many came from agricultural farm work in the south to find employment in off seasons. From orange picking in Florida and sweet potato picking in North Carolina, our southern border neighbors took up New York construction work that was once the turf of southern and eastern Europeans. Mexicans migrated to neighborhoods that were near major expressways on Staten Island in the hope of being spotted for work in the mornings. From Port Richmond, on the outskirts of two major expressway crossings, 440 from the Bayonne Bridge and 278 from the Goethals to the Verrazano Bridge, Mexican laborers stood on the corner of major thoroughfares, access roads to the highways and the main street of Port Richmond, waiting to be picked up for daily work. The Mexican laborers and others from neighboring countries -- Guatemala and Honduras primarily -- who called Staten Island home would return in the winter months to Mexico or do produce picking in our southern states, as construction opportunities waned in the winter months. When 9/11 struck and immigrant workers from Windows on the World restaurant were counted among the 3,000 fallen New Yorkers, life changed for all immigrant workers. Stringent border security, a necessary response to a terrorist attack, led to many immigrant workers, not able to cross a closed border to go home again. Day laborers turned to creating new families, other pined the loss of spouses, parents, children they would most likely never see again. There was an surge of alcoholism, depression, deep loss of connectedness, wide separation of families in these immigrant workers. New relationships formed and a worker culture in Port Richmond turned to burgeoning new families. Children of immigrants Americans because they were born here -- filled our schools. Women took to working in produce stores, washing dishes, waiting tables, house cleaning, child and elder care. The finest chefs in our Staten Island restaurants are immigrants, many without papers who work hard to feed Staten Island restaurant-goers. They mow our lawns, install our pools, care for our elderly. Port Richmond teemed with new businesses as day workers began to invest in their new neighborhood, which had become their new home. Immigrants sent money home to their hungry families in impoverished places. The immigrants of Port Richmond, seeking jobs and affordable rents, spread out to other small commercial districts -- Tompkinsville, West Brighton, New Brighton, Stapleton. Midland Beach and South Beach. The new immigrant communities were more mixed -- Mexican, Arabic, Polish, Russian, Albanian, Ukrainian, Turkish, Egyptian and many South Asian immigrants. Proof of these burgeoning new immigrant communities across our island was the new language services in schools. Voting information in a range of new languages. New churches and mosques and Hindu and Sikh temples here on our island. And Staten Island restaurants reflect the richness of new immigrant communities -- Palestinian, Yemeni, Turkish, Polish bakeries, Ukrainian delis. New immigrant communities have revitalized Port Richmond, Tompkinsville, Stapleton, and have had impact in Tottenville, Great Kills, and the coastal communities of Rosebank, South and Midland beaches. We have Albanians running for office, public celebrations of the Hindu Diwali Festival of Lights. Day of the Dead celebrations in churches and schools have changed the Halloween holiday into something more kind and family centered, rather than a scary scenario of ghosts and monsters. The Mexican Independence Day Parade on Port Richmond Avenue in September was the fifth annual. (Staten Island Advance/Pamela Silvestri)Pamela Silvestri We have a revitalized local economy and still a great need for more affordable housing, because no matter how hard new immigrants work, those here without the acceptable immigrant status will always make less in shadow jobs, unable to find the kind of decent of housing many of us enjoy. Tens of thousands of Staten Island immigrants without status are paying their taxes to prove that they are American and the future of their families belong here. Yet none of them will ever receive the Social Security they paid into. They have increased the coffers of Social Security, without reaping the benefits of decades of work. A few months ago, an asylum seeker from Guatemala, who worked for over 20 years as a maintenance man at a Catholic parish and school on the Island, after 20 years of raising two children who both graduated from graduate school and are working full time on our island in professional positions, after 20 years of waiting for his asylum case to be heard, lost his case for asylum and had to return to his country and leave his family behind on Staten Island. In the movie A Day without Mexicans, America catches a glimpse of what life would be like if immigrants just disappeared from their jobs, our schools, our neighborhoods. Staten Island would be a grieving ghost town. America would lose its heart. The economy would tank. Twelve million undocumented people across this country deported would change the face and the heart of this nation, built on the backs of enslaved peoples forced here from Africa, and immigrants who crawled here through Tijuana sewer pipes, or climbed border mountains for days without water. Endured desert heat and thirst, or rowed boats from Caribbean islands and risked drowning. Twelve million who answered Emma Lazarus welcome, engraved in the Statue of Liberty: Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp! cries she With silent lips. Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door! Oh by the way: Of course we want to root out criminals who got in America illegally. The same way we should deal with criminals who were born here. But to root out good people, trying to make a better life for themselves and their families, who work hard doing jobs we dont want, or cannot do, jobs that make the lives of American citizens easier or more enjoyable, is just wrong and heartless. See through the ugly, vulgar and mean-spirited rhetoric we are bombarded with daily. In the privacy of the voting booth Tuesday, vote with your heart. Brian New York City public school students have been back to class for over two months in the 2024-2025 school year, and there are some updated key dates to remember after the city added a new day off to the calendar. The first full day of school for public school students was Thursday, Sept. 5. For those counting down the days to summer already, the last day of school is Thursday, June 26, 2025. The city Department of Education academic calendar includes some two dozen days off between the first day and the last day of classes. The calendar gives time off for religious holidays like Good Friday, Yom Kippur and Eid al-Fitr, and week-long breaks for winter recess, mid-winter recess and spring recess, which include Christmas and Passover. Diwali has also been added as a public school holiday. The school calendar also allows time off for Italian Heritage Day/Indigenous Peoples Day (Columbus Day), Election Day, Thanksgiving, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Memorial Day and Juneteenth. The city also gives students the day off on Election Day, which is Tuesday, Nov. 5. Dates for parent-teacher conference days for elementary, middle schools and high schools are also posted in the calendar. Additionally, students and teachers will have even more time off for winter recess, as Monday, Dec. 23, will now be an additional day off. The school calendar previously listed winter recess would start on Tuesday, Dec. 24, which is also Christmas Eve requiring students and teachers to come to school on Monday, Dec. 23. Now, that date will be an additional day off during winter break allowing families more time for travel and vacation. Here are updated key dates you need to know for the 2024-2025 school year. SEPTEMBER 2024 Sept. 5 - First day of school Sept. 12 - Evening Parent-Teacher Conferences for elementary schools and Pre-K Centers Sept. 19 - Evening Parent-Teacher Conferences for middle schools and D75 schools Sept. 26 - Evening Parent-Teacher Conferences for high schools, K12, and 612 schools OCTOBER 2024 Oct. 3-4 - Schools closed for Rosh Hashanah Oct. 14 - Schools closed for Italian Heritage/Indigenous Peoples Day NOVEMBER 2024 Nov. 1 - Schools closed for Diwali Nov. 5 - Schools closed for Election Day Nov. 7 - Afternoon and Evening Parent-Teacher Conferences for elementary schools; students in these schools dismissed three hours early Nov. 11 - Schools closed for Veterans Day Nov. 14 - Afternoon and Evening Parent-Teacher Conferences for middle schools and D75 schools; students in these schools dismissed three hours early Nov. 21 - Evening Parent-Teacher Conferences for high schools, K12, and 612 schools Nov. 22 - Afternoon and Evening Parent-Teacher Conferences for high schools, K12, and 612 schools; students in these schools dismissed three hours early Nov. 28-29 - Schools closed for Thanksgiving recess DECEMBER 2024 Dec. 23 - Winter recess begins JANUARY 2025 Jan. 2 - Classes resume after winter recess Jan. 20 - Schools closed for Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Jan. 21-24 - Regents exams are administered Jan. 27 - Professional Development Day; no classes for students attending high schools and 6-12 schools, all other students attend school Jan. 29 - Schools closed for Lunar New Year FEBRUARY 2025 Feb. 1721 - Schools closed for mid-winter recess MARCH 2025 March 6 - Afternoon and Evening Parent-Teacher Conferences for elementary schools and Pre-K Centers; students in these schools dismissed three hours early March 13 - Afternoon and Evening Parent-Teacher Conferences for middle schools and D75 schools; students in these schools dismissed three hours early March 20 - Evening Parent-Teacher Conferences for high schools, K12, and 612 schools March 21 - Afternoon Parent-Teacher Conferences for high schools, K12, and 612 schools; students in these schools dismissed three hours early March 31 - Schools closed for Eid al-Fitr APRIL 2025 April 14-18 - Schools closed for spring recess MAY 2025 May 1 - Evening Parent-Teacher Conferences for elementary schools and Pre-K Centers May 8 - Evening Parent-Teacher Conferences for middle schools and D75 schools May 15 - Evening Parent-Teacher Conferences for high schools, K12, and 612 schools May 26 - Schools closed for Memorial Day JUNE 2025 Stronger winds and heavier rainfall in eastern Australia have boosted renewable energy generation and pummelled coal to its lowest share of the grid on record for this time of the year. For much of 2024, unfavourable weather for renewables has forced generators to burn more coal and natural gas than usual to meet demand, unleashing more planet-warming emissions into the atmosphere and driving up wholesale power prices. Green energy production from Australias wind turbines and hydroelectric dams has been rising since September. Credit: Hilary Wardhaugh But green energy production from Australias wind turbines and hydroelectric dams has been rising sharply since September, new figures reveal, while milder weather has subdued demand. The rebound for renewables has squeezed coal-fired power stations the grids dominant sources of supply to their lowest seasonal contributions to date for September and October, of 52 per cent and 50 per cent of the overall power mix, respectively. The Heide Museum of Modern Art, established by arts patron Sunday Reed and husband John, is located in Victoria. But for actor Nikki Shiels, who plays Sunday Reed in Sunday, the Anthony Weigh play opening at the Sydney Opera House this week, it isnt just a Victorian story. Its an Australian one. We have national figures in this show, Shiels says. I think its important to celebrate them, not fight over them. As a 20-year-old art student, Nikki Shiels was blown away by her first visit to Heide Museum of Modern Art. Credit: Steven Siewert Patron, philanthropist and so-called muse, Sunday Reed was at the centre in the 1940s and 50s of the Heide Circle, a close-knit and influential group of artists and bohemians that ushered in Australian modernism. They included Joy Hester, Albert Tucker and Sidney Nolan. Shiels describes it as a portal into a sensory, psychological inner life. Previously, she says, Sunday Reed has been reduced in the National Gallery of Australia to A gift from Sunday Reed, the placard on the Sidney Nolan Ned Kelly series. A new batch of contenders is in the running to operate one of Sydneys most coveted harbourside venues. A decade-long legal stoush between Hugos restaurateur David Evans and the Sydney Opera House Trust over the 2014 tender for Opera Bar has finally been resolved, just as the first deadline passed for the latest contenders trying to snare one of the golden geese of Sydney hospitality. Expressions of interest closed on Thursday to operate Opera Bar and its neighbour, House Canteen, for the next decade. Located at the base of the Sydney Opera House, it is one of Sydneys most coveted hospitality venues given the breathtaking harbour views and commercial yields. Several high-profile hospitality groups are in the running to operate Opera Bar. iStock Hospitality group Solotel and chef Matt Moran have successfully run the venue, which sits on the edge of the harbour, as a joint venture for two decades and confirmed they will contend again. Speculation has been running hot this week about the operations that would like to take Solotels spot. The Boathouse Group confirmed it has placed its hat in the ring, with in-the-news hospitality giant Merivale and Laundy Hotels also rumoured to be in the running. A couple of expected contenders have ruled themselves out. Sunday Co., the burgeoning group behind Morrisons Oyster Bar & Grill and Opera Bar neighbour Whalebridge, confirmed it hasnt joined the race, and the same applies to The Point Group (Shell House, The Dolphin), which is busy opening The International at the entrance to the new Martin Place station and has its own long-term waterside project, Fort Denison. Etymon, which runs Loulou Bistro, Poetica and The Charles Grand Brasserie, is also out of the running. Doctors are debating whether low-risk prostate cancers should no longer be called cancer, with a group of international experts suggesting many cases are a normal aspect of ageing. A new paper, co-authored by doctors from countries including Australia, suggests that stripping the emotive word cancer from low-grade prostate cancer diagnoses would reduce anxiety and unnecessary treatment. Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia. Credit: They said renaming an early-stage prostate cancer known as grade group 1 (GG1) as acinar neoplasm which refers to an abnormal growth in a gland had the broadest support. The Journal of the National Cancer Institute paper said that many believe public health would on balance greatly improve if GG1 along with lesions in other organs with no capacity to cause symptoms or threaten life were labelled something other than cancer. 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 People are amused when I tell them my birds are just smart enough that you can see their brains working you can see them making decisions. Its the same with politicians. On the subject of cuts to student debt (Labor to wipe $16b off student loans, November 3), heres what you can see Labors strategists thinking: Were barely head-to-head with the opposition. We are at real risk of losing the next election. So, what voters have we lost and what can we do to stay in power? Young people, especially politically aware, university-educated young people, are unhappy weve been so passive about Gaza. OK, so lets offer them a really big cut in HECS but dont do it now, promise to do it after the election, so they have to vote for us to get it. This is nothing more than vote-buying. If this is the right thing to do and the right way to spend that many billions, Labor should do it now. They have the power to. It is an abuse of that power if they promise to do it but only if you vote for them. Gordon Drennan, Burton (SA) Students will receive relief from HECS loans from June 2025. Credit: Louise Kennerley While the government is tinkering with some relief for HECS/HELP debt, the loan system for vocational education and training (VET) courses for students undertaking higher-level (diploma and above) courses at TAFE, private colleges or other registered training organisations, remains grossly unfair. In order to access a VET loan to fund education fees, a 20 per cent VET loan fee is levied and added to the loan amount. No such fee is levied on HECS/HELP. Why do we discriminate between university and non-university tertiary students in this way? We should be incentivising all students and treating them equally. Mark Stackpool, Drummoyne Cost of water Your leader (Water bills to cover price for not keeping up with Sydney development, November 2) on the sudden realisation that we need to invest in water infrastructure points at only one dimension of a long-developing problem that we have concentrated on small government and small public service and lower taxes while ignoring the slow, inexorable degradation of the public sphere that results. Issue after issue is discussed in the media. Nary a day goes by without a story ending in we cant afford that hospitals, roads, heritage, railways, bridges, dams, education, disability access, decent ferries, preschool education and childcare, species extinction, music education, bird flu monitoring, just to mention a few. Bit by bit, these services and public utilities have been degraded, some to the point of ineffectiveness. For example, there is one National Parks heritage officer for the whole of NSW; also, the public service is so depleted that savvy businessmen run rings around it in negotiations such as motorway toll contracts. In this case, year after year Sydney Water avoided upsetting the voter by limiting water infrastructure expenditure, and now huge increases are urgently needed just when cost-of-living pressures seemed to be easing. When will we learn that when politicians offer tax cuts, price freezes and small government, they are also offering future public hardship. Stein Boddington, St Clair Advertisement Lounging in privilege Jacqueline Maley (Pollies can have their Chairmans Lounge, as long as they pay for it, November 3) provides us with real insight into the psychology that goes with access to upgrades and the like. In particular, the belief that this is where we belong and others dont is so compelling. In suggesting that politicians should pay for access to the Chairmans Lounge, she unfortunately missed a key point: the Chairmans Lounge is invitation only. No amount of money can buy you access. Thats why politicians and High Court judges crave it; because it proves to both them and the rest of us how truly special they all are. We need to ban it altogether. Brian Barrett, Padstow Jacqueline Maley says an upgrade to business class for MPs gives them a sense of entitlement. I would say its a small perk, considering they carry the weight of responsibility for governing 26 million Australians. If I were prime minister, I would expect to be in the Chairmans Lounge and to travel first class. It seems Maley was swayed by a free glass of champagne and canapes a perk of her employment. Does she really think the PM should be plonked next to me in economy, or be driving around Canberra in a Holden ute? Christina Foo, Wahroonga As a frequent flyer working for an international company, I always used the Qantas Club pre-flight. On one occasion, I was invited to the Chairmans Lounge by a colleague. All this fuss about that lounge is a brouhaha. Its much the same as the Qantas lounge, perhaps quieter with fewer people, but the food and drinks seemed the same. I believe I detect envy from some parties. Richard Stewart, Pearl Beach Regular travellers can only dream of gaining access to the Chairmans Lounge. Credit: SHUTTERSTOCK I agree with Paul Sakkal and Jacqueline Maley in their commentary on the Qantas political travel quagmire. It really is a sad indictment of contemporary Australia that former prime minister Ben Chifleys vision of politics striving for fairness and egalitarianisms light on the hill has become a flight on the bill of elitism and privilege (taxpayers expense, of course). Barry Ffrench, Cronulla Maybe it slipped Albos mind that Qantas was privatised by Paul Keating, as Labor prime minister, no less. Qantas is now a commercial business answerable to its board and shareholders and, if politicians and bureaucrats want to fly in the pointy end of the plane and get all the perks of the rich and famous, they have to put their hands into their own pockets. Sue Jones, Bathurst Advertisement Election problems Peter Hartcher wrote of renowned political scientist Francis Fukuyamas alarming conclusion that if Trump can destroy democracy in the US, it can happen anywhere (Election to make history or end it, November 2). I dont think it would happen here because we have an incorruptible election system and a non-political public service. If Trump wins, we should welcome Americans fleeing the Trump autocracy. Andrew Macintosh, Cromer It is right that the Herald should editorialise on the coming US election, the outcome of which should be of concern to every Australian (Its absurd for US newspapers to not make an endorsement in the presidential election, November 1). Amid all the hype that precedes an election, Americans seem to have forgotten that Trump was the president who presided over the unnecessary deaths of millions of Americans from COVID-19. Mocking the sciences, humiliating eminent medical experts, denying the efficacy and delaying the availability of vaccines to his own people, Trumps record on this tragedy alone should have had him banished. Perhaps the Heralds voice, distant though it be, might be picked up by media in the US to remind Americans what sort of leadership awaits if Trump returns. Lest they forget. Peter Skinner, Beecroft Thank you, Peter Hartcher (If America buckles to a rampant Trump, it may be the end of history, November 2). When I hear Trump repeat his favourite line, If we lose this election, it will be the biggest electoral fraud in the history of our nation, what I hear him say is, If I dont get what I want, I will tell the biggest lies in the history of our nation. I hope the American voters can hear it, too. Patrick McGrath, Potts Point Home work As Shane Wright points out, no side of politics is prepared to argue that house prices should fall (The home ownership system in Australia is broken. But is it beyond repair?, November 2). Young people are saddled with unaffordable housing and generational inequity. However, one thing governments can do is develop thousands of quality apartments for rent, and do it quickly. Bringing down the cost of renting would take financial pressure off young people, whether or not they ever have the means to buy a home. Brian Watters, Mosman No side of politics is prepared to argue that house prices should fall. Credit: Anna Kucera Advertisement Shane Wright, Saul Eslake et al trot out the well-known facts of this society-wrecking housing crisis, but in one crucial point they are wrong. Dont count all of us owners of just one home among those who will vote down reforms that reduce its value. When that value passes to our children and grandchildren and helps them weather the housing crisis, its benefit will be proportionally the same whatever the state of the market. A housing price collapse would be loudly cheered by us and them. Jeffrey Mellefont, Coogee Shane Wright asks if there is an easy solution to the housing crisis. I think one major factor that has been largely ignored in this debate is the real estate industry itself. It has been artificially increasing prices to the benefit of its vendors for years. Dummy bidding (which became outlawed), government home-buyer schemes and encouraging owners to increase the value of their assets through renovations are huge drivers in the steady increase. Anthony Connolly, Beacon Hill Glass houses Bridget (sports rorts) McKenzie and Peter (Gina, can you spare a plane?) Dutton do not practise what they preach (The remarkable hide of Bridget McKenzie, November 2). It makes me boiling mad when I see former ministers, after nine years at the trough, accusing Labor. What did they do during their terms to reform this? Nothing. I notice Liberal deputy leader Sussan Ley, who took a taxpayer-funded flight to Queensland to inspect an investment property, has been tellingly and uncharacteristically quiet. In a vast country like ours, flying for work is common, even the norm in some industries. If Dutton and McKenzie are so offended by legal, declared travel upgrades, let them travel on buses. Wayne Duncombe, Lilyfield It was amusing to see the Coalitions attack on Labor, especially Albanese, backfire on Dutton and McKenzie. When will they learn that people in glass houses shouldnt throw stones? Didnt they think theyd be subjected to the same scrutiny? David Gordon, Cranebrook Exhaust tax Kate Charlesworth reminds us that we all breathe vehicle exhaust (We banned smoking. Why do cars get a free ride?, November 3). Its not good for anyone, especially children made vulnerable to long-term health effects. A practical solution to cut down vehicle exhaust would be to have a hefty annual climate and health tax on combustion vehicles at registration time, combined with cash incentives and interest-free loans to buy electric vehicles. It really is time to end our love affair with the exhaust pipe. Dennis OHara, Wanniassa (ACT) Advertisement The advent of electric vehicles has given us the opportunity to finally clean up our streets, improve our health and stop global warming in its tracks. Having purchased an EV at the start of this year, I havent had to think about petrol or oil or hot, smelly engines. But when I offered to check the oil in a neighbours car last week, I emerged with black, greasy hands an instant reminder of just how dirty these vehicles are. I would never go back to driving one. And with brand new EVs on sale for less than $40,000, why would anyone want to? Its a win-win situation. All we need is for people to wake up to it. Ken Enderby, Concord Courting controversy That Pauline Hanson is a very disagreeable person and, to most Australians, a waste of space in the Senate, is pretty much a given (Hanson racially vilified Faruqi: court, November 2). But isnt it about time that members of parliament, like Greens senator Mehreen Faruqi, stop running to the courts every time someone says something nasty about them? They have plenty of opportunities to respond, not least of all the free-to-say-anything pulpit in parliament, as well as easy access to the media. Tony Mitchell, Hillsdale Greens Senator Mehreen Faruqi. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen Medicare inequality Your correspondent wonders if Viagra should be removed from the PBS list. This raises a question about the equity of medical funding in general (Letters, November 2). A woman I know had to pay nearly $800 for a follow-up MRI to check that her breast cancer (which showed up only on an MRI, not initially on mammogram or ultrasound) had not returned a year later. This follow-up MRI to check for recurrence was not Medicare rebated. Her husband, on the other hand, who had undergone a non-cancerous prostate procedure, had his annual follow-up MRI bulk billed. Some may consider this unfair. Alison Stewart, Riverview Advertisement Year 12 students would have to sit longer exams for creative arts subjects as part of a syllabus overhaul that drama and music teachers have criticised as being too focused on theory. The proposed new exam requirements include doubling examination time for students studying Music 1, while externally assessed performances would have less weighting on a students final mark. HSC drama students at Brigidine College St Ives with head of drama DiAnne McDonald. Credit: Janie Barrett The changes were released by the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) last month for consultation until December and are part of its much-touted once-in-a-generation curriculum overhaul. The development comes after authorities slashed the importance of the creative writing major work in English Extension 2 and introduced an exam in that subject. Pressure is mounting on the NSW government to reduce the cost of train trips to Sydney Airport after new figures show it collected $109 million in the past year from fees charged to passengers who pass through stations at the terminals. It takes the total amount the state has reaped from station access fees at the airport over the past 10 years to about $740 million. The figure would be substantially higher if not for several years of low returns during the pandemic. Adult passengers are charged $17.34 on top of their train fare when they pass through station gates at Sydney Airport. Credit: Dean Sewell Sydney University transport professor David Levinson said the citys airport train fares were among the highest in the world and represented a failure of public policy. It is bad public policy because it discourages people from taking public transport to the airport. For groups of two or more its cheaper to take a taxi or Uber, he said. The University of Sydney has launched an attack on the government for providing misleading figures about their international student cohort as the sector faces a brutal round of job cuts. Hundreds of jobs at Australian universities have already been axed in sweeping cost-saving measures as the government pushes ahead with its foreign student crackdown to drive down migration. The University of Sydney has hit out at the government. Credit: Oscar Colman University of Sydney vice chancellor Mark Scott said the Education Department published figures that significantly overstated the institutions reliance on foreign students and helped shape the public narrative. The departments estimate incorrectly indicated a year-on-year growth rate of 35 per cent in 2024, compared to an actual growth rate of less than 10 per cent, he told staff last week. The ATO will then ask if you can fix, come clean on, or provide evidence for those transactions, sometimes accepting bank account or credit card records if you dont have the receipts. Saving receipts and indexing them saved time, Reza said, including when he was audited on the second occasion while travelling. I got a letter, spoke to the case officials, and had 28 days to respond, he said. It was two months of back and forth with the ATO because I was travelling overseas, but I sent them a Dropbox link with the proofs of transaction and my tax refund was released two weeks later. The Tax Office is this year targeting incorrectly claimed work-related expenses, inflated claims for rental properties and failure to include all income. Loading About 2 million Australians are contacted every year by the ATO to review their tax returns, although most of these are not subjected to a full audit. HLB Mann Judd tax consulting partner Peter Bembrick said that while the ATO was probably more focused on wealthy individuals, some tax returns could be selected at random. For those earning ordinary salaries or wages, its more often excessive deductions or a large transaction that trigger the ATOs interest. Bembrick said some of his clients were audited after being gifted a deposit to buy property from parents overseas, or moving large sums of money from portfolios overseas. In the event of an honest mistake, Bembrick said the ATOs response would depend on the persons circumstances and the size of the error. Youre less likely to be treated leniently, and the ATO might not agree with you that its a mistake, if youve got a history of doing things [wrong], he said. People should seek advice for anything they were unsure about, Bembrick said. If youve not just ignored the issue, and youve made the effort, for example by getting advice or doing some analysis, and the ATO takes a different position, youre less likely to be penalised, he said. Even before tax returns are lodged, a range of automated processes are in place to reduce errors, according to the ATO. Loading For example, nearest neighbour methods are used to compare amounts being entered into the system with those of other people in similar circumstances. If a claim is significantly different to what is expected, a message pops up, prompting the taxpayer to check their figures. In 2020, nearly 340,000 taxpayers received a pop-up message suggesting they review a specific label, which the ATO estimates added about $37 million to tax receipts. Once taxpayers lodged their returns, a range of data and analytics could be used to review the information, an ATO spokesperson said. The ATO can receive data from various sources, including employers, financial institutions, government agencies such as Services Australia, companies paying dividends and, more recently, cryptocurrency exchanges and sharing-economy platforms. If the ATO picks up on anything out of the ordinary, it can ask the taxpayer to review or amend the return. When it has a high level of confidence, it can adjust a taxpayers return itself to include income that should have been reported, or deny expenses they are not entitled to claim. The taxpayer, or their registered tax agent, may receive written correspondence or a phone call requesting more information about the income they have reported, or failed to report, or the expenses they have claimed, the ATO spokesperson said. Auditors then review the information and make an assessment, informing the taxpayer of the outcome. The taxpayer can request a review of the decision. On Thursday, Inspector-General of Taxation Ruth Owen, who took on the role in July, recommended the ATO make it faster and simpler for taxpayers to lodge objections. Objections are an essential part of the tax system and are often the only affordable option open to many taxpayers to challenge Tax Office decisions, Owen said. Thank you for joining us on this Monday, which will end as it began with headaches for train commuters on the citys northside. A truck towing a trailer brought down overhead powerlines at the level crossing on Beams Road in Carseldine this morning, bringing trains on the Redcliffe-Peninsula, Caboolture and Sunshine Coast lines to a halt. Commuters have been advised to find alternative ways home this evening. Fire investigators are working to determine if an e-scooter battery started a blaze that ripped through a New Farm unit on the same street as another apartment fire caused by an e-scooter battery earlier this year. New data obtained by Brisbane Times reveals how traffic on the citys major thoroughfares changed after public transport fares were dropped to 50. Premier David Crisafulli claims the previous Labor government covered up multi-billion dollar cost blowouts on the now-scrapped Pioneer Burdekin pumped hydro project in central Queensland. The 2032 Olympic stadium debate continues, with Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie refusing to clarify whether rebuilding the Gabba would classify as a new stadium or not. Never mind CityCats: two CityDogs depicting Bluey (blue) and Bingo (red) have been launched on the river as part of the regular Brisbane City Council fleet. In less positive canine news, Queensland is the worst state in Australia for dog-related incidents involving posties with Darra and Stafford particularly bad. In sport, teenage Brisbane sprint sensation Gout Gout has smashed several more records with an astonishing 200-metre run of 20.29 seconds at the Queensland All-Schools Championships. And, Ben Hunt has spoken out for the first time since his split with St George Illawarra, revealing his dream of returning to his childhood club, the Broncos. Traffic has decreased on Brisbanes main roads following the introduction of 50 fares but not by much. New data obtained by Brisbane Times reveals a minor drop in the first month of the initiative, followed by a partial rebound four weeks later. In the first month, motorway traffic fell 1.3 per cent, and arterial road traffic fell 0.8 per cent. Buses queue at Mater Hill station on the first day of 50c fares in Brisbane. Credit: Courtney Kruk The following month, motorway use went back up 0.5 per cent, while arterial road traffic dropped a further 2 per cent. Parents could be forced to juggle more pupil-free days as the states teachers flag a push for a better deal that could include more time out of the classroom. More than 1600 state schools will be closed to students on Monday before the Melbourne Cup public holiday, meaning students will be in the classroom for just three days this week. Many students will have Monday as a school-free day before the Melbourne Cup public holiday. Credit: Louise Kennerley Victorias teachers currently get five pupil-free days under their agreement, which is due to expire next year. But the state government could face an emboldened push by teachers after their NSW counterparts secured an additional three pupil-free days each year. In a deal struck last week, NSW teachers will get eight pupil-free days for preparation and planning. The palates of oyster lovers will be put to the test when an influx of the delicacy grown in pristine Western Australian waters heads east. Some of the best Sydney Rock Oysters are grown in WA at a farm backed by the nations richest man - and its ramping up production. Andrew Forrest. Credit: Bloomberg Leeuwin Coast, jointly owned by Andrew Twiggy Forrest and his ex-wife Nicola Forrest, has started its first commercial-scale harvest after picking up three gold medals at this years Sydney Royal Easter Show. The 150-hectare farm in Albany, on the WA south coast, is set to dominate the local market this season, with more oyster beds set to open in the coming years. Low- and moderate-income workers are being pushed into rental stress as two-bedroom units in Sydney are being advertised under the affordable housing scheme for up to $900 a week well above the citys median asking price. A combination of spiralling Sydney rents and a system that experts described as fragmented and incoherent means many affordable housing properties, notionally let at a discount to market prices, are beyond the means of the people they are meant to accommodate. An apartment block in Liverpool, Sydney. Credit: AFR A review of rental listings by The Sydney Morning Herald has uncovered cases in which affordable housing units are being let for prices barely discounted from market rent, while at least one for-profit community housing provider charges tenants extra to rent car spaces. In one case, in Zetland, Cubic, a real estate agency that is also registered as a for-profit community housing provider, has three two-bedroom apartments listed for rent in the same building. The prices for the apartments range from $830 to $900 a week, with two listings also advertising a car space for an extra $50. Cubic did not respond to a request for comment. Former premier Daniel Andrews has urged Jewish families and organisations who provide financial support to the arts, cultural and other philanthropic causes to defund recipients who refuse to denounce antisemitism. In rare public comments since retiring as Victorias longest-serving Labor premier, Andrews weighed directly into the dilemma confronting Jewish philanthropists by urging them to dump their support for creative endeavours which had remained silent about, or promulgated, hatred towards Jewish people since the October 7, 2023, attacks. Daniel Andrews (left) at the Central Synagogue in Caulfield South for the Jerusalem Prize presentation. Credit: Luis Enrique Ascui The Hamas atrocities in southern Israel last year, which killed about 1200 people, and Israels deadly and protracted military operations in Gaza and Lebanon in response, which have killed more than 40,000, have driven a wedge between some of Australias leading supporters of the arts and the organisations they fund. If people wont speak out against antisemitism, defund them. If people are happy to take your money while being antisemites, defund them, Andrews told a gathering of Jewish community leaders in Melbourne on Sunday night. Victorians who buy electric cooktops to replace gas models will be able to use their receipt to claim rebates of about $140 under changes to the states energy upgrades program that have taken effect, with plans to allow major retailers to provide the discounts. On Sunday, Energy Minister Lily DAmbrosio said electric cooktops had been added to the Victorian Energy Upgrade scheme, a program that helps discount the price of appliances if they are replacing inefficient or gas products. Victorians can now claim discounts to replace gas cooktops with electric models. Credit: iStock Electric cooktops bought from October 25 are now eligible for the rebates, with the state estimating a saving of about $140. The state government has provided a list of 392 products that are eligible along with eight accredited providers that are approved to provide the cooktops with the discounted price. E-visas are meant to make cross-border travel easier. Offering speed, convenience, enhanced security and cost efficiency, they have largely taken the place of traditional visa applications. Not so long ago, applying for a visa required filling in a paper form and sending it off to a consulate or even to a foreign country along with your passport. By comparison, completing an e-visa application happens online, whenever and wherever you choose, with an attached scan of your passport. E-visa applications for India require a huge amount of personal information. Credit: iStock Sounds easy, yet some travellers are tearing their hair out in frustration at the e-visa process. The Indian e-visa, for example, asks for your religion, educational qualifications, fathers and mothers place of birth, marital status, every country you have visited in the past 10 years, the name of your reference in India and whether you have been involved in drug or human trafficking. Most travellers will take at least an hour to complete their Indian e-visa application, mid-session hang-ups are not uncommon and if the application hasnt been saved, return to start. Where the problem begins ~ Equipping Local Businesses to Connect, Grow, and Thrive~ PHILIPSBURG:--- Equipex, the islands newest digital marketing agency and hyper-local marketplace, is thrilled to announce its first Business Networking Event on November 7, 2024. Hosted at Little Well Oasis in Cole Bay from 7 PM to 10 PM, this free-to-attend event is designed to empower St. Maartens business community through connection, collaboration, and inspiration. Equipex is passionate about helping local businesses succeed, said Loudahlia Brill, CEO and Founder of Equipex. As a local business ourselves, we understand the power of building strong relationships within our community. Our vision is to create a thriving ecosystem where businesses and the community support each other, share resources, and grow together. Inspiring Keynote Speakers The event will feature insights from two prominent leaders in St. Maartens business community. Dr. Ife Badejo, renowned entrepreneur and founder of Islandpreneur, will deliver a keynote on the power of networking and the role of technology in business growth. Her expertise will guide local businesses in making meaningful, impactful connections. Additionally, Pearl Hendrickson (also known as Diana Fleming), President of the Sint Maarten Entrepreneurship Development Center (SEDC), will share her extensive experience in business development and the importance of a strong ecosystem-driven business model. Engaging Networking Activities and Raffle The Equipex Business Networking Event will offer more than just inspiring talks. Attendees will enjoy interactive networking sessions and activities designed to foster partnerships and collaborative opportunities. Local business owners, entrepreneurs, aspiring entrepreneurs, and influencers are encouraged to bring business cards and get ready for an engaging evening. Food and drinks will be available for purchase from local vendors, and a raffle prize will add a bit of excitement to the evening. Deceptive 'pro-Harris' manifesto tied to pro-Trump group Washington, Nov 3 (AFP) Nov 03, 2024 It looks like Kamala Harris's political manifesto, but the catchily titled "Progress 2028" is actually a fake document that a funding watchdog says was produced by a dark money group with ties to Donald Trump's billionaire backer Elon Musk. Researchers say Progress 2028 -- purportedly a liberal counter to the conservative initiative Project 2025 -- is riddled with misinformation and is behind a series of Facebook ads that distort the Democratic contender's policy positions about key issues such as immigration and gun control. Backing it is a group called Building America's Future, a conservative dark money network which has reportedly received funding from Musk, the world's richest man and a vigorous campaigner for Republican Trump's re-election bid. The operation, shrouded in secrecy, illustrates what researchers describe as a complex web of deception to mislead or alienate Democratic voters in a polarizing election race that is one of the closest in US history. "The initiative (Progress 2028) is really trying to undermine Harris by spreading divisive messages, misleading narratives under the guise of being an ally of Harris," said Anna Massoglia, from Open Secrets, a US nonprofit that tracks money in politics. Using a mix of fact and fiction, the site distorts some of Harris's policy positions in a way that "Democratic voting blocs might not find favorable," Massoglia told AFP. Open Secrets said Progress 2028 was registered in September with the state of Virginia by Building America's Future, and its website was created three days later, citing documents including corporate filings. Progress 2028 and Building America's Future did not respond to AFP's request for comment. - Misleading ads - Progress 2028 reads like it was written by a liberal Democrat, promising that an administration run by Harris will be a "never-before-seen opportunity" to enact "sweeping reforms" and build a "prosperous America." But the website touts policy stances Harris does not endorse, such as prioritizing a "nationwide buy-back program" to get guns off the streets. While Harris supported such an initiative for assault weapons when she ran for president in 2019, she has not endorsed a mandatory buyback program for any weapons in the 2024 race. The website also makes it appear that Harris is pushing for taxpayer-funded healthcare benefits for "undocumented immigrants," misrepresenting her policy proposals. It similarly asserts that Harris will champion the right for minors to access gender-affirming care without fear of "parental intervention," something she has not proposed. A series of Facebook ads by Progress 2028 promotes similar distortions and falsehoods. Meta's ad library identifies the ads as being placed by Progress 2028, without indicating the group's real backers. "Drop a comment to thank Kamala," the ads say, while providing a link to the Progress 2028 website. In a statement to US media, Meta said the Progress 2028 ads did not meet the standard for removal under its inauthentic behavior policy. - 'Voter suppression' - Nonprofit entities such as Building America's Future are not legally required to disclose their donors. SpaceX and Tesla CEO Musk has pumped over $100 million to groups backing Trump and other Republicans. He is among the funders of Building America's Future, the Wall Street Journal reported in early October. The group has also been linked to advertisements targeting Arab-Americans in Michigan and Jewish voters in Pennsylvania with contradictory messages about the vice president's stances on Israel and the war in Gaza. Google data shows the ads were paid for by the Future Coalition PAC. The group has received millions in funding from Building America's Future, according to the Federal Election Commission. The ads portray Harris as anti-Israel to Jewish voters and as pro-Israel to Arab Americans, with some prominently highlighting her Jewish husband. The Harris campaign has reportedly pushed back with its own ads targeting Jewish and Arab Americans with messages that highlight, respectively, her support for Israel's defense and work to "end the suffering in Gaza." The outcome in the two swing states will be crucial in the November 5 election. "When the same group is doing ads to two different constituencies with contradictory messaging, it's disinformation," James Zogby, president of the Arab American Institute, told AFP. "It's a kind of voter suppression." burs-ac/des Chinese space station crew returns after six months in orbit Beijing, Nov 3 (AFP) Nov 03, 2024 A three-person Chinese crew returned to Earth early Monday after more than six months aboard the Tiangong space station, state news agency Xinhua reported. Ye Guangfu, Li Cong and Li Guangsu were all "in good health" after touching down in the return capsule of their Shenzhou spaceship at the Dongfeng landing site in Inner Mongolia, Xinhua said. The three men had traveled to Tiangong in late April and were met on October 30 by three new astronauts, including the country's only woman spaceflight engineer, with whom they did a five-day handover before making their return journey. China has ramped up plans to achieve its "space dream" under President Xi Jinping. Its space programme was the third to put humans in orbit and has also landed robotic rovers on Mars and the Moon. Crewed by teams of three astronauts that are rotated every three-six months, the Tiangong space station is the programme's crown jewel. Its core module was launched in 2021, and it is planned to be used for about 10 years. Beijing says it is on track to send a crewed mission to the Moon by 2030, where it intends to construct a base on the lunar surface. Joint Russia sea drills signal start of Indonesian foreign policy shift Jakarta, Nov 3 (AFP) Nov 03, 2024 Indonesia's first joint military drills with Russia this week signal that new President Prabowo Subianto will seek a bigger role for Jakarta on the world stage as part of a significant foreign policy shift, analysts say. Indonesia has long maintained a neutral foreign policy and refuses to take sides in the Russia-Ukraine conflict or US-China rivalry, but Prabowo has called for stronger ties with Moscow despite Western pressure on Jakarta. "It is part of a broader agenda to elevate ties with whomever it may be, regardless of their geopolitical bloc, as long as there is a benefit for Indonesia," said Pieter Pandie, researcher at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies. The southeast Asian ASEAN bloc, which Indonesia is a member of, held joint drills with Russia in 2021, but individual member nations have never held joint exercises with Moscow. Jakarta has billion-dollar trade ties with Moscow, but major arms imports have stalled in recent years, according to weapons watchdog SIPRI, following Western sanctions on Russia after it seized Crimea in 2014 and invaded Ukraine in 2022. Still, Prabowo has kept alive a $1.1 billion Russian fighter jet deal he agreed in 2018 as defence minister, despite the reported threat of US sanctions. Jakarta also refused to budge when Western nations lobbied Indonesia to disinvite Russia from the G20 summit it hosted in 2022. Prabowo met Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin in July, later announcing joint naval drills that experts say indicate how Moscow will grow in significance as part of a broader foreign policy. The five-day drills begin Monday in eastern Java where Moscow will send three corvette-class warships, a medium tanker ship, a military helicopter, and a tug boat. "They reaffirm that we will not alienate one or two countries in the geopolitical arena," said Anton Aliabbas, professor at the Paramadina Graduate School of Diplomacy. - 'Great friend' - During his Kremlin visit, Prabowo -- a 73-year-old ex-general -- said he wanted to deepen the relationship with Russia. "We consider Russia as a great friend and I would like to continue to maintain and enhance this relationship," Prabowo told Putin. Before his inauguration last month, Prabowo said he wanted to build a "web of strong friendships". To that end he visited more than a dozen countries including China and Australia, where he struck a key security deal, and Jakarta has since kickstarted a process to join the BRICS group of emerging economies. The new leader has already been tested at sea, with a Chinese coast guard vessel being driven away three times from Indonesian-claimed waters by Jakarta's ships last month. For Indonesia, the chance to host one of the world's most advanced navies is clear. It will allow "capacity building to be obtained" and for Jakarta to "exchange ideas" on maintaining Russian equipment it already owns, said Curie Maharani Savitri. Indonesia has Russian-made amphibious tanks, helicopters, missiles and fighter jets in its arsenal. - 'Introductory phase' - Jakarta and Moscow have different maritime goals, with Indonesia facing threats of smuggling and piracy while Russia is looking for willing allies. Pieter said he expects the exercises to not be as advanced as annual Super Garuda Shield drills Indonesia hosts with the US and other allies. "I think it's an introductory phase to the military relationship between the two, especially on the naval side," he said. But the drills may still raise eyebrows in Washington, which has been trying to diplomatically isolate Russia. The US embassy in Jakarta declined to comment on the drills. For Prabowo they allow him to send a message about his new policy in the early days of his presidency, said Pieter. "Historically, the US has been the partner of choice for military exercises. But... Indonesia has been trying to diversify its partners," he said. "And I think there's an overall bigger trend of that." CORRECTED: Joint Russia sea drills signal start of Indonesian foreign policy shift Jakarta, Nov 3 (AFP) Nov 03, 2024 Indonesia's first joint military drills with Russia this week signal that new President Prabowo Subianto will seek a bigger role for Jakarta on the world stage as part of a significant foreign policy shift, analysts say. Indonesia has long maintained a neutral foreign policy and refuses to take sides in the Russia-Ukraine conflict or US-China rivalry, but Prabowo has called for stronger ties with Moscow despite Western pressure on Jakarta. "It is part of a broader agenda to elevate ties with whomever it may be, regardless of their geopolitical bloc, as long as there is a benefit for Indonesia," said Pieter Pandie, researcher at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies. The southeast Asian ASEAN bloc, which Indonesia is a member of, held joint exercises with Russia in 2021, but Jakarta has never held drills alone with Moscow. Jakarta has billion-dollar trade ties with Moscow, but major arms imports have stalled in recent years, according to weapons watchdog SIPRI, following Western sanctions on Russia after it seized Crimea in 2014 and launched its full-scale military offensive on Ukraine in 2022. Still, Prabowo kept alive a $1.1 billion Russian fighter jet deal agreed in 2018 when he was appointed defence minister a year later, despite the reported threat of US sanctions. Jakarta also refused to budge when Western nations lobbied Indonesia to disinvite Russia from the G20 summit it hosted in 2022. Prabowo met Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin in July, later announcing joint naval drills that experts say indicate how Moscow will grow in significance as part of a broader foreign policy. The five-day drills begin Monday in eastern Java where Moscow will send three corvette-class warships, a medium tanker ship, a military helicopter, and a tug boat. "They reaffirm that we will not alienate one or two countries in the geopolitical arena," said Anton Aliabbas, an assistant professor at the Paramadina Graduate School of Diplomacy. - 'Great friend' - During his Kremlin visit, Prabowo -- a 73-year-old ex-general -- said he wanted to deepen the relationship with Russia. "We consider Russia as a great friend and I would like to continue to maintain and enhance this relationship," Prabowo told Putin. Before his inauguration last month, Prabowo said he wanted to build a "web of strong friendships". To that end he visited more than a dozen countries including China and Australia, where he struck a key security deal, and Jakarta has since kickstarted a process to join the BRICS group of emerging economies. The new leader has already been tested at sea, with a Chinese coast guard vessel being driven away three times from Indonesian-claimed waters by Jakarta's ships last month. For Indonesia, the chance to host one of the world's most advanced navies is clear. It will allow "capacity building to be obtained" and for Jakarta to "exchange ideas" on maintaining Russian equipment it already owns, said Curie Maharani Savitri, defence analyst at Binus University. Indonesia has Russian-made amphibious tanks, helicopters, missiles and fighter jets in its arsenal. - 'Introductory phase' - Jakarta and Moscow have different maritime goals, with Indonesia facing threats of smuggling and piracy while Russia is looking for willing allies. Pieter said he expects the exercises to not be as advanced as annual Super Garuda Shield drills Indonesia hosts with the US and other allies. "I think it's an introductory phase to the military relationship between the two, especially on the naval side," he said. But the drills may still raise eyebrows in Washington, which has been trying to diplomatically isolate Russia. The US embassy in Jakarta declined to comment on the drills. For Prabowo they allow him to send a message about his new policy in the early days of his presidency, said Pieter. "Historically, the US has been the partner of choice for military exercises. But... Indonesia has been trying to diversify its partners," he said. "And I think there's an overall bigger trend of that." Bangladeshi killed in air strike in Lebanon: govt Dhaka, Nov 3 (AFP) Nov 03, 2024 A Bangladeshi worker died in a air strike in Lebanon, Dhaka's foreign ministry said Sunday, as the Israeli bombardment hampered efforts to repatriate citizens. The foreign ministry estimates that between 70,000 and 100,000 of its nationals are working in Lebanon, many as labourers or domestic workers. The first flights, organised by Dhaka's government with the UN's International Organisation for Migration, brought home scores of Bangladeshis from Beirut last month. Mohammad Nizam, 31, was killed on Saturday afternoon in a reported strike as he stopped at a coffee shop on the way to work in Beirut, Bangladesh's ambassador to Lebanon, Javed Tanveer Khan said in a statement. Mohmmad Jalaluddin said his younger brother Nizam had lived in Beirut for more than a decade, and had not been among the estimated 1,800 Bangladeshis who had registered for an evacuation flight home. "We want to bury him in our ancestral home, and are now waiting for the government's response," Jalaluddin told AFP. But senior Bangladeshi foreign ministry official Shah Mohammad Tanvir Monsur said it was challenging to arrange a flight into Beirut. "With the ongoing war, there are hardly any flights from Lebanon to Bangladesh," Monsur said. "It's becoming increasingly difficult to repatriate our citizens who have registered to return home." Israel drastically escalated its air campaign against Lebanon's Hezbollah group in September, displacing hundreds of thousands of people. It has since launched a ground offensive intended to push the group back from its northern border. Hezbollah has been firing thousands of projectiles into Israel over the last year, displacing tens of thousands of Israelis. The war has killed at least 1,930 people in Lebanon, since it began on September 23, according to an AFP tally of health ministry figures, though the real number is likely higher due to data gaps. Israel's military says 38 soldiers have been killed in the Lebanon campaign since it began ground operations on September 30. Taiwan detects 37 Chinese aircraft near island Taipei, Nov 3 (AFP) Nov 03, 2024 Taiwan said it detected 37 Chinese fighter jets, drones and other aircraft near the self-ruled island on Sunday as Beijing carried out "long-distance" training flights. China has ramped up military activity around Taiwan in recent years as Beijing pressures Taipei to accept its claims of sovereignty over the island. The Chinese aircraft were spotted from 9:00 am (0100 GMT) and 35 of them crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait, which separates mainland China and Taiwan, and entered Taiwanese airspace on their way to the Western Pacific Ocean, the defence ministry said. Taiwan's military responded by deploying aircraft, naval vessels and shore-based missile systems, the ministry said. The exercise came a day after Taiwan said it had detected a Chinese military "joint combat readiness patrol" around the island involving fighter jets and warships. Taiwan spotted 27 Chinese aircraft and six warships in the 24 hours to 6:00 am on Sunday, the ministry said earlier. China considers Taiwan part of its territory and has refused to rule out the use of force to bring the democratic island under its control. Beijing held large-scale military drills around Taiwan last month, which were condemned by Taipei and its key backer the United States. The Chinese military conducted long-distance training flights in late September, the ministry said previously, when Beijing also fired an intercontinental ballistic missile into the Pacific Ocean. Israel pounds Lebanon as Netanyahu visits the border Beirut, Lebanon, Nov 3 (AFP) Nov 03, 2024 Lebanon said Sunday an air strike killed three people near Sidon in the south as more bombs hit the east and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited his country's northern border. The latest attacks on eastern Lebanon came after Israel warned it would again hit Hezbollah targets there. Netanyahu's office said the premier "visited the Lebanon border today", his second such trip in a month. It came as Israel's military said more than 100 projectiles were fired from Lebanon into Israeli territory on Sunday. Several were intercepted, and some fell in unpopulated areas. Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon have been at war since September 23, when Israel escalated cross-border air raids after a year of tit-for-tat exchanges of fire. A week later it sent in ground troops on "targeted raids". Hezbollah said it was acting in support of Palestinian militants Hamas, whose unprecedented attack against Israel on October 7 last year triggered the ongoing war in Gaza. "The Israeli enemy's raid on Haret Saida resulted in an initial death toll of three people killed and nine others injured," Lebanon's health ministry said, referring to a densely populated area near Sidon. Lebanon's official National News Agency (NNA) reported another Israeli strike south of Sidon, on the town of Ghaziyeh. That strike hit a residential building, according to an AFP correspondent, who said a child was rescued from the rubble. NNA said other Israeli strikes hit near a hospital in Tebnine, a town in the south Lebanon district of Bint Jbeil. Tebnine's major told AFP the hospital was significantly damaged. Neither the Haret Saida strike nor those in Lebanon's south were preceded by an Israeli evacuation warning. - Heavy air raids - Israel's military did issue a warning for Lebanon's Baalbek area, which includes east Lebanon's main city and UNESCO-designated Roman ruins, saying it would be targeting Hezbollah-linked facilities. An AFP correspondent later reported at least three strikes in the Baalbek area, where Hezbollah holds sway and which has seen heavy air raids in the past few days. Also on Sunday, Lebanese state media reported the recovery of five bodies from the flashpoint southern town of Khiam. They were among 21 bodies that have been trapped under rubble in Khiam for around one week, according to the NNA. The war has killed more than 1,930 people in Lebanon since September 23, according to an AFP tally of Lebanese health ministry figures. Israel's military says 38 soldiers have been killed in the Lebanon campaign since it began ground operations. Iran and Israel have recently attacked each other directly, heightening fears of even wider conflict. But Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian on Sunday said a potential ceasefire with its allies "could affect the intensity and type of our response". Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had on Saturday warned Israel and the United States they "will definitely receive a tooth-breaking response". Israel has warned Iran against responding to its October 26 attack. On Sunday demonstrators burned Israeli and US flags outside the former American embassy in Tehran to mark the anniversary of the 1979 hostage crisis that has shaped relations between Washington and Tehran ever since. American B-52 bombers have arrived in the Middle East, the US military said on Saturday, as part of reinforcements being deployed in a warning to Iran. - Sacks of flour - In Gaza Israel's military again reported "dozens" of militants killed in the northern Jabalia area where, Israeli forces have since October 6 carried out a major air and ground assault to stop Hamas from regrouping. In central Gaza on Sunday, people crowded to receive sacks of flour from a distribution point of the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) in Deir el-Balah. Israel's parliament last Monday banned UNRWA -- the main aid agency in Gaza -- from operating in Israel and occupied east Jerusalem, despite international objections. If implemented, the ban would hit humanitarian work in Gaza, experts say. The ban came after the United States on October 15 warned Israel it could withhold some of its billions of dollars in military assistance unless it improves aid delivery to Gaza within 30 days. Also in Deir el-Balah on Sunday, relatives at Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital mourned a father and son killed during Israeli bombardment. Hamas's October 7 attack on Israel resulted in 1,206 deaths, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally of Israeli official figures. Israel's military response against Hamas has killed 43,341 people in Gaza, a majority of them civilians, according to figures from the Hamas-run territory's health ministry which the United Nations consider to be reliable. burs-srm/jsa On the day he became Foreign Secretary, Mr Lammy listed resetting relations with the Global South, including African nations, as a key priority for the Government at a time when other countries, including Russia and China, are seeking to expand their engagement on the continent. I wish to use this opportunity to again express my deep condolences to you, as well as to family members and friends of Private Rooney. He gave his life to fulfil the ideals of the United Nations. Benefiting from the service of such a courageous and fearless soldier is an honour for any organisation and country. His supreme sacrifice will not be forgotten, and he will always be in our hearts. A Water UK spokesperson said: The March for Clean Water is right to demand change and we support its aims. We agree that the system is not working. It is too complicated, too slow and is not delivering for people or the environment. "At around 11pm, it is believed that three vehicles were travelling together along Yorkshire Street, when a collision occurred with a 42-year-old male who was attempting to cross the road. However, it is crucial in a free society that they occur, within the law, and always with the aim of seeking mutual understanding, and not vilification or hate. Mr Sanchez has said that a review will be completed down the line but the focus is now on helping the stranded and getting the region back on its feet. 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The Minister of Labor was in Vaslui county on Friday, where he visited several social assistance centers.The minister also went to a permanent center that provides medical services for about 25,000 people, including from GalatiMinister Simona Bucura-Oprescu was accompanied in Vaslui by Victoria Stoiciu, state adviser at the Chancellery of the Prime Minister, by Adrian Solomon, president of the Committee for Labor and Social Protection in the Chamber of Deputies, by Ciprian Trifan, president of the Vaslui County Council, by Dumitru Boros the mayor of Barlad municipality, and by Ion Corciova, the mayor of Tutova commune. Here are this weeks local business and nonprofit awards, acquisitions and donations: AWARDS The International Economic Development Council recognized Greater St. Louis Inc. with the 2024 Excellence in Economic Development Award Silver Medal for the organizations Special Purpose Website STL2030Progress.com. The American Title Association honored Continental Title Company with the ALTA Title Webbie Award recognizing the companys website video blog. The American Society of Civil Engineers St. Louis Section named the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer Districts Deer Creek Sanitary Tunnel and Pump Station as its 2024 Project of the Year. KAI provided construction management services for the four-mile long sanitation tunnel. EXPANDING St. Louis-based holistic beverage maker Mighty Kind expanded distribution of its hemp-derived botanical and cannabis-infused beverages to all 40 Total Wine and More locations in Florida. GRANTS Provident Behavioral Health received a $599,000 grant from the Jefferson Foundation to place behavioral health Intervention specialists in Jefferson County schools. The three-year initiative begins in January 2025. First Mid Bank & Trust awarded $15,000 in Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicagos Community First Accelerate Grants for Small Businesses in Alton, Illinois, to LaMays Catering and Broadway Performance Automotive. MILESTONE UCP Heartland Autism Services celebrated two years helping autism clients and their families. The clinic uses the Applied Behavioral Analysis therapies and is the first in St. Louis, Missouri, to accept Medicaid. OPENING SYNLawn St. Louis, a women-owned supplier of plant-based SYNLawn turf, opened a design and retail showroom at 209 Hughes Lane, St. Charles, Missouri. Missouri Republicans are already leaning into the next installment of the Big Lie of election fraud 2024 edition. But that does not mean Missouri voters need to. In St. Charles County, voters last week continued to cast their ballots early, despite a temporary restraining order being filed against the St. Charles County Election Authority. County Republican committeeman Travis Allen Heins, of St. Peters, filed a restraining order on Wednesday. The legal document argued that official watchers or challengers were wrongly being kept from observing inside polling places during early voting here. His suit requested that early voting not be allowed to continue without watchers or challengers. St. Charles County Elections Director Kurt Bahr told the Post-Dispatchs Ethan Colbert that observers are only allowed in when ballots are being prepared for counting, or being counted, or on Election Day. And so voters were allowed to continue with early voting on Thursday. Friday morning, Judge Dwayne A. Johnson dismissed the request for a temporary restraining order, ruling that the plaintiffs filing did not comply with state rules for making such a request. While it is completely appropriate to want clarification on challengers inside early voting sites, the seeds of Heins skepticism and mistrust of St. Charles Countys local election process had been sown eight years earlier. Former President Donald Trump started his election denialism claims ahead of his successful run in 2016. Even Texas Republican Sen. Ted Cruz called Trump out on it back in April 2016, telling conservative interviewer Glenn Beck: Apparently, when anyone votes against him, its an act of theft. These unfounded claims of voter fraud have been so persuasive that, four years later, about one-third of U.S. adults still say they believe President Joe Biden was not legitimately elected president of the United States in 2020. A Washington Post/University of Maryland survey earlier this year showed that 62% of U.S. adults say they believe Biden was legitimately elected, down from 69% overall in the 2021 poll. The biggest drop in those who said the 2020 election results were legitimate came from Republicans 31% in 2023, down from 39% two years earlier. Unfortunately, the GOP was not only looking into the past, they were also looking ahead to the future. What we are witnessing in St. Charles County was exactly the plan all along. Cleta Mitchell, a Republican lawyer, fundraiser and an integral part of Trumps team to attempt to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election, has been preparing for this weeks election. Mitchell leads the Conservative Partnership Institutes so-called Election Integrity Network. According to the nonprofit Brennan Center for Justice, a critical part of the Election Integrity Networks efforts included recruiting and training election deniers as poll watchers and workers: In summits held across the country, network speakers outlined combative strategies for people in these positions to challenge voters and question routine election processes. Mitchell also gave a presentation at a Republican National Committee donor retreat in Nashville labeled A Level Playing Field for 2024. The Washington Post reported that Mitchell said she was optimistic that the Virginia Senate will flip to Republican control in 2023, allowing for the elimination of early voting in the state, since it was difficult to watch the polls throughout the early-voting period. Poll watchers are not new and it is legal for them to be present. Whats deceptive is the notion that its necessary to have them watching the polls at all times during early voting. The real-world consequence of the Big Lie of fraudulent elections also leads to eroding the trust we as Americans have in our local election officials and poll workers. A new YouGov survey on poll workers finds that 39% of Americans think it is at least somewhat likely poll workers will attempt to tamper with the November election. A majority of Republicans, 55%, believe this is likely, an increase from 45% in 2022. This despite the complete lack of evidence that this ever happens. It is important to remember that those bi-partisan poll workers are our neighbors and community members. Unfortunately, they now face threats and intimidation. The Brennan Center reported that more than half of local election officials reported being concerned about the safety of their colleagues or staff. Despite Heins best efforts, early voting has surged. As of Wednesday, more than 25,000 people had voted in St. Charles County since no-excuse absentee voting began last week. This is the first presidential election where no-excuse absentee voting has been part of the process in Missouri, Bahr note. The turnout is way, way more than anticipated. It far exceeded any projection we had. And not just us other counties are seeing the same thing. It is likely going to take decades to remove the stain of election denialism and rebuild the trust in our election process. But seeing so many Missouri citizens take part in their civic duty suggests we may well be on our way. Regarding the Editorial Board's excellent "Bailey Tally" roundup of Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey's actions ("How does Missouri's AG abuse his office? Let us count the ways ...," Oct. 31): As a lifelong St. Louis resident, I have never observed such a self-serving politician as Bailey. Here's hoping Missouri rejects him in the upcoming election and votes for Democrat Elad Gross. The list targeted career civil servants at the Department of Homeland Security, above, and other agencies. (Carolyn Van Houten/The Washington Post) An organization funded by the conservative Heritage Foundation has compiled an online watch list of federal employees it claims cannot be trusted to secure the U.S. border and should be fired, a sign that supporters of Donald Trumps immigration policies are preparing to help him neutralize the administrative state they believe tried to thwart his first presidency. The DHS Bureaucrat Watch List a website unveiled in the final weeks of a presidential campaign in which immigration is a key issue names 51 federal policy experts and high-ranking leaders, the majority of whom are career civil servants at the Department of Homeland Security and other agencies. The group identified them largely using public social media comments, prior work experience and campaign finance records. Among the employees actions cited by the group are posts celebrating the legalization of same-sex marriage or lauding the contributions and successes of undocumented immigrants, as well as donations as little as $10 to Democratic candidates. One employee union likened the effort to unearth the private views of public employees to Sen. Joseph McCarthys 1950s-era campaign to purge federal workers he accused of being communists. The sites founder, a former Republican congressional staffer named Tom Jones, told The Washington Post that he and his staff are seeking to add more names to the list and have sent emails to more than 500 federal employees asking for their help identifying colleagues who they believe are not committed to keeping undocumented immigrants out of the country. Jones said his goal was to expose people whom he deemed had long-standing and deep bias on immigration policy. In addition to tracking social media posts and political donations, Jones said he is probing for indications of past advocacy on immigration issues as well as other clues about employees views, such as sharing of gender pronouns and support for diversity, equity and inclusion programs. There are a large number of people in the administration who have dedicated their life work to helping migrants settle in the United States, Jones said. He said it was Pollyanna-ish to expect that those people would turn around and enforce Trumps plan to deport tens of millions of people and close the borders, as he has vowed. These people are not going to do it. They are actually going to undermine it, Jones said. He said he would endorse similar efforts to target employees in other agencies, including the Defense Department, Education Department and Department of Health and Human Services. Jones said he hasnt coordinated with Trumps campaign or transition teams, but hopes any incoming administration would take notice of his work and use it to identify employees to terminate. The list has already caught the attention of Trump allies in Congress, with four Republican House members writing to the head of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services demanding that the employee accused of praising undocumented immigrants be fired. While many top-level government officials are politically aligned and appointed by presidents, the bulk of the federal workforce consists of about 2.2 million career employees who work in agencies based in Washington and around the country, carrying out policies and tending to the day-to-day operations of the country regardless of the party in charge. In 2020, Trump issued an executive order aimed at eliminating protections for tens of thousands of civil servants by reclassifying them under a new employment category called Schedule F. The order did not go into effect before Biden took office and canceled it. Trump has vowed to reissue the order on the first day of his second term if he is reelected and has promised to fire rogue bureaucrats and career politicians. Spokespeople for the Trump campaign and the Trump transition did not respond to requests for comment. Reached by The Post, several of the targeted employees said they did not want to speak for fear of their jobs and their families safety. Others spoke on the condition of anonymity to avoid attracting additional attention to themselves or violating agency policy. They said they were fearful that being targeted on a public list made them vulnerable to threats and that, if Trump wins, they would be called upon to express loyalty to Trump and his party. Obviously this is designed to intimidate career government officials who are civil servants trying to fulfill the mission of the department and do it across administrations and do it with integrity, said one employee on the list. Another said he worries about the effect of the watch list on young people in government, particularly LGBTQ+ employees, who have to ask themselves, How safe is it for me to be my own person here? The American Federation of Government Employees, which represents about 86,000 members at Homeland Security, drew the parallel to McCarthy, who claimed that hundreds of State Department employees were traitorous communists and then used his congressional perch to investigate. It is aimed at intimidating and frightening civil servants for getting involved in serving their country, union spokesperson Andrew Huddleston said. Department of Homeland Security officials said the agency contacted the targeted employees to provide security support. We are immensely proud of the more than 260,000 public servants in DHS who dedicate themselves every day to the safety and security of all Americans. We condemn in the strongest terms any effort to harass or intimidate our public servants, DHS Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas said in a statement. Some of the named employees work at the Department of Justice or Office of Management and Budget. A DOJ employee group focused on gender equity wrote to agency leadership Thursday, citing the watch list and warning that the effects of such activities on workers mental health, professional and personal reputations, finances, and physical safety can be devastating. A DOJ spokesperson said that the agency takes employee security seriously and encourages workers to report any perceived threats to management. OMB did not respond to a request for comment. Jones denied that the watch list presents security risks for named employees. Its a website that tells you about people who work in government. That is a noncontroversial area of research, Jones said in an interview with The Post. Jones previously worked for conservative Republican Sens. Ron Johnson of Wisconsin and Jim DeMint of South Carolina. He has also done opposition research for candidates including Sen. Ted Cruz, R.-Texas, during his failed 2016 run for the White House. Jones is now the president of the nonprofit American Accountability Foundation, which was established shortly after the 2020 election and has sought to derail the confirmation of Biden appointees to political posts and judgeships. The group sought to find and publicize information about nominees on a website similar to the new watch list, featuring photographs of targets and details about their past activities and policy views. Some of the nominees the group targeted ultimately withdrew their nominations; others, including Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, were confirmed. The American Accountability Foundation announced earlier this year it would turn its attention to government employees. It developed the DHS employee watch list with the help of $100,000 from the Heritage Foundation, a longtime center of conservative power in Washington. Heritages Project 2025 policy guide for a second Trump administration - which Trump has disavowed but was written by many of his former advisers - described large swaths of federal workers as left-wing ideologues who undermined Trumps policy goals during his first term. In a May press release announcing the grant to Joness group, Heritage president Kevin Roberts, who led Project 2025, applauded the group for their fight to hold our government accountable and drain it of bad actors. Heritage remains proud to support critical oversight of public officials undermining Americas sovereignty and national interests, spokesman Noah Weinrich said Friday. Jones told The Post that he and a staff of five others produced the list after they emailed agency employees seeking the names of colleagues who might undermine an immigration crackdown. In one email sent to a Homeland Security employee and obtained by The Post, Jones explained that he was looking for the names of senior officials who are leading the charge within the civil service for open borders. If you are concerned that there are leaders in the civil service who are not committed to secure borders and preventing illegal aliens from residing in the United States, I would hope you would reach out to me with their names and details of their work enabling illegal immigration, Jones wrote. DHS officials warned staff last week that clicking on the lists website could lead to malware attacks on their computers, according to emails viewed by The Post; Jones responded with a letter claiming the site is safe and warning the agency that his organization may consider legal action. DHS officials did not respond to questions from The Post about the dispute. Peter Jamison contributed to this report. Delmar Dreaming Bear, 73, is helped into his motel room by his daughter, Dakotah Dreaming Bear. (Nelvin C. Cepeda/The San Diego Union-Tribune) (Tribune News Service) Its difficult to say whether Delmar Dreaming Bear struggles more asleep or awake. Some nights he dreams that the ground is about to swallow him. Other nightmares feature killers in pursuit. If he wakes, say, around midnight and doesnt want to go back to sleep, his adult son may sit up with him until sunrise. But daylight brings its own challenges: Dreaming Bears bandages need changing and his colostomy bag, which dangles down where his legs used to be, requires emptying. This cycle has repeated itself for months in a Point Loma motel where Dreaming Bear, a 73-year-old Vietnam veteran, lives with several members of his family, including grandchildren who are only a few years old. He believes stable housing would help him heal, and there is ample rental assistance available for homeless veterans. Yet records show that the VA San Diego Healthcare System has at least temporarily denied him a housing voucher on the grounds that hes too ill to live independently. That decision leaves him feeling like hes in a catch-22. How can he get better in a room so small that his wheelchair barely makes it into the bathroom? The aid Dreaming Bear applied for, the Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing program, or VASH, is unquestionably a success story. The vouchers have been credited with cutting veteran homelessness in half nationwide, and the federal government announced in October that the tens of thousands who were housed last fiscal year amounted to the programs highest total since before the pandemic. These efforts are built on the evidence-based Housing First approach, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs wrote in a news release, which prioritizes getting a Veteran into housing, then providing or connecting them with the wraparound services and supports they need to stay housed, including health care. San Diego County has sometimes struggled to use all of its available vouchers, and local leaders have partially blamed the regions brutal housing market. But the local VA, under pressure from members of Congress, has recently increased how many veterans are screened for the program. Dreaming Bear was born in Pine Ridge, South Dakota, within one of the countrys largest Indian reservations. Military records show he enlisted in the U.S. Army as a teenager in 1969 and was trained as a rifle sharpshooter and ammunition specialist. The decorations he earned in the following months included the Vietnam Service Medal, reserved for those deployed to Southeast Asia during the war. He was honorably discharged in 1971 and returned to the reservation. His years there felt unstable, he said in an interview. Pine Ridge has a long history of violence a 1973 confrontation at Wounded Knee between activists and federal officials left several people dead as well as high levels of poverty. Dreaming Bear said one trailer he lived in lacked running water. Over the years, his health deteriorated. Dreaming Bear has struggled with diabetes, arthritis and sepsis, according to medical records he agreed to share with The San Diego Union-Tribune. He has post-traumatic stress disorder. The VA believes his exposure to herbicides during the Vietnam War likely contributed to his coronary artery disease, and all that comes on top of two knee replacements that devolved into a double leg amputation. This is by no means a comprehensive list. Near the start of the year, Dreaming Bear decided he wanted a change. Decades ago hed lived in El Cajon. Why not again try San Diego County? Dreaming Bear headed south with two adult children and six grandchildren. When the family arrived in February, Dreaming Bear and his son, Phillip, began sleeping outside in Ocean Beach. His daughter, Dakotah, and her children squeezed into their Chrysler Town & Country. An outreach worker found them all and helped connect the family to several services, including the nonprofit Housing 4 the Homeless, which currently provides them with two motel rooms in Point Loma. One holds Dreaming Bear and his son while the other is for his daughter and grandchildren, whose ages range from 1 to 12. Theres no fixed end date to that aid, although Joanne Standlee, the nonprofits executive director, said funding is always tight. The local VA has helped as well. The agency gave Dreaming Bear a hospital bed, an electric wheelchair and pays his daughter $17 an hour for 13 hours of caretaking work a week. But officials have balked at extending a housing voucher. In a July 10 letter, the agency told Dreaming Bear he was not eligible for rental assistance as a result of his medical instability and recommendations for a higher level of skilled care that cannot be provided by the HUD-VASH program. The issue was revisited in early October during a conference call between a social worker, members of the VAs Homeless Patient Aligned Care Teams and representatives of the VASH program. A sustained period of stabilization, likely 90 days, is necessary before moving forward with his transition to VASH housing, the group wrote in notes reviewed by The San Diego Union-Tribune. Dreaming Bear was hospitalized in August. In September, officials decided he must be able to stay out of the hospital for around three months before a voucher could be re-considered, records show. The VA plans to meet again about his case in December. The team has also stressed the importance of increased involvement from Dreamingbears children, the notes said. Looking ahead, the team will closely monitor Dreamingbears stabilization progress with the goal of moving him to VASH housing once the necessary criteria are met. Its not entirely clear what those criteria are. Dreaming Bear signed a document allowing the VA to comment on his case and a reporter delivered it last month to the agencys La Jolla facility. But a VA official quickly rejected the form on the grounds that it needed to be handed over in person by the veteran. Instead, the Union-Tribune sent the VA several general questions about the voucher approval process. For example, how does the agency define medical instability? Typically, Veterans enrolled in HUD-VASH are able to independently attend to their activities of daily living, such as cooking meals or going to the bathroom, a spokesperson wrote in an emailed statement. The VA does not exclude Veterans with medical issues that impact their ability to live independently from HUD-VASH, provided resources are available to safely support them. The agency does have a Geriatrics and Extended Care Program for people with more extensive health needs, although Dreaming Bears VASH rejection letter and the conference call meeting notes do not list that as an option. The agency said it does sometimes refer veterans to outside organizations for extra care. Some of these resources may be paid for by the VA, depending on the Veterans eligibility, the statement added. Officials do not track how many veterans are annually denied vouchers as a result of medical instability. 2024 The San Diego Union-Tribune. Visit sandiegouniontribune.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Originally from County Carlow, John Doran was a passenger in the back of a HSE Peugeot people carrier The life and sad death of a 59-year-old man whose passing was hastened by his involvement in a road accident near Enniscorthy was aired at a sentencing hearing at Wexford District Court. Accused motorist Pearl O'Sullivan of Ballynmackeon House, Clonakilty, County Cork, pleaded guilty to careless driving causing serious harm to John Doran. The injured party became a resident at the Teach Saoirse hostel in Oulart earlier in 2023, having previously lived in Enniscorthy at the St John of God facility and then Summerhill House. Originally from County Carlow, he was a passenger in the back of a HSE Peugeot people carrier heading on July 25 last year home towards Oulart along the main road from Enniscorthy. The vehicle was struck to the side by the BMW X5 jeep driven by Ms O'Sullivan as she emerged from a side road at Corbally Cross. Mr Doran was left paralysed from the neck down as a result of the collision, which was investigated by Garda Keith Arnold. The garda explained to Judge James McCourt that he found the injured man was 'non-verbal' as a result of intellectual disabilities. Brought to hospital in Wexford and later transferred to The Mater in Dublin, his health deteriorated and he died on September 7, 2023, less than two months after the accident. A heartfelt victim impact statement was delivered by the sister of the deceased, Suzanne Roe She recalled her sibling as a gentle giant who needed special care, who loved Abba and trips to the sea, whose hero was Santa Claus. At the time of the collision at Corbally, he was happy and healthy but he died broken-hearted, Ms Roe reported. Her brother did not comprehend what had happened, she explained, and he felt that he must have done something wrong. Wexford Courthouse 'Day by day the life went out of him,' she recalled. 'His last few weeks were a torture. No words can describe the nightmare we now live in and from which we will never recover.' She told how their grief stricken father, Tom Doran, died broken hearted shortly after the passing of his son. Defending barrister Brian Mulvany stressed that his client took full responsibility for what happened after she drove past a stop sign and out on to the main road. A production manager with a Cork company, she had been in the Monageer area that day to look at a horse. She was joined in the courtroom by her two teenaged children. Judge James McCourt thanked Ms Roe for her eloquent testimonial and commented these are particularly tragic cases. He noted that Ms O'Sullivan had never been in trouble before and felt she could not be treated by the court as someone who needed to be given a lesson. He banned her for driving for a year, with effect from May 1, and suspended a two year prison sentence. The defendant agreed to make a 5,000 donation to WRIDS the HSE's Wexford Residential and Intellectual Disability Service for adults with severe to profound intellectual disabilities. This was at the suggestion of Suzanne Roe who recalled that her late mother, Stella, was active in the setting up of WRIDS. Taoiseach Simon Harris: What happened to Roderic is absolutely unacceptable and cannot be tolerated or accepted in a modern democracy Gardai have charged a man in relation to the incident and he is due in court tomorrow morning. Deputy OGorman was out in the Dublin 15 area on Saturday when it is alleged he was assaulted while on a doorstep. Although the Green Party politician was not injured he was said to be shaken by the incident which ended with the intervention of a garda who was present at the time. Through his press office, Minister OGorman said that on Saturday, while out canvassing in Dublin West, what was otherwise a positive canvass was marred by an alarming incident with one individual. I am grateful to the Garda Protection Officer assigned to me who was forced to intervene, and I have given a statement to the Gardai on the matter, he said. With an election due shortly, I am deeply concerned about the increase in abuse and threats that politicians face, particularly in the last number of weeks. It is abundantly clear that rampant misinformation on social media is driving extreme views. Misinformation is near-total on some platforms. I have seen the effects of that first hand, for both myself and for many other elected representatives. We cannot tolerate a situation where people running for office from all parties and none - face the threat of violence for doing so. I have been canvassing in Dublin West for more than 20 years. Its my home. Meeting people and chatting through the issues has been and always will be at the heart of my work as a public representative, he added. Gardai have confirmed that a man in his 30s was arrested following the alleged assault of an elected representative canvassing in his local community in Dublin on Saturday. He has been charged and is scheduled to appear before Blanchardstown District Court tomorrow, a garda spokesman added. Investigations into the incident are ongoing. Meanwhile, Taoiseach Simon Harris said: "I have spoken to Minister OGorman today. What happened to Roderic is absolutely unacceptable and cannot be tolerated or accepted in a modern democracy. I am so glad to hear he is okay and back out canvassing. "I have been all across the country in recent months and it is important to state the overwhelming majority of people are fundamentally decent. "Engaging directly with people is a core and fundamental part of our democracy and something I think people in this country value. It is essential in the weeks ahead that political candidates can go about their campaigning in complete safety and without fear. I know our Gardai will always work to ensure this and I thank them sincerely for that. The safety of all politicians and all their canvassers is paramount in the forthcoming election. Incident In April of this year Coalition leaders and Opposition TDs condemned an unrelated anti-immigration protest held outside the home of Minister OGorman, who is also Minister for Integration, describing it as disgraceful and chilling. A group of masked men had gathered outside his home in west Dublin and placed banners on a fence reading close the borders. Minister OGorman said at the time that Ireland has a strong democratic tradition, where public representatives are accessible and accountable to the public, and debate and sometimes disagree, but do so in a way that is fundamentally respectful. Threats and intimidation towards publicly elected representatives and those seeking election will undermine those essential qualities of Irish democracy. If we were to lose those, we would lose something very dear, and not easily recovered, he said. Taoiseach Simon Harris has described the incident as chilling, disturbing, and quite frankly disgusting. The then Green Party leader and Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan said the episode was shocking and disgraceful. Minister for Justice Helen McEntee said Mr OGormans privacy and property had been violated in a disgusting and shocking manner, and Labour justice spokesman Aodhan O Riordain said the targeting of politicians in such ways needs to stop. Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns said the scenes were alarming, and Sinn Fein justice spokesman Pa Daly also condemned the protest, saying it was unacceptable and that people needed to take a stand against such activity. He also admitted to charges of providing legal services while an unqualified person and acting as a personal insolvency practitioner while an unauthorised person A Wicklow man who defrauded about 1,200 people after posing as a barrister and personal insolvency practitioner is to be sentenced later in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. David Williams (68) with an address in Sroughan, Blessington, Co Wicklow, pleaded guilty to multiple sample counts of deception on dates between January 2019 and June 2020. He also admitted to charges of providing legal services while an unqualified person and acting as a personal insolvency practitioner while an unauthorised person during the same period. Co-accused Crystal Talia (46) of the same address, pleaded guilty to impeding an investigation by allowing Williams to use her bank accounts. In a separate bill, Williams pleaded guilty to defrauding a Galway woman in her 80s by dishonestly inducing her to buy a mini-digger for over 7,000. Crystal Talia pictured leaving Dublin circuit court on October 31, 2024. Photo: Collins Courts At a hearing on Thursday, Fionnuala OSullivan SC, prosecuting, told the court that Williams is not and never was a practicing barrister, nor was he ever on the Roll of Practising Barristers. The court heard that Williams pleaded guilty on the day of his scheduled trial in July of this year, after he unsuccessfully sought to vacate the trial on medical grounds. Detective Garda Keith Gorman told Ms OSullivan that Williams failed to attend his sentencing last week and so was brought before court on Thursday on a warrant. The court heard that the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau began to investigate a firm called THL Legal, which offered a range of legal services including advice about work permits, leave-to-remain applications and family reunifications. Most of the people seeking advice were not of Irish origin and had paid sums averaging 1,500 to the company, the court heard. THL had Facebook and Twitter accounts and a website advertising themselves as a dynamic firm of experienced lawyers, although the company was never a solicitors firm and was not registered with the Law Society, the court heard. THLs offices in Greenogue Business Park, Westmanstown, Rathcoole, Co Dublin were raided by gardai who seized a large number of files including a client list with 1,200 names on it. Williams then set up another legal firm called Moore, Barrington and Walters (MBW) which operated from November 2019 to May 2020, until its offices were also raided by gardai. Williams was arrested in May 2020, but already by June of that year, counsel said he was toting himself out as a personal insolvency practitioner in a third business called Global Business Recovery, or GBR. The court heard that Talia and Williams were in a relationship and living together in Kildare with a number of children at the time of the offences. She opened a bank account used for trading at THL and then MBW, into which unwitting victims transferred fees for what they believed would be legitimate legal services. The court heard that as some of these clients realised that the relevant legal work they had requested was not being carried out, they began to report the firm to the gardai or the Law Society. Ms Sullivan gave an overview of 15 people who were defrauded by Williams, including people from South Africa, Libya, the Philippines, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Brazil, Morocco, Egypt and Poland. One victim from South Africa, who was working in Ireland, transferred 1,600 to THL Legal in order to get his daughter naturalised. He was contacted months later by THL to say it couldnt be done, but he didnt get his money back. Another Libyan man who was also working full time paid over 1,500 to Williams for help processing his visa application, but it never happened. A Zimbabwean woman who was an Irish citizen paid 1,600 in instalments to THL to further her application for family reunification. Another man living in Direct Provision paid 1,845 to THL after Williams said he could revoke his deportation order and get him a work permit. An Irish woman whose son attended a birthday party hosted by Williams and Talia at GoCart in Naas told gardai that her son had an accident at the party and required surgery. She met Williams while visiting her son in hospital he introduced himself as a barrister and said he felt bad about what had happened her son and wanted to take a case against GoCart. Williams charged her legal fees of 3,410 but said these would be refunded she got no resolution to the case and was not refunded. In June 2020, an Irish plumber and farmer in trouble with loans got a call from Williams at Global Recovery Business, saying he could organise to settle the loans for a fee of 2,500. Another Polish national whose martial arts academy got into financial difficulties during Covid went to Global Recovery Business, where Williams said he could sort out his debts for 5,000. The victim gave him 2,000 plus his car. After his arrest, Williams was interviewed six times by gardai but said nothing of evidential value. The court heard he was on bail for some of the offences when he committed others. Talia was arrested in July 2020 and answered all questions. She said Williams had set up THL Legal and asked her to set up a bank account that he could use for the business, as he said he was going through marital difficulties in the UK. She has no previous convictions, while Williams has multiple, dating back to the 1970s, many of them from the UK. The court heard that among Williams previous convictions are making false statements, obtaining property by deception, theft, trading with intent to defraud creditors, acting as an insolvency practitioner without qualifications and conspiracy to defraud. Mark Lynam SC, defending Talia, said his client came to Ireland from Uganda with her husband in 2008, but they split up in 2012. Counsel said Talia was working as a carer for Williams aunt when they started a relationship. She trusted and respected him. He showed her a lot of care and told her all about his assets, Mr Lynam said, adding that these alleged assets included properties in the UK and Scotland and restaurants in the Cayman Islands. Det Gda Gorman agreed with counsel that Williams was well-capable of being convincing and manipulative. The court heard that Williams told Talia he couldnt set up a bank account for his business as he was going through a divorce and didnt want his wife to come after him. The prosecuting garda agreed that Talia was not involved in the day-to-day business of THL Legal or Williams other firms. The court heard that when THL was raided, Williams told Talia it was because a solicitor who had been working there had done improper paperwork and that in order to look after all their clients, he needed to set up another company with another bank account in her name. Talia agreed with gardai that she had been reckless and could have been more careful but she said: I trusted the man and felt safe. Stupid, maybe. The court heard that Talia has her own chocolate business and that Williams offered her some assistance and know-how. Mr Lynam said Talia was a struggling single mother of three when she came into Williams orbit. He appeared to be extremely dynamic, caring and wealthy; she wanted it to be true but it was too good to be true. Counsel told the court that Talia split from Williams and is trying to move on with her life in a pro-social way and has completed a diploma in law at the Kings Inns. Her chocolate business is beginning to grow and she has four employees, the court heard. Mr Lynam asked the court to treat Talias offence as at the lower end of the scale. Det Gda Gorman also gave evidence in the second bill to Caroline Lantham BL, prosecuting, in which Williams admitted defrauding a Galway woman in her 80s. He pleaded guilty to dishonestly inducing the woman to buy a Kuboto U27 mini-digger for the sum of 7,841, which included transport of the digger from the UK. The court heard that the woman had become acquainted with Williams as he had been carrying out work at her relatives office. She told Williams she was looking to buy a mini-digger and he said he could source repossessed machinery in the UK. Williams directed her to a Facebook page called Fast Buy Equipment and put her in contact with an unknown vendor who negotiated a deal of 6,600 sterling plus 500 transport. Williams gave her the IBAN of his account in Blessington Credit Union but she resisted pressure to immediately transfer the funds as she wished to see an invoice and a photo of the VIM number of the digger. Williams gave her a photo purporting to be of the VIM plate of the machine, but gardai traced this digger using a watermark on the photo to a third party sale which had nothing to do with Williams. Gardai were able to fully refund the money to the woman, who declined to make a victim impact statement. However numerous victim impact statements for other injured parties in the first bill were handed into the court but not read aloud. Padraic Dwyer SC, defending Williams in the first bill, asked the court for time to gather character references and requested a probation report. Judge Orla Crowe refused to order a probation report but agreed to a request for some time to allow Williams, who has a sheep farm in Naas, Co Kildare, to get his affairs in order. Judge Crowe remanded both Williams and Talia on continuing bail for finalisation on December 13 Mr Dwyer will present mitigation for Williams on the next date. The court heard that he has a number of medical issues with appointments pending. Sources in the Sandy Row area of south Belfast claim the suicide was a direct result of pressure to make regular repayments UDA loan sharks are extorting money from a woman whose son took his own life over a drug debt. Four years after the young man passed away, paramilitary money lenders are still demanding weekly payments from his mother. Sources in the Sandy Row area of south Belfast claim the suicide was a direct result of pressure to make regular repayments. He is understood to have fallen behind on payments, and the outstanding amount multiplied because of extortionate interest demands. He is believed to have borrowed a small amount, possibly as little as 100, but because of interest demands and several missed payments the amount he owed ballooned into thousands. The loan shark raps the widowed mothers door every Friday morning demanding payment. He is a UDA veteran and prominent member of the organisation. That woman has not only had to come to terms with the death of her boy at a young age, but her husband has also passed away, a source told us. She is on her own and having to face these thugs by herself. The source said her son had fallen into bad company and had got into trouble with the police for public order offences. He started using drugs and went to the UDA to borrow money to feed his habit. When he started missing payments he was forced to courier drugs for the organisation while also expected to make actual payments. Once you borrow money from these people, they have you on a hook and theres no way of getting off it. He could see no way out and ended up taking his own life. Unfortunately all he did was pass the debt to his mum. Drug dealing and extortion are the main sources of income for Sandy Row UDA. Jackie McDonald Veteran south Belfast brigadier Jackie McDonald has repeatedly claimed he is anti-drugs that you cant be a loyalist and a drug dealer. But the organisation remains mired in the drugs trade, according to sources. The Sandy Row leadership orchestrates the trade in prescription and Class A drugs. Sadly there is nothing unusual about what is going on with that woman, she is just one of any who are carrying the can for their kids who have got mixed up with the UDA. Couple want an inquiry into how their seven-month-old son was treated in Tallaght and Temple Street childrens hospitals A devastated young couple are seeking an independent inquiry into the treatment of their baby son, who died from sepsis after treatment over three days in Tallaght and Temple Street childrens hospitals, during which time he returned home for a period. Mihai Marandici was the beautiful, bright and deeply loved firstborn child of his parents Nicolae and Olesea Marandici. He died from septic shock on Tuesday, September 24, aged seven months after being treated at Tallaght Childrens Hospital, before being transferred by ambulance to Temple Street. Baby Mihai who was born on February 11 this year and died on September 24 At 5am on September 24, Mihai was smiling and laughing in the arms of his mother. By 10am his parents were told he was minutes from death, and they must say goodbye. What happened to him? We need to know. Could he have been saved? You couldnt tell he was going to die in this short time, a shaken Nicolae said as he sat beside his grieving wife this weekend. What happened to him? We need to know. Could he have been saved? the construction worker said through an interpreter. It is nearly six weeks since their babys death, and Nicolae (28) and Olesea (23) are almost paralysed with grief and shock. They are haunted by the questions of how their baby was taken from them and whether he could have been saved. Mihai was born on February 11, 2024, he was perfectly healthy, beautiful and happy baby. Nicolae and Oleasa adored him and every moment of their lives revolved around him. The family, who are originally from Moldova, lived in Citywest in Dublin, and looked forward to building their life in Ireland. On Saturday, September 21, they noticed Mihai had a high temperature of 38 degrees. They gave him one dose of Nurofen and he was fine. On Sunday morning, he was eating and smiling and his parents had no concerns. By Sunday evening his temperature rose again and they decided out of an abundance of caution to bring him to nearby Tallaght University Hospital at 6pm. Mihai had blood and urine tests and his oxygen saturation level was also measured. His parents were assured he was fine. The family were left in a waiting room with Mihai and another person for up to six hours. Within this time, Mihai began to feel better. His temperature had reduced and he was playful and engaged with his parents. The family left the hospital to go home around midnight. On Monday, Mihai was fine in the morning but by noon his temperature spiked again. His mother called his father to return home from work and they took him to a local GP. The GP carried out an examination and noted that his throat was red. He prescribed antibiotics for the child and advised initially that he could be treated at home with Calpol. However, Mihais parents remained worried and, while they were still at the GP, checked his temperature again. It had now risen to over 40 degrees. The GP sent them back to Tallaght Hospital with a letter to say Mihai needed to be treated urgently. The family arrived at 3pm on Monday and at 4pm Mihai had another round of blood and urine tests. At 6pm more blood tests were taken and by this point his oxygen saturation level and heart rate were being monitored. By 11pm on Monday night, the Marandicis had begun to feel that nothing was happening. Mihai was taking Calpol and Nurofen regularly and seemed to improve. They wondered if they might take him home. They recalled that around midnight a doctor came and said: OK, I think you will be able to go home I will just administer the first antibiotic and you can do the rest at home. That doctor left and another doctor came and told them they noticed Mihais heart rate was elevated and they were to stay in the hospital. After the first antibiotic, Mihai quickly developed three red spots on his body. They showed this to a doctor, who reassured them it was normal. Shortly afterwards, more spots appeared. Growing increasingly alarmed, the Marandicis repeatedly rang a bell for assistance but they say nobody came to them. Nicolae and Olesea Marandici who lost their seven-month-old son Mihai. Photo: Steve Humphreys Nicolea walked the corridors of the hospital looking for a doctor. When one came, he administered another antibiotic to Mihai and said it was stronger and could put the infant to sleep. Within 10 minutes, Mihai began to vomit continuously and have diarrhoea and his tiny body developed even more red spots. The Marandicis say the nurse wasnt very alarmed and told them it was normal. Meanwhile, all this time, they were told the urine and blood tests were normal, but the hospital kept him in because his heart rate was high. It was 4am and by this time Mihais eye area began to go purple and his tiny body was now covered in red spots. At that stage, the doctor said they would discuss with another doctor about transferring Mihai to another hospital, and he was given another antibiotic. A doctor told them their baby had septic shock and that he may die, or he may live, but that he could be left with disabilities At 5am his blood pressure suddenly dropped and a decision was made to transfer him to Temple Street Childrens Hospital. His parents followed in a taxi but when they arrived they were told they could not see Mihai. A doctor told them their baby had septic shock and that he may die, or he may live, but that he could be left with disabilities. The couple say that later another doctor came and told them a decision had been made to transfer Mihai to Stockholm in Sweden as there was an infection in his blood and in his spinal fluid. They were told a plane was on its way to collect Mihai, and to go home and get his passport. The doctor said at this point Mihai had a 30pc chance of survival, but would be disabled. The couple say that in the middle of this conversation another doctor came in and said it was too late and Mihai was in his final minutes. They must go and see him now. When they went to his cot, their beautiful son was unrecognisable to them. Minutes later his life ebbed away. Mihai Marandici They were informed by the hospital that Mihai had tested positive for Meningitis B. Nicolea and Oleasa were given antibiotics to treat themselves, and Oleasa was also given medication to dry up her breast milk. Speaking through an interpreter, the Marandicis say all they want is answers. They have so many questions about how, within such a sport space of time, their beautiful baby could be taken from them. Mihai with his mother Olesea He was so awesome. He was a bright and beautiful boy, said Nicolea. Up until 5am the day he died he was smiling, feeding and energetic, he said, sitting beside a distraught Oleasa. You couldnt tell he was going to die in this short time. What happened to him? We need to know. Could he have been saved? We are left with these terrible thoughts all the time. We cannot find our purpose any more. A solicitor acting for the couple said Nicolae and Oleasas ordeal was, what can only be described as a heartbreaking situation that no parent should endure. Colum Doherty, of Clare-based CN Doherty & Co Solicitors, said: We can only imagine what they are going through at this time. What the family now want is a full independent inquiry to establish the full facts. Childrens Health Ireland, which is responsible for both Tallaght Childrens Hospital and Temple Street Childrens Hospital, said it could not comment on the death of Mihai. Enquiries are ongoing, confirmed a garda spokesperson. Gardai are investigating the incident at Mary Butler TD's constituency office on the Quay in Waterford Gardai are investigating an incident of criminal damage to a Waterford TDs constituency office. A picture of the Minister of State Mary Butlers constituency office shows the front facade daubed with graffiti, with the phrases fix the housing and time for change. Gardai are investigating an incident of criminal damage that occurred at a property on The Quay, Waterford, sometime between Wednesday evening, October 30, and Thursday morning October 31. Enquiries are ongoing, a garda spokesperson confirmed. The Minister of State for Mental Health and Older People, Mary Butler, issued a statement, saying: I was very disappointed to learn Thursday morning that my Waterford city constituency office was targeted overnight with paint. "Unfortunately this is not the first time that I've had to deal with issues in relation to my personal safety and issues in relation to my constituency offices. "However, it will not deter me from doing my job and contesting the general election in the next few weeks. One person has been taken into custody following an assault near Whakatane after reports of an assault at Awakeri Hot Springs. Police confirmed they were called about the incident at 1.25pm today. One person was waiting to be checked over by ambulance. However, the ambulance has subsequently been stood down as [it is] not required. A staff member told SunLive another staff member at the hot springs had been assaulted. It happened up at the shop, not down at the pool. There are a lot of police officers here. But just one staff member was hit. People are quite safe. The staff member said the thermal pools are to remain open. At the scene? Phone 0800SUNLIVE or email newsroom@thesun.co.nz Tongan seasonal workers who had been in New Zealand for just a few hours were on a bus which rolled near Rotorua on Sunday morning. Up to 13 passengers were injured after the bus rolled in Broadlands, near Rotorua at around 7.30am. Immigration NZ national manager Pacific Mike Sorensen said there were 30 Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) workers who had arrived in New Zealand earlier that morning. They were travelling to Hawkes Bay to start work with their employer, Mr Apple, he said. We understand 13 of the workers were taken to various hospitals and some of them are expected to be discharged later today and transported to Hawkes Bay. The remaining 17 people have now continued on their journey to Hawkes Bay. Our thoughts and best wishes go out to the individuals and families affected by this accident. Immigration New Zealands RSE Engagement Partner was working closely with Mr Apple and Tongan authorities to provide assistance and support, Sorensen said. Police said the crash involved a bus rolling at the intersection of Broadlands Road and Allen Road. No other vehicles were involved. The bus, at the intersection of Broadlands Road and Allen Road. Photo: Supplied. Police said three people had serious injuries, two were moderately injured, and five others had minor injuries all had been taken to hospital by helicopter. Hato Hone St John listed 12 people as requiring hospital treatment. The road remains blocked and is expected to remain so for some time. Diversions are in place at Ohaaki Road and Vaile Road. A Hato Hone spokesperson said four ambulances, a helicopter and a rapid response unit were on the scene, along with four clinical support units and one Mist (Major Incident Support Team) support unit. Paramedics were assessing up to 30 people who were on board the bus. A second helicopter is on its way. One patient in a moderate condition and one patient in a serious condition had been airlifted to Waikato hospital. Three patients in a moderate condition, one patient in a minor condition, and one patient in a serious condition were transported to Rotorua Hospital. Five patients in a minor condition were transported to Taupo Hospital. Fish & Game is welcoming a new charter to improve access to public conservation land for fishing and hunting. Minister for Hunting and Fishing Todd McClay launched the charter at the Sika Show at Mystery Creek in Hamilton on Saturday morning. The charter establishes guiding principles for the Department of Conservation to provide clear and transparent decisions on public conservation land access that make it easier for kiwis to go hunting and fishing, supported by Fish & Game. The ability to get out in nature and catch a fish or hunt a duck for the table is part of a way of life for many New Zealanders, but constraints on access have made that challenging, said Corina Jordan, chief executive of Fish & Game New Zealand. We know access is the number one issue for our anglers and hunters and we are proud to be able to be involved in supporting this work. "We are working with our hunting sector leaders, the Department of Conservation, Herenga a Nuku, LINZ, and others to make it easier and clearer for people to know where they can go and how to go about it. Fish & Game maintain over 3000 access points for anglers and game bird hunters around the country. "We have done this for over 30 years and work with public and private landowners to ensure people can get out and enjoy this resource. "We are working to support mobility impaired people be able to fish and hunt and have created a wheelchair maimai, collaborated on fishing platforms and have maps to show good spots they can use. This charter is an important tool in the kit to ensure that New Zealanders can continue to get out in nature, enjoy our hunting and fishing heritage, and enjoy the benefits being out in nature provides. At Fish & Game, we know that whats good for anglers and hunters is good for all New Zealanders clean and healthy waterways and thriving wetlands, sustainable sources of wild kai, and access to the great outdoors all contribute to our wellbeing, said Jordan. Fish & Games vision is a New Zealand where freshwater habitats and species flourish, where hunting and fishing traditions thrive and all Kiwis enjoy access to sustainable wild fish and game resources. About Fish & Game New Zealand Fish & Game manages trout, salmon, and game birds and helps New Zealanders to connect with nature and experience the many benefits fishing and hunting offers. Fish & Game works to protect the environment that anglers and hunters have enjoyed as a tradition for over 150 years. Town of Onondaga, N.Y. A man is in critical condition Sunday after an early morning rollover crash that injured two others in the town of Onondaga, deputies said. Around 2:14 a.m., a woman called 911 and reported that three people were inside a car that was involved in a rollover crash in the 3200 block of West Seneca Turnpike near Kencrest Drive, according to Onondaga County 911 Center dispatches. One person was trapped under the vehicle, according to dispatches. Emergency crews were able to extricate the man and all three people were taken to Upstate University Hospital, according to a news release from the Onondaga County Sheriffs Office. Rome, N.Y. A Syracuse man was arrested Friday in Rome after he was found to have over a hundred packets of cocaine as well as guns and ammunition, police said. Alfred L. Thomas, 39, was arrested following an investigation into the selling of cocaine, Rome police said in a news release Friday. During a search, 133 individual packages of cocaine, weighing 1.3 ounces were found, police said. Two handguns, miscellaneous ammunition and $390 was also found, they said. Thomas was charged with criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree and of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree. Thomas is being held at the Rome police headquarters and is awaiting arraignment. Staff writer Timia Cobb covers breaking news. Have a tip, a story idea, a question or a comment? You can reach her at tcobb@syracuse.com. VW2010 Senior - BHPian Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: electricity Posts: 2,930 Thanked: 4,491 Times re: Replacement for Tata Nano | Kinetic Yellow Maruti Jimny 4x4 | 13,500 km update Starting the proceeding with some pictures till the 6000kms Mark. The summary is between 6000kms to 10000kms. Trip no 1 was to Bangalore for a conference. We started at 430 and returned by 1130pm. We took the Old Madras road and it rained in a few sections as well. The car handled the tarmac and the lack of it through this drive with less fuss and more awe. We started at 430 and reached MG Road around 845 and that is a pretty good average. The bane of Jimny, the slow-speed steering wheel was very comfortable at high speeds. The soft suspension eats up bad roads but does not become a boat on the tarmac. The Car is very planted on corners and one can keep gaining confidence in the capability of Jimny. Visibility and size are favorable to highway driving in the Jimny. The engine whines more than your regular-sized engines but not once it felt it is struggling. We could cruise with no discomfort and with the EVC overtaking was also not difficult. EVC is a must for Jimny and I understand why the ECU is tuned to drive in its stock form as Fuel efficiency is also a key DNA of Maruti which does not exist with Jimny. Even at this good average pace, we got around 10.8 to 11.2 kmpl during the trip. One tank each way was the cost. There were few stretches when it rained and some bad stretches of roads drenched in rain and mud. I am 100% sure I would have slowed down to a crawl in a sedan or other cars but with Jimny, we just glided over these stretches at a healthy speed. This makes it a terrific highway car once you consider the comfort factor on all type of roads. Things that impressed me during this trip Stability The engine is not that bad and with EVC the drive is comfortable and reaches 3-digit speeds quickly Extremely comfortable for driver and front seat passengers. Fabric seats are comfortable AC, Dark tints and cabin size make it a very cold ride even in a hot summer Does not float like a boat and stiffer steering makes it relatively ok to drive at highway speeds Great for good roads, greater for bad roads The brakes are good. It is not abrupt but can confidently go all during an emergency and the car will stop Can zip through the slow traffic like you are used to as the car is small but also agile. While this established my opinion that Jimny is a solid highway vehicle, the next day, I had a trip planned with the wife and kid to Trivandrum, Tanjavur and and Trihcy, which meant I could test the car further on the rear seat comfort, luggage space, and overall performance. Trip no 2 - Chennai - Trivandrum - Madurai - Kumbakonam - Chennai A similar trip was completed last year in the Endeavour (ex). While it is easy to say the Endeavour was comfortable because of that extra space, size, weight, and powerful engine, Jimny did not disappoint. We started at 6 and reached Trivandrum around 7 pm which included the usual breakfast, lunch, and snack break. Luggage for 3 - Check - You can say 4 as the camera gears and other nonsense I carry can be added as 1 extra person's luggage. My wife was seated in the front/rear at different times and my son was in the rear seat. The roads were very good and well-maintained. The toll takes a toll on your wallet though. We were consistently cruising at highway speed and throughout the trip, the few questions I kept asking my family were " How comfortable is the rear seat? Is the ride bouncy? Does it make you sick?" Both never once said they felt uncomfortable during the trip. At some stages, my son was fully stretched out and sleeping in the second row giving both me and my wife enough room to push the seats back to prevent him from rolling down. Few things that worked in their favor Excellent AC and protection from heat (It was a hot day) The fabric seats are comfortable I have installed an Android device that allows us to use the display as a phone and install any app from the app store. This meant they could watch their own OTT platform on the go. Good stops at right time also ensured some stretching and relaxing Cruising at highway speed is easy and the cruise control is a bonus here. Took the car to the carwash next to Infosys in Trivandrum and they did a very good job. Some pictures during the visit. We did use the car inside Trivandrum and this was the trip that helped me enjoy what this Jimny offers. Trip to Chennai We left Trivandrum at 5 am and we planned to head to Kumbakonam and visit 4 of the 5 Navagraha temples and stay put in Kumbakonam. The plan was flexible based on the time it took us to reach Kumbakonam. On the way we stopped to enjoy the windmills and take some photos finally of Jimny This is an excellent place to stay if you want to start your tour from Karaikal. Clean and tidy and the food is very good. We reached Madurai by 930am and decided to head to Kumbakonam and finish the outer stretch of the 4 temples including Shani, Budhan, Kethu, and Sevvai. The roads are lovely to drive or ride in this part of the state. In between it was raining and I had to take an emergency call from work. Driving the Jimny in these parts is easy and fun. Roads are small compared to the highways and Google Maps takes you via weird interior roads that are at best as wide as one car. I enjoyed this drive and so did my family. After finishing the tour we returned and were treated to some exhibition of sky, colors, and a clean day. There is nothing here to explain but to share some pictures We reached Chennai around 4pm leaving us a day and a half to relax before heading back to awful work and routine. Spotted this Mahindra EV on the way back home. Final Summary and stats after these two trips:- Jimny is a solid city and highway car for a small family. It is strictly a 2 adult and 2 kid car. It has enough space for such a family size with the advantage of looking good as well. Total Distance covered - Close to 3500 and ended the trip at 9500 km. Average fuel consumption for the trip - Around 11 Considering the 3500 odd km in 5-6 days I heard only good things from a comfort standpoint from my wife and Kid. This trip enabled me to sell the Endeavor. Jimny now has a solid recommendation if someone came to me and I personally do not believe this is a slow car or a car that is not good for highway drives. I also completed the 10000 km 3rd service. Changed oil, filters, and pretty much the usual top-up stuff. The filter was filthy and I have decided to clean it once a week. The filter is located inside the glove compartment. Rear wiper water pressure is suddenly low and i have to check this this week. Other than that, there is a reason why people buy Maruthi. The experience is stellar and thanks to Abish from Khivraj. He is a fantastic service manager and if you are in Chennai, please get your car serviced in Khivraj Perungudi and ask for Abish. Up next - Offroading debut with the Jimny and starting to use the car to the fullest....... Here is the Promised update and with that I also complete the 3rd service. Another Shout out to Abish from Khivraj who took care of all service needs. Nothing major but changing oil and filters. Will get to the service update at the end.Starting the proceeding with some pictures till the 6000kms Mark.was to Bangalore for a conference. We started at 430 and returned by 1130pm. We took the Old Madras road and it rained in a few sections as well. The car handled the tarmac and the lack of it through this drive with less fuss and more awe. We started at 430 and reached MG Road around 845 and that is a pretty good average.The bane of Jimny, the slow-speed steering wheel was very comfortable at high speeds. The soft suspension eats up bad roads but does not become a boat on the tarmac. The Car is very planted on corners and one can keep gaining confidence in the capability of Jimny.Visibility and size are favorable to highway driving in the Jimny. The engine whines more than your regular-sized engines but not once it felt it is struggling. We could cruise with no discomfort and with the EVC overtaking was also not difficult. EVC is a must for Jimny and I understand why the ECU is tuned to drive in its stock form as Fuel efficiency is also a key DNA of Maruti which does not exist with Jimny. Even at this good average pace, we got around 10.8 to 11.2 kmpl during the trip. One tank each way was the cost.There were few stretches when it rained and some bad stretches of roads drenched in rain and mud. I am 100% sure I would have slowed down to a crawl in a sedan or other cars but with Jimny, we just glided over these stretches at a healthy speed. This makes it a terrific highway car once you consider the comfort factor on all type of roads.While this established my opinion that Jimny is a solid highway vehicle, the next day, I had a trip planned with the wife and kid to Trivandrum, Tanjavur and and Trihcy, which meant I could test the car further on the rear seat comfort, luggage space, and overall performance.A similar trip was completed last year in the Endeavour (ex). While it is easy to say the Endeavour was comfortable because of that extra space, size, weight, and powerful engine, Jimny did not disappoint.We started at 6 and reached Trivandrum around 7 pm which included the usual breakfast, lunch, and snack break.- You can say 4 as the camera gears and other nonsense I carry can be added as 1 extra person's luggage.My wife was seated in the front/rear at different times and my son was in the rear seat. The roads were very good and well-maintained. The toll takes a toll on your wallet though. We were consistently cruising at highway speed and throughout the trip, the few questions I kept asking my family were " How comfortable is the rear seat? Is the ride bouncy? Does it make you sick?"Both never once said they felt uncomfortable during the trip. At some stages, my son was fully stretched out and sleeping in the second row giving both me and my wife enough room to push the seats back to prevent him from rolling down.Few things that worked in their favorCruising at highway speed is easy and the cruise control is a bonus here.We reached Trivandrum and the forward trip was complete. We went through a few rain zones and the car was dirty and covered with muck from the previous day's trip as well.Took the car to the carwash next to Infosys in Trivandrum and they did a very good job.We did use the car inside Trivandrum and this was the trip that helped me enjoy what this Jimny offers.We left Trivandrum at 5 am and we planned to head to Kumbakonam and visit 4 of the 5 Navagraha temples and stay put in Kumbakonam. The plan was flexible based on the time it took us to reach Kumbakonam.On the way we stopped to enjoy the windmills and take some photos finally of JimnyWe reached Madurai by 930am and decided to head to Kumbakonam and finish the outer stretch of the 4 temples including Shani, Budhan, Kethu, and Sevvai. The roads are lovely to drive or ride in this part of the state.In between it was raining and I had to take an emergency call from work.Driving the Jimny in these parts is easy and fun. Roads are small compared to the highways and Google Maps takes you via weird interior roads that are at best as wide as one car. I enjoyed this drive and so did my family.After finishing the tour we returned and were treated to some exhibition of sky, colors, and a clean day. There is nothing here to explain but to share some picturesWe reached Chennai around 4pm leaving us a day and a half to relax before heading back to awful work and routine.Spotted this Mahindra EV on the way back home.Jimny is a solid city and highway car for a small family. It is strictly a 2 adult and 2 kid car. It has enough space for such a family size with the advantage of looking good as well.Total Distance covered - Close to 3500 and ended the trip at 9500 km.Average fuel consumption for the trip - Around 11Considering the 3500 odd km in 5-6 days I heard only good things from a comfort standpoint from my wife and Kid. This trip enabled me to sell the Endeavor. Jimny now has a solid recommendation if someone came to me and I personally do not believe this is a slow car or a car that is not good for highway drives.I also completed the 10000 km 3rd service. Changed oil, filters, and pretty much the usual top-up stuff. The filter was filthy and I have decided to clean it once a week. The filter is located inside the glove compartment. Rear wiper water pressure is suddenly low and i have to check this this week. Other than that, there is a reason why people buy Maruthi. The experience is stellar and thanks to Abish from Khivraj. He is a fantastic service manager and if you are in Chennai, please get your car serviced in Khivraj Perungudi and ask for Abish.Up next - Offroading debut with the Jimny and starting to use the car to the fullest....... Last edited by VW2010 : 3rd November 2024 at 00:25 . 1. Yes. It will be an added expense, but if they stop just one weapons incident, its worth it. 2. Yes. They must be used at all entrances and exits to prevent further tragic altercations. 3. No. Mandating metal detectors is good theoretically, but its impractical and expensive. 4. No. Trying to control student behavior through weapons monitoring is not workable. 5. Unsure. Its hard to say. It seems like a good idea, but it also has a lot of drawbacks. Vote View Results UK FM Lammy vows 'new approach' ahead of Africa trip London, Nov 3 (AFP) Nov 03, 2024 UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy on Sunday vowed a "new approach" with Africa that will "listen rather than tell" as he began a visit to Nigeria and South Africa. "Our new approach will deliver respectful partnerships that listen rather than tell, deliver long-term growth rather than short-term solutions and build a freer, safer, more prosperous continent," he said, according to a press release from his ministry. "I want to hear what our African partners need and foster relationships so that the UK and our friends and partners in Africa can grow together," he added, as he set off for his first trip to the continent as foreign minister. Lammy said that economic growth would "underpin our relationships in Nigeria, South Africa and beyond". In Nigeria, he will sign a "Strategic Partnership" that will cover growth, national security and climate change. Lammy will then travel to South Africa, where he will "agree to develop a new UK-South Africa Growth Plan," according to the Foreign Office. He will also attend the Earthshot+ conference in Cape Town, where he will speak with innovators to find out how Britain can help channel finance to environmental solutions. Founded by Prince William, The Earthshot Prize is a global environmental award and platform designed to develop solutions to ecological problems. Green shoots spring from ashes in Brazil's fire-resistant savanna Brasilia, Nov 3 (AFP) Nov 03, 2024 The huge wildfires that ripped through Brazil recently did not spare its vast tropical savanna, but green shoots are already emerging from the ashes there, proof of the vast grasslands' rare gift for fire resistance. The Cerrado, the most species-rich savanna in the world, covers some two million square kilometers of land (770,000 square miles) in central Brazil -- nearly one-fifth of the country's entire surface area. In Brasilia National Park, on the outskirts of the nation's capital, blackened soil and charred tree trunks stand testimony to the ferocity of a fire that ripped through 1,470 hectares (3,600 acres) of land in September. Brazil was then in the throes of a record drought -- the city of Brasilia had gone 169 days without a drop of rain -- which lit the torch under the worst wildfire season in over a decade, blamed by experts at least partly on climate change. But the Cerrado, which is less well-known than the neighboring Amazon and Pantanal wetlands, has a superpower: over millions of years, it has developed some resistance to flames and high temperatures. - Upside-down forest - "The Cerrado is an inverted forest. We see only a fraction of it because the forest is all under our feet," said Keiko Pellizzaro, an environmental analyst at the Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation, a government agency. The Cerrado's deep root system acts like a "pump," sucking up groundwater "even during extreme drought," she said. Meanwhile, above ground the trees' thick bark and the shells of the fruit act as "thermal insulators," said Isabel Schmidt, professor of ecology at the University of Brasilia. Even if temperatures reach up to 800 centigrade (1,470 Fahrenheit), the vegetation can survive "as if it were just another hot day," she said. A month after the recent fires, the first rains saw grass and small plants quickly beginning to grow, and new leaves sprouted on charred trees in Brasilia National Park. "Even if it hadn't rained, we would have seen some resilience," Pellizzaro said. "I'm amazed by its capacity for regeneration," said Priscila Erthal Risi, a 48-year-old volunteer who took part in an operation by the Chico Mendes Institute to replant the reserve with native species such as donkey's tail and Magonia pubescens trees. - Tested to the limit - Brazilian police are still investigating the cause of the fire in Brasilia National Park. Most wildfires in Brazil are started by farmers or agribusiness workers to clear land for cattle grazing or crops. Schmidt said the Cerrado's vegetation had always survived sporadic fires caused by lightning strikes during the rainy season. But she warned that if extreme droughts become more frequent the biome's resilience could be tested. "The resistance that plants and animals have to any type of fire was developed over millions of years, but climate change has taken place in a matter of decades. No organism can adapt that quickly," she said. - 'Cradle of waters' at risk - The Cerrado is crucial not only for the survival of the thousands of species that call it home but for the water supply of a large part of South America. The so-called "cradle of waters" is home to the sources of some of the continent's biggest rivers and aquifers. But its role as a continental spring is endangered. With the rainy season starting later and later each year and the amount of rain declining by eight percent on average over the past three decades, the flow of the Cerrado's rivers has fallen by 15 percent. If wildfires become more frequent, Schmidt warned, "many ecosystems that are more vulnerable to fire," including in the Cerrado, "will simply not survive." Crowd hurls mud, insults at Spanish royals, PM on visit to flood zone Valencia, Spain, Nov 3 (AFP) Nov 03, 2024 Furious locals pelted Spain's royals and premier on Sunday with mud and cries of "murderers!", forcing officials to cut short their visit to the town worst hit by the floods which have killed more than 200. The angry crowd in the town of Paiporta focused most of its wrath on Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and the head of the Valencia region, both of whom were whisked away by security. King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia were hit in the face and clothes with mud as they tried to calm the angry crowd, AFP journalists saw. Broadcast on Spanish television, the extraordinary scenes underscored the depth of the anger in the country over the response to the nation's worst such disaster in decades, with the toll ever rising and hopes for finding survivors ebbing five days on. The king and queen arrived just after midday at a crisis centre in Paiporta, ground zero for a disaster Sanchez called the second deadliest flood in Europe this century. But more security guards were soon called to stand between the royals and the rest of the delegation and the angry crowd, whose ire seemed most directed at Sanchez and Valencia region head Carlos Mazon, AFP journalists saw. While Sanchez and the politicians quickly left, the king and queen spent an hour trying to calm tempers before leaving themselves. Later public television said that their visit to the flood-hit region had been suspended. Nearly all the flood deaths have been in the Valencia region, where Spain's meteorological agency on Sunday issued a fresh warning for heavy downpours in the region. Up to 100 litres per square metre (22 gallons per square yard) of water could fall in places in the province of Castellon and the area surrounding the city of Valencia, the agency forecast. It also sounded the alarm for torrential rain that may cause flooding in the southern province of Almeria, advising residents not to travel unless strictly necessary. - 'Towns buried by mud' - Since Tuesday's torrent of rain and mud swept away vehicles and devastated towns and infrastructure, thousands of security and emergency services have frantically cleared debris and mud in the search for bodies. Authorities have come under fire over the warning systems before the floods, and stricken residents have complained that the response to the disaster has been too slow. Mazon himself has faced fierce criticism for waiting until Tuesday evening to issue a phone alert in Valencia, despite his region being under an extreme weather warning since that morning. "I am aware the response is not enough, there are problems and severe shortages... towns buried by mud, desperate people searching for their relatives... we have to improve," Sanchez said. With the torrents of muddy water having wrecked towns and swept away cars, restoring order and distributing aid to destroyed towns and villages -- some of which have been cut off from food, water and power since Tuesday -- is a priority. With Spain deploying an extra 10,000 troops, police and civil guards to the Valencia region, the country was carrying out its largest deployment of military and security force personnel in peacetime, Sanchez said. "Thank you to the people who have come to help us, to all of them, because from the authorities: nothing," a furious Estrella Caceres, 66, told AFP in the town of Sedavi. In Chiva Danna Daniella said she had been cleaning her restaurant for three days straight. She said she was still in shock, haunted by memories of the people trapped by the raging floodwaters "asking for help and there was nothing we could do". "It drives you crazy. You look for answers and you don't find them." - 'Swiss cheese' motorways - With telephone and transport networks severely damaged, establishing a precise figure of missing people is difficult. Transport Minister Oscar Puente told El Pais daily that certain places would probably remain inaccessible by land for weeks. Ordinary citizens carrying food, water and cleaning equipment have continued their grassroots initiative to assist the recovery, although authorities have urged people to stay at home to avoid congestion. On Sunday, the Valencian government limited the number of volunteers authorised to travel to the city's southern suburbs to 2,000 and restricted access to 12 localities. Despite this thousands took to the streets of the city of Valencia's centre to make way to nearby communes on foot, carrying brooms and shovels to help those affected. On Sunday, Pope Francis offered his prayers to those hit by the disaster "who are suffering so much these days". The storm that sparked the floods on Tuesday formed as cold air moved over the warm waters of the Mediterranean and is common for this time of year. But scientists warn climate change driven by human activity is increasing the ferocity, length and frequency of such extreme weather events. Emergency services on Sunday updated the toll to 217 people confirmed killed. It listed 213 dead in the Valencia region, one in Andalusia in the south and three in Castilla-La Mancha neighbouring Valencia, where the body of a woman in her 60s was discovered on Sunday. Authorities have warned the toll could yet rise, as vehicles trapped in tunnels and underground car parks are cleared. 14 dead in Uganda lightning strike at refugee camp Kampala, Nov 3 (AFP) Nov 03, 2024 At least 14 people, including several children, were killed in a Ugandan refugee camp when lightning hit a makeshift church where they were sheltering, local officials said Sunday. Around 50 people took shelter in the church in Palabek refugee camp in northern Uganda on Saturday evening when a heavy storm hit the area. Fourteen people died when lightning hit its metal roof, including five girls and nine boys aged between 14 and 18, said William Komech, resident district commissioner for Lamwo region, told AFP. "There are several injured who are being admitted to health centres," he added. The refugees were mostly from the Nuer community of South Sudan. "The government is working with UNHCR and other agencies are providing the necessary assistance to the survivors," Hillary Onek, Uganda's minister for refugees and disaster preparedness, told AFP. "The government team is already on the ground helping to deliver the bodies to their respective families," he added. Uganda has suffered several lightning-related deaths in recent years. A lightning strike at a primary school killed at least 18 students in 2011, and nine teenagers were killed in an incident in August 2020. In February 2020, four endangered mountain gorillas were killed by an apparent lightning strike in Mgahinga National Park in southwest Uganda. Lightning strike kills 14 at Uganda refugee camp Kampala, Nov 3 (AFP) Nov 03, 2024 At least 14 people, including several children, were killed in a Ugandan refugee camp when lightning hit a makeshift church, officials said Sunday. Around 50 people were praying in the church in Palabek refugee camp in northern Uganda on Saturday evening when a heavy storm hit the area, police said. Fourteen people died when lightning hit its metal roof, including five girls and nine boys aged between 14 and 18, William Komech, resident district commissioner for Lamwo region, told AFP. Police said 34 people were injured and treated at a nearby health centre. The refugees were mostly from the Nuer community of South Sudan. "The government is working with UNHCR and other agencies are providing the necessary assistance to the survivors," Hillary Onek, Uganda's minister for refugees and disaster preparedness, told AFP. "The government team is already on the ground helping to deliver the bodies to their respective families," he added. Uganda has suffered several lightning-related deaths in recent years. A strike at a primary school killed at least 18 students in 2011, and nine teenagers were killed in an incident in August 2020. In February 2020, four endangered mountain gorillas were killed by an apparent lightning strike in Mgahinga National Park in southwest Uganda. Crowds hurl mud at Spanish king on visit to flood disaster town Valencia, Spain, Nov 3 (AFP) Nov 03, 2024 Furious locals hurled mud and insults at Spain's king, queen and prime minister on Sunday in a startling show of anger in the worst hit town in the flood disaster that has killed more than 210 people. More heavy rain fell on the Valencia region after King Felipe VI, Queen Letizia and Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez were forced to leave Paiporta where more than 70 people died in floods last Tuesday. Mud hit the monarchs in the face and clothes as they tried to calm the angry crowd in scenes that underscored the fury over the response to the disaster that has now killed at least 217 people with many more still missing. The king and queen went to a crisis centre in Paiporta. But extra security guards soon had to keep the angry crowd away from the royals. They put up umbrellas to stop mud hitting the royal couple. The king said later that Spain had to "understand the anger and frustration" of people affected by the floods that devastated towns and left cars piled up in muddy heaps in streets. In a social media video, the king called on the public to give the victims "hope and their guarantee that the state in its entirety is present". Most of the fury seemed directed at Prime Minister Sanchez and Valencia regional government head Carlos Mazon. "I understand the social anger and of course, I'm here to receive it. This is my political and moral obligation," Mazon said in a post on X. The rear window of Sanchez's car was broken before he and the local politicians quickly left. The socialist leader said that while he empathised with the "anguish and suffering" of the victims, he condemned "all forms of violence". Spain's meteorological agency issued a "red alert" for new storms in the Valencia region on Sunday and heavy rain started falling in the night. Police using megaphones urged Valencia residents to stay in their homes. The AEMET weather agency said up to nine centimetres (3.5 inches) of rain could fall in one hour. It had earlier warned of flooding in the southern province of Almeria, advising residents not to travel unless necessary. - 'Towns buried by mud' - Thousands of emergency responders and volunteers have frantically cleared debris in the search for bodies since Tuesday. But authorities have come under fire over warnings made before the floods, while stricken residents say the disaster response has been too slow. "I am aware the response is not enough, there are problems and severe shortages ... towns buried by mud, desperate people searching for their relatives ... we have to improve," Sanchez said. With an extra 10,000 troops, police and civil guards sent to the Valencia region, Spain has ordered its largest peacetime military and security force deployment, Sanchez said. "Thank you to the people who have come to help us, to all of them, because from the authorities: nothing," a furious Estrella Caceres, 66, told AFP in the town of Sedavi. In Chiva, restaurant owner Danna Daniella said she was still in shock from the floods, haunted by memories of people trapped by the raging floods "asking for help and there was nothing we could do". "It drives you crazy. You look for answers and you don't find them." - Volunteers out in droves - Transport Minister Oscar Puente told El Pais daily that certain places would probably remain inaccessible by land for weeks. Volunteers with food, water and cleaning equipment have played a key role in the recovery, though authorities have urged people to stay home to avoid congestion. On Sunday, the Valencia government limited the number of volunteers authorised to travel to the city's southern suburbs to 2,000 and restricted access to 12 localities. Despite this thousands made their way to stricken communes on foot, carrying brooms and shovels. At the Vatican, Pope Francis offered his prayers to those hit by the disaster "who are suffering so much these days". Storms coming off the Mediterranean are common this time of year. But scientists have warned that climate change is increasing the ferocity, length and frequency of extreme weather events. Emergency services on Sunday listed 213 dead in the Valencia region, one in Andalusia in the south and three in Castilla-La Mancha neighbouring Valencia. Authorities have warned the toll could rise as vehicles trapped in tunnels and underground car parks are cleared. Outraged Spanish town tells king flood deaths were 'murders' Paiporta, Spain, Nov 3 (AFP) Nov 03, 2024 Residents of Paiporta, the worst-hit town in Spain's devastating floods, unleashed their anger at King Felipe VI on Sunday, shouting the question underscoring their heartbreak: "How many have died?" Torrential rains on Tuesday caused Spain's worst disaster in decades with at least 217 dead and uncertainty over how many remain missing and that has unleashed anger over the warnings and the government response. The king, Queen Letizia and politicians visiting the Valencia region town of 25,000 people were met with jeers, shouts of "murderers!" and mudslinging. The crowd had their sights set on Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and Valencia regional government head Carlos Mazon, a figure from the right-wing Popular Party (PP). For residents of Paiporta, where officals say over 70 people died and an unknown number are missing, the leaders' first official visit five days after the devastation struck was too late. As the official motorcade arrived in the streets still filled with mud and debris, hundreds of people rushed to the black vehicles, with one person shouting abuse at the prime minister. Sanchez and Mazon were whisked away by worried security guards, while the monarchs pressed on into the crowd as overwhelmed police officers tried to protect them. - 'Aren't you ashamed?' - "These aren't deaths, they're murders," some young people shouted, while another man in tears told the royal couple to get out of the town. Tensions mounted, as Felipe, jacket, face and hair smudged with mud, tried taking a few more steps forward. "If you had come on the first day and put on your boots, the people would have supported you," said one young man in a yellow jacket. "There are dead people over there!" he added. Letizia, forehead and nose also grazed by mud, listened to a young girl nearby as a man shouted: "There are dead children, aren't you ashamed?" After leaving Paiporta, King Felipe said the country had to "understand the anger and frustration" of people in the disaster zone. In a social media video, the king called on the public to give the victims "hope and their guarantee that the state in its entirety is present". Despite the arrival of emergency services and police, residents of this southern suburb of Valencia feel forgotten. They also accuse authorities of failing to issue the severe weather warnings early enough. "Where is Pedro Sanchez, where is he?" people chanted as the prime minister left the scene. - 'You'll forget us' - After walking along part of one of the town's avenues that has been turned into a graveyard of rubble, entangled cars and heaps of mud, the monarchs attempted to return to their vehicles. They paused, under the watch of their nervous security team, talking to more residents before finally leaving the community to its struggle. "They've all come here to protect the king and won't let through those who really came to protect the streets," Adrian Garcia said, unable to forget the events of Tuesday night. "I saw a footbridge break. We had to save an elderly woman, the police and myself," he added, his voice trembling. The restaurant he worked at was destroyed, and rebuilding will likely take months. "In a week's time, you'll forget all about us," he lamented. The nation imagines itself in many ways perhaps most powerfully in its cultural works. Yet the creation stories of these creations are often much more complicated than most of us could fathom. In Anthony Weighs bio-fic theatre Sunday were invited into a small, intoxicating world of rebellious liaisons and love, patronage and power. The setting is Heide the bucolic bohemia in north-east Melbourne, now an iconic museum and the site from which the first vanguard of Australian modernism sprung in the 1930s to 50s: poets, painters and musicians. At the centre of the Heide circle were the owners of the property, and benefactors of its guests, John and Sunday. Nikki Shiels and James OConnell. Credit: Prudence Upton Despite often being reduced to a moneyed muse in this now legendary covey, Sunday Reed was by many accounts at the heart of it all. Now showing at the Opera House after an acclaimed debut in Melbourne, Sunday presents a thrillingly audacious female icon in its titular character, worthy of the brilliant Nikki Shiels. It is interesting what has been selectively mined from history to tell the story this play wants to tell. The original circle which included the likes of Moya Dyring, Arthur Boyd and John Perceval exists only in snatches of conversation, with the focus exclusively on the complicated menage a trois of Sunday, John (Matt Day) and Sidney Nolan (James OConnell). Loading Under Sarah Goodes spirited direction, their repartee is the plays greatest pleasure, particularly as it is delivered by Shiels. Irrepressible, wickedly smutty and absolutely certain in her analysis of art, it is glorious to hear her dress her men down. In Sundays goading of Nolan, her relentless educating, and her insistence on, for example, a slop of red, were also challenged to consider perhaps all art as collaborative. Are invisible, uncredited influences imprinted just as deeply as the pigment itself? While entertainingly performed, the men suffer a little under Sundays refulgence John is a golden-hearted debonair who likes to look; Nolan a raw lump of clay with provincial prejudices, genius potential and a colourful vernacular. The only other Heide artist introduced is Joy Hester. Apart from dancing on a table during an awkward scene, she is absent bar one cameo in the second act, where trimming Sundays curls her own hair is remarked upon as wild (with race-flipped casting of Ratidzo Mambo). Hesters presence here is to expand on the plays themes of ownership and claim of emotions, bodies and art in relaying that other gossiped-upon detail of Sundays life: that she was infertile, and that Hester gave her her own son Sweeney (an impressive five minutes from Jude Hyland). This act of Hesters is summed up by John with She wasnt up to it (i.e. motherhood). What isnt revealed is that Hester had Hodgkins lymphoma, with a dire prognosis. When truth is sacrificed for story, it has to be worth it. Is it here? Anna Cordingleys grand set is spare and tasteful, with minimal props coming and going until a final-scene oak tree. The wash of grey, watery brushstrokes on the walls is also, notably, the only painting in Sunday. Nolans works are often described, but visually evoked in just one yellow band. Paul Jacksons lighting sets a dreamy mood. More than anything, this Melbourne Theatre Company production (presented by STC) explores the radical idealism of a woman of mid-century Australia trying to create new rules for living and loving and how this noble drive is inevitably muddied by her class privilege and lesser gender. While those familiar with Heide may feel the clamour of other ghosts at the edges, Shiels as Sunday radiates a lasting light. THOM YORKE Sydney Opera House Forecourt, November 1 Reviewed by BERNARD ZUEL The night began and ended with a voice in an expanse of emptiness, firstly with piano and then an acoustic guitar, but otherwise just the humid air and an internalised hum of expectation. It began with that voice asking, please excuse me but Ive got to ask: you only being nice because you want something? It ended with that voice declaring, this isnt happening, Im not here. Im not here. It began with that voice weary rather than forlorn; resigned, maybe, rather than crushed. It ended with loneliness and desolation, accepting. And it was captivating, from beginning to end. Thom Yorke solo not just without his long-time band, Radiohead, or the members of his main side project, the Smile, but a one-man operation within a semicircle of (sometimes semi-organic) machines was not hiding from his reputation as a borderline misanthrope, a terminal melancholic and that odd bloke from IT who never says a word all year but suddenly breaks into flexi-joint dancing at the Christmas party. But he did show how that reputation is merely an opening gambit, and in a sense missing the point of how generous emotions exist in all of those sides. How the heart-filling and heart-crushing at the same time Let Down (sung with acoustic guitar, and for many people worth the price of admission alone) cast an inclusive spell, and Packt Like Sardines in a Crushd Tin Boxs rickety beats and tinny sounds made for irresistible rhythms. How Present Tense, with its almost Costa del Sol guitar figure and rhythm, felt light and cocktail-hour, and Black Swan had its twisted, bass-driven rhythm make a cruising-speed descent into a netherworlds fringes so darkly funky. Even more so, All I Need, a sparse mood piece of disturbed love and unhealthy need that still was something to revel in; finding low-key euphoria in the line yesterday I woke up sucking on a lemon; and offering Fake Plastic Trees, teetering on the edge of abandonment but warm and strangely exultant, was fan servicing of the first order. Dont worry, fans of glum reading this; as the swirling wind around the centre of piano and solid unsettledness in Bloom showed, discomfort and not just the rain that arrived 80 minutes in, providing a soft soaking but resisting a storm was always part of the deal, too. There is pleasure in it, after all, as with the pinging machines, bracketed beats and dislocated voice samples of a hospital ward coming to life in Not the News, all swimming in treacle. The way the piano interacted with expanding machines and the suggestion of bouncing atomic particles in Cymbal Rush, the wheezy synth and brittle drums in Truth Ray creating the sense of being lost in the city but not yet searching for a route out, or using the instrumental Volks soundtrack to a sinister laboratory scene as a preamble to the spectral sounds and crumbling psyche of Pyramid Song, made shadows appear even in the dark. But then, like that vulnerable voice in that boundless space, shadows can be beautiful, too. Mozarts Jupiter Australian Brandenburg Orchestra City Recital Hall, October 30 Reviewed by PETER McCALLUM The Australian Brandenburg Orchestra under conductor and artistic director Paul Dyer began Mozarts Symphony in C, K. 551 (the so-called Jupiter) with sharp peremptory strokes from the full orchestra, clipping the notes to a jabbed, almost aggressive, staccato. This is not quite as Mozart wrote them. He omitted staccato markings here though wrote them elsewhere, and for the opening possibly had in mind something more majestic and less pointy. Nevertheless, the effect of Dyers approach was arresting, and the ABO went on to deliver a carefully prepared, thoughtfully considered and energised reading of Mozarts final symphonic masterpiece, which respected its drama, extended lines and polyphonic richness. The ABO delivered an energised reading of Mozarts final symphony. Credit: Keith Saunders The period trumpets gave clamour to the sudden burst into C minor, and concertmaster Shaun Lee-Chen led the second and third themes with light elegance. In the second movement, with muted strings and delicate wind playing, Dyer and the orchestra preserved the long melodic curve through carefully varied textures, maintaining mellifluous continuity through the cadences and avoided untoward mannerism or over-emphasis of the forte chords that keep interrupting the theme. The Menuetto was rollicking and well pointed. Mozarts finale is one of musics small miracles for its combination of learned counterpoint and galante elegance in a movement of pure joy. Dyer began quickly and the ABO maintained clarity and precision with focused concentration. When, after repeats of each section, the horns led off the great coda with a return to the movements main theme, Dyer wisely let the tempo ease ever so slightly to capture the magnificence of the close without helter-skelter excitement. Before interval, fortepianist Francesco Corti played Mozarts Piano Concerto in A, K. 488 with a restrained and delicate approach, relying on the instruments lightness and his own discerning ornamentation to convey its charms. After playing the first theme of the first movement with neatly traced precision, he drew back the second and third themes for expressive, albeit slightly mannered effect. He opened the second movement with plaintive quietness and when the opening returned even more softly he adorned it with decoration of gossamer lightness. He then leapt into the finale with robust vigour, giving the fortepiano a welcome full-bodied sound and engaging with the ABO in captivating momentum. To start the concert, the Brandenburg Orchestra began Mozarts Overture The Marriage of Figaro in a whispered hush, with bristling rapidity and flashing colour from the strong wind section they had assembled for the program. This all-Mozart program is among the most artistically mature performances I have heard from the ABO and their performance of the Jupiter Symphony showed admirable musical growth since their performance of its predecessor, the Symphony in G minor, K. 550. Ingrid Fliter Performs Chopin Sydney Symphony Orchestra Opera House Concert Hall, October 30 Reviewed by PETER McCALLUM Argentine pianist Ingrid Fliter played Chopins Piano Concerto No. 1 in E minor, with a distinctive pearly sound, expressive intensity and an intuitive rhapsodic rhythm that flowed mellifluously with the current of the musics narrative. After Chopins extended (arguably over-extended) orchestral exposition, which gives out musical ideas with a sense of formal stiffness as though rehearsing for the coming drama, she entered to establish an authoritative, flexible and passionate persona, playing the first theme with sharp melancholy and the second with dreamy wistfulness. Chopin specialist Ingrid Fliter. Credit: Fliter drove the development section with sinewy decisiveness and led the build-up to the cadenza and coda with turbulent energy and fiery spirit. In the elaborately ornamented melody of the slow movement, each glittering arabesque grew out of the continuous line, taking on its colour and intensifying that colour. In the finale, the piano rang out with brilliant light as she leapt forward with jaunty spirit and frisky impetuousness (so frisky that the SSO under conductor Eduardo Strausser was a few milliseconds behind Fliter on the final note). This was playing that captured the essence of all that listeners cherish in Chopins music. The other music on the program explored the imagination for the gothic and the grotesque, which Chopin himself avoided but which exerted such a strong pull on his Romantic contemporaries. In his Manfred Overture, Opus 115, Schumann creates a musical sketch of the Faust-like character from Byrons eponymous poem. After a brooding introduction, Strausser presented the stormy main theme as turbulent without at any point stirring the music to mania. The haunting opening melody of Mendelssohns Symphony No. 3, Opus 56, Scottish, conceived on a visit to the ruins of Holyrood House in Edinburgh, was given melancholy and rich colour from the woodwinds and violas. Later, the lower strings created howling gales of chilly edge. Clarinettist Francesco Celata played the folk-like tune of the Scherzo with lively spirit and warmly coloured hue. In the march-like theme in the middle of the third movement, horns, bassoons and trumpets evoked the ghost of a medieval pageant as though painted with once-brilliant, now dry and faded, colour. The string sound, under concertmaster Andrew Haveron was finely edged and wonderfully clear. In recent concerts, the SSO has experimented with hanging fine black drapes over the walls of the concert platform. My vote would be to go without as was done on this occasion, so as to allow the recently installed wavy-patterned wood panels to provide that extra, slightly iridescent edge and clarity that makes the refreshed acoustic of the concert hall so rewarding. Nobuyuki Tsujii in Recital Opera House Concert Hall October 29 Reviewed by PETER McCALLUM Nobuyuki Tsujii (Nobu) sits low at the piano, with loose, but by no means flailing, arms and flexible wrists that create a full sound of ringing clarity, carefully graded to musical purpose and the composers precise markings. There is no mannerism, either musical or gestural, and his rhythmic focus is insistent, deviating from the pulse only where the music or stylistic common sense demands it. This sometimes gives his playing a literal quality, playing just what was written without interpolation or distortion. Far from being a limitation or lack of personality, this gives his interpretation a degree of purity, untarnished by personal caprice, which is itself distinctive. Japanese concert pianist Nobuyuki Tsujii. Credit: Being blind, he is distracted neither by the audience nor the keyboards terrain, measuring the keys out and dusting them with a handkerchief before he starts and then relying purely on sound, tactile contact and memory to shape the musical path. He began Beethovens Piano Sonata in D minor, Opus 31 No.2, The Tempest, with hushed softness, and these passages (including the ghostly recitatives when they return) turned out to be some of the most reflective moments of the concert until he played Debussys Clair de lune (beautifully) as an encore. When he began the agitated Allegro, the attack was tightly driven, and when the music finally lands on the tonic chord, the stormy theme rolled out from the piano in great torrents of sound. The slow movement was quiet though slightly less poetic, and the finale swept through, deftly and swiftly. In the Gondoliers Song, which begins Liszts three-piece set, Venice and Naples, from the second volume of the Years of Pilgrimage, he revealed the simplicity of well-shaped melody, surrounded by glimmering watery adornment. The second piece (Canzone) was stark and portentous and the Tarantella was manically agile and brilliantly virtuosic. Again the central melody unfolded with undistorted, carefully shaped beauty. Former Victorian premier Daniel Andrews will on Sunday be lauded by the Zionist movement as a true and constant friend to the Jewish community and Israel. Andrews will receive the Jerusalem Prize at a gathering of Jewish community, business and political leaders, which for security purposes is being held at an undisclosed location in Melbourne. Daniel Andrews farewelled politics after leading Labor to three consecutive election wins. Credit: Getty Images The award is given those who make an outstanding contribution towards strengthening Jewish communities in their own country and relations with Israel. Andrews belonged to Labors Socialist Left, a faction that has long been critical of Israels actions against Palestinian people, including military occupation and human rights violations. Adrian Portelli In the Furphy marquee. Credit: Penny Stephens Portelli was invited by Nine and G.H. Mumm on Derby Day, and by the time CBD caught up with him in the Furphy tent, he had loosened his tie as a result of mixing up Tom Ford and Hugo Boss and wearing a thick woollen houndstooth jacket. The 35-year-old, who is worth more than $1 billion thanks to his online LMCT+ loyalty program, was most anxious to tell CBD readers that he was not the Lambo Guy the nickname that made him famous in Melbourne thanks to his luxury supercar collection. It was Scott Cam on The Block who f---ing said that, non-Lambo Guy told CBD. I just want to be Adrian Portelli. Proud to ask Qantas Regular readers will recall Nationals leader David Littleproud was upfront about paying his own dime for airfares and accommodation for himself and wife Amelia. He also came up with a neat justification for politicians socialising at major events. Nationals leader David Littleproud and wife Amelia in the Furphy marquee on Derby Day. Credit: Penny Stephens While this is work, its also still a pleasure, but you shouldnt turn your back on it because this is something where you show support to industry. The Littleprouds attended Derby Day. I did fly Qantas, Littleproud said. Loading The Nationals leader does admit he has asked the national carrier for a favour but only once. The only thing Ive ever asked was about two years ago, I lost a constituent in my electorate who went over as a medic in the Ukraine war. He was killed. Qantas were the only company that stood up and brought his ashes home to my electorate. Jed Danahay, from Nanango in southern Queensland, was 27 when he was killed two years ago as a combat medic. Nanango is a small town in Littleprouds electorate of Maranoa. But I think that speaks volumes about Qantas [that] while we want to actually condemn them from time to time, when the chips are down, Australians need help, they were there, Littleproud said. Some readers, particularly those stuck overseas during the pandemic, might quibble with that last statement, but Littleprouds sentiment was genuine. Thats the only favour Ive ever asked of a government relations person. Ive never asked for an upgrade, Littleproud said boldly, leaving himself open to the risk that he might have just Bridget McKenzied himself. Racing to impartiality Much like the reigning monarch, House of Representatives Speaker Milton Dick does not do interviews. The need to maintain a regal-like vow of silence is wise when you play such a role at the heart of the national polity. Speaker Milton Dick at Flemington on Derby Day. Credit: Elke Meitzel But CBD did spot the tall man upstairs in the Furphy marquee chatting with opposition spokesman on immigration and citizenship Dan Tehan. Earlier, CBD had espied Dick at a TAB betting console on the wall where he was either marvelling at the advances in wagering technology or dropping some cash on race 1. We couldnt find out which, due to the aforementioned interview ban. OK, so what about tips then? No dice. My impartiality remains even at the races, came the response. And with that, he was off to work the room. One for the stewards One of Melbournes best-dressed legal practitioners, Thomson Geer lawyer Justin Quill, was spotted in The Birdcage going a teensy bit non-binary in the fashion stakes by trying on the fascinator of Melbourne PR queen Michelle Stamper. Readers, he wore it well. Justin Quill in the Nine marquee on Derby Day at Flemington. Credit: PENNY STEPHENS Racing is a numbers game, and Quill offered CBD a few facts of his own. In the last 28 carnivals, and each of the four race days, I have only missed one day, Quill proclaimed. And I havent missed one in the past 22 years. Some people think its a bit sad, but my mates like it. Given Quill is on occasion CBDs defamation lawyer, we fall firmly in the latter category. It was sold as an opportunity for everyday investors to ride the surging interest in medicinal cannabis, but now fast-growing market giant Montus crowdsourcing has descended into acrimony and unprecedented action from a corporate regulator. Montu, the largest medicinal cannabis company in Australia and owner of the popular Alternaleaf brand, is under fire for its unacceptable treatment of smaller shareholders who took part in two crowdsourced investing rounds offered early in its now meteoric growth. Hawthorn doctor Frank Barbagallo, who in 2020 bought 400,000 shares in Montu for 15 apiece. Credit: Joe Armao In August, Montu offered those early investors $1.15 a share to buy them out and take total control of the company. But the Takeovers Panel, a part of the federal Treasury, intervened on October 24 to pause the process, arguing it was mistreating the 2350 minority shareholders who participated in the crowdsourcing push. It is the first time the Takeovers Panel has intervened in the still-developing market of crowdsourced investment in this way. 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 Every six days, an Australian woman is killed by domestic violence. Its a shocking statistic and a problem Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has labelled a national crisis, but a 60 Minutes investigation has revealed there are many more victims losing their lives who are not being counted. They include women who are driven to take their own lives after suffering relentless abuse and potential hidden homicides, in which murders are staged to look like suicides. There is no national data but it is feared that if these deaths were counted, the domestic violence death toll would be significantly higher than the homicide figure. Charli Powell, 17, and Molly Wilkes, 22, are two of these invisible victims. At the time they took their own lives, both young women were in abusive relationships, a fact overlooked by investigators, and their deaths have not been counted in domestic violence statistics. Sharon Moore with a photo of daughter Charli Powell. Credit: 60 Minutes Charlis mum, Sharon Moore, and Wilkes mother, Julie Adams, told 60 Minutes this needed to change, saying they wanted their daughters deaths to be counted as domestic violence homicide, and their abusers punished. Advertisement Its murder, just using the victims own hands as a murder weapon. Its putting them in a place where theres no way out and its murdering them by proxy, Adams said. In February 2019, Charli Powells body was found by her boyfriend in a toilet block in Queanbeyan, just across the border from Canberra. When police arrived at the scene, attempts to resuscitate Charli failed, but what they did next is something Moore will never understand. Despite Charlis boyfriend being wanted by police on an unrelated matter, he was let go from the scene of the crime without being formally questioned. Charli Powell was found dead in Queanbeyan in 2019. Credit: 60 Minutes They didnt interview him, Moore said. They said that he could go home. The officer in charge said that he was very upset at the time, so she said to him, You go home and have a cup of tea. Get yourself together and then come back and see us. If the warrant had been executed, officers would have discovered Charlis boyfriend was on bail for allegedly assaulting her across the border in the ACT just months earlier. Advertisement Michael Bartlett is retired but the former police officer-turned-criminal defence lawyer assisted Moore in getting an inquest into Charlis death. He says the decision by police not to execute the warrant is inexcusable. The boyfriend was the last person to see her alive. Hes the only person who saw her hanging and hes not considered a person of interest at all. They just let him go with a warrant in existence. Its appalling. It would be eight months before police finally caught up with Charlis boyfriend, but by then the brief account he had provided police at the scene had changed, from why she left his home in the early hours of the morning to where he went to search for her and how he found Charli. Now, it sounds like something maybe out of an Agatha Christie novel but its way, way more common than we think. Professor Jane Monckton-Smith, forensic criminologist In March 2022, an inquest was held into Charlis death. Moore was hoping for an open finding but the coroner ultimately found Charlis death was self-inflicted but did acknowledge it was in the context of domestic violence. In her findings, the coroner said she relied heavily on the pathologists report, but Bartlett says the pathologist was never told about domestic violence, and the autopsy was not an internal examination. The pathologist is a very eminent expert but youve got to realise, he gets the police reports saying this is a suicide. He, in my view, was given a completely incorrect contextual description of what was going on. Advertisement No formal recommendations were made to the police and Charlis case was referred to the NSW Domestic Violence Review, a committee tasked with identifying failings in the system. However, due to a lack of resources it has yet to list her case for consideration. In her findings, [the coroner] actually says shes unsure of what occurred that evening. If shes unsure of what occurred, how can you make a final judgment? I just wanted it to be an open finding, so maybe later down the track if something comes to light, it can be reopened and reinvestigated, Moore said. 60 Minutes sent Charlis case to Professor Jane Monckton-Smith, a world-renowned British forensic criminologist who specialises in coercive control, stalking and homicide. Professor Jane Monckton-Smith is a world-renowned forensic criminologist. Credit: 60 Minutes She and her team at the University of Gloucestershire have studied hundreds of DV homicide cases and have identified eight critical stages for when a relationship can turn deadly including a history of violence and stalking, and triggers such as a woman attempting to end the relationship. She says authorities are too often missing these crucial warning signs and too quickly ruling potential suspicious deaths as suicides. There are many, many cases that weve been involved in where a really poor decision is made at the scene, which means that that scene wasnt locked down, so theyre not collecting the forensic evidence thats necessary. Of course, if you dont do that, that evidence is lost forever. Advertisement Monckton-Smith says she was shocked reading Charlis case and, in her opinion, authorities missed so many red flags. While we have to accept the coroners findings, she says, police should have factored in the role domestic violence played in her death sooner. Irrespective of what actually happened that night, there are questions that should have been asked at the scene at the time, and subsequently, and answered. Monckton-Smith said, in her opinion, an open finding would have been far more appropriate in Charlis case because nobody really knows because the questions werent asked. Monckton-Smith has started counting domestic abuse-related suicides and she says her research shows these deaths could be significantly higher than the DV homicide figure. She also estimates up to 30 per cent of those deaths could be potential staged suicides. Now, it sounds like something maybe out of an Agatha Christie novel or something, but I can tell you I work on these cases every day and its way, way more common than we think. Monckton-Smith says whether the death is suicide or homicide, if domestic violence is involved, there is no difference. Were talking about violence and control and abuse that never, ever stops, something that were looking at in the UK very, very newly but France and other countries across Europe, what they are looking at is that domestic abuse-related suicide can be manslaughter. Advertisement Allans politics of envy I find Premier Jacinta Allans behaviour over the past week or so quite deplorable divisive and patronising. She has deliberately created an environment of class warfare between those who live in Brighton and those who dont the politics of envy to shut down debate on her planning proposals. Most patronising is that she has effectively silenced the voices of everyone else in the 49 other activity centres and adjoining suburbs that are impacted, including in Labor-held seats. Instead of debate, she has encouraged cries of NIMBY, elitist, blocker and other derogatory terms. This should be a debate about Melbournes liveability and how best to preserve it. For starters, what is wrong with pressuring the federal government to pause immigration as Canada has done recently? About 3000 people move to Victoria every week and they all require housing. Not only does this mean housing supply will always be playing catch-up but growth of this nature is unsustainable in the long term and incompatible with the preservation of Melbournes green space. Suzette Miller, Ashburton Get real on solutions Re: James Newburys Allans towers will wreck communities, 2/11): Mr Newbury, Im sure most people, including Jacinta Allan, would agree with your proposal to decentralise. A great idea, but how do you suggest that it be done? Where do the jobs come from? When governments suggest moving departments, there is uproar from those affected. How can private industry make decentralisation economically viable and desirable for their current employees? Some actual, practical solutions please. Jim Payton, Keilor East Opposition NIMBY The opposition spokesperson for planning, James Newbury, has made his predictable NIMBY response to the governments plan for housing activity centres (2/11). It is not a planning response but a leave everything as it is response. His fatuous no one has asked Victorians if they want to grow Melbourne into a mega-city needs to be refuted. There may be rare occasions when cities seek extra people but almost always, growth is because people wish to come here and we welcome them. We need thousands more healthcare professionals, teachers and, dare one say it, tradespersons to build the necessary accommodation for our current and new citizens. Looking at the lovely watercolour paintings of 1850s Melbourne and saying that it should never have grown is a pointless exercise. Our challenge is to plan for it to grow in the best practicable way. If that involves the privileged occupants of Brighton sharing their suburb and its amenities with occupants of some high-rise towers, so be it. It will not wreck the community but will add to it. It is important for the government to provide the appropriate infrastructure to aid this growth. Public transport, in particular, needs development. The Suburban Rail Loop, another of the oppositions mindless punching-bags, should be extended not only from Cheltenham across the northern metropolis to the airport but then back through Footscray to the city and through the Sandringham line to link up at Cheltenham. This would then form a circle line that intersects with all the other radial railway lines servicing the other housing activity centres. It is a pity the opposition is incapable of being constructive. Allan Mawdsley, Port Melbourne What about the bus zones? In repeating her ambition to have more homes around train stations in 50 established suburbs, Premier Jacinta Allan calls them train and tram zones (1/11). But what about bus zones? According to the Big Build website, the Victorian government has removed 84 level crossings, with another 26 to go by 2030. Many of those that have been completed in the past decade are in the 50 suburbs to which the premier refers. Many of them are catered for by sub-standard route bus services that have not been upgraded in the wake of the level crossing removals. There is a misfit there. Ian Hundley, Balwyn North Extra runway good news Its great news that a third runway for Melbourne airport has been approved. As a growing and international city, we need these significant transport infrastructure improvements. But how can we have a planning system where approval can be given without a guarantee of a railway service. The construction of an airport rail link, which takes years to build, was abruptly halted in May last year. Work needs to resume now. The public transport service is already so poor, it will be more horrific for all the additional international passengers projected for 2031. Tim Hoffmann, Brunswick An elderly woman was strangled and another forced to eat dog biscuits during a spate of violent attacks at a Perth war memorial. The women were victims of three separate attacks near the War Memorial in Kings Park on Saturday. During the first attack, police allege a woman aged in her 50s was indecently assaulted by an unknown woman who then threw her mobile phone into water. Five minutes later another woman, also aged in her 50s, was walking her dog near the memorial when she was allegedly kicked and punched a number of times before being struck with a water bottle to her face. Valencia: Mud and insults were hurled at Spains King Felipe VI when he visited one of the towns hardest hit by recent flooding. Police had to step in to keep the crowd back as locals in Paiporta, on the outskirts of Valencia, shouted abuse at the monarch and government officials who were accompanying him. Get out! Get out! and Killers! rang out among the insults. Bodyguards opened umbrellas to protect the royal entourage as protesters launched mud their way. After seeking protection from the mud, the king, remaining calm, made several efforts to speak to individual residents. One person appeared to have wept on his shoulder. He shook the hand of a man. Never before in US history have voters chosen between two presidential candidates who so starkly personify Americas chronic divides. Not even in the 1860 election, on the eve of the US Civil War, when the Republican candidate Abraham Lincoln emerged the victor from a four-way contest which featured two rival Democrats. In this epochal election, a black woman who is the daughter of immigrants is up against a racist misogynist who rose to political prominence as the untitled leader of the birther movement, which denied the very legitimacy of Americas first president of colour, and launched his first presidential campaign with an attack on Mexican immigrants. Donald Trump and Kamala Harris: a picture of Americas great divide, as never yet seen in a presidential contest. Credit: AP/Julia Demaree Nikhinson Kamala Harris is not just a Democrat but a democrat: a believer in free and fair elections and the sanctity of their outcomes. Donald Trump has repeatedly defamed democracy, both in 2020 when he lost and even in 2016 when he won. Refusing to countenance that Hillary Clinton had amassed 3 million more votes nationwide which was irrelevant to the result, of course, because of the vagaries of the Electoral College Trump speciously claimed that up to 5 million of those ballots had been cast illegally. The former president is a demagogue, while his 60-year-old opponent is decorous and demure. Harris is a former attorney who believes in the majesty of constitutional law, whereas Trump, a wannabe dictator, once threatened to terminate the countrys rulebook. 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Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe Another example of Canadian strategy to attack India: MEA Canada names India in cyberthreat list NEW DELHI : INDIA on Saturday slammed Canada for naming it in the list of countries considered cyberthreat adversaries, describing the categorisation as another example of the Canadian strategy to attack the country. The National Cyber Threat Assessment 2025-2026 report issued by the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security, Canadas technical authority on cyber security, alleged that Indian state-sponsored actors likely conduct cyber threat activity against Government of Canada networks for the purpose of espionage. Their senior officials have openly confessed that they are seeking to manipulate global opinion against India, and as on other occasions, imputations are made without any evidence, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal told reporters in response to queries on the issue. The October 30 report includes a category Cyber threat from state adversaries with China placed as the most comprehensive cyber security threat. India is named fifth after China, Russia, Iran and North Korea. It is the first time India has been included in the list. Another category, Canada has put India into. This categorisation is as per the cyber report that they have issued. It appears to be another example of a Canadian strategy to attack India, Jaiswal said. As I mentioned earlier, their senior officials have openly confessed that they are seeking to manipulate global opinion against India, as on other occasions, imputations are made without any evidence, he said. While rejecting India being bracketed in that category, the MEA spokesperson said, You first state absurd and baseless things and then level such an accusation against us. This is absolutely not right. The report, whose last edition was issued two years ago, comes amid an escalating diplomatic row between the two countries. The relations between the two countries came under severe strain following Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus allegations in September last year of a potential involvement of Indian agents in Khalistan extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjars killing. New Delhi rejected Trudeaus charges as absurd. India has been maintaining that the main issue between the two countries is that of Canada giving space to pro-Khalistan elements operating from Canadian soil with impunity. The Canadian Centre for Cyber Security (Cyber Centre), part of the Communications Security Establishment Canada (CSE), is the single unified source of expert advice, guidance, services, and support on cyber security for Canadians and Canadian organisations, the report says. Indias leadership almost certainly aspires to build a modernised cyber program with domestic cyber capabilities, the report says. The Canadian cyber threat report further claims, We assess that Indian state-sponsored cyber threat actors likely conduct cyber threat activity against government of Canada networks for the purpose of espionage. We judge that official bilateral relations between Canada and India will very likely drive Indian state-sponsored cyber threat activity against Canada. API Manoj Choudhary honoured with Kendriya Grihmantri Dakshata Padak API Manoj S Choudhary Staff Reporter : ASSISTANT Police Inspector (API) Manoj S Choudhary of Nagpur (Rural) Police, presently attached to Mouda Police Station, has been awarded Kendriya Grihmantri Dakshata Padak for the year 2024 for excellence in investigation. While posted at Katol Police Station, API Choudhary was the Investigation Officer in the Rajkumari Mangalsingh Sayam rape and murder case in 2021. Rajkumari Sayam (25) was raped and murdered by Amleshkumar Shambhu Mandal (20), a native of Gaddi, tehsil Raghopur, district Supaul, Bihar, on October 05, 2021. A case under Section 302, 354, 354(b), 376 of the Indian Penal Code was registered against Amleshkumar at Katol Police Station. With his professional skills, API Choudhary probed the sensational case and collected concrete evidence against Amleshkumar and filed a chargesheet against him. With the evidence collected by API Choudhary and the statements of the witnesses in the case, the court on October 4, 2023 convicted Amleshkumar and awarded life imprisonment for the heinous crime committed by him. Considering the outstanding investigation conducted by API Choudhary, the Government of Maharashtra recommended his name for Kendriya Grihmantri Dakshata Padak to the Union Home Ministry. HOAX BOMB THREATS Airlines sustain over Rs 600 cr loss Staff Reporter : Accused Jagdish Uikey wanted to get publicity for his book - Aaatankwad - Ek Tufaani Rakshas, reveals CP Dr Ravinder Singal Various airlines incurred a loss of over Rs 600 crore due to series of hoax bomb threats issued by accused Jadish Shriram Uikey (35) since January 2022, revealed the City Police officials, on Saturday. Commissioner of Police (CP) Dr Ravinder Singal, claimed that the actions of Uikey, a native of Arjuni Morgaon in Gondia district, were an attempt to garner publicity for his book titled Aaatankwad - Ek Tufaani Rakshas. The saga began in January 2022, when Uikey started penning a book focused on the theme of extremism. His ambition was to have Prime Minister Narendra Modi publish his work. However, frustration grew after he sent 354 emails to the Prime Ministers Office without receiving a response. In an attempt to escalate the situation, Uikey began sending threatening emails to various airlines and government officials shortly before Diwali and warned of bomb threats from terrorist organisations such as Jaish-e-Mohammed and SFJ at 31 different locations, including airports and railways. Uikeys attempts resulted in panic among airline companies and led to the cancellation of numerous flights across the nation. The losses to the airlines were estimated to be over Rs 600 crore. Following the threats, a joint investigation was launched involving the Central Investigation Agencies and Nagpur Police, who managed to identify Uikey as the sender of threat emails. After evading arrest by travelling from Nagpur to Delhi and then to Haryana, Uikey was arrested at the Nagpur Railway Station on Thursday. He was taken into custody for further questioning. During interrogation, Uikey reiterated his claim that the threats were intended to promote his book. Upon learning of Uikeys arrest, officials from the National Investigation Agency (NIA), Intelligence Bureau (IB), and the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) arrived in Nagpur to conduct thorough interrogations. Additionally, a team from the Delhi Police was dispatched to assist in the investigation, which revealed that Uikeys actions were motivated primarily by a desire for publicity. Uikey has only completed the 11th grade. The police are exploring how he acquired the knowledge to execute such a plan and are examining his communication history to identify any accomplices. India trashes Canadas allegations against Amit Shah NEW DELHI : INDIA on Saturday said it has protested in the strongest possible terms the references made by a Canadian Minister about Union Home Minister Amit Shah and warned that such absurd and baseless allegations will have serious consequences for bilateral ties. The comments by the spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) came after Canadas Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister David Morrison alleged on Tuesday that Shah ordered a campaign of violence, intimidation and intelligence-gathering targeting Sikh separatists inside Canada. Morrison had also told Canadian Parliament members of the national security committee that he had confirmed Shahs name to The Washington Post, which first reported the allegations. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said this revelation that high Canadian Government officials deliberately leaked unfounded insinuations to international media as part of a conscious strategy to discredit India and influence other nations only confirms the view that the Indian Government has long held about the current Canadian Governments political agenda and behavioural pattern. Replying to queries during a weekly press briefing here, Jaiswal said such irresponsible actions will have serious consequences for bilateral ties. He said India summoned a Canadian High Commission representative on Friday and the official was served a diplomatic note to lodge the protest in strongest terms on the absurd and baseless references made by the Canadian Deputy Minister about Indias Union Home Minister. While addressing the Parliament members, Morrison did not say how Canada knew of Shahs alleged involvement. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had said a year ago that Canada had credible evidence agents of the Indian Government were involved in the murder of Canadian Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia in June 2023. Dismissing the allegations as absurd, Indian Government officials have consistently denied that Canada provided evidence. Mumbai cops send proposal for Anmols extradition after alert from US MUMBAI : THE Mumbai police have sent a proposal for extradition of jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnois younger brother Anmol Bishnoi, who has been named as an accused in some high-profile crimes, including the Baba Siddique murder case, an official said. The proposal was sent after the US authorities informed the Mumbai police about Anmol Bishnois presence in their country, the senior police official said on Saturday. Last month, the Mumbai polices crime branch moved the special Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) court here stating that it intends to initiate the extradition procedure of fugitive criminal Anmol Bishnoi. It filed an affidavit for further necessary action, which was allowed by the special court. The Mumbai police have sent the proposal for Anmol Bishnois extradition to the MHA, which will then be forwarded to the MEA, the police official said. Both Lawrence and Anmol Bishnoi have been named as wanted accused in the April 14 firing incident outside the Bollywood actor Salman Khans Galaxy Apartment in Mumbais Bandra area. Vicky Gupta and Sagar Pal had carried out the firing. They, along with Sonukumar Bishnoi, Mohammed Rafiq Choudhary and Harpal Singh, were arrested and are currently in judicial custody. One accused Anujkumar Thapan committed suicide during his police custody. In the chargesheet filed in the case, police have shown Lawrence Bishnoi and Anmol Bishnoi as wanted accused in the case. NCP leader and former MLA Baba Siddique was shot dead by three gunmen near the office of his MLA-son Zeeshan Siddique on October 12. The police have so far arrested 15 persons in connection with the murder. The involvement of Bishnoi brothers, who hail from Fazilka in Punjab, is suspected in the case. The NIA recently announced a reward of Rs 10 lakh for information leading to the arrest of Anmol Bishnoi. Lawrence Bishnoi is currently lodged in a jail in Sabarmati in Gujarat. A lookout circular was issued in April against Anmol Bishnoi, who had claimed responsibility for the firing incident outside Salman Khans residence. An FIR was also registered by the NIA against nine accused, including both the Bishnoi brothers, in August 2022 for being part of a conspiracy to raise funds, recruit youth to carry out terrorist acts in the Union Territory of Delhi and other parts of the country besides targeted killings of prominent persons. Teenager stabs goon to death over bursting of firecrackers Staff Reporter : AN ARGUMENT over bursting of firecrackers turned ugly when a 25-year-old history-sheeter was stabbed to death by a teenage boy with a knife during Diwali celebrations in Imambada area Friday night. The deceased, identified as Amol Tarachand Waghmare was a resident of Rambag, near Milind Buddha Vihar. Cops took the accused, Shashank Vasantrao Dongre (18), a resident of the same locality, into custody. Amol, who was involved in several serious crimes, including a murder, had an old enmity with Shashank. Both were bursting firecrackers in front of their respective houses after Laxmi Pujan. A wordy duel ensued between them while bursting firecrackers. Both hurled abuses at each other. Shashank lost his temper and stabbed Amol with a sharp-edged knife on his back, injuring him seriously. Neighbours gathered at the spot after Amol collapsed, and rushed him to Government Medical College & Hospital. After examining Amol, doctors declared him dead. Soon after receiving information about the murder, staff from Imambada Police Station led by Senior Inspector Ramesh Tale visited the spot. After the murder, tension erupted at Rambag. A police posse was deployed in the area to prevent any group clash in the aftermath of the murder. A police team later nabbed Shashank. Following a complaint lodged by Kausalya Waghmare (65), mother of the deceased, Imambada Police registered a case under Section 103 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita against Shashank. On Saturday, Amols last rites were performed by his family members amidst tight police bandobast. Tom Holland recently opened up about a surprisingly sweet habit he has: he often finds himself Googling his girlfriend, Zendaya. The star of the Spider-Man franchise revealed that this digital inquiry is not born out of insecurity but rather a way to check in on her well-being. The last thing I googled was actually Zendaya, Tom Holland shared candidly. He explained, Im not on social media, and I delete it when Im not using it, which makes his online searches a means to stay connected. Advertisement Holland described his curiosity as stemming from a bit of anxiety, saying he wants to ensure everything is alright in Zendayas world. Sometimes, Ill check to see if everythings good and to make sure were all cool, he admitted. A quick search reassures him, as he can confirm, Shes good. Advertisement Their caring dynamic was on full display recently during the New York City launch party for Hollands brand on October 24. In a heartwarming moment that quickly went viral, Holland was stepping in to shield Zendaya from overzealous fans. He gently asked the crowd for a bit of space. The couples journey began on the set of Spider-Man: Homecoming in 2017, and they have been dating since 2021. Despite the public interest in their relationship, both stars strive to maintain a level of privacy. Zendaya spoke about the balance of public and private life in a past interview, stating, I cant not be a person and live my life and love the person I love. She added, You cant hide. Thats not fun either. I am navigating it more than ever now. Holland echoed similar sentiments when discussing their shared experiences. At the 2024 Critics Choice Awards, he fondly recalled watching their first Spider-Man film together. Zendaya and I will, every now and then, watch Spider-Man 1 and reminisce about being 19 and making those movies again, he said. For Holland, reliving those moments is a cherished experience: Its such a luxury, such a gift to be able to sit down and sort of relive your youth. Actor R. Madhavan has shared an exciting glimpse of his return to Tamil cinema with the first look of his upcoming film Adhirshtasaali. This announcement, which Madhavan made via an Instagram post on Sunday, shows two distinct versions of the actor in one split-screen poster. On one side, he appears as a wealthy businessman against a bustling cityscape, while on the other, he embodies a modest, concerned man with a rural background. Advertisement Advertisement View this post on Instagram A post shared by R. Madhavan (@actormaddy) Directed by Mithran Jawahar, known for popular films like Yaaradi Nee Mohini and Thiruchitrambalam, Adhirshtasaali marks Madhavans first collaboration with the director. The films story is penned by celebrated author Jeyamohan, further elevating anticipation around the project. The ensemble cast is equally noteworthy, featuring Sharmila Mandre as the female lead, Radikaa Sarathkumar as Madhavans mother, alongside Madonna Sebastian, Sai Dhanshika, Jagan, and several others. The filmmakers initially hinted at the storyline in a teaser image shared online, which humorously captured Madhavans progression from owning a simple bike to driving a luxury car. Though the plot remains under wraps, the first look suggests that the story could weave between urban and rural landscapes, possibly touching on themes of transformation and ambition. Adhirshtasaali has completed filming, with scenes shot in scenic Scottish locations like the iconic Forth Bridge, Edinburgh, Dean Village, and even Victoria Streeta spot made famous by its association with the Harry Potter films. The film is now in post-production, with its release date yet to be out. This project follows Madhavans recent role in the Netflix series The Railway Men, a historical drama based on the 1984 Bhopal Gas Tragedy. Fans are eagerly awaiting Adhirshtasaali, as well as Madhavans upcoming Tamil film Test, directed by producer Sashikanth, where he stars alongside Nayanthara and Siddharth. At least twelve persons, including women and men, were injured in a grenade explosion in the crowded market on Sunday near the heavily guarded tourist reception centre (TRC) in Srinagar. Terrorists tossed the grenade from a flyover near the local station of All India Radio (AIR) across the road and escaped from there, a police officer said. Advertisement Security forces have launched a massive search operation in the area. Advertisement Police sources said that the terrorists might have tried to target a CRPF picket, but the grenade fell in the crowded market in which the locals were injured. The grenade attack, the first after several months, comes a day after the security forces gunned down a Pakistani top commander of the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Usman Lashkari, in the downtown area of Khanyar in Srinagar. Having remained peaceful for a couple of years, the capital city of Srinagar was again witnessing terror related incidents as a result of which panic has returned among the people. Former chief minister and National Conference President, Dr Farooq Abdullah had on Saturday demanded an independent probe into the surge in terror attacks which he said were aimed at destabilising Omar Abdullahs government in Jammu and Kashmir. The injured were immediately rushed to a hospital and a joint team of J&K Police and paramilitary forces cordoned off the area. Security forces, along with medical teams, immediately rushed to the scene after the explosion. The injured were shifted to Shri Maharaja Hari Singh (SMHS) Hospital in Srinagar. Reacting to the attack, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah wrote on X: The last few days have been dominated by headlines of attacks & encounters in parts of the valley. Todays news of a grenade attack on innocent shoppers at the Sunday market in Srinagar is deeply disturbing. There can be no justification for targeting innocent civilians. The security apparatus must do everything possible to end this spurt of attacks at the earliest so that people can go about their lives without any fear. PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti condemned the attack and said: Such acts of violence are deplorable and only serve to perpetuate a cycle of fear and hatred. The J&K Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) Chief, Tariq Hameed Karra condemned the grenade explosion and said: J&K Police must take effective measures to contain such brutal and inhuman attacks, so that the public can move with any fear. J&K Peoples Conference President and MLA Sajad Lone said: This act of violence, intended to instil fear and cause harm, only serves to strengthen the resolve to work towards a safe and peaceful future for every citizen. We stand united against such senseless acts and pray for the swift recovery of those injured. The Ministry of Culture and the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) will host the first Asian Buddhist Summit (ABS) in New Delhi on November 5-6. The theme of the summit is Role of Buddha Dhamma in Strengthening Asia. The Ministry of Culture, Government of India, in collaobration with the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) is organizing the First Asian Buddhist Summit (ABS) on 5th 6th November 2024 in New Delhi. The theme of this summit is on Role of Buddha Dhamma in Strengthening Asia, the Ministry of Culture said in a press release. Advertisement The Honble President of India is expected to grace the event as the Chief Guest. Through the summit, it shall bring together Sangha leaders, scholars, experts and practitioners from various Buddhist traditions across Asia to foster dialogue, promote understanding and address contemporary challenges faced by the Buddhist community. Buddhism holds a unique position in the spiritual and cultural history of India and pan-Asia, the release read. Advertisement The teachings of the Buddha, His disciples and preachers has kept Asia united through a common outlook towards life, divinity, and social values. The Buddha Dhamma has emerged as a valuable component of Indias culture, aiding the country in developing steadfast foreign policy and effective diplomatic ties. From the incorporation of Buddhist symbols as part of independent Indias national identity to the adoption of Buddhist values in its foreign policy, Buddha Dhamma, India and Asia are complimentary to each other, as per the release. The Summit is also a manifestation of Indias Act East Policy, which is principled on collective, inclusive and spiritual development of Asia with Dhamma as the guiding light. The Asian Buddhist Summit will cover the following themes: 1. Buddhist Art, Architecture and Heritage. 2. Buddha Carika and Dissemination of Buddha Dhamma. 3. Role of Holy Buddhist Relics and its Relevance in Society. 4. Significance of Buddha Dhamma in Scientific Research and Well-Being. 5. Role of Buddhist Literature and Philosophy in 21st Century. In addition to deliberations on the above topics, a special exhibition is curated on the theme India as the Dhamma Setu (Bridge) connecting Asia; would also form part of the event, among other creative displays at the venue. The Summit marks a unique opportunity in bringing together diverse voices of Buddhas Dhamma across Asia. Through dialogue, addressing contemporary challenges, and promoting Buddhist heritage, the Summit aims to contribute to a more compassionate, sustainable, and peaceful world that gives us a complete assurance of the comprehensive welfare of humanity, the release read. Ahead of the Assembly Elections in Jharkhand, the ruling Congress-JMM alliance and the BJP indulged in a political slugfest over alleged unpaid coal dues to the state with senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh alleging step-motherly treatment to the state. The allegations prompted a swift response from Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who countered that the Modi government has already provided Rs 3.08 lakh crore to Jharkhand between 2014 and 2024. Advertisement In a post on X on Sunday, Ramesh raised questions about the uncleared dues claimed by Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren. Advertisement He alleged that the Modi-led central government owes lakhs of crores of rupees to Jharkhand in coal royalties and asked if the state was being penalised for voting for the Congress-JMM alliance. The Central government owes Jharkhand lakhs of crores of rupees in coal royalties and central scheme benefits. In Jharkhand, coal mines are operated by subsidiaries of Coal India Limited who owe huge sums of money to the state government. There is an outstanding of Rs 1,01,142 crore for non-payment of land compensation, Rs 32,000 crore under common cause dues head, and Rs 2,500 crore under washed coal royalty head, Ramesh stated. He further questioned the Modi governments intentions, asking, Why has the non-biological PM failed to release these funds? Is step-motherly treatment being administered to Jharkhand for voting for the JMM-INC alliance? Why is the state BJP leadership unable to secure any funds for the State? Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren echoed Rameshs concerns by reposting his statement, which prompted a strong rebuttal from Union Home Minister Shah during the BJPs manifesto release event in Ranchi. Shah accused Soren of shifting blame to the Centre, asserting that the Modi government has consistently supported Jharkhand with substantial funds since 2014. Responding to Sorens appeal to clear Rs1.36 lakh crore in coal dues, Shah said, Hemant Soren is asking Modi ji for an account of 1 lakh 36 thousand crores. Hemant Babu, I have brought the account. During the UPA government between 2004-14, only 84 thousand crore rupees were given to Jharkhand, whereas Modi ji gave 3 lakh 8 thousand crore rupees between 2014-24. Jawab aapko daina hai Soren ji, BJP ko nhi daina hai (You have to answer, Mr. S to oren, not BJP). Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Saturday said that BJP and its alliance partners will win Maharashtra and Jharkhand assembly polls and Congress has been reduced from being a major national party to becoming a junior partner in various states. He alleged that Congress is losing strength because of its ill-conceived and badly thought-through policies and that its leaders are getting frustrated. Advertisement I think after the collapse of the Jalebi factory in Haryana, now we see the writing on the wall in Maharashtra and Jharkhand, hence these outlandish claims about PDA or whatever he was talking about Congress has been reduced from being a major national party to becoming a junior partner in all the states. I think that is because of their ill-conceived and badly thought-through policies. Well win handsomely in Jharkhand and Maharashtra. That is why theyre getting more frustrated, Puri, who is Minister for Oil and Natural Gas, told ANI. Advertisement He also targeted Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and said the party gets into trouble over its outlandish promises. Hes showing deep-seated frustration, and that frustration is also understandable. Why is it understandable? When Priyanka went to file her nomination, he was not even allowed to sit inside the room. Then when he goes to Karnataka, he sees the mess there, then with the camera on, hes telling the Chief Minister and the Deputy Chief Minister that if you make promises and you say that youre reviewing a scheme, which means youre not going to be able to implement the promises, you lack credibility and you will get into trouble. Thats a reality, he said. The fundamental difference between the BJP and the Congress is, Ill not bring AAP here, they are not worth mentioning, when the BJP makes a statement and says we will deliver on an election promise, it has invariably delivered. The opposition, on the other hand, without making a detailed analysis of what the resources available are, without deciding whether they will have the money to implement a scheme, they go and make an outlandish promise, as a result of which they get into trouble, he added. PM Modi Modi targeted Congress on Friday and said it makes unreal promises. The Congress Party is realizing the hard way that making unreal promises is easy, but implementing them properly is tough or impossible. Campaign after campaign, they promise things to the people, which they also know they will never be able to deliver. PM Modi cited issues in Congress-ruled states, mentioning that the developmental trajectory and fiscal health is turning from bad to worse in Karnataka, Himachal Pradesh, and Telangana. He alleged that Congresss unfulfilled promises were misleading the poor, youth, farmers, and women and that existing welfare schemes were being neglected. He also urged people to be vigilant against what he termed the Congress-sponsored culture of fake promises and cited Haryanas recent election results as evidence of people rejecting Congress. Responding to this, Mallikarjun Kharge on Friday said that lies, deceit, fraud, loot and publicity are the five adjectives that best define the BJP government at the centre. Lies, Deceit, Fakery, Loot & Publicity are the 5 adjectives which best describe your Govt! Your drumbeating regarding a 100-day plan was a cheap PR stunt! On May 16, 2024, you also claimed that you took inputs from more than 20 lakh people for the road map for 2047. RTI filed in PMO declined to put forth details, exposing your LIES! Kharge posted on X. Maharashtra elections will be held in a single phase on November 20 while the elections in the Jharkhand Assembly will be conducted in two phases on November 13 and November 20, The counting of votes in both the states will take place on November 23. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has reportedly received a death threat through a WhatsApp message, warning him to step down from his role within 10 days or face lethal consequences. The threat, sent from an unknown number, claims that Adityanath will be killed like Baba Siddique. Siddique, an NCP leader and former Maharashtra minister, was shot dead allegedly by Lawrence Bishnoi gang shooters in Mumbais Bandra last month. The message, allegedly directed at the UP Chief Minister, was received by the Mumbai Traffic Police Control Room. Following the death threat, the authorities have launched an investigation to identify the sender of the death threat. Security of CM Adityanath has also been strengthened. Chief Minister Adityanath, a high-profile figure, is already safeguarded under a Z+ category security protocol. This high-security arrangement includes an elite CRPF commando team assigned to ensure his safety, supported by personnel from the UP Police. Advertisement Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday lauded Indias progress in the fight against Tuberculosis saying the decline in TB incidence is an outcome of the countrys dedicated and innovative efforts. Responding to a post by Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda acknowledging the recognition of Indias remarkable progress by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in reducing tuberculosis by 17.7 per cent from 2015 to 2023, the prime minister, in a post on X, said, Commendable progress! The decline in TB incidence is an outcome of Indias dedicated and innovative efforts. Through a collective spirit, we will keep working towards a TB-free India. Advertisement Earlier on Saturday, Nadda said that the Union government remains steadfast in its commitment to creating a TB-free India. Advertisement In a post on X, the Union health minister said, We remain steadfast in our commitment to creating a TB-free India. He further said the WHO has recognised Indias remarkable progress, with a 17.7 per cent decline in TB incidence from 2015 to 2023a rate more than double the global decline of 8.3 per cent. This acknowledgment reflects Indias transformative approach to TB care and control, Nadda said. In the post, the Union minister further said that under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Our government has expanded and strengthened the National TB Elimination Programme by taking key initiatives such as the Ni-Kshay Poshan Yojana to provide essential nutritional support to TB patients, and introduction of the BPALM regimen, a novel treatment for Multi-Drug Resistant Tuberculosis. I also acknowledge the tireless efforts of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfares dedicated healthcare workers, whose unwavering commitment and hard work play a crucial role in this fight against tuberculosis, Nadda further said in the post. The Uttar Pradesh government is working tirelessly in Prayagraj to make the upcoming Mahakumbh the most magnificent and divine event organized so far. The Allahabad Museum in Prayagraj plans to elevate the grandeur of Mahakumbh with a unique display. The museum will showcase a replica of the Kalash dripping Amrit and has requested approximately 12,000 square feet from the fair administration to feature an exhibition celebrating Indian art and culture. Advertisement According to Dr Rajesh Mishra, Deputy Curator of the museum, here on Sunday the Amrit Kalash will be a major attraction for devotees from India and abroad, with plans to develop it as a selfie point. Reflecting the mythological significance of Mahakumbh, the Amrit Kalash installation is set to be a memorable highlight of this grand event. Advertisement The Allahabad Museum in Prayagraj has established the worlds first gallery dedicated to showcasing the lives and contributions of key revolutionaries from the 1857 uprising to Indias independence. This gallery brings to life the 90-year saga of the freedom struggle, featuring almost all the major freedom fighters from the extremist faction who fought for the nation. The visitors will have the unique opportunity to learn about heroes ranging from Mangal Pandey to Chandrashekhar Azad. This gallery, a blend of digital and written displays, offers a space to honor and learn about these remarkable revolutionaries. Each exhibit vividly recounts the history of those who made the ultimate sacrifice for Indias freedom, leaving visitors moved by their bravery and legacy. The First Asian Buddhist Summit (ABS) will be held in New Delhi on 5-6 November. The theme of this summit is on Role of Buddha Dhamma in Strengthening Asia. President Droupadi Murmu is expected to grace the event as the Chief Guest. The summit will bring together Sangha leaders, scholars, experts and practitioners from various Buddhist traditions across Asia to foster dialogue, promote understanding and address contemporary challenges faced by the Buddhist community. Buddhism holds a unique position in the spiritual and cultural history of India and pan Asia. Advertisement The teachings of the Buddha, His disciples and preachers have kept Asia united through a common outlook towards life, divinity, and social values. Advertisement The Buddha Dhamma has emerged as a valuable component of Indias culture, aiding the country in developing steadfast foreign policy and effective diplomatic ties. From the incorporation of Buddhist symbols as part of independent Indias national identity to the adoption of Buddhist values in its foreign policy, Buddha Dhamma, India and Asia are complementary to each other. The summit is also a manifestation of Indias Act East Policy, which is principled on collective, inclusive and spiritual development of Asia with Dhamma as the guiding light. With this spirit, the Asian Buddhist Summit will cover the following themes: Buddhist Art, Architecture and Heritage, Buddha Carika and Dissemination of Buddha Dhamma, Role of Holy Buddhist Relics and its Relevance in Society, Significance of Buddha Dhamma in Scientific Research and Well-Being and Role of Buddhist Literature and Philosophy in 21st Century. In addition, a special exhibition is curated on the theme India as the Dhamma Setu (Bridge) connecting Asia; would also form part of the event, among other creative displays at the venue. The summit marks a unique opportunity in bringing together diverse voices of Buddhas Dhamma across Asia. Through dialogue, addressing contemporary challenges, and promoting Buddhist heritage, the summit aims to contribute to a more compassionate, sustainable, and peaceful world that gives us a complete assurance of the comprehensive welfare of humanity. External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar reached Brisbane this afternoon as part of his six-day two-nation tour of Australia and Singapore. He was received at the airport by Indian High Commissioner to Australia Gopal Baglay and other senior officials. Advertisement Namaste Australia! Landed in Brisbane today. Look forward to productive engagements over the next few days to take forward the ndia-Australia Dosti, Dr Jaishankar wrote on X. Advertisement During the visit, the minister will inaugurate Indias 4th consulate in Australia in Brisbane. He will also co-chair the 15th Foreign Ministers Framework Dialogue with his Australian counterpart Penny Wong in Canberra. He will deliver the keynote address at the inaugural session of the 2nd Raisina Down Under to be held in the Australian Parliament House. He is also scheduled to have interactions with Australian leadership, parliamentarians, members of the Indian diaspora, business community, media and think tanks. On the second leg of the visit, Dr Jaishankar will travel to Singapore for an official visit on 8th of this month, during which he will address the 8th Roundtable of ASEAN-India Network of Think Tanks. He will also meet the leadership of Singapore to review the close partnership between the two countries and explore avenues to further enhance the bilateral relationship. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today spoke to J&K DGP Nalin Prabhat and senior officials of the security agencies on the grenade attack in Srinagar and directed them for an effective and forceful response to punish the terrorists and their associates. The Lieutenant Governor reaffirmed the governments resolve not to allow terrorist elements to succeed in their nefarious designs. Advertisement Terrorists targeting our citizens will have to pay a very heavy price for their actions. You have full freedom to crush terror outfits and leave no stone unturned to complete this mission, the Lieutenant Governor told the senior security officials. Advertisement The Lieutenant Governor wished speedy recovery of those injured and directed that district administration should extend all possible assistance. Bahujan Samaj Party National President and former chief minister Mayawati once again cornered the government over the state of primary education in Uttar Pradesh. Terming the decision of the state government to close 27,764 dilapidated council primary and upper primary schools with less than 50 students unjustified, she said, In such a situation, where and how will poor children study? Instead of merging them with other schools, the state government should have taken measures to improve them by making necessary improvements, Mayawati said here in a statement on Sunday. Advertisement The BSP supremo said the condition of primary and secondary education, especially in UP and most of the states of the country is bad. She said because of this, crores of children from poor families are deprived of good and proper education. Advertisement Besides, she said that the decision of the government to close schools with fewer students is also unfair. The result of these anti-poor and anti-people policies of the governments is that people are being forced to teach their children in private schools. As is clear from the survey, it is not right for the government to close them instead of making necessary improvements by giving proper money and attention to education. In a significant acknowledgment of the countrys efforts towards eradication of tuberculosis, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday highlighted the nations achievements in reducing TB incidence. In response to a social media post by Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda, that acknowledges the recognition of Indias remarkable progress, by the World Health Organisation (WHO), in reducing tuberculosis by 17.7 per cent from 2015 to 2023, PM Modi expressed that decline in TB incidence is an outcome of the nations dedicated and innovative efforts. Advertisement Taking to social media platform X, the PM said, Commendable progress! The decline in TB incidence is an outcome of Indias dedicated and innovative efforts. Through a collective spirit, we will keep working towards a TB-free India. Advertisement Meanwhile, as per the WHO, India has recorded a decline of 17.7 per cent in TB incidence from 2015 to 2023, which is more than double the global decline of 8.3 per cent. On Saturday, Nadda shared the information in a post on social media, emphasizing that it reflects the transformative approach to TB care and control. He had also mentioned that under PM Modis leadership the government has expanded and strengthened the TB elimination programme through initiatives such as the Ni-Kshay Poshan Yojana, aimed to provide essential nutritional support to the patients of TB. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has extended his best wishes to Duma Boko on his election as the President of Botswana. In a message on X, the prime minister wished a successful tenure to the newly-elected president emphasising Indias commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Botswana. Advertisement In his post, Modi said, Congratulations @duma_boko on your election as the President of Botswana. Best wishes for a successful tenure. Look forward to working closely with you to further strengthen our bilateral ties. Advertisement Duma Boko, the presidential candidate of the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), was declared Botswanas sixth president on Friday. Botswanas Chief Justice Terence Rannowane made the announcement on national television in Gaborone, the capital city of Botswana. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday conveyed their greetings to all people of the country on the auspicious occasion of Bhai Dooj. In a post on X, the Prime Minister said, I wish all my countrymen a very Happy Bhai Dooj. I hope that this auspicious occasion deepens the affection between brothers and sisters. Advertisement The Union Home Minister hoped that the festival would bring immense happiness in everyones life. Advertisement Best wishes to all the countrymen on the sacred festival of Bhai Dooj. I wish that this festival of love, dedication and devotion brings immense happiness in everyones life, Shah said in a post on X. Known by different names such as Bhau Beej, Bhai Tika, or Bhai Phonta in various regions, Bhai Dooj is celebrated two days after Diwali. This festival is an important event in the Hindu calendar, symbolising the affection between siblings, with sisters praying for their brothers long life and well-being, while brothers vow to protect their sisters. The origins of Bhai Dooj are steeped in mythology and ancient tales, with one of the most popular stories being the bond between Yamraj, the god of death, and his sister Yamuna. According to legend, Yamuna once invited Yamraj to her home, offering him a warm welcome and a lavish meal. Touched by her love and hospitality, Yamraj blessed her and declared that any brother visiting his sister on this day to receive a ceremonial tilak on his forehead would be protected from untimely death. This tradition continues, with sisters performing rituals to pray for their brothers safety and happiness, making Bhai Dooj a meaningful conclusion to the Diwali festivities. A day ahead of the first five-day session of the newly-elected J&K Assembly, the BJP high command on Sunday removed the state party chief Ravinder Raina and appointed Sat Sharma in his place. Raina has been appointed as a member of the BJP Working Committee. He had lost the Assembly election from the Nowshera seat that he fought against Surinder Choudhary of the National Conference (NC) who is now the deputy chief minister of J&K. Advertisement Meanwhile, the BJP legislature party elected the partys general secretary and MLA, Sunil Sharma, as the leader of Opposition in the Assembly. Advertisement Dr. Narinder Singh, MLA from Jammu-South, was chosen as the partys candidate for the post of deputy speaker. The strength of the BJP in the Assembly has reduced to 28 with the death of Devinder Singh Rana. The legislature party meeting in Srinagar was presided over by Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Prahlad Joshi and BJP National General Secretary Tarun Chughwho oversees the Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh regions. Co-Incharge for Jammu and Kashmir Ashish Sood, BJP UT President Sat Sharma, Member of Parliament Jugal Kishore Sharma, former Deputy Chief Minister Kavinder Gupta, and former BJP President Ravinder Raina were among those who were present in the meeting. Prahlad Joshi said the Legislative Party members have unanimously elected Sunil Sharma as the Leader of the Opposition for the Kashmir Assembly. We are committed to being a constructive opposition, addressing public issues, and contributing to the vision of Viksit Bharat under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi. Meanwhile, the seniormost National Conference (NC) member Abdul Rahim Rather is set to be elected speaker of the Assembly. The NC had earlier considered offering the post of deputy speaker to the BJP, but doubts are being expressed on the issue. Election to the speaker is listed to be held at 10.30 am on Monday followed by the address of the Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha at 11.30 am. The house will make obituary references on Tuesday and discussion on the motion of thanks on the Lt. Governors address will be held in the next three days followed by the reply thereto. After a massive fire broke out in a warehouse in Delhis Alipur area, Chief Fire Officer Virender Singh said that the situation at the fire incident spot is under control, however, the firefighting operation is still going on to extinguish the fire. Singh informed 35 fire tenders and around 200 fire personnel including officers are involved in the fire fighting operations. Advertisement He added that the fire was erupted in three buildings of the godown and as of now, all three buildings have collapsed. Advertisement Speaking to ANI, the Chief Fire Officer said, Situation is under control. We received information about the fire at around 4 pm. Currently, our 35 fire tenders and around 200 fire personnel including officers are involved in the fire fighting operations. Three buildings of godown were involved in the incident and all three buildings have collapsed. He also highlighted that these godowns had not taken any precautionary measures for firefighting. We are bringing the water from 500 meters away as the vehicles cannot enter the streets. The area is more than 8000 sq yards. They have no system for firefighting, Singh said. Phulman, a local resident of the Alipur area, said that the incident site is a godown of paper and wrappers but he doesnt have any idea about the cause of fire. He added that the fire broke out at around 2 pm or 2.30 pm on Saturday. It is a godown of paper and wrappers. We dont know how the fire broke out, whether it was short circuit or what we dont know. There are also godowns of cloth and paper cups and plates. The fire broke at around 2-2.30 pm (on Saturday). We have no idea whether there were workers or not, said Phulman, a local of the Alipur area. More details are awaited. Positioning itself as the primary anti-DMK and anti-BJP force in the state with an eye on the 2026 assembly elections, the fledgling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) has condemned centralisation of powers by the BJP-led Union Government and the inability of the DMK to secure Tamil Nadus rights. After the successful conduct of the TVKs first political conference on October 27, the movie icon has planned a district-wise state-wide tour from December 27. This will be the first public outreach of Vijay and party sources said the schedule is being worked. Prior to that, he would appoint functionaries for the various wings of the party. He has identified the communal BJP as the TVKs ideological enemy and the corrupt and dynastic DMK as the prime political enemy. Advertisement Earlier on Sunday, a meeting of the TVKs Executive Committee along with District Secretaries and functionaries of front orgnisations, attended by party founder-president Vijay, passed resolutions demanding return of Education to the State List from the Concurrent List and scrapping of the NEET examination for medical education. The party also opposed the One Nation One Poll being pushed by the Narendra Modi government. A total of 26 resolutions were passed at the meeting held at suburban Panaiyur. Advertisement The Union Governments attempt to impose the three-language formula against the existing two-language policy of the state would not be allowed in Tamil Nadu which has a long history of opposing imposition of Hindi, a resolution said and drew attention to the fact that many people have sacrificed their lives to protect Tamil language. The DMK government of MK Stalin was blamed for not conducting a caste survey while other states were carrying it without shifting the onus on the Union Government like the DMK. Charging the DMK with cheating the people by not fulfilling poll promises, the party demanded that liquor shops of the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation, the wholesale retailer, be closed within a stipulated timeframe. Instead of depending upon liquor sales, alternative avenues of revenue generation should be found, it said. Meanwhile, reports said that the actor-politician is actively considering launching his own TV channel as a propaganda vehicle for the party. As we approach the 2024 US presidential election, a palpable sense of anxiety and frustration permeates the electorate. This emotional landscape is troubling, reflecting deeper issues within the countrys political system and society at large. While excitement is typically the lifeblood of any election cycle, this year it seems to be largely absent. Instead, many Americans are grappling with uncertainty, dissatisfaction, and disillusionment as they prepare to cast their votes. The fact that a significant majority of voters feel anxious is a stark indication that many are concerned not just about the candidates themselves, but about the state of the nation. This anxiety stems from a myriad of issues: economic instability, societal division, and a political landscape increasingly marked by vitriol and partisanship. Voters are not merely looking for a leader; they are seeking reassurance in an era that often feels chaotic and unpredictable. The frustration that many Americans are expressing reflects a growing discontent with the campaign process itself. Negative campaigning and personal attacks have dominated the discourse, overshadowing substantive discussions about policies and the direction of the country. This election cycle has not only been characterised by stark ideological divides but also by a barrage of rhetoric that leaves little room for constructive dialogue. Advertisement When voters feel that the candidates are more focused on personal grievances than on the issues that matter most to the public, it breeds disillusionment and a sense of hopelessness. Interestingly, while anxiety and frustration are high, there has been a slight uptick in excitement compared to past elections. This could suggest that some voters still hold out hope for change, even in the face of overwhelming negativity. Yet, it is concerning that this excitement remains a minority sentiment. For many, the decision to vote is not driven by enthusiasm for a candidate but rather by a desire to prevent a perceived negative outcome. As partisanship intensifies, its essential to acknowledge that this emotional divide is not uniform across the electorate. Democrats report feeling more anxious than Republicans, while independents express a more tempered level of concern. This disparity hints at the broader implications of how party identity shapes emotional responses to political events. Advertisement Yet, regardless of party affiliation, the overarching sentiment is one of weariness with a system that seems increasingly unresponsive to the needs of the people. In the end, the looming election serves as a critical juncture for the country. The sense of anxiety and frustration must be addressed not only in the context of this campaign but as part of a broader conversation about the future of American democracy. Voters deserve leaders who can inspire hope, engage in meaningful dialogue, and prioritise the common good over personal ambition. As Election Day approaches, the challenge remains: how can America transform this anxiety into constructive action and pave the way for a more united and hopeful future? The Indo-China relationship embodies a rich tapestry of ancient ties entwined with modern complexities. While historically interconnected, recent decades have been marred by territorial disputes, particularly along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). At the heart of these disputes lies the Five Fingers Theory, a Chinese concept that significantly influences the geopolitical landscape in South Asia. Understanding this theory is crucial to grasping the motivations behind Chinas territorial ambitions and Indias responses. Originating from Mao Zedongs vision, the Five Fingers Theory posits that China views Tibet as the palm of its hand, with five surrounding regions ~ Ladakh, Nepal, Sikkim, Bhutan, and Arunachal Pradesh ~ acting as fingers that ideally fall within its sphere of influence. Advertisement This theory underscores Chinas historical narrative of claiming territorial rights over these regions, believing that they are vital for its security and strategic depth. Tibets annexation in 1950 by the Chinese Communist Party marked the beginning of a critical shift in regional dynamics. For China, controlling Tibet meant securing its western frontier and creating a buffer zone against perceived threats from India. The Five Fingers Theory thus encapsulates a vision of reclaiming influence over these regions, extending Chinas reach into South Asia. India perceives the Five Fingers Theory as a direct challenge to its sovereignty and territorial integrity. The encroachment of Chinese influence in these regions heightens Indias security concerns, particularly as it seeks to maintain its historical claim over territories like Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim. Chinas investments and infrastructure developments in these regions further complicate the geopolitical chessboard. The escalating tensions between India and China can be traced to several key incidents, notably the 2017 Doklam standoff and the 2020 Galwan Valley clash. Advertisement In both instances, the underlying conflict centered on territory claimed by India but viewed by China as part of its extended influence. The Five Fingers Theory thus becomes a lens through which these confrontations can be understood ~ not merely as border skirmishes but as significant moves in a larger geopolitical game. In response to Chinas territorial assertions, India has fortified its military posture along the LAC. The Indian government has invested significantly in infrastructure projects, improving connectivity to remote border areas, constructing roads, and upgrading airstrips in Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh. This is not merely an exercise in military preparedness but a strategic initiative to ensure that these fingers remain firmly under Indian control. Additionally, the establishment of Integrated Battle Groups (IBGs) and the raising of a mountain strike corps have enhanced Indias ability to respond to any aggressive maneuvers by the PLA. The Indian militarys experience in high-altitude warfare gives it an edge in this challenging terrain, allowing it to adapt rapidly to the complex and hostile conditions found in the Himalayas. Chinas military modernization efforts have also been significant, with substantial investments in infrastructure along its western fro nt. The PLA has developed a sophisticated command structure cap able of executing operations in difficult terrains, bolstered by technology-driven warfare strategies. This juxtaposition of military might amplifies the tension between the two nations, with each side preparing for potential confrontations driven by the underlying contest over the Five Fingers. Despite the military posturing, both nations recognize the need for dialogue and diplomacy to mitigate tensions and avoid conflict. Over the years, India and China have engaged in various diplomatic discussions through mechanisms like the Special Representatives Meeting and the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination (WMCC). These dialogues have focused on de-escalating tensions, although achieving a lasting resolution remains a formidable challenge. The Five Fingers Theory complicates these negotiations. Chinas insistence on its historical claims and influence in Tibet and its adjacent regions create a significant hurdle for India, which seeks to affirm its sovereignty over Arunachal Pradesh and other contested areas. Any diplomatic progress must grapple with these entrenched positions, necessitating a nuanced approach that respects both nations historical narratives. In light of the Five Fingers Theory, India has sought to strengthen its alliances with regional and global powers. The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) ~ comprising India, the U.S., Japan, and Australia ~ emerges as a vital counterbalance to Chinas growing assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific. This partnership emphasizes a shared commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific, reinforcing Indias position against Chinas expansionist ambitions. Furthermore, India has fostered closer ties with neighboring countries like Bhutan and Nepal to counterbalance Chinese influence. Through investments in infrastructure and development projects, India aims to solidify its relationships in these regions while ensuring that they do not fall under Chinas sway. The strategic imperative is clear: the preservation of Indian influence in these fingers is essential for national security. Soft power plays an important role in Indias strategy to counterbalance Chinas assertiveness. Indias rich cultural heritage, deeply rooted in Buddhism and shared historical ties with Tibet, provides an avenue for fostering goodwill. The support for the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government-in-exile sends a clear message about Indias stance on Tibets autonomy and human rights. Moreover, cultural exchanges and educational initiatives strengthen Indias influence in the region. By promoting yoga, Ayurveda, and traditional arts, India cultivates a positive image that resonates with neighboring countries, helping to counterbalance Chinas economic leverage through infrastructure investments. The path to resolving the tensions surrounding the Five Fingers Theory is fraught with challenges. Both India and China must navigate a delicate balance between military preparedness and diplomatic engagement. The recent border standoffs serve as remin ders of the fragility of peace in the region, with potential flashpoints lurking in the shadows of unresolved territorial disputes. In the quest for stability, it is essential for both nations to recognize the mutual benefits of cooperation. The economic interdependence that characterizes the modern era underscores the need for dialogue that transcends territorial claims. Economic collaboration, regional security, and cultural exchanges can pave the way for a more stable and cooperative IndoChina relationship. Ultimately, as Sun Tzu wisely noted, Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer. This adage encapsulates the essence of the Indo-China relationship. By fostering dialogue and understanding, both nations can work toward transforming a contentious relationship into one that emphasizes stability, mutual respect, and shared growth. The Five Fingers Theory serves as a crucial point of contention but also as a potential catalyst for reevaluating the way both nations engage with one another in an increasingly interconnected world. The journey toward peace and cooperation may be long and arduous, but recognizing the underlying complexities and historical narratives is the first step toward forging a new path forward in Indo-China relations (The writer is Associate Professor, Centre For South Asian Studies, Pondicherry Central University) Have you ever found yourself struggling to find a decent cabinet hinge? Or heard about a recent spate of cabinet hinge related disasters, turning it into a pressing problem for the public? Well, even if you havent, the government is stepping in to help. A new 18-page quality standard, devised by a 26-member committee, will mandate various tests on cabinet hinges like slamming them shut 10 times (or a 100 more times if they have dampers). If you are satisfied with the current state of cabinet hinges, brace yourself for higher prices. The government claims these measures will encourage manufacturers to improve quality. However, it is important to understand the unintended consequences of such policies. Consider four important outcomes. First, price hikes. As manufacturers are forced to comply with these new standards, their costs will go up and consumers will face higher prices. Second, fewer choices. Some manufacturers may find it too expensive to comply and simply stop producing hinges altogether, eliminating options that buyers were previously happy with. Third, reduced innovation. With such detailed specifications, it will become more costly and risky for manufacturers to innovate. Some new designs might fail these specific tests, even if they are superior products overall. Advertisement Fourth, increased lobbying. Large manufacturers have the resources to influence government standards, ensuring the rules favour their products. Smaller companies, on the other hand, are left unable to compete. The unspoken justification for such regulations, known as Quality Control Orders (QCOs), is to restrict imports and boost domestic manufacturers. But this reasoning falls short. Take the same cabinet hinge as an example. While it might appear that domestic hinge producers are being shielded from foreign competition and given room to grow, the broader impact on the manufacturing ecosystem tells a different story. Cabinet makers, who rely on hinges as an essential input, will lose access to the best quality hinges at the best prices, which may come from imports. Advertisement This will make domestic cabinet makers less competitive globally and severely limit their growth, because in sector after sector the global market is 10-20 times the size of the Indian market. In turn, slower growth in the cabinet industry will reduce demand for cabinet hinges the very product the government is trying to support. Moreover, long-term protection for domestic hinge manufacturers will reduce their incentive to innovate and compete with global leaders, leaving Indian consumers with poorer products as well. A recent QCO from the Ministry of Steel illustrates this issue. The QCO mandates that certain steel products (including imports) meet domestic standards unless they are being manufactured for export. So, while Indian steel sellers can freely make products to meet the needs of foreign buyers, Indian steel buyers are not allowed the same freedom to choose products from abroad at competitive prices. If your product uses steel as a raw material, forget about competing in the global market. This becomes even more problematic in todays world, where supply chains are global, and businesses often need to source specialised parts from various countries. Unfortunately, these interventions have been on the rise. By some estimates, QCOs have increased sixfold in the past decade, covering around 600 products. Earlier this year, the government announced a plan to increase coverage to 2,500 products. These regulations are not just confined to industrial goods eitherrecent QCOs have targeted consumer goods like toys, footwear and air coolers. At this point you might think that consumers, unlike businesses, do need government help to evaluate product quality. However, a closer look reveals that consumers already use multiple ways to assess quality without government interference. The first is brands. Most of us rely on trusted brands that have built reputations for delivering quality products at reasonable prices. Even if we have not personally tried a product, we trust the brand because others have vouched for it. The second is product reviews. Online platforms like TripAdvisor, Amazon and Google Maps provide user reviews that give consumers realworld insights into product quality. If these reviews fail to be reliable, customers will take their business elsewhere. The third is independent rating agencies. If enough consumers are willing to pay for someone to investigate and rate a companys creditworthiness, then a solution such as ICRA or S&P Global Ratings will emerge. And this is not restricted to finance, other companies offer food-related certifications such as Fairtrade or Non-GMO that have also been created by consumer demand. Any government intervention should be judged not by the intention of the policymaker but by the outcome of the policy. Government enforced quality standards have clear negative outcomes in terms of higher prices, fewer choices, stifled innovation and an unfair advantage for large corporations. When consumers and businesses spend their own money on products or services, they look for the best quality their money can buy. This has led them to come up with a variety of ways to assess quality that are responsive to their preferences. Government-imposed quality standards are a solution in search of a problem. (The writer is Program Manager at the Foundation for Economic Development The views expressed are personal.) The recent troop pullback between India and China along the disputed Ladakh border represents a crucial moment in the complex relationship between the two nations. This disengagement is not merely a military manoeuvre; it symbolises a renewed commitment to dialogue and a desire to avoid the escalation of conflict that has plagued the region for decades. The exchange of sweets between soldiers during Diwali serves as a reminder of the potential for goodwill and camaraderie amidst long-standing tensions. For many, the border disputes might seem like a distant geopolitical issue, but they have far-reaching implications for regional stability and economic prosperity. The 4,000-km frontier, characterised by rugged terrain and strategic significance, has witnessed both conflict and cooperation. The tragic loss of life in clashes four years ago highlighted the risks of military standoffs in an area where nationalism and historical grievances intertwine. However, the recent agreements to resume patrols and ease military presence signal a pragmatic shift towards finding common ground. While this disengagement is commendable, it must be approached with cautious optimism. The trust deficit that has built up over the years cannot be overlooked. Past experiences of conflict have fostered suspicion, making it crucial for both nations to maintain transparency and accountability as they navigate this new phase of engagement. Advertisement The dialogue between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping, including their recent meeting on the sidelines of an international summit, is a step forward. Still, it must be underpinned by concrete actions that demonstrate a genuine commitment to peace. The geopolitical landscape of South Asia is evolving, with global power dynamics influencing local relationships. Economic ties between India and China have faced significant strain due to border tensions, affecting trade and investment opportunities. As both countries recognise the importance of economic interdependence, the potential for collaboration becomes evident. Improved diplomatic relations can lead to enhanced trade, benefiting both nations economically and contributing to regional stability. Yet, the path forward must be carefully charted. It is essential for India to remain vigilant and not rush into agreements that could undermine its strategic interests. The complexities of national security and territorial integrity demand that any dialogue prioritise the sovereignty and security concerns of both sides. Similarly, China must approach this renewed engagement with a genuine commitment to fostering a mutually beneficial relationship, rather than viewing it solely through the lens of regional dominance. Advertisement The recent troop pullback marks a significant development in India-China relations. The Diwali bonhomie is a symbol of hope, suggesting that even in a landscape marked by conflict, there is room for understanding and collaboration. By focusing on dialogue and diplomacy, both nations have an opportunity to reshape their relationship, creating a foundation for lasting peace and stability in the region. As they move forward, it is imperative that both sides remain committed to building trust and fostering an environment where cooperation can flourish. Readers that only know Shinie Antony for her witty, often whimsical, pieces in the national newspapers would be amazed at her expertise in the Old Testament, Septuagint, the Hebrew Bible, the Synoptic Gospels and Apocryphal, Jewish magical and Kabbalistic sources that did not find their way into the Biblical canon, apart from her striking eloquence for female assertion and empowerment. Her learning is combined here with an evocative and vigorous, even uncompromising, writing style. Adam and Eve are Gods creations as the first man and woman according to Abrahamic religions. However, in Eden Abandoned, Lilith is drawn from Jewish folklore, such as the Alphabet of Sirach (c. 7001000 AD), as Adams first wife, created at the same time and from the same clay as Adam, and therefore antecedent to Eve as the First Woman. Advertisement The narration is in the first person. Lilith wanted equality which threatened Adam; he emphasised duty day and night, and wanted to be the leader in our pack of two. You think too much, Adam complained, and she talked too much it came down to that. He thought she blasphemed, and pleaded with God for forgiveness, always atoning. She held him in contempt, as the man cannot say to my face that he likes me no more. Adam felt he was right even when he did Lilith wrong. Advertisement Adam asks Lilith to leave Paradise due to her defiance that finished off his ardour for me. She complies, agreeing to part with no word officially spokenwithout my trademark drama. Once expelled from paradise, Lilith was filled with mean thoughts and entered the state of demon hood and every excess, to take pleasure out of others hands and into my own, though Adam remained lodged in her confused memories. She weds Samael, a fallen angel and arch-demon, and bears and destroys numerous of her own and others babies. Lilith has contempt for Eve being born as a subordinate from Adams rib. In the guise of a serpent, she tempts Eve to eat the forbidden fruit while deploring Eves passivity, and notes wryly that Adam barks his orders at Eve. She recalls his limited intelligence, his general lack of hygiene, the silent treatment, and the drying up of endearments. Eve however seemed happy enough, Lilith was momentarily ashamed of herself, and thought she could in other circumstances have forged sisterly relations with her, but unsure whether to feel derisive or jealous, Lilith reverts to her demonic lack of sympathy and scorn for her rival and enemy who absolutely believed in her inferiority accepting of a secondary position. After the forbidden fruit had been eaten due to Liliths wily temptations, original sin, opposites, ageing and death came into being. Lilith states that her demonic husband Samael tried to accept the blame for Adam and Eves downfall in disobeying God, but Lilith was yet unable to beg the Almighty for repentance because she still asserted her right to gender equality. Lilith visits Adam, her first love, on his deathbed. In a few moving pages she states that even if God forgave traitors, she and Adam would be in separate heavens because Adam represented an extreme of goodness, while she, Lilith, an experiment with evil. The principle of feminine assertion and equality are central to this novels theme. Hence, we read some vigorous assertions; Adam had no questions, it would always be up to me to ask them though curiosity was never a virtue in the wrong gender, We were, I thought, at parsecond not secondary, Servitude is labelled love and glorified in marriages; human trafficking begins at home, Women are born in survival mode, Those who crave a slave come find us, and men will merge into women and women into men; that alone will save the human race. Males are accordingly viewed unsparingly; Men in love tend to make a toy out of you, this is right after the pedestal stage, if there is a downhill route to take, he (Adam) will crawl along it on all fours, and Women occupy a non-mans landwomen without men, thats a leper colony. The story is characterised by robust and challenging prose and numerous learned Biblical and Apocryphal references. Though subjectively written, some passages are both dramatic and poignant. One does not need to be a polemicist to understand and appreciate the logic of the principle of gender equality; a few of the several telling phrases have been quoted above. There is some humour in the text but of the sardonic kind and the male of the species tends to be the object of ridicule. There is some deliberate over-writing, though excusable as an indication of a florid and fertile imagination in the context of a mythical subject. The book has an original and attractive jacket cover by the publisher, while the conceit of the backward numbering of the chapters 13 to 00 is allegorically to explore the pathways of embarking on something generally considered unacceptable. The reviewer is a former foreign secretary Spotlight Eden Abandoned: The Story of Lilith By Shinie Antony Hachette, 2024 144 pages, Rs 499/- National Finance Committee member for Kamala Harris campaign Ajay Bhutoria said that Harris presidential campaign is gaining momentum, with enthusiastic support from diverse communities across the United States and expressed confidence in the victory of Kamala Harris. With just three days to go for the election, Bhutoria noted that grassroots volunteers are knocking on 2,000 doors every minute in battleground states like Michigan, Philadelphia, and Pennsylvania. Advertisement Bhutoria also said that under the Biden-Harris administration, the US-India partnership has seen growth in areas such as defence, healthcare, innovation, and semiconductors. Advertisement While speaking with ANI, Bhutoria said, There is huge enthusiasm around the country, especially in the battleground states to vote for Kamala Harris She will lead the world, will make a huge difference There is huge momentum, whether we talk about Michigan, Philadelphia or Pennsylvania, 2,000 doors were being knocked every minute by the grassroots volunteers. He added, This is happening because the Democratic Party invested early in the elections, we invested heavily into building the ground team opening offices, we have more than 400 offices in the battleground states. Our volunteers are making sure that every voter has the information they need, and every voter comes out and votes for Team Walz. This is exciting and with three days away, we are going to win. He further highlighted that various communities, including African-Americans, women, small businesses, white men, Republicans, Indian-Americans, Muslims, Hindus, Jains, Buddhists, and Christians, are supporting Harris. Democratic party is a coalition of diverse communities across the US, where African-American community are voting strongly for Kamala Harris women voters are voting for Kamala Harris, abortion and freedom to choose in on the ballot, small businesses are voting for Kamala Harris white men, Republicans are voting for Kamala Harris, Indian-Americans are voting for Kamala Harris. If we talk about Muslim voters, they are voting for Kamala Harris, Hindus, Jains, Buddhists, Christians and other communities are strongly voting for Kamala Harris, Bhutoria told ANI. Bhutoria further stressed that the Indian-American community is drawn to her on issues like immigration, green card backlog, economic opportunities, healthcare reforms, and strengthening the US-India partnership. He said, The issues important for the Indian-American community are obviously immigration, green card backlog, economic opportunities for small businesses, health care reforms, and stronger partnership between India and the US, and Kamala Harris has been working on all these issues. With President Biden and Kamala Harris in office, we have seen a stronger US-India partnership There is growth in partnership in defence, health care, innovation, semiconductors, and many other fronts. The partnership is getting closer. The US presidential elections are scheduled to take place on November 5. The elections will be contested between Democratic candidate Kamala Harris and Republican candidate Donald Trump. Even though Harris could become the first ever Indian American president of the US, a survey by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace has found that she is likely to secure fewer votes from the community than incumbent President Joe Biden did in 2020. Following the recommendations of a high-level committee led by former president Ram Nath Kovind to streamline the widely scattered schedule of national, state and local elections, the Union cabinet has reportedly approved two constitutional amendment bills for likely introduction in Parliament. Predictably, the return of the one nation, one election issue to news has set off a flurry of objections by several opposition leaders. The single most striking aspect of Indias continual elections cycle can be summed up in one phrase. It is that India has the lowest ratio of the time available for governance vis-a-vis the time demanded by campaigning. Simply stated, there is no other nation that compels its polity to devote anything close to such a vast amount of time to campaigning. Instead, all other democracies allow their elected officials far more time to devote to governance, without continual engagement in campaigns for regional and local elections. Of course, this refers only to democracies, of whom India is not just the largest in the world, but also the largest ever in human history. Any comparison with non-democracies, which do not have to bother with elections in the first place, would be as irrelevant as comparing apples and oranges. Imaging: Deni Lal While assembly elections are ostensibly to determine the governments of states, the reality is that each and every one of them becomes a de facto referendum on national politics. Were that not so, there would not be such a frenzy after every assembly election about the strengthened legitimacy or the decreased moral authority of the party running the Union government. Thus, the national polity, both those in government and opposition, gets dragged into each assembly election with disproportionate fervour. While this provides the opposition delightfully numerous occasions to hit back at those in government, it consumes vast amounts of the latters bandwidth away from the mandate they had received in the national elections. Like other democracies, India, too, began the post-independence years with aligned assembly and parliamentary elections. But gradually these went out of synchronisation due to the premature termination or collapse of various state assemblies. This was an unintended consequence of India being the only large and diverse nation to have adopted the Westminster model of democracy. It is high time we restored the governing to campaigning balance with which independent India began, and which is also the norm in other democracies. That is, the continuation of robust elections where the opposition is entitled to try and unseat the government. And a stable tenure for elected governmentsat the Centre and statesto focus on governance in accordance with the mandates they receive. It goes without saying that such a tenure would be subject to the governments continuing to enjoy a majority in Parliament and in assemblies. But it is also implicit that other than extenuating circumstances like a government losing its majority, our 1.4 billion citizens deserve and have a right to expect their elected representatives to devote their available bandwidth largely to implementing the mandate given to them for a particular tenure. The oppositions wishand democracys requirementto have checks and balances on elected governments must come about from a variety of other means and not via continual elections. Those should include vigorous participation in Parliament in place of the disruptions and grandstanding that have become common. And constructive grassroots movements in place of the hugely disruptive bandhs and agitations that we inherited from the freedom movement against an unelected colonial raj. But that is a topic for another column. Baijayant Jay Panda is National Vice President of the BJP and is an MP in the Lok Sabha. And now, Words and Their Stories from VOA Learning English. We all make mistakes. So, we have the expression to err is human . People who accept responsibility or blame will often say Im sorry, or I was wrong. Others might say, "Its my fault or I apologize." Often friends use expressions like That was on me or My bad. But there is another way to say that you accept responsibility or admit that you made a mistake. Some English speakers may say mea culpa . If that does not sound like English, thats because it isnt. American dictionary publisher Merriam-Webster says that mea culpa means "through my fault" in Latin. The phrase comes from a prayer of confession in the Catholic Church. By itself, the expression is used to mean "It was my fault" or "I apologize." Mea culpa is also a noun. People caught doing something wrong often give, or issue, a mea culpa . For example, when an official is caught doing something wrong, she might issue a statement that includes a mea culpa . Lets hear an example: The mayor's mea culpa did not change the minds of voters, and she lost the election. Mea culpa is one of many English terms that come from the Latin word culpa which means guilt. Other examples include culpable, culprit, and exculpate. When someone deserves blame for something, especially something harmful, we say he is culpable for the outcomes. For example: Investigators said that the carmaker was culpable for thousands of accidents because of faulty brakes. A culprit is a person guilty of a crime or a fault. That is why police officers often call a person guilty of crime a culprit . And the word exculpate means to clear someone from suspected fault or guilt. Heres an example: The husband was exculpated of his wifes death when she was found alive living in Paris under a fake name. And thats all the time we have for this Words and Their Stories. Until next time ... Im Anna Matteo. Anna Matteo wrote this lesson for VOA Learning English. ________________________________________________ Words in This Stories confession n. a statement admitting guilt culpable adj. meriting condemnation or blame especially as wrong or harmful culprit n. one accused of or charged with a crime exculpate v. to clear from alleged fault or guilt We want to hear from you. Do you have similar expressions in your language? In the Comments section, you can also practice using any of the expressions from the story. Our comment policy is here. You should visit us one of these daysthere is so much excitement in our USA! No, I dont mean the famous USAthe Ulhasnagar Sindhi Association of Mumbai. I mean the lesser-known Unicorn Society Apartments, where I live. We are a motley group of middle-class householders who have perforce given up our genteel dreams of living in villas and have instead bought the 2-BHKs and 3-BHKs that shady builders pass off as refined living. For those insulated against middle-class realities, BHK refers to a bedroom-hall-kitchen set; even though anyone who calls that cramped living room a hall needs spectacles. Or he deserves an award for creative writing! But let us return to the excitement part. Again, for the edification of the ignorant, every housing society needs to have a residentswelfare association, headed by a president and a vice-president. Till now, the president of the Unicorn Society (POTUS for us) is Jai Bhai. We call him Jai Bhai Dun because he was a lawyer in Dehradun. The vice-president is my neighbour Harishs wife. She cackles like an old hyena, but her doting husband calls it an infectious and joyful laugh. Surprisingly, even with that laugh, she puts on airs because of her mixed ancestry, which includes English genes somewhere in her DNA chain. Would you believe that even as her mother had christened her Kamalathe lotus flowershe changed her name to Camilla? After sidelining Jai, she has been behaving as if she is Queen Camilla and not Camilla Harish. The sidelining of Jai Bhai was predictable. While he kept insisting that he could manage the affairs of the Unicorn Society (US) quite well, everyone could see that he was getting old, and senile. He sometimes stumbled and mumbled and tripped and forgot what he was saying mid-sentence. A few weeks back, while talking to some residents, he even confused the name of Zilan Singh from the west block with Wald-e-Mir Puttan from the east block. This caused much amusement because the two are sworn enemies. Illustration: Deni Lal By the end of this year, new office-bearers are to be elected in our USA. With Jai Bhai being a lame duck, many people thought it was a good idea to let Camilla contest. She then selected Timir Wal to be the vice-presidential candidate. Contesting against her is Do Nal Ram, who was POTUS earlier. This loudmouth keeps saying he will make our society great again. So great! He has selected the one-book wonder, Vansh, to be his running mate. Do Nal enjoys much support in the south block because he keeps repeating that he wont allow bachelors to rent houses in our USA. Quite amusingly, he alleged that they eat meat so he would build a wall to keep them out! A few weeks back, a flowerpot fell from the terrace when Do Nal was walking near the east block. The pot missed his head but fetched him a lot of publicity. Initially some even speculated that he might sweep into office on a sympathy wave. But it soon came to be considered a joke when Camilla quipped that the pot could have fallen out of a coconut tree! Tempers have been running high and all residents of our USA are aligned in two camps. One of the residents, Promilla Thapan, who claims to be a historian, suggested that Camilla and Do Nal should have a public debate. According to Promilla, the Licchavis of the ancient republic of Vaishali used to elect the Gana Mukhiya of their Ganasangha after hearing the candidates debate. She suggested that this practice could be also adopted by newer democracies, like Amreeka. The debate took place, but it was inconclusive, with both candidates claiming victory. The residents accused both of twisting facts. Camilla accused Do Nal of hanky-panky and Do Nal called Camilla names and accused her of hocus pocus. He later suggested that she needed to have her head examined. After that the two vice-presidential hopefuls had a slugfest, but it was a damp squib, with no fury, no light and no sound. So Do Nal started dropping sinister hints about some enemy within. But many of Camillas group have been alleging that the only enemy is Do Nal. As of now, Camilla seems ahead by a whisker, but she has the double disadvantage of being a woman and a gora. The POTUS has never, but never, been a woman. All the misogynist residents are uncomfortable at the thought that she will take the salute at the parade of security guards of our USA next July 4, which is the founding day of the Unicorn Society. I really want dear Camilla to win because then, for the very first time, our USA will have a Lotus POTUS! Unfortunately, she faces accusations of hocus pocus, so she just might become the first hocus pocus lotus POTUS. Further, Do Nal Rams group is notorious for levelling allegations of electoral malpractices whenever they lose. So if Camilla wins, and Do Nals supporters prove their allegations, the focus would be on a bogus hocus pocus lotus potus! K.C. Verma is former chief of R&AW. kcverma345@gmail.com Wealth doesnt make one happy, say seers. The wealthy would nod their heads in agreement, giving out philosophical sighs. Ask them to give away their wealth and be happy, and they would give out malanthropic groans. The problem is not with the wealthy; its with the seersthey mouth these sort of inanities as quotable quotes to dissuade us from coveting the wealth of the wealthy. That way, they get feasted by the wealthy and feted by us. Does wealth make you rich? Most people would say yes, saying wealthy and rich are synonymous. I doubt. What if one possesses wealth but cant use it to live well? Being wealthy is to possess wealth; being rich is to have enough dough to spend on the good things of life. Both arent the same. Hemant Soren with his father, Shibu Soren | PTI Economic geographers point to many lands like thatwealthy but not rich. The Spectator wrote in 1711, that it is generally observed, that in countries of the greatest plenty there is the poorest living. That was six decades before Adam Smith published The Wealth of Nations, marking the birth of economics as a sciencedismal as Thomas Carlyle called it, or otherwise. In 1993, Richard Auty described how several mineral-rich countries remained poorer than mineral-poor countries. He called it resource curse. In 1995, Jeffrey Sachs and Andrew Warner found a correlation between resource abundance and poor economic growth. Since 2000, Indian economists have been watching the curse working on Jharkhand. Jharkhandis had thought they were poor because the Biharis and outsiders, whom they call dikus, were carting away their wealth, a feeling they had right from the days when the Santhalis revolted against the British and the dikus. The distrust of the dikus continued; it manifested as a movement for a state separate from Bihar. In 2000, A.B. Vajpayee created Jharkhand from Bihar, along with Uttarakhand (from UP) and Chhattisgarh (from MP). Everyone thought Jharkhand would now race ahead of the rest of India. Why? Because it is the wealthiest state. Under its tableland are buried nearly half of Indias known mineral deposits. The state is the sole producer of cooking coal, uranium and pyrite, is the largest producer of coal, mica, kyanite and copper, and is a leading supplier of most other minerals. Geologists say, there could even be gold, silver, and stones buried deep. Yet, NITI Ayog rates Jharkhand as the second poorest state. Close to half its people (42 per cent) are poor, still more ill-fed, a third cant read or write. Economists blame it on unstable politics. Even the first assembly, the one which the state was born with, threw up two chief ministers. The first election in 2005 yielded majority to none. Shibu Soren, who had spearheaded the Jharkhand movement, quit in 10 days of taking office, yielding place to Arjun Mundas BJP-led coalition. In a year Munda gave way to Madhu Koda, Koda to Soren, and Soren to presidents rule. The rigmarole repeated after every election save the one in 2014 which yielded the only government in a quarter century that ran full term under Raghubar Das. In 24 years Jharkhand had 13 governments led by seven CMs, three of whom went to jail. The last elections in 2019 gave 30 seats to JMM, whose Hemant Soren allied with the Congress to form a government. It looked stable, but last January the Enforcement Directorate arrested Hemant amid allegations of land scams. Champai Soren sat in till Hemant returned in June. Champai is now with the BJP. Jharkhand is set to elect its 14th government. Will it be stable, and make wealthy Jharkhand rich? prasannan@theweek.in The United States has sent their B-52 Stratofortress strategic bombers to the Middle East as Israel's conflict with Iran and its allies remains unresolved. The deployment of the B-52 Stratofortress in the area was announced by the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) on Saturday. "B-52 Stratofortress strategic bombers from Minot Air Force Base's 5th Bomb Wing arrived in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility," the X post by the US Central Command read. ALSO READ | What is the National Defense Industrial Strategy Implementation Plan, or NDIS-IP, of the US A U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress gets refueled by a KC-135 Stratotanker over the North Sea. The KC-135s critical air refueling capabilities support bomber task force missions, enhancing U.S. commitment to Allies and regional security.#TogetherWeDeliver pic.twitter.com/Xb9RBY8awe USTRANSCOM (@US_TRANSCOM) September 18, 2024 For the unversed, B-52 Stratofortress serves as the US Air Forces (USAF) principal strategic nuclear and conventional weapons platform. Often called the 'Buff' (big ugly fat fellow), these giant planes are a successor of the B-52s from the 1950s. In the 21st century, they were used to target the Taliban and the Islamic State after having played a crucial role in the Iraq War. As the B-52 Stratofortress, one of the iconic and lethal bombers of the world, reaches the Middle East, here are five things to know about it: 1. B-52H Stratofortress bombers are capable of flying at high subsonic speeds at altitudes of up to 50,000 feet (15,166.6 meters). It has an unrefueled combat range of over 8,800 miles (14,080 kilometers). They are 159.4ft (48.5m) long and weigh approximately 83,250kg with a maximum take-off weight is 488,000lb (220,000kg). ALSO READ | What is 'Iron Beam', Israel's new anti-missile defence system? 2. Manufactured by Boeing, the B-52 Stratofortress bomber celebrated its 50th anniversary (first flight April 1952) in April 2002, making it the longest-serving combat aircraft in the world. Rolls-Royce was awarded a $2.6bn contract by the USAF in September 2021 to deliver 608 F-130 engines to replace the ageing TF33 engines on B-52s, under the CERP (commercial engine replacement programme). Boeing will be responsible for integrating the engines into the aircraft. 3. These long-range, heavy bombers can be deployed for a variety of missions including close-air support, air interdiction, offensive counter-air and maritime operations. B-52 Stratofortress taking off. legendarywarbird pic.twitter.com/RYSNM4URyh Aviation Fix (@AviationFix) September 17, 2024 4. The B-52 Stratofortress planes can carry nuclear or precision-guided conventional ordnance with worldwide precision navigation capability. A five-member crew is needed to operate the Buff -- the aircraft commander, pilot, radar navigator, navigator and electronic warfare officer. ALSO READ | Which are the 15 Indian companies facing US sanctions for supporting Russia's war against Ukraine 5. According to airforce-technology.com, the conventional weapons payload of Buff includes eight AGM-84 Harpoon missiles, four AGM-142 Raptor missiles, 51,500lb bombs, 301,000lb bombs, 20 AGM-86C conventional air-launched cruise missiles, 12 joint stand-off weapons (JSOW), 12 joint direct-attack munitions and 16 wind-corrected munitions dispensers (WCMD). The B-52H can also deliver 51,500lb, 301,000lb and 202,000lb navy mines. Noted Kannada actor-director Guruprasad was found dead in an apartment in Bengaluru's Madanayakanahalli on Sunday. The artist, who would have turned 52 on November 2, had died by suicide at least four days ago, police suspect from the state of his body when found, reports said. Guruprasad, whose full name is Guruprasada Ramachandra Sharma, is best known for his debut flick 'Mata' which remains a cult hit in the Kannada film industry. His other directorials include Eddelu Manjunatha (2009), which won the Karnataka State Film Award for Best Screenplay, Director's Special (2013) Eradane Sala (2017) and Ranganayaka (2024). Some media reports said that the popular director was struggling financially, forcing him to take the extreme step. Guruprasad was married twice but was living alone, reports said. As things stand here is what we know so far about the demise of the Sandalwood actor-director. According to Kannada media reports, Guruprasad kept changing houses to evade people whom he owed money. Initially, he was living in a rented house in Bengaluru's Basaveshwaranagara before moving to another rented facility in Jayanagar. When his loaners started knocking at the doors, Guruprasad started staying in hotels, One India Kannada said in a report. He had lived in an apartment in Dasanapura before moving to Madanayakanahalli where he breathed his last, the report added. Many cases were registered against him by people who had lent him money. According to another report, Guruprasad was arrested by the Girinagar Police in January and released on bail in one such case. He was facing the threat of arrest in the check bounce case as well. The cold reception his latest movie Ranganayaka received in theatres was a huge blow to him financially. He owed money to his friends and colleagues as well and the inability to repay any of them was reportedly haunting him. (If you are having suicidal thoughts, or are worried about a friend or need emotional support, someone is always there to listen. Call Sneha Foundation - 04424640050, Tele Manas - 14416 (available 24x7) or iCall, the Tata Institute of Social Sciences' helpline - 02225521111, which is available Monday to Saturday from 8 am to 10 pm.) Chennai police have detained a couple for allegedly murdering their minor domestic maid. The couple allegedly tortured the minor with hot iron cigarette butts. According to police, the 15-year-old minor hailed from Thanjavur and was employed by the couple as domestic help over a year ago. The couple, Mohammad Nishad and Nasiya, used to allegedly physically torture the victim and there were injury marks on her body. Police said there were marks of burns from hot iron and cigarette butts on her body. Chennais Aminjikarai police arrested the accused couple on Saturday. According to police, the incident came to light after the owner of the house the couple rented came to know about the incident and alerted cops. Reportedly, police broke open the locked house and recovered the minors body from the toilet. According to police, the minor was tortured on the day of Diwali as well. The victims body had burns and strangulation marks, The Hindustan Times reported. Police are awaiting the autopsy report from Kilpauk Medical College and Hospital to ascertain the cause of death. The air pollution in Delhi continues to be in 'very poor' category on Sunday morning with the Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 364 at 7am, according the the Central Pollution Control Board. #WATCH | Delhi: A thin layer of smog engulfs the National Capital as the air quality continues to deteriorate. As per the CPCB, AQI continues to be in the 'Very Poor' category (Visuals from India Gate) pic.twitter.com/71jWhpCPuD ANI (@ANI) November 3, 2024 A thin layer of smog engulfed Delhi on Sunday morning as the air quality continues to deteriorate. Stubble burning in surrounding states like Punjab and Haryana is one of the causes for the poor AQI. The worsening air quality is also attributed to the burning of firecrackers despite guidelines by various governments. Aditya, a resident of Delhi, told ANI that it is very difficult to breathe and that he is finding it difficult to go out and exercise. #WATCH | Aditya, a resident of Delhi says, " It is very difficult to breathe....this is not a time we can go out and do exercise..." pic.twitter.com/V0qtea9NCC ANI (@ANI) November 3, 2024 According to CPCB, severe category ranges between AQI levels of 401 and 500 while 301-400 is very poor and 201-300 is poor. Moderate levels of AQI ranges between 101 and 200 moderate while 51 to 100 is satisfactory and 0 to 50 is good. Some areas in the national capital breached the 400 mark, which comes under 'severe' category. Anand Vihar continues to be the worst hit area with an AQI of 427 followed by Rohini (404) and Ashok Vihar (402). 'Very poor' AQI was recorded in Wazirpur (394), Jahangirpur (394), Mundka (392), Vivek Vihar (388), Burari Crossing (385), Dwarka-Sector 8 (385), Patparganj (384), RK Puram (380), DU North Campus (377), Alipur (373), Najafgarh (372), Shadipur (370), ITO (358), New Moti Bagh (352) and IGI Airport T3 (349). Chandni Chowk and Sri Aurobindo Marg fell in the 'poor' category recording AQIs of 289 and 267 respectively. In Noida, Sector 62 recorded an AQI of 314 while Sector 116 saw an AQI of 303 and Sector 125 reported 287. In Guruguram, NISE Gwal Pahari recorded an AQI of 351 while areas like Vikas Sadan and Teri Gram fell in the poor category at 259 and 238 respectively. Replacing Ravinder Raina, the BJP has appointed Sat Sharma as its new Jammu and Kashmir president. Sunil Sharma was appointed as leader of the legislature party, paving the way for him to assume the role of Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the assembly. The move comes ahead of the first assembly session in Jammu and Kashmir, which will begin on Monday. Humbled and honored to be chosen as the Leader of Opposition in the J&K Legislative Assembly.I extend my heartfelt thanks to the Hon'ble PM Sh. @narendramodi Ji, Sh. @AmitShah Ji, Sh.@JPNadda Ji, whole BJP leadership and my fellow MLAs for entrusting me with this responsibility. pic.twitter.com/MTcB1ecUDY Sunil Sharma (@Sunil_SharmaBJP) November 3, 2024 Raina was defeated by Surinder Chaudhary of the National Conference in the recent assembly polls in Nowshera, Rajouri. His defeat was a big setback to the party. Sunil defeated the NCs Puja Thakur in Padder-Nagseni in the assembly constituency and played a role in the BJP winning four assembly seats in Muslim majority Chenab Valley, including the districts of Ramban, Kidhtwar, Doda and Baderwah in Jammu region. In J&Ks history, it's the first time a LoP is from BJP. ALSO READ | Jammu & Kashmir BJP leader Devender Singh Rana passes away The BJP suffered a setback after one of its important leaders and a potential LoP, Devender Singh Rana, passed away a few days back. Rana had won the Nagrota assembly segment and was among the probables for the post of LoP. His death was widely condoled. He started his political career in early 2000 with NC and worked as an advisor to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. The elections in September and October brought to power the NC-Congress government with the two parties winning 48 seats, NC 42 and Congress 6. The Congress, however, has not taken any ministry but has reiterated its support for the NC. The BJP won 29 seats all in Jammu. The party failed to open its account in Kashmir, but its candidates emerged runners-up in Gurez and Habba Kadal constituencies. In a statement that could set tongues wagging in political circles, Nationalist Congress Party leader Nawab Malik said he is solely the candidate of the NCP and that the other Mahayuti alliesShiv Sena and BJPare against him. Maliks remarks came after both the BJP and the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena opposed his candidature from Mankhurd-Shivajinagar assembly constituency over his alleged links with people close to fugitive gangster Dawood Ibrahim. "I am the candidate of the Nationalist Congress Party; I am with Ajit Pawar; he has made me a candidate; now Mahayuti alliance people, whether from the Bharatiya Janata Party or Shiv Sena, are fighting the elections against me, and my fight is with them, Malik told news agency ANI. READ - Why Maharashtra assembly elections 2024 is going to be unlike any other Talking about the allegations over his alleged links with Dawoods gang, he said people had even called him a traitor in the state assembly. "The way I am being linked to the underworld, people have even called me a traitor in the Vidhan Sabha, and connecting me to terrorists, I have said clearly that we did not reply to it because there was a restriction of speaking on it. Whoever tries to defame my image has a right to speak, and I have the right to defend. There are laws in the country too, he said. Malik further warned that he will file civil and criminal defamation against those who spread false allegations against him. Maliks daughter and NCP candidate from Anushakti Nagar Sana Malik also dismissed the allegations against his father. "These allegations are not true at all, and we will file a case against those who have linked my father with Dawood. He had a case of money laundering against him, but the links with Dawood are untrue. The people will answer these allegations," she said. READ - Maharashtra assembly elections 2024: Why farmlands of Vidarbha are significant for BJP, Congress Meanwhile, in another statement, Malik maintained that the results of the upcoming Maharashtra elections are unpredictable and that party chief Ajit Pawar will play a key role in the formation of the next government. Anything can happen in Maharashtra after the results, and Ajit Pawar will play the role of kingmaker, Malik said. "There is a very tough competition in Maharashtra. We cannot predict who will get the majority. On both sides, there is an alliance of 3 parties. So, Ajit Pawar will play a big role in the formation of government... No one can neglect the fact that Ajit Pawar will play the role of kingmaker in Maharashtra," he said. A section of reports sees Maliks remarks as a reflection of the growing disgruntlement within the Mahayuti alliance ahead of elections. Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government at the Centre will wipe out Naxalism from the country by March 2026, Home Minister Amit Shah promised on Sunday. Addressing an election campaign rally of the BJP at Simaria in Chatra district of Jharkhand, Shah attacked the Hemant Soren-led JMM coalition for "fuelling Naxalism in the state for political gains. "We uprooted the menace from Jharkhand during the last five years, and now the Prime Minister Modi-led Centre will wipe out Naxalism from India by March 2026, Shah said. "It is time to oust the anti-Dalit, anti-tribal, anti-poor, and anti-youth Hemant government from Jharkhand, which is fuelling Naxalism for petty political gains," he said. #WATCH | Ranchi, Jharkhand: Union Home Minister Amit Shah says, "UCC (Uniform Civil Code) will be introduced in Jharkhand but the Tribal community will be kept out of the ambit of UCC." pic.twitter.com/6U8ycA6Hag ANI (@ANI) November 3, 2024 Shah exuded confidence that the BJP would win at least 52 out of 81 assembly seats based on the calculations from the recently held Lok Sabha elections. "NDA will win 52 seats out of 81 in Jharkhand given people cast 47 per cent votes to the alliance in Jharkhand during the recent Lok Sabha elections," he said. Addressing another rally in Hazaribag, Shah launched a scathing attack on the state government over the atrocities against the backward communities and labelled Soren a corrupt CM. The corrupt Chief Minister has to be changed, revenge has to be taken for the atrocities committed against the backward society. These changes have to be made to save the future of the youth, Shah said. Shah further attacked the Soren government over unemployment and accused the ruling party of failing to deliver on its job promises. Hemant Soren promised 5 lakh jobs per year for the youth, claiming he would resign if he didnt fulfill it. Tell me, have 25 lakh youth received jobs? If the BJP returns to power, we will provide 2 lakh 85 thousand government jobs, he said. Elections to the 81-member Jharkhand Assembly will be held in two phases on November 13 and November 20. Votes will be counted on November 23. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Sunday condemned the grenade attack at the Sunday market in Srinagar and said there can be no justification for targeting innocent civilians. At least 11 people, including two women, were injured, as militants threw a grenade towards a CRPF bunker near the Tourist Reception Center (TRC) crossing at the crowded flea market. #WATCH | Militants hurled grenade at TRC, Sunday market in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir More Details Awaited. pic.twitter.com/BS2YRaF933 ANI (@ANI) November 3, 2024 "The last few days have been dominated by headlines of attacks and encounters in parts of the Valley. Today's news of a grenade attack on innocent shoppers at the Sunday market in Srinagar is deeply disturbing. There can be no justification for targeting innocent civilians, Omar said in a post on X. READ - Grenade attack in Srinagar's Sunday market injures 10 The chief minister further said that the security apparatus must do everything possible to end the spurt of attacks at the earliest so that people can go about their lives without any fear. The Congress party, an ally of Omars National Conference, also condemned the attack. "It is deeply disturbing to learn about the unfortunate and ghastly incident of a grenade attack on shopkeepers...," Congress' Jammu and Kashmir unit chief Tariq Hameed Karra said. "The Jammu and Kashmir Police must take effective measures to contain such brutal and inhuman attacks so that the public can move freely and without any fear," he added. #WATCH | Jammu and Kashmir: Militants hurled grenade at TRC, Sunday market in Srinagar. More details awaited. pic.twitter.com/PTYR2Ud0x2 ANI (@ANI) November 3, 2024 Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has directed the Union Territory's top police officer and other security officials to give a forceful response to the militants. "The LG spoke to DGP Nalin Prabhat and senior officials of the security agencies on the grenade attack in Srinagar. He directed the security officials for an effective and forceful response to punish the terrorists and their associates," an official spokesman said. Sundays grenade attack, which took place near a heavily guarded complex housing All India Radio and Doordarshan Kendra, comes a day after a top commander of the Pakistan-sponsored Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) was killed by security forces during an encounter in the Khanyar locality of the city. Campaigning in Keralas Wayanad for his sister and Congresss candidate for Wayanad Lok Sabha bypolls, Priyanka Gandhi, Lok Sabha Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi said Priyanka represents political values India needs today. Slamming the ruling BJP, Rahul said protecting the Constitution was Indias primary struggle. The relationship between leaders and the people should be like the one Rahul Gandhi ji has with you. It should be based on honesty and loyalty, and it should be centered on fighting for what is right for you and your daily struggles. : Congress General Secretary Smt. pic.twitter.com/bCZcFNOtJO Congress (@INCIndia) November 3, 2024 Sharing the discussion he had with Priyanka after she met former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhis assassins at a prison in Tamil Nadu, Rahul Gandhi said, She is the person who went and hugged the girl who was implicated in my father's (Rajiv Gandhi) assassination. She said to me after she came back after meeting Nalini, she went emotional and then she said to me that 'I'm feeling bad for her', PTI reported. Adding Priyanka possessed values of politics India needs today, Rahul added, That is the training that she has received. And to me, this is the type of politics that needs to be done in India. Not the politics of hatred, but politics of love and affection. Slamming the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, the opposition leader said the primary struggle today in India is to protect the Constitution. Accusing the BJP of hate politics, Rahul said the Constitution was drafted with humility and love. The main fight in the country today, that is taking place, is the fight for the Constitution of our country. The protection that we get, the greatness of our country, all emerged from the Constitution, he said. The Constitution was not written with anger or with hatred. It was written by the people who fought the British, the people who had suffered, who spent years and years and years in jail. And they wrote the Constitution with humility, with love and with affection, Rahul said. Addressing the meeting, Priyanka slammed the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government and said it functions only for the welfare of a few business friends. Modi ji's government works only for his big businessmen friends. His objective, is not to give you a better life; it is not to find new jobs for your young ones who are educated; it is not to provide better health or education, she alleged. India launched its updated National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) at the recently concluded COP16 (16th meeting of the Conference of the Parties) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), focusing on the restoration of endangered biodiverse ecosystems. The CBD, part of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), came into being in 1993 with three major objectivesconservation of biological diversity, sustainable use of the components of biological diversity, and the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the utilisation of genetic resources. The latest report submitted by India to the CBD was accessed by THE WEEK. Titled Indias Updated National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (2024-2030): In alignment with Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework A Road Map for Conservation of Indias Biodiversity, the strategic document outlines an exhaustive list of items the countrys administration has in mind for till 2030. ALSO READ | Yashs new movie lands in hot water over dubious felling of trees in reserve forest One of the major focal areas was the biodiversity-inclusive planning for land and sea use. Through this, the aim is to implement effective management processes in the way the country uses land and sea, such that the loss of highly biodiverse areas is close to zero by 2030. The report also stressed that this included ecosystems of high ecological integrity, and the plan will respect the rights of local communities. For this, the plan outlines using high-resolution geospatial data to earmark rich, biodiverse areas and endangered ecosystems. Then, forest working plans are to be prepared for each, all streamlined and adhering to a national working plan. For Indias rich river basins, the focus would be on an integrated coastal management that addresses issues at the connections between coastal areas, wetlands, and river systems through relevant policies and regulations. ALSO READ | GST Collection: Which Indian states collected the most tax in the festival month of October? The report also stressed the restoration of endangered ecosystems. Ensure that by 2030, at least the prioritised 30 per cent areas of degraded terrestrial, inland water, and marine and coastal ecosystems are under effective restoration, in order to enhance biodiversity and ecosystem functions and services, ecological integrity and connectivity, read the action plan. Indias diverse topography and climatic conditions make it an ideal home to more than 55,000 plant taxa and over a lakh species of animals, making the country a notable global biodiversity power. Several flights had been delayed in the recent past due to hoax bomb threats. One of the culprits behind these hoax threats was a 35-year-old man who was arrested in Nagpur. He was arrested after arriving from Delhi. ALSO READ: Faced with flurry of bomb hoaxes, govt mulls law revamp Who is Jagdish Uikey? Jagdish Uikey, 35, is a writer hailing from Maoist-stricken Gondia district in Maharashtra. Uikey who is known for writing a book on terrorism was once arrested in 2021. 10 flights get bomb threats: Chhattisgarh minor detained; CISF claims warnings came from London too #bombthreats #AirIndia https://t.co/gGtk22Gy4dhttps://t.co/gGtk22Gy4d THE WEEK (@TheWeekLive) October 16, 2024 He had been living in Nagpur's Chandan Nagar and was previously traced to Connaught Place in Delhi. Following this, police arrested him when he came back to Nagpur. ALSO READ: Over 70 flights receive bomb threats on Thursday, mostly from same X handle Uikey had not only sent hoax emails to airports but also the Prime Minister's Office, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis. IndiGo airlines and several government agencies. On October 21, Uikey had claimed that he decoded a secret terror code, 25-MBA-5-MTR, and claimed there would be 30 blasts in five days on trains and railway stations between October 25 and 30. Last week, he threatened to sit on a dharna unless he could meet Fadnavis. He warned that there will be serial blasts on flights and trains, airports, railway stations and bus stands. He also claimed to have access to a toolkit and that he had alerted the government about past train accidents. He even went on to allege that Jaish-e-Mohammed and Sikhs for Justice were behind the potentials blasts after they received Rs 75,000 crore funding. UPDATE: A woman identified as Fatim Khan, 24, from Ulhasnagar in Thane was detained for sending death threat against Yogi Adityanath. Police said she is mentally unstable. The woman who has a bachelor's degree in IT was traced by the Anti-Terrorism Squad. Police confirmed that an arrest was not registered and she was issued a notice after interrogation. Read the original story below: The Mumbai police received a death threat against Yogi Adityanath on Saturday evening, following which security was intensified for the Uttar Pradesh chief minister. #WATCH | Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath feeds two cow calves Bhavani and Bholu at gaushala at Gorakhnath Temple in Gorakhpur, on the occasion of Govardhan Puja. (Source: Gorakhnath Temple) pic.twitter.com/W8RPYhVKS9 ANI (@ANI) November 2, 2024 An unidentified caller dialled the Mumbai Police Traffic Control Cell on Saturday evening, threatening that Yogi Adityanath would meet that same fate as late NCP leader Baba Siddique if did not step down as CM within 10 days. ALSO READ: Salman Khan vs Shah Rukh Khan: How Baba Siddique ended Bollywood's biggest feud Mumbai police have informed UP police about the death threat. Efforts are on to find the culprit. UP police are also on high alert. Baba Siddique was shot dead outside his son and MLA Zeeshan Siddique's office on October 12. The deceased leader had Y category security but his security cover was not enough to save his life. Police have arrested 15 people in the case. ALSO READ: Zeeshan Siddique's photo found in accused's phone: How Baba Siddique assassins used Snapchat to share info Lawrence Bishnoi's gang is believed to be behind Siddique's killing. The gang allegedly claimed that Siddique was killed for helping Salman Khan, who was accused in the 1998 blackbuck poaching case. The Bishnoi community considers blackbucks sacred and the alleged killing of two blackbucks has resulted in enmity towards the Bollywood actor. Peanut the Squirrel was loved and adored on Instagram by its 540,000 followers. However, things took a wrong turn after the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) received complaints over public health concerns. RIP Peanut The Squirrelpic.twitter.com/SyWBliHFp6 KanekoaTheGreat (@KanekoaTheGreat) November 2, 2024 The orphaned squirrel was being raised by Mark Longo, who had put up videos of Peanut nibbling on waffles, jumping through hoops and flaunting costumes and hats on Instagram. Longo who runs an animal sanctuary had rescued Peanut seven years ago after its mother was run over by a car in New York City. How did Peanut the Squirrel die? Following the complaints, New York authorities on October 30 seized the squirrel from Mark Longo's home in rural Pine City near Pennsylvania border and euthanised it over concerns about rabies exposure. Another raccoon named Fred was also seized and euthanised. The authorities said they had to euthanise the animals to test for rabies after a person involved with the investigation was bitten by the squirrel. Slamming those who called the DEC, Longo said there is a special place in hell for them. "Internet, you WON. You took one of the most amazing animals away from me because of your selfishness," Longo posted, adding that he was in shock, disbelief, and disgusted. "For the last seven years, Peanut has been my best friend," he added. Longo and his wife Daniela set up P'Nuts Freedom Farm Animal Sanctuary was opened in April 2023. The sanctuary has around 300 animals, including horses and alpacas. Why are Trump supporters slamming Kamala Harris? President @realDonaldTrump will save the squirrels RIP PNut pic.twitter.com/yoIBV0Okpd Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 2, 2024 Following the tragic death of the squirrel, supporters of Donald Trump have slammed rival candidate and vice president Kamala Harris, holding her government responsible for the euthanasia. The government should not be allowed to barge into your house and kill your pet! Thats messed up. Even if it is illegal to have a pet squirrel (which it shouldnt be), why kill PNut instead of simply releasing him into the forest!? https://t.co/2m9Gi5QpUT Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 3, 2024 Elon Musk who endorsed Donald Trump took to X, saying President Trump will save the squirrels. He also shared posts which claimed that the Democrats are prioritising killing squirrels over arresting burglars and drug dealers. In another post, he asked why the Democratic Party is so cruel. The Israel Defense Force (IDF) dismissed a soldier fighting the Hezbollah in Lebanon from military reserve service on Saturday. The decision was a consequence of the trooper's social media activity, it is learnt. Why is this news making waves in Tel Aviv? Because the said soldier is not one among the numerous reserve soldiers fighting in Lebanon and Gaza. He is a Member of Knesset (MK), the unicameral legislature of Israel, from Benjamin Netanyahu's ruling coalition! ALSO READ | Who was Jaafar Khader Faour? Hezbollah commander responsible for rocket attack that killed 12 children eliminated: IDF MK Yitzhak Kroizer, a member of National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvirs far-right Otzma Yehudit party, was the personnel asked to go back home from the frontlines after he shared a photo of himself inside a building in southern Lebanonon alongside a few of his armed comrades. Office of MK Kroizer, the graffiti on the wall behind the soldiers read in Hebrew. According to Israeli media reports, MK Yitzhak Kroizer shared the image on social media to show that he has managed to open a mock office in southern Lebanon where IDF is engaging Hezbollah on the ground. Confirming the development, the IDF Spokespersons Unit reportedly told the Times Of Israel that, The incident was investigated, and it was decided to end the reserve service of the individual in question. After Kroizer was dismissed from service over the video, Ben Gvir threw his weight behind his party colleague. Thank you for the dozens of reserve days you volunteered in the past year. Shame on the IDF command who fired you because of the publication of this photo... MK Kroizer, you are the pride of Otzma Yehudit, and you are the pride of the people of Israel, Ben Gvir wrote. ALSO READ | Israel at war: US send 'big ugly fat fellows' to Middle East; 5 things to know about B-52 Stratofortress bombers On his end, Kroizer vouched to carry on his fight for Israel in the Knesset instead. Ive had the privilege of fighting for you during more than 100 days of reserve duty over the past year. Ill continue to fight for you in the Knesset together with my friends from the Otzma Yehudit faction, the MK was quoted as saying by the TOI. Israel's Otzma Yehudit Itamar Ben Gvirs Otzma Yehudit is known for its ultra-nationalist and anti-Arab political stance. It is the ideological descendant of the Kach party -- an orthodox Jewish outfit that was outlawed under the anti-terrorism laws. It was the first party to sign a coalition agreement with Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud (National Liberal Movement) following the 2022 Israeli legislative election. Kroizer is one of the party's six representatives in the Knesset. An Iranian-American journalist Reza Valizadeh has been detained by Iran amid the rising tensions between Tehran and Israel. Recently, Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei threatened both Israel and the United States with a "crushing response" over targeted attacks against its allies. The imprisonment of Valizadeh came as Iran marked the 45th anniversary of the American Embassy takeover and hostage crisis on Sunday. Valizadeh worked for Radio Farda, an outlet under Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty that's overseen by the US Agency for Global Media. In February, he wrote on X that his family members had been detained in an effort to see him return to Iran. In August, Valizadeh posted two messages suggesting he had returned to Iran. I arrived in Tehran on March 6, 2024. Before that, I had unfinished negotiations with the (Revolutionary Guard's) intelligence department, the message read in part. Eventually, I came back to my country after 13 years without any security guarantee, even a verbal one, he wrote. Valizadeh added the name of a man who he claimed belonged to Iran's Intelligence Ministry. Meanwhile, the Human Rights Activists News Agency, which monitors cases in Iran, said he was detained on arrival to Iran earlier this year, but later released. He was then rearrested and sent to Evin prison, where he now faces a case in Iran's Revolutionary Court, which routinely holds closed-door hearings in which defendants face secret evidence, the agency reported. Valizadeh had faced arrest in 2007 as well. Since the 1979 US Embassy crisis, which saw dozens of hostages released after 444 days in captivity, Iran has used prisoners with Western ties as bargaining chips in negotiations with the world. In recent times, Valizadeh is the first American known to be detained by Iran. The Israel Defense Forces has claimed that the Commander of the Hezbollah Nasser Units Missiles and Rockets Array, Jaafar Khader Faour, was killed in Jouaiyya in southern Lebanon. ALSO READ: Who was Abu Ali Rida? Another Hezbollah commander killed in Lebanon as Israel intensifies attack Who was Jaafar Khader Faour? Jaafar Khader Faour was responsible for carrying out multiple rocket attacks targeting the Golan. These include a rocket strike that killed Israeli civilians from Kibbutz Ortal and another attack on Majdal Shams that killed 12 children and injured many. IDF said he was also behind the strike on Metula that claimed the lives of five civilians last Thursday. Faour was also said to have carried out attacks from eastern Lebanon, from which the first rocket launches toward Israeli territory were fired on October 8. Earlier, IDF said they killed two other Hezbollah commanders in Tyre. One of them was identified as Mousa Izz al-Din, the commander of Hezbollahs forces in the coastal sector. The second person killed in the attack was Hassan Majid Daib, Hezbollahs artillery commander in the coastal sector, under whose orders an attack was launched towards the Haifa Bay on Thursday. This comes as Iran Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei threatened a "teeth-breaking" response to Israel and the US after Tehran's military facilities were attacked in October. Every vehicle passing the tehsil office of Tirora in Gondia district stirs up dust and fine sand, remnants from trucks ferrying loads from dredging pits along the Wainganga river, 30km away. With each roar of vehicle motors, a layer of dust settles on Nilesh Khobragade, 32, seated cross-legged in a tent opposite the office. A farm activist and former sarpanch of Indora Khurd village, Khobragade has been protesting, on and off, since June. Marking a shift from the Lok Sabha polls, the RSS is now active in grassroots campaigning, organising thousands of awareness meetings in homes and neighbourhoods. The BJP has played it safe, relying on old warhorses and introducing new faces only to counter serious local anti-incumbency or to accommodate younger leaders allied with Devendra Fadnavis or Nitin Gadkari. Seasons passed in these months, he said. He hosted a small Ganapati idol for 10 days in his tent, celebrated the Bail Pola festival, decorating a draught animal beside the tent, and observed Janmashtami. Even as the months passed, one thing remained constant: Tragedy kept befalling small farmers and agricultural labourers, he told THE WEEK. This year alone, farmers have suffered crop damage from harsh, sporadic rains, a flooded Wainganga in September, and wild boars trampling standing crops. Khobragade has put forth 34 demands, including a few intriguing propositions such as Rs15,000 as subsidy for wages under the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act to pay labourers during sowing and harvesting. With soybean prices plunging to 2011-12 levels, and paddy farmers forced to sell rice below the government-assured support price until procurement centres open, Khobragade and others in Tirora have a key demand for those aspiring to represent them in the Maharashtra assembly as the state goes to the polls on November 20: Fix a fair minimum support price, and keep government procurement centres open year-round. His dogged struggle aligns with widespread demonstrations across Vidarbha, a region in eastern Maharashtra comprising 11 districts known as much for its turbulent agrarian crises as for its white gold or cotton. In every tehsil, farmers are raising concerns regarding irrigation, crop insurance and commodity pricesissues radically altered from the states distinct rejection of the BJPs recent brand of politics during the Lok Sabha polls early this year. Distress in the countryside Leaders of the ruling coalition say rural distress played a significant role in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls in Maharashtra, where Prime Minister Narendra Modis warnings about the opposition INDIA blocs perceived plans to snatch the buffaloes and mangalsutras of poor voters fell flat. Modi himself, speaking in Wardha in September, acknowledged the anger in Vidarbha, calling the farmers central to Maharashtras prosperity. The first hero of Maharashtras multidimensional progress is the farmer of Vidarbha. The road to Maharashtras prosperity goes through him, he said. In response, the Eknath Shinde government rolled out several initiatives aimed at the rural poor, including the flagship Ladki Bahin scheme that deposits Rs1,500 into womens accounts monthly. Farmers also received payments from both the Union governments PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi and the state governments Namo Shetkari Mahasanman Nidhi Yojana, which has been paying Rs6,000 per year to 92 lakh small and marginal farmers since its introduction last year. Fighting for justice: Nilesh Khobragade on hunger strike outside the Tirora tehsil office in Gondia on October 15 | Kavitha Iyer In early October, at an event he attended in Washim, western Vidarbha, Modi inaugurated more than 7,500 projects that were set up by beneficiaries of the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund, a Central scheme launched in 2020 to provide medium- and long-term loans to improve agri infrastructure related to processing, packaging and cold storage. By the end of September, nearly 9.4 lakh Vidarbha farmers also benefited from a new electricity concession scheme that eliminated bills for agricultural pumps, with the state covering the cumulative cost of Rs14,761 crore. We have now covered the gap on farmers needs, said Pankaj Bhoyar, two-time MLA and the BJPs candidate in Wardha. This is going to help us in the polls. Recently, the state government reversed a decision to halt the Rs1 lakh ex gratia payments to families affected by farm suicides. In the first six months of 2024, the 11 districts of Vidarbha recorded 687 farm suicides. Officials assessed that suspending the payments would tarnish the governments image. Returning to the voter, humbly On October 5, a mob of about 1,000 Muslim protesters hurled stones at the Nagpuri Gate police station in Amravati, demanding action against Ghaziabad seer Yati Narsinghanand for objectionable comments about the Prophet. The clash left at least 21 policemen injured and several police vehicles damaged. This marked the second serious conflagration in Amravati, following the 2021 violence that led to curfew being imposed for days. All elections are dirty, Yashomati Thakur, former minister and Congress MLA from Teosa in Amravati, told THE WEEK. This one is dangerously communalised. On her way to meetings with Congress workers, supporters and local influencers, Thakur accused the BJP of turning the district into a testing ground for sharply polarised electoral contests by instigating aggrieved elements in the Muslim community to stir unrest. Congress leader Yashomati Thakur campaigning in Teosa assembly constituency in Amravati on October 17 | Kavitha Iyer A three-time MLA, single mother, and the guardian minister of Amravati during the 2021 riots, Thakur is viewed as a capable administrator. She displayed her provocative side recently when, during a victory rally after Daryapur MLA Balwant Wankhede won the Lok Sabha polls, she mimicked the action of stringing a bow to release an arrow, to annoy BJP candidate Madhavi Latha in Hyderabad, who had performed the same gesture during a Ram Navami procession amid a communally charged campaign in May 2024. According to her team, divisions have been deepening in Amravati since 2014. Feeling pressured, they now encourage lower-rung leaders to ensure that local Hindus are included, saying, Hindu bhhaiyon ko bhi saath lena hai (We must also take our Hindu brothers along). Thakur is concerned that groups of 10-15 young men now march through the city on Independence Day or Republic Day carrying saffron flags instead of the tricolour. If this is supported by the BJP or a son of Vidarbha like Devendra Fadnavis, it is an insult to the nation. While Thakur touches upon these ideas in her speeches, her ground-level campaigning is more personal, involving door-to-door visits and connecting with even strangers through gesturesoffering to carry an elderly womans bag, asking the sister-in-law of a household for a snack box, calling on a party worker recovering from a fracture, and visiting soybean and paddy fields in Teosa ravaged by October thundershowers. Some of us do this year-round, she told THE WEEK, so it doesnt feel any different on a campaign day. Steering the narrative Marking a shift from the Lok Sabha polls, the RSS is now active in grassroots campaigning, organising thousands of awareness meetings in homes and neighbourhoods. Hindutva organisations such as the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) and the Bajrang Dal have also been mobilised. Days before a large gathering of first-time voters in Nagpur, the BJYM staged a striking, albeit ineffective, protest at a lecture by journalist-reformist-rationalist Shyam Manav of the Akhil Bharatiya Andhashraddha Nirmoolan Samiti. Titled Samvidhaan Bachao, Maharashtra Bachao (Save the Constitution, Save Maharashtra), the event continued even after BJYM activists stormed the stage and were asked to leave. Bunty Kukde, a former Bajrang Dal worker, ex-corporator and current president of the BJPs Nagpur city unit, used a parable to illustrate the partys sharp narrative against the INDIA bloc. He described how Yama, the god of death, and his bookkeeper Chitragupta decided that a bell must ring each time someone tells a lie. Days later, said Kukde, when all the bells rang simultaneously and Yama asked about the pandemonium, Chitragupta said, Rahul Gandhi is holding a rally. Vote check: (From left) Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis present a cheque to beneficiaries of the Ladki Bahin scheme in Nagpur on August 31 | PTI The punchline, though somewhat predictable, was greeted with roars of approval and chants of Jai Shri Ram at the gathering of first-time voters. Badal Raut, Nagpur president of the BJYM and son of a vegetable vendor, says young and first-time voters are their campaigns prime targets. A video they showed to first-time voters rehashed the India story that multinational corporations eyeing Indias vast market harp oninfrastructure development, high-speed road connectivity and digitisation. There was no mention of Vidarbhas farmer suicides, the ongoing agrarian crisis, or Indias stark inequality. In Wardha, the Lok Sabha seat that the BJP lost in the polls, the partys incumbent MLA Bhoyar undertook a candid analysis of the defeat. The BJP had lost the seat not to the Congress, the traditional claimant of the Vidarbha bastion, but to Amar Kale of the NCPs Sharad Pawar faction, a virtual non-entity in the region. Kale led in five of Wardhas six assembly segments, including all four where incumbent MLAs belong to the BJP. The lead in Wardha assembly segment was the smallest, Bhoyar told THE WEEK. According to Bhoyar and many BJP leaders in Vidarbha, the INDIA blocs focus on a potential threat to constitutionally guaranteed reservations for marginalised communities resonated with Vidarbhas poor. Well, the BJP did return to power, said Bhoyar, and no such attack on the Constitution is in sight, so that false narrative by the Congress no longer holds any appeal. The terms false narrative and fake narrative are liberally used, in English, by members of the BJP, the Bajrang Dal, the BJYM and other sangh parivar organisations during public meetings and voter interactions. Samir Kunawar, a two-time BJP legislator from Hinganghat in Wardha, remains unfazed by the 20,000-vote lead that Kale got in his assembly segment. People were angry with the sitting BJP MP, he said of Ramdas Tadas, a wrestler-turned-politician whose daughter-in-law, too, ran against him, polling a couple of thousand votes. And then there were the lies spun by the opposition. That wont be repeatedthe assembly election is a different scenario altogether, he said. Saddling up old warhorses The Congress is grappling with the hard-bargaining ally Shiv Sena (UBT) in Vidarbha, but there is confidence among candidates that stems from regional satraps. These include Anuja Kedar, wife of five-time MLA Sunil Kedar in Saoner in Nagpur district, who retained his seat during the Modi wave; leader of opposition in the assembly Vijay Wadettiwar in Brahmapuri in Chandrapur district; and state Congress president Nana Patole in Sakoli in Bhandara district. There is also a hope that the five newly elected Congress MPs from Vidarbha will boost the partys campaign. The BJP, too, has played it safe, relying on old warhorses and introducing new faces only to counter serious local anti-incumbency or to accommodate younger leaders allied with Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis or Union Minister Nitin Gadkari. The Congress hopes that anti-incumbency will favour them at least in pockets. In Chandrapur district, party members told THE WEEK that there was deep, longstanding anger against Sudhir Mungantiwar, minister and the BJPs six-time MLA who represents Ballarpur. Mungantiwar had lost the Lok Sabha polls to Pratibha Dhanorkar, Warora MLA and widow of Suresh Dhanorkar, the Congresss solitary Maharashtra MP in 2019 who passed away in 2023. Buoyed by the poll victory and her appeal among the Kunbis, Dhanorkar demanded the Warora seat for her brother Pravin Kakade. The party has obliged, even though Dhanorkar was recently involved in a public spat with Wadettiwar, the opposition leader. Water for votes Across Vidarbha, recent announcements of irrigation projects and money disbursed for delayed schemes have caught the attention of voters and village officials. Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis wants to exponentially increase the area under irrigation in Vidarbha and Marathwada, said a revenue department official in Yavatmal district. In August, the state government said it had allocated Rs5,441 crore for the Vidarbha Irrigation Development Corporation to complete delayed irrigation projects. It also announced a project worth Rs88,000 crore to link the Wainganga and Nalganga rivers in Vidarbha, to divert water from the ongoing Gosikhurd project (under construction for 40 years, prompting it to be likened to the deity Hanumans tail for its infinite length) to drought-prone areas in western Vidarbha. Originally proposed in 2009, the Wainganga-Nalganga river-linking was pitched as a project backed by Fadnavis until it was put into cold storage during Uddhav Thackerays tenure as chief minister. Once complete, it will irrigate 3.7 lakh hectares across six districts with a high number of farm suicides. However, in Tirora, floods from the Wainganga river in September have devastated local paddy farmers. Seventy per cent of our paddy was destroyed, said Gopichand Uprikar, sarpanch of the group gram panchayat of Savra Bondrani, twin villages along the banks of the river. Officials reported similar devastation in nearby villages. The floods affected more than 4,000 farmers, covering an area of 1,853 hectares. Compensation demands totalled Rs5 crore for September alone. There is also widespread discontent over issues such as wild boar attacks. Mostly small and marginal farmers, Savra Bondranis residents have begun to migrate as far as Pune looking for work. There is no work available anywhere nearby, said Uprikar. When a standing crop is destroyed, there is also no work for agricultural labourers, and this is just before Diwali. The states recent generosity has eased some of the discontent. Farmers were paid Rs27,000 per hectare for damaged paddy and Rs36,000 per hectare for damaged crops in orchards. We waited over a year for this compensation for the damage caused by a hailstorm, said Uprikar. The money finally came fifteen days ago. Interview/ Eknath Shinde, chief minister, Maharashtra Q/ What have been your achievements while being in office? A/ My achievements have been three-foldaccessibility, infrastructure and welfare. First, I made the chief ministers office and residence more accessible to the public, especially the poor and the needy. I have changed the way the common man perceives the CMO. Our relationship has been very smooth. Throughout the [seat-sharing] process, we maintained a cordial dialogue, always keeping winnability as the top priority. Eknath Shinde, on his relationship with Ajit Pawar I prioritised restarting stalled infrastructure projects, including the expansion of Mumbais metro, which is now one of the largest ongoing metro networks globally. Notable completions include the coastal road, the Atal Setu (Indias longest sea bridge) and the Navi Mumbai International Airport. The Samruddhi Mahamarg, Maharashtras longest greenfield road, will be fully completed by December 2024, and the bullet train project is progressing well. Additionally, we are advancing Vadhvan Port, poised to be Indias largest deep-water port. Urban renewal projects such as the Dharavi Redevelopment Project, Thane Cluster Development Project, and BDD Chawl redevelopment are also priorities, with a focus on housing for the indigenous population. We are effectively using agencies like the Slum Rehabilitation Authority to redevelop areas like Ramabai Nagar. In terms of welfare, my government introduced Maharashtras first direct benefit transfer scheme, the Ladki Bahin Yojana, alongside health care programmes like Aapla Dawakhana and the Integrated MJPJAY (Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Jan Arogya Yojana) with Ayushman Bharat. The Shasan Aplya Dari scheme, which brings services directly to citizens, has over five crore beneficiaries. We have also provided financial aid to farmers, supported marginalised communities and waived tolls for light vehicles at five key entry points in Mumbai to ease travel costs. Q/ There used to be reports of you and Ajit Pawar clashing during cabinet meetings? A/ As the head of my cabinet, I have always worked diligently to ensure collaboration with my alliance partners. These reports of clashes between myself and my cabinet colleagues are simply unfounded. In fact, I share a warm and respectful relationship with both Shri Ajit Pawar ji and Shri Devendra Fadnavis ji. Together, we have focused on the welfare of the state and good governance for the benefit of Maharashtra. Q/ How comfortable is your equation with Ajit Pawar and his party as you face the polls together? A/ Our relationship has been very smooth. Throughout the [seat-sharing] process, we maintained a cordial dialogue, always keeping winnability as the top priority. The camaraderie and mutual respect within the alliance are evident as we prepare for the elections. Q/ Were you under pressure from the BJP leadership during seat-sharing? A/ There is absolutely no pressure from anyone. Our focus is solely on ensuring the success of the Mahayuti government in Maharashtra and strengthening the double engine government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi jis leadership at the Centre. In my experience, the BJP has been a loyal and trusted ally of the Shiv Sena. If you look at the opposition today, the MVA alliance is in disarray, with 4-5 CM hopefuls jostling for position. Uddhav Thackeray [was] reduced to pleading for a few seats and being summoned repeatedly to Delhi. Changing megalopolis: Workers take a break at the construction site of a high-rise in Mumbai that overlooks Dharavi, one of Asias largest slums | Amey Mansabdar Q/ There were reports that Union Minister Amit Shah told you to lower your expectations regarding the number of seats because you were made chief minister. Is this true? A/ Those rumours are completely baseless. They are purely fictional accounts from individuals who were not part of the discussions. There was no such directive, and it is unfortunate that some people are trying to mislead the public with these false claims. Q/ How has been the response to Ladki Bahin Scheme? A/ The Ladki Bahin Yojana, Maharashtras first DBT scheme, has already benefited over 2.3 crore women. I have travelled across the state to ensure its effective implementation. This scheme has proven crucial for both poverty alleviation and womens empowerment. It also prevents corruption by transferring funds directly to beneficiaries. Additionally, we provide free LPG cylinders under the Annapurna Yojana, and the Lek Ladki scheme helps poor girls [from the age of] school enrolment to college admission. In the land of Savitribai Phule, empowering women is a top priority. Q/ What have you done for farmers? A/ We have implemented several key initiatives to support farmers. The Namo Shetkari Mahasanman Nidhi provides Rs12,000 annually to all farmers, with Rs6,000 contributed by the Union government. We launched the Rs1 crop insurance scheme to make insurance premiums accessible to financially unstable farmers. The Mahatma Jyotirao Phule Shetkari Karjmukti Yojana offers up to Rs50,000 to farmers who repay crop loans on time. We have also disbursed Rs15,245 crore to compensate for crop losses because of natural disasters. Additionally, through the Maharashtra Agribusiness Network (MagNet) in collaboration with the Asian Development Bank, we are increasing farm incomes by linking farmers to agribusiness value chains. Key infrastructure efforts include a 14,000MW power generation project and the rollout of solar pumps, ensuring reliable electricity in drought-prone areas. We also launched the Mukhyamantri Baliraja Mofat Vij Yojana, providing free electricity to farmers with agricultural pumps up to 7.5HP, a transformative step for the states agrarian sector. Shinde with Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar | PTI Q/ It is said that schemes like Ladki Bahin are attempts to purchase votes. A/ Schemes aimed at buying votes dont last. Look at Karnataka and Himachal Pradesh, where the Congress promised DBTs, but now struggles to deliver. Unlike them, we have fully funded the Ladki Bahin Yojana for the next year, ensuring that even the incoming government can keep these promises. Our initiatives are about genuine empowerment, not election stunts. Q/ The opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi is alleging that law and order totally collapsed during your rule, and that even a leader like Baba Siddique could not be protected. What is your response? A/ The MVA has no moral authority to speak on law and order. During the Congresss 10-year rule, the state and the country saw repeated terror attacks, including 26/11 in Mumbai. Under their watch, cities like Pune and Malegaon were also targeted. When the MVA was in power, Hindu sadhus were lynched, and corrupt police officers were used for extortion. Respected business leaders were targeted and terrorised repeatedly. Even their home minister was jailed for corruption. In contrast, since PM Modis government came to power, India has not faced a major terror attack in the last 10 years. Q/ Uddhavs Shiv Sena says that you are selling Mumbai to Adani. A/ The UBT has consistently opposed development to serve its own interests through extortion. It blocked crucial projects like the metro, bullet train and Vadhvan Port, all of which are essential for Mumbais progress. Its obstruction caused project costs to escalate by Rs17,000 crore. Can it point to a single major development project from its tenure? Mumbai was flooded, the rivers turned into drains, and the city became a sprawling slum under its watch. Its attacks on businesses are an attack on Mumbais progress. Dharavi, one of the oldest slums, has been neglected for years, but I have promised to build safe and secure homes for these people. Balasaheb Thackeray dreamed of a slum-free Mumbai, and while his son failed to deliver, I will. The Congress brought the slums, the UBT let them expand, and I will be the one to give people proper housing. Q/ How much investment did you manage to get for Maharashtra? A/ Maharashtra has become a top investment destination, securing 52 per cent of Indias FDI for two consecutive years under my leadership. We have signed MoUs worth Rs5 lakh crore this year at the World Economic Forum. Across the state, infrastructure projects worth Rs8 lakh crore are underway. I firmly believe Maharashtra is on track to becoming a $1.5 trillion economy. Q/ What about job creation for youth? A/ The mismanagement during the MVAs rule, particularly during Covid, led to many projects moving to Gujarat. My focus has been on bringing back investments and creating job opportunities for youth. We launched the Ladka Bhau Yojana, a job training and stipend programme. Under this scheme, Class 12 pass-outs receive Rs6,000, diploma holders Rs8,000, and graduates Rs10,000 per annum during on-job training. Q/ How confident are you of winning the elections for Mahayuti? A/ We are very confident. We are running on our record of development, not on false narratives like the opposition. Maharashtra has changed, both in terms of infrastructure and socioeconomic development. We have prioritised people-centric development and long-term planning for the future of the states citizens. Florida drivers will soon be able to display their support for Israel on their vehicles, as the Florida Stands with Israel specialty license plates have met the required threshold of 3,000 pre-sales, allowing the plates to move into production, the Israeli-American Council (IAC) announced. The new plates, featuring a design by Florida State University graduate Daniel Ackerman, are expected to be available for purchase in early 2025. The specialty plates will be priced at $66.90, which includes registration fees. A portion of the proceeds$25 from each plate soldwill benefit Hatzalah South Florida, a nonprofit emergency medical services organization. Governor Ron DeSantis expressed his enthusiasm for the project, saying, Im pleased to announce that the Florida Stands with Israel license plate has reached the threshold for production. Florida and Israel share a special bond and lasting friendship. The initiative to create the plate was championed by the Israeli-American Coalition for Action, which organized a public design contest that attracted over 100 entries. Ackermans winning design features the Florida state flower, an orange blossom, along with the Israeli flag, symbolizing the connection between the state and Israel. This license plate is a testament to the enduring friendship between Florida and Israel, said Elan Carr, CEO of the IAC. As these plates begin to appear on vehicles across Florida, they will serve as mobile reminders of the strong ties and shared values that unite our communities. For those who pre-ordered the plate, an additional fee of $36.90 will be required at pickup. The state has temporarily halted new pre-orders while it completes the initial batch, but additional plates will be made available based on public demand. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) Donald Trump will rally supporters in North Carolina every day until Tuesdays election, a flurry of late activity in the only swing state that he won in both his 2016 and 2020 campaigns. Even as Trump looks to expand the electoral map and project strength with trips to New Mexico and Virginia, two Democratic states not widely viewed as competitive, he is putting considerable time into North Carolina, which last backed a Democrat for president in 2008. The former presidents path to the 270 electoral votes needed to capture the presidency gets significantly more complicated if he loses North Carolina. The fast-growing Southern state gave Trump his smallest margin of victory 1.3 percentage points over Democrat Joe Biden four years ago. Trump campaigned in Gastonia, west of Charlotte, on Saturday and was scheduled to be in Greensboro later in the day, with a stop in Salem, Virginia, in between. He will be in the eastern city of Kinston on Sunday and in Raleigh on Monday. Those four rallies will bring his total events in North Carolina since Oct. 1 to nine. His running mate, Ohio Sen. JD Vance, has been in the state six times during the same period, most recently on Friday. Vice President Kamala Harris, Trumps Democratic rival, will also be in North Carolina on Saturday for a concert and rally in Charlotte. Her campaign has not announced any other travel to the state before Election Day. The extensive damage from Hurricane Helene across western North Carolina has created a dose of uncertainty about the state of play here. Flooding destroyed homes and displaced residents in several counties, including the liberal city of Asheville and the conservative rural areas surrounding it. Trumps team has said it is confident about his chances in North Carolina. Democrats see Trumps attention on the state as a signal of optimism for Harris. The repeat appearances may signal Trumps campaign is in trouble, said Democratic state Rep. Marcia Morey of Durham. If Trump continues with his dangerous, violent rhetoric these last few days, it may backfire. A campaign of personal retribution does not win votes from people. Trump adviser Jason Miller said Trumps late-campaign travels are not a signal of alarm. Im not worried about anything, Miller told reporters Friday. We have a smart strategy thats going to get President Trump across 270, maybe even a couple of states that surprise you, that slide in there. But were going to follow our strategy. Our strategy comes from our data and our targeting. As he does at most of his events in North Carolina, Trump said in Gastonia that his daughter-in-law, Lara Trump, whom he installed as co-chair of the Republican National Committee, is from the state, and that Lara and Eric Trump named their daughter Carolina. Its an amazing place. Youve been through a lot, Trump said, alluding to the hurricane before repeating a debunked claim that the Federal Emergency Management Agency prioritized people living in the country illegally over hurricane victims. Your government has not helped you too much, I can tell you. Your government, FEMA, has let you down because they wanted to spend the money on illegal migrants instead. Roughly half of North Carolinas 7.8 million registered voters had already voted as of Friday, buoyed by early in-person voting, which ends on Saturday afternoon. North Carolina Republicans have been encouraged by early voter turnout among their supporters after national and state GOP leaders switched this year to a bank your vote strategy, rather than focusing on Election Day turnout. Entering the final days of the campaign, over 50,000 more GOP registered voters than Democrats had voted early or by absentee ballot, even though there are over 100,000 more registered Democrats than Republicans statewide, according to state elections data. It is unclear whether the Republicans early vote surge will result in a higher overall turnout for Trump supporters. Independent voters now make up the largest group of registered voters in North Carolina. Trump lost ground with independents between 2016 and 2020. Harris supporter Gwen Garnett, 66, said Trump barnstorming North Carolina is just part of the process. It does not worry me at all. She gave Harris candidacy a spiritual dimension. This is an anointed time for her to be in this role, Garnett said. I just believe its Gods timing. The states voters have shown a propensity to split their ticket over the years. Thats why while Republicans have controlled the state legislature since 2011, Democrats have held the governors mansion for all but four years since 1993. The GOPs hopes to break that hold on Tuesday appeared to dwindle in recent weeks after the partys nominee for governor, Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, received unwanted publicity from a CNN report that alleged he made explicit racial and sexual posts on a pornography websites message board more than a decade ago. While Robinson denied writing the messages and sued CNN for defamation last month, his campaign nearly imploded, raising fears that a large victory by Democrat Josh Stein, the states attorney general, could harm GOP candidates in other races. (AP) Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged its allies to stop watching and take steps before North Korean troops deployed in Russia reach the battlefield, and the countrys army chief warned that his troops are facing one of the most powerful offensives by Moscow since the all-out war started more than two years ago. Zelenskyy raised the prospect of a preemptive Ukrainian strike on camps where the North Korean troops are being trained and said Kyiv knows their location. But he said Ukraine cant do it without permission from allies to use Western-made long-range weapons to hit targets deep inside Russia. But instead America is watching, Britain is watching, Germany is watching. Everyone is just waiting for the North Korean military to start attacking Ukrainians as well, Zelenskyy said in a post late Friday on the Telegram messaging app. The Biden administration said Thursday that some 8,000 North Korean soldiers are now in Russias Kursk region near Ukraines border and are preparing to help the Kremlin fight against Ukrainian troops in the coming days. On Saturday, Ukraines military intelligence said that more than 7,000 North Koreans equipped with Russian gear and weapons had been transported to areas near Ukraine. The agency, known by its acronym GUR, said that North Korean troops were being trained at five locations in Russias Far East. It did not specify its source of information. Western leaders have described the North Korean troop deployment as a significant escalation that could also jolt relations in the Indo-Pacific region, and open the door to technology transfers from Moscow to Pyongyang that could advance the threat posed by North Koreas nuclear weapons and missile program. North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui met with her Russian counterpart in Moscow on Friday. Ukrainian leaders have repeatedly said they need permission to use Western weapons to strike arms depots, airfields and military bases far from the border to motivate Russia to seek peace. In response, U.S. defense officials have argued that the missiles are limited in number, and that Ukraine is already using its own long-range drones to hit targets farther into Russia. Moscow has also consistently signaled that it would view any such strikes as a major escalation. President Vladimir Putin warned on Sept. 12 that Russia would be at war with the U.S. and NATO states if they approve them. Ukraine facing one of most powerful Russian offensives since war began Zelenskyys call came shortly before Ukraines top commander, Gen. Oleksandr Syrskiy, said on Saturday that his troops are struggling to stem one of the most powerful offensives by Russia since its all-out invasion of its southern neighbor in February 2022. Writing on Telegram following a call with a top Czech military official, Syrskyi hinted that Ukrainian units are taking heavy losses in the fighting, which he said require constant renewal of resources. While Syrskyi did not specify where the heavy fighting took place, Russia has for months been conducting a ferocious campaign along the eastern front in Ukraine, gradually compelling Kyiv to surrender ground. But Moscow has struggled to push Ukrainian forces out of its Kursk border region following an incursion almost three months ago. Dozens injured in Russian strikes on Ukraine Russian missiles hit Ukraines second-largest city of Kharkiv overnight into Saturday, killing a policeman and injuring dozens, local Gov. Oleh Syniehubov reported. According to Syniehubov and Ukraines national police force, one missile slammed into a spot where a large group of police were gathered, killing a 40-year-old serviceman and injuring 36 more. In Ukraines southern Kherson province, Russian shelling on Saturday killed a 40-year-old woman and wounded three others, including two children, local Gov. Oleksandr Prokudin reported. Another Kherson resident was wounded in a drone attack later that day, according to local Ukrainian authorities. Five more civilians, including two children, were injured after Russia struck Ukraines central Dnipropetrovsk region, Gov. Serhii Lysak said. In Kyiv, air raid sirens wailed for over five hours early Saturday morning as Russian drones rained on the capital, sparking a fire in an office block downtown and injuring two people, according to the citys military administration. Overall, Russian forces overnight attacked Ukraine with over 70 Iranian-made Shahed drones, the Ukrainian air force reported Saturday. It said most were shot down or sent off-course using GPS jamming. Falling debris damaged power networks and residential buildings in multiple provinces and injured an elderly woman near Kyiv, officials said. Ukraines Foreign Ministry hinted that Russias drone campaign was slowing down, saying Moscow launched just over half as many in October as the month before. Meanwhile, Russias defense ministry reported that its forces overnight shot down 24 Ukrainian drones over four Russian regions and occupied Crimea. There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage. In a separate development, four civilians were injured following a Ukrainian strike in Russias southern Kursk region, its Gov. Aleksei Smirnov said, without specifying what weapon was used. Moscow is still trying to dislodge Ukrainian forces from the province, months after they staged a bold assault that rattled the Kremlin and constituted the largest attack on Russia since World War II. (AP) Top House Republicans called on the White House to produce all documents and internal communications regarding President Joe Bidens statement earlier this week in which he appeared to take a swipe at supporters of Donald Trump. White House press officials altered the official transcript of Bidens statement, drawing objections from the federal workers who document such remarks for posterity, according to two U.S. government officials and an internal email obtained Thursday by The Associated Press. The lawmakers said they question whether the decision to create a false transcript and manipulate or alter the accurate transcript produced for the National Archives and Records Administration was a violation of federal law. Rep. James Comer, the Republican chair of the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability, and House Republican Conference Chairwoman Elise Stefanik demanded the White House produce the records. Theyre also calling for the White House to make available for a briefing the top supervisor of the White House Stenographys Office. The White House cannot simply rewrite President Bidens rhetoric, Comer and Stefanik wrote. We are concerned with the latest reporting of the White Houses apparent political decision to protect the Biden-Harris Administration, instead of following longstanding and proper protocols. Biden created an uproar earlier this week with his remarks to Latino activists responding to racist comments at a Trump rally made by the comedian Tony Hinchcliffe, who referred to the U.S. island territory of Puerto Rico as a floating island of garbage. Biden, according to a transcript prepared by the official White House stenographers, told the Latino group on a Tuesday evening video call, The only garbage I see floating out there is his supporters his his demonization of Latinos is unconscionable, and its un-American. The transcript released by the White House press office, however, rendered the quote with an apostrophe, reading supporters rather than supporters, which aides said pointed to Biden criticizing Hinchcliffe, not the millions of Americans who are supporting Trump for president. (AP) In a stunning turn of events, Vice President Kamala Harris has surged ahead of former President Donald Trump in Iowa, a state long considered a reliable conservative stronghold. The latest Des Moines Register/Mediacom Iowa poll shows Harris leading Trump 47% to 44% among likely voters, with a margin of error of 3.4%. This unexpected shift marks a major reversal from previous polls. In September, Trump held a four-point lead over Harris, while in June, he enjoyed an 18-point advantage over President Joe Biden. Veteran pollster J. Ann Selzer described the results as hard to predict, noting that Harris has clearly leaped into a leading position. The poll also revealed that Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who dropped his presidential bid and endorsed Trump in August, garnered 3% support from Hawkeye State voters. Additionally, 5% of likely voters remained undecided or declined to state their preference. Harriss late momentum appears driven by women and independent voters, with 56% of women favoring her, while 52% of men support Trump. Older voters, particularly senior women, are also leaning toward Harris, with women 65 and older backing her by more than a two-to-one margin. The results of this latest poll contrast sharply with an Emerson survey released Saturday, which found Trump leading Harris by double digits, 53% to 43%. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) Curtis Sliwa, a Republican candidate for New York City Mayor, is being accused of antisemitism over comments he made at a pro-Trump rally. I tell the Jews all the time Im a Gentile, its in our DNA, Sliwa said about antisemitism. You need to wake up and understand that we always blame the Jews no matter what happens, and no matter what peace agreements you make. They will always hate you. Thats how it is in America and thats how it is in other places. I also have to hold myself back sometimes, and I have two Jewish children. Sliwas statements imply that anti-Semitism is inherent to non-Jews, and he struggles with these feelings himself. Its not the first time that Sliwa has been accused of being an anti-Semite. In 2021, Agudath Israel of America slammed Sliwa for antisemitic comments he made. Also at the rally, Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis blasted Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer for delaying bills aimed at combating anti-Semitism on campuses. Additionally, a House Education Committee report released on Thursday revealed that Schumer advised universities, including Columbia University, to ignore the backlash they were receiving over antisemitic protests on campus related to the Israel-Hamas war. Such a Shomer Yisroel, isnt he? (YWN World Headquarters NYC) Former President Donald Trump is leading Vice President Kamala Harris in every critical swing states by narrow yet expanding margins, according to a new poll by AtlasIntel, who holds the title of being the most accurate pollster of the 2020 presidential election. With the 2024 Presidential Election in its final days, the Republican nominee is projected to secure wins in North Carolina, Georgia, Arizona, Nevada, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Pennsylvania. The poll reveals that Trumps lead extends beyond the margin of error in four of these battleground states. In Arizona, where his advantage is strongest, Trump holds a 52.3% to 45.8% lead over Harris. Nevada shows similar results, with Trump leading Harris 51.2% to 46%. In North Carolina, where both candidates held campaign events over the weekend, Trump holds a 50.5% to 47.1% edge. Georgia also leans in Trumps favor, with a 50.1% to 47.6% advantage. Several states, however, remain within the polls two-point margin of error, reflecting a tighter race. In Michigan, Trump is ahead with 49.7% compared to Harriss 48.2%. Pennsylvania sees a similar split, with Trump at 49.6% to Harriss 47.8%. Wisconsin registers as the closest contest, with Trump holding a slight lead of 49.7% to Harriss 48.6%. Overall, AtlasIntels survey shows Trump at 49% support nationwide, compared to Harriss 47.2%. AtlasIntel touts its accuracy from the 2020 election, claiming it accurately projected outcomes in each swing state within the margin of error. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) As a longtime and deeply committed supporter of President Donald Trump, I feel compelled to speak out about some of his recent comments. With just days to go until the election, the stakes couldnt be higher. Our nation stands at a crossroads, and the outcome will likely come down to a few undecided voters in key states. Now is the time to focus on the issues that matter most, not to risk alienating potential supporters with offhand, inflammatory remarks. But on Sunday, Trump made two remarks that left meand many othersscratching our heads and feeling frustrated. First, he said he thought he shouldnt have left the White House after losing the 2020 election. And then, in what Im sure was intended to be a joke, he added that someone would have to shoot through the fake news to get to him, which he wouldnt mind so much. As a diehard Trump supporter, I know the man doesnt truly mean this. Weve seen him mouth off before, trying to fire up his supporters at rallies with heated words and exaggerated rhetoric. Its part of his style and charisma. But comments like these, just days before the election, are beyond frustrating. In a political climate where every word is scrutinized, anything that can be twisted into a negative soundbite is a gift to his opponents. Trumps recent remarks are an unnecessary distraction from his policy accomplishments and vision for America, and they risk turning off crucial undecided voters. The truth is, Im confident Trump wasnt truly suggesting he should have stayed in office against the will of the people, nor was he encouraging any sort of violence against the media. Hes always been outspoken, and his supporters know that. But many voters on the fence dont know him as we do, and they take his comments at face value. Right now, what the campaign needs is laser focus on the issues: the economy, national security, healthcare, and more. His record should speak for itself. Voters need to be reminded of how strong America was under Trumps leadership and how he plans to bring that strength back. Mr. President, please stay on track. Youre your own worst enemy sometimes, and these careless remarks only distract from the real issues. Were praying and working for a Trump victory on Tuesday. Lets not leave this to chance or give the media or undecided voters any reason to look the other way. Yosef Levenson New York NOTE: The views expressed here are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of YWN. DO YOU HAVE AN OPINION YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE POSTED ON YWN? SEND IT TO US FOR REVIEW. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) For 21 years, YWNs team of seasoned reporters has delivered breaking news and reliable updates, building two decades of trust with over half a million readers each day. Since October 7, YWN has provided continuous, around-the-clock coverage, bringing you the latest developments as they unfold. You can also join over 100,000 subscribers on YWN WhatsApp and stay connected for real time updates: YWNs WhatsApp group YWNs WhatsApp status US Advances $680M Arms Deal with Israel, Claims Unrelated to Ceasefire A U.S. official has confirmed to The Times of Israel that the Biden administration is moving forward with a $680 million arms deal for Israel. The official emphasized that the sale is unrelated to the ceasefire with Hezbollah, which took effect this morning. Earlier, on Tuesday, Washington reiterated that the truce was not linked to any weapons transfers to Israel. Wizz Air to Resume Israel Flights December 20 Wizz Air, a budget airline based in Hungary, plans to restart operations at Israels Ben Gurion Airport starting December 20. The decision follows the implementation of a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah. WATCH AND ENJOY: What Dead Nasrallah Said A Few Weeks Ago OH THE IRONY: Remember when Nasrallah, who is now a rotted carcass, said, A ceasefire in Lebanon without one in Gaza would mean all our sacrifices were for nothing. https://yeshivaworlds3.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/26101313/WhatsApp-Video-2024-11-26-at-9.46.01-AM-1.mp4 REPORTS: Ceasefire Expected In Hours Numerous reports state that a joint statement from the United States and France will confirm a ceasefire in Lebanon shortly after 10 p.m. local time. Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati is expected to issue a separate statement welcoming the agreement. The Scene In Jabaliya, Gaza Meanwhile. this is the scene of what once was Jabaliya, Gaza. https://yeshivaworlds3.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/26100905/WhatsApp-Video-2024-11-26-at-9.00.57-AM.mp4 IDF UPDATE: 8 Fighter jets, 20 Strikes, Two Minutes The IDF reports that eight fighter jets struck 20 Hezbollah-linked sites in Beiruts southern suburbs within two minutes. Targets included seven buildings tied to Hezbollahs financial operations, such as headquarters and branches of the Al-Qard al-Hasan association, as well as 13 military sites, including an aerial forces center, weapon depots, and intelligence facilities. Civilians in the area were warned to evacuate prior to the strikes. https://yeshivaworlds3.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/26101042/WhatsApp-Video-2024-11-26-at-9.06.21-AM.mp4 Massive Wave Of IDF Airstrikes Underway The IDF is still carrying out additional airstrikes in the Hezbollah stronghold of Dahieh, a suburb in Southern Beirut. https://yeshivaworlds3.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/26100834/WhatsApp-Video-2024-11-26-at-8.55.21-AM.mp4 IDF Launches Dozens of Airstrikes in Beirut After Evacuation Warnings UPDATE: Dozens of IDf airstrikes underway in Beirut. The strikes come just a short while after the IDF sent warnings to the residents of around 20 residential buildings to evacuate. https://yeshivaworlds3.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/26100707/WhatsApp-Video-2024-11-26-at-8.42.09-AM.mp4 Israeli Airstrike in Beirut Amid Ceasefire Talks; Evacuations Ordered As discussions of a possible ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, a major Israeli airstrike just took place in Beirut. The strike occurred outside Hezbollahs stronghold in the citys southern suburbs. The lack of an evacuation warning suggests the attack may have been an assassination attempt rather than a strike on Hezbollah infrastructure. Simultaneously, the IDF has issued evacuation notices to residents of around 20 buildings in Dahiyeh, a Hezbollah stronghold in southern Beirut, ahead of planned airstrikes targeting the groups assets. https://yeshivaworlds3.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/26100536/WhatsApp-Video-2024-11-26-at-8.09.20-AM.mp4 Direct Rocket Strike In Nahariya [VIDEO] The IDF reports that 10 rockets were fired from Lebanon toward the Western Galilee. Some of the rockets were intercepted, while others landed. Magen David Adom, are currently inspecting impact sites in Nahariya for any injuries. A fire has also broken out in Nahariya, reportedly caused by an impact or debris from the attack. https://yeshivaworlds3.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/25170137/My-movie-66.mp4 WATCH: Celebrations In Lebanon Ahead Of Ceasefire Confirmation People in Lebanon celebrate ahead of a likely ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah. https://yeshivaworlds3.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/25113820/WhatsApp-Video-2024-11-25-at-11.33.48-AM.mp4 Video: Israeli Airstrike Hits Hezbollah Site in Beirut Video captures an Israeli airstrike earlier today targeting a Hezbollah-linked site within a high-rise building in southern Beirut. https://yeshivaworlds3.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/25113530/WhatsApp-Video-2024-11-25-at-11.34.53-AM.mp4 WATCH: Haifa Demolishes Rocket-Hit Building to Prevent Collapse Municipal crews in Haifa are demolishing a residential building heavily damaged by a direct rocket hit during a Hezbollah attack on northern Israel yesterday. The Haifa municipality stated that experts recommended the demolition to prevent the structure from collapsing onto a nearby apartment complex. https://yeshivaworlds3.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/25112623/WhatsApp-Video-2024-11-25-at-11.12.30-AM.mp4 WATCH: See The Scene In Beirut On Monday This was the scene in the Hezbollah stronghold neighborhood of Dahiyeh in Southern Beirut, earlier on Monday, after the IDF pounded dozens of targets. https://yeshivaworlds3.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/25112448/WhatsApp-Video-2024-11-25-at-11.09.46-AM.mp4 https://yeshivaworlds3.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/25112501/WhatsApp-Video-2024-11-25-at-11.10.10-AM.mp4 Hezbollah Launches Rocket Barrage; Israel Responds with Strikes on Key Targets This morning (Monday) at 8:35 a.m., Hezbollah launched approximately 20 projectiles from southern Lebanon toward the Nahariya region in northern Israel. In response, the Israel Air Force (IAF) struck the launcher used in the attack, located near Bazouriye in southern Lebanon. In a series of additional operations, the IAF carried out intelligence-driven strikes targeting critical Hezbollah infrastructure. These included command centers of the groups coast-to-sea missile unit, communication facilities, and two military command centers in Dahieh, a Hezbollah stronghold in Beirut. https://yeshivaworlds3.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/25111546/WhatsApp-Video-2024-11-25-at-11.04.28-AM.mp4 Massive Destruction Following IDF Strikes In Beirut Massive destruction to residential buildings and Hezbollah infrastructure in the city of Nabatieh, southern Lebanon, as a result of the recent Israeli airstrikes. IDF Carries Out 25 Airstrikes In Lebanon In One Hour Over the past hour, the IAF conducted intelligence-based strikes on approximately 25 terror targets belonging to Hezbollahs Executive Council in Lebanon, including in Nabatieh, Baalbek, Beqaa Valley, Dahieh, and the outskirts of Beirut. Among the targets struck were the Executive Councils command centers, and intelligence control and collection centers, where Hezbollah commanders and operatives were located. https://yeshivaworlds3.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/25111445/WhatsApp-Video-2024-11-25-at-11.05.00-AM.mp4 IDF Airstrikes In Gaza Against Hamas Targets The IDF bombard several homes in the Manshiya area of Beit Lahiya, northern Gaza Strip, that were being used by Hamas to attack the IDF. https://yeshivaworlds3.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/25114144/WhatsApp-Video-2024-11-25-at-11.07.41-AM-1.mp4 In a rare deep incursion into northern Lebanon, Israeli naval commandos captured a high-ranking Hezbollah operative late Friday night. The IDF confirmed Saturday that Shayetet 13, Israels elite naval commando unit, led the operation, marking a significant departure from typical ground activity limited to southern Lebanon. According to Lebanese media, Israeli special forces arrived by sea, conducted a swift raid on a chalet along the coast in Batrounlocated about 140 kilometers north of Israels maritime borderand extracted a Hezbollah operative, identified as Imad Amhaz. The team departed quickly via speedboats. Amhaz, who the IDF views as a significant source of knowledge for Hezbollahs naval capabilities, was reportedly studying at a civilian maritime institute, according to Lebanons Minister of Public Works and Transport, Ali Hamie, who added that Amhaz captained civilian ships. Photographs circulated on social media appeared to show Amhaz in a naval uniform, though his specific affiliations remain disputed. The IDF has previously conducted airstrikes in northern Lebanon, but ground operations have been largely restricted to southern regions, making this capture particularly notable. Soon after Israel went public about the operation, Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati called on Lebanons foreign minister to file a complaint against Israel at the U.N. Security Council. Israel has carried out in the past commando operations deep inside Lebanon to kidnap or kill Hezbollah and Palestinian officials. Recounting the event, Lebanese residents from the apartment building where the man was seized said the armed group introduced themselves as state security. We were terrified. They were breaking into the apartment next to ours, Hussein Delbani told The Associated Press near where the man was captured. I thought a state agency was doing a security operation, said Delbani, who was displaced from south Lebanon a month ago when the Israel-Hezbollah war erupted. He said he saw from his balcony people down on the coast and they screamed again for him to go inside. Hamie told Al-Jadeed the man was a captain of civilian ships. He graduated in 2022 and in late September joined the Batrouns Maritime Sciences and Technology Institute for additional courses. Hamie said that the man lived some 300 meters (980 feet) from the institute. Hamies remarks came shortly after two Lebanese journalists posted a video on social media showing what appeared to be about 20 armed men taking away a man from in front a house, his face covered with his shirt. Kandice Ardiel, a spokesperson for the U.N. peacekeeping force deployed in south Lebanon, denied allegations by some local journalists who said that the peacekeepers helped the landing force in the operation. The U.N. mission, known as UNIFIL, has a maritime force that monitors the coast. Disinformation and false rumors are irresponsible and put peacekeepers at risk, Ardiel said. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is sending bomber aircraft, fighter jets and more Navy warships to the Middle East to bolster the U.S. presence in the region, the Pentagon announced Friday, as an aircraft carrier and its ships are preparing to leave. Austin ordered several B-52 Stratofortress bomber aircraft,a squadron of fighter jets, tanker aircraft and Navy destroyers to deploy to the Middle East, said Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder, Pentagon press secretary, in a statement. He said they will begin arriving in the region in coming months, as the USS Abraham Lincoln begins to head home. The military moves come as Israels wars with Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon rage, including a retaliatory strike on Iran a week ago that likely damaged a base that builds ballistic missiles and launches rockets as part of Tehrans space program. The U.S. is pressing for cease-fires, while repeatedly saying it will defend Israel and continue to protect the American and allied presence in the region, including from Yemen-based Houthi attacks against ships in the Red Sea. Austins latest order, said Ryder, shows the U.S. capability to deploy world-wide on short notice to meet evolving national security threats. He said Austin continues to make 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 measure necessary to defend our people. The long-range nuclear-capable B-52 bomber has been repeatedly deployed to the Middle East in pointed warnings to Iran and it is the second time this month that strategic U.S. bombers will be used to bolster U.S. defenses in the region. In October, B-2 stealth bombers were used to strike underground Houthi targets in Yemen. Ryder did not provide the specific number of aircraft and ships that will move into the region. The shifts are likely to result in an overall decrease in the total number of U.S. troops in the Middle East, largely because an aircraft carrier contains as many as 5,000 sailors. But the addition of bomber aircraft beefs up U.S. combat strength. There have been as many as 43,000 U.S. forces in the region recently. According to U.S. officials, the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier and the three Navy destroyers in its strike group are scheduled to leave the Middle East by mid-month and return to their home port in San Diego. When it departs, there will be no aircraft carrier in the Middle East for a period of time, officials said. U.S. They declined to say how long that gap would last. Military commanders have long argued that the presence of an aircraft carrier strike group, with its array of fighters jets, surveillance aircraft and heavily armed warships, is a significant deterrent, including against Iran. To make up for that gap, Austin is ordering the deployment of other Navy destroyers to the region. Those destroyers, which are capable of shooting down ballistic missiles, would come either from the Indo-Pacific region or Europe, the official said. Eventually, it is expected that the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier and its three warships will move to the Mediterranean Sea, but they wont get there before the Lincoln departs. The Truman strike group has been in the North Sea, participating in a NATO military exercise. The Lincoln and two of its destroyers are now in the Gulf of Oman, and its third destroyer is with two other warships in the Red Sea. There are also two destroyers and the Marine amphibious ready group which includes three ships in the Mediterranean Sea. (AP) According to a report by Axios, the United States recently cautioned Iran against launching additional attacks on Israel, emphasizing that Washington may not be able to prevent an Israeli response if aggression continues. A US official reportedly conveyed, *We told the Iranians: We wont be able to hold Israel back, and we wont be able to make sure that the next attack will be calibrated and targeted as the previous one.* The warning was allegedly delivered directly to Iranian officials, though one Israeli source claims it was communicated through Swiss intermediaries. The report comes amid escalating tensions, following threats from Irans supreme leader of a crushing response toward Israel and the US after recent attacks. Iran has indicated a readiness to retaliate, citing the October 26 Israeli strike on Iranian military bases that Tehran says resulted in five casualties. Neither Washington nor Tehran has publicly commented on the Axios report. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) The IAF struck and killed Jaafar Khader Faour, the Hezbollah commander responsible for the Nasser Units missile and rocket systems, in Jouaiyya, southern Lebanon, the IDF announced. Also killed was the units drone operations leader. Faour had overseen numerous rocket attacks, including strikes on Israeli communities in the Golan Heights, and orchestrated the first rocket launches into Israel on October 8. Notably, Faour was behind a recent attack on Metula, which killed five civilians, as well as other deadly strikes on Israeli areas. The IDF estimates that some 2,000 Hezbollah terrorists have been killed by troops and in airstrikes during the ongoing ground offensive in southern Lebanon. Israeli troops have killed some 900 terrorists during an ongoing operation in northern Gazas Jabalia. Another 700 Palestinians have been detained, among them at least 300 have so far been confirmed to be members of terror groups. According to the latest Israeli intelligence assessments, 51 of the 101 hostages still held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip are believed to be alive. The update, based on extensive intelligence gathered since October 7, 2023, combines public sources with classified data to inform Israels response as military operations intensify in Gaza. Officials fear that the actual number of surviving hostages could be even lower, given the harsh conditions in captivity and ongoing military pressures. In a closed session with the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee in September, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shared that intelligence suggested roughly half of the hostages were alive. Families of hostages have been kept informed of these assessments, though responses vary. While some have accepted the grim conclusions, others await definitive proof. This intelligence is critical for planning operations to minimize unintended casualties. Commanders are working to prevent both accidental harm to hostages from IDF strikes and deliberate actions by Hamas, which has reportedly instructed its members to kill hostages at any sign of rescue attempts. The recent execution of six Israeli hostages in a tunnel in Khan Yunis underscored Hamass threats. Intelligence indicates that 27 hostages have been killed in custody, and at least seven others died due to IDF actions in Gaza. Israels government remains says it is committed to securing the return of all hostages, whether alive or deceased. While negotiations have focused on retrieving living captives, the shrinking number of survivors has intensified calls for an immediate deal. Israeli security officials are pushing for urgent negotiations amid ongoing risks to the remaining hostages. To this end, CIA Director Bill Burns recently proposed a 28-day ceasefire in exchange for Hamas releasing eight hostages and Israel freeing dozens of Palestinian prisoners. Axios reports that Burns presented this plan during talks last Sunday in Doha with Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani and Mossad Director David Barnea. However, the proposal, which does not include Hamass demands for an Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza, is considered unlikely to be accepted before the U.S. presidential election on November 5. On Wednesday, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stressed the rescue of the hostages as the IDFs most important mission in Gaza. Speaking from the site where Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar was recently killed, Gallant stated that Israel is applying as much pressure on Hamas as possible to create the conditions necessary for the hostages release. The government must do what is necessary to bring about a deal, Gallant said. This is our most important mission in Gaza at this time. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) Israeli commandos recently conducted a covert operation in southern Syria, capturing a Syrian man allegedly conducting surveillance activities on behalf of Iran, the IDF revealed Sunday. The operation was led by the elite Egoz commando unit in coordination with field interrogators from the Intelligence Directorates Unit 504. The captured individual, identified as Ali Suleiman al-Asi, resided in the village of Saida in Syrias Daraa Governorate. According to the IDF, al-Asi had been working on Irans behalf, gathering intelligence on Israeli military operations along the border with Syria in preparation for potential future attacks. The IDF had been closely monitoring al-Asi before his capture, and his arrest reportedly thwarted a future attack, shedding light on Irans operational tactics in the Golan Heights region. The IDF states that the operation prevented and disrupted a future attack and led to the exposure of the modus operandi of Iranian entities on the Golan Heights front. Footage released by the IDF shows al-Asi during interrogation, where he recounts being approached by an individual with connections to Iran, who instructed him to observe and gather information on Israeli border patrols. Your area is good, strategic; we can get something from this, al-Asi recalls the man telling him, adding that he was instructed to operate under the guise of Syrias military intelligence. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) Hospitals and police stations in England will be forced to pay a new 'levy' under 'ill thought-out' plans to ease pressure on the High Street, according to analysis. Universities, prisons, army barracks and even HM Treasury's headquarters in Westminster will also be caught up in the tax hike, according to commercial real estate firm Altus. Rachel Reeves said in the Budget that Labour plans to reduce the business rate burden on smaller firms with a permanent cut in the 'multiplier' used to calculate their taxes. 'Ill thought-out': Hospitals and police stations in England will be forced to pay a new 'levy' That will be paid for by a new higher multiplier for more expensive properties intended to ensnare warehouses used by big online retailers. However, figures from Altus show that while this charge will cover 1,589 large warehouses, it will also affect 15,278 non-domestic properties, including 297 NHS hospitals, 310 universities, army barracks and court buildings. Alex Probyn, at Altus, said it was 'ill-thought-out'. The Treasury said it was 'engaging with stakeholders to finalise plans'. A former pensions minister has warned that the retirement pots of millions of savers are vulnerable to another tax raid from Rachel Reeves. The Chancellor decided against a number of damaging measures in her first Budget last Wednesday such as slashing the lump sum allowance or cutting tax relief. But it did include pensions in inheritance tax for the first time. Industry experts are now calling for a so-called Pensions Tax Lock to rule out further changes and provide savers with certainty ahead of retirement. But Ros Altmann warned that Reeves is likely to come back for more in future Budgets. 'I cannot imagine the Chancellor not interfering with pensions again in this Parliament,' Baroness Altmann who was a pensions minister in David Cameron's government told the Mail. Concern: Ros Altmann (inset) warned that Rachel Reeves is likely to come back for more in future Budgets 'The temptation to damage the pension funds of those who have money set aside is too great to rely on any such hopes. 'There will certainly be rumours aplenty of significant further changes at some stage. Of course, I hope not, but realistically feel this is unlikely. 'The good incentives and behavioural nudges put in by the pension freedoms are now being killed off.' The comments come after Reeves was accused of failing to stop savers from making damaging decisions about their retirement before the Budget. In a stinging rebuke, the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) said she allowed speculation to swirl as she finalised her tax and spending plans. Rumours that she was planning to cut the amount savers can withdraw tax free proved damaging with many rushing to take out cash. As it turned out, Reeves did not reduce the tax-free lump sum. Pensions experts believe many savers who withdrew cash from their pensions early will have done irreversible damage to their retirements. IFS director Paul Johnson said: 'Ms Reeves may want to reflect on the damage done by having allowed various rumours to circulate for so long. If there was never any intention to change the income tax treatment of pensions then she should have said so.' President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. met with leaders of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) to bolster collaboration with the national government in ensuring a peaceful, transparent, and credible midterm election in the region next year. The meeting focused on preserving political stability in the region amid growing tension triggered by the coming May 2025 electoral contest, a statement from the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said. - Advertisement - Held at the Aguado Residence in Manila, the meeting was attended by four BARMM provincial governors, namely Hajiman Hataman of Basilan, Yshmael Sali of Tawi-Tawi, Mamintal Adiong of Lanao del Sur, and Abdul Raof Macacua of Maguindanao del Norte. Also in attendance were Special Assistant to the President (SAP) Secretary Antonio Lagdameo Jr., Cotabato Governor Reynaldo Tamayo, Department of Agrarian Reform Secretary Nasser Pangandaman, and Mindanao Development Authority chief Leo Magno and gubernatorial candidates for the upcoming national and local elections next year, Datu Tucao Mastura of Maguindanao del Norte and Datu Ali Midtimbang of Maguindanao del Sur. On orders of the President, Special Assistant to the President, Secretary Antonio Lagdameo initiated the comprehensive consultation reportedly to firm up the collaboration between Manila and Mindanao political leaders in ensuring peaceful, transparent, and credible BARMM elections next year, the PCO said. PCO also added that various influential political figures in Mindanao were called upon to hammer out an understanding that would enhance the alliance between local leaders and the national government in addressing the unique challenges that confront the Bangsamoro region. The said meeting also tackled the governments development agenda for the Bangsamoro people following the Supreme Courts decision declaring that Sulu is not part of BARMMs territorial jurisdiction. The diverse assembly of both local and national leaders has also emphasized PBBMs commitment to an inclusive development and peace in the Bangsamoro region, said Lagdameo. As the political landscape in the region evolves, the cooperation among these leaders will be essential for shaping up the future of their communities and in fostering sustainable development in BARMM, he added. More deets in this horrific weekend result of a standoff and OD gone horribly wrong. Here's a quote from authorities and a report from the scene that was buried in recent reporting: We have not released their identities, but they are all related. It was some type of domestic situation, Public Information Officer for Lenexa PD Danny Chavez said. I can tell you from working in this city for over 20 years that its generally a quiet part of town that we dont have many problems at all. Its shocking for us and the residents who were affected [Friday night]. Currently, police do not believe the gunshots they heard were the ones that killed the victims. They are also trying to figure out why the neighbors dog was shot and killed. Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com links . . . Motive unclear as Lenexa PD investigates double homicide after hours-long standoff Two people and a dog are dead after an hours-long standoff in Lenexa Friday night. The suspect, 53-year-old Todd Michael Donovan, is in custody. He is being held without bond. The executive director of the Giller Prize privately told authors that she was working to end the Gillers financial partnership with its lead sponsor, Scotiabank, amid growing controversy surrounding the banks ties with an Israeli arms manufacturer. But despite behind-the-scenes assurances from Elana Rabinovitch that the foundation responsible for the literary award was planning to extricate itself from Scotiabank, the organization appeared to abruptly change direction, publicly doubling down on the partnership, which began in 2005. Emails shared with the Star paint a picture of the turmoil at one of the countrys most prestigious literary organizations, as its embattled leadership struggled to respond to mounting criticism calling for an end to the sponsorship. The emails also illustrate how Israels offensive in Gaza, prompted by Hamas attack on Oct. 7, 2023, has fractured the Canadian arts landscape. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW In mid-June, Rabinovitch said in several emails that the foundation was working to cut financial ties with its lead sponsor, which helps fund the $100,000 award. Im in the process of decoupling from Scotiabank, Rabinovitch wrote in a June 17 email to Canadian author Madeleine Thien, who was helping raise money for the foundation in the event that it dropped Scotiabank as a sponsor of the award. We will have to cancel the tour and adjust all activities accordingly. But it would be great to provide some money to the finalists and the winner, wrote Rabinovitch. Other correspondences shared with the Star suggest that the Giller Foundation urged Scotiabank to divest from Elbit Systems, an Israeli weapons and defence contractor. In separate but near identical private messages sent in July to several Canadian authors, including David Bergen, Rabinovitch said her organization had pressured the bank over the issue. Then, in mid-July, the Giller Foundation appeared to abruptly shift its stance, offering public statements that conflict with those private assurances. In a statement issued July 11, the Giller Foundation said that following a thorough review and deep consultation with members of the literary community, the Giller Foundation Board has agreed that our partnership with Scotiabank will continue. Later that month, in response to questions from the Star about whether the foundation lobbied Scotiabank, Rabinovitch said her organization doesnt have the capacity or the mandate to run political campaigns. Scotiabank did not respond to the Stars repeated requests for comment. In a statement sent to the Star last week, Rabinovitch said the Giller Foundation had a frank discussion with Scotiabank in July. She added that the bank has not directed the foundation to publicly respond in any way at all. Rabinovitch also said that the emails shared with the Star reflected much earlier conversations the Giller board was having, vigorous debates that took place over a period of time about the best path forward. After some time, the decision was made to continue with our lead sponsor, a decision the board and I stand firmly and proudly behind, she continued. As we tried to determine how to respond to the issues raised in the authors letter, it became clear, from both a legal and financial perspective, that undoing the agreement was easier said than done. In early September, the Giller Prize dropped Scotiabank from its name, though the bank remains as the lead sponsor of the award. Rabinovitch told the Star that the prizes sponsorship agreement with the bank will conclude at the end of 2025. Over the past year, activists have targeted Scotiabank and multiple arts organizations in Canada that receive funding from the financial institution. The campaign targeting Scotiabank and the Giller Foundation was thrust into the public spotlight last fall, when a small group of activists disrupted the 2023 Giller Prize ceremony to draw attention to Scotiabanks ties with the arms manufacturer. Three of the demonstrators were charged with obstructing property and using forged documents to access the event. Days later, hundreds of Canadian writers signed an open letter in support of the protesters. The letter was authored by CanLit Responds, a group of authors and cultural workers organizing towards a literary world free of arms funding. Before the start of the war in Gaza, Scotiabanks subsidiary, 1832 Asset Management, was the third-largest shareholder in Elbit Systems. Since then, 1832 Asset Management has quietly cut its stake in Elbit Systems. Their security holdings, which were previously valued at about $500 million (U.S), now stand at $113 million, according to August filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. On July 10, more than 40 authors, including several past winners of the prize, signed another open letter, also authored by CanLit Responds, calling on the Giller Foundation to end its partnership with Scotiabank. The signatories accused the Giller Foundation of being complicit in genocide if the prize continued to receive funds from Scotiabank and other organizations, which the group claimed were directly invested in Israels occupation of Palestine. The authors who signed the letter added that they were withdrawing their works from the 2024 Giller Prize until their demands were met. A day later, on July 11, the Giller Foundation confirmed in a statement that it planned to continue its partnership with Scotiabank. The decision would have immediate consequences. That same day, American-Ethiopian author Dinaw Mengestu resigned from the prizes jury. Regardless of any position one may or may not have toward the banks investments, its been clear that sustaining that relationship would come at the expense of the prize and the literary community that it serves, he wrote to his fellow jurors in an email shared with the Star. Rabinovitch had previously informed Mengestu and the other jurors in an email that the foundation was working to separate the Giller Prize from Scotiabank. Five days after Mengestus resignation, Indian novelist Megha Majumdar also withdrew as a judge. Following the publication of the open letter on July 10, several signatories received emails from Rabinovitch accusing the campaign of being motivated by pure antisemitism. I believe, as do many, that these people are coming after me because of my Jewy last name, Rabinovitch wrote in a July 22 email received by multiple Canadian authors who signed the letter, including Bergen. The Giller Foundation later released a statement on Sept. 7 calling for an end to aggressive and offensive online attacks against nominated authors. Writers shouldnt be attacked or feel intimidated, the statement read. Books shouldnt be targeted. Authors shouldnt be silenced. However, on Sept. 26, Rabinovitch also sent emails to multiple authors following an open letter published in the Toronto Star, in which eight former Giller Prize winners including Thien, Michael Ondaatje and last years Giller Prize winner Sarah Bernstein demanded that Scotiabank and other funders divest from companies whose products are currently being used in mass killing. Hours later, Thien received an email from Rabinovitch that stated: this has the unmistakable whiff of a pile-on, of bullying and outright intimidation. On Oct. 4, Rabinovitch also sent emails to Thien and at least one other signatory of the Toronto Star opinion letter, suggesting that the campaign amounted to Jew-hatred. In a statement to the Star, Rabinovitch said those personal emails were written at a time of rising antisemitism with acts of hatred being directed not just at the Jewish community but at Palestinian-Canadians and many other communities too. We all should try to respect each others heightened sensitivities and the fear that flows from trauma. Addressing her response to the Toronto Star opinion piece, Rabinovitch said, Its clear that the lines between what is public and whats private has been blurred. I accept some of the responsibility for that Antisemitism is wrong and when you feel targeted your defences go up. Letting ones fear turn a conversation into an argument is not helpful. I remain hopeful that we can resolve this. The ongoing controversy comes weeks before the 2024 Giller Prize, which will be awarded on Nov. 18 at a ceremony in Toronto. This years nominees are Conor Kerr, Anne Michaels, Eric Chacour, Deepa Rajagopalan and Anne Fleming. The Giller Prize was founded in 1994 by Canadian philanthropist Jack Rabinovitch, in honour of his late wife, literary writer and former Toronto Star journalist Doris Giller, who died from cancer a year before. Jacks daughter, Elana, has acted as the Gillers executive director since 2004. Welcome Guest! You are here: Home CAT 2024 Admit Card: When and Where to Check As per the exam schedule released by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIM), CAT 2024 will be held on November 24, 2024. Sunday November 3, 2024 10:17 AM , ummid.com News Network CAT 2024 Admit Card: Indian Institutes of Management (IIM) Calcutta is set to release on its official website iimcat.ac.in the admit card or hall ticket of the candidates who have registered for Common Admission Test (CAT) 2024 exam. As per the CAT exam schedule released by Indian Institutes of Management (IIM) on its website, the Admit Card of the candidates who have registered for Common Admission Test 2024 will be available for download from November 05, 2024. Steps to Download CAT 2024 Admit Card Click here to go to the official website: iimcat.ac.in. Click on the link marked as "CAT 2024 Admit Card" Log-in using ID and Password Follow the instruction given of the page to download CAT Admit Card Candidates should take printout of the downloaded CAT Admit Card to produced it at the time of exam, IIM Calcutta has advised. Candidates are also advised to check their name, photo and other details are correctly printed on the admit card. In case of any error they should immediately contact IIM Lucknow. CAT Exam Centres CAT will be conducted in test centres spread across around 170 test cities. Candidates will be given the option to select any five test cities in order of their preference. The list of cities may be subject to changes based on the discretion of the CAT authorities. CAT Eligibility The candidate must hold a Bachelors Degree, with at least 50% marks or equivalent CGPA [45% in the case of candidates belonging to the Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST) and Persons with Disability (PwD) categories], awarded by any University or educational institution as incorporated by an Act of Parliament or State legislature in India or declared to be deemed as an University under Section 3 of the UGC Act, 1956, or possess an equivalent qualification recognised by the Ministry of Education, Government of India. Candidates appearing for the final year of Bachelors degree/equivalent qualification examination and those who have completed degree requirements and are awaiting results can also apply. "CAT 2024 Score" CAT result 2024 and candidates' CAT score will be made available on the CAT website after the exam. Candidates may also be intimated individually by SMS. The CAT results are likely to be declared by the second week of January, 2025. The CAT 2024 score is valid only till December 31, 2025 and will accordingly be accessible on the website. Thereafter, no queries related to the issuance of CAT 2024 scorecards will be entertained. Follow ummid.com WhatsApp Channel for all the latest updates. Select Language To Read in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic. Welcome Guest! You are here: Home Explained: Why North China Craton Undergoing Decratonization A team of researchers at China University of Geosciences Beijing have come out with clues on why cartons, like North China Craton (NCC), are undergoing decratonization Sunday November 3, 2024 9:40 PM , ummid.com News Network Beijing: A team of researchers at China University of Geosciences Beijing have come out with clues on why cartons, like North China Craton (NCC), are undergoing decratonization. Cratons are fascinating yet enigmatic geological formations. Known to be relatively stable portions of the Earth's continental crust, cratons have survived many geological events and remained largely unchanged for billions of years. However some, like the North China Craton (NCC), are undergoing decratonization. What is decratonization? Decratonization is a process characterized by the deformation and eventual destruction of cartons. The North China Craton (NCC), an ancient continental crust block, is known to have begun extensive decratonization during the Mesozoic era, largely due to tectonic and geochemical modifications and destabilization of its base (or 'keel'). Explaining the mechanisms behind these complex geological transformations has proven difficult. However, a research team led by Professor Shaofeng Liu from China University of Geosciences (Beijing) successfully addressed this knowledge gap. The researchers developed a computational model supported by extensive geological, geophysical, and empirical geochemical data that explains the puzzling deformation of the NCC. The model focuses on the subduction of the Izanagi plate beneath the Eurasian plate, where the NCC is located, according to a study published in Nature Geoscience September 2024. By comparing possible subducted plate geometries using earthquake seismicity and basin stratigraphy evidence, the team narrowed down potential reconstructions. Their geodynamic mantle-flow model simulated the full extent of the subduction process, validating predictions empirically. "We successfully developed a new mantle-flow model incorporating flat-slab and rollback subduction, which aligns with surface geological evolution and the present-day mantle slab structure. Interestingly, our validated model can effectively describe the spacetime dynamics and topographic response of mantle slab subduction over time", Professor Liu said. The model focuses on the subduction of the Izanagi plate beneath the Eurasian plate, where the NCC is located. By comparing possible subducted plate geometries using earthquake seismicity and basin stratigraphy evidence, the team narrowed down potential reconstructions. "Their geodynamic mantle-flow model simulated the full extent of the subduction process, validating predictions empirically", the researchers said. The analysis reveals that the NCC's decratonization occurred through the subduction of the Izanagi plate, which initially flattened and moved parallel to the Eurasian plate, causing fluid alterations and deformations. "A subsequent rollback process led to extensional deformation, thinning the lithosphere and forming rift basins", the research team said. Given that cratons contain mineral and rare-earth element deposits with immense value for technological applications, understanding the life cycle of cratons is important from both an academic and a practical standpoint. Follow ummid.com WhatsApp Channel for all the latest updates. Select Language To Read in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic. Welcome Guest! You are here: Home Ocean University of China celebrates 100 year journey Ocean University of China (OUC), formerly named Private Qingdao University located in Qingdao, Shandong Province, celebrated its centenary October 25, 2024 Sunday November 3, 2024 8:04 PM , ummid.com News Network [The Yushan campus of Ocean University of China. (Image: China Daily)] Beijing: Ocean University of China (OUC), formerly named Private Qingdao University located in Qingdao, Shandong Province, celebrated its centenary October 25, 2024. Established in 1924, Private Qingdao University renamed as Ocean University of China in 2002, was the first modern institution of higher education founded by the Chinese in Shandong Province. Since its inception, the university has adhered to the aim of imparting profound knowledge and cultivating learned talent to meet the needs of the country. Over the years, it has evolved into a comprehensive institution, specializing in marine and aquaculture studies, according to China Daily. China Double World-Class Initiative The OUC is included in China's "Double World-Class" initiative, which aims to elevate a select group of Chinese universities and their programs to a world-class standard. With distinctive strengths in marine science and fisheries, it is taking the lead in the world in these two areas. According to the US News 2024, OUC is number one globally in marine and freshwater biology whereas the Web of Science states that it is the world's most cited university in the field of fisheries, while the ShanghaiRanking's Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2023, ranks it number 1 worldwide in oceanography. The OUC aims to become a world-class comprehensive ocean university by 2030 and to establish itself as a top-tier university in the world with its own distinctive strengths by the middle of this century. Marine Talent Hub The OUC has set its sights on developing top-notch professionals for the country's marine industry, with the goal of becoming a global hub for marine talent. Over the past century, the university has graduated more than 360,000 exceptional individuals across a range of fields, particularly in marine and aquaculture sectors. Notably, 16 of its alumni have become academicians of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Chinese Academy of Engineering, while four have served as directors of the State Oceanic Administration. More than a third of the country's PhD holders in marine and aquaculture fields graduated from OUC, and over half of the 75 scientists who participated in China's first Antarctic expedition are proud OUC graduates. OUC Campuses, Students Strength Currently, the OUC has four campuses with a total of 35,400+ students. The university has developed a comprehensive system dedicated to marine studies that showcases unique Chinese characteristics. Th OUC fosters integration, mutual support, and collaboration across various fields, including marine science and technology, life sciences, engineering, humanities, social sciences, and foundational disciplines. The OUC boasts more than 40 important research centers and platforms, and it has initiated and participated in major international scientific projects. It led the establishment of the International Alliance of Marine Related Institutions and China-Norway Marine University Consortium Alliance, and hosts the CLIVAR Project Office. It is spearheading the implementation of major international marine observation programs and it has successfully secured the right to host the OceanObs' 29. The OUC owns three research vessels, represented by Dong Fang Hong 3, a 5,600 DWT comprehensive research vessel with a Silent-R certificate, forming a mobile laboratory system that covers the nearshore, offshore, deep waters, high seas, and polar regions, with first-tier observation capacity. The university has proposed and implemented strategic initiatives, including the "Transparent Ocean", "Blue Granary", "Blue Drug Storage", and "Blue Seeds", and formed major innovation platforms such as national laboratories in marine-related fields. Dedicated to global engagement, the university works closely with more than 300 partner institutions across over 50 countries and regions to create global platforms for cooperation and innovation in ocean research and education. Follow ummid.com WhatsApp Channel for all the latest updates. Select Language To Read in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic. Will Trump help Hasina return to power in Bangladesh, Awami League hopes so With very little or no chances of Sheikh Hasina returning back to power, the Awami League is now pinning hopes on Donald Trump Sunday November 3, 2024 9:23 PM , Saleem Samad With very little or no chances of Sheikh Hasina returning back to power, the Awami League is now pinning hopes on Donald Trump. Sheikh Hasina's supporters have even started warning those backing the Yunus administration that they will soon face the consequences. However, Bangladesh doesn't enjoy a spot in the US priority list which could produce a sudden policy shift. Most Awami League leaders, sympathizers, sycophants, cheerleaders, and partisan journalists who fled abroad or kept a low profile are upbeat about the US presidential election. It would surprise many what and why an election held in another continent has to do with Bangladesh or who will be the winner the Democrats or the Republicans! Republicans have no stake in Bangladesh. But the Democrats, indeed, have some in the interim government and especially a very friendly relationship with Nobel laureate Dr Muhammad Yunus. The Biden administration was able to take over some offshore oil and gas exploration in the Bay of Bengal after the Yunus administration took charge of the Naya Sarkar (new government). Yunus journey with the Democrats began when Hillary Clinton met him through his former American wife in the United States. Both, Bill Clinton and Hillary, were spellbound to hear the microcredit program of Yunus for the poor. He was convinced that the poor could be trusted for repayment of cash loans. Yunus affirmed the Clintons that they [the poor] are good borrowers. When Clinton became Arkansas governor for the second time, banks for the poor were launched and proved successful with jobless Black communities in certain areas. Now there are hundreds of organizations in the United States, which extend microcredit to the poor, thus benefitting millions of them. Since then, Yunus has become a blue-eyed boy of the Democrats. He was ordained with the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama. Later, he was awarded the prestigious Congressional Gold Medal. On Friday (Nov 1), US presidential candidate Donald Trump in a post shared on X wrote: I strongly condemn the barbaric violence against Hindus, Christians, and other minorities who are getting attacked and looted by mobs in Bangladesh, which remains in a total state of chaos. He reiterated that the Republicans will protect Hindu Americans against the anti-religion agenda of the radical left and we will also strengthen our great partnership with India and my good friend, Prime Minister Modi. This message squarely embarrassed the Yunus administration. Soon after a series of violent incidents, he swung into action which reduced the racial tension between the radicalized Muslims and the Hindus. The Hindu community leaders in collaboration with the civil and police administration have successfully held the largest Durga Puja festival all over the country, largely without further hindrances. However, Trumps statement on X, formerly known as Twitter, seems to have given fresh impetus to the Awami League Leaders and sympathizers who have openly lent their support to Trump in the worlds most talked about presidential race. Trump in his message has raised two key crucial issues: The persecution of the Hindus in Bangladesh and an all-out praise of his good friend Prime Minister Modi. If Trump enters the coveted Oval Office again, the Awami League supporters believe there is a hope that Yunus will no more be running the affairs of Bangladesh by the end of this year. Amid this wishful thinking, the Awami League sycophants think that Modi, who is walking on a tight rope, will help the exiled Sheikh Hasina return to Bangladesh and retake her kingdom. But it doesnt stop here. Their wish list also includes that all the leaders and protesters of the Monsoon Revolution will either flee for their safety or land in prison to be prosecuted for treason. Of course, Yunus will also face treason charges, with his old cases (which the present government has quashed) also reopened. He would certainly be awarded capital punishment and publicly hanged at the Padma Bridge. The Awami League sympathizers living abroad and others who have been keeping a low profile have taken to social media and threatening those they feel as enemies of the Awami League and Hasina, warning them to face the consequences of supporting the Yunus administration. What will happen if Kamal Harris wins? There is a common belief that the fate of Awami Leaguers will be sealed forever. Meanwhile, the Bangladeshi diaspora and those living in the country as a whole are divided over the support to Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. Two things have to be remembered. Usually, the US foreign policy does not change overnight, like in South Asian countries, unless the issue in question is a challenge to national security and a threat to American citizens, said Ambassador Humayun Kabir who was in Bangladeshs mission (2007-2009) in Washington DC. Amid the humanitarian crisis in Gaza or Russias invasion of Ukraine and other global issues, Bangladesh is not on the priority agenda to be discussed at the US State Department and policies fine-tuned, Kabir added. Moreover, There is no possibility of Awami League launching a nationwide anti-government movement. The leaders and their sycophants are busy protecting their looted stash of cash, said political historian and writer Mohiuddin Ahmad. The Awami League and Chhatra League are demoralized political forces and have lost steam for organizing an effective anti-government movement. They will not be able to stand in a face-off with the tens of thousands of student activists who toppled their 15 years of kleptocratic regime, remarked Ahmad. Hence, whoever wins the November 5 US presidential election, Washington DC will continue to hold its patience for a transition to democracy in the event of a free, fair and inclusive polls being held in Bangladesh. Until then, the impatient Awami Leagues leaders and cheerleaders will have to hold their breath to return to power through "third-party intervention". [The writer, Saleem Samadm is an award-winning independent journalist based in Bangladesh. The above article is first published in the Stratheia Policy Journal, Islamabad, Pakistan, 3 November 2024.] Follow ummid.com WhatsApp Channel for all the latest updates. Select Language To Read in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic. ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 3rd Nov, 2024) Acting Senate Chairman Syedaal Khan on Saturday highlighted Pakistan's rich heritage in culture, literature, and civilization, and said that the subcontinent of Pakistan has long been a birthplace of celebrated Sufi saints, scholars and intellectuals. Speaking at the Shah Latif Festival, organized with the support of the Sindhi Language Authority and Sindh's Department of Culture, Tourism, and Antiquities, he highlighted the importance of actively promoting literature, culture, and civilization. The festival, which aimed to introduce young people to the poetry of the legendary Sufi poet Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai, provided a platform for children from diverse linguistic backgrounds to explore Bhittais poetry and message. While inaugurating the event, he explained that beyond acquainting the younger generation with the philosophy and Sufi thought of Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai, the festival aimed to instil a sense of peace, security, and true Islamic teachings among the youth. He praised the festival's variety of activities, where students engaged in speeches, theatre, art exhibitions, and other creative expressions to delve into Bhittais message and cultural heritage. The acting chairman underscored the importance of fostering peace and a balanced mindset in young people, describing them as the valuable asset of any nation. He stressed that, with proper education and training, the youth could contribute significantly to the country's progress and prosperity, benefiting both their families and society. He said that the current government is making substantial efforts to expand educational access nationwide while emphasizing Pakistan's cultural heritage and traditions. He highlighted the value of such cultural programs, which not only celebrate the teachings of Sufi saints but also guide young people toward positive and constructive paths. Pakistan is fortunate to have produced notable poets and Sufi saints from all four provinces. We must continue to advance their teachings, the acting chairman said calling for increased efforts to promote these values across generations, he added. (@FahadShabbir) Tehran, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 3rd Nov, 2024) Iran's president said Sunday a potential ceasefire between its allies and Israel "could affect the intensity" of Tehran's response to Israel's recent strikes on Iranian military sites. "If they (the Israelis) reconsider their behaviour, accept a ceasefire and stop massacring the oppressed and innocent people of the region, it could affect the intensity and type of our response," Masoud Pezeshkian said, quoted by state news agency IRNA. He added that Iran "will not leave unanswered any aggression against its sovereignty and security", according to the news agency. Israeli warplanes carried out the October 26 strikes in what Israel said was retaliation for Tehran's October 1 missile barrage. Iran had in turn described that attack as a reprisal for the killing of Iran-backed militant leaders and a Revolutionary Guards commander. Since the strikes last month, Israel has warned Iran against retaliating, while Tehran vowed to respond. On Saturday, Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has the final say in all matters of the state, said the Islamic republic would retaliate. "The enemies, both the USA and the Zionist regime, should know that they will definitely receive a tooth-breaking response to what they are doing against Iran, the Iranian nation, and the resistance front," Khamenei said in a speech to students in Tehran. He was referring to the alliance of Tehran-backed armed groups that include Yemen's Huthi rebels, Lebanon's Hezbollah movement and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas. After the strikes, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said they "hit Iran's defence capabilities and missile production". Iran's armed forces said the attack killed four military personnel and caused "limited damage" to a few radar systems. Iranian media said a civilian was also killed. (@FahadShabbir) Tehran, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 3rd Nov, 2024) Thousands of Iranians rallied Sunday by the former US embassy in Tehran to mark the 1979 hostage crisis, burning American flags and ridiculing Joe Biden and Donald Trump just two days before the US presidential election. "There's no difference between Biden and Trump, between the donkey and the elephant," said protester Saber Danaie, 23, of the animal mascots that represent the Democratic and Republican parties in the United States. "They both follow the same policy," said the construction worker, as a giant puppet meant to represent US President Joe Biden hung over the crowd. A picture of his predecessor Donald Trump, who hopes to beat his rival Kamala Harris and win the American presidential election on Tuesday, lay trampled on the ground. Sunday's rally commemorated the 1979 hostage crisis, which began nine months after the Islamic revolution led by Iran's late supreme leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini ousted the Western-backed Shah Mohammed Reza Pahlavi. Students loyal to Khomeini stormed the embassy compound and held 52 staff hostage for 444 days while demanding that Washington hand over Iran's recently toppled shah, who was being treated in the United States for cancer. Washington officially broke off relations with Tehran in 1980, midway through the crisis, and they have been frozen ever since. Iran celebrates the event every year in Tehran in front of the former embassy that has been transformed into a museum known as the "Den of Spies". - 'Destruction of Israel' - "Death to America, death to Israel!" chanted crowds of Iranians, including many schoolchildren and students, as they sang revolutionary songs outside the building. The embassy's seizure has shaped relations between the United States and Iran for decades, with Tehran considering it an act of defiance against what they describe as the "global arrogance" of the West. Israel's war with Palestinian militants Hamas and Lebanon's Hezbollah, two militant groups supported financially and militarily by Tehran, took centre stage at the rally. Demonstrators brandished portraits of prominent figures, including slain Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, killed by an Israeli strike in Beirut, as well as Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. "I am here for the destruction of Israel and America," Hassani, a 42-year-old civil servant who did not wish to give his full name, told AFP. "Criminal America is at the root of all these wars and all this hatred" in the region, he said. Nearby, a mural depicted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu digging his country's grave. Iran does not recognise Israel and considers it an extension of the United States in the middle East. - Difficult relations - Iranian leaders have made support for the Palestinian cause one of the pillars of their foreign policy since the Islamic Republic was established in 1979. The presidential campaigns of both Harris and Trump have been closely followed in Iran. However, most of the Iranians AFP spoke to on Sunday said the vote's outcome is unlikely to mend relations between the two countries. "Relations between Iran and America cannot return to normal," said Mohammadi, a 40-year-old housewife, who gave only her last name. "We have repeatedly shown America our honesty" to improve relations "but America does not care," she said, cloaked in a black chador. Iran, subject to significant international sanctions, reached an agreement with the major powers in 2015 to limit its nuclear programme in exchange for a gradual lifting of sanctions. But the pact was torpedoed three years later under Trump whose administration withdrew from it and reimposed sanctions. "It doesn't matter who the next American president is," said a woman at the protest, who asked that AFP not identify her. "We have never liked any of them and that won't change now." Saudi Arabia has committed $41 billion in financing over the next decade to support sub-Saharan African countries, with $25 billion earmarked for foreign direct investments by Saudi private companies. This announcement came during the New Africa Summit, held on the sidelines of the 8th Future Investment Initiatives (FII) Conference, held in Riyadh under the theme Infinite Horizons, Investing Today to Shape the Future. Dubbed Davos in the Desert, the FII is the Middle Easts largest investment Forum, attracting over 7,000 global leaders from politics, business, and finance. This year, the Summit began with a pre-event focused on Africa, featuring high-profile attendees such as Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and UBA Chairman Tony Elumelu. Senegalese President Faye highlighted Senegals readiness for investment, especially in industrialization, green energy, and digital technology. The summit covered key topics like AI, health, education, and innovation. Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed Bin Abdullah Al-Jadaan detailed the $41 billion plan, which includes $25 billion from Saudi private companies, $10 billion in Saudi Exim Bank loans, $5 billion for African startups, and $1 billion for regional development initiatives. He also mentioned that Gulf donors plan to extend $50 billion in loans to Africa by 2030. Powered by its $930 billion Public Investment Fund, Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a substantial financial ally for Africas growth.. UNITED NATIONS, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 3rd Nov, 2024) The long-awaited final phase of a UN-supported polio vaccine campaign has began in Israeli-bombarded, besieged northern Gaza even as reports emerged that one vaccination centre had been hit during a humanitarian pause, according to UN agencies on the ground. Hours after the campaign rolled out, reports indicated that a healthcare centre in the north had been hit, injuring six people, including four children, in a location where a humanitarian pause had been in place, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) chief. We have received an extremely concerning report that the Sheikh Radwan Primary healthcare centre in northern Gaza was struck today while parents were bringing their children to the lifesaving polio vaccination in an area where a humanitarian pause was agreed to allow vaccination to proceed, said Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus in a social media post. This attack, during humanitarian pause, jeopardizes the sanctity of health protection for children and may deter parents from bringing their children for vaccination, he said. These vital humanitarian-area-specific pauses must be absolutely respected. To overcome challenges posed by the volatile security situation and constant population movement, robust micro plans have been developed to ensure the campaign is responsive to the significant population shifts and displacement in the north following the first round in September, the UN agencies for health, WHO, and for children, UNICEF, said in a statement. UN organizations and partners began phase one in September and have had more than 200 teams on stand-by since 23 October to unroll the campaigns final round, which had been delayed by constant Israeli airstrikes, clashes on the ground and no assurances of the required humanitarian pauses to stop the fighting during the delivery of the vaccines. Polio had been eradicated in the Gaza Strip 25 years ago, but the ongoing war triggered multiple health crises, with a 10-month-old being diagnosed with the paralyzing virus earlier this year, prompting health officials to organize a campaign in the war-torn Israeli-occupied territory. The campaign will be delivered by 216 teams across 106 fixed sites, 22 of which have been added to ensure increased availability of vaccination in areas where recently displaced people are seeking refuge, according to UN agencies. There will also be 209 social mobilizers deployed to engage communities and raise awareness around vaccination efforts, they explained. However, the agencies warned that health workers will not be able to reach all of the children who require a final dose of the vaccine. The final phase of the campaign had aimed to reach an estimated 119,000 children under 10 years old in northern Gaza with a second dose of novel oral polio vaccine type 2 (nOPV2), however, achieving this target is now unlikely due to access constraints, the agencies warned. Despite the lack of access to all eligible children in northern Gaza, the Polio Technical Committee for Gaza, which includes the Palestinian Ministry of Health, WHO, UNICEF, the UN agency for Palestine refugees, UNRWA and partners, decided to resume the campaign. The plan aims to mitigate the risk of a long delay in reaching as many children as possible with polio vaccines and the opportunity to vaccinate those recently evacuated to Gaza City from other parts of the northern Strip. Extended humanitarian pauses The time period for the humanitarian pauses has been extended by two hours and is expected to run from 6am to 4pm daily, WHO and UNICEF said. As in the first two phases, vitamin A will also be co-administered to children between age two and 10 in the north to help boost overall immunity. The campaign in northern Gaza follows the successful implementation of the first two phases of the second round in central and southern Gaza, which reached 451,216 children 96 per cent of the target in these areas. A total of 364,306 children aged between 2 and 10 years have received vitamin A so far in this round. To interrupt poliovirus transmission, at least 90 per cent of all children in every community and neighbourhood must be vaccinated, which will be challenging to achieve given the situation, the agencies said. A delay in administering a second dose of nOPV2 within six weeks reduces the impact of two closely spaced rounds, decreasing immunity, according to the UN health agency. WHO has also cautioned that having a significant number of children miss out on their second vaccine dose seriously jeopardises efforts to stop the transmission of the virus and could also lead to further cases in the Gaza Strip and neighbouring countries. Meanwhile, the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967, Francesca Albanese demanded decisive international action to end the bloodshed and settler colonial genocide of the Palestinian people. The situation is worsening by the day. The pace and intensity of the Israeli violence and destruction has spread to the rest of the occupied territory, leaving no Palestinian safe under Israels unfettered control, Albanese said. For over a year, I have pleaded to all concerned parties as well as States, particularly those with influence, to take concrete action to stop the destruction of the Palestinian people, to ensure the prompt and unconditional release of all hostages, both Israelis and Palestinians, and to ensure international law is respected. In her report to the UN General Assembly, Albanese said that Gaza has become a wasteland of rubble and human remains, with people barely holding on to life amid deprivation and disease, while battling with the deep, inherited trauma of the Nakba survivors. Communal bonds have been broken, the social fabric shredded, and reserves of resilience depleted, she said. Since 7 October 2023, at least 150,000 Palestinians have been killed, injured, maimed or are missing most of them women and children. Entire families have been exterminated, generations erased, and babies left limbless before they could crawl. The violence that Israel has unleashed against the Palestinians post-7 October is not happening in a vacuum, but is part of a long-term intentional, systematic and State-organized forced displacement, intended to erase the Palestinians from their own land and allow Israel to fully annex Palestinian territory. These plans are now expanding to Lebanon, Albanese said. Time is running out. A genocide and a man-made humanitarian catastrophe are unfolding in front of us and in Gaza. I regret to see so many member states are avoiding acknowledging the suffering of the Palestinian people and instead look away, the expert said. In light of the urgency of the situation and the real risk of irreparable harm to the Palestinian people, the expert called on the international community to ensure that Israel and third States adhere to their non-derogable obligations under the Genocide Convention, to prevent further loss of life, to immediately halt arms transfers to Israel, including export licenses and military aid, and to ensure full accountability under both individual criminal and State responsibility. APP/ift Johannesburg, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 3rd Nov, 2024) South African police on Sunday said that 225 illegal miners were arrested after being forced out of an abandoned mine shaft due to a lack of food and water. The miners, known locally as "zama zamas" ("those who try" in Zulu), resurfaced from a mine in Orkney, a gold mining town in the Klerksdorp district of the North West Province. A police spokesperson told AFP on Sunday that the men had been arrested. They were forced out "as a result of starvation and dehydration", police said, after security agencies blocked routes used by their accomplices to deliver food and water to the mine. Police said they were still monitoring the abandoned mine shafts "as more and more illegal miners resurface". "These 225 illegal miners are part of others believed to be hundreds if not a thousand illegal miners who are stuck underground," a statement issued late on Saturday said. Acting National Commissioner of the South African Police Service, Lieutenant General Shadrack Sibiya said that more than 13,691 suspected illegal miners had been arrested in seven provinces since December 2023. "We have seized R5 million (around $283,000) in cash and uncut diamonds worth R32 million (around $1,8 million)," said Sibiya. Thousands of illegal miners, many of them hailing from other countries, operate in the mineral-rich nation, living and working in arduous conditions. Their activities frustrate mining companies and are seen as a source of criminality by local residents. Valencia, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 3rd Nov, 2024) Spain is deploying 10,000 more troops and police officers to the eastern Valencia region devastated by historic floods that have killed 211 people, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said on Saturday. Hopes of finding survivors ebbed four days after torrents of muddy water submerged towns and wrecked infrastructure in the European country's worst such disaster in decades. Almost all the deaths have been recorded in the Valencia region, where thousands of security and emergency services personnel were frantically clearing debris and mud in the search for bodies. Sanchez said in a televised address that the disaster was the second deadliest flood in Europe this century and announced a huge increase in the security forces dedicated to relief works. The government had accepted the Valencia region leader's request for 5,000 more troops and informed him of a further deployment of 5,000 police officers and civil guards, Sanchez said. Spain was carrying out its largest deployment of army and security force personnel in peacetime, he added. Lititz, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 4th Nov, 2024) Donald Trump doubled down Sunday on his baseless predictions of voter fraud in battleground states as he and rival Kamala Harris launched their frantic final 48 hours of campaigning to court the last holdouts in a bitterly contested US election. The presidential race is going down to the wire, with more states functionally tied in polls at this point than in any comparable election. Over 77.3 million people have now voted ahead of Election Day on Tuesday, just over half of the total ballots cast in 2020. With the hours ticking away, 78-year-old Trump again indicated he may not accept a defeat and he added to his increasingly dark rhetoric by musing to supporters that he wouldn't mind if journalists were shot. Democrats are "demonic," he told a crowd in Lititz, Pennsylvania, also telling his own supporters they would be "stupid" if they don't vote. The Republican often sprinkles speeches with colorful insults, but the tone has become increasingly apocalyptic and tinged with violence. Despite no evidence of any meaningful election cheating in the United States, he claimed that Democrats in the crucial swing state of Pennsylvania "are fighting so hard to steal this damn thing." And during his often unfocused 90-minute address, he recalled the near-miss assassination attempt against him in July, adding that for him to be shot again the bullet would have to pass through the crowd of media. "To get me, somebody would have to shoot through the fake news -- and I don't mind that so much. I don't mind that," he said to laughter. Around the same time, Harris was quoting scripture in a majority-Black church in Detroit, Michigan and urging Americans to look beyond Trump. "Let us turn the page and write the next chapter of our history," the US vice president said. "While we know there are those who seek to deepen divisions, sow hate, spread fear and cause chaos, this moment in our nation has to be about so much more than partisan politics." Harris called Trump's accusations of election fraud an attempt to make people feel "their vote won't matter." "The systems that are in place for this election in 2024 have integrity," she said. "The people will determine the outcome of this election." Harris also said she has mailed in her absentee ballot to California, and was "feeling great" about the 48-hour sprint. A final New York Times/Siena poll Sunday flagged incremental changes in swing states, but the results from all seven remained within the margin of error. Harris -- desperate to shore up the Great Lakes states known as the "blue wall" seen as essential to any Democratic victory -- was spending the day in Michigan, where she also heads to Pontiac and an evening rally at Michigan State University. Trump's Sunday timetable centered on Pennsylvania, North Carolina and Georgia, the three biggest swing-state prizes in the Electoral College system that awards states influence according to their population. On Sunday, Trump made a rare admission to ABC News that "I guess you could lose, can lose. I mean, that happens, right?" But at his Pennsylvania rally he said that in 2020, when he lost his reelection effort to Joe Biden and then tried to overturn the results, he "shouldn't have left" the White House. - Final polls - Like Pennsylvania, Michigan is among the closely watched battlegrounds. Trump flipped the former Democratic stronghold on his way to defeating Hillary Clinton in 2016. Biden returned it to the Democratic column in 2020, buoyed by unionized workers and Black voters. But this time, Harris risks losing the support of a 200,000-strong Arab-American community that has denounced Biden's handling of the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. Pollsters have noted an erosion in Black support for the Democratic ticket and Harris's aides acknowledge they still have work to do to turn out enough African-American men to match Biden's winning 2020 coalition. But with abortion rights a top voter concern, her campaign has taken some comfort from the large proportion of women turning out among early voters. Harris got a boost Saturday as the final Des Moines Register poll for Iowa -- seen as a highly credible test of wider public sentiment -- showed a stunning turnaround, with Harris ahead in a state won easily by Trump in 2016 and 2020. Trump dismissed the findings as a "fake poll." John Albert's daughter didn't go to school on Friday. And he couldn't be happier about it. For the first time, the high school senior and all of New York City's public school students have the day off to mark the holiday of Diwali, celebrated in India and among the global Indian diaspora as the victory of light over darkness and marked by communities of Hindus, Buddhists, Jains and Sikhs. To get the holiday added to the school calendar, where it joins other days off for Rosh Hashanah, Lunar New Year, Eid al-Fitr as well as federal holidays like Veterans Day, Christmas and Memorial Day, took years of pushing from those in New York's South Asian and Indo-Caribbean communities like Albert. But it was worth it. "It was this feeling of wanting to weave our culture into New York," he said. From religious and cultural holidays to region-specific commemorations to days meant to honor the towering figures and moments of U.S. history, the holiday calendars across the 50 states and the country at large are increasingly diverse ones, a reflection of and a window into the many communities that make up the American whole. Recognizing holidays creates community Including a smaller culture's or community's special days as something to recognize in the larger general culture is an act of unity, said Lauren Strauss, professor of modern Jewish history at American University. "By doing that in an American context and by including a Muslim feast for the end of Ramadan and by including Diwali and including Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, my goodness. You're just saying it out loud, aren't you? You're saying that these cultures, these people, they aren't visitors, that they are a permanent part of this community, that it is multicultural and multiethnic," she said. "Whether or not you think it's good or bad, certainly it paints a different picture of what it means to be American and what the American calendar is." A look at what days are marked as holidays in places around the country can be a crash course into what matters in those places. Louisiana, home to New Orleans, takes a day for Mardi Gras. In Hawaii, the state marks a day for King Kamehameha, who united the Hawaiian islands, as well as a day for becoming a U.S. state. California and some other states mark Cesar Chavez Day, named for the civil rights and labor movement activist. In Texas and in the southwest, there are celebrations scheduled for Friday marking Day of the Dead, the Mexican cultural remembrance of loved ones who have passed. The federal government, in addition to the 11 days that are days off for federal workers, has a host of days that it marks as national observances, like Harriet Tubman Day in March and Patriot Day on September 11. It keeps greeting card companies on their toes. "Celebrating holidays and occasions, big or small, with the people we care about is a vital thread that runs through our shared human experience," Kelly Ricker, chief product officer at American Greetings, said in a statement. The company is "studying and talking to consumers, continuously" to keep up with the kinds of cards people are looking for. When Chris Sargiotto started his greeting card company Apartment 2 Cards about 15 years ago, the holiday offerings were limited to Christmas and Hanukkah. In recent years, he's added Kwanzaa and Ramadan, and is looking to bring Diwali cards onto the roster for next year. The additional holidays were added because of requests from his customers, the stores around that country that stock Apartment 2 cards, a reflection of increasing demand. "It was stores asking for it because of their customers are asking for it," he said. "Whenever we introduce one of these specific cards, it seems to take off. So I think there definitely is the need for these." There can be challenges as well But a holiday is not always uncontested. Take mid-October, when the federal government recognizes Columbus Day. It was added to the federal calendar in the 20th century after efforts from Italian Americans, who pushed for it as a way to stake their community's place in America. In the decades after though, Indigenous communities pushed back, citing the impact of colonization on their people and the continuing challenges. That has led to the spread of Indigenous People's Day marked on the same day, which while not a federally recognized is recognized in states around the country. And sometimes there's some learning that needs to happen as well. In Montville, New Jersey, the police department this month put a post on Facebook explaining to the community that with Diwali approaching, they would be more likely to see swastikas, a variation of which are ancient sacred symbols in some religions and not deployed in the way Hitler and the Nazis did. With both Jewish and Hindu communities in the town, it was done in an attempt to forestall misunderstanding, said Chief Andrew Caggiano, and has been met with an overwhelmingly positive response. "It's a great opportunity," he said, "to raise awareness about other cultures that are that are in our community and that are part of our community at this point." After over a year of war in Gaza, Palestinian fishermen gather along the coastline, desperately casting their nets in hopes of catching enough for their families amid widespread hunger. Since Israel began a military onslaught in Gaza after Hamas' October 2023 attack, Israeli restrictions in the waters off the enclave have made life almost impossible for fishermen, who no longer sail out to sea and instead must stay by the shore. In Khan Younis, Ibrahim Ghurab, 71, and Waseem Al Masry, 24, fish for sardines from the shoreline in front of a encampment of tents and makeshift shelters for those displaced by the war. "Life is difficult," Ghurab said. "One tries to secure food. There is no aid, we don't receive anything anymore. In the beginning there was some [humanitarian] aid, very little, but now there is no more." Fishermen like Ghurab and Al Masry struggle daily to bring in even a modest catch to feed their families. There is rarely any fish left over from a daily haul to be sold to others. Fishing was an important part of daily life in Gaza before the war, helping people eke out a living by selling their daily hauls in the market and feed the population. But scant aid is reaching Gaza amid Israeli restrictions and frequent fighting, and many people have no income. The price of simple goods are largely out of reach for most. "We have to come here and risk our lives," Al Masry said, describing shootings by the Israeli military from the sea that he accused of targeting fisherman on the beach in Khan Younis. Ghurab similarly said that Israeli military boats had fired upon fisherman at Khan Younis. The Israeli military did not respond to Reuters requests for comment on the claims the military had shot at fishermen. Israel's retaliatory war against Hamas for the Islamist militant group's deadly, cross-border attack on Oct. 7, 2023 has devastated densely populated Gaza and displaced most of the 2.3 million population. American B-52 bombers have arrived in the Middle East, the U.S. military said Saturday, a day after Washington announced their deployment in a warning to Iran. "B-52 Stratofortress strategic bombers from Minot Air Force Base's 5th Bomb Wing arrived in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility," the military command for the Middle East and surrounding countries said in a post on social media. The United States announced Friday evening that it was sending the bombers, fighter and tanker aircraft and ballistic missile defense destroyers to the Middle East. "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 measure necessary to defend our people," Pentagon spokesperson Major General Pat Ryder said in a statement on the deployment. Israel launched strikes against Iran on October 26, hitting military infrastructure while steering clear of critical nuclear and oil sites, and the country's supreme leader has vowed that Tehran will retaliate for Israeli attacks. Iran has carried out two major attacks against Israel in 2024, one in April after a strike on its consulate in Damascus that was blamed on Israel, and another in October that Tehran said was in response to the assassination of leaders of armed groups it backs in the Middle East. Two ballot drop boxes in the Pacific Northwest were damaged in a suspected arson attack just over a week before Election Day, destroying hundreds of ballots at one location in the city of Vancouver in the state of Washington. At the other, in neighboring Portland, Oregon, it appears a fire suppression system contained the blaze and limited the number of ballots damaged to three. Authorities are reviewing surveillance footage as they try to identify who is responsible. Here's what happened, how rules and security measures about drop boxes vary across the country, and how election conspiracy theories have undermined confidence in their use. What do we know? Police said incendiary devices started the fires in the drop boxes in Portland and Vancouver. Authorities said evidence showed the fires were connected and that they also are related to an October 8 incident when an incendiary device was placed at a different drop box in Vancouver. Multnomah County Elections Director Tim Scott said his office was planning to contact the three voters whose ballots were damaged in Portland to help them get replacements ballots. In Vancouver, hundreds of ballots were lost at a ballot box at the Fisher's Landing Transit Center when the drop box's fire suppression system did not work as intended. Clark County Auditor Greg Kimsey said the box was last emptied at 11 a.m. Saturday. Voters who dropped their ballots there afterward are being urged to contact the office to get a new one. The office will be increasing how frequently it collects ballots and changing collection times to the evening to keep ballot boxes from remaining full overnight when vandalism is more likely to occur. Kimsey described the suspected arson as "a direct attack on democracy." When and where can drop boxes be used? Drop boxes have been used for years in states such as Colorado, Oregon, Utah and Washington, where ballots are mailed to all registered voters. They grew in popularity in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, as election officials sought options for voters who wanted to avoid crowded polling places or were worried about mail delays. In all, 27 states and the District of Columbia allow ballot drop boxes, according to data collected by the National Conference of State Legislatures. Six others don't have a specific law but allow local communities to use them. Placement can vary widely. In some communities, they're located inside public buildings, available only during office hours. Elsewhere, they are outside and accessible at any hour, typically with video surveillance or someone watching. Sporadic problems have occurred over the years. In 2020, a few drop boxes were hit by vehicles, and one in Massachusetts was damaged by arson. In that case, most of the ballots were legible enough for voters to be identified and sent replacements. A drop box also was set on fire in Los Angeles County in 2020. How should they be secured? The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency advises state and local election officials to place drop boxes in convenient, high-traffic areas that are familiar to voters, such as libraries and community centers. If drop boxes are not staffed, they should be secured and locked at all times, located in well-lit areas and monitored by video surveillance cameras, the guidance says. Many are bolted to the ground, surveilled with cameras or confined to public buildings during business hours, where they can be monitored. How have conspiracy theories contributed to concerns around drop boxes? Ballot drop boxes have been in the spotlight for the last four years, targeted by right-wing conspiracy theories that falsely claimed they were responsible for massive voter fraud in 2020. A debunked film called "2,000 Mules" amplified the claims, exposing millions to a groundless theory that a ballot harvesting operation was depositing fraudulent ballots in drop boxes in the dark of night. An Associated Press survey of state election officials across the U.S. found there were no widespread problems associated with drop boxes in 2020. Paranoia about drop boxes continued into the 2022 midterms, when armed vigilantes began showing up to monitor them in Arizona and were restricted by a federal judge. This year, the conservative group True the Vote launched a website hosting citizen livestreams of drop boxes in various states. In Montana, where an important U.S. Senate race is on the ballot, Republicans recently seized on an unsubstantiated ballot box tampering claim to raise money off doubts about the electoral process. How have states responded since the 2020 election? Republican lawmakers in several states sought to tighten rules around mail voting after the 2020 election, and much of their focus was on the use of ballot drop boxes. Six states have since banned them: Arkansas, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, South Carolina and South Dakota, according to research by the Voting Rights Lab, which advocates for expanded voting access. Other states have restricted their use. This includes Ohio and Iowa, which now permits only one drop box per county, according to the Brennan Center for Justice. In Georgia's Fulton County, which includes Atlanta and has over 1 million residents, 10 ballot drop boxes are available for this year's presidential election. That's down from 38 four years ago under an emergency rule prompted by the pandemic. It's the result of an election overhaul by Georgia Republicans in response to former President Donald Trump's false claims of a stolen election. Overall, 12 states prohibit drop boxes or do not list drop boxes as an approved method of returning a ballot, according to data collected by the National Conference of State Legislatures. Five other states do not have a state law and do not use drop boxes. Drop boxes had been used for years in Wisconsin, one of this year's presidential battlegrounds, but support for them has split along ideological lines since 2020. In Wausau, the conservative mayor carted away the city's lone drop box, an action that's under investigation by the state Department of Justice. The drop box has since been returned and is in use. Botswanas incumbent President Mokgweetsi Masisi has conceded election defeat after the countrys ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) lost its parliamentary majority in this weeks election, according to preliminary results. The preliminary results showed on Friday (1 November) that Masisis party which had been in power for 58 years failed to win enough seats to govern. The final results of the election that are expected later on Friday could thus give a rise to a new head of state, and by extension, bring to an end, the nearly six-decade-long dominance of the BDP. Masisis party has been reported as having lost majority seats to Duma Boko of the Coalition Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), and other presidential aspirants. While the UDC had won 28 seats out of the 61 seats in parliament the BDP had won only 3, state television has revealed. In Botswana, a party needs to win at least 31 seats to get the majority needed to form a government, thus the foregone conclusion that Masisi has lost the vote. The incumbents presidency has been marred by high unemployment, which has risen to 27% this year, and a slump in the economy due in part to weakened diamond sales, Botswanas single biggest revenue earner. Another key concern of voters were allegations of corruption, nepotism and mismanagement by Masisis government, which is seen as contributing to the record-high gap between the rich and poor in the southern African nation. Seeking to sway the remaining few undecided voters and rally their supporters to the polls, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump trekked Sunday to political battleground states two days ahead of Tuesdays national election for a new White House term starting in January. Harris, the Democratic candidate, headed to Michigan in the upper Midwest, one of seven states where polling shows the contest is exceedingly close and the outcome uncertain. Political math shows that whichever candidate captures four or more of the seven battleground states is likely to become the countrys 47th president. Trump, the Republican candidate looking to become only the second president to serve two non-consecutive terms, headed to three other battleground states, staging rallies in smaller cities where he hopes to run up big vote counts in rural areas to offset Harris expected large margins in Democratic-dominated cities. Trump started his day in Lititz, Pennsylvania, before heading to Kinston, North Carolina in the afternoon and ending with an evening rally in Macon, Georgia. It was the first day since last Tuesday that the two candidates had not campaigned in the same state. The focus on the battleground states is so pronounced that on Saturday, their planes shared a stretch of tarmac in Charlotte, North Carolina, where both candidates held rallies. Harris attended a Black church service in Detroit, the hub of the U.S. auto industry in Michigan, before heading to stops in Livernois and Pontiac and a rally at Michigan State University in East Lansing in the evening. More than 76 million people have already cast early ballots by mail or at polling stations, according to the University of Floridas Election Lab, and early voting extends throughout much of the U.S. on Sunday and Monday. The total is nearly half the 158 million who voted through Election Day in 2020. Both Trump and Harris sought in the closing days of the campaign to portray the other as unfit to govern the country over the next four years. On his Truth Social media platform, Trump told voters, Every problem facing us can be solvedbut now, the fate of our nation is in your hands. On Tuesday, you have to stand up, and you have to tell Kamala that youve had enough, you cant take anymore, Kamala Harris, Youre Fired! At her rallies, Harris has sought to convince voters that she will cut the cost of living, which polling has shown to be the top concern across the country. She has also characterized Trump as dangerous and erratic and urged Americans to move on from Trump's chaotic approach to politics. "We have an opportunity in this election to turn the page on a decade of Donald Trump trying to keep us divided and afraid of each other. We're done with that," she said in Charlotte on Saturday. Watch related report by Veronica Balderas Iglesias: Trump has contended that Harris, as the sitting vice president for nearly four years, should be held accountable for rising consumer prices and the tens of thousands of migrants crossing the Mexican border into the United States for the past several years. He has portrayed the migrants as a consequential political threat to the country and their presence damaging financially to state and local governments throughout the U.S. "The only free aid they are going to get is a free ride back home," he said at a rally in Greensboro, North Carolina on Saturday. Harris made a surprise cameo appearance on NBCs comedy sketch show Saturday Night Live, where she met up with actor Maya Rudolph, her doppelganger persona on the show. Rudolph told Harris at the end of the skit, "I'm going to vote for us." "Great. Any chance you're registered in Pennsylvania?" Harris asked, reflecting on the importance of the large eastern state to the national outcome. "Nope, I am not," Rudolph said. "Well, it was worth a shot," Harris replied, before the two delivered the show's signature, "Live from New York, it's Saturday night!" Trump spokesperson Steven Cheung belittled Harris appearance on the show, saying, "Kamala Harris has nothing substantive to offer the American people, so thats why shes living out her warped fantasy cosplaying with her elitist friends on Saturday Night Leftists as her campaign spirals down the drain into obscurity. Trump hosted the show during his first run for the presidency in 2015. Last-minute polling shows the Harris-Trump race all but tied in the battleground states, within the margin of statistical error. ABC News polling shows Trump winning five of the seven battleground states, but The Washington Post says its aggregation of polls has Harris ahead in four. The New York Times says Trump is ahead in four, Harris two and the race tied in Pennsylvania. The importance of battleground states cannot be overstated. U.S. presidential elections are not decided by the national popular vote but through the Electoral College, which turns the election into 50 state-by-state contests, with 48 of the states awarding all their electoral votes to the winner in those states. Nebraska and Maine allocate theirs by both statewide and congressional district vote counts. The number of electoral votes in each state is based on population, so the biggest states hold the most sway in determining the overall national outcome, with the winner needing 270 of the 538 electoral votes to claim the presidency. Polls show either Harris or Trump with substantial or comfortable leads in 43 of the states, enough for each to get to 200 electoral votes or more. Barring an upset in one of those states, the winner will be decided in the seven remaining battleground states, where both Harris and Trump have staged frequent rallies, all but ignoring the rest of the country for campaign stops. Polling in the seven states is easily within the margins of statistical error, leaving the outcome in doubt in all seven. The bitter nationwide debate over transgender rights is playing out on a very personal level in a federal court lawsuit filed in Virginia by a former Liberty University employee. She was fired by the evangelical Christian school after disclosing her identity as a transgender woman. The lawsuit on behalf of Ellenor Zinski was filed in July by the American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia and the Richmond law firm of Butler Curwood. It alleges that she was fired last year from her job on Liberty's Information Technology help desk solely because of her gender identity, in violation of the U.S. Civil Rights Act of 1964. Earlier this month, the conservative legal organization Liberty Counsel filed a brief on behalf of the university asking the federal district court to dismiss the lawsuit. The brief contends that the Civil Rights Act explicitly permits religious educational institutions to make employment decisions consistent with their religious doctrine in this case a doctrinal statement asserting that "denial of birth sex by self-identification with a different gender" is sinful. Liberty University, based in Lynchburg, Virginia, has evolved over its five-decade history into one of the largest Christian universities in the world, with more than 100,000 students enrolled in its residential and online programs. One of its co-founders was the late Jerry Falwell Sr., the prominent televangelist and conservative activist; his son, Jerry Falwell Jr., served as president for 13 years before resigning in 2020 amid a series of personal scandals. The brief filed by Liberty Counsel alleges that Zinski attempted to "set up" the university, applying for the IT job four months after beginning to take female hormones yet agreeing when offered the job in February 2023 to adhere to the school's statement rejecting transgender transition. Only after a 90-day probation ended did Zinski notify the university of the gender transition process and then request that the school "depart from its doctrine and mission," Liberty Counsel said in an effort to get the lawsuit dismissed. "All of this was done to set Liberty up and attempt to make an example out of the university for standing its ground," contended Mat Staver, Liberty Counsel's founder and chairman. Wyatt Rolla, the ACLU of Virginia's senior transgender rights attorney, rejected the claim of a set-up. "It's strange to disparage Ellenor over what turned out to be real concern with employment discrimination," they said. "Her intention was to be a highly successful employee for Liberty who continued to meet all of her obligations." The trans woman suing Liberty had grown up admiring the university Zinski, 30, says she was raised as a conservative Christian, attended a Christian high school, and took the job at Liberty hoping the university which she had admired would accept her even after learning of her transition. She had received a positive performance review after completing her probation. "I was really hoping they would work with me ... that I could be myself," she told The Associated Press. "I was hoping I could advocate for queer people. We need Jesus just as much as anyone else does." In her July 2023 letter to the university disclosing her transition, Zinski stressed that her Christian faith "has been a guiding force throughout this process." "The public discourse surrounding the transgender community has imbued my journey with a certain degree of trepidation," she wrote. "However, I am hopeful that with your support and understanding, we can navigate this process with sensitivity and respect for all parties involved." Zinski received no immediate response to her letter, leading to what she described as intense anxiety. After four weeks, she inquired about the status of her case and was promptly summoned to a meeting with Liberty human resources officials to be informed she was being fired. A lengthy email explaining the rational for the firing was read aloud to her at the meeting. "Active and unrepentant patterns of sin, including sinful behaviors regarding sexual expression and/or gender expression, would be incompatible with our Christian workplace," the email said. What lies ahead for Ellenor Zinski and her lawsuit? Within a few months of her firing, Zinski was able to obtain a similar IT help-desk job at the University of Lynchburg, a small, private university. It is affiliated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), a mainline Protestant denomination, and describes spiritual life on campus as "inclusive and open." "A lot of people at work have my back," Zinski said. She has also found support as an active member of Lynchburg's Trinity Episcopal Church. It was at Trinity, she says, that she was first assured that "God made me this way." The next formal step in the case will be the filing of a brief by the ACLU of Virginia opposing Liberty Counsel's motion to dismiss the lawsuit. Daniel Schmid, a Liberty Counsel lawyer working on this case, said there would likely be a hearing and perhaps a decision on the motion to dismiss before the end of this year. Yet the case could linger far beyond that, he said, if there are appeals eventually leading to the U.S. Supreme Court. In a phone interview with the AP, Schmid alluded to the so-called "ministerial exception" which gives religious institutions protection against anti-discrimination lawsuits related to jobs with ministerial functions. Even with IT staff and janitors, Schmid said, "Liberty considers them to be ministers of the Gospel. The First Amendment protects their right to make that call." The lawsuit seeks compensatory and punitive damages of $300,000 on behalf of Zinski, as well as a declaration that the university's handling of the case violated Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. Zinski told the AP she has no desire to return to work at Liberty, at least under its current leadership. "My biggest fear if I ever went back is knowing there are people who do not want me there at all," she said. "I would not feel comfortable enough to work there." Conservationists and a Native American tribe are suing the U.S. to try to block a Nevada lithium mine they say will drive an endangered desert wildflower to extinction, disrupt groundwater flows and threaten cultural resources. The Center for Biological Diversity promised the court battle a week ago when the U.S. Interior Department approved Ioneer Ltd.'s Rhyolite Ridge lithium-boron mine at the only place Tiehm's buckwheat is known to exist in the world, near the California line halfway between Reno and Las Vegas. It is the latest in a series of legal fights over projects President Joe Biden's administration is pushing under his clean energy agenda intended to cut reliance on fossil fuels, in part by increasing the production of lithium to make electric vehicle batteries and solar panels. The new lawsuit says the Interior Department's approval of the mine marks a dramatic about-face by U.S. wildlife experts who warned nearly two years ago that Tiehm's buckwheat was "in danger of extinction now" when they listed it as an endangered species in December 2022. "One cannot save the planet from climate change while simultaneously destroying biodiversity," said Fermina Stevens, director of the Western Shoshone Defense Project, which joined the center in the lawsuit filed Thursday in federal court in Reno. "The use of minerals, whether for EVs or solar panels, does not justify this disregard for Indigenous cultural areas and keystone environmental laws," said John Hadder, director of the Great Basin Resource Watch, another co-plaintiff. Rita Henderson, spokesperson for Interior's Bureau of Land Management in Reno, said Friday the agency had no immediate comment. Ioneer Vice President Chad Yeftich said the Australia-based mining company intends to intervene on behalf of the U.S. and "vigorously defend" approval of the project, "which was based on its careful and thorough permitting process." "We are confident that the BLM will prevail," Yeftich said. He added that he doesn't expect the lawsuit will postpone plans to begin construction next year. The lawsuit says the mine will harm sites sacred to the Western Shoshone people. That includes Cave Spring, a natural spring less than 1.6 kilometers away described as "a site of intergenerational transmission of cultural and spiritual knowledge." But it centers on alleged violations of the Endangered Species Act. It details the Fish and Wildlife Service's departure from the dire picture it painted earlier of threats to the 15-centimeter-tall wildflower with cream or yellow blooms bordering the open-pit mine Ioneer plans to dig. The mine's permit anticipates up to one-fifth of the nearly 3.6 square kilometers the agency designated as critical habitat surrounding the plants home to various pollinators important to their survival would be lost for decades, some permanently. When proposing protection of the 368 hectares of critical habitat, the service said "this unit is essential to the conservation and recovery of Tiehm's buckwheat." The agency formalized the designation when it listed the plant in December 2022, dismissing the alternative of less-stringent threatened status. "We find that a threatened species status is not appropriate because the threats are severe and imminent, and Tiehm's buckwheat is in danger of extinction now, as opposed to likely to become endangered in the future," the agency concluded. The lawsuit also discloses for the first time that the plant's population, numbering fewer than 30,000 in the government's latest estimates, has suffered additional losses since August that were not considered in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's biological opinion. The damage is similar to what the bureau concluded was caused by rodents eating the plants in a 2020 incident that reduced the population as much as 60%, the lawsuit says. The Fish and Wildlife Service said in its August biological opinion that while the project "will result in the long-term disturbance (approximately 23 years) of 146 acres (59 hectares) of the plant community ... and the permanent loss of 45 acres (18 hectares), we do not expect the adverse effects to appreciably diminish the value of critical habitat as a whole." North Korean state media released a white paper Sunday accusing South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol of exposing his country to the danger of nuclear war through his policies toward the North. The document, compiled by North Korea's Institute of Enemy State Studies and released by state news agency KCNA, criticized Yoon's "reckless remarks" about war, abandoning elements of an inter-Korean agreement, engaging in nuclear war planning with the United States, and seeking closer ties with Japan and NATO. "It's ever-worsening military moves resulted only in the paradoxical consequences of pushing [North Korea] to stockpile its nuclear weapons at an exponential rate and further develop its nuclear attack capability," the paper said. Yoon, a conservative, has taken a hard line on North Korea, which has forged ahead with developing its arsenal of nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles in defiance of United Nations Security Council resolutions. His administration blames North Korea for raising tensions with weapons tests and providing military aid and troops to aid Russia's war in Ukraine. Pyongyang has been taking steps to sever inter-Korean ties, redefining the South as a separate, hostile enemy state since Kim Jong Un declared it a "primary foe" early this year and said unification was no longer possible. North Korea blew up sections of inter-Korean roads and rail lines on its side of the heavily fortified border between the two Koreas last month, and satellite imagery shows it has since built large trenches across the former crossings. The two Koreas are still technically at war after their 1950-53 war ended in an armistice, not a peace treaty. The two Koreas also have clashed over balloons of trash floated since May from North Korea. Pyongyang has said the launches are a response to balloons sent by anti-regime activists in the South. Sunday's white paper also listed Yoon's domestic political woes, including scandals involving his wife, which have driven his approval ratings to record lows. Palestinian officials say an Israeli drone strike on a clinic in northern Gaza where children were being vaccinated for polio wounded six people, including four children. The Israeli military denied responsibility. The alleged strike occurred Saturday in northern Gaza, which has been encircled by Israeli forces and largely isolated for the past year. Israel has been carrying out another offensive there in recent weeks that has killed hundreds of people and displaced tens of thousands. It was not possible to resolve the conflicting accounts. Israeli forces have repeatedly raided hospitals in Gaza over the course of the war, saying Hamas uses them for militant purposes, allegations denied by Palestinian health officials. Dr. Munir al-Boursh, director general of the Gaza Health Ministry, told The Associated Press that a quadcopter struck the Sheikh Radwan clinic in Gaza City early Saturday afternoon, just a few minutes after a United Nations delegation left the facility. The World Health Organization and the U.N. children's agency, known as UNICEF, which are jointly carrying out the polio vaccination campaign, expressed concern over the reported strike. "The reports of this attack are even more disturbing as the Sheikh Radwan Clinic is one of the health points where parents can get their children vaccinated," said Rosalia Bollen, a spokesperson for UNICEF. "Today's attack occurred while the humanitarian pause was still in effect, despite assurances given that the pause would be respected from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m." Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani, an Israeli military spokesperson, said that "contrary to the claims, an initial review determined that the (Israeli military) did not strike in the area at the specified time." A scaled-down campaign to administer a second dose of the polio vaccine began Saturday in parts of northern Gaza. It had been postponed from October 23 due to lack of access, Israeli bombings and mass evacuation orders, and the lack of assurances for humanitarian pauses, a U.N. statement said. The administration of the first dose was carried out in September across the Gaza Strip, including areas of northern Gaza that are now completely sealed off. Health officials said the campaign's first round, and the administration of the second dose across central and southern Gaza, were successful. At least 100,000 people have been forced to evacuate from areas of north Gaza toward Gaza City in the past few weeks, but around 15,000 children under the age of 10 remain in northern towns, including Jabaliya, Beit Lahiya and Beit Hanoun, which are inaccessible, according to the U.N. The final phase of the polio vaccination campaign had aimed to reach an estimated 119,000 children in the north with a second dose of oral polio vaccine, the agencies said, but "achieving this target is now unlikely due to access constraints." They say 90% of children in every community must be vaccinated to prevent the spread of the disease. The campaign was launched after the first polio case was reported in Gaza in 25 years a 10-month-old boy, now paralyzed in the leg. The World Health Organization said the presence of a paralysis case indicates there could be hundreds more who have been infected but aren't showing symptoms. The Hamas attack on Israel a year ago killed 1,200 people and led to the capture of about 250 hostages. Israel's counteroffensive in Gaza has killed more than 42,400 Palestinians, with more than half of them women and children, according to Gaza health officials. The Israeli military says the death toll includes thousands of Hamas fighters. Hamas has been designated a terrorist organization by the United States, United Kingdom, European Union and others. Kyiv called on Moscow on Sunday to provide a list of Ukrainian prisoners of war ready for a swap after Russia accused Ukraine of sabotaging the exchange process. In requesting the list of Ukrainians from his Russian counterpart, Ukrainian human rights commissioner Dmytro Lubinets wrote on his Telegram messaging channel: "We are always ready to exchange prisoners of war!" Kyiv and Moscow have frequently exchanged prisoners since Russia's full-scale invasion of its smaller neighbor in 2022. The last swap took place in mid-October with each side bringing home 95 prisoners. On Saturday, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said that Ukraine was essentially sabotaging the process and has refused to take back its own citizens. Zakharova said Russia's defense ministry had offered to hand over 935 Ukrainian prisoners of war, but that Ukraine had taken only 279. Lubinets, in turn, said that Ukraine was always ready to accept its citizens and accused Russia of slowing the exchange process. Russian Commissioner for Human Rights Tatyana Moskalkova said on Saturday that Ukraine has politicized the issue. "We consider it necessary to return to a constructive dialog and speed up the exchange of prisoners," Moskalkova wrote on Telegram. Hundreds of protesters in Tel Aviv, Israel, voiced their frustration with the government Saturday for failing to secure a truce to bring the remaining hostages in Gaza home. Flag-waving demonstrators in the country's commercial hub held placards with slogans including "Deal now," "Stop the war" and "We won't abandon them," and beat drums and chanted "Why are they still in Gaza?" "There have been countless opportunities to end this crisis, and each one was torpedoed by the government," said demonstrator Zahiro Shahar Mor, a 52-year-old bank employee from Tel Aviv. "The cycle of violence is escalating week after week and we see no end," said Mor, whose uncle Avraham Munder was killed in captivity in Gaza, and who is campaigning for the release of others' loved ones. Critics have questioned why a truce has still not materialized now that Israel has achieved many of its war aims, including last month's killing of Hamas's leader Yahya Sinwar. Israeli and U.S. officials as well as some analysts have said Sinwar was an obstacle to reaching a truce in the war between Israel and Hamas. Ifat Kalderon, a prominent antigovernment protester afraid for her cousin still held in Gaza, blamed Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel's longest-serving prime minister. "Each hostage deal they start to talk about, he sabotages. He always blamed Sinwar, but now there is no Sinwar. But every time he finds another reason," the 50-year-old stylist told AFP. "It's a bloody war, we need to stop it. Enough. So many soldiers are dying. And ordinary citizens," she said, referring to civilians from both sides of the conflict paying with their lives. Some at the rally organized by the Hostages and Missing Families Forum campaign group brought up the plight of Israel's soldiers, who are exhausted more than a year into the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. Others hoped for international intervention, including from the United States, which holds a presidential election Tuesday. "I hope whoever wins will be adult enough to take the kids in the Middle East by the ear and force them to the negotiating table," said protester Mor. He said he was "disappointed, frustrated and angry" at the lack of a hostage deal but was "keeping the hope for the people who are still alive" in Gaza. Sinwar's killing had spurred hope that fresh life could be breathed into months of fruitless negotiations for a truce with hostage and prisoner releases. The talks have been mediated by the United States, Qatar and Egypt. Supporters of former Bolivian president Evo Morales are holding at least 200 soldiers hostage, the Foreign Ministry said Saturday, as their standoff with the state continues to escalate. Three military units in Chapare province were "assaulted by irregular groups" Friday, with the assailants "taking more than 200 military personnel hostage" from three barracks, the ministry said. "They seized weapons and ammunition," it added. Backers of Morales, the country's first Indigenous leader, began blocking roads three weeks ago to prevent his arrest on what he calls trumped-up charges aimed at thwarting his political comeback. The government had sent troops to the area in Cochabamba department to help police in clearing the roadblocks. Early reports Friday had mentioned only 20 soldiers being detained. A video broadcast Friday showed 16 soldiers surrounded by protesters holding pointed sticks. "They have cut off our water, electricity and are keeping us hostage," a uniformed man is heard saying. Morales, after first threatening a hunger strike unless the government agreed to negotiations, later urged his supporters to consider suspending the roadblocks to "avoid bloodshed." Morales, 65, was in office from 2006 to 2019, when he resigned under a cloud after elections marked by fraud. Despite being barred from running again, Morales wants to challenge President Luis Arce, his former ally, for the nomination of the left-wing MAS party in elections next August. Days after he led a march of thousands of mainly Indigenous Bolivians on the capital La Paz to protest Arce's policies, prosecutors announced Morales was under investigation for statutory rape, human trafficking and human smuggling over his alleged relationship with a 15-year-old girl in 2015. Morales has called the accusations "a lie." On Wednesday, Arce demanded an "immediate" end to the roadblocks, saying the government would "exercise its constitutional powers to safeguard the interests of the Bolivian people." It was in Chapare that Morales claimed last week he was the victim of an assassination attempt that he blamed on state agents. A video he shared on social media showed his pickup truck riddled with bullet holes. The government said police fired on the vehicle after Morales's convoy first opened fire at a checkpoint. Morales' supporters initially demanded an end to what they called his "judicial persecution." But the protest movement has snowballed into a wider antigovernment revolt marked by calls for Arce to resign. They blame Arce, who has been in power since November 2020, for a sharp rise in food and fuel prices and shortages that pre-date the protests. At least 90 people, mostly officers, have been injured in clashes surrounding the protests. Turkey on Sunday said it was committed to deepening relations with Africa, which it and called on to back diplomatic support for Palestinians, as it held its latest African summit in Djibouti. Turkey has invested heavily across Africa in recent years, with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan carrying out 50 visits to 31 countries during his two decades in power. Fourteen African countries attended the latest ministerial meeting in the tiny Horn of Africa nation of Djibouti this weekend. They included Angola, Chad, Comoros, Republic of Congo, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Ghana, Libya, Mauritania, Nigeria, South Sudan, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, who presided over the summit, said trade with the continent surpassed $35 billion last year and Turkey's direct investments now totaled $7 billion. "Turkey is employing a comprehensive and holistic approach in terms of enhancing our trade and economic partnership with the continent," Fidan said in a speech. Turkey has become the fourth largest arms supplier to sub-Saharan Africa and helped train armed forces in many countries. In recent months, it has attempted to mediate a feud between Ethiopia and Somalia, and struck a mining deal with Niger. Fidan reiterated support for the African Union to become a permanent member of the G20, and for reform of the United Nations Security Council. "We should continue our efforts to make the UN more relevant and capable of confronting the complex challenges of the century. Security Council reform is critical in this sense," he said. Fidan also called for greater African involvement in the Israel-Palestinian conflict. "We believe that Africa can play an instrumental role in supporting the Palestinian cause and in stopping Israel," he said. "We appreciate the African countries that stand with Palestine," he added, highlighting South Africa's recent move to file evidence of "genocide" committed by Israel to the International Criminal Court. The next Turkiye-Africa Summit is due to be held in 2026. Editor's note: Here is a look at immigration-related news around the U.S. this week. Questions? Tips? Comments? Email the VOA immigration team: ImmigrationUnit@voanews.com. By immigrants, for immigrants: 'Documented' covers immigration through a personal lens In New York City, a media outlet run by immigrants for immigrants uses messaging apps to engage with communities on elections, crime and local issues. Liam Scott and Cristina Caicedo Smit have the story, narrated by Caicedo Smit. Tina Trinh contributed. Naturalized citizens to play a bigger role in 2024 election Naturalized immigrants will make up 10% of Americans eligible to vote in 2024. What impact might they have on the election? US border arrests remained lower in October amid Biden asylum restrictions U.S. border authorities apprehended about 54,000 migrants illegally crossing the U.S.-Mexico border in October, according to preliminary figures obtained by Reuters. They show a marginal rise from September but continue the broader downward trend since June when new restrictions were imposed under President Joe Biden. Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential candidate, has called for even tougher border restrictions in the face of criticism by Republican candidate Donald Trump over illegal immigration. Reuters reports. Migrant families separated under Trump still feel fallout, fear his return With the United States on the verge of an election that could put former President Donald Trump back in office, Billy wants people to know that what happened to him and several thousand other children still reverberates. Some families have not been reunited, and many of those together in the U.S. have temporary status and fear a victorious Trump carrying out promised mass deportations. The Associated Press reports. Immigration around the world VOA60 World - At least 10 dead after Israeli airstrike on a street in Gazas Nuseirat Refugee Camp An Israeli strike on a street in central Gazas Nuseirat Refugee Camp killed at least 10 people, including children, and injured 20 others, according to Palestinian health officials and Associated Press journalists. Myanmar opposition: Dialogue impossible, China must rethink junta support Malaysia, hosting about 200,000 Myanmar refugees, has a direct stake in resolving the crisis. Produced by Nyein Chan Aye. Canada-India tensions could escalate cyberthreats, hinder immigration Canada's deepening dispute with India over its alleged campaign of violence against Sikhs in Canada could intensify Indian-based cyber espionage and hold back immigration, but analysts and experts see no immediate impact on trade. Concern about a widening rift between the two countries comes after a senior Canadian official told a parliamentary national security committee Tuesday that Indian Minister of Home Affairs Amit Shah, a close ally of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, was the mastermind behind the alleged plots. Reported by Reuters. Sudan displacement crisis worsens as fighting, hunger, sexual violence escalates The International Organization for Migration warned Tuesday that Sudans displacement crisis is worsening as increasing numbers of people flee fighting, hunger and sexual violence, thereby threatening "regional instability." "The scale of this displacement and the corresponding humanitarian needs grows every day," Amy Pope, IOM director general, told journalists in Geneva on a video link from Port Sudan. Lisa Schlein reports for VOA from Geneva. Uganda struggles to feed 1.7 million refugees as international support dwindles Uganda is home to more than 1.7 million refugees, the largest refugee-hosting country in Africa, according to the United Nations refugee agency. Despite being renowned for welcoming those fleeing neighboring violence, Ugandan officials and humanitarians say dwindling international support coupled with high numbers of refugees have put much pressure on host communities. Reported by The Associated Press. Russian army deserters hope French asylum decision will encourage others to flee Thousands of Russians, including soldiers, have sought asylum in the West since Moscows invasion of Ukraine in 2022 though only a small fraction of their applications have been approved. This month, however, France allowed several Russian army deserters to enter the country to seek refugee status. Henry Ridgwell reports. News Brief An investigation led by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Newark resulted in the sentencing of a New Jersey woman for harboring two undocumented women from India and for failing to pay taxes on their wages. 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 Breast cancer rates rose by 1% a year from 20122021 for all American women combined, but steeper increases were seen for women under 50 and Asian American and Pacific Islander women, according to the American Cancer Society, which released its biennial report in October 2024 on the state of the disease in the nation. The Breast Cancer Facts & Figures 20242025 report is an educational companion for "Breast Cancer Statistics, 2024," a paper published in CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women, second only to lung cancer. Overall mortality rates, however, have fallen by 44% since 1989 because of advances in treatment and earlier detection. But the new figures also show there remain significant racial and ethnic disparities. There has, for instance, been no change in mortality rates for Native American women over the past 30 years. And Black women have a 5% lower incidence rate than white women but are 38% more likely to die from the disease, a trend of divergence that began after 1980. Laura Collins, a physician who specializes in breast pathology at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and a professor at Harvard Medical School, spoke to the Gazette about the report and its findings. This interview has been edited for length and clarity. Did anything in the latest report surprise you? The piece of the report that caught the headlines was the increasing incidence found for breast cancer in young women. It was interesting to see that data captured in this report. Certainly anecdotally, we've been diagnosing breast cancer in younger women in the patient case mix coming through our practice. So in some ways it wasn't surprising, but in others, it was a surprise to see it documented in this important paper from the American Cancer Society. Do we have a sense of why that is? People have many thoughts about this. Certainly there are changes in lifestyle that could impact the incidence of breast cancer, things like deferring childbearing to later in life, increasing obesity rates, people are walking and moving about lesswe know that exercise is protective for many types of cancers, but certainly for breast cancer. And then there are other environmental factors that we're less certain about, and those need to be investigated further. The recent concern that people are thinking about is microplastics. These chemicals are everywhere, and it's been found that we are ingesting them too. And so we need to figure out what harm they do and how we can avoid them. While rates for younger women are on the rise, it looks like the overall rate of increase in breast cancer cases remains fairly stable. Have we made progress, or should we be worried? Breast cancer is still one of the leading cancers among women and causes of death from cancer among women, but certainly with the introduction of widespread screening mammography, we have increased detection at earlier stages. We did see a decline in breast cancer rates because of improvements in diagnosis, treatment, and better understanding of the different types of breast cancers that women get. We've seen a decline in the mortality rate. We were seeing a decline in incidence in the 2000s, but we are now seeing a slow rise again, with that increase more dramatically present in younger women. Are there other demographics of women who are more at risk than others? It was outlined in the report the different populations for whom the increases are more marked, with the caveat that the ethnicities may not be as accurately captured as one would like. There are differences in rates between white, Black, Asian, and Pacific Islander women, attributed in part to ongoing issues of systemic racism and access to care. For example, Black women often present at a higher stage, as well, we see biologically more aggressive cancers in that population. Additionally, depending on where a person lives and their ability to access care, it can be a factor in the stage at which a woman's breast cancer is detected. These are challenges that we need to figure out and resolve to create equity of care for all. For young women who develop breast cancer, what are some additional challenges they face with their diagnoses and care? Because we think of breast cancer as a cancer of older women and postmenopausal women, when young women present with a breast mass there's a tendency to think that it's something benign and very unlikely to be cancer. And often that is the caseit is much more likely to be a benign rather than malignant tumor. But what this report tells us is that we can't ignore these things. We can't have this assumption that there's nothing to worry about in younger women. The report should be a consciousness-raising issue, that we need to make sure that if a young woman presents with an abnormality there is prompt follow-up with necessary steps, whether it's with imaging studies or a biopsy so there can be pathologic confirmation that either it's benign or malignant. And if it's malignant, that the patient can be referred promptly for appropriate care. It's important we don't delay treatment. What advice would you give to younger women when it comes to breast cancer awareness and how they might begin to advocate for themselves? The U.S. Preventative Services Task Force lowered the age for biennial screening from 50 to 40 years of age. If you're younger than 40, knowing if you have a family history of breast cancer is important because you may have an increased genetic predisposition to cancer. That would be a conversation to have with your health care provider. And then knowing other risk factors, like if you're having children later in life, your exercise levels, weight, things like that are factors for you and your health care provider to consider in guiding screening. If you feel an abnormality in your breast, make sure you speak to your health care provider about it. Because we are seeing increased breast cancer in younger women, it is important to advocate for yourself to ensure further examination or work-up is not delayed. What gives you hope that we will continue to improve our capacity and ability to detect and reduce occurrences of breast cancer? There's a lot of work going on in the arena of breast cancer research. I know that the Harvard hospitals have a strong commitment to taking care of young women with breast cancer. I think there's a big effort to understand the differences in the biology of breast cancer occurring in young women compared to cancers that occur in older women. That exploration and research is important to understanding how best to treat women with breast cancer. Additionally, there are many different psychosocial factors that impact young women with breast cancer compared to older women, such as impacts on career, fertility concerns, or coping with cancer treatments while caring for young children, so attending to those issues is important and there's lots of work going on in those areas as well. Provided by Harvard Gazette This story is published courtesy of the Harvard Gazette, Harvard University's official newspaper. For additional university news, visit Harvard.edu. Mariana Katzarova, United Nations special rapporteur on human rights in Russia, reported Tuesday on the human rights situation in Russia at the U.N. General Assembly in New York, describing torture as Moscow's main tool of repression. In an interview with VOA, Katzarova detailed how the Russian government has turned brutality into the new norm and how Russians are persecuted for their anti-war views. This interview has been edited for clarity and brevity. VOA: You came to Washington with a new report about torture in Russia. The torture system is not something new. Did it get worse during Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine? U.N. Special Rapporteur on Russia Mariana Katzarova: The main message of this report was about the state-sanctioned system of torture being a tool used in a widespread and systematic manner by the authorities for oppression and control of Russian society. Yes, it did get worse. First of all, because it's a tool in the war against Ukraine. For example, we don't even know how many. Still, thousands of Ukrainian civilians have been detained in the occupied territories of Ukraine by the Russian forces and then deported to Russia proper in Russian prisons. They're kept incommunicado. They have been tortured, including with electric shocks, with sexual violence, rape against them. Many of them haven't even been charged with any criminal offenses; they're just kept there kidnapped. I've seen pictures of some of them who have been tried in Rostov-on-Don in military courts. I mean, they look like [they're] coming from concentration camps. Also, after the terrorist attack in March in Moscow, it was kind of, you know, a new page was turned where the authorities almost legitimized torture, normalized it, almost encouraged it to be happening because they allowed it on the national television to show torture of the suspects, Tajik migrants. As it happened, the suspects in the Crocus [City Hall] attack, terrorist attack, [were subjected to beatings and torture] including the electric shock to the genitals of one of the suspects or [the] cutting of the ear. There was another transmission on television. These people were [nearly] dead and were brought in front of a judge, and the judge completely pretended that nothing was happening. VOA: Are you expecting any reaction from Russian officials regarding that report? Katzarova: I, of course, as a special rapporteur of the U.N. system, I hope that the Russian Federation will pay attention because governments around the world are in charge of protecting the rights of their citizens. If the Russian authorities are not interested in the protection of the human rights of their own people, this is shocking. I mean, that's why I'm hoping that they're not going to turn a blind eye, particularly when we're talking about torture, which is entirely outlawed by international law under all circumstances. VOA: You said you would like to have some constructive dialogue with the Russian officials. Is that possible? Katzarova: All special rapporteurs of the U.N. are independent experts the governments appoint, members of the U.N., to advise and present the truth about the human rights situation in these countries. Of course, in normal circumstances, I should have had a constructive dialogue with the Russian authorities. So far, it's been one way. It's a monologue. I'm presenting my report. They're reading it, but they're not answering. All I can say is that I am planning to send them my new letters. I do it every year after my mandate is voted on by the governments of the Human Rights Council. They're not allowing me to visit Russia to meet with all the Russian people, victims of human rights violations, lawyers, the government authorities, the ombudsperson for human rights. This is what we should be doing as special rapporteurs. VOA: What kind of role can the U.N. play in helping the victims? Katzarova: First of all, this report is shedding light on the continuing almost full, complete impunity for torturing ill-treatment. Various people of various targeted groups, starting with [the ones] I just mentioned, the Ukrainian detained civilians and POWs, but also from the Russian society. These are the LGBT persons who are pronounced as extremist organizations by the Supreme Court of Russia. These are the mobilized conscientious objectors and the mobilized men who refuse to fight and who are tortured as well, subjected to torture, to ... convince them to continue fighting or join the war against Ukraine. And, of course, now another targeted group where the political prisoners, they're being subjected to torture as conditions of detention. They're also a target for the authorities, of course, to begin with. Alexey Navalny spent something like 394 and 96 days in SHIZO, which is a special punishment cell. Also, anti-war activists have been subjected in administrative detention to something called Carrousel. They're kept for two weeks, then another two weeks until criminal cases are fabricated against them. And we know of deaths in custody of such activists under torture. VOA: If some Russian officials, let's say, Sergey Lavrov, would listen to us right now, what would you say? Katzarova: I would say, "Dear Mr. Lavrov, Your Excellency, please respect your own laws and most importantly, the international law and the rules of the United Nations. All the conventions that you have signed and ratified. And please respect the human rights of the Russian people. They're your people, and they deserve better than languishing in prisons. They deserve better than being herded, and then sent to fight in the war, which is not their war. So, please respect human rights and show the United Nations that you deserve to be a member of the Security Council and a beacon, a country to show the way for other countries that need to follow in your steps because you're one of the five permanent members of the Security Council. And please stop the war in Ukraine. The Ukrainian people and the Russian people suffered enough because of this aggressive war. What else can we do apart from shed light? Speak up, not be afraid, and wait for our messages and the truth to be heard. As we say in Bulgaria and other countries, the darkest time is before sunrise. A monthslong legal battle between online encyclopedia Wikipedias parent company and Indias largest newswire service took a turn this week that has raised concerns about free access to credible online information in the country. In July, Asian News International (ANI), which calls itself South Asias leading multimedia news agency, filed a lawsuit in the Delhi High Court against the U.S.-based Wikimedia Foundation over a Wikipedia page that labeled ANI a mouthpiece of Indias ruling Bharatiya Janata Party. The foundation runs Wikipedia. The content on Wikipedia is managed by volunteers, and it allows all users free editing access to its pages. During a hearing in the $237,000 [approx.] defamation lawsuit on October 28, Wikimedia relented to the High Courts demand that Wikipedia reveal identifying information of the online users involved in editing the ANI page. In August, the court had threatened to halt the operation of the widely used website in India if it did not comply. Indian tech journalist and digital rights activist Nikhil Pahwa said that if the precedent set by the ANI lawsuit against Wikimedia holds, it will make editors across Wikipedia vulnerable to defamation cases from any political actor who has an issue with their Wikipedia page. "This means that anyone who edits a Wikipedia page is potentially susceptible to identification because all one has to do is file a case. In the case of politicians especially, the edits will be fraught with risk. This will mean that Wikipedia editors will hesitate when editing pages pertaining to powerful people, and this has a chilling effect on speech," Pahwa told VOA. ANI, which also accused Wikipedia of spreading information from fake news websites, had demanded in the lawsuit that the websites page on the newswire service be taken down. Wikimedia initially argued that the pages on ANI were entirely written by volunteers who simply made use of an online platform provided by Wikipedia. But on October 16, the court ordered Wikimedia to take down a page concerning ANI, saying that its existence was interfering with the court proceedings. In an unprecedented move, Wikipedia removed the page from its platform on October 21. On October 25, the Delhi High Court expressed surprise at the open-access editing function of Wikipedia, calling it a dangerous tool. Justice Subramonium Prasad, during a hearing on the case, asked: Anybody can edit a page on Wikipedia? What kind of page is this if it is open to anybody [to edit]? A history of censorship Wikipedia has faced bans or censorship intermittently in more than a dozen countries. The site has also faced lawsuits filed by individuals as well as organizations across borders. China banned the Chinese language version of Wikipedia in 2015. Four years later, it blocked all language editions of the free, community-edited encyclopedia in the country. Pakistan blocked the website for three days last year for hosting allegedly blasphemous content. Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif later ordered the restoration of the site, noting that the consequences of the blanket ban outweighed its benefits. In 2023, a court in Russia imposed a fine worth $20,350 on Wikimedia for not deleting what it claimed was "banned content" regarding the Russian military. The fine was for the failure to take down a page that contained "classified military information" about Russias unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, among other content on its location and equipment. Global popularity Wikipedia insists that despite being a community-driven platform, it has a robust fact-checking system. Wikipedia also maintains the anonymity of its volunteers who edit and verify information from different sources. Wikipedia, available in many languages and with more than 350 editions, is consistently one of the most visited websites in the world and is used by millions of people for a variety of purposes. New Delhi-based lawyer Ujjaini Chatterji said that Wikipedia is a very useful first step for any research. "It is especially helpful because they have a lot of other links within the footnotes which direct us to other credible articles, journals, academic literature, media coverage, databases and more, in order to build on our research further, she said. "This free source encyclopedia is particularly a useful starting point to understanding concepts in a simplified manner. Like many others in India, I have used Wikipedia, both as a student and a professional," she added. Indian residents visit Wikipedia more than 750 million times per month, making it the online encyclopedias fifth-largest user base in the world. The site operates in 23 Indian languages besides English. The outcome of the lawsuit, which is already resolved at this point, may affect hundreds of thousands of Indians in the future. No media source currently available The URL has been copied to your clipboard The code has been copied to your clipboard. California leads the way in AI regulation, passing laws to combat deepfake and misinformation this election season. But is it curbing free speech? #TechRegulations #FightFakeNews By Agence France-Presse MAPUTO, MOZAMBIQUE Police in Mozambique fired tear gas and rubber bullets Saturday as they dispersed protests in several cities over a disputed presidential election, according to local sources and AFP reporters. Unrest has rocked the southern African nation since an October 9 election, which was won by the ruling Frelimo party, in power since 1975, but denounced as fraudulent by opposition parties. Election observers, including some from the European Union, have noted irregularities and denounced violence before, during and after the vote. The leading opposition candidate, Venancio Mondlane, has called for nationwide protests until November 7, with a final rally planned in Maputo. On Saturday, hundreds of people who had gathered to protest the election results in Maputo were dispersed by police with tear gas and rubber bullets, according to AFP reporters on the scene. Police were seen patrolling the city Saturday to try to dissuade residents from other parts of the country from coming to next week's protest. In the northern province of Nampula, almost 2,000 kilometers (more than 1,200 miles) from the capital, clashes broke out in several areas Saturday between protesters and police, a witness and a local group told AFP. In the city of Nampula, "at approximately 9 a.m. almost 500 people took to the street on Trabalho Avenue to contest election results," said Constantino Jose, a taxi driver in the city. "Protesters also gathered in Arresta [the largest market in Nampula] and blocked some roads," said Jose. "Police shot tear gas and real bullets to disperse the crowd," he said, without giving further details. A local civil society group, Plataforma Decide, told AFP that "Nampula province is in chaos" and that "in Nampula City ... the police fired tear gas." Police did not respond to AFP's request for comment on the reports. In the town of Namialo, some 95 kilometers (60 miles) from Nampula, "over 100 demonstrators burnt tires on the street," a local journalist said, adding that "a strong police contingent" had been deployed to the area. He asked to remain anonymous as he feared for his safety. Another source said that at least nine people had been shot, but it wasn't immediately clear if it was by tear gas or bullets. A local official, Melchior Focas, an administrator in Meconta-Namialo, confirmed to AFP there had been "clashes" in the area. Mozambique has imposed internet restrictions since post-electoral violence broke out, including blocking access to Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp. Mondlane has widely used social media platforms to communicate with his supporters and rally them to protest. The spiral of unrest started shortly after the election, turning violent on October 24 when the electoral commission declared Frelimo's Daniel Chapo, 47, winner with almost 71% of votes. Mondlane, 50, of the small Podemos party, came in second with 20% but said the results were "false." Police have said that 20 people have been injured in post-electoral violence and that two people have died, without giving details. An investigation was opened into Mondlane following the unrest and his calls for "25 days of terror." The URL has been copied to your clipboard The code has been copied to your clipboard. First aid, drone operation and weapons safety handling are now part of a new subject in Ukrainian schools called "Defense of Ukraine," meant to teach children lifelong lessons on survival and patriotism. Lesia Bakalets reports from Kyiv. More than 300,000 people in the state of Georgia cast their ballots for U.S. president on the first day of voting in the battleground state. These people were among the millions of Americans who are eligible to vote before Election Day, November 5. Provided youre the sort of viewer who doesnt mind when characters say cartoonishly crime drama things like Shit just got real or Heres $100 go buy yourself a life, theres actually a lot to like in this weeks episode of Tulsa King. Granted, thats a big ask, considering the number of truly excellent crime shows that have aired this year. (Fargo season five didnt wrap until January, and thats just for starters!) Its also a tall order when you compare and contrast a lot of this stuff to what head Terence Winter, who co-wrote the episode with William Schmidt, served up on The Sopranos or Boardwalk Empire. Winter has not lost his fastball, as well discuss, but he is playing a less rewarding game. If the remit is Help Stallone look tough and have a good time, well, thats a less exciting mission to accomplish than chronicle the way America produces joyless sociopaths able only to hurt and steal from others until they die. But I said theres good stuff in this episode, and I mean it. For instance, the story of Armand, the accidental turncoat semi-ex-mafia guy played by Max Casella, could easily have come from either of the crime masterpieces Winter worked on. One by one, everyone Armand counts on to help him dodge the inevitable wrath of Dwight: The boss knows Armands the one who fed key intel to his rival, Cal Thresher, and payback is just a matter of time. Armand calls his ex, but when she sees that hes half in the bag at 9 a.m. and wants her to join witness protection with him, she tells him to lose her number. Enraged, he blows up at Spencer, his underling at the ranch, leading to an argument with his boss, Margaret, that ends in his firing. He turns to his erstwhile benefactor, Thresher, who pretty much laughs in his face; if Dwights onto him, hes no longer useful. Casella packs a wallop in his final pair of scenes. First, in an underpass, he leaves a tearful, uncomfortably candid message for one of his sons, in which the pain of life as a perpetual fuckup is etched into his face. Then, with desperation visible in his eyes and his pained grimace, he sticks up Tulsas consigliere, Goodie, and makes off with a sack of the outfits cash. His bluster on the way out the door seems like a cover-up for the knowledge hes a dead man walking. Less emotional but equally effective dramatically is the apparent denouement of the Vince/Chickie power struggle back in New York. With the approval of the rest of Chickies capos and the bosses of the other families, Vince makes his move. But its not a hit its a firing. His fellow bosses and his own men simply tell him, Youre out, and thats that, hes out. Obviously, this coulda gone a different way, but we didnt wanna do that, comes the explanation, and the implication that it could still go that different way if Chickie resists. You lost the locker room, pal, says one of the assembled wise guys. Thats the bottom line. Indeed, what can he do? If everyones in agreement that hes no longer the boss, the reality is hes no longer the boss. But Vince perhaps patronizingly, perhaps not leaves the door open for a potential new role for the dethroned don: Get the drinking under control, couple of months, well see whats what. I think Chickie should count his lucky stars, but hes got to find it humiliating, perhaps even worse than getting whacked same as Mitch telling the reckless Tyson that getting arrested is worse than getting killed because it puts everyone in jeopardy. Like the Armand material, it all plays out like a late-season Sopranos mini-arc, which is high praise. (Side note: Earlier in the episode, Chickie made a pact with Dwight to leave his daughter and grandkids alone now that theyre moving back to New York City for safetys sake. Vince, however, was out at the time making plans, and never got the message. Since going after family members is considered taboo by these guys anyway, though, Im not sure if that omission will come into play.) Chickies not the only king who falls to an uprising in this episode. Cal Thresher is barely done big-dogging Armand when the same fate befalls him. His Triad partner, Jackie Ming, simply decides to take over the whole operation, and again, thats that, he takes over. I mean, Cal gets the classic offer he cant refuse, where either his signature or his brains will be on the contract signing over his weed farm to this group of gangsters. What else can he do? His best bet, he figures, is to look to his business associate Bill Bevilaqua for assistance. If Ming can steamroll him, Thresher argues, then anyone else with interests in the sector is in jeopardy. But Bevilaqua will have none of it hes enraged to learn that Ming planted the car bomb that sent him and Dwight to their battle stations, and blames Thresher for dragging them into the war. That war has claimed another Tulsa casualty. While Tysons father, Mark, improves in the hospital after the car bombing, Dwights weed gurus Bodhi and Jimmy are shot at by Kansas City hitters, in retaliation for Tyson wounding one of their own in the previous episode. Bodhi escapes harm, but Jimmy winds up with a serious-looking chest wound. Then again, it sure looked like Mark was blown to smithereens, so serious-looking is a relative thing on this show. Wars take on a terrible life of their own, and persist long after theres any point in fighting, if there even was a point to begin with. (This is the subject of sword-and-sorcery writer Robert E. Howards best story about his iconic barbarian Conan, Red Nails, just fyi.) If Im Bill Bevilaqua, Im getting on the horn with Dwight right away if hell take my calls to clear the air, maybe even forge an alliance against the guy who ratfucked them into this escalating tit-for-tat. (If you want to be technical about it, Bill started it all way back when he sent his guy to assassinate Dwight, only for Dwight to have the guy killed instead. They seem to be taking a mulligan on all that.) But if the attack on Jimmy was fatal, that screws everything up. Dwight is not a forgiving guy, and hell go eye-for-eye on murder. And just like that, my hopes for a classic Terence Winter multi-faction bloodbath go up another notch. 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: 2 year old Emile Miango, who has mpox, lies in a hospital, in Kamituga, South Kivu province, Sept. 4, 2024, which is the epicenter of the world's latest outbreak of the disease in eastern Congo. Credit: AP Photo/Moses Sawasawa, file Some health officials say mpox cases in Congo appear to be "stabilizing"a possible sign that the main epidemic for which the World Health Organization made a global emergency declaration in August might be on the decline. In recent weeks, Congo has reported about 200 to 300 lab-confirmed mpox cases every week, according to WHO. That's down from nearly 400 cases a week in July. The decline is also apparent in Kamituga, the mining city in the eastern part of Congo where the new, more infectious variant of mpox first emerged. But the U.N. health agency acknowledged Friday that only 40% to 50% of suspected infections in Congo were being testedand that the virus is continuing to spread in some parts of the country and elsewhere, including Uganda. While doctors are encouraged by the drop in infections in some parts of Congo, it's still not clear what kinds of physical contact is driving the outbreak. Health experts are also frustrated by the low number of vaccine doses the central African nation has received265,000and say that delivering the vaccine to where it's needed in the sprawling country is proving difficult. WHO estimates 50,000 people have been immunized in Congo, which has a population of 110 million. Scientists also say there needs to be an urgent, broader vaccination effort for the entire continent to halt mpox's spread and avoid further worrisome genetic mutations, like the one detected earlier this year in Congo after months of low-level circulation. "If we miss this opportunity, the likelihood of another significant outbreak increases substantially," said Dr. Zakary Rhissa, who heads operations in Congo for the charity Alima. So far this year, there have been roughly 43,000 suspected cases in Africa and more than 1,000 people have died, mostly in Congo. "We've seen how past outbreaks, such as the one in Nigeria in 2017, can lead to larger global events if not effectively contained," he said. The 2017 epidemic ended up leading to the 2022 global outbreak of mpox that affected more than 100 countries. Rhissa said the decline in cases in Kamitugawhere mpox initially spread among sex workers and minersis an opening to put more programs in place for vaccination, surveillance and education. Georgette Hamuli, an 18-year-old sex worker, hadn't been aware of mpox until immunization teams arrived last week in the poor neighborhood where she works in Goma, the biggest city in eastern Congo. "They told us we're highly exposed to the the risk of infection," she said. "We insist on condoms with our clients, but some refuse ... if they don't want to use a condom, they double the amount they pay." Hamuli said she and other friends who are sex workers each received 2,000 Congolese francs ($0.70) from a charity to get vaccinated against mpoxbut it wasn't the money that swayed her. "The vaccine is also necessary," she said. "I think we're now protected." A health worker attends to a mpox patient, at a treatment center in Munigi, eastern Congo, Aug. 16, 2024. Credit: AP Photo/Moses Sawasawa, file The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has estimated Congo needs at least 3 million mpox vaccines to stop the virus, and another 7 million for the rest of Africa. So far, WHO and partners have allocated 900,000 vaccines to nine African countries affected by mpox and expect 6 million vaccines to be available by the end of this year. Mpox epidemics in Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda had their origins in Congo, and a number of cases in travelers have also been identified in Sweden, Thailand, Germany, India and Britain. Fewer than half of the people who are most at risk in Congo have been vaccinated, according to Heather Kerr, Congo director for the the International Rescue Committee. "We only have a tiny amount of vaccines, and nothing for the kids," she said. The vaccines for Congo are largely coming from donor countries like the U.S and through UNICEF, which mainly uses taxpayer money to buy the shots. "We're getting a charitable approach where we only see very small donations of vaccines to Africa," said Dr. Chris Beyrer, director of the Global Health Institute at Duke University. "What we need is a public health approach where we immunize populations at scale." Drugmaker Bavarian Nordic, which makes the most widely used mpox vaccine, said it would sell shots destined for Africa at the lowest price possible. The advocacy group Public Citizen published an analysis showing that UNICEF paid $65 per dose of the Jynneos mpox vaccine made by Bavarian Nordic, far higher than nearly all other vaccines used in public health programs. Dr. Salim Abdool Karim, an infectious diseases expert at South Africa's University of KwaZulu-Natal, said mpox outbreaks typically peak and disappear quickly because of how the virus spreads. This time, however, he said there are two complicating factors: the virus' transmission via sex and the continued spillover from infected animals. "We're in new territory with mpox this time," he added. "But we're never going to solve this until we vaccinate most of our people." 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Fine Gael remains the most popular party in the country, according to a new poll released ahead of the expected announcement of the general election this week. The latest Sunday Independent/Ireland Thinks opinion poll shows Fine Gael support unchanged at 26 per cent. Taoiseach and Fine Gael leader Simon Harris also continues to be the political leader with the highest approval rating. Simon Harris has 53 per cent support as party leader, ahead of Fianna Fail's Micheal Martin on 48 per cent and Sinn Fein's Mary Lou McDonald on 33 per cent. In the state of the parties, Fianna Fail support has increased by one point to 20 per cent, while the slide for Sinn Fein continues, down one to 18 per cent. Labour's also down one to 4 per cent support, and Aontu is down one to 3 per cent. While the Greens (4 per cent), Social Democrats (6 per cent), People Before Profit (3 per cent) and Independents/Others (16 per cent) remain unchanged. The poll of 1,832 people was carried out between November 1st and 2nd. Michael Bolton A Green TD has expressed concern that Ireland's progress on climate issues could be damaged without the party in the next Government. Waterford TD Marc O Cathasaigh was speaking as the latest Red C Poll showed the Green Party at 3 per cent support nationally. History has shown smaller parties, including the Green Party in 2011, have suffered the most in coalition governments at general elections. Speaking to BreakingNews.ie, Mr O Cathasaigh claims this is part of a wider change seen across Europe. "We would love to be at 10, 15 or 20 per cent. It is something we are seeing in a European-wide context as well. "The tide that you saw in 2019 is not there to the same extent. That said, the climate issue is not getting any less serious. I find it extremely concerning because I am only in politics because of the climate and nature issue. "We are seeing it right across the world with a more nationalistic type of politics. It is extremely concerning because unless we get our act together, we are in big trouble when it comes to the climate." With the election expected to be called for November 29th, the latest poll had Fine Gael and Fianna Fail at 22 and 21 per cent respectively. With the Greens set to lose seats, and Independents at 15 per cent, there is a very real possibility the Green Party will not be in the next government. However, Mr O Cathasaigh defended the party's record in power, and says he can point to a number of incentives he says the Green Party were responsible for. "I am very happy to defend our record in Government. When you look at transport fares, it is the first time transport fares have been cut since the '70s. "You look at emissions, we got to 6.8 per cent emissions reduction, which people said couldn't be done. Even more concrete things like the deposit return change, we had to push for that really hard in the programme for Government. "We were told it wasn't possible, wasn't do-able, would not be a success in the Irish context. It is like the plastic bags people just do it now, it has been a huge success. "People don't tend to vote for what you did, they tend to vote on what you said you are going to do." Mr O Cathasaigh also addressed criticism from rural areas in the country, and claims there is a campaign to paint the Green Party as a "bogeyman" for rural Ireland. While he accepted they would be the party in the coalition who will be punished at the polls, he said the party could not stand by in opposition. "There is a tradition in Ireland to punish the minor coalition partner. I think we are paying the price for being in Government. "That said, I would not have been able to accept a situation where in opposition we just sat on our hands for the last five years. "I get frustrated when the Greens are portrayed as Dublin centric and anti-rural. I am from Waterford, you look at Roisin Garvey and Pippa Hackett. Joe O'Brien is from north Cork, Catherine Martin is from Monaghan. "The perception is there, and I think it is in a lot of other people's interests to push that perception, and push the Greens as some sort of boogeyman in rural Ireland, and they have been quite successful in doing that." Swillhouse has worked very hard in recent years to promote a diverse, inclusive and safe workplace, an environment where bullying, harassment and discrimination will not be tolerated, he said. Forte said the claims covered 16 years and do not reflect the business we are today. Swillhouse chief executive Anton Forte stepped aside last Wednesday, but he will retain an oversight role as managing director of the company he owns. A months-long investigation by The Sydney Morning Herald and Good Food published in August revealed claims that Swillhouse failed to support staff who reported multiple alleged sexual assaults. It also reported claims some managers encouraged staff to have sex with customers and take drugs while on shift, as it expanded from the Shady Pines, the Baxter Inn and Restaurant Hubert in the CBD to Le Foote in the Rocks. Kahl is one of five Swillhouse staff who have now gone public with varying claims of sexual assault, intimidation and discrimination during their time at the Swillhouse group, which runs some of Sydneys highest-profile venues. But former supervisor Reuby Kahl says Swillhouses newest venue was a volatile environment, full of high-rolling suits, drugs and vulnerable women. The Caterpillar Club was meant to be Swillhouses crowning jewel, boasting late-night opening hours, high-end cocktails and one of the worlds largest private vinyl record collections. Lines snaked around the corner every weekend for the former strip club turned New York-style speakeasy in Sydneys CBD. A Herald and Good Food investigation reveals a top Sydney restaurant group allegedly ousted female staff after they reported sexual assaults and encouraged on-duty sex and drug use. Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time. Instead, Anton wished to pull me aside because my attitude was filthy. [The executives] had all been a part of the process behind the scenes. A check-in? Maybe a Hey how are you? Thank you for showing up? Kahl said. No, nothing. When the leadership team arrived for drinks at the Caterpillar Club just after 6pm on May 31, Kahl expected some form of acknowledgment from Forte. Kahl reported the incident to Swillhouses head of people and culture, who escalated it to the other Swillhouse executives. The alleged offender was sacked. I was groped intentionally, firmly and disgustingly, between my legs, on my perineum and my balls whilst clearing glassware on the dance floor, Kahl said. But in May this year, Kahl, a supervisor and host at Caterpillar Club, which opened in December, claimed another employee allegedly sexually assaulted him. In August, the NSW government launched an investigation into claims revealed by this masthead, including that the company had mishandled allegations of sexual assault and harassment at its venues made by five former bartenders and waiters. That is regrettable and could have been better handled, a spokesperson said. Forte has a vastly different recollection of the conversation. In a statement issued by its public relations representatives Cato & Clive, Swillhouse said the attempt by Forte at providing additional support by offering extra time off if the complainant felt that was necessary was clearly misconstrued. If you want time off, take f---ing time off. Ill pay for it. You cant be here like this, Kahl said he was told. Kahl said Forte laid into him in front of guests. I had the power to throw his whole business under, Kahl said Forte told him. If Im giving the CEO of the company that attitude Im giving every guest that attitude and we cant have a bar of it as its unacceptable. Swillhouse said it had no knowledge of these purported comments, but they do not reflect appropriate workplace behaviour and would result in disciplinary action. Claire Jones alleges she was sexually assaulted while working at Swillhouse. Credit: Louie Douvis After Jones alleged she was sexually assaulted while working at Hubert last year, employees were instructed by managers in restaurant meetings to monitor her to see if they could find any excuse to fire her, two former managers claimed. Another manager denied this had occurred. This is not something that only happened in the past, Jones said. This is happening now. I will not accept their lies or their empty apologies. I will not be silenced. I will not stop fighting for myself and other victim-survivors. Now, two more former employees, Claire Jones and Brittany Rowe, have come forward to add their names to the list of claims the company created a dangerous work environment that led to them being marginalised when they reported claims of sexual harassment and assault. They included Rachelle Rocky Hair, the first woman employed as a bartender at Swillhouse venues Frankies Pizza, Shady Pines and The Baxter Inn, and Jenna Hemsworth, the 2018 Australian Bartender of the Year. Why did they wait a year to bring in the alleged perpetrator for questioning? she said. It would seem that they did nothing with my case until my lawyer had submitted a request for access to my case file. Jones criticised the police for delays in her case, saying it showed why some women were reluctant to go to police over sexual assault allegations. NSW Police said they had suspended their inquiries into her alleged sexual assault but urged anyone with more information to come forward. We are dedicated to maintaining a supportive environment for everyone; a safe and inclusive workplace where there is zero tolerance for bullying, sexual harassment, harassment of any kind and discrimination, it said in a statement. Swillhouse said it had never discriminated against an individual based on their bringing forward a sexual assault allegation. This is who Swillhouse really is, Jones said. This is how they treat their employees. This is how they treat victims of abuse and sexual assault. They dehumanise us. They see us as a problem to get rid of. The company supported Jones in reporting the alleged assault to police. But Jones later had her hours cut at Le Foote (Swillhouse says it was due to a rostering discrepancy) before her last shift in February, leaving her feeling like she was being pushed out of the company as she struggled to pay her mortgage. They offered me no support Brittany Rowe alleged she was brutally assaulted by a Restaurant Hubert co-worker at home in 2021. Rowe said she reported the incident to Swillhouse management and asked to be rostered on separate shifts from the alleged perpetrator. Instead, she said she had to continue working alongside him. They let him continue to be employed there, and they offered me no resources, no support, nothing, Rowe said. Brittany Rowe spoke out publicly for the benefit of other staff. Credit: Nikki Short If [speaking out] means that an 18-year-old girl working for them isnt going to be assaulted, then its worth it. The company said it handled sexual assault allegations with the highest level of urgency and care. Since our earlier days, our approach to creating a safe and inclusive workplace has evolved and we have worked hard to improve our systems and processes, a spokesperson said. At Swillhouse company headquarters in Surry Hills last year, one bartender who alleged she had been sexually assaulted was called a loser and staff were told shes not to be trusted, a former head office employee said. The company said Swillhouse had no knowledge of these purported comments, but it also said: They do not reflect appropriate workplace behaviour and would result in disciplinary action. Loading Another bartender who worked at Swillhouse whiskey bar The Baxter Inn until 2023 said she had watched as the old guard of managers pushed a culture of sex, drugs and rocknroll onto a new generation of staff employed in the years during and post-COVID. She said that meant passing on rituals such as Mad Chat Mondays, when staff would switch off music to discuss the sordid details of their sex lives; call Code Pink over the radio to inform coworkers theyd be out of action to have sex with a customer in the bathroom; and down shot after shot while on shift, despite the dry bar policy Swillhouse introduced in 2023. Management would be like, Oh, were still moist, were still damp as long as we dont get caught, were kind of fine, she said. [They] were adamantly serious about all of these things and the historical [significance] they had. It was the most unsafe workplace I ever worked in. Swillhouse said it had no evidence of these claims. Any such conduct would have been in breach of the companys policies and subject to disciplinary action, a spokesperson said. Dont speak to media Earlier this year, when anonymous Instagram complaints began surfacing about the industry and Swillhouses venues, the company responded by trying to stop employees from speaking to the media. In the event media ever approach you, it is our strict policy not to comment, the general manager of the Caterpillar Club wrote after offering support to employees. Kahl resigned in June. He is one of a dozen Swillhouse employees who have come forward over the past three months with allegations of mistreatment. You dont want to be affirmed through other peoples pain, but then you realise, Im just another statistic to how this has been dealt with, Kahl said. I am now reckoning with leaving an industry I adored, worked so hard for and craved to succeed in and amongst that world. Kahl said Swillhouses response claiming it was not the same company that it was a decade ago is an absolute crock of shit. They are trying to sweep it under the rug and not hold accountability for what goes on, he said. In August, Forte said the company has a policy of zero tolerance for drug use. Cocaine room at Hubert In an email from Huberts general manager, to other managers at Hubert in November 2018, he urged them to buy cinque (cocaine) before Thursday and Friday lunch management shifts from his favourite dealer. Six former staff members said the cinque room in Hubert was used for snorting cocaine before, during and after shifts. Huberts general manager also suggested another staff member be put in charge of securing the cocaine while he was on holiday. She is good mates with my drug dealer so I would love it if she could continue giving him business while Im away they are great guys! he said. In the same email, Huberts general manager said another manager should continue to send offensive messages to a female Hubert bartender. They seem to get along good if he doesnt get too touchy-feely, he said. The bartender would later report being sexually assaulted at her home by another colleague. The company initially said the general manager was dismissed for gross misconduct, but it later confirmed that he had not been sacked until 2022 due to unrelated theft allegations. The building in Surry Hills that houses the Swillhouse head office. Credit: Kate Geraghty Crisis worsens as head office reels Inside Swillhouse HQ, the company is facing a growing crisis. Resignations have swept through one of Sydneys most prestigious hospitality groups. So have booking cancellations. The company says Swillhouse venues continue to perform strongly. The warehouse loft in Surry Hills, filled with Chesterfield couches and hanging plants, is an extension of the Sydney hospitality groups multimillion-dollar portfolio of six handsome, character-driven bars and restaurants. Behind Fortes desk at Swillhouse headquarters hung a painting of five women surrounding a man in a suit. Forte enforced a clear hierarchical structure. At the top was Forte himself. The Herald is not accusing Forte or other executives of sexual misconduct. The energy of the place shifted when he was in, one former head office employee said. What Anton says, goes. Corporate records show the 40-year-old is the sole director of Swillhouse. His family company Mangia Questa (Eat This) is the only other shareholder. Below Forte were the rest of the men who ran Swillhouse. It was kind of everything I dreamed of. I loved their venues. Theyre very cool. Theyre sort of edgy, said one head office employee. But they are just white men in their 40s who like to party. They disregard anything but themselves. After more than two years of panic attacks and public disparagement at the company, one former office executive handed in her resignation. She was the first of seven women to leave her dream job at the head office of the multimillion-dollar Sydney hospitality group in 2023. A second left after being told to stop being anxious, stop crying. They worked people to the ground, and [didnt] take any sort of mental health seriously, she said. A Swillhouse spokesperson said the company utterly rejects these characterisations of the companys head office, pointing to an anonymous staff survey that found head office employees scored the business highly for engagement, leadership, feedback and teamwork. The company said that after receiving feedback in exit interviews, it had endeavoured to identify the cultural issues cited. But three former head office employees said the company was less concerned about staff welfare and more concerned about image. They spoke on the condition of anonymity to protect their future employment. Initially, the head office was decorated with Native American paraphernalia taken from Shady Pines, the first of Swillhouses six venues. Inside Swillhouses Darlinghurst establishment Shady Pines Saloon. Credit: They pulled it out of there real quick because they were afraid of getting cancelled, one staff member said. Which is wild to me, [because] they didnt care about anything else. When Swillhouse debated including an acknowledgment of country on its website last year, some staff worried it had been improperly worded and was insulting to Indigenous Australians. Swillhouse creative director Jordan McDonald, who praised Swillhouses most controversial venue, Frankies, for pioneering an era of excess never to be seen again, dismissed those concerns by saying: hed consulted the Aboriginal tranny and they said it was OK. In a statement, the company said McDonalds language was unacceptable and that he had been counselled. He has since left the company. Swillhouse has brought in a crisis communications firm to manage its response to the fallout and announced an independent workplace review as it faces an investigation by SafeWork NSW. The NSW government has also made sexual violence prevention training compulsory for bar staff working in pubs and clubs across the state following the revelations. On Tuesday, Sydney hospitality giant Merivale announced the appointment of Kate Eastman, SC, to investigate claims of sexual harassment, exploitation and drug use in its venues following a separate investigation by The Sydney Morning Herald, Good Food and The Age. In September, Swillhouse said former Solotel chief executive Justine Baker would join the company as a strategic adviser, one of several high-profile changes to the company in recent months. Former Etymon Projects chief executive Lisa Hobbs, a 20-year veteran of hospitality management, will take over from Forte as chief executive on November 11. As CEO, I will be responsible for day-to-day operations of the entire business, with Anton moving into more of an oversight role, she said last week. Hope Dawson, the previously part-time female human resources specialist, has been promoted to the all-male executive team. In recent months, including prior to the SafeWork NSWs enquiries, Swillhouse has been working on a program of continuous improvement to promote workplace health and safety, the company said in a statement. In the past eight weeks, it has implemented additional support mechanisms to assist staff, including extensive staff engagement activities, and the review and expansion of staff training programs. The editor of the companys magazine, Myffy Rigby, resigned in September. She said she was deeply shocked by the allegations raised by this masthead. Swillhouse general manager Toby Hilton followed her out the door. The past few weeks have been very hard but an important lesson in realising that good actions or intent mean little if the experience is not consistent for all, he said. There is clearly a different reality between what we thought we had created versus what existed for some, for which I am truly sorry. Spare a thought for the elite. Worshipped on influencer-gram, but the perennial baddies of much contemporary politics. Elites, the Trumpian narrative goes, promote counterintuitive trade policy, disdain the unskilled and avoid the good, honest transfats consumed by real people. Elites cop it from the left of politics, too. For the left, the elites are people with privilege, who should be checking it presumably into a metaphysical cloakroom. Down with the elites! Credit: Illustration: Andrew Dyson The concept of an oppressive elite is timeless there are always those who are doing better than us. The drive to overthrow them is epochal, says Peter Turchin, a Russian-American complexity scientist who studies the trends of history using a mathematical and statistical methodology he and his colleagues call cliodynamics. It comes about when a society produces too many contenders for elite status more than there are positions of prestige, or spots in the chairmans lounge, to fill. The elites then scuffle among themselves in a way that can bring down a society. The common people are often invoked witness the appeal for proletarian justice in the French and Russian revolutions but the real battle is between the establishment elites and a counter-elite that seeks to replace it. In its submission to the 11-month inquiry, the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation included incidents of health workers having their own pain treated dismissively and witnessing women receiving gender-biased treatment. Loading It received more than 800 responses in four days to a member survey on womens pain. Of 89 per cent of nurses and midwives who had experienced acute pain, two-thirds felt dismissed by health professionals, and 53 per cent said the response was negative. A nurse on a mixed specialty surgical ward said gynaecology patients who describe 10/10 pain were given paracetamol as a first-line treatment to wait and see if it helps, while other surgical patients are given two to three lines of analgesia charted immediately at any instance of pain. Another told of multiple colleagues judging young female patients subjective pain scores, calling them precious, princess or overreacting. Men were believed and treated sooner and often given more options. One nurse watched a man with a carpal tunnel be written up for 20 mg of IV [intravenous] morphine, but a woman with a full reproductive system removal gets written up for only a max of 10 mg of IV morphine. Women are seen as if they cant tolerate pain, or theyre weak or as, You bear children, you can deal with great amounts of pain. Sue Matthews, chief executive Royal Womens Hospital and National Womens Health Advisory Commitee We are treated differently and are often labelled as emotive or anxious, she said. The federations Madeline Harradence, a member of the Victorian Womens Health Advisory Council, said nurses and midwives reported a delay in women getting care for chronic pain and getting appropriate care or treatment for very acute conditions. A woman who turns up in the emergency department is not believed, theyre having trouble getting in the door, she said. [Nurses] are constantly having to advocate for women against those gendered structures. Loading Professor Sue Matthews, the Royal Womens Hospital chief executive and inquiry co-chair, said it was heart-wrenching to hear from women at community forums, focus groups and online. The number one issue for women has been they felt dismissed, said Matthews, also a member of the National Womens Health Advisory Committee. One of the biggest things were hearing is that their pain is attributed to mental health issues or lifestyle factors, when it isnt [due to those]. Women are seen as if they cant tolerate pain, or theyre weak or as, You bear children, you can deal with great amounts of pain Its the invisibility of those women thats the problem. Australian is behind other nations in stratifying research data by gender and including women in trials, she said. More eduction was needed to increase understanding that womens pain is not normal. Women in acute pelvic pain can receive gender-biased prescription of analgesia in hospital compared with men, nurses told Australias first womens pain inquiry. Credit: iStock That medical knowledge doubles every 73 days means it is very difficult for healthcare practitioners to keep up, Matthews said, and the inquiry would make recommendations about how to support them to do this. RACGP Victorian Council chair Anita Munoz acknowledged that in parts of the medical system, there are women who have had bad experiences of not being believed about their pain, but said inquiries often captured historical as well as contemporary experiences. Poor understanding of womens pain was not just a general practice issue, but GPs faced particular challenges because patients often have multiple co-existing problems to be addressed in standard 15-minute appointments. GPs and patients bear the brunt of this: we have a more than 40-year-old funding system that financially punishes good GPs for spending in-depth time with patients. The patho-physiology of gynaecological issues and chronic pain is very difficult to do in the that amount of time, Munoz said. If it achieves parity with MBS funding that would be good ... the rebate for scanning a scrotum is more than for scanning a female pelvis. Marilla Druitt, Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists The Medicare funding system sets up GPs to fail. Dr Marilla Druitt, a councillor of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and president of Pelvic Pain Victoria, said she was not at all surprised by what women told the inquiry. The colleges submission noted research shows that chronic pain affects a higher proportion of women and girls than men, yet women are far less likely to receive treatment. Druitt said it was hard to judge if the use of the term medical misogyny by some regarding responses to womens pain was justified, but if it helped change longstanding womens health funding problems it might be. If it achieves parity with Medicare Benefit Schedule funding that would be good. [For example] the rebate for scanning a scrotum is more than for scanning a female pelvis, she said. I desperately hope that some of what we recommended is accepted. A 34-year-old woman who escaped from the Boronia Pre-Release Centre for Women in Bentley on Sunday has been rearrested by police. The search for Khe-Sanh Michealah Farrell began around 2.30pm after she escaped from the facility, spotted heading towards Hayman Road. The missing woman. Credit: WA Police As with any escapee, members of the public are advised not to approach Ms Farrell as she may react in an unpredictable manner, a police spokesperson urged the public during the search. On Monday morning, police confirmed she had been found and returned to custody. Many years ago, due to the beneficence of my travelling companion, I was upgraded to business class on a flight between Sydney and London. The only catch we had enough points for just one leg of the journey. We flew in glorious luxury to Singapore, drinking meal-paired wines and ostentatiously stretching our legs. At Singapore, the come-down: a demotion to economy for the longer and more gruelling stretch of the journey. Walking past the front end of the cabin, relegated back to steerage, I felt a sense of grievance rise in my breast. There must have been some sort of mistake? Because I was a business-class person now. Right? Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has emphatically denied seeking flight upgrades from Qantas. Credit: Steven Siewert This glimpse behind the front-cabin curtain brought home how easily a sense of entitlement can arise, when one set of people is elevated above another. It is closely related to what psychologists call hedonic adaptation an adaptive human trait whereby, when something positive happens, a treat like getting to fly business class, the happiness it brings quickly wears off. We return to baseline. The treat becomes normal. Expected, even. The stranglehold that Qantas holds over the $250 million market for politicians, staffers and public servants is costing taxpayers tens of millions of dollars a year while the rules to take the cheapest available flight are being broken, according to competitor Virgin. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and former Qantas chief Alan Joyce. Credit: Getty Virgin made the claim in January in a submission to the governments Aviation White Paper, which sets out a course for the industry for the next 25 years, and provided figures to back its claims. The Coalition is now demanding the cheapest-fare rule be adhered to, pushing more MPs and staff onto the flights of Virgin, which likewise has been stressing the importance of the rule, which is now being reviewed by the Finance Department. Flying in the face of the policy, more than 90 per cent of the nearly $30 million spent by MPs and their staff on travel last year went to Qantas and its subsidiary Jetstar, according to the Independent Parliamentary Expenses Authority. That figure is an increase on the 75 per cent share Qantas had in the previous decade. On a Mac, the AI was forced to deal with the never-ending onslaught of Slack messages, but it did so by picking out two or three from the dozen it had received and always missed the ones that were actually meaningful. Again, this didnt make things worse as I had to expand and read the messages as before, but neither did it improve anything. In the Mail app you get summaries in the default view instead of the first line of the email, but its rare that the summaries are more useful. Most emails I get have the important stuff (if any) in the first sentence, though I spotted a few where the AI had identified (for example) that the event has been delayed to November 24 was more pertinent than the opening waffle. The best implementation for summaries is breaking down conversations that you missed, as the system does a pretty good job conveying what each person has said or asked for. But so far, Ive only seen this on a notification for a group chat and as a clickable option in Mail. Then there are the Writing Tools. Select any passage of text on Mac or iPhone and you can now bring up a set of options to mess around with it. I have a number of problems with this, and once again I dont want it to seem like Im singling Apple out because there are plenty of other tools that do the same thing. An obvious issue is that you can highlight entire articles or stories and hit the big rewrite button to remix and rearrange it as if youre a high-school kid plagiarising an essay, except it takes two seconds. The results are generally a bit robotic and tend to sound like an over-egged eBay listing, but it does the job. Im just not sure what purpose that job serves. You can also ask it to make writing more professional or more friendly, but it almost always homogenises it and puts in cliches that you might usually avoid, or unnecessarily replaces words in ways that can change the meaning, for example changing business to conglomerate. You can ask to make the writing more concise, but youll necessarily lose detail. If it worked perfectly, and if you found yourself frequently spending time and energy rewriting text to sound more professional, I could buy it as a productivity gain. But it doesnt, and I dont think many of us do. There are surely situations where you think something sounds clunky, and you want some advice to clean it up, but this is another AI platform offering to strip some humanity out of communication to add meaningless pleasantries or marketing talk. Loading Its a similar story with the new smart replies that show up as tappable options when responding to messages. Google has had these for a while, but I would be too embarrassed to send them to another human. Apples are the same. Id sooner send a thumbs-up emoji than an impersonal sorry, busy today, or Im sorry to hear that, or yes, tell me the details as drafted by AI. Sure the system might have guessed an appropriate expression, but it feels gross to communicate this way, especially when it takes me two seconds to type something myself. The other bits and pieces included in this first batch of Apple Intelligence feel like a preview of whats to come more than finished products. Siri has a new visual design, can answer troubleshooting questions about your Apple gear and can take your requests in written form as well as spoken, but it isnt fundamentally different. Clean Up in Photos lets you lightly revise history by circling objects you wish werent there and have AI do a quick Photoshop job to excise them, with results varying depending on what kind of objects the system attempts to create in the vacuum. In the future, Apple Intelligence will add the ability to generate cartoony pictures you describe, generate emojis of anything, and turn sketches into more complex drafts. It will also let you tap into ChatGPT to generate much larger chunks of text based on minimal prompts. London: Police investigating sexual assault allegations against Russell Brand have asked the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) to consider bringing charges against the comedian. Scotland Yard launched a criminal investigation last year following a complaint from a woman who claimed Brand sexually assaulted her in central London 20 years ago. Russell Brand has been accused of rape, sexual assault and abuse. Credit: AP It later emerged police had questioned Brand in connection with six further alleged historic sex offences. The 49-year-old vehemently denies any wrongdoing. The Metropolitan Police has forwarded a file to the prosecutors to consider charging Brand. By David Young, PA Micheal Martin has insisted Fianna Fails return to government saw Ireland turn a corner on the housing crisis, as he pointed to failures to prioritise the issue under the previous Fine Gael-led administration. The Fianna Fail leader claimed Ireland had missed opportunities to tackle the crisis because of past failures. The Tanaiste was referencing recent revelations from former Fine Gael housing minister Eoghan Murphy, who said he felt he did not receive sufficient support from government colleagues for his plans to address acute housing shortages. Fianna Fails Darragh OBrien took on the housing ministry when his party entered the historic coalition government with Fine Gael and the Green Party in 2020. Former minister for housing Eoghan Murphy (Brian Lawless/PA) Mr Martin referenced Mr Murphys comments in his new memoir about his time as housing minister between 2017 and 2020 as he attended the annual Fianna Fail commemoration of Wolfe Tone at Bodenstown cemetery in Co Kildare on Sunday. In a sign of heightening tensions between the two main coalition partners ahead of the general election, Mr Martins remarks drew a robust response from Fine Gael minister of state Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, who insisted Fianna Fail was responsible for a housing crash during the period of the financial crisis. Their comments on the housing debate came as the latest opinion poll suggested Fine Gael was on course to emerge from the election as the most popular party. The Sunday Independent/Ireland Thinks survey had Fine Gael out in front on 26 per cent, with Fianna Fail on 20 per cent, Sinn Fein on 18% and independents the next largest grouping on 16 per cent. The same poll suggested Mr Martin and Taoiseach and Fine Gael leader Simon Harris are the two most popular leaders in Ireland. Mr Harris was top with a 52 per cent approval rating while Mr Martin had 48 per cent. After referring to Mr Murphys remarks in his address in Bodenstown, Mr Martin expanded when speaking to reporters after the event. He (Mr Murphy) was basically saying that he didnt get the support he required to take more radical measures in housing, and he felt he was being held back, he said. I think this government took a different approach. We established the high-powered Cabinet subcommittee, which I chaired, and we really set down to all of the secretary generals in the key government departments that housing is the number one issue facing our society, and it requires sustained commitment and momentum. And, also, allied to that, we developed and created probably the most radical reform of our planning code, certainly the most comprehensive, to become an engine also for housing development. He said the current government also passed the legislation to underpin the already launched Land Development Agency (LDA). Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Brian Lawless/PA) The Tanaiste added: There is resistance sometimes within the system, and I think Eoghan Murphy reveals that, not just political but also resistance within the public services at times to certain models of approach. The market hadnt worked in the previous number of years, so that was clear. And so what you are now witnessing over the last four and half years, notwithstanding the pandemic which did hold us back, is a much stronger state intervention in housing, with the result that we have turned a corner, although we need to build far more houses than were currently building. But, nonetheless, theres been substantial progress. We need to do more. Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence, Ms Carroll MacNeill, claimed Mr Martin was trying to claim credit for the LDA when it was actually Mr Murphy who established it in the previous government. Referring to similar comments by Mr Martin about Fianna Fails role in the Land Development Agency in the Sunday Independent, she told RTEs The Week In Politics Programme: Fianna Fail have a backdrop of creating a housing crash. And it was the Land Development Agency which Eoghan created. So, I see what Micheal Martin is saying about that, but it was Eoghan Murphy, Paschal Donohoe and Leo Varadkar who set that up. She added: There are a couple of facts which Micheal has maybe gotten wrong this morning in relation to the Land Development Agency. It was Fine Gael who established it. It was Fine Gael who capitalised it. Sinn Fein TD for Meath East Darren ORourke, who was also appearing on The Week In Politics, questioned why both parties were trying to claim credit for failed housing policy. Were in the perverse situation here where Fianna Fail and Fine Gael are arguing over whos responsible for an absolutely failed housing policy, he said. Where theyll deliver less houses this year than they did last year, and the targets that they have are far, far less than what is actually required. Sinn Fein has set out, and the people will have an option and opportunity to vote, on a real alternative when it comes to housing. Weve set out a clear plan to deliver 300,000 homes over five years, including affordable homes, social homes and cost rental. BEIJING, Nov. 2 (Xinhua) Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a message of sympathy to Spanish King Felipe VI on Saturday over heavy rainstorms and floods in Spain. Xi said he was shocked to learn that severe rainstorms and floods have hit many parts in Spain, causing heavy casualties and property losses. The Chinese president, on behalf of the Chinese government and people, expressed deep condolences to the victims and sincere sympathy to the bereaved families and the injured. Xi also said it is believed that under the leadership of the king and the Spanish government, the people in the flood-hit areas will overcome the disaster and rebuild their homes at an early date. (Source: Xinhua) Editor: Teng Ge The Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail (MAHSR) or popularly known as the Ahmedabad-Mumbai bullet train project has marked a major achievement with the completion of all nine river bridges between Vapi and Surat, a release said on Sunday. The latest construction is a bridge over the Kharera River in Navsari district in Gujarat. The Kharera bridge is the twelfth completed river bridge of the twenty bridges planned in Gujarat for India's ambitious high-speed rail corridor. The construction project of the bridge finished on October 29. The Kharera River bridge stretches 120 meters in length, supported by three full-span girders measuring 40 meters each. Its piers rise between 14.5 and 19 meters in height and include one circular pier of 4 meters and three of 5 meters in diameter. The bridge lies between the Vapi and Bilimora stations, around 45 kilometers from Vapi and 6 kilometers from Bilimora, and serves as one of several new crossings over rivers that flow through the corridor. The nine completed bridges along the Vapi-Surat section span the Kharera, Kolak, Par, Auranga, Purna, Mindhola, Ambika, Kaveri, and Venganiya rivers, covering multiple districts including Valsad and Navsari. In addition, three other river bridges outside this segment have also been completed: over the Dhadhar River in Vadodara district, Mohar River in Kheda district, and Vatrak River in Kheda district. The achievement is a testament of continued progress on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project, a 508-kilometer corridor that aims to transform high-speed rail travel in India by connecting two of the country's largest economic hubs with a top speed of 320 km/h. After the completion of the corridor, the distance between Mumbai and Ahmedabad will be reduced to about two hours, down from the current six-hour journey by conventional rail. The bullet train project, in partnership with Japan is a significant move towards the country's infrastructure development and is expected to boost regional connectivity, economic development, and employment in the western states of Gujarat and Maharashtra. MAHSR is a visionary project of the government which will herald a new era of safety, speed and service for the people and help Indian Railways become an international leader in scale, speed and skill. MAHSR project passes through high growth rate States of Gujarat and Maharashtra connecting business centres of Mumbai, Surat, Vadodara and Ahmedabad. The sanctioned cost of MAHSR project is Rs 1,08,000 crore. (ANI) Kamala Harris appeared on "Saturday Night Live" for a cameo ahead of the US election. The vice president appeared alongside actor Maya Rudolph in the show's cold open. "You can do something your opponent cannot do: you can open doors," Harris joked about Trump. Kamala Harris made a surprise campaign stop this weekend: Studio 8H, 30 Rockefeller Plaza. The vice president flew to New York City on Saturday after a campaign event in North Carolina to appear in the last episode of "Saturday Night Live" before voters go to the polls on November 5. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She appeared in the episode's cold open alongside her "SNL" impressionist, actor Maya Rudolph, in a sketch that began by parodying CNN's "The Source with Kaitlan Collins." Harris' cameo came after James Austin Johnson's spoof of a "four-and-a-half-hour" long Donald Trump rally speech. As Rudolph impersonated Harris backstage at a campaign rally, she wished aloud that she could talk to someone "who's been in my shoes," a "Black, South Asian woman running for president, preferably from the Bay area." The camera then panned to a beaming vice president. "You and me both sister," Harris said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Harris then appeared to poke fun at a recent video of Trump struggling to climb into a garbage truck at a campaign event in Wisconsin. "I am just here to remind you, you got this. Because you can do something your opponent cannot do: you can open doors," Harris said. The rest of the sketch involved Harris questioning Rudolph's impression of her laugh, a rhyming pep talk ("keep calm-ala and carry-on-ala"), and a final joke about whether Rudolph was registered in Pennsylvania a swing state that will play a key role in this year's election. Maya Rudolph and Kamala Harris on "Saturday Night Live." NBC/Rosalind O'Connor/NBC via Getty Images "SNL" has a long history of politicians appearing on the show. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, and Bernie Sanders have all made cameos before, while Trump hosted the show in 2015. Responding to Harris' appearance on the show, a Trump campaign spokesperson told News Nation in a statement that Harris "has nothing substantive to offer the American people, so that's why she's living out her warped fantasy cosplaying with her elitist friends on Saturday Night Leftists." "SNL" creator Lorne Michaels said earlier this year that he had not approached any political candidates about joining the show before the election and had no plans to do so. "You can't bring the actual people who are running on because of election laws and the equal time provisions," he told The Hollywood Reporter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "You can't have the main candidates without having all the candidates, and there are lots of minor candidates that are only on the ballot in, like, three states and that becomes really complicated," Michaels added. A representative for the Harris campaign did not respond to a request for comment from Business Insider, which was sent outside regular working hours. Read the original article on Business Insider EXCLUSIVE: Kani Releasing has acquired North American rights to Yoko Yamanakas Desert Of Namibia from Japans Happinet Phantom Studios Corp. The youth drama, starring popular newcomer Yuumi Kawai (Look Back, Plan 75), premiered in Directors Fortnight at this years Cannes film festival, where it won the FIPRESCI prize, and is scheduled to screen at the inaugural Directors Fortnight Extended in Los Angeles this weekend. More from Deadline Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yamanakas second feature following 2018 award-winning drama Amiko, the film is about a disaffected 21-year-old working in a beauty salon, where the expectations placed on women her age are difficult to ignore. Bored with her boyfriend, she begins a new relationship that quickly become volatile and prompts her to take a few steps inside the desert of her emotions. Daichi Kaneko (Its A Summer Film) and Kanichiro Sato (Kubi) also star. Kani Releasing is planning a spring 2025 theatrical release for the film. Directors Fortnight Extended is taking place in Los Angeles in The Culver Theater this weekend (November 1-3). The global extension to the Cannes parallel selection has also been to Recife in Brazil (October 15-20), New York (October 25-27) and will next head to Tokyo, where it will take place at the Human Trust Shibuya (December 6-19). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yamanaka was just 19 years old when Amiko won the Audience Award at Japans Pia Film Festival and went on to screen at Berlin and several other film festivals. Her other works include contributions to the anthology film 21st Century Girl (2021), and short films Born Pisces (2020) and See You On The Other Side (2022). Yamanaka is one of the most uncompromising and exciting filmmakers working today, committed to a stubbornly personal body-of-work that examines and upends tropes about womanhood in the Japanese context, said Kani Releasing co-founder and artistic director Ariel Esteban Cayer. Two features in, she has already crafted a unique oeuvre of scalding, confrontational honesty. The Cannes FIPRESCI jury praised the film for its intrepid exploration of contemporary shades of neurodivergence, captured through images that ceaselessly probe the distance between its central characters as they navigate the spaces of 21st century Japan. Best of Deadline Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. The U.S. Department of the Interior on Saturday informed social-media followers that National Bison Day is a time to celebrate this majestic symbol of strength and resilience. With that in mind, below is an extraordinary clip that showcases the strength of one adult male bison and resilience of another as it clears its rival from a highway by knocking him briefly airborne. (Keep in mind that adult male bison can weigh 2,000 pounds.) Bison fight Bison mating season is still going on in the park. Male bison are particularly aggressive right now, though all bison and other wildlife can be dangerous. Remember to always keep your distance25 yards from bison and elk; 100 yards from all other wildlife.#Yellowstone #NationalPark #WhatWildlifeDoWednesday #Bison Posted by Yellowstone National Park on Monday, August 10, 2020 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The footage, captured during mating season through a vehicle window, was shared by Yellowstone National Park in 2020, along with the warning: Remember to always keep your distance 25 yards from bison and elk; 100 yards from all other wildlife. (Click here if video player does not appear above.) While commemorating National Bison Day, the U.S. Department of the Interior boasted that, in a collaborative effort with tribes and states, the agency manages 11,000 bison in 19 herds across 12 states. (Yellowstone is home to nearly 5,000 bison.) The department continued: This magnificent animal joins the ranks of the bald eagle as the official symbol of our country and much like the eagle, its a symbol of our American identity and one of the greatest conservation success stories of all time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The department concluded with its own humorous warning to tourists, alluding to the unpredictability of massive animals that are not always as docile as they appear to be: And as a reminder: Dont pet the fluffy cow. This article originally appeared on For The Win: Bison fight showcases 'strength and resilience of iconic critters A strong, durable engine is the key to a long lifespan for a car, and some automakers' models have better motors than others. Naturally, then, mechanics have seen it all and can offer some firsthand advice on which brands have the best engines. Auto shop workers at Accurate Automotive in Colorado shared their opinions on the car brands with the strongest engines in a recent TikTok video. "Toyotas," one employee said, with another echoing the "Toyota" sentiment. Others attributed great engines less to one brand and more to one manufacturer overall. "It's got to be the old-fashioned LS engines," one mechanic said, referring to General Motors' LS-based small-block engines first introduced in 1997. Another mechanic noted that the brands with the best engines are "Probably like Chevy [or] Ford; early Chevy [or] Ford." Chevrolet is GM's most successful brand. According to Consumer Reports and J.D. Power, BMW, Subaru, and Lexus are among the top car brands for 2024 for buyers. The Toyota corporation, long regarded as a maker of durable cars, won nine awards from J.D. Power this year for various models including the Toyota Corolla, Toyota Camry, Toyota 4Runner, and Lexus RX. General Motors, meanwhile, won awards for models like the Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Traverse, and Chevrolet Tahoe. When finding the right set of wheels for you, consider how long you want to have the car and how much you'll be willing to fork over in engine repairs as time goes on. For many cultures across South Florida, the days after Halloween mark a special time to honor those that have passed on. Hispanic cultures, particularly people of Mexican decent, celebrate Dia de Muertos, or Day of the Dead on November 1st and 2nd. Haitians have their own version called Fet Gede, or Festival of the Dead, that incorporates Vodou traditions. Many Catholics attend a special mass on All Souls Day, which offers prayers for the departed along with a trip to the cemetery after church. The practices may be different, but the goal is basically the same: to honor the deceased and keep the memory of those who have died, alive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Little Haiti, crowds of people showed up to the Little Haiti Cultural Complex on Friday evening for Haiti in the Heartland, a cultural event celebrating Haitian art, which concluded with a traditional Haitian folklore dance performance in honor of Fet Gede, the Festival of the Dead. A member of the NSL Danse Ensemble performs a traditional dance on Fet Gede, the Haitian Day of the Dead, at the Little Haiti Cultural Complex on November 2nd. Dancers dressed in purple, white and black told the story of life and death through their quick hip thrusts and sensual movements. Nancy St. Leger, the choreographer and founder of the NSL Danse Ensemble, said her goal is too keep Haitian traditions alive through dance. I really just do authentic old school Haitian folklore dance, said St. Leger, who was born in Haiti and moved to the United States when she was 10 years old. Theres such a need for it, especially when theres so much negativity around Haiti. St. Leger said that there is meaning behind every movement. The dancers start the performance wearing white, the traditional color worn by Vodou practitioners during ceremonies, to call on the spirits. The dance starts out slow, somber, but speeds up to represent how we bring life into the world. The piece is just as much about life as it is about death. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Gede is also the spiritual part of it, its like a rejuvenation. Its you starting all over again. Its like the circle of life, St. Leger said. Members of the NSL Danse Ensemble perform a traditional Haitian dance in honor of Fet Gede, the Festival of the Dead, at the Little Haiti Cultural Complex. In Haitian and African cultures, ancestors are a huge part of life. November is a special month to celebrate the dead, but for many Haitians, honoring ancestors is a year-round practice, said Patricia Goldman-Mecklembourg, a Vodou Priestess, or Manbo. We march to the beat of our ancestors. Our ancestors are everything to us, said Goldman-Mecklembourg. Our ancestors, theyre are our guides. The Gede tradition is found in African cultures as well, said Goldman-Mecklembourg. She said the Haitian and African cultures are connected through language, religion and culture. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vodou doesnt stop at Haiti. Vodou is literally a connection to Africa, she said. This was something .... that was carried over from our ancestors, from the European slave trade, from Africa to the Americas. Our ancestors kept that tradition and they passed it down to to us, the children of Africa. Goldman-Mecklembourg explains that during Fet Gede, Haitians will celebrate in different ways, some will place items belonging to the deceased on a table, along with candles and photos. Its a kind of altar, similar to the one found in Dia de Muertos rituals, where its believed to help the dead find their way back to Earth to spend time with loved ones. A table in honor of Fet Gede, the Haitian Day of Dead, by the Community Justice Project curated by Nadege Green and Marie Vickles at the Little Haiti Cultural Complex. Were all celebrating the dead in all own way, said St. Leger, who recognized that there are similarities between cultures. In Vizcaya Village, the Ameyal Mexican Cultural Academy hosted an indigenous ceremony to celebrate Dia de Muertos, honoring ancestors through song, dance and traditional blessings. Participants were encouraged to bring their own offferings (ofrendas) for their loved ones to place on a communal altar. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is a very indigenous, traditional ceremony for us, and its a very sacred ceremony, said Chief Francisco Ceyaotl Marin, community programs coordinator for the Cultural Academy, in a video about the event. Organizers made it clear on the event poster that this was not another Halloween party. It is not a festival, its a traditional way of honoring our ancestors and our loved ones, Marin said. This is the first time the Ameyal Mexican Cultural Academy, a group that shares Mexican cultural heritage through art, music and dance, has opened the Dia de Muertos event to the public. Attendees were encouraged to show up with vibrant orange marigolds, a flower native to Mexico thats traditionally used in Dia de los Muertos rituals, to place on the altar, along with personal artifacts. Offerings at a Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, altar in Little Havana are photographed by Little Haiti photographer, Woosler Delisfort. His new exhibition at HistoryMiami, called SANCTUARY: Our Sacred Place, showcases the religious origins of Afro-Caribbeans populations in Miami. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Saturday, Catholics across South Florida went to a special mass for All Souls Day, a day in which Catholics pray for those believers who have passed on, to try and help them on their way to Heaven. Archbishop Thomas Wenski explains that Catholics call these souls, the faithful departed, or those who have died that perhaps are still on their way to heaven. Catholics believe that those who died without attaining perfect Holiness enter through purgatory, a stage between Earth and heaven. If youre in a dark theater, you go into matinee and you come out and its three oclock in the afternoon, the sun is shining brightly. You cant see right away, and your eyes have to adjust, Wenski said. Thats what purgatory is, helping the soul to adjust to the brightness of heavenly life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On All Souls Day, many people visit their loved ones at cemeteries following mass. Both All Souls Day and All Saints Day, where Catholics pray for the saints already in heaven, though focused on death, are actually hopeful, said Wenksi, because of the belief in spending an afterlife in Heaven. These masses and these feast days themselves are expressions of hope, and theres no reason to be somber, said Wenski. The best is yet to come. A member of the NSL Danse Ensemble performs in honor of the Day of the Dead at the Little Haiti Cultural Complex. This story was produced with financial support from Trish and Dan Bell and from donors comprising the South Florida Jewish and Muslim Communities, in partnership with Journalism Funding Partners. The Miami Herald maintains full editorial control of this work. An exciting edition of the Breeders' Cup Classic lived up to its billing on Saturday at Del Mar: a blistering early pace set the race up for a deep closer in Sierra Leone, who crossed the wire 1 1/2 lengths ahead of favored Fierceness to capture the $7 million crown. "I'm so proud of the horse, happy for the horse because he's come up short a few times," said trainer Chad Brown. "He's had some excuses, but he's been so consistent and he's such an honest horse, one of the best I've ever had. "In hindsight, Saratoga might not have been his favorite track. He took to this track, got the pace he needed, and it was his day today." Sierra Leone closed from 12th in the 14-strong Classic field under Flavien Prat, angling out near the head of the stretch. The 3-year-old son of Gun Runner ran straight down the lane and proved best on the day, stopping the clock in 2:00.78 for 1 1/4 miles on the fast main track. The 6-1 chance paid $15.80. "When I rode him (before), we never had pace; he comes from behind, so he never had a chance," said Prat. "Today the pace was good, and he was able to show his talent." Japan's Derma Sotogake took the lead early in the Classic, with Fierceness rushing up to be just off a blistering early pace of :22.43 and :44.96. At the back of the pack, Prat was able to guide Sierra Leone to a spot just three paths off the rail in 10th position, at least 10 lengths off the pacesetters. Prat maintained that position down the backstretch, staying three-wide out of trouble and finding a rhythm that allowed him to slowly make up ground on the leaders. Near the half-mile pole, Sierra Leone was just five lengths off the leaders with clear running on the outside, and he continued to progress as the speed horses faltered nearing the head of the lane. Sierra Leone drew up alongside Fierceness at the head of the lane, and though the Travers winner fought back, the fast pace eventually took its toll on Fierceness and he had to settle for second. At the wire, Sierra Leone was 1 1/2 lengths ahead of Fierceness, with Forever Young able to get up for third. Newgate finished fourth, and Senor Buscador was fifth. The remaining order of finish was as follows: Tapit Trice, Pyrenees, City of Troy, Highland Falls, Ushba Tesoro, Mixto, Arthur's Ride, Derma Sotogake, and Next. The Aidan O'Brien hope, City of Troy, broke a step slow and was never involved. Sierra Leone is owned by Peter Brant, Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith, Brook Smith, and Westerberg. He was bred in Kentucky by Debby M. Oxley out of the Grade 1-winning Malibu Moon mare Heavenly Love, and commanded $2.3 million as a yearling at the Fasig-Tipton Saratoga sale. Sierra Leone won the G2 Risen Star and G1 Blue Grass Stakes to earn his spot in this year's Kentucky Derby, where he lost by a nose to Mystik Dan after bumping in the stretch. Brown changed his equipment to help keep the colt running straight, but he could do no better than third in the Belmont Stakes five weeks later at Saratoga. The colt made his next two starts at Saratoga as well, finishing second in the G2 Jim Dandy and third in the G1 Travers. Ultimately, Brown blamed those losses on Sierra Leone not liking the dirt course at Saratoga, and not getting enough pace to run at. Neither of those were issues in the Classic, with the fastest half-mile in the race's history and a surface Sierra Leone seemed to relish. The Classic win, a first for Chad Brown, comes exactly 20 years after his mentor, Hall of Fame trainer Bobby Frankel, won the Classic with Ghostzapper. A lot of experience I learned from my mentor Bobby Frankel helped, particularly here in Southern California," Brown said. "Bobby was a very rare person and generous person and a great mentor. At moments like this, I always think of him." The colt's record now stands at four wins from nine starts for earnings of $5,718,000. It means so much to have this box checked, if you will," Brown concluded. "A huge dirt race. Particularly for this horse and his Kentucky Derby. That was a tough moment for everyone involved because you never know when youre going to get there again. Its such a tough race to win. For him to redeem himself and close out the year as probably the best 3-year-old in a very deep division, I could not be more happy for this horse. He really deserves it. We may receive a commission on purchases made from links. When you think of Thanksgiving, there are probably a few things that come to mind: pilgrims in buckle hats (and buckle shoes), cornucopias full of the fruits of a bountiful autumnal harvest, cranberry sauce (canned or homemade, but ideally seasoned to balance the sauce's sourness), and, of course, a large, golden, and perfectly roasted turkey sitting smack-dab in the middle of the dinner table. But how exactly did the fowl take center stage at the Thanksgiving table? After all, the bird has come to be inextricably linked to the holiday. Just ask Tom Turkey, the crown jewel of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. However, the large fowl wasn't always a Thanksgiving essential. Rather, it, like the holiday itself, took years to really catch on in American culture and is most likely a later addition to the annual feast, which first took place in present-day Massachusetts during the 17th century. Some of the autumnal holiday's enthusiasts posit that the turkey was always a part of Thanksgiving, citing a letter from 1621 that indicated that English pilgrims provided fowl for the first holiday feast. But while turkeys are native to the Americas and used to be abundant in Massachusetts, it's not clear that it was the bird in question. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Turkey was not the default food served on the holiday as it grew in popularity in New England over the next couple of centuries, either. In fact, it wasn't until the 19th century that turkeys became so integral to the holiday, thanks partly to the work of one Sarah Josepha Hale. Read more: Mistakes Everyone Makes When Cooking Sweet Potatoes What's For (The First) Thanksgiving Dinner? Artwork depicting an English pilgrim meal - Brownie Harris/Getty Images There is no way to know what the exact menu was for that first Thanksgiving dinner between English pilgrims and indigenous Wampanoag people. However, there is documentation that outlines some of the food served, which included fish, lobster (probably not served in a rich bisque or chowder), oysters, corn, and venison. In addition to the other fare, there was mention of birds being on the menu in a 1621 letter written by Edward Winslow, a Plymouth colonist. However, the exact type of poultry served wasn't specified. It very well could have been turkey, as the bird would have been present in the area. Additionally, long before the meal, turkey was already being served across the pond, with King Henry VIII including the bird at multiple feasts. Still, it is more widely believed that the birds in question were geese or ducks rather than turkeys. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The tradition of thanksgiving dinners (not associated with today's holiday) was nothing new to English colonists, however. The act of coming together for a meal of thanksgiving around autumn was a common religious celebration of the time, but these dinners were not done on specific dates. They didn't have a set menu, either. Rather, the fare was dictated by what was locally available, which most likely included turkey to some extent, but also commonly included seafood, thanks to the coast's proximity. It wasn't until the 19th century that the turkey took special hold on the holiday. The Fight For Thanksgiving (And Turkey) Vintage Thanksgiving card - Swim Ink 2 Llc/Getty Images While the story of the first Thanksgiving takes place in the plentiful landscape of 1600s New England, the national holiday we know today actually has little to do with the original feast between the Pilgrims and Wampanoag people, and everything to do with Sarah Josepha Hale and her crusade to embed the tradition into American culture. Born in New Hampshire in the late 18th century, Hale worked as a writer, composing novels and poems like "Mary's Lamb," better known today as "Mary Had a Little Lamb," for publication. She also worked as the editor of the "Godey's Lady's Book" magazine, through which she started a campaign for a national Thanksgiving celebration in 1846, according to Lauren Schenone's book "A Thousand Years Over a Hot Stove." Using her influence, Hale pushed for the popularization of a national Thanksgiving holiday to unite the country. While Thanksgiving dinners were popular in New England, many people in the South pushed against the Northern tradition. However, Hale saw the holiday as a way of bringing together an increasingly divided country. Ultimately, her efforts were successful, with Abraham Lincoln declaring Thanksgiving a national holiday in 1863 in the midst of the Civil War. Along with her push for Thanksgiving, Hale also had some ideas when it came to the celebration's menu. Her 1827 novel "Northwood" detailed a Thanksgiving menu that prominently featured turkey. The "Godey's Lady's Book" magazine also published Thanksgiving menus that included turkey. But while we can thank Hale for our current iteration of the holiday, the popularization of turkey as a Thanksgiving food is still not entirely her doing. How The Gobbler Took Hold Tom Turkey parade float - a katz/Shutterstock There are many reasons for turkey's Thanksgiving takeover. Of course, Sarah Josepha Hale included the bird in her own writing about the holiday. Still, more practical reasons may be at play for why turkey rose to popularity during the 19th century and became a centerpiece of Thanksgiving dinners. The bird, after all, is simply a great main course for large gatherings. Turkeys can feed larger parties than smaller fowl like chickens and ducks. And, unlike other farm animals, such as cows or chickens, turkeys do not produce products such as milk or eggs. The economic benefits of using turkey no doubt played a role in its rise to Thanksgiving fame. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As artwork depicting the holiday became popularized in the 20th century, the turkey took center stage -- just look at Norman Rockwell's iconic 1943 painting "Freedom From Want," which portrays a jubilant Thanksgiving dinner. The painting shows a mother setting a perfectly golden turkey before her family. The bird represents abundance or, at the very least, the hope for it. And wasn't that what the Pilgrims and Wampanoag people were celebrating when they assembled their very first Thanksgiving? Regardless of whether or not their tables held turkeys, the bird is now, undoubtedly, the mascot for a holiday built on a patchwork of American mythos and a symbol for prosperity and national unity. Read the original article on Chowhound. In its manifesto for the upcoming Jharkhand assembly elections, the BJP on Sunday announced it will provide Rs 2,100 every month to all the women in their bank accounts if voted to power. The manifesto was launched in the state capital Ranchi in the presence of Union Home Minister and senior party leader Amit Shah. The BJP also mentioned in its manifesto that it will provide LPG cylinders to all families at Rs 500 per unit and promised two units free of cost annually. Further, the party promised to create as many as 5 lakh job opportunities and provide an additional 287,500 government jobs. "Free LPG gas cylinders will be given on Diwali and Rakshabandhan and the (other) cylinders will be given for Rs 500. Five lakh employment opportunities will be created for the youth of Jharkhand," Amit Shah said at the manifesto launch programme. The manifesto documents mention that the BJP government will provide 150,000 of the promised government jobs in just a year. The party further promised Rs 2,000 to all the graduate youth who are struggling to start a professional. The stipends will be for a period of two years. In the education sector, BJP party promised the people of Jharkhand it would ensure free of cost education for all girl children, from kindergarten until their post-graduation. For the farming community, the BJP party promised to buy paddy for Rs 3,100 per quintal. The money would be directly sent to farmers' bank accounts in just 24 hours of procurement. Also, it promised to increase the irrigation area in the state threefold by 2030. Further, Arhar Dal and Mahua will be included under the MSP programme. Elections for 81 seats in the Jharkhand Assembly will be conducted in two phases on November 13 and November 20, with the counting of votes scheduled for November 23. (ANI) Here's everything you need to know about planning a trip to Parma, Italy. Laura Itzkowitz/Travel + Leisure Piazza Garibaldi in Parma, Italy. Piazza Garibaldi in Parma, Italy. Parmigiano-Reggiano is one of the worlds most famous and beloved cheeses, yet its birthplace is rarely one of the first places that people think of when planning a trip to Italy. What a shame. Despite living in Rome for five years and visiting Italy dozens of times before that, it took me years to get to Parma, but when I finally did, I realized what an incredible place Id been missing. Located in Emilia-Romagna, about an hour from Bologna, Parma is at the heart of Italys Food Valley. In fact, its recognized by UNESCO as a Creative City for Gastronomy. Parma traces its roots back to ancient Rome, but it entered a golden age when it became part of the Duchy of Parma and Piacenza in 1545. Under the Farnese dukes, the city became wealthy and powerful. Renaissance painters like Correggio and Parmigianino left their mark, decorating palaces and churches that are still must-visit spots today. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On a recent visit to Parma, I was enchanted by the citys elegant piazzas and streets lined with boutiques, restaurants, and bars. It regularly ranks among Italys most livable cities, according to an annual survey by Italian newspaper Il Sole 24 Ore. Compared to crowded cities like Rome, Florence, and Venice, Parma feels like a breath of fresh air. Its still relatively under-the-radar, so you can really live like a local and experience a place full of art and culture that's not overrun by tourists. To learn more, I reached out to local expert Micol Brianti, who was born and raised in Parma and manages a portfolio of holiday homes called Michilab. Read on to discover why Parma made our list of the best cities to visit in Italy, and what you need to know to plan a trip. Parma, Italy The Palazzo della Pilotta was built as a Renaissance palace for the Farnese dukes; today it houses five cultural sites, including the National Gallery. Get lost wandering around the piazzas and cobblestone streets in the charming historic center of the city. Shop for gourmet food products to bring home at La Prosciutteria Silvano Romani. Sip natural wines while sitting at a table made from a wine barrel at Enoteca Tabarro. Savor traditional Parma cuisine, including pumpkin tortelli, at the old-school Trattoria Ai Due Platani. Best Hotels & Resorts Courtesy of Sina Maria Luigia Gust suite in Sina Maria Luigia. Gust suite in Sina Maria Luigia. Grand Hotel de la Ville Located a 15-minute walk from the historic center in the industrial Barilla Center renovated by Renzo Piano, this modern hotel is one of Parmas few five-star properties. Floor-to-ceiling windows, neutral tones, and sleek furnishings by Mies Van Der Rohe set the tone for a sophisticated stay. Sina Maria Luigia Part of the family-run Sina Hotels group, this four-star hotel in the heart of the city is well-suited for business and leisure travelers. Named for Napoleons second wife who reigned over the city, the hotel is done up in a classic style, with 101 rooms and suites, Maxims Restaurant, and LAiglon Bar. NH Parma This four-star hotel by NH is conveniently located just steps from the train station and a quick walk away from the historic center. Its bright, clean rooms are outfitted in contemporary furniture, and an ample buffet breakfast is provided. It may not ooze personality, but its a great, affordable option for a brief stay. Michilab With her company Michilab, Micol Brianti designs and manages short-term apartment rentals in Parma, Puglia, and Sardinia. The fully furnished, comfortable apartments range in size from studios to a two-bedroom apartment that can accommodate up to six guests. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related: Travel + Leisure Readers 10 Favorite Resorts in Italy of 2024 Best Things to Do Laura Itzkowitz/Travel + Leisure Palazzo della Pilotta National Gallery in Parma, Italy. Palazzo della Pilotta National Gallery in Parma, Italy. Get cultured at the Palazzo della Pilotta museum complex. One ticket grants you access to five incredible sights in this historic palace built for the Farnese dukes: the National Gallery, the Farnese Theater, the Archeological Museum, the Palatine Library, and the Bodoni Museum, which is Italys first printing museum. Palazzo della Pilotta literally transports you into another world and is the ideal place to nourish yourself with beauty, especially the Palatine. Just entering it and being enveloped in silence is enough to replenish you, says Brianti. See Correggios frescoes in the Camera di San Paolo. Brianti also recommends visiting the Camera di San Paolo, which was originally part of the abbess apartment in the Benedictine convent of Saint Paul. In 1514, the Abbess Giovanni da Piancenza commissioned Correggio to decorate it with frescoes that are considered masterpieces of High Italian Renaissance art. The best part? You may have it all to yourself, as I did when I visited. Get lost in the charming streets of the centro storico. Parmas centro storico (historic center) is full of narrow streets lined with boutiques, restaurants, and bars. Start at Piazza Garibaldi, the citys main square, and wander north toward the Duomo (the main cathedral). Taking a walk in Strada Cavour means shopping, artistic encounters, and gives you the feeling of being in a film, Brianti says. Visit a dairy to learn how Parmigiano-Reggiano is made. For a fascinating lesson in cheesemaking, book a visit to one of Parmas dairies to learn how authentic Parmigiano-Reggiano is produced. The family-run Caseficio Montecoppe offers tours and tastings, plus they have a shop so you can buy their cheeses to bring home. Take a walk in the Parco Ducale. Created by Duke Ottavio Farnese in 1561 and expanded in the 1700s, this serene green space became a public park with Italian unification in the 1860s. Within the park, theres a playground for kids, an area for dogs, fountains, sport tracks, and a cafe with outdoor tables. Every adult from Parma ran around here as a kid and ate popcorn in the park, notes Brianti. Best Shopping Laura Itzkowitz/Travel + Leisure La Prosciutteria Parma in Parma, Italy. La Prosciutteria Parma in Parma, Italy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement La Prosciutteria Silvano Romani Want to bring home some of the regions gastronomic specialties? This little salumeria is packed with charcuterie, cheeses, tortellini, and other culinary specialties, many of which are packaged in vacuum-sealed containers. This is also a good place to buy provisions for a picnic on the lawn of the Palazzo della Pilotta or the Parco Ducale. Gazzabuglio This pint-sized boutique sells a highly curated selection of vintage designer bags, jewelry, and clothes. The owner seeks out hard-to-find pieces, such as vintage Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Hermes bags. I Love My House This store always has what Im looking for, and the owner is very helpful. They have a store on Via Emilia with design items for the home, and when I want a touch of class at home, I always go there, Brianti says. Best Nightlife Laura Itzkowitz/Travel + Leisure Tabarro wine bar in Parma, Italy. Tabarro wine bar in Parma, Italy. Enoteca Tabarro This little wine bar just a couple of blocks from Piazza Garibaldi is the place to go to try natural wines from Emilia-Romagna and beyond. If the weather is good, grab a stool outside and perch at one of the tables made from wine barrels. Best Restaurants Laura Itzkowitz/Travel + Leisure Street scene in Parma, Italy. Street scene in Parma, Italy. Trattoria Ai Due Platani This traditional trattoria just outside the city center was founded in the 1920s, and its still a favorite among locals. The pumpkin-stuffed tortelli are a must, but be sure to save room for dessert because they wheel over a cart of homemade gelato with toppings so you can create your own sundae, Italian style. Sorelle Picchi I love Sorelle Picchi because you can always get a table without a reservation, since its a big place. They serve typical Parma food in an ambiance that feels like an old country house, says Brianti, adding, Their torta fritta is unbeatable! Ristorante Cocchi This old-school, family-run restaurant attached to the Daniel Hotel has been satisfying diners since 1925. The retro ambiance features wood paneling, white tablecloths, shelves full of wine bottles, and colorful art on the walls. Try the pumpkin flan with parmesan fonduta and the parmesan rice savarin, a dome of rice draped with prosciutto. Osteria dei Servi For me, dinner at the Osteria dei Servi means, above all, stracchino della duchessa, the best dessert that exists! Brianti exclaims. Expect a charmingly traditional ambiance, with painted wooden chairs and checkered table runners, friendly service, and delicious food. Antica Pasticceria Pagani Come here to try the torta ungherese, a rich chocolate cake made with layers of sponge cake and chocolate buttercream. At this historic pastry shop which opened in 1856 you can get an individual portion to eat here or buy a whole cake to go. Best Time to Visit Peter Adams/Getty Images Duomo in Parma, Italy. Duomo in Parma, Italy. My favorite season is autumn because in the spring we all suffer from allergies, and in summer and winter we dont enjoy the city because we cant wait to go home to the warmth or cold, says Brianti. With its colors, illuminated shop windows, and aperitivo outside, autumn is charming. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Parma hosts a number of events throughout the year that are worth planning a trip around, too. The Cena dei Mille is an unforgettable annual event in which a 1,300-foot-long table is set up in the city center and a thousand people dine together with the music of Giuseppe Verdi wafting through the air. Mercanteinfiera, Parmas legendary antiques fair, takes place twice a year (in the spring and fall) and attracts collectors and designers from around the world. Related: The Best and Worst Times to Visit Italy How to Get There Parma has a small airport with flights to and from cities in Italy and Europe, but if youre flying from the U.S., the closest major airport is Guglielmo Marconi Airport in Bologna, which is about an hour away. Parma is also well connected to the rest of Italy by train. How to Get Around Julian Elliott Photography/Getty Images Teatro Regio in Parma, Italy. Teatro Regio in Parma, Italy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The historic center is quite compact and walkable, so bring comfortable shoes. The city is flat, so locals often get around by bicycle. Buses: Trasporti Publici Parma runs a network of buses. A single fare costs 1.70 and is valid for 80 minutes. Taxi: Radio Taxi Parma is the citys taxi company. From Bologna G. Marconi Airport to the historic center, theres a fixed rate of 140 (plus possible surcharges for luggage and tolls), but usually fares are calculated based on time and distance traveled. Download the itTaxi app or call +39.052.1252562 to hail a taxi. Apart from everything else the Greeks have given the world - democracy, the Olympics, Yorgos Lanthimos, etc. - they have contributed a great deal to cuisine. Fresh, crumbly feta cheese sprinkled over a salad; grilled lamb wrapped neatly in pita bread; bowls of tart, creamy tzatziki, perfect for dipping vegetables or gyros. As far as Mediterranean cuisine goes, Italy and Spain get the most attention, but Greece is certainly not to be slept on. Should you ever find yourself in Greece, there is one island in particular that's earned some renown as a foodie destination. Those who read books on Greek mythology as a child will know Crete as the home of the Minotaur, a man with the head of a bull imprisoned in the center of an enormous labyrinth. But today, the island boasts such a wide range of regional delights that the Minotaur might have found his stay more bearable. Who needs to eat young women sacrificed to the labyrinth when you could have a nice Dakos salad? Read more: The Many, Many Ingredients That Are Packed Into McDonald's Fries In Crete, It's All About The Olive Olive oil jug and olives - sebra/Shutterstock The olive has been of historical importance to the whole of Greece since ancient history, and Crete is no exception. In fact, it's home to the olive tree of Vouves, which is one of the oldest olive trees in the world -- potentially even the oldest. Anywhere from 2,000 to 4,000 years old, it still bears fruit, and its branches were used to weave the victory laurels for the Athens Olympics. But the Cretian love affair with the olive goes far beyond one tree. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While you can obviously eat olives as they are - after a brining process, at least - Crete's real claim to fame is its olive oil. Over two-thirds of Crete's landmass is used for olive cultivation, and the island produces approximately 90,000 tons of olive oil a year (80% of which is extra virgin). Cretan families will have a bottle of the stuff on the table at the very least - if not a jug. Tourists can enjoy plenty of tours and tastings at various oil presses around the island. Great Ingredients Make For Great Food greek salad by aegean sea - Marrupe/Shutterstock Any chef will tell you that the most important part of cooking is having access to quality ingredients, and one look at Cretan cuisine bears that out. Most of the signature dishes of the island are simplicity itself, but the sheer quality of each individual part makes it truly delicious. There are salads sourced from the abundance of edible greens, or horta, on the island; there are cheeses made from fresh goat milk, like the ricotta-esque mizithra, or sheep's milk, like milky malaka. There is also all manner of baked or smoked meats, from lamb to pork to seafood. Perhaps most interestingly, there are snails. Oh yes, they're not just a French delicacy - on Crete, they're often tossed in flour and fried in olive oil before being seasoned with simple spices and vinegar. They're referred to as chochlioi bourbouristi -- "chochlioi" meaning "snail," and "bourbouristi" being an onomatopoeia of the popping sound that's made when you put them in your mouth. What fun! For more food and drink goodness, join The Takeout's newsletter. Get taste tests, food & drink news, deals from your favorite chains, recipes, cooking tips, and more! Read the original article on The Takeout. As storied as McDonald's Big Mac is, it's not actually the first burger to take on that double-decker, two-patty, bread-in-the-middle burger format. That distinction falls upon a much different burger chain, one that's not as widely spoken of. It has a blue-eyed, brown-haired boy as its mascot: Bob's Big Boy. It was founded by a man named Bob Wian in 1936, and was originally called "Bob's Pantry." The restaurant's website explains that its original creation, simply dubbed the "Big Boy", involved Wian entertaining a request from a regular customer, who "asked for something 'different.'" So Wian split a bun into three parts, and tossed in two burger patties, creating the format they eventually called the "Double-Deck Hamburger", which the restaurant still serves today. If the Big Mac sounds a lot like that sandwich, that's because it's a direct translation of the Big Boy version. In the late 1960s, Jim Delligatti, a McDonald's franchise owner in the Pittsburgh area who had once worked as a Big Boy manager, decided to try a similar style of burger to boost his lagging sales. He tested that same burger format at a few of his McDonald's locations, and the Big Mac became a part of McDonald's permanent menu starting in 1968. Let's just say the Big Mac ended up performing pretty darn well, even spawning off a nouveau chicken version. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Where To Get Burgers During Fast Food Breakfast Hours Most Big Boy Restaurants Live In One Particular State big boy restaurant exterior - George Rose/Getty Images The legacy of Big Boy is a little bit complicated, and that's because there's multiple versions of the chain. The original version, called Bob's Big Boy, now has four remaining locations in California. When Wian decided to turn the chain into a franchise, he allowed franchisees to take some liberties with their names; provided they still use the same branding. That's why offshoot brands like Frisch's Big Boy (located in Cincinnati) exist. The largest version of the chain is simply called Big Boy and is mainly centered in Michigan -- which is decidedly a much different backdrop from the palm trees of Los Angeles. And the special sauce served at the original Bob's Big Boy is much different than the Thousand Island-esque stuff you see at the Michigan-centered Big Boy offshoot of the chain. It's a red relish that some liken to a mildly sweet ketchup, which is notable considering secret burger sauces have taken on a much different mayo-based direction in modern times. Even the Big Mac has a mayo-based secret sauce. But the difference in sauce isn't going to change the Big Mac's original DNA, which is all thanks to the Bob's Big Boy burger. For more food and drink goodness, join The Takeout's newsletter. Get taste tests, food & drink news, deals from your favorite chains, recipes, cooking tips, and more! Read the original article on The Takeout. More than 1 million people watched on as colourful floats and people in costumes marched through Mexico City during a grand parade for the Day of the Dead on Saturday, according to the city administration. Mexico began celebrating the Day of the Dead on Friday with illuminated skeletons, skulls and sweets to commemorate their deceased relatives over the two Catholic holidays of All Saints and All Souls on November 1 and 2. Saturday's parade of seven floats was accompanied by at least 10,000 people in fancy dress, according to the city authorities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The parade, which leads along a route of 8 kilometres from Chapultepec park to Zocalo square, was instituted by the city in 2016. The UN cultural organization UNESCO included the custom in its Intangible Cultural Heritage list. The celebration is seen as a merging of pre-colonial rites and Catholic holidays introduced in the 16th century. The festival also coincides with the end of the harvest. People dressed in costumes from Mexican culture take part in the Day of the Dead parade. Felix Marquez/dpa In 2015, looking for a platform to discuss his ideas for his new album "If Detroit Were Heaven," hip-hop artist Khary Wae Frazier ventured into the world of podcasts to express his love of Detroit culture and give artists a platform to express their art. Frazier wanted to bring the separate worlds that exist in Detroit together, and to celebrate how different this city really is. So "Detroit is Different," an online magazine and podcast, was born in his grandparents' home on Detroits west side. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Like everything that I do, I believe the best creativity comes about from collaboration, Frazier says. The goal of "Detroit is Different" is to bring community together around collective concepts of creativity, and it has led to the creation of events like the Collard Green Cook-Off, the "Im Scared of Detroit Comedy Show" and the My Natural Hair Show, held last weekend at Andy Arts Center in Detroit. Nya Williams, 22, of Detroit, applies lashes with a hand mirror in preparation for the Detroit is Different Natural Hair Show at Andy Arts Center in Detroit on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. Stylist LaDonna Sims puts the finishing touches on a model with a moisturizing spray during the Detroit is Different Natural Hair Show at Andy Arts Center in Detroit on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. My Natural Hair Show is an homage to Detroit's famous Hair Wars, but unlike Hair Wars, founded by Detroiter David Humphries aka Hump the Grinder, My Natural Hair Show is not a competition but a celebration of Black hair. Lauren Whitfield, a natural hairstylist at Naked Stylez, says she wanted to be a part of the show because she wanted her talent to be seen. She chose the theme "Gods Promises." Whitfield sees the hair show as an opportunity to bring everyone together from different lives and different areas of Detroit. Everybody loves to look beautiful embracing your natural hair, the beauty that we have in being Black: our coils, our curls, our textures. Models Sarah Lee, 45, of Southfield, Lady Char, 47, of Redford Township, and Boog Brown, 42, of Southfield, exhibit the tribal theme for Stylist Jacky Bs hair show, during the Detroit is Different Natural Hair Show at Andy Arts Center in Detroit on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. Braider Endia Cloud, 22, of Detroit, styles Shanikka Singleton, 40, of Detroit, for the Detroit is Different Natural Hair Show at Andy Arts Center in Detroit on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. Clouds theme was Black Excellence. Singleton says she has been natural for 13 years and loves to showcase and support the natural Black hair community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This summer, Frazier interviewed Humphries, and heard stories of how Hair Wars started because stylists exhausted from doing hair on the weekends were just looking for a night they could party. So then they start their stylist nights on Monday nights. That movement grows so big to eventually create what becomes Hair Wars, Frazier says. And him telling me those stories and working and collaborating as not being a person of an industry but uplifting an industry has been helpful. Ra Marie, 34, of Detroit, walks in the Detroit is Different Natural Hair Show with the Elements theme representing the protector of the ozone at Andy Arts Center in Detroit on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. Maries Faux lock hairstyle is styled by Tyra The Locssmith Harper. Kaylin Mapp, 24, of Detroit, is helped down from the runway while walking in the Detroit is Different Natural Hair Show at Andy Arts Center in Detroit on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. Endia Cloud, of Endia Soniae Hair, is a braider who did not grow up loving her natural curl pattern. Seeing a show where I see stylists do only natural hair it helps me to see that people do actually love their hair, and shows like this help me to love myself and love my hair. Clouds theme for the show was Black Excellence. I was inspired by a lot of the stylists around me, she says. Ive seen so much creativity in the hairstyles and attention to detail. Audience members look back waiting for the next model to make their entrance during the Detroit is Different Natural Hair Show at Andy Arts Center in Detroit on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. Stylist LaDonna Sims hugs a member of the audience after her show during the Detroit is Different Natural Hair Show at Andy Arts Center in Detroit on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I'm a Aisha Shule kid" the now-closed Aisha Shule/WEB Dubois Preparatory Academy School on Detroit's west side "so I come from African-centered schools. Fraziers childhood is rooted in Black revolution, and his heart is captured by hip-hop, a platform where he saw young Black men able to say and do whatever they wanted to do. Frazier says his vision for the show is to bring in the community to experience Blackness that makes them feel welcome, an experience where theyre going to feel our culture is uplifted, unique and enjoyable. (The headline was updated in this story.) This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Natural Hair Show celebrates Detroit is Different Have you ever wondered where your Thanksgiving meal came from? I know a family member lovingly prepared the meal. But where did the food originate? Which states most likely contributed to your Thanksgiving feast? With data from the United States Department of Agriculture and World Population Review, we can determine the leading producers of each dish on your plate. Let's take a fun road trip across America to see which states produced your meal. You may be surprised that your plate is as diverse as the tourist attractions on this road trip. Turkey Many people know Minnesota as the "Land of 10,000 Lakes." Others recognize the state for the Mall of America or Voyageurs National Park, one of the country's most remote and least-visited parks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You may be surprised to learn it is America's top turkey-producing state. Whether you prefer your bird roasted, smoked, or deep fried, it likely came from Minnesota. Potatoes A turkey dinner at our table is only complete with a spoonful of rich gravy cradled inside a heaping mound of mashed potatoes. Idaho produces more potatoes than any other state. Whether you prefer baked or mashed potatoes, the popular Thanksgiving side dish likely came from Idaho. The state's natural wonders are as spectacular as its potatoes. Explore Idaho's beautiful parks as you drive by its potato fields. Be sure to stop at Craters of the Moon National Monument, one of America's most unique national park sites. Sweet Potatoes Some families have sweet potato pie for dessert, while others enjoy the vegetable as a side at Thanksgiving. Sweet potato casserole is a family favorite, drawing contented smiles around our table. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With all of North Carolina's natural wonders, from majestic mountains to alluring beaches, it never crossed my mind that the state is the leading producer of sweet potatoes. I now appreciate North Carolina even more. Whether you visit one of its cities, beaches, or mountains, tip your cap to the state for its bountiful crop of sweet potatoes. Green Beans I knew Wisconsin had a strong reputation for its delicious cheese, but I was surprised to learn of its prowess in green bean production. Some families serve green beans in succotash, while others include them in a casserole. Others may serve them as a side dish mixed with bacon or onions for additional flavor. Green beans are one of my favorites and are always a welcome accompaniment. While driving through Wisconsin, remember to explore the stretch between Green Bay and Lake Michigan. The state parks in Door County abound with natural beauty and unique adventures, from riding ferries and climbing lighthouses to discovering rare plants and geological formations. Corn A staple for many at Thanksgiving, corn may be a stand-alone side dish or appear in succotash, cornbread, corn pudding, or a casserole. As America's leading corn producer, Iowa likely provides the corn for your Thanksgiving feast. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Travelers can see the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers when visiting the state. If you visit from early to mid-August, check out Iowa's legendary state fair and its iconic giant cow sculpture made of butter. Yes, that butter will go nicely with your corn. Pumpkin Other than turkey, pumpkin pie may be the most iconic Thanksgiving food. Our family finishes the traditional feast with a dollop of whipped cream atop a warm slice of pumpkin pie. Just thinking about it brings a smile to my face. So, which state produces the most pumpkins? Illinois proudly tops the charts. During your Thanksgiving road trip across America, tour Chicago for the ultimate big-city getaway. For those who prefer escapes in nature, visit Starved Rock State Park, one of America's most beautiful state parks. Wheat Wheat is typically used in various Thanksgiving dishes, including rolls, bread, stuffing, casseroles, pie crust, and more. North Dakota is America's leading wheat producer. You will likely see tall wheat blades whipping in the wind while driving through the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For city adventures, visit Fargo or Bismarck. The state also has lots of history and natural beauty. Be sure to visit Theodore Roosevelt National Park, one of our most underrated parks. Pecans Some families serve pecan pie rather than pumpkin. Admittedly, we regularly serve both. So, which state grows the most pecans? Georgia takes the cake (pie, in this case). While driving through Georgia, visit Atlanta for the perfect city break or Savannah to get lost in history. Travelers who prefer the beach can choose from various islands, including Jekyll, St. Simons, and Tybee. Cranberries Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thanksgiving is only complete if cranberries are part of the meal. You may serve them in a sauce, relish, or cocktail during the holiday. Where can you find these tart berries? Wisconsin is the top cranberry-growing state. Although many people think of Wisconsin for cheese, the state once again proves it is much more than a vast dairy farm. Thank you, Wisconsin, for bringing green beans and cranberries to our Thanksgiving feast. Apples Some families serve apple slices as part of a fruit salad. Others prefer stewed, baked, or fried apples as a side. Maybe your family serves apple pie or cobbler for dessert. Regardless, Washington is the top apple producing state. The Pacific Northwest state offers fabulous cities like Seattle, Tacoma, and Spokane. Nature lovers may prefer one of its three national parks. Wherever you go, try some delicious Washington apples during your visit. Enjoy Your Thanksgiving Meal As you savor your Thanksgiving dinner this year, reflect upon the states that likely contributed to your meal. When planning your next vacation, consider visiting one of these states to appreciate its natural resources and tourist attractions firsthand. Thank you to all the farmers, grocers, and food industry members who work so hard to help provide our families with delicious food. Happy Thanksgiving. Enjoy your family time and safe travels! We may receive a commission on purchases made from links. Though the sandwich's name certainly implies its geographic origins, there has long been debate over the true birthplace of the Cuban sandwich. The researchers and authors behind the 2022 book "The Cuban Sandwich: A History in Layers" set out to chart its history once and for all, and determined that the sandwich did, in fact, originate in Havana, Cuba, as its name suggests but that it owes its evolution and rise to fame to the state of Florida, which is partially why so many of the best Cuban sandwiches in the U.S. can be found there. The fact that the Cuban sandwich is as much a product of Florida as it is of Cuba itself speaks to the long migratory history between the two locales. Due to their geographic proximity, travel between Cuba and Florida was common in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. One of the first major waves of emigration occurred in the mid-to-late 1800s, when the tobacco industry brought thousands of Cuban migrants to Key West and Tampa and with them, the "mixto" sandwich, named for its mix of meats and cheeses, which became the Cuban. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The first known mention of the Cuban sandwich is attributed to The Tampa Tribune in 1906, though it probably differed from the iconic sandwich we know today. That Cuban sandwich, composed of distinctive Cuban bread, mojo pork, Spanish ham, Italian Salami (in Tampa, at least), Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard, is a product of the intermixing immigrant cultures that define Florida's early history. Read more: 15 Myths About Cast Iron Skillets, Debunked Tampa And Miami Each Claim The Cuban Sandwich As Their Own Cuban Sandwich Served with Plantain Chips - Mathew Cowger/Shutterstock While Cuban immigration to Florida occurred in waves throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, by far the largest influx came after the Cuban Revolution in 1959, with the population concentrated in Miami. As a result, Cuban sandwiches became hugely popular in the area by the mid-1960s, and a friendly rivalry between Tampa and Miami over ownership of the sandwich was born. Both cities have their variations on the sandwich. Most notably, Tampa sandwiches typically include Genoa salami, while Miamians balk at the premise. Their bread differs as well, with Tampa bakeries being more likely to carry on the Cuban tradition of hand-stretching the loaves and adorning them with palmetto leaves. The cultural tradition of both cities, however, means that they both feature an abundance of essential Cuban ingredients like garlic, citrus, and oregano in their cooking, as evidenced in the mojo pork. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Miami was where the use of the iron press (or "plancha") to toast the sandwiches was first introduced, which many diners consider to be a crucial step in the Cuban sandwich-making process. Residents of either city may passionately declare their local Cuban to be the superior sandwich, but no matter where you are, there's nothing like a perfectly formed bite of crusty bread, melted cheese, hearty meats, and tangy pickles. Read the original article on Chowhound. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) Two men were found dead after separate shootings at the same recording studio in South Nashville less than 10 hours apart, according to authorities. The first incident was reported just after 9 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 2 in the 700 block of Hill Avenue. 1 injured in gas station shooting on Brick Church Pike Members of the Metro Nashville Police Department told News 2 they found a dead man in the drivers seat of a BMW SUV, and a woman with a pistol in her hand when they arrived at the scene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officers said they believed there was an argument and then the situation escalated. Detectives reportedly detained the woman who was found at the scene, but no additional information has been released. Law enforcement later identified the victim as Johnathon Wallace, 45. Investigators said they have conducted multiple interviews as they pursue strong leads in the case. Man dies after shooting on Creekwood Drive in Nashville A second shooting was reported at the same address on Hill Avenue shortly after 6:15 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 3. Police said they found Justin Williams, 35, deceased in the parking lot with a gunshot wound to his upper chest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Sunday night, officials announced 25-year-old Jaden Johnson was charged with Williams murder. Jaden Johnson (Source: MNPD) Witnesses told authorities that Johnson who was reportedly armed with a pistol approached Williams while he was sitting in a vehicle. According to law enforcement, Johnson had argued with Williams prior to the shooting. Read todays top stories on wkrn.com MNPD said the two incidents are not believed to be connected. No additional information has been released as both shootings remain under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 615-742-7463. Callers to Crime Stoppers can stay anonymous and qualify for a cash reward. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Download the News 2 app to stay updated on the go. Sign up for WKRN email alerts to have breaking news sent to your inbox. Find todays top stories on WKRN.com for Nashville, TN and all of Middle Tennessee. This is a developing story. WKRN News 2 will continue to update this article as new information becomes available. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. NORWICH, Conn. (WTNH) One person was injured in a house fire in Norwich Saturday afternoon, according to the Norwich Fire Department. At 3:26 p.m., Norwich fire crews arrived at a home on Third Street for reports of a kitchen fire in a single family home. They found fire coming out of the first floor windows of the 1.5 story building. There was one occupant in the house at the time of the fire. They suffered minor injuries and were treated at the scene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It took 45 minutes to get the fire under control. The origins of the fire are currently under investigation by the Norwich Fire Marshals Office. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com. Actor Tom Holland can't stop himself from about Zendaya on Google. He recently admitted that he sometimes Googles about his girlfriend to find out if she is doing fine, reported People. "The last thing I googled was actually Zendaya," said the 'Spider-Man' actor, adding, "I'm not on social media, and I delete it when I'm not using it." "So, sometimes, like, it's more of a bit of an anxiety thing, but I'll check to see if everything's good and to make sure we're all cool. So I just give her a little Google and look through the news, and I'm like, 'She's good," he said. The way he cares for her was clearly visible at the New York City launch party of his brand on October 24. In a viral clip, the actor could be seen rescuing the 'Challengers' star from fans who surrounded her, asking them to "give us a little bit of space." The couple, who met while working on 2017's 'Spider-Man: Homecoming' and began dating in 2021, have kept their relationship a secret. "I can't not be a person and live my life and love the person I love," Zendaya said in an interview, adding, "You can't hide. That's not fun either. I am navigating it more than ever now." "It's about protecting the peace and letting things be your own but also not being afraid to exist," she added. However, the duo were never reluctant to express their feelings. Holland said at the 2024 Critics Choice Awards, "Zendaya and I will, every now and then, watch Spider-Man 1 and reminisce about being 19 and making those movies again." "I love those movies, and I love savoring those moments, so I try not to watch them as often as I would maybe like to because it's so special," he added. "It's such a luxury, such a gift to be able to sit down and sort of relive your youth," reported People. (ANI) NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) One person has died after a shooting in North Nashville, according to the Metro Nashville Police Department. The shooting was reported at an apartment complex near the 3300 block of Creekwood Drive around 11 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 2. 2 dead following shootings at recording studio in South Nashville, police say Police said they found Danny House Jr., 33, with multiple gunshot wounds outside the D building of Knollcrest Apartments. He was brought to TriStar Skyline Medical Center, where he died. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The investigation shows House was approaching an acquaintances apartment when he was shot, authorities said, adding that detectives are looking into a potential drug-related motive. Residents of a nearby apartment reportedly told police that multiple bullets went through their front door during the shooting. Officers found several shell casings at the scene. CRIME TRACKER | Read the latest crime-related reports from across Middle Tennessee Homicide Unit and TITANS (The Investigative Team Addressing Neighborhood Shootings) worked on this case through the night and are pursuing leads, MNPD said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No additional details have been released regarding Saturday nights shooting. Anyone with information about Houses murder is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 615-742-7463. Callers to Crime Stoppers can remain anonymous and qualify for a cash reward of up to $5,000. Download the News 2 app to stay updated on the go. Sign up for WKRN email alerts to have breaking news sent to your inbox. Find todays top stories on WKRN.com for Nashville, TN and all of Middle Tennessee. This is a developing story. WKRN News 2 will continue to update this article as new information becomes available. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. Entering Election Day on Tuesday, the battle for control of the US House of Representatives rests on a knifes edge, with a historically small universe of competitive races poised to determine the chambers majority in the next Congress an outcome that could have far-reaching consequences for the next presidents agenda. All 435 House seats are on the ballot, with Republicans defending a slim majority and Democrats needing a net gain of four seats to flip control of the chamber. There is a clear consensus among both parties that whichever side emerges with a majority is likely to have little room to spare. A single-seat majority is not outside the realm of possibility. That could pose a challenge for Mike Johnson, if the GOP retains control and restores the Louisiana Republican as House speaker, or Hakeem Jeffries, if Democrats retake the chamber and make history by installing the New York Democrat as the first Black speaker. If Donald Trump is returned to the White House, a Republican House could help advance his agenda while a Democratic-controlled chamber would serve as a potential roadblock, particularly if the GOP is able to flip the Senate, as it appears poised to do given a favorable map. As for Kamala Harris, she could be the first newly elected Democratic president in more than a century to start her term without concurring House and Senate majorities, though controlling at least one chamber could give her some much-needed leverage in negotiations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One clear sign of how consequential control of the chamber is to both parties: More than $1 billion has been spent on advertising in House races just since Labor Day, with Democrats accounting for more than 57% of that total, according to data from AdImpact. With so much at stake, CNN has identified 10 races to watch on Tuesday grouped into buckets that nod to broader themes across the House landscape. This is far from an exhaustive list, but the selected contests could offer some clues about how the fight for control of the chamber may ultimately be settled. Virginias 7th District: The early indicator Inside Elections rating: Tilt Democratic This open-seat contest between Democrat Eugene Vindman and Republican Derrick Anderson will be one of the most closely watched races early in the night Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democratic Rep. Abigail Spanberger decided against seeking a fourth term, instead launching a campaign for governor in 2025. The district, which stretches from the Washington suburbs to the rolling hills of the commonwealths Piedmont region, would have backed Biden under the current lines by about 7 points in 2020. Vindman and Anderson are both Army veterans and lawyers. In 2019, Vindman found himself at the center of Trumps first impeachment when the then-ethics lawyer for the National Security Council and his twin brother, Alexander a director on the NSC sounded the alarm about a phone call between the president and his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelensky. The other Virginia race to watch is the coastal 2nd District, anchored by Virginia Beach, where GOP Rep. Jen Kiggans is facing off against fellow Navy veteran Missy Cotter Smasal. If either party were to capture both races, that could foreshadow a favorable environment. Nebraskas 2nd District: The Biden crossover seat Nebraska Rep. Don Bacon, left, and Democratic challenger Tony Vargas. - Getty Images Inside Elections rating: Tilt Democratic Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The number of crossover districts seats represented by members of one party but carried by the president of a different party has been on the decline in recent years. Entering Tuesdays elections, there are 21 such districts, not counting a handful of Southern seats that saw their lines redrawn after the 2022 midterms. Sixteen are Republican-held seats that Joe Biden would have won four years ago. One of them is the Omaha-area seat that belongs to GOP Rep. Don Bacon, a centrist retired Air Force officer who has been a top target for Democrats ever since he flipped the district in 2016, defeating Rep. Brad Ashford by a little more than a percentage point. He faces a rematch with Democrat Tony Vargas, a 40-year-old state senator vying to be Nebraskas first Latino member of Congress. In 2022, Bacon defeated Vargas by less than 3 points. While the district known as Nebraskas blue dot appears to be leaning toward Harris in the race for Electoral College votes, the contest at the House level looks more competitive. That means to survive his latest challenge, Bacon will likely need to draw a decent slice of support from Harris voters to punch his ticket back to Capitol Hill for a fifth term. Maines 2nd District: The Trump crossover seat Inside Elections rating: Toss-up Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On the flip side, there are five seats currently represented by Democratic members of Congress that Trump would have carried during the 2020 election. Democratic Rep. Jared Golden has crafted a moderate profile by challenging his party on issues ranging from spending to immigration. The tattooed 42-year-old Marine Corps veteran has distanced himself from Harris, declining to endorse the Democratic nominee, an acknowledgement that he will need to appeal to Trump voters in a district the GOP nominee would have won by 6 points four years ago and is favored to carry again. Goldens opponent is the Trump-endorsed Austin Theriault, a 30-year-old state representative and former NASCAR driver, who Republicans hope will be able to appeal across the massive, mostly rural district, which stretches from rocky shorelines in the south all the way north to the states border with Canada. Gun control has emerged as a key issue in the race after Golden reversed his opposition to an assault weapons ban following the 2023 mass shooting in Lewiston the districts biggest city that killed 18 people. Theriault has accused his Democratic rival of having flip-flopped on the Second Amendment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another potential wild card is Maines use of ranked-choice voting, which could come into play if neither candidate receives a majority of votes on Election Day with an independent candidate running a write-in campaign. More than $34 million has been poured into the race since early September, with Democrats outpacing Republicans by nearly $3 million, according to data from AdImpact. Michigans 7th District: Open-seat opportunity Inside Elections rating: Tilt Republican Democratic Rep. Elissa Slotkins decision to run for the US Senate in Michigan opened up this Lansing-based seat as a prime pickup opportunity for Republicans in a district Biden would have carried by less than a point in 2020. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The race between Democrat Curtis Hertel and Republican Tom Barrett two former state senators has drawn nearly $37 million in ad spending since early September, the second most of any House race in the country, according to AdImpact data. Barrett, a retired Army helicopter pilot, ran against Slotkin in 2022, losing to the well-known and well-financed incumbent by more than 5 points. While Hertel offers a different resume than Slotkin, a former CIA officer, he has ties to Gretchen Whitmer, Michigans popular Democratic governor, and comes from a family with political roots in the state. The neighboring 8th district, where longtime Democratic Rep. Dan Kildee is retiring, is another open-seat target for Republicans, with the party eyeing both Central Michigan races as opportunities to possibly expand its slim majority or offset losses by GOP incumbents elsewhere on the map. Colorados 8th District: The freshmen Colorado Rep. Yadira Caraveo and Republican challenger Gabe Evans participate in a debate in Denver on October 8, 2024. - Hyoung Chang/The Denver Post/Getty Images Inside Elections rating: Toss-up Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both parties have vulnerable freshman members running for the first time in a presidential cycle, bringing a fresh set of dynamics from the 2022 midterms with a more intense mix of national political crosscurrents. Democratic Rep. Yadira Caraveo, a pediatrician and former state legislator, won a newly created seat in the northern suburbs and exurbs of Denver after Colorado gained a seat following the once-in-a-decade census count becoming the first Latina elected to Congress from the state. This year she faces a challenge from GOP state Rep. Gabe Evans, a fellow Mexican American and a former Army helicopter pilot and police officer. Immigration and border security have been front and center in this race, with Trump shining a national spotlight on the Denver suburb of Aurora in the neighboring 6th District during a recent visit, where Evans also spoke. The 8th District, where nearly 40% of the residents are Latino, could be a place where Trumps gains with that group of voters might have some down-ballot impact. In a sign of its competitiveness, nearly $32 million has been poured into the race since early September, with Democrats outpacing Republicans by $6 million. Pennsylvanias 10th District: Too much MAGA? Inside Elections rating: Tilt Republican Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement GOP Rep. Scott Perry has not shied away from controversy during his six terms in the US House, including his support for Trumps efforts to overturn the 2020 election results, which led to the FBI seizing the congressmans cell phone. Even as the former chair of the House Freedom Caucus embraces his firebrand status, he has managed to fend off Democratic challengers with relative ease, winning his most recent race in 2022 by nearly 8 points despite the swirl of scrutiny around his actions. That strategy is facing its toughest test this year in the form of a challenge from Democrat Janelle Stelson, a political newcomer but familiar face to many Central Pennsylvania residents. Stelson spent decades as a news anchor and reporter in the region and is now trying to turn onetime viewers into voters. Democrats see Stelsons profile, combined with her prolific fundraising and the changing politics of the district Trump would have won it by 4 points in 2020, but Democrat Josh Shapiro carried it by a double digits during his 2022 run for governor as signs that Perry is potentially vulnerable. Stelson also scored the endorsement of five former GOP members of Congress who served with Perry as she seeks to appeal to moderate voters. Both parties have ramped up their spending here in the final weeks, signaling a tight race that could offer a glimpse about the level of support for MAGA-aligned candidates in districts that appear to be trending toward the political middle. New Yorks 19th District: Empire State of mind Inside Elections rating: Tilt Democratic Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lackluster showing by Democrats in New York during the 2022 midterm elections cost the party any chance it had at keeping control of the House. Democrats are hoping the state will lay the groundwork this year for the partys return to the majority. Thanks in part to a slightly more favorable map after state lawmakers approved new lines, Democrats are looking to pick up at least two seats in the Empire State, with the potential for more. A top target is the 19th District, which stretches from the Hudson Valley to the Finger Lakes. Its currently represented by GOP Rep. Marc Molinaro, who won the seat by less than 2 points in 2022 and faces a rematch with Democrat Josh Riley, a lawyer who served as counsel to former. Sen. Al Franken on the Senate Judiciary Committee. The contest has seen the most spending of any House race over the past two months $38.5 million with Democrats outspending Republicans by more than $5 million. The presidential race is also poised to play a factor in the 19th District, where voters would have backed Biden by more than 4 points in 2020. But Republicans also believe that Trump is running stronger in blue states than he did four years ago. Californias 45th District: California, here we come California Rep. Michelle Steel and Democratic challenger Derek Tran. - Getty Images Inside Elections rating: Toss-up The other big prize on Tuesday is California, which is home to at least a half dozen highly competitive races, four of them GOP-held seats that Biden would have carried with relative ease in 2020 and another he would have lost by only a single point. Harris ascension to the top of the Democratic ticket could give her party a home-state boost, though Republicans, as noted above, see Trump improving his standing in states such as California and New York, which are not competitive at the presidential level despite the former presidents pronouncements to the contrary. One of the best barometers of the political environment in California is the 45th District, based in Orange and Los Angeles counties, with a constituency that is nearly 40% Asian American and more than 30% Latino. The seat is currently held by GOP Rep. Michelle Steel, a Korean immigrant first elected in 2020, who is facing off against Democrat Derek Tran, a US Army veteran and first-generation Vietnamese American. Orange County has signaled the political shifts of the Trump era, with Democrats making gains there during the 2018 midterms but losing ground two years later as the GOP clawed back House seats despite the presidents loss. Another point to keep in mind: If the majority comes down to California, the country could be waiting a while as the state takes time to count ballots. North Carolinas 1st District: The redistricting reshuffle Inside Elections rating: Tilt Democratic Redistricting in three Southern states is set to provide House Republicans a small dose of relief heading into Election Day. The GOP is poised to pick up three seats thanks to a new map in North Carolina, while fresh lines in Louisiana and Alabama are expected to deliver Democrats a pair of seats effectively giving Republicans one more seat to start the evening. There is a fourth seat in North Carolina the 1st District in the northeast corner of the state, bordering Virginia that became more favorable for Republicans under the redrawn lines, going from one that Biden would have carried by nearly 7 points in 2020 to one with a margin of victory of less than 2 points. That has Republicans sensing an opportunity to unseat first-term Democratic Rep. Don Davis, an Air Force veteran who won his 2022 race under the old lines by a little less than 5 points. Davis opponent is Laurie Buckhout, a retired Army colonel and political newcomer. Both candidates have aligned themselves with the nominees of their parties, appearing at campaign events with them in the Tar Heel State, though Davis endorsement of Harris in July came a day after he voted for a GOP resolution that criticized the vice president over her handling of the southern border. Iowas 3rd District: Stopping the suburban slide Inside Elections rating: Tilt Republican Since Trumps emergence as the leader of the GOP almost a decade ago, the suburbs have been sliding away from Republicans. One of the key questions animating the 2024 election is whether that erosion has stopped or at the very least been slowed. The answer could be a determining factor in several House races, where Republican incumbents are hoping to avoid headwinds stirred by the former president among suburban voters. Iowas 3rd District home to Des Moines and its suburbs is one place to keep an eye on for signs of how Trump is faring and the potential impact on down-ballot contests. In 2016, Trump won Dallas County, west of Des Moines, by nearly 10 points. His margin there shrunk to just 2 points against Biden. GOP Rep. Zach Nunn, an Air Force officer, was first elected in 2022 defeating Democratic Rep. Cindy Axne by about 2,000 votes. Hes running against Lanon Baccam, the son of refugees from Laos who is also a combat veteran and former official in the US Department of Agriculture. If Harris can expand the Democratic Partys sway in the suburbs, this is a reach seat that could be in play for the party on Tuesday. CNNs David Wright, Matt Holt, Molly English, Renee Rigdon and Andrew Menezes contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com BELINGTON, W.Va. ( WBOY) Around 100 people in Belington got outside on Saturday to participate in the 13th annual Belington Turkey Trot. The Barbour Community Health Association holds the race for the benefit of the Heart and Hand House, Inc. Food Pantry as well as Belington Presbyterian Church, which works to feed people facing food insecurity throughout the community. The money raised from the race will in part help with Belington Presbyterians Thanksgiving Day meals of which they plan on giving out as many as 400. American Red Cross volunteers installing free smoke alarms across West Virginia Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Renee Poe of Belington Presbyterian Church said of their Thanksgiving effort, Its run totally by donations. We have a full dinnerthe traditional turkey dressing, mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans, hot rolls and pumpkin pie. Have to have pumpkin pie at Thanksgiving. CEO of the Barbour Community Health Association Eric Ruf said they raised around $5,000 at the race. The Barbour Community Health Association will be matching the amount. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. In a unique scientific endeavor, archaeologists have worked to reconstruct the face of a young woman once buried as a vampire, thereby uncovering her true identity as a human being. In a truly shocking discovery, researchers from Nicolaus Copernicus University in Poland found the remains of "Zosia," as she is locally known, in an unmarked cemetery. Notably, the remains of the young woman had a sickle placed across her neck. Zosia's left big toe was secured with a padlock, a practice rooted in the belief that dangerous individuals possessed both good and bad souls. A Swedish archaeologist explained that this measure was intended to prevent the "bad soul" from escaping and transforming the deceased into a "striga" or vampire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The young woman, who died between the ages of 18 and 20, suffered from a condition that caused fainting spells and potentially other health issues. According to Reuters, she was one of dozens that neighbors believed was a vampire. Despite the grim circumstances of her death and burial, archaeologists sought to honor her memory by reconstructing her face. Zosia, at the wrong place at the wrong time At an unmarked cemetery in Pien, near Bydgoszcz, archaeologists from Torun University unearthed "Grave No. 75," containing Zosia's remains. Reuters reports that other graves at the site contained similar "vampire" burials, indicating a prevalent fear of these creatures. The open padlock on Zosia's toe suggests that her grave may have been disturbed after her initial burial, possibly due to events perceived as supernatural. The sickle placed on her neck may have been a later addition intended to further prevent her return. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With Zosia's remains recovered, archaeologists embarked on a project to reconstruct her likeness. Analysis of Zosia's remains revealed signs of illness, possibly including malnutrition or trauma. Evidence of cancer was found in her sternum, which likely caused her significant pain, though it may not have been the direct cause of death. This condition might have manifested as a red mark on her chest that could have swelled. Adding to the complexity of her health, Zosia's skeletal remains showed signs of Kimmerle's anomaly, a condition that can cause severe headaches, fainting spells, and even strokes. Her various health issues may have led the community to fear her and ultimately view her as a potential vampire. The presence of a glittering brocade ribbon, likely from a bonnet, near Zosia's head suggests she belonged to a higher social class. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DNA and isotopic analysis revealed Zosia's Swedish origins, a fact that may have contributed to her ostracization. During this period, Poland was embroiled in the Thirty Years' War with Sweden, making individuals of Swedish descent unwelcome. A Facebook post summarizing the findings speculates that Zosia's physical appearance, combined with her family's wealth and Swedish origins, may have led to her being perceived as different and ultimately disliked within the community. Reconstructing Zosia's face The team from Torun University invited Swedish archaeologist Oscar Nisson to reconstruct her face. Seeing the remains of Zosia with my own eyes was emotional, he said in a Facebook post. After learning the structure of her skull, he created a beautiful 3D printed replica of the skull before building layers of plasticine clay muscle by muscle," Reuters reports. Nilsson could ascertain that she had "an interesting face." But she wasn't a vampire. Apparently, she was simply a young woman, likely from a wealthy family, who had faced numerous health challenges. In a poignant tribute to her humanity, Nilsson aimed to portray Zosia "as a human, and not as this monster that she is buried as," ensuring that her memory is honored with the respect it rightfully deserves, Reuters concludes. Eighteen suspects could face criminal charges following a massive retail theft bust targeting stores across San Bernardino County. The San Bernardino County Sheriffs Department became aware of a troubling rise in thefts targeting retail stores. The sometimes destructive and violent robberies often involved organized theft crews, investigators said. Authorities began targeting and surveilling popular shopping districts in Rancho Cucamonga, Chino Hills, Apple Valley, Hesperia and Victorville. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a weekslong Smash and Grab Operation between Oct. 12 to 25, authorities from multiple agencies coordinated to track down and catch thieves in the act. During the busts, five suspects were arrested for felonies and 13 suspects were arrested for misdemeanors. Officers also recovered around $7,075 in stolen merchandise and property. These violent criminals terrorize the citizens of San Bernardino County by utilizing intimidation tactics and a mob mentality that creates an unsafe and uncomfortable shopping environment for our residents, authorities said. Investigators utilize conventional and non-conventional investigative methods to accomplish this task and lessen the blight created by these bad actors. 3 arrested for series of violent follow-away robberies across SoCal Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Agencies involved in the operation included: San Bernardino County Sheriffs Department Gangs/Narcotics Division Rancho Cucamonga Station Homeland Security Investigations California Highway Patrol San Bernardino Police Department San Bernardino County Probation Department The suspects identities were not released as the incidents remain 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 KTLA. On Nov. 8, 1949, Aaron Bindman, the secretary treasurer of a warehouse workers union, invited 16 shop stewards to his home at 5643 S. Peoria St. The get-together was called in part to celebrate a victory by striking sugarcane cutters in Hawaii, two of whom were touring the country and were on hand to tell their story. Bindmans home was in a white section of Englewood. Half of his guests were Black. The victorious strikers received a hearty reception in Bindmans home. By 9 p.m. the liquor was gone, and two guests set out to buy more. Though white, they were confronted by an angry group of neighbors who threatened to burn the house down. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The guests hurried back to their hosts home, grabbed their coats and left the friendly get-together that triggered five days of violence. Race riots were a sadly persistent theme of American history. But this one was a bit different. In 1949, on Chicagos South Side, white people fearful of Blacks moving into their neighborhood were pitted against whites who sympathized with Blacks who had been denied their civil rights. Bindman didnt foresee that issue when he bought the house on Peoria Street. Bindman and his wife, Louise, were nonobservant Jews and former members of the Communist Party. But they hadnt bought a home in Englewood in order to preach the gospel of Karl Marx in a working-class neighborhood. They simply needed an affordable place to live in a post-World War II era when the price of homes was skyrocketing. The Bindmans previously lived in a one-bedroom apartment in the Kenwood neighborhood and wanted to start a family. The Englewood home was affordable, they calculated, if they shared it with Bill and Gussie Sennett. In the 1930s, Bill Sennett had gone to Spain with the Abraham Lincoln Brigade, a group of communists and other radicals that fought the fascists trying to overthrow Spains elected government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The real trouble started the day after Bindman hosted the union get-together on Peoria Street. On Nov. 9, a representative with the Chicago Commission on Human Relations reported that a crowd of 200 people marched on the Bindman-Sennett home shouting antisemitic slurs, Communists and Burn the House. Anyone showing up from outside the neighborhood or wearing horn-rimmed classes was labeled a communist, Louise Bindman later said. The Chicago Police Department openly sided with the hooligans and ignored the plight of the besieged. The priest of the local Catholic parish, Visitation, backed the neighborhood hooligans who stoked the violence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On the third night of violence, rioters climbed up on the Peoria Street homes porch. Aaron and I had called upon some of our friends to come to the house to help provide protection. There were police officers there and they were simply watching the windows being broken, Sennett recalled in Communist Functionary and Corporate Executive, a memoir tape-recorded for New York Universitys Tamiment Archive. Trade unionists and students from the nearby University of Chicago responded to the call. Clashes with rioters ensued. But the courts joined the police in taking the rioters side. The New Republic, a liberal weekly, reported the courts had a sliding scale for bail for those arrested during the disturbances: $25 for the students and sympathizers, $10 for rioters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When their cases were tried, a judge attempted to explain the rationale for that sliding bail bond rate. Judge Joseph R. McGarry in Municipal Court asserted yesterday that disturbances last November near 57th and Peoria Streets were not race riots but were the result of a miserable conspiracy, hatched and put into effect by a small but highly organized and vocal band of subversives, professional agitators and saboteurs, the Tribune reported on March 14, 1950. But press reports of the violence on Peoria Street led Mayor Martin Kennelly to insist that police officers go through the motions of responding. Police were stationed in front of and behind the Bindman/Sennett home for a year. At the same time, Aaron Bindman was being tailed by members of the police departments Red Squad, which spied on suspected subversives. Per the mayors order, he was trailed by an entourage: a team of police officers to protect him from harm, another trying to get him indicted by a federal grand jury for treason. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The FBI also harassed Louise Bindman, a social worker at a retirement center. At one point, the director of the Drexel Home called me in and said, Hey, whats going on? The FBI was here, and they wanted to know what kind of a person you were. I told them you were wonderful and a good worker. And as I left his office he said, Be careful, she told the Chicago Reader for a story that ran in 2000. The two families pledged to stay in their Peoria Street home despite ongoing harassment. We decided to endure the inconveniences in order to let others know that we wouldnt be forced out of the neighborhood because we had Black friends, Aaron Bindman said. The Sennetts young daughter would ask when it thundered: Are the police coming? She associated a crashing sound with the police officers who responded when rocks were thrown though their windows. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Finally, the Sennetts and Bindmans had to leave. Their fire insurance was canceled because their carrier said rioters might torch the property. Their mortgage broker bailed out because his collateral wasnt insured. Both families left Chicago altogether. The Bindmans left Chicago in 1959 and Aaron Bindman became a professor of sociology at the State University of New York at New Paltz. In 1998, the Bindmans made a visit to Chicago. By then, Blacks had long been living in neighborhoods that fought to keep them out. Peoria Street was intact, except for 5643, which was a grass-covered empty lot. The Sennets left Chicago in 1957. Bill Sennett became wealthy as an executive of a trucking company. He was a capitalist with a socialists soul. He pressed bureaucrats to loosen the regulations that crimped a truck drivers earning power. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the mid-1970s, he helped a friend establish In These Times, a lively leftist weekly published in Chicago. When Sennett tape-recorded his memoir, the interviewer asked: Do you still believe that the workers of the world should unite, that they have nothing to lose but their chains? Absolutely, he replied, and they have a world to gain. Editors note: Thanks to Bill Kurtz for suggesting this vintage story. Have an idea for Vintage Chicago Tribune? Share it with Ron Grossman and Marianne Mather at rgrossman@chicagotribune.com and mmather@chicagotribune.com Recent excavations conducted by archaeologists from Austrian Academy of Sciences, in collaboration with the Greek Ministry of Culture, have uncovered further parts of the temple of Poseidon at Samikon in Western Peloponnese, Greece. Although the temple was first discovered two years ago in 2022, latest findings indicate the complex is larger than what initial geophysical investigations had evaluated. The building is now estimated to measure about 28 meters long and over 9 meters wide, comprising two interior rooms, a vestibule and a rear hall or shrine. "We are looking at an Archaic temple consisting of two main rooms. A central row of two columns, which we found in the first hall and which supported the large roof covered with tiles, belongs to this phase. We may assume that there were also such columns in the second room. In any case, the ground plan of the temple is unusual. So far we know of no comparable buildings," stated Birgitta Eder, head of the Athens branch of the Academys Austrian Archaeological Institute. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The excavations are a part of a five-year project led by the Austrian Archaeological Institute. The area has been the site of archaeological digs for over a century as records kept by ancient Greek geographers like Strabo hinted at its importance. Unique architecture According to experts, the temple in Samikon is a chief example of an archaic double-chamber temple design, an element uncommon to Greek religious architecture. Experts also opine the temple's interiors were titled during its heyday. A press release by the Austrian Academy of Sciences indicates the temple had two construction phases. Erofili-Iris Kolia, director of the Ephorate of Antiquities of Elis, Greek Minsitry of Culture, explained: "In the second half of the 4th or first half of the 3rd century BC, the Archaic temple from the 6th century BC was remodeled. In the process, the old roof tiles were evenly applied as a subfloor for the new floor. They served as insulation against groundwater and to stabilise the floor. Something that still works today. In those places where tiles are missing, the ground is damp and muddy." Further discoveries include a bronze plaque that embellished the temple walls and a marble vessel, known as a Perirrhanterion, which was used as a ritual basin in cleansing ceremonies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E9xO3R-Bfr0 Enduring significance During the process of excavation archaeologists also discovered a giant double-walled structure on the northern side of the temple. This most likely served as a fortification enclosing the sacred district of Poseidon and acted as a protective barrier against the nearby coastal lagoons and swamps. This northern enclosure seems to have functioned as a boundary, shielding the temple from periodic flooding and from the sea, as per a report by Greek City Times. Eder highlighted the significance of the temple, noting its vital role within the league of Triphylian cities as both a religious and strategic hub. The sanctuarys origins, dating back to the Mycenaean period (16001100 BC), suggest its enduring importance through multiple historical eras, from the Mycenaean to the classical Greek periods. State Police arrested two men accused of trying to scam a man out of tens of thousands of dollars in Fayette County. Harsh Parekh and Harshil Patel, who live in New Jersey, were arrested on Oct. 25 at a home in Upper Tyrone Township. Troopers say the men are from India but are in the state on a student visa. Troopers announced the arrests during a press conference on Friday. The 75-year-old victim was contacted and told he was under investigation for a fraudulent purchase at Walmart. Over several text messages, the scammers told him he needed to clear out his bank account and claimed the money was illegal. State Police arrested two men accused of trying to scam a man out of tens of thousands of dollars in Fayette County. State Police arrested two men accused of trying to scam a man out of tens of thousands of dollars in Fayette County. The bank sent an alert to police when the victim took out $28,000 and they found it strange. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pennsylvania State Police say the advanced notice helped them solve the crime. We have to give a lot of credit to the Mid Penn Bank employees who alerted us, said Pennsylvania State Trooper Public Information Officer Kalee Barnhart, Their productive work helped solve this scam. People are reminded to look for red flags if they suspect a potential scam. Scammers often create a false sense of urgency to cause victims to act without clearly thinking things through. Contact is also usually unsolicited and comes from an unknown source. A good rule of thumb for the future is to consider if it seems too good to be true, it probably is, police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Criminals will also often ask for odd means of payment including cryptocurrency. They also ask for extremely large amounts of money frequently. State troopers encourage anyone who suspects a scam to report it to law enforcement. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW TRENDING NOW: 2 women facing new charges after escaping from constables car, sheriffs office says Girl, 5, hit with rock while trick-or-treating in Penn Hills; suspect released on non-monetary bond Dozens of new felony charges filed against Pittsburgh tow truck driver accused of inflating costs VIDEO: Officials working to keep everyone safe as presidential candidates plan to visit Pittsburgh Monday DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts Two teenagers are dead and one is hospitalized with serious injuries following a suspected DUI crash in Riverside on Saturday, officials confirmed. Riverside Police said calls came into the department around 5:40 a.m. reporting a crash on Wood Road, north of Van Buren Boulevard. First responders arrived and found one of the two involved vehicles on fire. After putting out the flames, police said they found two people deceased inside. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the preliminary investigation, three teenagers were in the car that caught on fire, a gray Lexus sedan, and the other car involved was a blue Scion with an adult male as the sole occupant. Police have not released any of their identities. The investigation shows a 17-year-old boy was speeding in the Lexus northbound on Wood Road when he ran a red light at Van Buren Boulevard. The man driving the Scion was crossing east in the intersection on a green light and crashed into the Lexus. Two teens were killed and one was left seriously injured during a high-speed suspected DUI crash in Riverside on November 2, 2024. (OnScene.TV) Two teens were killed and one was left seriously injured during a high-speed suspected DUI crash in Riverside on November 2, 2024. (OnScene.TV) The vehicle struck a cement light pole during the suspected DUI crash in Riverside on November 2, 2024. (OnScene.TV) The vehicle struck a wooden electrical pole during the suspected DUI crash in Riverside on November 2, 2024. (OnScene.TV) Debris and a destroyed car are seen in this photo taken after a suspected DUI crash killed 2 teens and seriously injured one in Riverside. November 2024. (Riverside Police) Two teens were killed and one was left seriously injured during a high-speed suspected DUI crash in Riverside on November 2, 2024. (OnScene.TV) Debris and a destroyed car are seen in this photo taken after a suspected DUI crash killed 2 teens and seriously injured one in Riverside. November 2024. (Riverside Police) After the collision, the Lexus continued north and struck a cement light pole, a wooden electrical pole and then a tree before finally coming to a stop and catching on fire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 17-year-old driver and an 18-year-old woman were found dead in the sedan after the fire was put out. Police said the other 17-year-old male passenger was found with serious injuries and was taken to a local hospital for treatment. The adult driver of the Scion was not injured and remained at the scene, cooperating with investigators. Police said the identities of the two teens killed in the crash will be released by the Coroners Office pending notification of family members. Alcohol and drugs are suspected factors that contributed to this collision, as well as vehicle speed, Riverside Police wrote in a release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The department asks anyone with additional information related to this collision to contact Traffic Detective Amanda Beeman at 951-826-8723 or ABeeman@RiversideCA.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 KTLA. The sudden demise of renowned fashion designer Rohit Bal left a void in the hearts of his friends, colleagues, and fans. Salman Khan has joined the list to pay tribute to "Gudda". Taking to X on Saturday, Salman mourned the demise of the fashion designer. https://x.com/BeingSalmanKhan/status/1852709826503020826 "Rest in peace Rohit #RohitBal," his post read. Rohit Bal had been battling a heart ailment for a while. On November 1, he was rushed to the hospital but didn't make it. He left for his heavenly abode at the age of 63. Many celebs also took to their social media handles to pay tributes to Rohit Bal. Former Miss Universe Sushmita Sen honoured the late designer, sharing a nostalgic photo from one of their collaborative fashion shows. She reflected, "An indomitable spirit and what a pioneer. Rest in peace #RohitBal." Actor Anil Kapoor expressed his heartbreak over the loss, stating, "Heartbroken to hear about Rohit Bal's passing. A true artist and visionary, he crafted iconic costumes for a song in Nayak and brought unmatched creativity to Indian fashion always. His legacy will live on. Rest in peace." The Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) also honoured Rohit Bal, acknowledging him as a founding member who brought a unique fusion of traditional and modern aesthetics to Indian fashion. Their tribute emphasised the lasting impact of his artistry. "We mourn the passing of Legendary designer Rohit Bal. A founding member of the FDCI, Bal was known for his unique blend of traditional patterns with modern sensibilities. His legacy of artistry and innovation will live on in the fashion world. Rest in peace, GUDDA," the post read. Rohit Bal had recently returned to the runway, showcasing his collection "Kaaynaat: A Bloom in the Universe" at Lakme Fashion Week in October 2024, following a year marked by health challenges. In 2023, he was admitted to Medanta Hospital in Delhi due to heart ailments, and later expressed gratitude to his supporters for their love during his recovery, saying, "Your support has been a beacon of hope and strength." Bal's demise has left a void in the Indian fashion landscape. (ANI) NEW YORK (AP) The 2024 presidential contest speeds into its final weekend with Democrat Kamala Harris and Republican Donald Trump locked in a razor-thin contest. At this late stage in the campaign, every day matters. And while few voters might change their minds this late in a typical election, there is a sense that what happens in these final days could shift votes. More Local News Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Harris and Trump are crisscrossing the country to rally voters in the states that matter most. Theyre trying with varying degrees of success to stay focused on a clear and concise closing message. At the same time, each side is investing massive resources to drive up turnout for the final early voting period. And in these critical days, the flow of misinformation is intensifying. Heres what were watching on the final weekend before Election Day, which is Tuesday: Where will Harris and Trump be? You only need to look at the candidates schedules this weekend to know where this election will likely be decided. Note that schedules can and likely will change without warning. But on Saturday, Trump began with an appearance in North Carolina, with one eyebrow-raising stop in Virginia next, and planned to return to the Tar Heel state in the evening. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No Democratic presidential candidate has carried North Carolina since Barack Obama in 2008, although it has been decided by less than 3 points in every election since. Trumps decision to spend Saturday there suggests Harris has a real opportunity in the state. But Trump is also trying to convey confidence by stopping in Virginia, a state that has been safely in the Democratic column since 2008. There is perhaps no more important swing state than Pennsylvania, where Trump is expected to campaign Sunday. But he also has another appearance scheduled for North Carolina in addition to Georgia, another Southern state that has leaned Republican for almost three decades that is, until Joe Biden carried it by less than a half percentage point four years ago. Harris campaigned in Atlanta on Saturday before a rally in North Carolinas capital signs that her team is sensing genuine opportunity in the South. Shes planning to make multiple stops in Michigan on Sunday, shifting to a Democratic-leaning state in the blue wall where her allies believe she is vulnerable. Do they stay on message? Trumps campaign leadership wants voters to be focused on one key question as they prepare to cast ballots, and its the same question he opens every rally with: Are you better off today than you were four years ago? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Harris team wants voters to be thinking about another: Do they trust Trump or Harris to put the nations interests over their own? Whichever candidate can more effectively keep voters focused on their closing arguments in the coming days may ultimately win the presidency. Yet both candidates are off to a challenging start. Trump opens the weekend still facing the fallout from his recent New York City rally in which a comedian described Puerto Rico as a floating pile of garbage. Things got harder for Trump late Thursday after he raised the prospect of Republican rival Liz Cheneys death by gunfire. It was exactly the kind of inflammatory comment his allies want him to avoid at this critical moment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Harris campaign, meanwhile, is still working to shift the conversation away from President Bidens comments earlier in the week that described Trump supporters as garbage. The Associated Press reported late Thursday that White House press officials altered the official transcript of the call in question, drawing objections from the federal workers who document such remarks for posterity. The spotlight of presidential politics always burns brightly. But it will burn brightest, perhaps, this final weekend, leaving the campaigns virtually no margin for error. In what both sides believe is a true tossup election, any final-hours missteps could prove decisive. More Local News How will the gender gap play out? Trumps graphic attack against Cheney was especially troublesome given his allies heightened concerns about women voters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Polling shows a significant gender gap in the contest with Harris generally having a much better rating among women than Trump has. Part of that may be the result of the GOPs fight to restrict abortion rights, which has been disastrous for Trumps party. But Trumps divisive leadership has also pushed women away. Going into the weekend, Trump allies, including conservative firebrand Charlie Kirk, are warning that far more women than men appear to be casting early ballots. While its impossible to know whom theyre voting for, Kirk clearly believes thats bad news for Trump. Trump isnt helping his cause. A day before his violent rhetoric about Cheney, the former president made waves by insisting that he would protect women whether they like it or not. Harris, who would be the nations first female president, said Trump doesnt understand womens rights to make decisions about their own lives, including their own bodies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It remains to be seen whether the Democrats argument can break through on this packed weekend. But Harris team believes theres still a significant chunk of persuadable voters out there. And they say the undecideds are disproportionately Republican-leaning suburban women. What happens with early voting? More than 66 million people have already cast ballots in the 2024 election, which is more than one-third the total number who voted in 2020. They include significantly more Republicans compared with four years ago, largely because Trump has backed off his insistence that his supporters must cast ballots in person on Election Day. And while early in-person voting has ended in many states, there will be a huge push for final-hours early voting in at least three key states as the campaigns work to bank as many votes as possible before Election Day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That includes Michigan, where in-person early voting runs through Monday. Voters in Wisconsin can vote early in-person through Sunday, although it varies by location. And in North Carolina, voters have until 3 p.m. Saturday to cast early ballots in-person. The early voting period officially ended Friday in Arizona, Georgia, Nevada and Pennsylvania. Meanwhile, questions remain about the Trump campaigns get-out-the-vote operation, which is relying heavily on well-funded outside groups with little experience including one group funded largely by billionaire Elon Musk thats facing new questions about its practices. Harris campaign, by contrast, is running a more traditional get-out-the-vote operation that features more than 2,500 paid staffers and 357 offices in battleground states alone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More US and World News Will misinformation intensify? Trumps allies appear to be intensifying baseless claims about voter fraud, and some are being amplified by Trump himself. He has spent months sowing doubts about the integrity of the 2024 election in the event he loses just as he did four years ago. His unfounded accusations are becoming more specific, in some cases, as wild claims begin to show up on social media. Earlier this week, Trump claimed on social media that York County, Pennsylvania had received THOUSANDS of potentially FRAUDULENT Voter Registration Forms and Mail-In Ballot Applications from a third party group. He has also pointed to Lancaster County, which he claimed had been caught with 2600 Fake Ballots and Forms, all written by the same person. Really bad stuff. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump was referring to investigations into potential fraud related to voter registration applications. The discovery and investigation into the applications provide evidence the system is working as it should. The Republican nominee has also raised baseless claims about overseas ballots and noncitizens voting, and suggested without evidence that Harris might have access to some kind of secret inside information about election results. Expect such claims to surge, especially on social media, in the coming days. And remember that a broad coalition of top government and industry officials, many of them Republicans, found that the 2020 election was the most secure in American history. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. The 2024 St. Johns River Report was recently published and plans to share at the Jacksonville Environmental Symposium have been planned. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] The report, jointly produced by an interdisciplinary team of scientists from the University of North Florida (UNF), Jacksonville University (JU), and other universities, provides a comprehensive overview of the conditions in the Lower St. Johns River Basin and is updated annually to reflect positive and negative changes to this critical watershed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This years report reflects persistent threats to the St. Johns River and its tributaries that are likely to be made worse by the effects of climate change, including cumulative impacts from nutrients, of which biosolids are a concern, commented Dr. Gerry Pinto, one of the lead researchers on the report and associate research scientist at Jacksonville Universitys Marine Science Research Institute. To view the full 2024 St. Johns River Report, click HERE. [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live. BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) Endangered buildings nearby and high winds forced firefighters to call a third alarm on a burning structure on Sumner Street Saturday afternoon. On Nov. 2, Bakersfield and Kern County Fire Departments arrived on the scene of a massive structure fire, blowing black smoke into the sky that some could seen from Rosedale. Near Sumner and Inyo streets, a commercial structure donning the Triple A Meat Sales logo was heavily involved in flames leading firefighters to trigger a third alarm. The incident occurred at 3:50 p.m., and approximately 35 firefighters were on scene. Battalion Chief Tim Ortiz said the Bakersfield Police Department, CalWater and PG&E were also on scene assisting them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ortiz says there were no reported injuries to firefighters or civilians. Arson units are investigating this incident. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KGET 17. Three people were killed in a helicopter crash in southwest Louisiana Friday night, according to officials. The Robinson R44 crashed on a rural street in Iowa, Louisiana around 9 p.m. local time, the FAA said. PHOTO: In this screen grab taken from Google Maps Street View, the Calcasieu Parish Sheiff's Department is shown in Lake Charles, Louisiana. (Google Maps Street View) The FAA has been called to investigate and the Calcasieu Parish Sheriffs Office will remain on scene until they arrive, according to police. The Fire Department and Louisiana State Police are assisting on the scene. 3 dead in helicopter crash in Louisiana originally appeared on abcnews.go.com DEKALB COUNTY, Ala. (WHNT) A Rainsville man was killed Sunday morning in a single-vehicle wreck, according to authorities. In a release sent to News 19 at 10:25 a.m., the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency said around 1:20 a.m. 37-year-old Joshua B. Dean was killed after the pickup truck he was driving left the roadway, hit a utility pole then hit a tree. HPD investigate shooting in downtown Huntsville Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ALEA said Dean was pronounced dead on the scene. The crash happened on Alabama 40 near mile marker 18. Troopers with ALEAs Highway Patrol Division will continue to investigate this incident. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHNT.com. LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) Michigan State Police have confirmed a crash and fire on I-96 near Webberville late Saturday night has killed four people and injured at least 17 others. The crash happened around 11:40 on I-96 near the M-52 overpass when a semi-truck driver was unable to stop his vehicle for upcoming backed-up traffic, hit several vehicles and caught fire. Police say 15 vehicles were involved in the crash. 4 dead, 17 injured in fiery I-96 crash near Webberville. (Photo: Pics on 6 WLNS) 4 dead, 17 injured in fiery I-96 crash near Webberville. (Photo: Pics on 6 WLNS) 4 dead, 17 injured in fiery I-96 crash near Webberville. (Photo: Pics on 6 WLNS) 4 dead, 17 injured in fiery I-96 crash near Webberville. (Photo: Pics on 6 WLNS) Surveillance video shows the moment of impact when a semi truck crashed into other vehicles on I-96 near Webberville. (WLNS) According to police, troopers from the Lansing and Brighton Post were working in the area of I-96 near M-52 working a detail with a DTE Energy crew to string power lines across the interstate. Police had stopped traffic, but say troopers had just reopened the interstate when the crash happened. 4 dead, 17 injured in fiery I-96 crash near Webberville. (Photo: Ron Mar) 4 dead, 17 injured in fiery I-96 crash near Webberville. (wlns) 4 dead, 17 injured in fiery I-96 crash near Webberville. (wlns) 4 dead, 17 injured in fiery I-96 crash near Webberville. (wlns) 4 dead, 17 injured in fiery I-96 crash near Webberville. (wlns) The truck was driving west in the left lane when it hit several other vehicles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police say the injured have been taken to hospitals in Lansing, but their conditions are not being made public at this time. Ingham County reports that I-96 and M-52 have been reopened. In a statement on social media posted shortly after 2:00 p.m., Michigan state police say, UPDATE: Seventeen drivers and occupants of vehicles involved in the crash were taken to Sparrow and McLaren Hospital in Lansing. The driver of the truck, age and hometown unknown at this time, was taken to University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor for treatment of his injuries. Killed in the crash were a 29-year-old male from Carson City who was driving a Ford F-150 pickup. Also killed in the crash were a 20-year-old female, a 43-year-old female, and a 47-year-old male, all from Lansing. The victims were in a Chevy Trax and were related. MSP was assisted on the crash by the Ingham County Sheriffs Department, Northeast Ingham Emergency Service Authority (NIESA), Meridian Township Fire, Stockbridge Area Emergency Services Authority (SAESA), Dansville Fire and Delhi Fire. In a statement on social media shortly after noon, Michigan State Police say, UPDATE: at this time, crews are still working to clean up debris on westbound I 96 at M 52. The overpass is closed and will be closed indefinitely as MDOT needs to inspect the bridge for structural integrity. Additionally, if you are looking to go north or southbound on M 52 at I 96 you will be unable to as the roadway is closed for safety reasons. We dont anticipate the roadway being open anytime soon. Theres a chance that it will not be open tomorrow, Monday as well. So if you take this route to work, you will want to find another route or expect heavy backups. This is a breaking story and this article will be updated as new information is confirmed. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) Four people are dead and more than a dozen are injured after a fiery crash in Michigan late Saturday night. The crash happened around 11:40 p.m. on I-96 near Webberville, which is about 25 miles southeast of Lansing. Michigan State Police troopers were already in the area, assisting with traffic as a DTE Energy crew worked to string power lines across the interstate. A semi-truck driver was reportedly unable to stop as they neared backed-up traffic by an overpass, causing the truck to collide with several vehicles and catch fire, Michigan State Police said 15 vehicles were involved in the crash. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Multiple people injured after severe storms, possible tornadoes tear through Oklahoma Police had stopped traffic, but troopers had just reopened the interstate when the crash happened. Seventeen people, all vehicle occupants, were taken to Lansing hospitals for serious injuries, Michigan State Police said early Sunday. Four people are confirmed dead. Michigan State Police said Sunday that the victims were a 29-year-old man from Carson City who was driving a Ford pickup and three relatives from Lansing who were in a Chevy Trax. They were identified as a 20-year-old female, a 43-year-old female and a 47-year-old male. Police did not say how they were related. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Michigan State Police were investigating the crash while the states Department of Transportation was set to inspect the overpass. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) Four people are dead and more than a dozen are injured after a fiery crash in Michigan late Saturday night. The crash happened around 11:40 p.m. on I-96 near Webberville, which is about 25 miles southeast of Lansing. Michigan State Police troopers were already in the area, assisting with traffic as a DTE Energy crew worked to string power lines across the interstate. A semi-truck driver was reportedly unable to stop as they neared backed-up traffic by an overpass, causing the truck to collide with several vehicles and catch fire, Michigan State Police said 15 vehicles were involved in the crash. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police had stopped traffic, but troopers had just reopened the interstate when the crash happened. Seventeen people, all vehicle occupants, were taken to Lansing hospitals for serious injuries, Michigan State Police said early Sunday. Four people are confirmed dead. Michigan State Police were investigating the crash while the states Department of Transportation was set to inspect the overpass. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Democratic state Sen. Liz Lovelett of Anacortes and Charles Carrell, a Republican from Glenhaven in southern Whatcom County, are in a repeat of their Aug. 6 primary race, where they were the only two candidates. Lovelett won the primary by 71% to 29% in the overwhelmingly Democratic 40th Legislative District, which covers the southwest part of Whatcom County, including the southern neighborhoods of Bellingham, western Skagit County and San Juan County. Liz Lovelett Lovelett is running for her second four-year term. She was appointed in 2019 to replace Kevin Ranker, who resigned amid workplace harassment allegations. She won a full term in 2020, defeating Carrell by 70% to 30%. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before her appointment to the Senate, Lovelett had spent five years on the Anacortes City Council. She is a former owner of The Business in Anacortes a combination record and bookstore, cafe and music and art venue. State Sen. Liz Lovelett, D-Anacortes, addresses the audience at a Bellingham City Club in September. In the Legislature, Lovelett heads the Local Government, Land Use and Tribal Affairs Committee, is the vice chair of the Environment, Energy and Technology Committee and serves on both the Housing and and Transportation committees. Ive been here, I show up and and I try to make the people feel that my office is accessible and approachable, Lovelett told the Bellingham City Club at a Sept. 25 forum that her opponent skipped. At the event, she criticized the four statewide ballot measures, specifically I-2109 to repeal the capital gains tax affecting about 3,000 of the richest state residents, and I-2117 to overturn the Climate Commitment Act that funds alternative energy programs and other efforts to fight the effects of climate change. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We need to be taxing the wealthy not workers. Lets be realistic about who that tax applies to and how much of a benefit we are seeing in education, especially early childhood, Lovelett said. At the forum, she emphasized her dedication to housing reform, such as a new state law for middle housing that allows duplexes, fourplexes and apartments of up to six units in residential areas. Her endorsements include the 40th District Democrats, Planned Parenthood, the Sierra Club, the Nooksack Tribe, and a wide range of unions, including Teamsters, Ironworkers, electrical workers and the United Food and Commercial Workers. Lovelett has raised $160,500 for her re-election bid, including $50,199 from political action committees, $39,842 from business interests, and $23,590 in individual contributions, according to the state Public Disclosure Commission. Charles Carrell In addition to the state Senate, Carrell is also running for the Whatcom County Charter Review Commission. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A retired sheriffs deputy, he served four years in the U.S. Marine Corps and was with the Snohomish County Sheriffs Office from 1991-2023, serving nine years as union president. Charles Carrell of Glenhaven is running for the state Senate in the 40th Legislative District against state Sen. Liz Lovelett. In his statement for the Washington state voter pamphlet, Carrell said he thinks that current elected officials are not representing the will and best interests of the people. I will work for parents rights, which have been under attack the last few years, and will work to make schools and universities safe for all students, Carrell said. Our legislature should also be working to keep our infrastructure up to date, specifically our bridges and the ferry system. The state has completely failed on this topic, by not directing funds to ensure that the bridges are maintained, and our ferry system is working properly, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Carrell said that the fentanyl crisis, crime and homelessness should also be the other priorities among the Legislatures priorities. The policy decisions by the state have resulted in making these problems even worse. This has jeopardized the safety of everyone, including those currently addicted and the homeless. These issues can be significantly reduced by adjusting our policies to some practical approaches, instead of just throwing more money at the same organizations and hope that it will work this time, Carrell said. He didnt respond to a Bellingham City Club invitation to join a Sept. 25 election forum against Lovelett, according to the City Club. He didnt respond to Bellingham Herald emails this year or in 2020. In addition, he has no campaign website or social media. Carrell has not filed fund-raising information with the state Public Disclosure Commission. Anil Kapoor celebrated 35 years of 'Parinda' and called it 'the most powerful film ever made' on Sunday. Taking to Instagram story, Anil shared the poster of the film along with a message. The message read, "35 years ago, we had the audacity, the confidence, and the cool arrogance to call it 'the most powerful film ever made.' And to this day, Parinda continues to stand the test of time." Recalling the time, he added, "Looking back, it still surprises me that we dared to put that on the poster and that audiences embraced it so wholeheartedly. Thank you for keeping Parinda alive in your hearts after all these years. Here's to a legacy that remains timeless! #35yearsofParinda." The 1989 crime drama stars Jackie Shroff, Anil Kapoor, Nana Patekar and Madhuri Dixit Nene. The Vidhu Vinod Chopra directorial is a crime drama that revolves around brothers Kishen (Jackie Shroff) and Karan (Anil Kapoor) who reside in Mumbai. Karan falls in love with Paro (Madhuri Dixit), a friend's beautiful sister, but he leaves India to attend school in America. Kishen, meanwhile, enters into a life of crime, falling under the sway of Anna (Nana Patekar), a drug dealer. When Karan decides to return to India to pursue a relationship with Paro, Kishen tries to keep him away from his criminal life. The film was co-written, produced and directed by Vidhu Vinod Chopra. Meanwhile, on the work front, Anil Kapoor will be seen in the action-drama 'Subedaar'. 'Subedaar' features Radhikka as Shyama, the daughter of Anil Kapoor's character, Subedaar Arjun Maurya. The makers on Wednesday made an announcement about the beginning of the shoot and also shared Anil Kapoor's look from the film. Prime Video took to its official Instagram handle and posted the picture along with the caption, "From the frontlines to the home town - a fauji never backs down! #Subedaar, Now Filming!" The film is directed by Suresh Triveni, who previously directed T-Series' comedy-drama 'Tumhari Sulu' (2017) and 'Jalsa', both headlined by Vidya Balan. Vikram Malhotra, Suresh Triveni, and Anil Kapoor serve as producers for the film. "In an adrenaline-fueled action drama, Subedaar Arjun Singh grapples with civilian life, navigating a strained relationship with his daughter, and societal dysfunction. The man who once fought for the nation must now fight enemies within to protect his home and family," read the official synopsis of the project. 'Subedaar' is a joint production by Opening Image Films and Anil Kapoor Film and Communication Network (AKFCN), with Vikram Malhotra, Anil Kapoor, and Suresh Triveni as producers. (ANI) State Rep. Joe Timmons of Bellingham and Kamal Bhachu of Blaine are in a Nov. 5 repeat of their Aug. 6 primary, after they finished first and second in a race where they were the only two candidates. Timmins had 53% of the vote to Bhachus 47%. Timmons, a Democrat, is seeking re-election to a two-year term for the 42nd Legislative District House Position 2 against Bhachu, who challenged unsuccessfully for a state House seat in 2022 and lost a race for the Whatcom County Council in 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are two House seats in the 42nd District, which includes the northern neighborhoods of Bellingham and the northern part of Whatcom County. Voters in the 42nd District elected three Democrats to the Legislature in 2022, taking control of a district that had been represented by Republicans for more than a decade. Kamal Bhachu Kamalk Bhachu, who immigrated to the U.S. from India, attended Bellingham Technical College, earning degrees in both automotive technology and construction technology. He also was a nursing assistant with Whatcom County Hospice. I believe that a healthy and thriving community must offer a wide variety of employment opportunities. I am convinced that the people of the 42nd District, all the people, will be best served by electing officials who truly represent them and are not simply career politicians, Bhachu said at his campaign website. Republican Kamal Bhachu of Blaine. At a Bellingham City Club election forum on Sept. 25, Bhachu stressed the importance of personal connections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Listening to people is very important when youre running for political office listening to their needs and wants, he said. To solve the housing crisis, he said he would ease red tape such as stormwater runoff studies and other demands that raise the price of new construction. Bhachu said he opposes Initiative 2117, which taxes polluters and has raised more than $2 billion to pay for programs that fight the effects of climate change, saying that it has done nothing except raise the price of gasoline. Questioned on womens reproductive rights, he said that he opposes abortion personally but that the people have spoken and he would not vote to change current law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bhachu is endorsed by the Whatcom Republicans and several well-known figures in Whatcom County GOP politics, including former state Sen. Simon Sefzik, retired Whatcom County Sheriff Bill Elfo and former state Rep. Luanne Van Werven, according to his campaign website. He also has the support of statewide organizations such as the Washington Council of Police and Sheriffs, the Mainstream Republicans of Washington, the Associated General Contractors of Washington and the Washington Truckers Association. Hes raised $128,742 for his campaign, with $86,200 coming from the Republican Party Caucus. He also has $6,700 from business interests and $21,560 from individual contributions. Joe Timmons Before his election to the state House in 2022, Timmons served as Gov. Jay Inslees regional representative in Northwest Washington. He has degrees from Western Washington University and the Evans School of Public Policy and Governance at the University of Washington. He has served on boards with the city of Bellingham and he is a board member for the Bellingham Food Bank. State Rep. Joe Timmons, D-Bellingham. According to his campaign website, Timmons discusses priorities such as housing affordability, health care and economic development. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I know first-hand that we are experiencing a housing affordability crisis for example, in 2021 our rent went up 35% in Bellingham, and I know that unfortunately our family is not alone in this experience,he said at his website. During his first term in Olympia, he worked on legislation that was aimed at allowing a range of housing types in residential area, especially duplexes, fourplexes and small apartment buildings that are affordable to middle-income renters. I believe in working on housing on a holistic level, from reducing rents to helping first-time home-buyers, Timmons said at a Bellingham City Club election forum on Sept. 25. At the City Club forum, Timmons said he opposed the four statewide ballot measures, specially I-2117, which he said will gut the funding to fight climate change and early childhood education. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He has endorsements from a broad range of local and statewide organizations representing labor, law enforcement, conservation and tribal interests, including Lummi Nation and Nooksack Indian Tribe, the Washington Fraternal Order of Police, the United Auto Workers, the Sierra CLub, the Whatcom Democrats and Planned Parenthood. Timmons has raised $413,329.47 for his re-election bid, including $191,523 from the Democratic Party, $92,226 from political action committees and $33,196 in individual contributions, according to the state Public Disclosure Commission. BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) A Tennessee man is in custody after a 6-month investigation in a case involving sexual battery on a minor in Bay County. In May of 2024, the Bay County Sheriffs Office said they responded to an address in Bay County on Alaska Circle about a domestic call for service. According to a news release, deputies discovered a 15-year-old victim in this case had been communicating with an adult male using the social media platform Snapchat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Information was developed that the child and adult man may have met in person and had sex after the man traveled to Bay County from out of state, officials wrote. The male was identified as David Grant of Chattanooga, who was employed in the traveling commercial construction business. According to officials, Grant had taken the child to a local hotel where they were involved in sexual activity. Pensacola man arrested for robbing bank in Crestview On Thursday, Grant was located at a hotel in Saraland, Alabama where he was working, officials confirmed. Grant was taken into custody and booked at the Mobile County Metro Jail. He was interviewed by BCSO investigators who obtained a full confession. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Grant currently awaits extradition back to Bay County where he will face charges of sexual battery on a person older than 12 years of age, but less than 18 years of age with special conditions, traveling to meet a minor for sex, and the use of a child in a sexual performance. Sheriff Tommy Ford reminds parents of the importance of monitoring childrens activities when it comes to electronics and social media. Most online games, platforms, or applications have a chat feature that predators utilize to communicate with children or act as another child to build rapport with their intended victim. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to mypanhandle.com. Nov. 2 (UPI) -- A 61-year-old man surfing on the Hawaiian island of Maui had has leg completely severed during a shark attack, local police say. The local man, who was not identified by authorities, was surfing Friday morning at a Waiehu Beach Park spot known as "Sand Piles" when the attack happened, according to a statement released by County of Maui Police and Fire officials. First responders were dispatched to the beach at 7:05 a.m. When they arrived, they saw the man had made his way to shore with the help of bystanders despite his leg being completely severed just below the knee. Two combat application tourniquets were applied to control bleeding, they said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Maui Department of Fire and Public Safety Assistant Chief Jeff Giesea said the victim was alert while being treated onshore and was transported to Maui Memorial Medical Center in critical condition. A GoFundMe page set up family members to help defray medical costs identified the victim as "Kenji." A "close friend" of the victim told KHON-TV Kenji was upgraded to stable condition after undergoing surgery Friday morning, adding the victim has been surfing the same Waiehu Beach area for 30 years. Following the incident, the gate to Waiehu Beach Park was closed and all beachgoers were warned to stay out of the water from Paukukalo to Waihe'e until further notice. Maui Fire Department officials patrolled the scene with rescue watercraft and deployed a drone to monitor offshore waters for any shark activity. French carmaker Renault has debuted its latest concept car, named 'Embleme', as part of its plan to achieve carbon neutrality worldwide by 2050. Unveiled at this year's Paris Motor Show, Embleme pairs hybrid and electric power with a full lifecycle approach to cutting carbon. Renault says the vehicle emits 90% less greenhouse gas (CO2) over its lifetime compared to an average car today. "No single component of decarbonization can be treated in isolation. For a vehicle, this means working on its entire lifecycle ('from cradle to grave') in five areas: eco-design, choice of resources, manufacture, use and end-of-life," the company said in a press release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The concept car also examines "practical and effective combinations" in areas like resources, materials, production, use, and end-of-life recovery. Hydrogen fuel cell for longer drives The Embleme's rear-mounted powertrain combines electricity and hydrogen for low-carbon driving over any distance. Its 215hp motor runs on a 40kWh battery under the floor and a hydrogen fuel cell from a 2.8kg tank in the front. The group's EV wing Ampere estimates it can travel over 620 miles on a full charge. For daily drives, the vehicle works like a regular electric car, with the battery being recharged by regenerative braking, rooftop solar panels, or a standard charge point. On longer trips, Embleme shifts to the hydrogen fuel cell to reduce charging times. The company further notes that the dual-energy system combines the benefits of electric drivinglike instant acceleration, quiet operation, and smoothnesswith extended range and fast hydrogen refueling. 90% less carbon footprint In comparison, Renault Megane E-Tech electric emits 26.4 tons of CO2 over its lifetime. This is about half the emissions of a comparable petrol model, such as the Captur, which releases 55 tons of CO2. The Embleme project aims to cut this even further, targeting just 5.5 tons from cradle to gravea reduction of nearly 90%. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Luca de Meo, CEO of Renault Group and Ampere, the Embleme represents the company's commitment to building a sustainable future through technological innovation. It is proof that automotive is still driving progress keeping emotion in the equation! It embodies the future Design Language of the Renault brand, what we call 'La Nouvelle Vague'. An average ICE car has a 50 tons footprint: for Embleme, its 5 tons, cradle to grave. Its a masterpiece, he added. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Wif7Hse2lQ Furthermore, the concept also enables a 70% reduction in the carbon footprint of materials, including steel, aluminum, plastics, tires, glass, electronics, screens, and recyclables. "With a 70% reduction in the carbon footprint of its components, 50% recycled materials and almost all of the materials used which can be recycled at the end of their life, Renault Embleme demonstrates the capacity of Ampere and its partners to innovate in order to maximize vehicle decarbonization in the future," the press release stated. Election day is here, and the latest polls suggest the race between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump is historically close the kind of contest that wont just come down to specific swing states but to specific counties within those states. Here are eight to watch Tuesday night for clues about who will win. Cobb County, Ga.: Youve probably heard that the suburbs are the secret to Democratic success in recent elections. Cobb County is a great example of this phenomenon. Located just northwest of Atlanta, Cobb was solidly Republican for decades in part because it was majority white. But the county has diversified fast, and now its population is 30% Black, 15% Latino and about 6% Asian. Nearly 16% of residents are immigrants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the same time, Cobb County has remained affluent and highly educated; the Home Depot and the Weather Channel are headquartered there, and Coca-Cola, UPS and Delta are just a short drive away. This has not been good news for Trump. In 2016, Hillary Clinton bucked Cobbs historical GOP lean, winning there by just over 2 points; in 2020, Biden expanded that edge to more than 14 points. As a result, Biden became the first Democratic presidential nominee to win Georgia since 1992. To claim the Peach States 16 electoral votes, Harris will have to run up a similar margin in Cobb County by (a) keeping lapsed Republican suburbanites on her side while (b) holding on to voters of color (some of whom seem to be trending toward Trump). If she falls short, the former presidents huge advantage outside the metro Atlanta area will be hard to overcome. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Waukesha County, Wis.: To win key swing states, Harris doesnt have to win every suburb she just has to keep cutting into the GOPs margins in places like Waukesha County. Long a Republican stronghold former Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker regularly won there with more than 70% of the vote Waukesha has gone from solid red to pale red in the Trump era. White, affluent, college-educated voters former Republicans who support abortion rights and have recoiled from Trump are the reason. Waukesha is about 86% white, compared with 58% nationally; at more than $100,000, the countys median household income exceeds the U.S. average by 35%. As these voters have moved to the middle in recent years, the gap between the Republican and Democratic vote in Waukesha County has closed. In 2012, Mitt Romney won there with 67% of the vote; in 2020, Trump won with less than 60%. Why? Because Biden outperformed his old boss, Barack Obama, by nearly 9 percentage points. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That might not sound like a huge improvement, but Waukesha has 400,000 residents meaning Biden won about 25,000 more votes in 2020 than Obama won in 2012. Biden ultimately defeated Trump in Wisconsin by 20,682 votes. Washoe County, Nev.: There are three political zones in Nevada. The sparsely populated rurals which cover most of the state are hard-core Republican. Clark County the dense, diverse and largely working-class area that encompasses Las Vegas leans Democratic. And then theres Washoe County i.e., Reno and Sparks which tends to tip the entire state one way or the other. And Nevada does tip; the result there has been within 3 percentage points in four of the past six presidential elections. In 2016, Clinton won the Silver State by 2.4%; Biden won four years later by the same margin. But those identical results mask an important trend. Even though Trump made some gains in Clark County where nearly three-quarters of Nevadas residents live Biden was able to hang on because he won Washoe by 5 percentage points (compared with Clintons one-point margin). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Likewise, incumbent Democratic Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto won reelection in 2022 because she edged out her challenger in Washoe County by about 8,600 votes more than her statewide margin of victory. Why is Washoe trending blue? In 2016, Tesla opened an electric-motor Gigafactory there; high-tech jobs have followed, luring more college-educated voters to the area. With polls showing Trump gaining among Hispanic voters who compose about 20% of Nevadas electorate Harris will have to match or even beat Bidens margin in Washoe to win statewide. Wayne County, Mich.: Trump isnt going to win Wayne County i.e., metro Detroit on Nov. 5. But if he wins the election, Wayne could help explain why. For one thing, its Michigans most populous county, with 1.75 million residents. And it has high concentrations of two groups that might cause Harris some trouble: Black Americans (38%) and Arab Americans (about 8%). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2008, Obama won Wayne County with 74% of the vote; in 2020, Biden won it with 68%. Experts say Republicans have made inroads with white working-class voters who live to the west of Detroit. If Harris does worse than Biden, she could be in trouble statewide. Recent polls that show softening support among Black men and Arab Americans opposed to the Biden administrations approach to the war in Gaza suggest that this is a real possibility. On the plus side for Harris, Michigan Democrats won impressive victories in the 2018 and 2022 midterm elections, and the state GOP is disorganized. For his part, Trump recently disparaged Michigans largest city during a rally there, warning that our whole country will end up being like Detroit if shes your president. He also belittled autoworkers, claiming a child could do their jobs. Voters in Las Vegas on Oct. 21. (Ethan Miller/Getty Images) Douglas County, Neb.: When you think of a swing state, you dont usually think of Nebraska (which has voted Republican in every presidential election since 1968). But when you think of swing counties, Douglas County should come to mind. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats because in 1991 the Cornhusker State decided to split its five electoral votes between the statewide winner (who gets two electoral votes) and the winner of each of its three congressional districts. Again, Trump is a lock statewide; hes also a sure thing in the First and Third Congressional Districts. But the Second District which is dominated by Douglas County and the states largest city, Omaha is up for grabs. Obama targeted and won the Second District in 2008, and Biden did the same in 2020. About 90% of the Second Districts residents live in Douglas County. Theyre mostly white, educated and suburban; a fair number of Black Americans live in the northern part of Omaha as well. Its a good mix for Democrats, especially in the Trump era: Bidens margin of victory in 2020 (11 points) was more than double Obamas margin in 2008. If Harris can hold Douglas County, she could secure a crucial electoral vote. In fact, it could be decisive, putting Harriss tally at exactly 270 the magic number for a majority if she ends up sweeping the Rust Belt swing states (Michigan, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania) while losing to Trump in the Sun Belt (Arizona, Georgia, North Carolina, Nevada). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A tight congressional contest and dueling ballot measures on abortion which could drive turnout will only add to an unusually high-stakes atmosphere on Election Day. Erie County, Pa.: Theres no more important swing state in 2024 than Pennsylvania and theres no more important swing county in Pennsylvania than Erie, in the far northwestern corner of the state. According to Silver Bulletins national polling averages, Harris would win 257 electoral votes to Trumps 262 if the election were held today. Only Pennsylvania is tied meaning its 19 electoral votes would decide the outcome. Thats why its this years likeliest tipping-point state. Meanwhile, Erie County is like a microcosm of Pennsylvania as a whole, with its Democratic city center, conservative rural areas and ideologically mixed suburbs. As a result, its also a bellwether county, having voted the same way as the state in every presidential election since 1992. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In fact, only 25 counties nationwide out of 3,143 boomeranged from Obama to Trump to Biden between 2012 and 2020. Erie is one of them. A recent poll of Erie County by USA Today and Suffolk University found Harris (48%) with a slight advantage over Trump (44%) but that was right after her strong Sept. 10 debate (and well within the margin of error). The county GOP claims to have cut into the Democrats voter registration edge in recent months. Prepare for a photo finish. Election workers sort election ballots at the Maricopa County Tabulation and Election Center in Phoenix, on Oct. 23. (Olivier Touron/AFP) Maricopa County, Ariz.: Maricopa County the area in and around Phoenix has long been one of Americas most fascinating political microclimates, with explosive population growth and a combustible blend of voter demographics. Four years ago, its where Biden effectively clinched the presidency; his 45,000-vote margin of victory made him the first Democrat since Harry Truman to win the county and the first Democrat since Bill Clinton to win the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now Trump is trying to make a comeback. Republicans have made gains with voter registration, and polls show a slight edge for the former president statewide. Thats in part because surveys also suggest Trump has pulled even in Maricopa. Border security is a big issue across Arizona, and it likely benefits the Republican nominee. Trump also appears to be cutting into Democrats lead among Latinos, who make up more than 30% of the countys population. Harris still has a chance in Maricopa and in Arizona as a whole. The Phoenix area is home to a large contingent of Never Trump Republicans many of them members of the Mormon church who have been turned off by the states increasingly far-right GOP. And abortion which has been a winning issue for Democrats in recent elections will be on the ballot in the form of an amendment to the state constitution that would protect access to the procedure as a fundamental right. Carrabus County, N.C.: Cabarrus has voted Republican in every presidential election since Truman won the county in 1948. But in 2020, Biden became the first Democrat since 1976 to finish within single digits of his Republican rival. He even performed better in Carrabus than Obama (who lost twice there, by nearly 20 points). Why? Because the composition of this growing suburban area northeast of Charlotte has been changing and its electorate has changed as a result. By 2000, the Black population of Carrabus County had fallen to about 12%; today, buoyed by 30-something metropolitan transplants, its nearing 20% again. The areas Asian and Hispanic populations have shot up as well. Meanwhile, voter registration has surged in recent years, with nonwhite residents leading the way. In 2022, Democrat Diamond Staton-Williams became the first person of color to represent Cabarrus in the North Carolina General Assembly. Harris is hoping she can harness this shift in November not to win Carrabus County but to further reduce Trumps margin of victory there and in other diversifying suburban areas. If she does that while running up the score in cities like Charlotte and Raleigh-Durham, she has a chance to repeat Obamas improbable 2008 statewide victory. According to the latest polling averages, Trump leads in North Carolina by just a single point. Palmetto General Hospital is on life support. Fewer patients and an exodus of specialists have left the more than 50-year-old hospital bare. The medical lifeline for thousands of patients in Hialeah and surrounding areas has been fighting to survive, according to interviews with hospital employees and their union representatives. A new operator was recently tapped to run the hospital, which for months has struggled to provide care as its cash-crunched owner Steward Health Care tried to thin billions in debt after filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in May. But questions remain about the new operators ability to turn things around for the struggling facility. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Employees at Palmetto General and other hospitals that were owned by the for-profit Steward Health have long complained about a lack of supplies, layoffs, ward closings, service cuts, broken equipment, and delayed payments to vendors and staff. Earlier this year, North Shore Medical Center in North Miami-Dade closed its critical but costly labor and delivery, neonatal, and behavioral health units to try to slow the financial bleeding. At Florida Medical Center in Lauderdale Lakes, a lack of supplies and clinicians to provide on-call services to the ER forced the hospital to divert ambulances away for patient safety. Steward Health CEO Dr. Ralph de la Torre recently resigned. His resignation came shortly after a congressional committee pursued civil enforcement and criminal charges against him for refusing to testify under subpoena about the alleged mishandling of the health systems hospitals across the country. Hes filed a lawsuit to have the court rule the subpoena as invalid and unenforceable. Meanwhile, the new operator of Palmetto General and four other Steward hospitals in South Florida a Nevada-registered company called Healthcare Systems of America is settling in. But restoring the hospitals from their state of decline and regaining the trust of patients wont be easy. Empty ER, shortage of staff elsewhere Palmetto Generals emergency room and its surgical unit, which are still open, have been in a state of disarray, with many of its employees resigning and some patients having to be transferred out of the hospital at 2001 W. 68th St., according to both medical personnel and union reps. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The hospitals ER is accepting patients, but it doesnt look like it used to, said Mark Criswell, an administrative organizer for 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East. Criswell, who spoke with the Herald in September, is part of a union that represents more than 450,000 healthcare workers across the country, including some at Palmetto General Hospital, North Shore Medical Center and Florida Medical Center. During an early September visit to the Palmetto ER, a unit that has 41 beds, an inspector appointed to monitor care at Stewards hospitals in Miami-Dade noted there were 12 patients getting treated. Criswell said he saw only four patients being treated when he made his own visit several weeks later. The rest of the rooms were empty, with perfectly made beds, he told the Herald. Its like it was abandoned. Ive never seen it like that, said Criswell, who has walked the halls of the hospital for more than a decade. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Steward Health bought Palmetto General and four other South Florida hospitals Hialeah Hospital, Coral Gables Hospital, North Shore Medical Center and Florida Medical Center from Tenet Healthcare for $1.1 billion in 2021. In May, less than three years after that purchase, Steward filed for bankruptcy, reporting over $9 billion in total liabilities, including nearly $1 billion in unpaid bills from its medical vendors and suppliers and $290 million in unpaid employee wages and benefits. The bankruptcy process brought more scrutiny to the hospitals operations in recent months. In July, when inspectors went to check out Steward-owned hospitals in Miami-Dade, they noted Palmetto was experiencing a decline in elective and emergency surgeries from the emergency room. Suzanne Koenig, a patient care ombudsman appointed by the Justice Departments U.S. Trustee Program to monitor care at Stewards hospitals in Miami-Dade, noted in her report that while all of the inspected hospitals showed signs of disrepair, she does not believe the security, safety, or care of the hospitals patients are presently at risk. An ambulance arrives at Palmetto General Hospital on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024, in Hialeah, Florida. Those on ground level at the Hialeah hospital say Stewards problems affected both staffing levels and the number of patients being seen at Palmetto General, concerns the new owner will have to confront. Unions representing hospital workers have spoken about staffing challenges, including the resignations of key staff members. The employees that remained were left navigating patient care with limited supplies and broken equipment, although the ombudsman, in a report filed last month, indicated that supply issues seemed to have improved across Stewards hospitals in Miami-Dade and elsewhere during the bankruptcy process. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Koenig said the hospitals appeared to have adequate supplies, with supply rooms stocked enough to provide safe patient care. Most of Stewards hospitals are still in need of repairs and new or repaired equipment, though she said she had observed marked improvement since her first report in July. Under the bankruptcy conditions during Stewards ownership, fewer patients were coming in this year, and registered nurses were sometimes told to work fewer hours or not come in at all, according to Lazaro Garcia, a registered nurse who works in Palmettos ICU and had some of his shifts canceled in September. Nurses on duty often had to fill in gaps from a shortage of nursing assistants, he said. Some have been picking up shifts at different hospitals to make up for lost wages. READ MORE: Why a healthcare giant has slowed care at a Miami hospital, and where it leaves patients Employees for months have worried about the future of the hospital and their jobs, he said. Some have had to use their paid time off to compensate for cut hours under the previous ownership, according to Garcia, who serves as Palmettos chief representative for National Nurses United, a union that represents more than 224,000 registered nurses in the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The community should be proud of all the nurses of Palmetto that have stayed through the whole struggle under Steward to provide patient care, Garcia said. Stewards greed took a toll on nurses and patient safety. Nurses had to fight every day to get what everyone deserves, he added. We are hopeful that the new owners will focus on improving patient safety and will work to recruit and retain staff. Steward Health did not respond to the Heralds request for comment. Aimee Gill, a spokesperson for Healthcare Systems of America, told the Herald in September that the new operators number one priority is to provide stability and rebuild trust with the community. The company did not respond to a more recent request for comment on the problems under Stewards ownership described by hospital staff. The lack of staffing up to this point has created unnerving situations for the patients still coming into the hospital, according to another employee, who recalled that on a day in September, there were eight patients needing open heart surgery at the certified cardiac hospital. Dr. Erik Beyer, a cardiovascular surgeon at Palmetto General who was chief of cardiac surgery for Stewards Florida hospitals, had resigned at the end of August. But his replacement no longer performed complex open heart surgeries, and all of the patients had to be transferred to other hospitals or they left on their own, against medical advice, when they learned Beyer was no longer working there, according to a doctor who spoke with the Herald on the condition of anonymity, in fear of career reprisal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Koenig, the patient care ombudsman, noted the departure of a cardiothoracic surgeon in a report updating the court on the condition of the hospital following an early September visit. The senior leadership team shared that Palmetto recently lost a prominent cardio-thoracic surgeon because of the restructuring; however, they remained positive given that other surgeons did not leave with this surgeon and given that Palmetto is interviewing new cardio-thoracic surgeons to the departed physician, Koenig wrote. Beyer is now in court trying to get a $848,550 bonus he says hes owed after being strung along with false promises to keep him and his team employed by Steward. The hospital system has argued that the judge should deny the surgeons request for various reasons, including an ongoing external audit into physician bonuses and a contractual clause that says bonuses can only be disbursed to current employees. The Herald reached out to Beyer through his attorneys, who declined to make him available for an interview. But Beyer told the Herald in a short phone call in early October that he was trying to come back to Palmetto under new ownership. A view of Palmetto General Hospital on Tuesday, May 7, 2024. Problems before bankruptcy The struggles at Palmetto General began long before Steward Health declared bankruptcy, according to hospital employees. Beyer, the cardiovascular surgeon, said in his claim in the bankruptcy case that he realized something was wrong under Stewards ownership after vendors began complaining that they were not getting paid in a timely fashion, and then not at all. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This was the first time I had ever heard of this happening at a healthcare company since this never happened at Tenet in the years I worked there, the veteran surgeon with more than 20 years of experience said in a declaration that has since been sealed in Houston bankruptcy court. Beyer said hospital administrators ignored concerns from staff about the lack of payments to vendors, who provide equipment, supplies, and nursing or anesthesiologist staff to the hospital. Koenig, the patient care ombudsman, in her initial report said supply problems also drove physicians away from Palmetto, even before Steward declared bankruptcy. A urologist, for example, had to move patients to another hospital because of an inability to obtain implants. Cardiologists were unable to obtain catheter supplies, and other surgeons could not get robotic supplies, Koenig wrote in her July report. READ NEXT: Is your mammogram wrong? Miami hospital ordered by FDA to halt service over concerns Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The supply strain impacted patient care, according to hospital employees. In the fall of 2023, Steward was unable to pay for anesthesia and we would go on emergency-only days, meaning no elective cases were to be performed, making all of our jobs that much more difficult and stressful, Beyer said in his bankruptcy claim. And I would be forced to have to explain to patients that we did not have either anesthesia or perfusion support, and their cases would be postponed. In November 2023, concerned about its potential liability, Steward gave Beyer and four other specialists permission to obtain privileges and perform surgeries at non-Steward hospitals if Palmetto General or other Steward hospitals did not have the supplies needed to safely perform procedures, according to Beyers court declaration. Beyers attorneys said he performed more than 500 surgeries in 2023. Beyer alleges he could have done more procedures, but Steward was unable to pay assistants, perfusionists, and anesthesiologists in the last two months of 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other hospitals owned by Steward Health have experienced similar problems that have affected care, including Hialeah Hospital, Coral Gables Hospital, North Shore Medical Center and Florida Medical Center. The Boston Globe detailed the fall of Steward Healths national empire and the toll it has taken on patients in Massachusetts and at a hospital in Melbourne, Florida. It has been a disaster since [Steward] came on board and has been declining every single day, said the Palmetto doctor who spoke to the Herald, a sentiment that other employees have shared in previous interviews. The doctor said that on a Friday night several weeks ago, a patient came in after a heart attack, and a heart assist device was placed on the patient through the groin. But when the patients leg lost circulation, they needed to be treated by a vascular surgeon and there was none in sight, the doctor told the Herald. The vascular surgeon at Palmetto had resigned. Another vascular surgeon had been given emergent privileges at the hospital, but he was unavailable. Ultimately, the assist device had to be removed, and the patient had to be transferred to another facility. In September, the nurse who worked directly with the vascular surgeon who resigned was abruptly terminated because there were no cases for them to work on, the nurse told the Herald. Other surgeries have been postponed or canceled because of lack of profusion team staffers, who operate the heart-lung machine while a patient is under anesthesia, the Palmetto General doctor said. The doctor also told the Herald that over the summer, 11 surgical assistants were laid off. The number of total surgeries has decreased significantly, they said. This hospital used to do 40 to 50 cases daily. They are doing 10, at the most, [now]. As a consequence, every day they send nurses, scrub techs and surgical assistants home without pay because there are no cases to do. In September, the chief of the operating room was also laid off, according to the doctor who spoke with the Herald. The operating room chief did not respond to a call or a text message from a reporter. The doctor told the Herald those were just examples they had direct knowledge of but noted that other departments in Stewards South Florida hospitals were also dealing with an exodus of employees because of the lack of resources. Criswell, the 1199SEIU Florida organizer, said that even with all its problems, Palmetto General still feels like a working hospital, unlike its sister North Shore Medical Center in North Miami-Dade, which is like a ghost town. Even as the hospitals transition to new ownership, worries linger. Our concern is definitely the quality of care for the community, Criswell said. A view of Palmetto Medical Plaza at Palmetto General Hospital in Hialeah, Florida, on Tuesday, May 7, 2024. Transition to new ownership Employees and patients waited months to learn the fate of their Steward hospitals, which were put up for sale as part of the companys restructuring plan to thin its $9 billion debt. But a souring relationship between Steward Health and Medical Properties Trust, the company that owns the land the hospitals sit on, complicated many of the sales. The two eventually struck a deal in September that, among other things, named Healthcare Systems of America as interim manager of Stewards hospitals in Miami-Dade and Broward. The company was recently given the OK to serve as the permanent operator overseeing the day-to-day operations at Palmetto General and other Steward hospitals in South Florida. Healthcare Systems of America, which was registered in August in Nevada, is managed by the same team that runs the Los Angeles-headquartered American Healthcare Systems, which describes itself as a community-based hospital system with facilities in North Carolina and Illinois. On Sept. 30, Steward leadership sent Palmetto staff a memo outlining the leadership transition. I understand that the lack of communication has been a challenge around the transition causing a lot of anxiety, and we appreciate your extreme patience with getting through the daily water cooler or [Palmetto General Hospital] food mall rumor mill and navigating what is reported in the media, wrote Brian Debarge, director of management operations at Steward Medical Group. The president of Palmetto General, Alejandro Alex Contreras-Soto, will remain president but was also promoted to market leader of South Florida. Coral Gables Hospital, Hialeah Hospital and Florida Medical Center presidents will remain in their positions, according to the memo. Physician contracts will be honored, and there are no plans to terminate any additional providers or close existing practices, Debarge wrote. Some medical professionals who left the hospital could also come back. For example, Beyer, the cardiovascular surgeon who was battling Steward in court for the unpaid bonus, is expected to come back to his post. Beyer told the Herald in early October that under new ownership, it was not officially official yet but that he was in talks to return. Well, the new owners are here, he said. Its a whole different vibe, and I love this place, I love Miami. I was born in Miami, and I love Palmetto, and I love the people here. I would love to come back here. Gallup recently published a list of what Americans consider the most pressing issues as they choose the next president. Unsurprisingly, there is no overlap between Republicans and Democrats on the top five. Republicans say they are concerned about the economy, immigration, terrorism and national security, crime and taxes. Democrats are concerned about American democracy, Supreme Court nominations, abortion, healthcare and education. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Transgender rights for or against are nowhere to be seen among the top concerns of voters in either party. In fact, of more than 20 issues the pollsters asked about, transgender rights ranked dead last in importance to voters overall. So why has former President Trumps campaign been spending tens of millions of dollars on inflammatory ads attacking Vice President Kamala Harris' support for transgender rights? Read more: Abcarian: Many could vote against Kamala Harris over the war in Gaza. Here's why that's a mistake Since the beginning of August, Trump and other Republicans have reportedly spent more than $65 million on anti-trans ads, concentrating on the battleground states although even here in deepest-blue California, I cant turn on my television without seeing them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kamala supports taxpayer-funded sex changes for prisoners, a disdainful narrator says. Its hard to believe, but its true. Even the liberal media was shocked Kamala supports taxpayer-funded sex changes for prisoners and illegal aliens. A series of edited images shows Harris with transgender people, including Adm. Rachel Levine, the U.S. assistant secretary for health, and a drag performer named Pattie Gonia, and actors playing inmates in the series Orange is the New Black. Kamala is for they/them, the ad concludes. President Trump is for you. Read more: Column: Poisoned, imprisoned and essentially killed by Putin, Alexei Navalny somehow never lost hope Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the Harris campaign and others have pointed out, the ad is misleading. Federal policy, including under the Trump administration, has allowed incarcerated transgender people to receive gender-affirming medical care. Only two federal prisoners have ever received gender-affirming surgery, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and FactCheck.org. In other words, this is a nonissue. For months, Trump has made unhinged claims about children going to school one gender and coming home another. I originally presumed that he was awkwardly referring to the debate over whether schools should be forced to tell parents that their nonbinary or trans children are out at school, or social transitioning. But no, he has repeatedly claimed that schools are actually sending children to get gender-affirming surgeries without their parents consent. (I cant believe I even had to type that.) Trumps campaign of fear against transgender people because thats what it is is disgusting, disingenuous and dangerous. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When I see these ads, I think of Trumps first term, said Heron Greenesmith, the deputy director of policy at the Transgender Law Center. Just the cruelty. They are nasty and mean and they punch down. So what exactly is going on here? Is it as simple as demonizing a vulnerable group of people to score political points in a close race? Or is it something deeper? What Republicans are seeing or feeling is that people are anxious about the future, M. Gessen said in a conversation about the ads with a New York Times opinion editor last week. They're anxious about their economic future, said Gessen, a nonbinary journalist who frequently writes about LGBTQ+ issues. They're anxious about their social future. And it can all be boiled down to this anxiety about ones children that ones children are going to come home from school one day and speak a different language than the parents or use a different name and generally be a stranger. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This explains the moral hysteria over gender-affirming care for minors that has spread across the countrys red states. At least 22 states have passed bans on such care for transgender and nonbinary minors; five have even made it a felony. And at least 70 clinics that provided gender-affirming care have closed since 2021, according to research published in the Journal of the American Medical Assn. Theres no law against lying in political ads, but Im guessing Trumps inane ramblings about school sex-change operations are too bizarre even for his ad makers. Picking on transgender incarcerated people and migrants must have seemed like the next best option. But the message is always about fear. I mean, the fear works on certain people, said Greenesmith, who is nonbinary. It works on people who are primed already to look for in groups and out groups. But the majority of Americans support the right of folks to live in their gender and have autonomy around their healthcare, and support folks being protected from discrimination over things we dont have control over. This presidential campaign is going to be over soon. But the damage Trump has done to transgender people by fomenting fear, by scapegoating, by othering will most assuredly live on. Threads: @rabcarian If its in the news right now, the L.A. Times Opinion section covers it. Sign up for our weekly opinion newsletter. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. BELGRADE (Reuters) - Hundreds of opposition activists rallied in Belgrade on Sunday to protest over a deadly accident at a railway station in Serbia's north, for which they blame negligence and corruption by the authorities. The disaster on Friday in the city of Novi Sad, about 70 km (40 miles) northwest of Belgrade, happened when roofing along the entrance to the station suddenly collapsed, killing 14 people and severely injuring three. Protesters carrying banners reading "The blood is on your hands," and "Corruption kills," and chanting "Arrest (President Aleksandar) Vucic", marched by government buildings in the center of the Serbian capital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We are all shaken and furious ... the state is directly responsible for this," said Djordje Dimitrijevic, a protester. Serbia's opposition politicians, activists and rights groups accuse authorities loyal to Vucic and his Serbian Progressive Party of rampant corruption, ties with organised crime, nepotism and excessive red tape. Vucic and his allies deny such allegations. Serbia's Prime Minister Milos Vucevic said on Sunday authorities were investigating who is responsible for the disaster. "Prosecution and police are working to establish criminal responsibility ... (and) there is no avoidance of political responsibility," Vucevic said in a TV broadcast. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The station in Novi Sad was renovated in 2021 and 2022. Other minor works continued until July this year. The prosecutor's office in the city said on Sunday its investigators had interviewed 26 people in connection with the accident, including Transportation Minister Goran Vesic, and had secured documents of importance. Another 14 people have been summoned for questioning, it added. (Reporting by Aleksandar Vasovic; Editing by) AUSTIN (KXAN) Two suspects were arrested in connection to placing a credit card skimmer at a northeast Austin gas station, according to an arrest warrant affidavit from the Austin Police Department. A supermarket, located in the 78753 zip code, also has a gas station in addition to other retail services, court records said. A credit card skimmer is a device designed to set over an existing Verifone card reader on a gas pump card reader on a gas pump therefore making the device practically undetectable by the victims making card transactions at the gas pump, according to the affidavit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Court records identified the suspects as Rodesley Reinoso-Malagon, 32, and Carlos Roberto Stable-Ramirez, 30. Both suspects were arrested and charged with unlawful interception, use of disclosure of wire, oral or electronic communications a second degree felony, according to court records. They were both booked into jail and released on Oct. 24. KXAN reached out to Reinoso-Malagons attorney, who said they had no comment. We also reached out to Stable-Ramirezs attorney for a statement. We will update this if one is received. When the skimmer was placed On Aug. 13, APD was notified of the credit card skimmer placed at the northeast Austin location, and video footage was given to police. Police were able to obtain the skimmer device from the corporate office of the supermarket, according to the affidavit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That video footage also got license plate numbers from both Stable-Ramirez and Reinoso-Malagon, court records said. The affidavit refers to Stable-Ramirez as Suspect No. 1 and Reinoso-Malagon as Suspect No. 2. On July 31, video footage at the gas pumps showed both suspects in one vehicle driving up to a gas pump around 5:15 a.m., according to the affidavit. Court records said Suspect No. 1 was the one video footage identified as placing the credit card skimmer by forcefully pushing it on the gas pump, according to the affidavit. Then, Suspect No. 2 stood in front of Suspect No. 1 to block cameras and store employees from seeing what was going on. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Once the skimmer was placed on the gas pump, Suspect No. 1 then tested the device by running a card multiple times through the gas pump card reader, court records said. Both suspects then left in the same vehicle around 6:19 a.m. Later in the morning, around 11:51 a.m., both suspects came back to the gas pumps in two separate vehicles, according to the affidavit. Video footage showed Suspect No. 1 get out of his vehicle, and was seen removing an item from the gas pump and put it in his vehicle. Suspect No. 2 then blocked what Suspect No. 1 was doing from cameras and store employees once again, according to the affidavit. Both suspects then got in their separate vehicle and left the area, court records said. Card skimmers in Austin area and the state The Texas Financial Crimes Intelligence Center found 35 skimmers at gas stations in Travis, Hays and Williamson counties in 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The center recovered 228 skimmers in 2023 and 396 skimmers in 2022. The intelligence center opened in 2022 and have since recovered more than 5,500 credit cards in its two years of operation, KXAN reported in January. State says crackdown saves millions in losses from credit card fraud In 2023, the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation said the crackdown on credit card skimming prevented nearly $48.5 million in fraud losses in Texas, as well as recovered nearly 400 credit card skimmers. Taylor Girtman and Daniel Gravois contributed to this report Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. Robin Wright has recently defended her portrayal of Jenny in Forrest Gump against criticism that her character represents an "anti-feminist" archetype. In an interview with The New York Times alongside her Here co-star Tom Hanks, Wright addressed the discussions surrounding Jenny's life choices and her tragic end in the film. Wright responded to claims that Jenny's death was a punishment for her lifestyle, saying, "No! It's not about that. People have said she's a Voldemort to Forrest. I wouldn't choose that as a reference, but she was kind of selfish. I don't think it's a punishment that she gets AIDS. She was so promiscuous -- that was the selfishness that she did to Forrest." She further spoke about Jenny's complex relationship with Forrest, and shared, "He was in love with her from Day 1. And she was just flighty and running and doing coke and hooking up with a Black Panther. And then she gets sick and says, 'This is your child. But I'm dying.' And he still takes her: 'I'll take care of you at Mama's house.' I mean, it's the sweetest love story." In recent years, discussions about Jenny's role have become more nuanced, with many fans viewing her actions with more empathy, considering her traumatic childhood. Tom Hanks, who played Forrest, also shared his thoughts in the interview, expressing relief that no sequel was made for the film. "It is this extraordinary amalgam that stands completely on its own and never has to be repeated. And thank God we never bothered trying to make another one. Why put a hat on a hat?" Wright and Hanks have since reunited with director Robert Zemeckis for the drama Here, where they play a married couple, utilizing AI technology to portray different decades of their lives. (ANI) Air defence forces in Kyiv and Kyiv Oblast targeted Russian drones on the morning of 3 November. Source: Kyiv Oblast Military Administration (KOMA); Kyiv City Military Administration (KCMA) Details: The report noted that the attack by Russian drones continues. Quote from KOMA: "Air defence forces are working on targets". Details: Explosions were heard in Kyiv. At 06:10, KCMA reported that air defence systems were targeting Russian drones in the capital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Updated: The all-clear was given at 06:37 in Kyiv and at 06:41 in the oblast. Background: Russian drones were launched once again to attack Ukraine's oblasts on the evening of Saturday, 2 November. On the night of 2-3 November, fires broke out in Kyiv due to the fall of downed Russian drones. Support UP or become our patron! Online safety experts have raised the alarm over possible loopholes in Britains digital laws after the discovery of chatbots imitating dead children. It comes as The Telegraph can reveal further disturbing bots were created on Character.AI, including avatars of Jimmy Savile. The Molly Rose Foundation, set up in memory of Molly Russell, has written to Ofcom warning of a legislative gap around digital chatbots, which means they risk slipping through the cracks in Britains clampdown on tech giants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last week The Telegraph found digital avatars of Molly Russell and murdered teenager Brianna Ghey on Character.AI, a service where users create their own chatbots with customised personalities. Ofcom said chatbots such as those impersonating murdered teenager Brianna Ghey were cruel and repulsive - PA The user-generated bots used images of Molly and Brianna, as well as biographical details of the teenagers. Molly took her own life in 2017, while Brianna was murdered last year. Character.AI has since removed the AI clones. However, The Telegraph has discovered further AI bots that may be in breach of Character.AIs rules, including avatars of Savile, the late BBC DJ and sex offender. The Molly Rose Foundation said the bots were grossly offensive and an egregious affront to societal norms and sought clarification from Ofcom that they would be considered a form of illegal content under the Online Safety Act. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It also raised concerns that internet users could use apps similar to Character.AI to create chatbots that encourage suicide or self-harm. While Character.AI appears to have some rudimentary design protections in place, it is inherently foreseeable that other actors may seek to design a pro-suicide chatbot, the letter said. An Ofcom spokesman said the bots impersonating dead children were cruel and repulsive and it was considering the issue as a matter of urgency. Character.AI bans the promotion of self-harm or suicide by its users. However, there are dozens of bots themed around depression or therapy on its app, which is available for children as young as 13. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The US-based service has soared in popularity with teenagers since it launched in 2022 and is now used by more than 20m people. In the letter to Melanie Dawes, the head of Ofcom, Andy Burrows, chief executive of the Molly Rose Foundation, raised concerns that parts of the Online Safety Act may not apply to chatbots and that it was not clear whether a bot autonomously generating suicide content would be considered illegal. It follows a similar assessment by Jonathan Hall KC, the independent reviewer of terrorism legislation, who earlier this year said that while the act did refer to bots they appear to be the old-fashioned kind, not advanced AI chatbots. In one consultation, Ofcom said it would consider its approach to content posted by a bot to not be very different to that posted by a human. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Burrows also expressed concerns that key provisions of the act around automatic content moderation had been delayed and may not be enforced until 2026. The Telegraph found that bots imitating Savile had accumulated tens of thousands of chats with users before they were taken down by Character.AI this week. Users also created multiple bots pretending to be Josef Mengele, the Nazi doctor who performed fatal experiments on children at Auschwitz. The bots, some of which appeared to romanticise the notorious Nazi, collectively had tens of thousands of chats. The findings follow the death of Sewell Setzer, a 14-year-old from Florida, who took his own life after talking for hours with avatars on Character.AI. His mother has sued the company for negligence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Character.AI said the death was tragic and it had taken steps to create a safer experience for users under the age of 18. An Ofcom spokesman said: The impersonation of deceased children is a cruel and repulsive use of technology, and our thoughts are with the families for the immense suffering this has caused. The use of a platform like Character.AI for these purposes presents important questions and were looking into the issues raised by The Telegraph investigation as a matter of urgency. Were in close contact with the Molly Rose Foundation and others, and we thank them for their continued support in making sure regulation is as tough as it can be. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Character.AI spokesman said: Character.AI takes safety on our platform seriously and our goal is to provide a creative space that is engaging, immersive, and safe. These characters were user-created and they have been removed from the platform as they violate our terms of service. 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. Corrections & Clarifications: An earlier version of this article gave incorrect information about the number of legislative districts in Arizona in 2016. The earlier version of the article also listed the incorrect year Gutier ran for the state Legislature and the spelling of his son's name. Former Director of the Arizona Governor's Highways Office Alberto Gutier died on Nov. 2, according to a post from his family on social media. Gutier was surrounded by his entire family when he passed, including his wife of 64 years, Miryam, according to the post by Micky Gutier on Facebook. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gutier was the director of the Governor's Office of Highway Safety for over 20 years and retired in 2022. The announcement of Gutier's death was recognized on social media by former Arizona governors Doug Ducey and Jan Brewer. "Alberto was one of a kind a devoted husband, father, proud American and a public servant who loved America and loved Arizona. Alberto lived the American Dream and was so proud of it ... We are grateful to have called Alberto a friend. May he rest in peace," wrote Ducey on X. "Im deeply saddened to learn that my long-time friend, Alberto Gutier, passed away today. Alberto loved America and was a loyal servant to Arizona for over 50 years, including serving in my cabinet. My prayers for his wife, Miryam, his entire family and loved ones. RIP Alberto," wrote Brewer on X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Arizona Congressman Greg Stanton also paid tribute to Gutier, whom he called a true public servant. "No one loved the law enforcement community or this country more than Alberto. His contributions to our state will be missed," wrote Stanton. In 2004, Gutier ran for the Arizona House of Representatives, which later provided inspiration to his son, Alberto Gutier III, to run in 2016, according to family. Gutier was also a sergeant at arms for the Arizona Republican Party since 2002, according to a LinkedIn page under his name. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: State director of highway safety for over 20 years dies On election night, Vice President Kamala Harris has the potential to make history and become the first woman, and the first woman of color, elected to the countrys highest office. While much has been said about her historic candidacy, down-ballot candidates across the country also have a chance to break barriers on election night. In Delaware, state Sen. Sarah McBride, a Democrat and the first openly trans state senator in the U.S., could graduate to the U.S. House and become the countrys first openly transgender member of Congress. McBride easily defeated her primary opponents in September, raking in almost 80% of the vote. She is widely considered the favorite in a match-up against Republican John Whalen III, a retired police officer and former construction company owner. If elected to Delawares sole House seat, McBride would replace Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester, the Democratic nominee for the states open U.S. Senate seat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Blunt Rochesters campaign also has the potential to make history. In the event that both Blunt Rochester and Angela Alsobrooks, the Democratic Senate nominee in neighboring Maryland, prevail at the ballot box, the next Congress will be the first in which two Black women serve in the Senate at the same time. Only three Black women have served in the Senate in its 235-year history: Carol Moseley Braun of Illinois in the 1990s; Harris, who represented California before becoming vice president; and Laphonza Butler, who was appointed to represent California by Gov. Gavin Newsom last year to succeed the late Dianne Feinstein. Should they both win, Blunt Rochester and Alsobrooks would double the number of Black women elected to the Senate to four (because Butler was appointed, not elected, and she's not running for election this year). But to do that, Blunt Rochester must defeat Republican Eric Hansen, a businessman making his first run for public office, which shes widely expected to do. Alsobrooks faces a tougher race against the states former governor, Larry Hogan, a Republican, although recent polls show her with an edge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The chance to be the first two Black women to serve in the Senate together hasnt been lost on them. Blunt Rochester told The Associated Press that she and Alsobrooks already have a private text chain and refer to each other as their sister senator to be. Across the country, in Washington state, another state senator could make history. Democrat Emily Randall has the chance to become the first out LGBTQ+ Latina member of Congress. Randall entered politics in 2018, flipping a Republican-held seat. Now running in the state's 6th Congressional District, Randall would break a 91-year streak of sending only white men to fill the seat if she wins. And the odds are in her favor, as she is heavily favored to defeat fellow state Sen. Drew MacEwen, a Republican, in the left-leaning district. Randall recently secured the endorsement of The Seattle Times editorial board. Her desire to improve health care access and create job pathways, particularly in rural areas of her district, is a worthy endeavor in Congress, the board wrote. History is made every time the votes are counted and the results are tallied. Time will tell what history gets made in 2024. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com Tacoma painter Beulah Loomis Hyde wasnt content to paint sunsets, flowers and the pretty pictures her contemporaries did in the 1930s and 1940s. She turned her easel toward the citys factories, shipyards, bridges and Hoovervilles. Today, the citys history is all the richer for it. A painting of a Tacoma industrial scene by B.L. Hyde Acclaimed regionally at the time, Hyde was all but forgotten after the 96-year-old artist died in 1983. Now, a show at Cascadia Art Museum in Edmonds offers a first of its kind retrospective of her career. The vast majority of the canvases in the show were painted in Tacoma. They were gathered from her descendants from around the world. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When I saw the quality of her work, I was bowled over, said David Martin, the museums curator and organizer of Structure and Form The Art of B.L. Hyde. A Tacoma bridge painted by B.L. Hyde. Martin has long had an interest in shinning a light on the overlooked female artists who populated the Pacific Northwest in the early and mid-20th century. The more than 50 paintings in the show time travel to Tacoma when industry was king. One painting shows Galloping Gertie, the first Tacoma Narrows Bridge, which was brought down by a windstorm in 1940. Other paintings show traffic, markets and businesses from a long-ago city. Hyde didnt shy away from the citys grittier side. She could paint a colorful fruit market as well as a shanty town on the Tideflats. Painting of a Tacoma fruit market by B.L. Hyde. Beulah Hyde Born in Kansas in 1886, Hyde moved with her family to Tacoma 1888. The impoverished familys fortune soon turned for the better, and Hyde grew up wealthy enough to attend Annie Wright Seminary (now Schools). A self-portrait by B.L. Hyde. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her artistic talent emerged when she was a girl. The show contains one of her early sketch books. She was influenced, taught and tutored by some of the regions best artists, Martin said. Hyde had two productive periods in her career. The first was from 1902 to around 1915. She took a break when she got married and began having children. In that early period, she drew in graphite and painted in watercolor. After her three boys were grown, she took up painting again. From around 1935 to about 1960 seems to be her most productive period, Martin said. Her second period consisted of oil paintings on canvas. Most notably, she adopted a modernist style, he said. David Martin is the curator of Cascadia Art Museum and the organizer of Structure and Form The Art of B.L. Hyde in Edmonds. Painting in a mans world In the early 1900s, women artists werent given the same opportunities male artists were, Martin said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The compliment that you would give a woman artist back then was that they painted like a man, he said. Tacoma street scene, date unknown, by B.L. Hyde. Art competitions were popular in those days, and female artists would often try to hide their gender, Martin said. So (the judges) didnt think, is this a woman? Or they wouldnt be prejudice, he said. Tacomas newspapers did cover Hydes career. The show includes a 1947 clipping from the Tacoma Times which shows Hyde painting a canvas. A notable aspect of the clipping is the byline of the photographer who shot the photo: Frank Herbert, the author of Dune and other science fiction novels. B.L. Hyde paints in her studio in a Dec. 6, 1947 clipping from the Tacoma Times. Like Hyde, Herbert grew up in Tacoma where he was influenced by pollution from the ASARCO smelter in Ruston. The smelter, spewing smokestacks, tunnels and other industry feature in many of Hydes paintings. A painting of a Tacoma industrial scene by B.L. Hyde Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The show After Hyde died in 1983, her work remained primarily in the collections of her descendants and unavailable to the public. The Cascadia Art Museum focuses on Pacific Northwest Art through the 1960s, but Martin was only vaguely familiar with Hyde. I had seen one or two of her paintings a long time ago at the Tacoma Art Museum, and I really liked them, he said. They were really different than the local regional art. Tacoma artist B.L. Hyde reduced this industrial scene into shapes and forms. When a donor gave two of Hydes paintings to the museum in 2022, it piqued Martins interest. Then began a exhaustive search for Hydes work. Several paintings are on loan from TAM. Most are from her descendants, who scattered from Lakewood to London. About half of the paintings needed restoration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They had been in storage, and a lot of them were covered with mold and unstretched and in rough shape, Martin said. Because Hyde didnt date any of her work, hes only been able to guess at each works period, based on the medium, style and subject. Shapes, forms, color It doesnt take a curator to point out what drew Hydes eye. While there are a few portraits and still lifes in the show, her subjects consist mostly of commercial structures, often reduced to their basic shapes. In one painting, Tacomas Washington Cooperative Farmers Association grain elevator on the Hylebos Waterway becomes an enormous L-shape. A B.L. Hyde painting of Tacomas Washington Cooperative Farmers Association grain elevator on the Hylebos Waterway circa 1950. Smokestacks, lumber yards, factories and grain elevators abound. An untitled painting by B.L. Hyde. Hyde rarely gave a sense of life to her paintings, Martin said. Still, a few show smoke billowing from stacks, traffic moving on a street, clouds and waves. Daily life One eye-catching painting shows a Victorian home perched on a butte. Its unknown if Hyde painted the scene from life. In the 1920s, Seattle flattened several hills by blasting them away with water in what became known as the Denny Regrade. Some property owners refused to cooperate and left spite mounds in the way. A painting of a house holding out against a regrade project. Its thought to be either in Seattle or Portland. Artist B.L. Hyde didnt title her work. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One painting shows a gas station in late afternoon light, waiting for cars and customers. A painting of a gas station by B.L. Hyde. Hyde didnt too much self-promotion. Instead, she supported other artists from Tacoma, Martin said. She gave them shows, he said. She gave them money; she commissioned them. Martin has authored a book that accompanies the show, Structure and Form, which is distributed by the University of Washington Press. If you go What: Structure and Form: The Art of B.L. Hyde Where: Cascadia Art Museum, 190 Sunset Ave. S., Edmonds. When: 11 a.m.-5 p.m., WednesdaySunday, through Feb. 2, 2025. Information: 425-336-4809, cascadiaartmuseum.org With the neck-and-neck 2024 election just days away, the futures of the federal agencies responsible for weather forecasting, climate change research and disaster recovery hang in the balance. Those agencies, namely the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), have become increasingly politicized in recent years despite the offices history of remaining above the fray. But with natural disasters fueled by climate change now regularly slamming the U.S. this year has already seen 24 weather events that each caused at least $1 billion in damage the agencies have taken on a greater role. And with it, theyve become a target for some conservatives who are skeptical of climate change and want to slash government budgets. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has promised deep cuts to federal budgets, and Elon Musk, one of his most vocal surrogates, said last week that he would cut at least $2 trillion from the budget if he served in a second Trump administration. Project 2025, a 922-page conservative policy road map put together by the Heritage Foundation, a right-leaning think tank, recommends that NOAA be broken up and downsized and takes aim at FEMA, suggesting that much of the financial burden for disaster recovery be shifted to state and local governments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That could dramatically change what disaster relief looks like in the United States. It almost becomes unthinkable that states would ever be able to recover without long, costly recovery periods that would come out of state and local budgets, said Craig Fugate, who served as FEMAs administrator under the Obama administration. Its not entirely clear what a second Trump administration would mean for FEMA or NOAA. Trump has publicly distanced himself from Project 2025, even though many of its authors were advisers of his. Trump campaign officials told NBC News in emails that Project 2025 has NOTHING to do with President Trump or his campaign and that only the president and not any other organization or former staff represent policies for the second term. The campaign did not respond to follow-up questions about its plans for NOAA and FEMA. FEMA has already become the target of scrutiny and criticism from some Republican leaders in the aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Trump and several other prominent Republicans went as far as pushing false claims about FEMA money going to immigrants in the U.S. illegally. At the same time, rampant misinformation about the two storms led meteorologists to become the target of threats despite the remarkable accuracy of their forecasts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those forecasts might cease to be freely available to the public or state governments if Project 2025s recommendations are implemented, as NOAA oversees the National Weather Service. In interviews, academic experts and current and former agency officials said that even an agenda partially informed by the conservative road map could leave the U.S. more vulnerable to extreme weather, in a world in which major disasters have already become more intense and frequent. Currently, FEMA aid covers at least 75% of the cost of major disasters, but Project 2025s proposals would reduce that share to as little as 25%. Rep. Jared Moskowitz, D-Fla., who served as Floridas Director of Emergency Management under Gov. Ron DeSantis from 2019 to 2021, said that limiting relief aid could turn some communities into ghost towns. He pointed to Hurricane Michael, which hit Florida in 2018 as a Category 5 storm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those areas would not have recovered but for the fact that the federal government came in and paid for the response and for the recovery efforts, Moskowitz said. The hardest-hit areas that benefited most from the federal aid, he added, voted for Donald Trump, voted for Rick Scott, voted for Ron DeSantis. Since hurricanes Helene and Milton, the federal government has approved more than $1.2 billion in aid for recovery efforts, according to FEMA. That includes more than $185 million in assistance for 116,000 North Carolina households and over $413 million for more than 125,000 households in Florida, where both storms made landfall. A destroyed home after Hurricane Milton in St. Pete Beach, Fla, on Oct. 10. If Project 2025s proposals had been in place during Helene, Fugate said, they would likely have resulted in more loss of life, much slower response and very little financial assistance to help communities recover. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Project 2025 recommends that NOAA be dismantled and many of its functions eliminated, sent to other agencies, privatized, or placed under the control of states and territories. Matthew Sanders, the acting deputy director of the Environmental Law Clinic at Stanford University, said that privatizing weather forecasting could lead companies profits to be valued over providing a robust public service, which could compromise the quality of forecasts. There is an important role for a neutral, centralized government agency to play that private companies cannot or will not play in this space, Sanders said. Matthew Burgess, an assistant professor in the College of Business at the University of Wyoming, said privatizing weather forecasting could also create situations in which state or local governments with more resources get access to better quality forecasts, while those with fewer means get left in the dark. Or, he said, a region at higher risk for hurricanes or tornadoes could be forced to pay more for those forecasts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Right now Florida gets their hurricane forecasts from the federal government for free, Burgess said. If we privatize that, the private sector probably does operate more efficiently, on average, but is that going to be offset by an incentive to price gouge? Because basically, when youre about to have a hurricane, you really need that forecast, and youre going to pay whatever they charge. In a statement, the Heritage Foundation said: Project 2025 does not call for the elimination of NOAA or the NWS. The claim is false and ridiculous. Theres a distinction between privatization and commercialization, the statement added. Using commercial products to provide a better result for taxpayers at a lower cost is nothing new. Beyond its proposals for particular agencies, Project 2025 also calls for the disbanding of federal climate change research. But understanding climate change's effects is an integral part of forecasting, particularly for storms, since warmer oceans are driving more rapid intensification of hurricanes and a warmer atmosphere makes them capable of dumping more rain. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats why everybody gets up each and every day to come in here and do their research so that people are better prepared ... to make decisions that are critical for them and their families, said DeNa Carlis, director of NOAAs National Severe Storms Laboratory. Ending climate research would leave the U.S. more vulnerable to its consequences, Fugate said. Just because you dont like the answer doesnt mean the information isnt important, he said. How do we prepare ourselves if we ignore what is coming? Amid the growing lack of faith in government institutions, Sanders said, major cuts to research or to weather or disaster agencies could further erode trust. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Climate change is a very unique problem in that, like most environmental problems, it doesnt respect our political boundaries and it doesnt respect our state boundaries, he said. We need centralized federal agencies to respond to climate change, agencies that can handle big, significant, multistate disasters at the appropriate scale. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com With the regularity of English rain come the panicked stories about the plunging fertility in Europe, the UK, Japan and, thanks to its former One Child Policy, China. Women are doing other things with their lives, having babies is pricey and scary, men wont settle down, microplastics have harmed their sperm, and, well, the lure of living for oneself into ones 30s and 40s in such an uncertain world is overpowering! What can be done? Different countries are asking this question, ranging in intensity from the odd remark in policy circles to downright hysteria. In Britain, its mainly a talking point, though the forthcoming addition of free nursery hours to children over nine months is a welcome addition. In Hungary, abortions are legal but made as guilt-inducing as possible, and people who have more than three children are let off income tax for life. Frances knickers are also in a twist. Saddest of all is post-One Child Policy Chinas freak-out. I read a story last week about how their way of tackling the crisis is to get local councillors to ring women up and ask if they are currently pregnant. The woman in the report was told: Your child is almost two now. Isnt it about time to start thinking about another? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its hard to imagine anything less likely to induce a run to the bedroom than such a phone call. Financial or other incentives, Hungary-style, might carry some weight, but the offerings of the Chinese local council free folic acid? Not quite. The more general problem with the current hysteria over fertility is the failure to appreciate both that many women are still having more than one child, but just doing so much later than before, and that the factors leading to the decision and ability to go ahead are complicated. The only thing that is the business of the state is subsidising childcare. All else is just creepy. 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. PENSACOLA, Fla. (WKRG) Voters in Florida have a lot to consider this Election Day. The hotly contested Amendment 3 would legalize marijuana for personal use in the Sunshine State. Supporters gathered Sunday at one of Pensacolas most well-known landmarks. With signs, spray paint and songs, Amendment 3 supporters made their mark on Pensacolas Graffiti Bridge. It is a national landmark, not only locally, but literally nationally. Ive mentioned it to people all over the country, and they know about Graffiti Bridge, and its one of my favorite places, Dana Kniffen with the Florida Cannabis Action Network said. With Cheech and Chong, and other symbols of cannabis on this bridge, about 8 million people have already voted early in Florida, some driven by this amendment. Because it is time to end prohibition all together right now. You can go get a medical card approved by a doctor if you can afford that, Kniffen said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Opponents include Floridas Governor who came to Escambia County claiming Amendment 3 helps established cannabis interests in Florida not the state as a whole. The whole purpose of this amendment is to create and protect a certain business model at the expense of what is good policy, Gov. Ron DeSantis said during a meeting with the sheriff of Escambia County. With a short time left until Election Day, supporters of Amendment 3 say theyre optimistic that theyll see it approved come Tuesday night. Was very close to passing the last time this was on the ballot. So Im very optimistic. A lot of our friends, of our all of our family are in agreeance with it, said Nicole Dumas, who voted in favor of Amendment 3. As supporters shake spray paint cans, well soon see how Amendment three shakes out. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRG News 5. SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) Its Sunday, November 3. Take a look at our top stories with KELOLAND On The GO. A car crashed into a home in Watertown early Saturday morning. Car vs house crash in Watertown We are just days from the election and each side of Amendment G is ensuring their voices are heard. Both sides of Amendment G hold rallies in Sioux Falls Though fog isnt as prevalent as it was yesterday morning, were still dealing with a few areas of poor visibility this morning, including in Gregory. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Storm Center AM Update: Rain Moves In; Cooler Work Week The St. Francis House in Sioux Falls is looking to stock up on food items ahead of the holiday season as part of its annual 30 days of giving challenge. St. Francis House gears up for 30 days of giving Check out our Boredom Busters! Sunday Boredom Busters: November 3rd Download the KELOLAND News app to find the latest headlines while on the go. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com. Karnataka Legislative Council LoP Chalavadi Narayanaswamy reacted to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's orders of immediate withdrawal of waqf notice to farmers, saying that it is just an "eyewash" to win the local elections. Speaking to ANI, Chalavadi Narayanaswamy said, "Now, you've given the order to withdraw the notices. But still, in the gazette, it is only Waqf's property. So this is not a solution at all. I will immediately request CM Siddaramaiah to withdraw the 1974 gazette. Otherwise, it is just an eyewash to win the local elections. This will not bring any relief to the farmers." Meanwhile, Karnataka Congress leader Nagaraj Yadav backed Siddaramaiah for his decision and accused BJP of politicise the issue. "The Chief Minister did the right thing and also said that no further notices will be issued and the notices that have been issued will be withdrawn because the BJP is trying to politicise the issue and certainly the Congress has no intention of issuing such notices or dividing the society on the basis of caste. It is only the attitude of the BJP to do so..." Earlier on Saturday, Siddaramaiah has issued a strict directive to officials to immediately retract all notices sent to farmers concerning waqf land issues, emphasizing that no disturbances should be caused to the farmers, said Chief Ministers Office in a statement. The directive followed a high-level meeting involving senior officials from the Revenue Department, Minority Welfare Department, and the Waqf Board, added the statement from CMO. The CM expressed strong dissatisfaction over recent actions taken by certain officials and highlighted that the JD(S) and BJP were allegedly using the Waqf issue for political gain, potentially disturbing peace in the state. Siddaramaiah appealed to the public to disregard any misinformation and called on officials to ensure the matter is handled sensitively. (ANI) In the closing weeks of the 2024 campaign, much of the most discussed news around former President Donald Trump revolved around fascism and french fries, according to The Breakthrough, a CNN polling project that tracks what average Americans are actually hearing, reading and seeing about the presidential nominees. Conversations around Vice President Kamala Harris, by contrast, continued to focus largely around broader and more conventional stories about her campaign. The poll, conducted by SSRS and Verasight on behalf of a research team from CNN, Georgetown University and the University of Michigan, was fielded from October 25-28. It was completed largely before Trumps rally last week at Madison Square Garden, which drew particular attention for a racist joke about Puerto Rico included in the opening comedy act. But the poll found significant public attention to stories about Trump holding an event to serve fries at McDonalds and allegedly praising Hitlers generals as well as making explicit comments about a Hall of Fame golfer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He talked about Arnold Palmers penis size and worked at a McDonalds for a few hours, wrote one person who answered the survey. What a sentence! Another survey respondent wrote simply: When it comes to Donald Trump, you cant tune him or his ideas off. Within the news maelstrom surrounding Trump, the stories that stood out to Americans often divided along partisan lines. Republicans were more likely than Democrats to mention the McDonalds event, as well as Trumps interview with prominent podcast host Joe Rogan. Georgetown University, University of Michigan and s3mc.org Numerous former officers in the 2016-2020 Trump administration are sounding alarms that Trump will dismantle democracy if hes elected, wrote one Democratic-leaning independent. Trump has been called out by moderate Republicans for saying he wants military generals like Hitler had. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Responses along those lines contributed to making democracy the second-most common topic used in discussing Trump in the latest set of data, behind only the broad category of campaigning. Roughly 11% of those whod heard something about Trump in the past few days referenced words relating to democracy, up from only about 1% in the previous weeks data, and well above its placement in any previous week of the survey dating to this summer. Georgetown University, University of Michigan and s3mc.org When the survey asked respondents what theyd been hearing about Harris, the words campaign, rally, interview, polls and ad all cracked the top 10. So did references to her tax proposals. And the poll found an uptick in mentions of the topic of abortion in relation to Harris, with several respondents noting her remarks about reproductive rights during a Houston rally, where she appeared with Beyonce. Georgetown University, University of Michigan and s3mc.org Overall, 74% of Americans reported having heard something recently about Harris, and a similar 71% about Trump still somewhat on the low side compared with the shares who reported having heard about the candidates at this time during the past two presidential election cycles. Overall, the sentiment behind the words Americans used in describing what theyd heard about both Trump and Harris remained more negative than positive, with the sentiment around Harris continuing to dip from the earliest days of her campaign. Sentiment doesnt refer to feelings about the candidates personally, but about how positively or negatively the terms and tones used to describe them tend to be framed. CNNs Jennifer Agiesta and Edward Wu contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com A coalition of local ministers, Black Greek fraternity and sorority members, northeast Oklahoma City residents and even some politicians marched from Greater Mount Olive Baptist Church to the Oklahoma County Election Board this past weekend to cast early ballots for the 2024 presidential election. The "Souls to the Polls" event began Saturday morning with a short rally at Greater Mount Olive Baptist Church, 1020 NE 42, where it has been hosted every two years since 2008. "Souls to the Polls" started as a tradition in Black communities dating back to the 1950s and '60s, when Black churches and their congregations walked together to fend off intimidation attempts at the voting sites. The Rev. Ray Douglas, senior pastor of Greater Mount Olive, said the march, often seen as symbolic nowadays, is held biennially to remind people that some of those dangers faced by Black people in the past still exist today. The Rev. Ray Douglas, senior pastor at Greater Mount Olive Baptist Church in Oklahoma City, speaks with The Oklahoman after Saturday's 2024 Souls to the Polls event. "There was a time when, if you went to the polls singularly, the voter suppression tactics then were more violent and deadly," Douglas said. "And so we began marching en masse to polls, not only to vote but to register to vote, because there was safety in numbers." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The rally at the church drew people of different races and backgrounds, including Lee Cooper, longtime pastor of Prospect Baptist Church; the Rev. Tim Luschen, leader of Little Flower Catholic Church; and Tamya Cox-Toure, executive director of the ACLU of Oklahoma. Other local groups like VOICE, or Voices Organized in Civic Engagement, as well as the Concerned Clergy for Spiritual Renewal, also were represented. More: How 2020 Souls to Polls initiative still happened, despite COVID-19 pandemic Joshua Busby, social justice ministry director at Greater Mount Olive Baptist Church in Oklahoma City, introduces speakers Saturday during the 2024 Souls to the Polls rally. But the crowd Saturday, with an estimate of fewer than 100 people, was smaller than it had been for previous events. Joshua Busby, social justice ministry director at Greater Mount Olive, coordinated much of the rally and acknowledged that the event saw lower attendance this year compared to the 2022 Souls to the Polls, which he remembered had more than 200 people participate. Several factors were at play, Busby believed, including the cooler and drizzly forecast, the church's mail-in voting awareness campaign, and the lengthy lines that had been seen at polling locations throughout the Oklahoma City metro area since early voting began throughout the state last Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "They said it was about a 2-hour wait in line, from the time that you get in line to the time that you're able to vote, which isn't too bad," Busby said. Still, the length of the line at the Oklahoma County Election Board which at any given time Saturday had hundreds of people waiting until the polling site closed at 2 p.m. likely compelled many people who would've typically attended the rally to instead go straight to the polls and secure a spot in line. But none of it was discouraging to Busby. He and several other Greater Mount Olive members said they were excited to see the high turnout. For many years, Oklahoma has ranked at the very bottom in the United States when it comes to voter participation but by the end of the day Friday, a record-breaking 237,000 Oklahomans had already cast their ballots early, according to state election officials. "I love this turnout," Busby said. "We love the engagement from our community, from all those that are eligible to vote, and we're encouraged by what we're seeing." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related: Thousands of Oklahoma County voters cast their vote on first day of early voting Randy Hunt and Patricia Watson-Hunt were among those participating in a Souls to the Polls event. Randy Hunt and Patricia Watson-Hunt, retired educators from Langston University and Oklahoma City Public Schools respectively, were among those who walked the path down NE 42 from the church to the polling site. Proudly advocating their fraternities and sororities, Alpha Phi Alpha and Alpha Kappa Alpha, the couple carried signs emblazoned with their organization's respective symbols. Watson-Hunt's sign also spelled out the acronym "L.E.A.D.," meaning "learn, empower, advocate and decide." "We believe in all individuals exercising their right to vote," Watson-Hunt said. "We want to take the lead in that area and encourage everyone to vote." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her husband added that it was important that people not only vote during high-profile presidential races but in other elections as well. "A voteless people are a hopeless people," Randy Hunt said. "We want to encourage the vote at the local, state, as well as national level whenever (people) go out and vote." Community builders, spiritual advocates: Meet some of the most influential faith leaders in the Oklahoma City metro Tamya Cox-Toure, executive director for the ACLU of Oklahoma, provides information about poll etiquette and voting decorum during the Souls to the Polls 2024 rally on Saturday at Greater Mount Olive Baptist Church. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The dominant issue that concerned everyone, however, was safety. Cox-Toure briefed rally attendants at the church on the topics of voting poll etiquette and decorum, providing them the phone number for an ACLU-supported voter protection hotline if they felt intimidation tactics were being used. If there are any instances of voter intimidation if things are being said to you and you just feel uncomfortable, we are really encouraging every Oklahoman to exercise that right (to vote), but most importantly to contact us, Cox-Toure said. Whether its lawyers or whether its observers, we have a direct hotline to the election board right now and to be able to squash, hopefully, any incidents. Luschen, a leader with VOICE, said it was important to support peoples right to vote freely and without intimidation. As a pastor and spiritual leader, I know that our vote is part of our faith and that we have the ability to help form the society that we live in by using our vote, Luschen said. I pray that everybody listens to their conscience and that its a safe weekend for everybody. Rev. Tim Luschen (right), pastor of Little Flower Catholic Church, visits with Marshal Gimpel, congregational president of First Unitarian Church of Oklahoma City, after the 2024 Souls to the Polls event at Greater Mount Olive Baptist Church in Oklahoma City on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024. Safety was at the forefront of Douglas mind, too, this election cycle, and thats why he had been encouraging his congregation to request mail-in ballots. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I am concerned about unrest and the polarization that is happening all across our nation, Douglas said. I would like for, when this election (is) over, that we could go forward and do the things that the American ideal freedom for people, opportunity for all people puts forward, and we can get away from some of the vile and base things that have been happening in this cycle. My prayer is for peace. (This story was updated to add video.) This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Souls to the Polls draws different races, backgrounds amid early voting By Mohammed Salem KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip (Reuters) - After over a year of war in Gaza, Palestinian fishermen gather along the coastline, desperately casting their nets in hopes of catching enough for their families amid widespread hunger. Since Israel began a military onslaught in Gaza after Hamas' October 2023 attack, Israeli restrictions in the waters off the enclave have made life almost impossible for fishermen, who no longer sail out to sea and instead must stay by the shore. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Khan Younis, Ibrahim Ghurab, 71, and Waseem Al Masry, 24, fish for sardines from the shoreline in front of a encampment of tents and makeshift shelters for those displaced by the war. "Life is difficult," Ghurab said. "One tries to secure food. There is no aid, we don't receive anything anymore. In the beginning there was some (humanitarian) aid, very little, but now there is no more." Fishermen like Ghurab and Al Masry struggle daily to bring in even a modest catch to feed their families. There is rarely any fish left over from a daily haul to be sold to others. Fishing was an important part of daily life in Gaza before the war, helping people eke out a living by selling their daily hauls in the market and feed the population. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But scant aid is reaching Gaza amid Israeli restrictions and frequent fighting, and many people have no income. The price of simple goods are largely out of reach for most. "We have to come here and risk our lives," Al Masry said, describing shootings by the Israeli military from the sea that he accused of targeting fisherman on the beach in Khan Younis. Ghurab similarly said that Israeli military boats had fired upon fisherman at Khan Younis. The Israeli military did not respond to Reuters requests for comment on the claims the military had shot at fishermen. Israel's retaliatory war against Hamas for the Islamist militant group's deadly, cross-border attack on Oct. 7, 2023 has devastated densely populated Gaza and displaced most of the 2.3 million population. (Writing by Reuters; editing by Mark Heinrich) An $18.7 million federal grant will aid Amtraks upcoming expansion through Stanislaus County. The money, announced Oct. 29, will go toward second tracks and boarding platforms at the Modesto and Denair stations. This will allow passenger and freight trains to pass each other without delays, said Edward Barrera, deputy division chief for public affairs at the California Department of Transportation. The rest of the $35 million cost will come from Caltrans own funds. It subsidizes capital and operating expenses for the Amtrak San Joaquins service under an agreement with the national rail network. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new funding adds to about $1.8 billion already on hand to expand Amtrak and the Altamont Corridor Express in the Central Valley and Bay Area. Early phases could be running by late 2026. Amtrak has five daily round trips between Bakersfield and Oakland and a sixth branching at Stockton to Sacramento. The expansion will result in 12 trips total, six of them serving the capital. Amtrak will tie in at Merced to the high-speed rail stretch to Bakersfield, if the state secures about $3 billion more for that controversial project. A northbound Amtrak train leaves the Modesto Amtrak station in Modesto, Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2024. Money came from $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill The grant was among 122 totaling $2.4 billion from the Federal Railroad Administration for passenger and freight upgrades. The program is part of the $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill signed by President Joe Biden in 2021. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Each project advances a future where our supply chains are stronger, passenger rail more accessible, and freight movement safer and more efficient, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said in a news release. Construction will start next summer on the Modesto and Denair upgrades, Barrera said by email. The stations now have one platform each for passengers to board and disembark a train. The track is also used for freight by the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway. Barrera said the funding also will improve safety for drivers and pedestrians near the two stations. This will include crossing gates, signs and sidewalks. One crossing is on Parker Road in Modesto, which runs east from Briggsmore Avenue. The Denair work involves Zeering Road and Main Street, which cross the track on either side of the station. Vehicles cross the rail tracks at Parker Road in Modesto, Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024. ACE will expand north and south ACE now has four weekday round trips between Stockton and San Jose, mainly serving commuters to Bay Area jobs. The southern extension will bring service to Manteca, Modesto and Ceres as soon as 2026 under the current timeline. Turlock would follow in 2029 and Livingston and Merced between 2030 and 2033. ACE also would connect with high-speed rail, with six daily trains. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ACE has funding as well for a northern branch to Sacramento on roughly the same timeline. It will have stops in or near Lodi and Elk Grove and at four capital locations. The new Amtrak trains will use the same tracks north of Stockton. Previous funding will provide a second track in many Valley stretches that now have just one. This is a major part of the expansion cost. Modestos Amtrak station is on the east edge of town. Denair is a small town just east of the much larger Turlock. The southern ACE branch will be in or near downtowns, using the Union Pacific Railroad. Ripon and north Lathrop are scheduled for stations in 2027. Riders board a southbound train at the Amtrak Station in Modesto, Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024. Fuel tax on drivers helps fund rail ACE and Amtrak are growing through a joint effort known as Valley Rail. Most of the funding is from drivers paying a state fuel tax enacted in 2018. Other federal and state sources have covered cost overruns and other needs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Proponents said the result will be train travel that is affordable, convenient and climate-friendly. U.S. Sen Alex Padilla, D-Calif., welcomed the latest grants in his own news release. Modernizing and building out our rail networks will help lower our carbon emissions, create good-paying jobs, and keep commuters and goods moving across the state, he said. A freight train passes the Amtrak Station in Modesto on Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A freight train passes the Amtrak Station in Modesto, Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024. Two high-profile cases in recent years where the Mississippi Supreme Court limited standing to pursue lawsuits could impact the hot button issue of abortion that some believe could be speeding toward the states highest court. Based on those landmark rulings by the Supreme Court, the never-ending saga continues: Mississippi is simultaneously a state where abortions are technically legal but also where medical providers make no effort to perform abortions. A group of conservative doctors Mississippi members of the American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists filed a lawsuit asking the courts to overturn a 1998 ruling by the Mississippi Supreme Court saying the state constitution provides a right to an abortion based on privacy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In October, Hinds County Chancellor Crystal Wise Martin said the physicians did not have the right to file the lawsuit because they could not prove they were harmed by the 1998 ruling. In legal parlance, Wise Martin found the physicians did not have standing to bring the lawsuit. Attorney Aaron Rice, who represents the physicians, said he intends to file an appeal to the Mississippi Supreme Court asking that the Hinds County chancellors ruling be overturned. But it can be argued that the two recent landmark rulings by the Mississippi Supreme Court seem to give credence to Wise Martins ruling. In a 2020 case, the Mississippi Supreme Court famously reversed past rulings and said state lawmakers did not have standing to sue the governor challenging his partial veto authority of appropriations bills. And earlier this year, a Supreme Court majority ruled that the Parents for Public Schools organization did not have the authority to sue challenging the constitutionality of a legislative decision to send public funds to private schools. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the education funding case, Northern District Supreme Court Justice Robert Chamberlin, writing for the majority, ruled that Parents for Public Schools did not have standing to bring the lawsuit because the group failed to sufficiently demonstrate an adverse impact that it suffers differently from the general public. In essence, a party must prove it will endure a specific harm in order to file a lawsuit challenging an action. In a dissenting opinion, Central District Justice Leslie King asked, This case begs the question: if parents of public school children are not sufficiently adversely impacted to challenge this government action, who is? Every case is different. Perhaps Rice and the physicians can present an argument that makes enough distinctions on the issue of standing to succeed before the high court. But based on a lay reading of the standing rulings, it appears that the physicians have a tough row to hoe. The doctors argue that because of the 1998 state Supreme Court ruling, they run the risk of being punished if they refuse to help a patient obtain an abortion. But Hinds County Chancellor Wise Martin wrote that the conservative physician group acknowledged that it is not aware of any instance where a member physician has been disciplined or decertifiedfor refusing to provide abortion services. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The judge added that under state Supreme Court precedent, the potential of something occurring, such as disciplinary action, is not enough reason to file a lawsuit. Granted, this is all a bit convoluted since everyone knows Mississippi is the state that filed the lawsuit that led to the U.S. Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade and the national right to an abortion. State politicians constantly tout their leadership in overturning Roe v. Wade. When the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, Mississippi already had laws on the books outlawing abortion in most instances. But then, someone realized that there was this pesky 1998 state Supreme Court ruling that found that the Mississippi Constitution provided the right to an abortion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And, of course, people learned in 9th grade civics that the constitution as interpreted by the highest court in the land trumps a measly old law passed by a legislative body. But then a funny thing happened. As the Mississippi Supreme Court moved slowly to rule on whether the 1998 ruling should be reversed, the states abortion providers packed up and left the state and decided not to pursue a case asking the state Supreme Court to rule on the case. There is no doubt that the abortion providers could prove standing because they are indeed being harmed by the state laws. But the abortion providers are not asking the states highest court to rule. They seemed satisfied with the current state of perpetual limbo on the issue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If the doctors follow through with their commitment to take the case to the Mississippi Supreme Court, those past rulings limiting who has standing will no doubt be at the heart of discussion. This analysis was produced by Mississippi Today, a nonprofit news organization that covers state government, public policy, politics and culture. Bobby Harrison is Mississippi Todays senior Capitol reporter. WICHITA FALLS (KFDX/KJTL) Despite concerns of rain, the Veterans Parade marched on through downtown Wichita Falls. Public safety officers, local businesses, and, of course, veterans associations from all over Texoma participated in the parade. Gets in your blood: Lifelong Airstreamers take over, boost downtown Quanah Roger Reeves organized the parade with the North Texas Veterans Council for the first time, but he was pleased with the response from both viewers and participants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I really do think that every veteran organization here in Wichita Falls came together, and thats really what the council is about, Reeves said. To get all of the veterans organizations together so that we could trade it all in one spot. So, yeah, it really worked out. Newly minted Brigadier General Paul Filcek and the rest of the Sheppard Air Force Base command staff watched the parade, saluting veterans from their position at the intersection of 8th and Scott streets. The bases presence at the parade was felt as several buses of airmen participated in the parade as well. The bond between Wichita Falls and Sheppard Air Force Base is so strong that General Filcek felt honored that the base played such a large role in this years parade. It kind of resonates, right, Filcek said. It gives you a sense of togetherness and cohesion with what has now become less than 1% of our society, that volunteers to defend the other 99%. And then when you see us gather together in celebration of those who have served, its really something special. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Though the parade happened on November 2 and Veterans Day is still on the way, dont forget its never a bad day to remember or say thank you to a veteran. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Texomashomepage.com. An anti-Donald Trump website fell for a statement from the former president that appeared to decry the death of internet-famous squirrel Peanut only for those close to the Republican nominee to confirm that the fiery post was actually fake. The liberal news site Mediaite published a since-deleted article Saturday based on the bizarre bogus press release that appeared to be from Trumps campaign that was first posted on X by Gentry Genvers. Its a fake statement, Karoline Leavitt, from Trumps team, told The Post Saturday afternoon. Mediaite published a since-deleted article Saturday based on the fake press release about Peanut. Mediaite.com/ The bogus press release that appeared to be from Trumps campaign was first posted on X by Gentry Genvers. gentrywgevers/X He didnt actually say that, Leavitt clarified of said statement, which described Peanut who was euthanized after being seized from his upstate New York owners this week as innocent on all accounts and compared the creature to a migrant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mediaite is fake news, Leavitt scoffed. Mediaite subsequently issued a correction saying it had erroneously reported on a fake statement attributed to Donald Trump. Trump did not comment on the story in question nor did he or his campaign release any statements on it. We regret the post, and have removed it from our platforms, the correction added. Mediaite did not immediately respond to The Posts request for comment on the misprint. The original X post from Gevers was shared as a response to Elon Musk, who wrote that, as president, Trump will save the squirrels. Mark Longos beloved pet, Peanut, was seized by NYs Department of Environmental Conservation and euthanized. AP Follow along for The Posts latest coverage of the saga of PNut the Squirrel In the faux comment, Trump seemingly lamented that Peanut and Fred the Raccoon were taken from their owner, Mark Longo, and executed by the State of New York thanks to their terrible governor, Democrat Kathy Hochul. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If Peanut could have told them he was from Mexico, they would have sent him on his way and given him a hotel room and $500 gift card to Buddy Squirrel, the rant added. Trump, 78, is known for his hardline stance against illegal immigration and has repeatedly publicly blamed the influx of new arrivals for violent crime in the US. Peanut, 7, was a gray rescue squirrel who amassed a dedicated social media following. He and Fred the Raccoon were put to death so that they could be tested for rabies, according to the Department of Environmental Conservation. The DEC claimed that Peanut, who was known for being very docile, bit one of the investigators on the hand when he was confiscated from Longos Elmira home on Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The investigators were reportedly responding to anonymous complaints about wild animals living in the house. Longo memorialized the squirrel in an emotional internet tribute. Peanut was the best thing that ever happened to us, Longo said tearfully in the video, with his girlfriend by his side. RIP MY BEST FRIEND. Thank you for the best 7 years of my life. Thank you for bringing so much joy to us and the world. Im sorry I failed you but thank you for everything, he wrote in a caption to the post. Longo rescued Peanut after he witnessed the squirrels mother being struck and killed by a car. The pairs close bond inspired Longo to relocate to upstate New York, where he founded PNuts Freedom Farm, an animal sanctuary and rescue operation. Arizonans are voting on a ballot measure that would expand access to abortion in the state. Its one of 10 states where voters are weighing in on abortion on the ballot this year. Arizona for Abortion Access, a coalition of reproductive rights groups, submitted over 820,000 signatures to put a constitutional amendment on the 2024 ballot that would guarantee a right to abortion. The measure would protect abortion rights up to the point of fetal viability, which is determined by physicians but is usually around 22 to 25 weeks of pregnancy. More than one in five registered voters in Arizona signed petitions to get the measure on the ballot, the group said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Currently, Arizona bans abortion after 15 weeks of pregnancy with no exceptions for rape or incest. The vote comes after a tumultuous back-and-forth this spring, when a state Supreme Court decision said Arizona could enforce a near-total abortion ban passed in 1864. The decision sparked outrage in Arizona, leading the state legislature to repeal the 19th-century law. Arizona is a swing state in the presidential race; President Joe Biden won in 2020 by just over 10,000 votes. Abortion is also likely to be a significant issue in Arizonas competitive U.S. Senate election. To check your voter registration status or to get more information about registering to vote, text 19thnews to 26797. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The post Arizona ballot measure would expand access after tumultuous back-and-forth on laws appeared first on The 19th. News that represents you, in your inbox every weekday. Subscribe to our free, daily newsletter. Telangana government has declared 'Sadar Sammelan' as State Festival of Telangana, said an official order from the state government. The order was issued by Chief Secretary to the state government Santhi Kumari. The order dated November 1 reads, "Government hereby declare that Sadar Sammelan be celebrated as a State Festival." As per the order, the state government requested the Commissioners, GHMC (Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation) and all District Collectors (except Hyderabad District) to celebrate Sadar Sammelan as State Festival every year. The order further reads, "The Youth Advancement Tourism and Culture Department shall take necessary further action accordingly. The expenditure shall be incurred by the Youth Advancement Tourism and Culture Department from budget allotted to them for the said purpose." The Sadar Festival is an annual celebration held for two days after Diwali. Organised by the Yadav community, the carnival features a lively procession of decorated buffaloes paraded through the streets in a show of pride and devotion. Earlier, Union Minister G Kishan Reddy on Saturday participated in the annual festival 'Sadar', organised by the Yadav community of Hyderabad. He took part in the celebrations in the Narayanguda region of Hyderabad. Reddy said that the 'Sadar' is a festival that is celebrated after Diwali and is organised by the Yadav community of Hyderabad. This festival features a procession of adorned buffaloes. Union Minister Reddy conveyed that not just Yadav community, but lakhs of people participate in this show where a big procession of adorned buffaloes are carried out."The festival of Sadar is celebrated after Diwali by the Yadav community living in Hyderabad. Not only Yadavs, but people from other communities, lakhs of people participate in this show. Buffaloes are presented after their nourishment for a year. Thousands of buffaloes participated in this event. The entire Yadav community, their relatives, families and other communities also come to this show. This is an old tradition. This show goes on till 4 am. This event is held in every street of Hyderabad. After Diwali, the big procession of buffaloes, named Sadar, is carried out where people pray for everyone's happiness, and everyone get good milk, rains and grass..." he said. (ANI) An Atlanta rapper is headed to prison after pleading guilty to armed robbery and gang charges. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] On Oct. 28, Linderius Cortez Johnson, who raps under the name Anti Da Menace, pleaded guilty to participating in gang activity, armed robbery, aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during the commission of felony charges, according to court documents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As part of the negotiated plea, Johnson was sentenced to 25 years, with 10 to serve in prison and 10 years on probation with five years of the sentence suspended as long as he does not violate his probation. TRENDING STORIES: The charges stemmed from an Atlanta police armed robbery investigation that resulted in multiple arrests on Feb. 19. Fulton County Superior Court Judge Kimberly Esmond Adams ruled that Johnson cannot have any association or affiliation with gangs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hes also banned from having any affiliation with his label, 952 Da Label. Special conditions of his probation also prohibit him from possessing guns or replicas, wearing any gang paraphernalia, and any social media postings depicting or endorsing gang association. He will also have a curfew from 9 p.m. to 9 a.m. for the first two years of probation, according to court documents. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] JERUSALEM An attack on a central Israeli town early Saturday injured 11 people as Irans supreme leader vowed a punishing response to Israels attack last week and Israeli airstrikes continued in Gaza and Lebanon. The predawn strike on Tira was one of several barrages fired from Lebanon. Many of the projectiles were intercepted by Israeli air defenses as air raid sirens rang out in parts of the country throughout the day, while others landed in unpopulated areas. The Magen David Adom emergency service said 11 people were hurt by shrapnel and glass shards in a direct strike on a building in Tira, a predominantly Israeli Arab town. Footage showed significant damage to the roof and top floor of the three-story building and cars below. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lebanons Iran-backed Hezbollah group said Saturday that it had used missiles and explosive drones to target military and intelligence facilities in northern and central Israel. It claimed responsibility for firing missiles toward the Israeli militarys Unit 8200 base in Glilot, on the edge of Tel Aviv, and for firing rockets toward military facilities in Zvulun. Hezbollah also said it had targeted central Israels Palmachim Air Base with explosive drones, saying they scored precise hits on targets. Israels military did not confirm whether any of the three Hezbollah targets had been hit and said it had no comment on the groups claims. Hezbollah said the Saturday dawn missile attack directed at Glilot was in retaliation for the massacres that are being committed by Israel. Tira, is about 12.5 miles from Glilot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tamar Abdel Hai, a resident of Tira, said that the attack was frightening. I call upon all the leaders in the Arab world and the leaders in Israel and to everyone who can help to end this war. Its enough, he said. Hezbollah also said that its fighters fired salvos of rockets into northern Israeli towns including Dalton, Yesud HaMaala and Bar Yohai. Israeli media showed images of damage reportedly caused by a drone that hit a factory north of Nahariya. The army said several drones crossed from Lebanon into Israel, one was intercepted but fallen targets were identified in the area. Meanwhile, an Israeli airstrike on a southern suburb of Beirut on Saturday afternoon killed one person and wounded 15 others, the Lebanese Health Ministry said. Israeli planes resumed strikes on the southern suburb of Dahiyeh overnight Friday, following a four-day lull in the capital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a separate incident, a Lebanese ship captain was seized by armed men who landed on the coast of Batroun, north of Beirut, Lebanese authorities said. The Israeli military later confirmed it had captured the man, which it described as a senior Hezbollah operative in north Lebanon. It did not name the detainee and said he was being investigated on Israeli territory. Iran threatens more attacks: The early Saturday attacks may be only a precursor to a more severe strike against Israel. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Irans supreme leader, on Saturday threatened Israel and the U.S. with a punishing response over attacks on Iran and its allies following Israels Oct. 26 airstrikes that targeted Irans military bases and other locations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The enemies, whether the Zionist regime or the United States of America, will definitely receive a crushing response to what they are doing to Iran and the Iranian nation and to the resistance front, Khamenei said in a video released by Iranian state media. A further attack by Iran, which has already launched two direct attacks against Israel this year, could push the wider Middle East closer to a broader conflict. Israel is already battling the Iran-backed militant group Hamas in the Gaza Strip and Hezbollah in Lebanon. The fight against Hezbollah has weakened the group but has also taken a heavy toll on southern Lebanon and other parts of the country. On Friday, Israel launched dozens of intense airstrikes across Lebanons northeastern farming villages, killing at least 52 people and wounding scores more, the Lebanese Health Ministry reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah erupted in 2023, more than 2,897 people have been killed and 13,150 wounded in Lebanon, according to a Health Ministry update early Friday. United Nations agencies estimate that Israels ground invasion and bombardment of Lebanon has displaced 1.4 million people. Residents of Israels northern communities near Lebanon, roughly 60,000 people, have also been displaced for more than a year. At least 42 dead after Israeli strikes in Gaza: In recent weeks, Israel has also stepped up its offensive against Hamas remaining fighters in Gaza, raising concerns about humanitarian conditions for civilians still there. A series of Israeli strikes on Nuseirat, a refugee camp in central Gaza, killed at least 42 people, more than half of them women and children, in 24 hours, Dr. Marwan Abu Naser, director of Al-Awda Hospital that received the casualties, told The Associated Press. A further 150 were wounded, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Later on Saturday, an Israeli airstrike on a street in the nearby Bureij refugee camp killed at least six people, medical officials said. The dead were taken to al-Aqsa Martyrs hospital in the nearby city of Deir al-Balah and counted by AP journalists there. Separately, the Israeli military said that two of its soldiers were killed in southern Gaza. Egypts state-owned Al-Qahera News TV reported Saturday that Hamas has rejected a partial cease-fire deal in Gaza fearing that Israel will resume its operations in the enclave even after hostages are released. The TV channel has close ties to the Egyptian intelligence service and Egypt has been a key mediator throughout the yearlong conflict. Hours later, senior Hamas official Izzat al-Rishq criticized the temporary cease-fire proposal describing it as just a smoke screen. Hamas has continually called for a complete end to the conflict and a full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza as a condition for any cease-fire deal with Israel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, The World Health Organization began a scaled-down polio vaccination campaign on Saturday, giving second doses to at-risk children only in Gaza City after providing first doses in multiple parts of northern Gaza, which has seen intense Israeli bombardment. Israels war in Gaza has killed more than 43,000 Palestinians since Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas militants killed roughly 1,200 people in Israel and took some 250 hostages back to Gaza. Health officials inside Hamas-run Gaza do not distinguish between civilians and combatants, but say more than half of the dead in the enclave are women and children. Loved ones and authorities are searching for a woman who disappeared in Los Angeles County. Rosemary Caratao, 40, has been missing since Oct. 21, according to the Los Angeles Police Department. She was last seen walking away from her home in the 600 block of North Bonnie Brae Street in Echo Park at around 9 a.m. Caratao is described as an Asian female who stands 5 foot 4 inches tall and weighs about 190 pounds. She has brown eyes, black hair and was last seen wearing a multi-colored shirt, blue pants and blue shoes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The womans family has not heard from her since her disappearance and its unknown where she may have been headed that morning. No possible health conditions that may have contributed to her disappearance were mentioned by the LAPD. Rosemary Caratao, 40, is seen in a photo provided by the Los Angeles Police Department. Family searching for missing 18-year-old in Southern California Anyone who has seen Caratao or knows her whereabouts is urged to call Detective Lopez at 213-996-1800. The public can also call the LAPD at 1-877-527-3247. Anonymous tips can be provided to L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at lacrimestoppers.org. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. Three years after she became Leader of the Opposition, Margaret Thatcher faced her first Prime Ministers Questions to be broadcast to the nation. It was not a success. Bernard Donoughue, the head of Jim Callaghans Policy Unit, described her tone as tense and harsh. She looked very pale, he wrote in his diaries. This was in some ways a trial run for the election, and we came away feeling very confident. Thatcher was not a natural communicator and the new fangled radio transmissions of Commons proceedings meant that her lack of warmth would quickly become apparent to a wider and wider audience. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What Thatcher lacked in communication skills she more than made up for in her approach to problem solving she was a scientist after all. Three people, Gordon Reece, Tim Bell and Alistair McAlpine, were tasked with remaking the Leader of the Opposition so that she understood narrative and spoke with confidence about the future she envisaged for the United Kingdom. Maurice and Charles Saatchi of the eponymous advertising agency were hired to sell the vision to the public. The Labour Isnt Working campaign cemented their position as master vote whisperers. A year after that tense and harsh appearance, Thatcher won an election against a high-tax, high-borrowing and high-spending Labour Party. The public liked the insurgents message, and she delivered it well. Mark Twain said that history never repeats itself, but it often rhymes. It would be stretching historical parallels too far to say that Kemi Badenoch is the next Margaret Thatcher. As the Conservative MP Alex Berghart put it, speaking to The Daily T podcast: Shes the first Kemi Badenoch. But there are rhymes in abundance which the new leader of the Conservatives should note. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Badenoch is up against a Labour government that believes in tax, spend and borrow as Thatcher was. Some in Labour are already feeling very confident that their new opponent is easy to define and therefore easy to defeat, as James Callaghan did with Thatcher. Labour regularly under-estimates female opponents particularly those that have something new to say. The present government is insisting, as Labour did in the 1970s, that the only alternative to its programme is cuts to public services, which it predicts voters will not wear. Callaghan believed that the post-war consensus would survive a monetarist attack from the right. It didnt. He under-estimated voters desire for the private businesses that employ 80 per cent of them to flourish. Starmer has the same blind spots. There is one significant difference. Unlike Callaghan in 1978, Labour has time on its side. There will not be barring unforeseen calamity another election for at least four years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That means Badenoch will need to play a long and thoughtful game in a media environment that is constantly demanding updates and soundbites. She has allies. The Office for Budget Responsibility and the Institute for Fiscal Studies are both sceptical that Labours big state plan will do anything to boost growth. They warn it may do the opposite. The damage to public trust of saying one thing before an election and doing another runs deep. Badenoch knows she can exploit both. As I wrote here last week, Labours jam tomorrow approach was always going to be a high wire act full of risk. The entrepreneur Theo Paphitis who supports Labour has already made the rather obvious points that taxing doesnt create growth and that Rachel Reeves cannot come back for more. The Chancellor has thrown her dice. Now she must wait and pray that the public sector despite much evidence to the contrary is up to the job. This is Badenochs opportunity and the rather smarter members of the Labour hierarchy know it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For the first time since the 1970s, we are returning to a true dividing line in British politics. Hallelujah to that, whichever side you are on. If Badenoch is true to her word, and being a politician voters will see that as a big if, the Conservative offer to the public is a smaller state, lower taxes and better public services. We have heard that before from the Tories, and the opposite has come to pass with higher taxes, a bigger state and worse public services. Even Liz Truss wanted the government to pay the publics energy bills. Badenoch will also demand more personal responsibility from individuals to provide for themselves. Is she ready for the fight that will entail? The new Tory leader makes great play of her honesty. But it will be a Herculean task to re-imagine the state-public relationship after years of public sector growth and debts that have not shrunk since 2001. The UKs population is ageing, what we demand of public services has increased significantly since the 1970s and global growth since the financial crisis has been anaemic. There is no better example of a failed political system than letting people out of prison early, a failure compounded over decades, not months. The public is, rightly, baffled. Is government capable of doing anything, at all, ever? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Like Thatcher, Badenoch needs one clear message that can be repeated over and over again. Labour Isnt Working is not a bad starting point. Like Thatcher she and her team need to do the deep thinking necessary to offer a coherent plan for government. Voters are exhausted by political argument via twitter threads. I would recommend Charles Moores magisterial three volume biography of Thatcher as a good starting point if Badenoch wants a reading list. Sir Keith Joseph was the architect of many of Thatchers reforms, and The Centre for Policy Studies was the crucible of new right thinking. Who and what are Badenochs equivalents? She should also understand her opponents and what makes them at least partially attractive the hardest thing for tribal politicians to do. People want better public services and see Labour as more trusted to deliver them. The evidence is on Labours side, with faith in public services at historic lows at the end of 14 years of Conservative government. Thatcher famously said that Socialists always run out of other peoples money. Conservatives always ultimately fail on public services, an argument powerfully deployed by Reeves who regularly reminds state-school educated voters (the vast majority) of the terrible condition of schools in the 1980s. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Badenoch will need a convincing story that unleashing entrepreneurialism and reforming how public services are delivered is the great mission of any new Conservative government. She needs to hunt out examples of how that will work. Connecting with the aspirations of those who are not your natural supporters as well as motivating your base is the route to power. Thatcher appealed to the wealthy fearful of left-wing money grabs but also the median-earning worker who wanted to buy his or her council house and own a few shares. If taxes could fall a little, that would be very nice as well. Such attempts at a big tent coalition may stick in Badenochs throat. She should clear it. Being Leader of the Opposition is different from fighting to be leader of the opposition. For the latter you have to appeal to your party. For the former you have to appeal to the public. 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. Vice President Kamala Harris thinks she can win the election on an abortion rights message. Former President Trump thinks he can win on immigration. In Arizona, theyll find out who was right. None of the seven swing states puts the two campaigns top issues in such stark relief. Arizona is the only border state among the battlegrounds and the only one where abortion access is on the ballot as a potential amendment to the state Constitution. Abortion rights activist Deanna Marquez of Gilbert, Ariz., fills out a "Yes on Proposition 139" postcard to send out to a voter. The measure would establish a right to abortion in the Arizona Constitution. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times) Trump and Harris have been emphasizing those messages as they made a final swing through the West last week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump found an eager audience for his tough border talk at an event with conservative broadcaster Tucker Carlson in Glendale on Thursday, telling a crowd of roaring supporters that he considered immigration the single biggest issue. They were destroying this country at the border, I mean millions and millions of people. Im sure we have some in here tonight with us, Trump said as the audience rippled with laughter. You know, murderers and drug dealers, prisoners. Meanwhile, at an event the same day just six miles away in Phoenix, Harris hammered the issue of abortion. For decades, abortion motivated conservative Republicans to the polls, but after the overturning of Roe vs. Wade and the constitutional right to an abortion, it is now widely credited with helping Democrats notch wins in the 2022 midterms. In Arizona, the issue is on the ballot in the form of Proposition 139, which would enshrine the right to the procedure in the Arizona Constitution. Vice President Kamala Harris greets supporters during a rally at the Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre in Phoenix. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times) Read more: Meet Arizonas most powerful political couple, who are on opposite ends of an abortion ban Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Harris highlighted the measure, telling Arizona voters at the Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre that Arizona, to protect your rights to make your own healthcare decisions, I would recommend you vote yes on Proposition 139. And make sure you vote up and down the ballot to truly protect that right. Arizonas Republican-led state Legislature enacted a 15-week abortion ban, which has been in place since Roe was overturned. The law received unusual attention in the last year after the state Supreme Court ruled that it conflicted with a near-total abortion ban that had been on the books since 1864 . The Legislature ultimately repealed the 1864 law , leaving the 15-week ban in place. But not before drawing national media attention, rallying passionate activists on both sides of the issue and jeopardizing the political futures of several state justices and legislators. Cathi Herrod, president of the Center for Arizona Policy, is leading the campaign against Proposition 139, with the message that it goes too far. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That is the battle of our time, on whether were going to protect precious unborn babies and their mothers, or whether were going to be an abortion capital of this country, Herrod said at a know your ballot event at the Dream City Church in September. By several counts, momentum is on the abortion-rights side. One in five registered voters in Arizona signed the petition to put Proposition 139 on the ballot, said Kelly Hall, executive director of the Fairness Project, an abortion rights group. A New York Times / Siena College poll from late September found that 58% of likely voters in Arizona supported the measure, making it more popular in the state than either presidential candidate. Hall said that shes heard from some grassroots organizers in Arizona who open their conversation with voters by talking about the abortion measure, before pivoting to other topics. A packed crowd cheers during the Harris rally at the Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times) It is easier to get people to talk to them about abortion than saying, Who is it you vote for, for president? she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Voter registration in Arizona is split almost neatly into thirds 36% Republican, 29% Democrat and 34% other making a toss-up of nearly every one of the myriad races on this years ballot. Theres the closely watched Senate race, which pits Kari Lake, a Trump-aligned Republican and former news broadcaster who lost the 2022 race for governor, against Ruben Gallego, a Democratic congressman and Marine Corps veteran. There are three competitive congressional races, according to the Cook Political Report, which monitors swing districts nationwide. There are the legislative races that could tip the balance of the Legislature, where Republicans hold a narrow majority in both chambers. Campaign workers gather signs to post for the Harris-Walz ticket and Democratic Senate candidate Ruben Gallegos at the Maryvale Field Office in Phoenix. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And, of course, theres the presidential race, which was decided in Arizona by just over 10,000 votes in 2020. The election is inescapable in Phoenix, as nearly every street corner is dominated by a colorful collection of campaign signs of every political stripe. At a Scottsdale voting center on Wednesday, incoming voters were greeted by activists from both parties who flanked the parking lot entrance a conservative in a red shirt on the right and two progressives in blue on the left. Harris campaign has targeted several of Arizonas niche demographic groups such as Mormons and Native Americans whose small margins could swing the state. She has also courted prominent Arizona Republicans, such as former Sen. Jeff Flake, who at a news conference Wednesday said he supported Harris not in spite of being a conservative Republican, but because of [it]. A passerby threw a comment in Flakes direction: RINO! short for Republican in name only. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Arizona, Trump has relied on Turning Point USA, the organization founded by conservative podcaster and provocateur Charlie Kirk, who focuses on turning out low-propensity voters such as college students. His organization recently held its 25th college campus voter outreach event, Kirk said at the Trump rally on Thursday. He urged attendees to don a MAGA hat and go into a Dennys. People will compliment, he said, advising they respond with a question: Have you voted? I want you to re-create the anger that you felt after the 2020 election, Kirk told the crowd. I want you to re-create that pit in the stomach for those of you that lived here your whole life and you thought this state would never, ever, ever send its votes to a Democrat as president. The Republican Party nationwide has been pushing early voting, countering Trumps messaging in 2020 when he questioned the security of mail-in ballots. Democrats led in early and mail-in voting that year. This year, Republicans in Arizona are leading early voting, according to the Arizona Republic. A resident puts up a "Republicans for Harris" poster outside an early voting location at the Indian Bend Wash Visitor Center in Scottsdale, Ariz. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times) This election is putting Arizonas embattled election system again in the spotlight. Maricopa County election officials withstood scalding attacks in 2020, a barrage of court cases and persistent criticism from the right despite attempts from election officials of both parties to quell distrust and make the elections process more transparent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An Arizona voter roll discrepancy , discovered just weeks ago, further threatened to sow distrust in this years election. Election officials found that roughly 98,000 people had been wrongly marked in their system as having provided proof of citizenship a requirement to vote in Arizona (every other state requires a pledge of citizenship under penalty of perjury). Secretary of State Adrian Fontes called the chances of noncitizens being on the voter rolls vanishingly rare. The states Supreme Court ruled that the voters could cast full ballots. Elections officials in Arizona have been elevated to heroes or villains, depending on whom you ask. The stakes of Arizonas election are evident at the Maricopa County Ballot Tabulating Center, where the ballot count is expected to last days. Two layers of security fencing surround the building, as well as metal detectors and even rooftop snipers. Days before Nov. 5, some Republican voters are already wary of the results. Trump supporters wear garbage bags as they wait before the rally at the Desert Diamond Arena. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times) Ron, a Phoenix voter who declined to give his last name, said his polling place did not have enough printer paper in 2020, which was inconvenient for voters and caused some to leave early. The 60-year-old said he voted early this year because he didnt want to get caught up in the shenanigans that possibly could happen on that day, computer-wise. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It doesnt matter who wins or loses, the other side is always, always, always going to contest the election, he said. Times staff writer Noah Bierman in Washington contributed to this report. Get the L.A. Times Politics newsletter. Deeply reported insights into legislation, politics and policy from Sacramento, Washington and beyond, in your inbox three times per week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) Most state attorney races never receive much coverage during an election cycle. However, that changed after Gov. Ron DeSantis suspended elected Hillsborough County State Attorney Andrew Warren. The governor accused Warren of neglecting his duty. The governor then appointed Suzy Lopez, who is now running to remain in the seat. Both candidates spoke to Moderator Ty Russell about a number of topics during this heated campaign. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Battleground Florida airs Sundays at 9:30am on News Channel 8. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA. The benefactor of beloved New York City artist Sabina Rosas, who was found dead in a posh Hamptons spa on Monday, confessed to her murder before blowing his brains out, officials say. I confirmed the confession by reading a message the decedent sent to a family member immediately prior to his death, Edward Howell, the Wayne County, Pennsylvania, coroner told the Tri-County Independent. Howell did not identify the family member who received the message from Gannon, 56, a flooring contractor who was dating Rosas, 33, also known as Sabina Khorramdel. Sabina Rosas was found dead inside a room at Shou Subi Ban House. ruyo.journal/Instagram The coroner also did not say what form the message took, whether a text, email or voice message or divulge the wording of the missive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gannon and Rosas checked into the $1,000-a-night Shou Subi Ban House in Water Mill, LI, on Sunday. They both had massages, and she had a facial, sources said. Sabina Rosas, at left, with her mentor Liz Phillips and Thomas Gannon, who confessed to the murder before killing himself. nitin_mukul_studio/Instagram The next morning, he left alone after calling Uber to drive him 220 miles to his home at 19 Hidden Brook Drive in Berlin Township, Pennsylvania. Her body was found around noon by a spa employee. The coroner issued a statement Wednesday, saying Gannon, 56, died of a self-inflicted gunshot to the head. The decedent confessed to committing the homicide immediately prior to taking his own life, it said. Rumors are swirling about the killing, with police offering few details. Courtesy of Ryder Iwata Suffolk County law-enforcement authorities remain tight-lipped about Rosas cause of death, saying only it was the result of violence. Officials have refused to say how she died, or reveal the murder weapon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The suspect is dead. Thats it, its over, a spokesperson for the Suffolk County Police Department told The Post when asked about the pending autopsy results Thursday. The Ruyo Journal, which Rosas had co-founded to highlight Central Asian art, posted a statement on Instagram Friday: We implore the media to cease the scrutiny surrounding her death. The sensationalism from the tabloids has only added to our pain. Gannon took his own life inside his home in Honesdale, Pennylvania. LP Media Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The statement added that individuals are impersonating Sabinas fiance and best friends, and threatened to sue if private data or information is shared. Gannons wife of 25 years, Karen, sued him for divorce on June 20, 2022, records show. The split was finalized on Jan. 26. SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) President Joe Biden stopped by his old stomping grounds today just three days before the 2024 General Election. He delivered a short speech in his hometown of Scranton where he was thanked by a small but supportive crowd. President Joe Biden made the trip back home to Scranton Saturday afternoon as his presidency nears the end. Scranton becomes apart of your heart, expressed President Biden. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And another part of his heart came with him, his granddaughter Natalie. He introduced her before speaking for roughly 10 minutes inside Carpenters Local Union 445 Meeting Hall, a venue hes now visited three times. Around a hundred people, primarily carpenter union members Thanked joe for his support of the unions. The President spoke on his and Vice President Kamala Harris efforts in protecting pensions and improving infrastructure. Three days until election day. The stakes couldnt be higher, the choice couldnt be clearer and a lot of politicians have trouble with saying the word union, but Im not one of them, explained President Biden. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Addressing his soon exit, president biden made sure to send a message to supporters here today on what he expects to come after him. For some supporters that expectation was the same. We need a president to stand with labor and Joe Biden did and apparently Harris as well, stated carpenter union member, Eddie Pomykzz. The Presidents trip to town began with an arrival to Wilkes-Barre Scranton International Airport. Its bittersweet, bittersweet. Time for him to move on and let somebody else take the course, said carpenter union member, Yulia Penella. And his short stay ended with a reminder to his home crowd. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dont forget where you came from, voiced President Biden. This is Bidens third time visiting the local union. The first was for the 2020 election and the second was also during his presidency. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Two persons were killed while one was injured in an attack by the elephants in Madhya Pradesh's Umaria, said a forest department official. The incident took place on Saturday in the Deori Kalan village near Chandiyapur in the Umaria district. SDO Forest Department Kuldeep Tripathi said that three teams of 50 persons from the Forest Department are engaged in the search operation in the neighbouring villages. SDO Forest Department Kuldeep Tripathi said, "We received information that some elephants have entered the Deori Kalan village near Chandiyapur. Our team reached the spot. We found one person dead there. When the elephants were returning to the forest, another person was killed in the Damokhar range. So, total, two people have died and one is injured. As soon as we received the information, our team reached the spot. Three teams of 50 persons from the Forest Department are engaged in the search operation in the neighbouring villages." The Union Environment Ministry on Saturday said that it constituted a team to investigate the recent deaths of ten elephants in the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve (BTR) situated in Madhya Pradesh. Ten elephants were killed in Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh earlier this week, with poisoning suspected as a possible cause. The ministry further informed that the State Government of Madhya Pradesh has also constituted a five-member State level committee, to inquire into the matter and submit a report to the government. "The five-member committee is headed by APCCF (Wildlife). The committee has members from civil society, scientists, and veterinarians. The matter is also being enquired into by the Head of State Tiger Strike Force (STSF). The STSF has combed the forests and the adjoining villages and is conducting an in-depth enquiry about the incident," the ministry said. (ANI) Back in November 2008 long before the Maga-madness of Donald Trump or the barrier-breaking babble of Kamala Harris the United States elected its first African-American president, Barack Obama. That milestone was rightly celebrated, particularly by black Americans themselves. But dark clouds, as they so often do, immediately clouded the horizon. During that same 2008 election cycle, Californian residents voted in Proposition 8, which approved a state-wide ban on same-sex marriage. This was nearly a decade before the US Supreme Court legalised marriage equality nationwide and Prop 8s passing kicked off a campaign of blame and recrimination. The Lefts solution? Blame black voters. Almost immediately, progressive pollsters and pundits deduced that the historically high number of black voters who had turned out for Obama were also responsible for Prop 8s success. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Seventy per cent of African American voters approved Prop 8, claimed Lefty Seattle columnist Dan Savage the day after the election in a piece titled Black Homophobia. African-American voters, he continued, [have] written anti-gay discrimination into Californias Constitution. Never mind that black people comprised a mere 7 per cent of Californias population back then and that Prop 8s passing was later attributed to support from a range of demographics including whites, Latinos, Mormons, older and yes black voters. Im done pretending that the handful of racist gay white men out there are a bigger problem for African Americans, said Savage, than the huge numbers of homophobic African Americans are for gay Americans. Although such incendiary language would never be tolerated in todays gotcha-woke landscape, once again African-Americans particularly black men are being set up to take the blame for a history-making presidential election. And, today as in 2008, its the Left that is responsible for the set up. Kamala Harris has always had a complicated relationship with black Americans both because of her own mixed-race heritage and because of her campaigns refusal to engage with its uniqueness. Harris surrogates love to laud their candidates myriad milestones, yet any attempt to parse their deeper nuance or veracity are immediately shut down. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But as has been the case since her failed 2020 presidential run, voters particularly black voters and especially black male voters have seen through this, and Harris poll numbers have reflected this. African Americans, while still supporting Harris outright, are poised to vote Republican in record numbers. Polling suggests that Trump may secure more than 20 per cent of the black vote this week and upwards of 30 per cent of foreign-born black men are expected to support Trump, if 2020 election data from the Brookings Institute carries through. Early voting numbers from key swing states such as North Carolina also seem to be causing Harris team to sweat as black voters show up in numbers lower than she needs to guarantee a win. The Democrats know that they have an African American problem on their hands, but appear unclear on how to fix it. The Obamas were one solution, with Michelle appearing alongside Harris late last month at 11th hour campaign rallies to warn of the dangers of Trumpism. Barack, meanwhile, set about chastising black men who failed to back Harris a week earlier. But the Obamas missed their mark particularly President Obama, who effectively accused Trump-leaning black men of sexism. The real problem when it comes to African American voters and Harris isnt sexism or even racism its elitism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A few years back, during a brief stint working at global glossy magazine giant Conde Nast, I was struck by a photo from an internal HR newsletter showing Vogue chief Anna Wintour front row at a European fashion show with the companys newly-crowned chief diversity officer Yashica Olden by her side. The optics and messaging here were clear (and ludicrous): We take equity and anti-racism seriously so seriously that our DEI lead is worthy of Row One status at the couture. Because this, in the eyes of the elites, is the truest form of equality different races shoulder-to-shoulder among the 1 per cent of the 1 per cent, even as nearly 20 per cent of African-American live in poverty, and a majority of black kids are born into single-parent homes. Sure, Harris a product of elite schooling and parentage may have snagged yet another cover of Vogue. But most of the rest of Black America couldnt care less neither about Harris nor Obamas wokey-elitist hectoring. Because that was what Barack was doing finger-wagging at average American black men for having the audacity to consider voting according to what they perceive to be their best interests. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ultimately, most black Americans know better than to buy into this silliness they simply cant afford to. Black unemployment may be at near historic lows, but its still nearly 50 per cent higher than it is for whites, while average black household wealth remains at little more than 10 per cent the level of their white counterparts. This is why black voters are turning to Trump he symbolises opportunity and prosperity, even if so much of it is inherited and illusory. The Democrats they offer Vogue covers and fancy estates, like the Obamas out on Marthas Vineyard. And so African-Americans their men in particular are likely to vote Republican in historic numbers this week. And, as with Prop 8 in California in 2008, they are likely to be blamed by the Left if Donald Trump triumphs on Tuesday. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. A Paso Robles man was arrested on suspicion of homicide after the body of a missing Atascadero man was found Saturday, according to police. Todd Pinion, 34, was reported missing Wednesday, the Atascadero Police Department said in a news release. He had last been seen on Oct. 23 and initial investigations raised concerns about suspicious circumstances surrounding his disappearance, the release said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pinons dog Spock was found dead at the base of the Cuesta Grade on Thursday morning. Police located Pinions body in a remote area near Tassajara Creek on Saturday, according to the release. Further investigation identified Tyler Stevens, 21 of Paso Robles, as a person of interest, the release said. Tyler Stevens, 21 of Paso Robles, was arrested on suspicion of homicide after the body of a missing Atascadero man was found on November 2, 2024. Stevens was taken into custody and subsequently booked into San Luis Obispo County Jail on suspicion of a charge of homicide, the release said. He was still in custody as of Sunday afternoon, according to the San Luis Obispo County Sheriffs Offices Whos in Custody website. Stevens will be arraigned on Nov. 6. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Atascadero Police Department thanks the community and partner agencies who contributed to the investigation, the release said. Anyone with further information on the case was encouraged to contact the Atascadero Police Department at 805-461-5051. Boeing owes striking workers more Why is anyone in the media or the public at large surprised that Boeings latest, last and final offer was rejected? Their 40% wage increase offer doesnt catch us up to the 10 years lack of any contract improvements. This strike is about respect and human factors, not money. The return of our pension is paramount. Company leadership and their contract negotiators are snow-blind and tone-deaf. We have long memories and have been grievously disrespected these past 10 years. Weve gone without any contract improvements. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The machinist union membership didnt ruin this once great company. Company management owns the debacle. The media keeps harping that we wont win our pension back. That is what the robber barons said a century or more ago about Unions winning the 40-hour work week, overtime pay, vacation time and medical benefits among other human factor issues that we have fought and paid for in blood. This is the new Gilded Age we are living through. Working-class women and men are standing up to the oligarchs and corporate greed. This is a fight that we have to and will win for all working families. We stand or fall. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement David Clay, Snohomish Senior center closures should be rejected The Older Americans Act was signed into law in 1965. Each year its funding must be approved by Congress and signed by the President of the United States. Senior centers were established in that law. Research shows older adults who participate in senior center programs can learn to manage and delay the onset of chronic disease and experience measurable improvements in their physical, social, spiritual, emotional mental and economic well-being, according to the National Council on Aging. Research in the last 50 years continues to support the necessity of senior centers and identifies measures and plans to meet the needs of an ever-growing and changing population. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No research suggests the merging of senior services with other community services. In fact, it supports expanding senior centers and programs. Yet, our City Council has charged forward, ignorant of federal laws and the needs of constituents. Senior centers are protected by law. Closing them is wrong, legally and morally. One day you will be older Americans. If you want to move into those years with your feet on solid ground, knowing these laws protecting you, are alive and well in Tacoma, please contact your representative. Nancy Chapa, Tacoma Pass the Afghan Adjustment Act After the U.S. military withdrew from Afghanistan, ending a twenty-year conflict, an estimated 78,000 Afghan allies were left behind in a country now under Taliban control. More than three years later, Congress continues to stall on addressing their plight. Meanwhile, Congress has allocated $175 billion to support Ukraines war efforts and nearly $18 billion for Israel. If the U.S. wants to pursue smart foreign policy initiatives and build strong relationships with foreign nations, it needs to clean up its messes before moving on to new conflicts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Currently, the Afghan Adjustment Act awaits a vote in both the Senate and the House. As an intern with the Borgen Project, I urge U.S. Rep. Derek Kilmer to prioritize this legislation before leaving office in January. The act would grant green cards to Afghan allies, including those who served alongside U.S. forces in the Afghan military. Congress is clearly interested in getting involved in wars, but its time to prove they can deal with the issues they create too. Isaiah LaCombe, Gig Harbor LAUCA N, Bolivia (AP) Bolivia's transformative and divisive former President Evo Morales said Sunday that he would press on with a hunger strike until the government of his protege-turned-rival agreed to a political dialogue. His act of dissent aims to defuse street protests that have paralyzed the nation in recent weeks over what Morales' supporters condemn as his political persecution. Morales, a larger-than-life figure still towering over Bolivian politics five years after his fraught ouster, spoke on his third day without food from the misty tropics of Chapare, Bolivias rural coca-growing region that serves as his stronghold. My fight is to improve the situation in the country and to start a dialogue without conditions on two fronts, one economic and one political, Morales told The Associated Press from the office of the coca growers federation that he long has led. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ex-president said he began his hunger strike Friday in hopes of "international organizations or friendly governments" facilitating talks with his political nemesis, President Luis Arce. Tensions have surged over the past three weeks since pro-Morales supporters set up crippling roadblocks aimed at rebuking Arce Morales' former economy minister with whom hes now vying to lead Bolivias governing socialist party into next years elections. Protesters have choked off major highways in defiance of an attempt by Arce's government to revive a 2016 statutory rape case against Morales, an ethnic Aymara who was the first member of an Indigenous community to become the president of Latin Americas only Indigenous-majority nation. Morales has denied any wrongdoing. My crime is being Indigenous, he said on Sunday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The AP reached Morales after an arduous 11-hour journey by car, motorcycle and foot over hills and through the highlands, circumventing road blockades, crisscrossing routes littered with debris and toppled trees and squeaking through over a dozen security checkpoints, in some cases manned by profiteers. Roadblocks are a common protest tactic in Bolivia, where the mountainous terrain means a few strategically positioned checkpoints can can isolate major cities and bring the whole nation to a halt. That's exactly what happened earlier this month, marooning hundreds of thousands of residents in the highlands, raising fears of food and gasoline shortages and hiking up the prices of basic goods in major cities, including La Paz, the capital. I see people rising up even more, said Eusebio Urbano, a farmer protesting in support of Morales at one of the road blockades Sunday. I dont know what this government thinks. ... They dont try to solve anything. We have to keep pushing until it leaves. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under public pressure to quell the unrest, Arce's government sent some 3,000 police officers armed with tear gas and backed by helicopters to break up the blockades by force. Eduardo Del Castillo, a senior Cabinet minister, said security forces had arrested dozens of protesters in clearing the main road linking Cochabamba, Bolivias third-biggest city, with La Paz. Authorities transferred over 50 of the demonstrators to pre-trial detention in the capital on charges related to violating public order, he said. What happened was very inhumane, Morales said of the crackdown, adding that his refusal to eat was also aimed at pressuring authorities to release the 66 detainees. These are humble people who were presented as terrorists. It was the latest turn in Bolivias long-running political crisis, which escalated last week when gunmen ambushed Morales convoy in what the former president claimed was a government-led assassination attempt. Officials in Arces government denied this, alleging that police opened fire because Morales van had barreled through a security checkpoint. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theyve been using any tactic they can, politically, legally, morally and now, physically, to end my life, Morales said. From there, protests in defense of Morales only intensified. On Friday, Arces government accused his demonstrators of occupying military barracks in Chapare, a flashpoint for conflict since the U.S.-backed war on drugs in the 1990s. Authorities said that Morales' more radical loyalists seized weapons and held some 200 soldiers hostage Friday. Morales and his supporters rejected reports of a violent hostage situation, with the leader's Kausachun Coca radio station airing footage that showed protesting union members and soldiers negotiating calmly while munching on coca leaves. Please, its no a take-over of military barracks, Morales said. They are holding vigils until their economic and political demands are met. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Del Castillo, the minister, said Sunday that the government is, in principle, open to negotiating a resolution to the political crisis with Morales. But he said authorities didnt trust Morales' motives. Morales doesnt care about the country, he cares about himself, Del Castillo said. He's looking for new confrontations." The crisis stems from a bitter rift at the highest rungs of Bolivias long-dominant Movement Toward Socialism party, which deepened last month when authorities announced their intention to arrest Morales on charges that he fathered a daughter with a 15-year-old girl in 2016 when he was 56 years old and president. Morales and his supporters have decried the case as a political witch hunt aimed at blocking his candidacy in the 2025 election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Arce insists that the current constitution which permits just two consecutive terms forbids Morales, who held power from 2006-2019, from running next year, anyway. It was Morales' quest for a fourth term that led to his ouster, which he and his supporters view as a coup. It is a betrayal of the people, of the party activists, of the revolution, Morales said of Arce's efforts to undercut him. In neighboring Argentina, the government of far-right President Javier Milei on Saturday announced it had lodged a complaint accusing Morales of child abuse committed during the former presidents monthslong political exile in Argentina, from 2019 to 2020. At that time, Morales' contested re-election sparked mass protests that prompted him to resign under pressure from the military and flee to Mexico before seeking asylum in Argentina. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, years later, the charismatic populist who continues to evince intense support from the Indigenous population has seized upon growing public discontent with his chosen successor. Its not that I, Evo, want to be president. The people have asked me to return, Morales said. During my administration there was stability. When there is economic and political stability, there is happiness. Many in the country have soured on Arce over the collapse of Bolivias once-prosperous economy built on cheap dollars and fuel. They look back fondly on the tenure of Morales, credited with lifting millions out of poverty and drastically narrowing Bolivia's wealth divide during the nation's natural gas boom. Now with more experience, we are ready to save Bolivia, Morales said. Aware that the economic model that led to Bolivia's remarkable growth had quite literally run out of gas, Morales said he would reverse the nation's economic downturn by having Bolivia join BRICS, a group of emerging economies seeking to counter Western dominance of the world order, and collaborating more closely with China. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The former president, now 65, isn't sure how long his hunger strike will last. But he said he's prepared for the deprivation. I do a lot of sports, Morales said. Today I woke up at 4 a.m. and did 1,015 sit-ups. ___ DeBre reported from Buenos Aires, Argentina. Associated Press journalist Carlos Guerrero in Lauca N, Bolivia, contributed to this report. Local authorities in Frankfurt, Liverpool, and Northampton have received reports of bomb threats at four polling stations established for the second round of Moldovas presidential elections on 3 November. Source: Moldovan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as reported by European Pravda Details: The Foreign Ministry of Moldova reported that these were false alarms. Quote: "Specialised units in these countries activated emergency protocols and have since completed their anti-terrorism inspections, declaring the threats unfounded. These alerts were baseless, seemingly aimed at disrupting the voting process". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moldovan authorities had warned the public of possible Russian attempts to sabotage the voting process for Moldovan expatriates at foreign polling stations. The Moldovan diaspora in Western countries largely supports the current president, Maia Sandu, who is running for a second term. In response to the bomb threat reports, Sandu urged citizens not to be intimidated and to continue voting. Quote from Sandu: "Dear diaspora, thank you for your incredible mobilisation! You are a formidable force. Those who fear you have spread false bomb threats at several polling stations. Dont be afraid, keep voting. Every honest vote helps save Moldova." As of 19:20, 3 November, nearly 290,000 Moldovan citizens abroad had cast their votes, with overall voter turnout reaching nearly 1.63 million. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Notably, Moldovas Central Election Commission reported that turnout for the second round is higher than in the first, particularly in Chisinau and among the diaspora. Moldovan authorities also reported large-scale interference by Russia in the presidential election's second round on 3 November. Support UP or become our patron! BRANFORD, Conn. (WTNH) Gift of Life and the Branford community held a bone marrow drive Saturday morning for a young boy battling leukemia for the second time. The crowd gathered to help Eight-year-old Ben Rabinowitz. Ben had Leukemia that went into remission earlier in 2024. Unfortunately, the young boy relapsed and Ben is in dire need of a bone marrow transplant. To help Ben, eligible visitors, mostly 18-35, received a cheek swab to test if they were viable matches to donate bone marrow. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its a very difficult thing to find a match. So the more people we can get involved, the better, said Brittany Powers, one of the organizers of the drive. For anyone who was unable to make the first event, another drive will be held on November 7th at Hamden Hall. More details for how to help Ben, including how to get a mail-in test kit, 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 WTNH.com. A Haitian father carries his children across the Rio Grande into Del Rio, Texas on September 23, 2021, from Ciudad Acuna, Mexico. | John Moore/Getty Images Immigration, once again, is a hot-button topic in the election, but the contours of the debate have changed. Immigration reform has eluded the U.S. for decades with the last piece of major immigration legislation signed into law under President Ronald Reagan in 1986. With 2023 seeing both a record number of people apprehended at the southern border and the largest number of pending immigration cases on record, calls for Congress to take action on the southern border have been frequent, but unfruitful. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In most races in 2024, conservative issues of border security and undocumented immigrants and crime have dominated the debate rather than more progressive causes, like protecting programs such as Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). Adrian Hemond | Laina G. Stebbins photo Adrian Hemond, a Democrat and CEO of Lansing-based Grassroots Midwest, said Democrats in competitive races are moving toward the political center as a result of voter demands, like you would see on any other issue in elections. Its pretty clear that there are a lot of Americans that are concerned about the immigration issue, and in particular, concerned about border security, Hemond said. According to a recent poll from Gallup, immigration ranked as the fifth most important issue for American voters, with 41% saying it would be extremely important in determining their vote for president. When split by party, immigration ranked as the second most important to Republicans and Republican-leaning voters, but did not rank among the top five issues most important to Democrats and Democratic-leaning voters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a poll conducted by Ipsos and Scripps News in September, 69% of respondents said they would support restrictions on the number of migrants who can claim asylum. And 68% also supported a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants who arrived in the U.S. as children, while 54% said they would support mass deportation. Presidential election Immigration has been a dominant issue at the top of the ticket this year, with both former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris running ads that theyll get tough on securing the border. Since his first campaign in 2016, Trump has leaned on immigration as a central issue for his campaigns, repeatedly degrading undocumented immigrants. This year, he has promised to execute a mass deportation operation through invoking the Alien Enemies Act, reshuffling law enforcement personnel at federal agencies, transferring funds between programs in the Department of Homeland Security, and encouraging greater enforcement of immigration laws. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to an estimate from the Center for Migration Studies, there were 11.7 million undocumented immigrants living in the U.S. as of July 2023, below the peak of 12 million individuals reached in 2008. The United States has also provided temporary protected status to 863,880 individuals from 16 countries, whose status could be threatened by a second Trump presidency with Trump vowing to end protections for immigrants from Haiti amid his strident criticism of those settling in Springfield, Ohio. Trump has also called for a return to policies implemented under his administration including his remain in Mexico policy, which required asylum seekers to remain outside the country as their cases are pending review. With U.S. Border Patrol reporting a 249,741 encounters with migrants in December 2023, the most ever recorded in a single month, Republicans have taken aim at President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, calling for stronger action to limit crossings at the southern border. While the Pew Research Center reports the monthly number of border patrol encounters with migrants has sharply decreased, with 58,038 encounters in August, concerns about immigration persist among voters, with a survey from the Chicago Council on Global Affairs finding half of Americans view large numbers of immigrants and refugees entering the country as a critical threat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Amid criticism from the other side of the aisle, Harris has taken a harder line on undocumented immigration, pointing to Harriss past efforts as a prosecutor cracking down on transnational gangs by expanding the states task force devoted to cross-border criminality and sharing intelligence with Mexican authorities. Harris has also called for the revival of the U.S. Senates now-defunct bipartisan border deal that Trump helped quash, pledging to sign it should it come across her desk as president. According to a statement from the White House, the deal would have added add more than 1,500 new Customs and Border Protection personnel to staff, brought on an additional 4,300 Asylum Officers to conduct initial screenings, increased detention beds from 40,000 to 50,000, offer funds to hire 100 additional immigration judges and staffers and cover the cost of 100 new inspection machines to help detect fentanyl at the southwest border. Harris has also called for reform to the current immigration system, including an earned pathway to citizenship for individuals, including farmworkers and DACA recipients. People watch the presidential debate during a debate watch party at Shaws Tavern on September 10, 2024 in Washington, DC. Democratic presidential nominee, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris and Republican presidential nominee, former President Donald Trump face off in their first debate Tuesday evening at The National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. | Alex Wong/Getty Images Down-ballot races Immigration has also been at the forefront of congressional and state legislative races across the country, as several Republicans have made trips to the southern border. And even traditionally pro-immigration Democrats are calling for action on border security in 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jason Roe is a Republican strategist for GOP former state Sen. Tom Barretts campaign for mid-Michigans 7th Congressional District and is also assisting with Michigan Republicans bid to take back the state House. Roe said immigration is a top three message for Republicans, despite losing some potency in recent months. A few months ago, you had images of masses of people at the southern border trying to get into the country, and you reached a point where it had gotten beyond the conservative media platforms into the mainstream media, Roe said. It has changed because the Biden administration implemented new policies that havent really reduced the flow of people into the country. It has changed how they enter the country and gone from what is technically illegal into a, I would say, quasi-legal path to entry, Roe said. While Barretts opponent, former State Sen. Curtis Hertel (D-East Lansing), has not made immigration a central issue, he has still sought to sway voters with concerns about border security. In one of Hertels digital ads, he criticizes Democrats and promises to strengthen the border. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ad cites a letter Hertel sent to Biden, asking him to use his executive authority to bring order to the Southern border and address our dysfunctional immigration system. Following a breakdown of efforts in the U.S. Senate to pass a bipartisan border deal, the Biden administration took executive action in June capping the number of migrants entering the U.S. in response to the largest number of migrant encounters seen at the border in 20 years. Under this executive order, when daily unauthorized border crossings reach 2,500 migrants, noncitizens who cross the border will be ineligible for asylum. Additionally, any noncitizen who enters the border while this order is in effect and is processed for removal will only be referred to an asylum officer for a credible fear interview if they manifest or express a fear of return to their country or country of removal, a fear of persecution or torture, or an intention to apply for asylum, States Newsroom reported, with the Biden administration increasing the standard for these interviews. Former state Sens. Tom Barrett (R) and Curtis Hertel (L) | Andrew Roth and Laina Stebbins photos What do voters want? Both Hemond and Roe pointed to economics driving voter support for action on border security, with Hemond noting concerns about competition within the labor market, and Roe highlighting fears that migrants are benefitting from federal programs as citizens struggle with the cost of living. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When you hear stories, whether true or exaggerated, about people coming into the country illegally and being provided with housing or food stamps or any government funded [support]. And then these people are struggling, and theyre looking around saying, Wait, why are we doing this? Roe said. Susan Reed, an attorney and director of the Michigan Immigrant Rights Center told the Advance that non-citizens face major restrictions on accessing federally-funded benefits, with particularly strong restrictions on undocumented individuals and those on temporary visas. Even most lawful permanent residents need to wait five years before they can access programs like food stamps, cash assistance and Medicaid, Reed said. However, often needs arise and governments will create smaller programs to address specific needs, Reed said. While these programs are fairly small in scope and scale, they often receive a lot of negative attention. Earlier this year, Michigan Republicans repeatedly criticized Gov. Gretchen Whitmers Newcomer Rental Subsidy program which provides Refugees and other Newcomer population-eligible households with rental assistance up to $500 per month for up to 12 months, with eligibility based on immigration status and household income arguing it would encourage undocumented immigration within the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Frustrations with these kinds of programs could be contributing to Republican improvements among Black voters who would rather see those dollars put toward improvements in their community, Roe said, pointing to similar concerns around U.S. aid to Ukraine amid the ongoing war in Russia. I think that is part of the calculus right now, is a lot of the immigration and foreign entanglements that are taking our money and giving it to other places other than Americans, Roe said. Roe also pointed to recent polling on mass deportation, saying it illustrates increased frustration among American voters. Other immigration questions are kind of easy. This one, I think, shows an intensity where the voters are turning against the immigrants, Roe said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While theres a degree of sympathy to people seeking a better life, voters are reaching their breaking point, Roe said. However, Hemond noted while the majority of Michigan voters support efforts to secure the southern border, a majority similarly oppose mass deportation efforts. There is a median position that is optimal there thats not actually very close to either of the sort of bookends on this issue, Hemond said. According to a survey conducted by the University of Maryland Program for Public Consultation 50% of Republican voters and 77% of Democrats surveyed expressed support for creating a new type of visa for immigrants without legal status, as opposed to undertaking mass deportation efforts. A bipartisan majority of voters also expressed support for requiring employers to verify a new hires citizenship using the E-Verify system, while expanding permits for migrant workers. Survey data from the University of Maryland Program for Public Consultation notes an increase in support when packaging an increase in work visas for migrant workers with work eligibility verification requirements. | Photo courtesy of the Program for Public Consultation, School of Public Policy at the University of Maryland In a previous interview with the Advance, the programs director, Steven Kull said voters answers showed frustration with the number of border crossings, but also showed support for a framework for migrants to assimilate legally as opposed to taking a stance for or against immigration. However, politicians remain divided for the moment, as Democrats continue to fault Republicans for the failure of the Senates bipartisan border bill, accusing Trump of killing the legislation. While Harris has done a good job of pinning the failed deal on Trump, and Republicans, Democrats still face some difficulty, Hemond said. The Biden-Harris administration has been in office for almost four years now, and its pretty clear that they probably could have done more to tighten up border security during that time, because they have started getting more active about doing so in the last year, Hemond said. But I do think its super helpful for Democrats to point out that, look, ultimately, this is a problem that requires congressional action, and Congress declined to act because Donald Trump told them not to. Navigating criticism on the border deal has been clunky for Republicans, Roe said. When it all happened, I felt like Republicans put themselves in a very bad negotiating position by rejecting something that had the appearance of being bipartisan and having some teeth to it, Roe said. While he conceded he had not gotten deep into the policy on the bill, through conversations about the objections to the bill, Roe has personally chalked it up to political posture with some legitimate policy differences. However, for voters concerned about immigration issues, Roe said Republicans are still dominant, sharing an anecdote from working with the Barrett campaign. Because of campaign finance laws, we cant coordinate directly with the [National Republican Congressional Committees] independent expenditures or the Congressional Leadership Fund, or any of that, right? So before the law prevents us from talking, we do a big meeting where you know me as the campaign strategist, lay out what our campaign strategy is, how were going to advertise, what we think our messaging is going to be, etc., etc., Roe said. In this meeting, there was, I would say the biggest point of disagreement is they wanted us, Barrett, to go all in on immigration. And I said, No, thats not smart. And I said the reason is anyone that votes on immigration already knows the Republican is the person. Like, Im going to spend money to tell people what they, by default, already know means Im not talking about an issue that can persuade those swing voters or undecideds, Roe said. As far as the impact on statewide races, Roe said voters tend to look for a virtue signal on the left or the right to determine if someone is their kind of candidate. And immigration is one of those issues. House Minority Leader Matt Hall and Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt discuss the border crisis with Texas law enforcement involved in Operation Lone Star on stand in Eagle Pass, Texas, on Friday, April 12, 2024 | House GOP photo Advocates worry about the toll on immigrants While politicians and candidates continue to bicker over how to best approach immigration policy, advocates are raising concerns about the impact these discussions are having on immigrants. During periods of high uncertainty, including periods of war, economic disruption and times of high immigration, white Christian nationalist ideology and messaging tends to spike, said Joseph Fleming, the federation director of Faith in Action, a national collective of religious congregations organizing against hatred, racism and injustice. There is a clear connection between anti-immigrant rhetoric that has been circulating and white Christian nationalist ideology, Fleming said, defining it as an ideology that promotes white supremacy and Christian dominance, and its rooted in a belief, a mistaken belief, that the United States was founded as a Christian nation with a special role to play in Gods plan for the salvation of the world from a Christian perspective. This ideology is also rooted in a hierarchy of human value, Fleming explained, which is the belief that some people are more worthy than others in the eyes of God. This hierarchy and the emphasis on defining the U.S. as a Christian nation has painted a target on a number of different groups of people, Fleming said, including Black folks, immigrants, Latinos, Native Americans, Asian Americans and LGBTQ+ communities. There are real-life consequences to the rhetoric, and it encourages, were concerned that its going to encourage people to kind of lash out, Fleming said, pointing to concerns among the Haitian community in Springfield, Ohio, whom Trump and his running mate, U.S. Sen. J.D. Vance (R-Ohio) have falsely accused of eating their neighbors pets and spreading diseases in addition to incorrectly labeling them as illegal aliens. White Christian nationalist messages are aimed at dehumanizing groups of people, communicating that they are not like us and represent a threat, Fleming said, noting this rhetoric not only sows the seeds for violence, but mobilizes believers to vote, while suppressing voting among immigrant communities and intimidating them. We see that happening in places like Springfield, Ohio; Charleroi, Penn. Im sure its happening in Michigan, as well, Fleming said. According to the American Immigration Council, there are 359,661 eligible immigrant voters in Michigan. Additionally, its not just Republicans pushing these kinds of messages, Fleming said, noting that negative ideas about immigrants have gained traction on both sides of the aisle. Instead of pushing back on a message that dehumanizes and presents folks as a threat, too often, there is a willingness to say, We have to accept that message and present ourselves as tough, Fleming said. Reed noted the rise in anti-immigrant rhetoric had created concerns among those seeking citizenship in the U.S. People are very concerned. The process is already very confusing, very complicated. Waits are very long, and then that reduces confidence in the system. And when statements are being made about broad, sweeping deportation or broad, sweeping negative consequences for folks. It puts people on edge, Reed said. It makes people feel very uncertain about their future. It makes people hesitant to move forward with a wide range of things they might be entitled to, or even immigration programs themselves. She also noted that most undocumented immigrants are not eligible for any sort of programs and citizenship or program, even if they have had residency in the U.S. for a long time or are married to citizens. Overwhelmingly, I think [theres a] mismatch between a widespread assumption that people could be applying for something, or could be applying for citizenship, and are somehow choosing not to, and just the overwhelming pain in these communities that people are desperate to move forward with applications to move forward with a process, and there is no process available to them, Reed said. Right now, the system really does not function in a way that works well for anyone, and we need an immigration system thats fair and equitable and treats people with dignity and compassion. And we think thats what most people want. And yet we continue to move further and further from that kind of system, rather than closer to it, Reed said. Reed also noted that DACA recipients are particularly vulnerable, as the program is facing threats in court as an ongoing case brought by the state of Texas freezing applications. These individuals have now had more than a decade of time with work authorization, and are deeply integrated into the nation as parents and family members and continuing to ignore their need for a permanent solution has had a profound effect, Reed said. She also warned about the impacts that harsh immigration policies would have on those who are the spouses or parents of U.S. citizens. I think in the sort of false, good immigrants, bad immigrants, mental sorting people think, Well, youre fine if you have a child or youre a spouse. Not true, Reed said. According to the Center for Migration Studies (CMS), 5.8 million US households are home to at least one undocumented resident, with 4.7 million of those households serving as a home for both undocumented residents and U.S. citizens or individuals with legal status with CMS warning a mass deportation policy could break up 5 million families. It also reported 5.5 million U.S.-born children live in households with at least one undocumented resident, including 1.8 million living in households with two undocumented parents, with CMS estimating the cost to complete their upbringing after mass deportation to be at least $116.5 billion. Pro-immigration protest outside the second Democratic debate | Ken Coleman Frustration with both parties Gema Lowe, an organizer with Movimiento Cosecha Michigan, an organization advocating for permanent protections for undocumented immigrants, said undocumented immigration has been used by politicians to either say incorrect things about immigrants or blame them for issues within the United States. We do feel the rhetoric that is dehumanizing us. Its not just one party or the other, but we feel like theres two sides to the same coin, said Lowe, who is undocumented and has lived in the U.S. for the last 30 years. Usually Im very outspoken about, you know, what they call the immigration system is broken, its not really broken. Its what its supposed to be doing, Lowe said, telling the Advance it has been keeping undocumented workers in the shadows for cheap labor. As the election has fed anti-immigrant rhetoric, Lowe pointed to a recent resolution passed by the Livingston County Board of Commissioners asking the Livingston County Sheriffs Department to begin monitoring its interactions with undocumented immigrants, regardless of the nature of the interaction. In its text the resolution states: Whereas, citizens continue to express concerns about illegal immigration and its associated increase in crime, and whereas, ignoring these concerns, Border Czar Kamala Harris has permitted millions of illegal immigrants to cross our borders, and whereas, though largely denied and underreported by major media organizations, these illegal immigrants have contributed to an increase in crime. I believe it was a result of the candidates rhetoric for attacks on undocumented immigrants, Lowe said. Throughout the election cycle, Trump and his allies have repeatedly stoked concerns of migrant crime, amplifying stories in which undocumented immigrants are suspects in an effort to tie undocumented immigration to crime. However, a number of Trumps claims about immigrants committing crimes in communities throughout America have been debunked. Additionally, multiple studies have found that noncitizens are less likely to be convicted than those born in the U.S. including a study published in July by the National Bureau of Economic Research which found that between 1870 and 2020 immigrants had lower rates of incarceration than those born in the U.S. Today immigrants are 60% less likely to have been incarcerated than those born in the U.S. A 2019 report from the Marshall Project found no link between undocumented immigrants and crime. Another report published earlier this year examined policing data in cities that received a significant number of migrants from Texas since 2022 including New York, Washington, D.C., Chicago and Denver. In its analysis, the Marshall Project found no link between policing data and an influx in migrants, with these cities largely following national trends for large cities. Lowe also pointed to the impacts undocumented workers have on the economy, working jobs that native born workers dont want including jobs in agriculture and the dairy industry. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Economic Research Service, 39% of wage and salary workers in agriculture were born outside of the United States, while 31% of workers did not have U.S. citizenship. A report from the American Immigration Council also found that undocumented immigrants paid $368 million in taxes in the state of Michigan. We contribute to the economy, into the culture, into the food of everyday Americans, positively. And theres a myth of mass deportation, which is just also like a myth, because getting rid of the workforce that is sustaining all the bottom jobs that nobody wants is just a fantasy, Lowe said. Lowe similarly called promises of mass deportation a fantasy for politicians to gain votes with racial hate, questioning the feasibility of the proposal. Regardless of which candidate wins, Lowe said undocumented immigrants will continue to organize and fight for their rights in the state. We already go to work, we already pay taxes, we already have our roots and our families here in Michigan, and, you know, contribute to the fabric of America in every way possible, positively. And so we want to see a more permanent solution to the undocumented population. Lowe said. Gema Lowe, an organizer with Cosecha Michigan spoke out against anti-immigrant rhetoric ahead of a speech from former President Donald Trump in Grand Rapids. | Kyle Davidson SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) We are just days from the election, and each side of Amendment G is ensuring their voices are heard. Opponents of Amendment G gathered at Riverside Park in Sioux Falls this morning. Taylor Van Emmerik, the state chair for South Dakota College Republicans, helped organize the rally. Were doing a little door-knocking event right before the election. We want to make our voice heard in a last-ditch effort to get some of our great state representatives, our state senators. We have No on G stuff out here, we have some No on H. Just wanted to get out there and educate voters before they make their decision on Tuesday, Van Emmerik said. Be informed on the seven 2024 ballot measures Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson attended the rally. When I look at something like Amendment G, it is too extreme. Im not saying our current laws around abortion are perfect. I would tell you, though, Amendment G wipes away all of the protections we have for women and all of the protections we have for children. We can do better than Amendment G, Dusty Johnson said. A few hours later, supporters of Amendment G met at Lyon Park then marched along Phillips Avenue. Car vs house crash in Watertown Were gathering here today in Sioux Falls to make a beautiful noise. Were going to raise our voices in support of Amendment G. Were marching to show the public all the support there is for Amendment G, Chair for Coalition for Freedom Amendment G Nancy Turbak Berry said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dusty Johnsons opponent in the South Dakota U.S. House race, Sheryl Johnson, showed her support for Amendment G. I had a daughter who almost died from a miscarriage because she was delayed care when she needed it, and weve seen women die in states already because theyre not being given the care they need when they need it. It does not mean we are pro-abortion. It means that we are pro keep the government out of womens health care decisions,' Sheryl Johnson said. As Election Day nears, both sides are encouraging South Dakotans to get out and vote. Weve got four more days until the election is over, and we need folks to not only vote, but to be sure theyre motivating other people to vote, Berry said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I would just love to encourage people to get out and vote if they havent already. Its very important to make your voice heard this election, Van Emmerik said. Amendment G is one of seven ballot measures in this years election. For more information on each of them, click here. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com. SAO PAULO (Reuters) - Brazil Finance Minister Fernando Haddad canceled a trip to Europe this week, the ministry said in a statement on Sunday, amid pressure from market participants for the government to present spending-cut measures that had been promised. In the statement, the Finance ministry said Haddad will now remain in Brasilia during the week at the request of President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. The minister will be focused on "domestic subjects," the ministry added, without elaborating. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Friday, the U.S. dollar hit its strongest closing level against the Brazilian real in spot trading since May 2020, as investors were jittery due to a lack of details on the local fiscal measures and ahead of the U.S. presidential election on Tuesday. Government officials have said they would present the measures at some point after last weekend's municipal elections, but they did not give a deadline. Local newspaper Folha de S. Paulo reported on Friday that the government was unlikely to present the spending-cut measures this week, as Haddad would be in Europe. Haddad had been expected to visit Europe from Nov. 4-9, although his specific schedule had not been confirmed by the government. His travel plans will be resumed in due course, the ministry said. (Reporting by Andre Romani in Sao Paulo; Editing by Matthew Lewis) After receiving a specific intelligence, BSF troops launched a search operation in the suspected area and at about 5.50 pm, they recovered a China-made DJI MAVIC 3 Classic drone from a farming field adjacent to Kamirpura village in Amritsar. The press release said, "On Nov 2, in the evening hours, acting on information of BSF intelligence wing about presence of a drone in the border area of Amritsar district, BSF troops launched a search operation in the suspected area. At about 05:50 pm, BSF troops successfully recovered 1 small drone from a farming field adjacent to village- Kamirpura, in district Amritsar. The recovered drone has been identified as a China-made DJI MAVIC 3 Classic." Earlier on November 1, the Border Security Force (BSF) troops recovered two drones and one packet of suspected heroin at three different places in the border area of district Amritsar. Based on information from the BSF intelligence wing, the troops foiled the attempt of drone smuggling through the border. According to an official statement, one packet of suspected heroin (Gross weight- 570 Grams) was recovered by BSF troops during the night hours of October 31 at about 11:15 pm from a harvested paddy field adjacent to the village- Pulmoran of Amritsar district. The narcotics were wrapped with yellow adhesive tape and a steel ring and an illuminating strip were also found attached to the packet. (ANI) Former police detective Brett Hankison was convicted on Friday, Nov. 1, for his role in the botched 2020 drug raid in Louisville that ended with Taylor dying from a gunshot wound Jon Cherry/Getty A Breonna Taylor art installation in Louisville, Kentucky on June 5, 2021. A Breonna Taylor art installation in Louisville, Kentucky on June 5, 2021. A federal jury has convicted a former Kentucky police detective of using excessive force on Breonna Taylor and depriving her of her civil rights. According to reports from the Associated Press, ABC News and Louisville Public Media, former detective Brett Hankison was convicted for his role in the botched 2020 drug raid in Louisville that ended with Taylor, a 26-year-old EMT who was asleep in her bed, dying from a gunshot wound. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 12-person jury had cleared Hankison earlier on Friday, Nov. 1, of another charge accusing him of using excessive force on three of Taylor's neighbors, ABC reported, before returning this guilty verdict around 9:30 p.m. Hankison's conviction is the only one so far among all of the officers who were involved in executing the search warrant, which was later shown to be based on faulty information, according to Louisville Public Media. AP Photo/Timothy D. Easley, Pool Former Louisville Police officer Brett Hankison in court on March 2, 2022 Former Louisville Police officer Brett Hankison in court on March 2, 2022 Related: Former Louisville Police Officers Indicted Again in Breonna Taylor Case, Accused of Falsifying Warrant Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division addressed the courthouse crowd after the verdict was read, saying: "Breonna Taylors life mattered." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We hope the jurys verdict recognizing this violation of Ms. Taylor's civil and constitutional rights brings some small measure of comfort to her family and loved ones who have suffered so deeply from the tragic events of March 2020," Clarke added, per the AP. Taylor's mother, Tamika Palmer, also spoke to the media after Hankison's conviction. She wiped away tears as the verdict was read. "Thank God, thank God that He covered 12 jurors who chose to do the right thing, who took their time to understand what was really going on and that Breonna deserved justice," Palmer said, per Louisville Public Media. Related: Breonna Taylor Remembered by Loved Ones on What Would Have Been Her 28th Birthday Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It took a lot of time. It took a lot of patience. It was hard. The jurors took their time to really understand that Breonna deserved justice," Palmer added, per the AP. Shortly after midnight on the night of March 13, 2020, Taylor an aspiring nurse who had been working as an EMT was in her apartment with her boyfriend Kenneth Walker when Louisville Metro Police officers executing a no-knock warrant charged through the door. The warrant was connected to a narcotics investigation in which Taylor was not a suspect, and police did not find drugs or cash in her apartment. Walker shot at police as they breached the front door, and officers allegedly responded by firing more than 20 bullets into the apartment, which eventually killed Taylor. Taylor's shooting sparked months of protests in Louisville, and her name joined those of others invoked across the country by protesters seeking justice for Black victims of alleged bias or police brutality among them Ahmaud Arbery in Georgia, George Floyd in Minnesota and Jacob Blake in Wisconsin. Breonna Taylor/instagram Breonna Taylor 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. Neither of the officers who shot Taylor former Sgt. John Mattingly and former Detective Myles Cosgrove have been charged in her death, according to AP. Prosecutors said that they were both justified in returning fire, since Walker shot at them first. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This marked Hankison's second trial in this case, after a judge declared a mistrial last year. Hankison also previously faced three counts of wanton endangerment for allegedly firing 10 bullets into Taylor's apartment, but he was acquitted of the charges in March 2022. Hankison is set to be sentenced on March 12, 2025, according to LPM. He faces a maximum sentence of life in prison. 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. BRIDGEPORT, W.VA. (WBOY) The Bridgeport Future Farmers of America hosted the first ever Ffall Fest at Bridgeport High School, with the two fs signifying future farmers. The Future Farmers of America used the event to show off their livestock that they care for at the school, including ducks, goats, and ponies. Other student organizations, such as Key Club, Drama, Spanish Club and Student Council also got in on the fun, each of them asking for donations. 13th Annual Belington Turkey Trot raises money for Thanksgiving meals Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Festivities at the Ffall Fest included a pumpkin pie eating contest, a car show, a petting zoo, a cornhole tournament and a jack-o-lantern contest. Zachary Nicholson of Future Farmers of America said of Ffall Fest, Its not just a single club event because theres only a limited amount of fundraisers we have through the year, so this is one for everybody, and everyone can benefit from, and it really showcases everything that Bridgeport High School has. While this was the first year of the Ffall Fest, the Future Farmers hope to make it a regular occurrence. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. More than a few champagne corks popped in Scotlands most southerly region of Dumfries and Galloway on July 22 when it fought off stiff competition bidding to be the site of Scotlands newest national park. Few things in Scotland are ever that simple, though, when it comes to land use, with a storm glowering in the glens that has the potential to derail the whole thing. There are precedents. The country was late to the national park party, with Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park only opening in 2002, in the early days of devolution. It was quickly followed by Cairngorms National Park in 2003. But for these it was not all plain sailing, with concerns highlighted similar to those now being raised about Galloway National Park. These anxieties are emerging as the proposed park goes into a 12-week NatureScot consultation process. Opposition is coming from the farming community and large landowners, those with fears about increased bureaucracy and rising property prices, and retirees whove moved to Dumfries and Galloway in search of the quiet life. Social media has been mobilised and public meetings brim with passion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Touring the region I spot a No Galloway National Park sign in a shop window, its shopkeeper proud to be standing against a park she believes would bring in too many tourists. There are similar signs in farmers fields too. Alasdair Macnab, vice president of Scotlands National Farmers Union, has said the creation of a new national park in Scotland is unacceptable, a view it says is supported by 93 per cent of its members. A No Galloway National Park sign in a shop window - Alamy In Newton Stewart, a likely gateway to the proposed park, I speak to a retired couple from Surrey who decline to be named. We are worried about over tourism like you hear about in Venice and in Edinburgh, they tell me. It seems an odd comparison to make; even with the modest expected rise in visitor numbers, Dumfries and Galloway will still be a world away from Edinburghs Royal Mile, or even the Highland hotspots along the North Coast 500. David Hope-Jones of tourism development body South of Scotland Destination Alliance, views the park more positively. He says: Tourism brings in almost 500 million a year into the region and countless jobs, but weve still got relatively low visitor numbers and were often overlooked by people zooming further north or south. The national park would put us on the map. Seeking to allay fears, he adds: We dont have to be exactly like any other national park. Its not a binary yes or no choice, there is a desire to work with all parties to get everyone together managing the park for the benefit of all the community in what is a very special place. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The likely location is indeed a very special place, alive with a rugged oil painting of mountain, loch and moor (and unlike much of the Highlands, alive with thick forest) that is home to an impressive sweep of flora and fauna. Its a wild and wildly beautiful landscape that easily matches its counterparts in the Highlands. This natural richness has already helped secure Unesco Biosphere status. Being a Unesco Biosphere means finding better ways to protect the landscape and its nature, whilst helping people thrive within it, traditionally a struggle in a rural Scotland often blighted by depopulation issues. Concerns have been raised about rising property prices in a national park, but local councillors have already declared a property emergency anyway, with young people especially struggling to find homes. Gazing further north to Cairngorms National Park, the gateway town of Aviemore has seen new homes built and the population has risen since 2003, with a visibly youthful demographic being both retained and attracted. John Thompson, chair of the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere, which backed the national park bid, says: The national park would build on our work, bringing in much needed investment and jobs. People and local businesses would be at the very heart of it with more of a say in what happens around them. In the national park there would be ongoing consultation to make sure it delivers for Dumfries and Galloway. Over my four days I found a majority of people in favour, but also a strong desire to engage in the consultation, with the Scottish government aiming for the park to open in 2026. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Stranraer, as Galloway meets the Irish Sea, I meet Allan Jenkins who works on the local oyster festival. Whichever of the six bids was chosen, concerns would have emerged, he smiles. This is a park for the benefit of everyone and its important to realise we all have a say in how it works for us if it does go ahead. It would be a shame if it doesnt. How to visit the proposed national park The boundaries of the Galloway National Park are not finalised, but are likely to be focused on a similar area to the existing Biosphere essentially an expanded Galloway Forest Park mainly within Dumfries and Galloway plus perhaps a slice of South Ayrshire. It is a landscape deeply worthy of national park status you can already explore with myriad attractions. The coast-to-coast Southern Upland Way hiking route scythes through and there is brilliant mountain biking from the hubs at Glentrool and Kirroughtree. Its a wildscape alive with historic battle sites, castle ruins and Neolithic treasures too. A new national park will, of course, encourage more attractions, with rumours suggesting a new observatory could open to build on the areas already growing reputation for its Dark Sky status. Galloway is glorious year-round, though tourist numbers do drop away after summer, despite autumn and winter being a striking time to visit. This is one of the issues the new park is seeking to address. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dumfries Tours offers bespoke guided experiences that can take in all parts of Dumfries and Galloway, including the areas above. For more tourist information see Scotland Starts Here. NatureScot has an online hub dedicated to Galloway National Park. 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. (Bloomberg) -- Omaha is best known for its good steaks and being billionaire investor Warren Buffetts hometown. But this weekend, the locals are relishing their moment in the US presidential spotlight. Most Read from Bloomberg Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Solidly Republican Nebraska is one of only two states that divides its electoral votes and there are some scenarios in which Omaha nicknamed the Blue Dot could decide the incredibly tight race in Vice President Kamala Harris favor. I like the idea of it, Nancy Johnson, 70, who lives across the street from Buffetts gated property, said on Friday. Johnsons lawn, like many of Buffetts other neighbors, features a simple white sign with a large blue dot, an idea from a local couple that quickly caught on. Buffett himself isnt endorsing anyone, his conglomerate Berkshire Hathaway Inc. announced last month. Latest numbers from the Nebraska Secretary of States office show Republicans hold a 623,229 to 337,289 statewide enrollment edge over Democrats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But its more favorable for Democrats in and around Omaha, where 159,831 voters identify as Republicans; 145,590 as Democrats; and 104,503 are enrolled as part of non-partisan. There are also smaller numbers of Libertarian, No-Label Nebraska and Legal Marijuana Now party enrollees. Harris running mate, Nebraska native Tim Walz, has visited the area twice during their campaign. But the focus this weekend is on an intense ground game door-to-door canvassing and other get-out-the-vote efforts. Harris backers with signs and loud whistles set up camp Friday on a bridge over a busy Omaha highway to inspirit noisy honking for her from passing vehicles below. Add to this mix an unexpectedly tight Senate race that could see an independent candidate unseat a Republican, and a key House race that could help decide party control of that chamber. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement GOP Representative Don Bacon, who has represented the district since 2017, is locked in a tight rematch with Democrat Tony Vargas, and some polls show Bacon trailing this time. Bacon, who initially said he preferred Nikki Haley and Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina in the GOP primaries, needs to attract Harris voters while keeping some separation from Donald Trump whose Trump Force 47 headquarters is next to his in downtown Omaha and whom he eventually backed for president. At a rally on Saturday, Bacon made little mention of the former president. But in a brief conversation on Friday, Bacon offered, with some concern, that Harris was so greatly outspending Trump in the district. In the Omaha media market alone, latest numbers show the spending totals nearly $5.1 million by the Harris campaign and other groups supporting her candidacy, compared to just $182,000 for Trump, according to the ad-tracking firm AdImpact. Statewide, Democrats have spent nearly $8.9 million on ads in the presidential race in Nebraska to just over $300,000 backing Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Harris appears to have the edge, based on recent polling. A New York Times/Siena poll late last month found Trump up 55% to 40% statewide, but Harris winning 54-42 in the Blue Dot. If she wins Omaha, shed join Joe Biden in 2020 and Barack Obama in 2008 as just the third Democrat to win it in the past 30 years. Much has been made nationally of those blue-dot signs and some humorous countersigns have since emerged such as a red dot with Trump-like hair ready to Pac-Man-like devour the blue dot. Fanchon Blythe, 63, Nebraskas Republican National Committeewoman, said Saturday at a rally she considers Nebraskas 2nd Congressional District more of a purple dot. Nothing in this election, she said, is a fait accompli. But another Republican, Blaine Mckillip, 62, a former vice president at CSG International Inc., showed up early Saturday morning to help the Harris team with voter outreach. He talked of his displeasure with Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just think of it. Any individual in this district could decide the vote including me, he joked. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg speaks at a rally for Michigan state Sen. Kristen McDonald Rivet, D-Bay City, in Midland, Mich., on Nov. 2, 2024. (Photo by Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance) U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg is no stranger to campaigning on tough turf, having developed what he called an unexpected specialty for appearing on Fox News. That strategy brought him to Midland on Saturday for a rally with state Sen. Kristen McDonald Rivet (D-Bay City), who is running to succeed U.S. Rep. Dan Kildee (D-Flint) when he retires at the end of his term. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Midland has traditionally been considered a Republican stronghold, causing concern for some Democrats when Michigan lost a seat in the redistricting process, causing Kildees district to expand to include the city. Kildee managed to win reelection in 2022, defeating Republican businessman Paul Junge, who had previously run against U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D-Holly), but Kildees margin of victory was the slimmest it had been across his six campaigns for the seat. When we came here a few years ago and said I think we can win this congressional district, Midland was right in the middle of that conversation and right in the middle of that argument, and you delivered the margin that sent me to Congress, Kildee said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With Kildee retiring, Junge decided to make a third run for the U.S. House a move McDonald Rivet said will be a mistake the same characterization she used for his decision to move into both Slotkins and Kildees districts prior to launching his campaigns. The 8th District is a key battleground seat in the fight to control the U.S. House. Republicans currently hold a slim majority. Junge campaigned with U.S. House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-Minn.) on Thursday at Saginaw Control & Engineering, along with U.S. Reps. John Moolenaar (R-Midland) and Tim Walberg (R-Adrian). Just like President Trump, @VotePaulJunge is a business owner and political outsider that we need in Washington, Emmer wrote on social media on Friday. Together, we will unleash the economy in Michigan, Minnesota, and across the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Junge said on Saturday that it will be his honor to share the stage with former President Donald Trumps running mate, Ohio U.S. Sen. J.D. Vance, at his Flint rally on Monday, the day before Election Day. Kildee said that it only took him a millisecond to know who he wanted to succeed him once he made the decision to not seek reelection, citing in part that McDonald Rivet flipped her seat in the state Senate from red to blue. I saw her as a reflection of the goodness of the people of the state of Michigan, Kildee said. Shes one of us, unlike that imposter who is running against her. McDonald Rivet said that Midlands potentially shifting trends could be seen just in the years since she started running for state senate, pointing out the size of the crowd at her rally with Buttigieg. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When I first started running in Midland, people were whispering to me that they were Democrats. Dont tell my neighbors, McDonald Rivet said. Look at you all now. But Buttigieg the former mayor of South Bend, Ind., who now lives in Traverse City said that most neighbors agree with each other, regardless of party lines, if you get to the root of issues. Not just true blue Democrats, but independents and an awful lot of Republicans get that we need to be investing in education, Buttigieg said. Our neighbors already get that if you want to keep the next generation safe, thats not about stopping a politically unpopular book from making its way into the school library, its about stopping assault weapons from getting anywhere near the school grounds. Michigan state Sen. Kristen McDonald Rivet, D-Bay City, speaks at a rally in Midland, Mich., on Nov. 2, 2024. (Photo by Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance) Dont let anybody tell you that were in some minority of public opinion, Buttigieg said. But heres the thing: Just because you win the policy argument doesnt mean you get to win the election. Thats the tricky part. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For conservatives who may be on the fence, Buttigieg said he believes they can be won over by meeting them where they are. I believe we can talk to conservatives who care about law and order, about the fact that crime actually went down after Donald Trump got beat, and that a good way to restore the rule of law in this country might be to elect a career prosecutor who put transnational gangs behind bars instead of the first convicted felon ever to run for U.S. president, Buttigieg said. Buttigieg said that while Trump spent his presidency promising a major infrastructure bill, Biden actually delivered, which is why lead pipes are being replaced, more communities are being connected to broadband and manufacturing and construction jobs are growing at a rate that Buttigieg said hasnt been seen since before he was born. While Buttigieg was speaking at the rally in his personal capacity, Kildee said that the transportation secretary had called him a few days prior to announce $27 million in funding for rail projects in the area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Buttigieg criticized House Speaker Mike Johnson for saying that Republicans would probably try to repeal the CHIPS Act if they regain control of the U.S. House. This is not some high school Model Congress, this is the United States Congress. They write laws that the rest of us have to live by, Buttigieg said. We need sober, straightforward, community-minded leadership in there, not extremists. Beyond delivering different policy results, Buttigieg said the election can also be an opportunity to spend less time thinking about politics. A vote for the right kind of leaders is, among other things, a vote to get politics out of our face for a little while, Buttigieg said. Wouldnt it be nice to have a more normal political life in this country? Wouldnt it be nice if the news wasnt punching you in the face every time you turn on the TV? We could have politics on the back burner at least some of the time, but only if we have the right leaders. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg greets attendees at a rally for Michigan state Sen. Kristen McDonald Rivet, D-Bay City, in Midland, Mich., on Nov. 2, 2024. (Photo by Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance) Michigan state Sen. Kristen McDonald Rivet, D-Bay City, speaks at a rally in Midland, Mich., on Nov. 2, 2024. (Photo by Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg trades friendship bracelets with a young audience member during a rally for Michigan state Sen. Kristen McDonald Rivet, D-Bay City, in Midland, Mich., on Nov. 2, 2024. (Photo by Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance) Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, center, greets attendees at a rally for Michigan state Sen. Kristen McDonald Rivet, D-Bay City, right, in Midland, Mich., on Nov. 2, 2024. McDonald Rivet is running to succeed U.S. Rep. Dan Kildee, D-Flint, left, at the end of his current term. (Photo by Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance) Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg trades friendship bracelets with a young audience member during a rally for Michigan state Sen. Kristen McDonald Rivet, D-Bay City, in Midland, Mich., on Nov. 2, 2024. (Photo by Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance) U.S. Rep. Dan Kildee, D-Flint, speaks at a rally for Michigan state Sen. Kristen McDonald Rivet, D-Bay City, in Midland, Mich., on Nov. 2, 2024. McDonald Rivet is running to succeed Kildee when he retires at the end of his current term. (Photo by Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, left, speaks at a rally for Michigan state Sen. Kristen McDonald Rivet, D-Bay City, right, in Midland, Mich., on Nov. 2, 2024. (Photo by Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance) Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, left, speaks at a rally for Michigan state Sen. Kristen McDonald Rivet, D-Bay City, right, in Midland, Mich., on Nov. 2, 2024. (Photo by Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance) Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, left, speaks at a rally for Michigan state Sen. Kristen McDonald Rivet, D-Bay City, right, in Midland, Mich., on Nov. 2, 2024. (Photo by Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance) Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg speaks at a rally for Michigan state Sen. Kristen McDonald Rivet, D-Bay City, in Midland, Mich., on Nov. 2, 2024. (Photo by Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, right, speaks at a rally for Michigan state Sen. Kristen McDonald Rivet, D-Bay City, left, in Midland, Mich., on Nov. 2, 2024. (Photo by Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance) Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, center, greets attendees at a rally for Michigan state Sen. Kristen McDonald Rivet, D-Bay City, in Midland, Mich., on Nov. 2, 2024. McDonald Rivet is running to succeed U.S. Rep. Dan Kildee, D-Flint, left, at the end of his current term. (Photo by Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance) Michigan state Sen. Kristen McDonald Rivet, D-Bay City, speaks at a rally in Midland, Mich., on Nov. 2, 2024. (Photo by Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance) Michigan state Sen. Kristen McDonald Rivet, D-Bay City, speaks at a rally in Midland, Mich., on Nov. 2, 2024. (Photo by Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance) Michigan state Sen. Kristen McDonald Rivet, D-Bay City, speaks at a rally in Midland, Mich., on Nov. 2, 2024. (Photo by Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance) Michigan state Sen. Kristen McDonald Rivet interacts with a young audience member during a rally with Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg in Midland, Mich., on Nov. 2, 2024. (Photo by Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance) Michigan state Sen. Kristen McDonald Rivet, D-Bay City, speaks at a rally in Midland, Mich., on Nov. 2, 2024. (Photo by Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance) Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, left, speaks at a rally for Michigan state Sen. Kristen McDonald Rivet, D-Bay City, right, in Midland, Mich., on Nov. 2, 2024. (Photo by Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance) U.S. Rep. Dan Kildee, D-Flint, left, speaks at a rally for Michigan state Sen. Kristen McDonald Rivet, D-Bay City, right, in Midland, Mich., on Nov. 2, 2024. McDonald Rivet is running to succeed Kildee when he retires at the end of his current term. (Photo by Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance) U.S. Rep. Dan Kildee, D-Flint, speaks at a rally for Michigan state Sen. Kristen McDonald Rivet, D-Bay City, in Midland, Mich., on Nov. 2, 2024. McDonald Rivet is running to succeed Kildee when he retires at the end of his current term. (Photo by Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance) Michigan state Sen. Kristen McDonald Rivet, D-Bay City, smiles as Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg speaks at a rally in Midland, Mich., on Nov. 2, 2024. (Photo by Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance) U.S. Rep. Dan Kildee, D-Flint, speaks at a rally for Michigan state Sen. Kristen McDonald Rivet, D-Bay City, in Midland, Mich., on Nov. 2, 2024. McDonald Rivet is running to succeed Kildee when he retires at the end of his current term. (Photo by Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance) Michigan state Rep. Amos O'Neal, D-Saginaw, speaks at a rally for state Sen. Kristen McDonald Rivet, D-Bay City, in Midland, Mich., on Nov. 2, 2024. (Photo by Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance) Michigan state Sen. Kristen McDonald Rivet, D-Bay City, speaks at a rally in Midland, Mich., on Nov. 2, 2024. (Photo by Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance) Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, center, greets attendees at a rally for Michigan state Sen. Kristen McDonald Rivet, D-Bay City, right, in Midland, Mich., on Nov. 2, 2024. McDonald Rivet is running to succeed U.S. Rep. Dan Kildee, D-Flint, left, at the end of his current term. (Photo by Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance) Michigan state Sen. Kristen McDonald Rivet, D-Bay City, speaks at a rally in Midland, Mich., on Nov. 2, 2024. (Photo by Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance) SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The Deputy mayor of Cahokia Heights was arrested for driving under the influence of a controlled substance, Illinois State Police confirmed. State Police said DeMario Helm Sr., 42, was invovled in a single vehicle crash on Mousette Lane at Sauget Business Blvd. at about 3:13 a.m. Saturday. He was arrested at the scene and has been charged in St. Clair County with DUI. Helm is a former city clerk for Centreville and was appointed deputy mayor in Cahokia Heights in 2021. DeMario was operating a city-issued 2021 GMC SUV. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He hung up on a BND reporter when contacted for comment about his arrest. When he served as city clerk in Centreville, which has since been consolidated with Cahokia and Alorton into Cahokia Heights, Helm had troubles with law enforcement. In 2015, he was charged with aggravated battery to a police officer and resisting police. The battery charge was dismissed in a plea bargain, according to St. Clair County circuit court records. A routine traffic stop in Californias Central valley turned into a major fentanyl bust when authorities seized enough lethal doses to kill a quarter of Californias population, according to California highway patrol (CHP). In a statement released on Friday, CHP officers in Stockton, about 50 miles south of the capital city of Sacramento, said that last month, while conducting a traffic stop on Interstate 5 highway near Airport Boulevard, officers uncovered an alarming amount of fentanyl-laced pills after a police dog signaled the scent of narcotics. Officers discovered two duffel bags and a shopping bag filled with counterfeit oxycodone, or M30, pills. In total, more than 66lb of 330,000 pills were confiscated. The driver, who was registered to Washington, was arrested and booked into Yolo county jail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For perspective, the [Drug Enforcement Administration] reports it only takes a few milligrams of fentanyl to be deadly. With enough pills in this seizure to create between 10-15m lethal doses, its an amount that could kill a quarter of the population of California, CHP officers said. A picture of the bust posted on Facebook showed the pills packaged in transparent plastic bags and stacked on a car. The bust, which occurred in late October, took place just weeks after CHP officers seized $1.7m worth of fentanyl across two enforcement stops in Californias Central valley. Officers arrested three suspects from out of state, including one person who tried to conceal the drugs inside multiple packages of raw carne asada beef. Since January, the California national guards counterdrug taskforce has seized more than 5,000lb of fentanyl powder and 9.6m pills containing fentanyl, making the seizures worth more than $43m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to a 2022 report by the Cato Institute thinktank, US citizens made up 89% of convicted fentanyl traffickers in 2022. In 2023, 93% of fentanyl seizures in the US occurred at legal crossing points or interior vehicle checkpoints. Fentanyl, which can be snorted, smoked, taken orally by pill or tablet, or spiked on to blotter paper, produces a myriad of physical effects including relaxation, euphoria, pain relief, sedation, confusion, drowsiness, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, according to the DEA. Signs of fentanyl overdose include changes in pupil size, clammy skin, cyanosis or a bluish discoloration in the skin, lips and nail beds caused due to oxygen shortages in the blood. It can also lead to coma and respiratory failure. Women of America, how do you feel about a man who says hell be your protector like it or not? Another question: Do you even believe you need a protector? The fact that Donald Trump thinks you do, and believes that hes the one to safeguard us damsels like it or not, is why he might well fail to win back the White House (please!). Most women are voting against Trump, pollsters tell us, and they include at least two daughters of former Republican presidents, Barbara Pierce Bush and Susan Ford Bales. The political world was stunned late Saturday when the widely respected Iowa Poll of the Des Moines Register/Mediacom showed that Kamala Harris had leapfrogged Trump to take a 3-point lead in that typically red state, a turnabout driven largely by older or politically independent women, according to pollster J. Ann Selzer. Women constitute 53% of the national electorate, and so far theyve dominated early voting returns. According to Rutgers Universitys Center for American Women and Politics, Women have registered and voted at higher rates than men in every presidential election since 1980, and the gap has grown every four years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If Trump loses, it will be women who proved to be the protectors of Lady Liberty. Right now she is a damsel in distress, threatened by a presidential candidate whos not only a wannabe autocrat but a convicted felon , adjudicated sexual abuser , philanderer , admitted sexual assaulter , former club-hopper with the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein and, not least, proud architect of the end of abortion rights. With that last claim to fame, Trump has subjected women to danger and even doom, as doctors have withheld lifesaving care to pregnant women for fear of running afoul of state abortion bans enacted after the Supreme Court, packed with Trumps far-right appointees, struck down Roe vs. Wade. Several have died. On Wednesday, ProPublica reported on the death of a wife and mother in Texas denied timely treatment as she miscarried a much-wanted baby. Read more: Calmes: If Harris falls short, blame Democrats and the media on this issue Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The transphobic Trump thinks women should worry about imaginary medical threats hes conjured: Your child goes to school and they dont even call you, and they change the sex of your child, he recently said in Arizona. But women are concerned instead about real threats: abortion care, a reelected Trump putting anti-vaxxer Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to work on health, and womens health, and a Trump vice president, JD Vance, who denigrates childless cat ladies and says procreators should have more votes. Trump is rightly unnerved by the female blowback. After all, he wont be protected from prison unless hes reelected and able to wield the presidential seal as a legal shield. Hence his insistence in the final days of the 2024 election that hed be womens savior a pledge so patronizing that he admits hes making it over his aides advice. They said, Sir, please dont say that, Trump told a rally near Green Bay, Wis., on Wednesday. I said Why? They said, We think its, we think its very inappropriate for you to say. I said Why? Im president I want to protect the women of our country. By his manly telling, Trump stood firm: Well, I'm going to do it whether the women like it or not. As usual, this is a man who doesnt take no for an answer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Calmes: The Top 10 reasons to vote for Kamala Harris for president Since 2016, more than two dozen women have alleged sexual misconduct by Trump. A 27th woman went public last week, saying that Trump groped her in 1993 while Epstein watched: He put his hands all over my breasts, she told the Washington Post, choking up . The woman said she was speaking out now not to influence the election, as Trumps camp claimed, but because she was interviewed in 2022 for a documentary just released in October. Trumps inane Sir Galahad claim has renewed attention to the 2005 "Access Hollywood" tape, which was an October surprise before the 2016 election. Unfortunately, its electoral toxicity was offset weeks later by then-FBI Director James Comeys announcement of a revived, and ultimately dropped, investigation of Hillary Clintons private emails. Now, women voters too young to have been aware of the tape are seeing it for the first time, and TikTok is crackling with their outrage at just how depraved it is, as one Gen Z-er said . Heres the would-be protector of American women, speaking to "Access Hollywood" anchor Billy Bush as they spied a young actress they were about to meet: You know, Im automatically attracted to beautiful I just start kissing them. Its like a magnet. Just kiss. I dont even wait. And when youre a star, they let you do it. You can do anything. Grab em by the pussy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Calmes: Trump promises mayhem. Take him seriously and literally That describes to a T for Trump his earlier sexual assault of writer E. Jean Carroll in the dressing room of a Manhattan department store, as she alleged and a jury found last year. Which is why the "Access Hollywood" tape was introduced as evidence in Carroll's 2023 defamation lawsuit. We got to see Trump in his taped deposition, oozing smugness and condescension, saying to Carrolls attorney that he was only telling the truth stars do have license to grab womens private parts. If you look over the last million years, I guess thats been largely true, he said. Not always, but largely true. Unfortunately or fortunately. Although the Carroll jury found that Trump was liable under New York law for sexual abuse, not rape, the judge clarified that as many people commonly understand the word rape ... Mr. Trump in fact did exactly that. It shouldnt need to be said, but here goes: A rapist should not be president. Women and men, you can protect us all from Trump. Vote against him, if you havent already. @jackiekcalmes Get the latest from Jackie Calmes Commentary on politics and more from award-winning opinion columnist. Sign me up. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has lashed out at the previous YSR Congress-led government for building Rishikonda Palace for a cost of Rs 431 crore. After visiting the Rishikonda Palace spread over 61 acres here on Saturday, the Chief Minister asked media persons whether it is acceptable to build such a costly palace with public money. Without naming the former chief minister, Jagan Mohan Reddy, the Chief Minister asked, "How such a person, who has spent hundreds of crores constructing a residential palace for a luxurious life misusing his power can call himself to be a leader of the poor? Is he a man or a feudalist?" "Of the 61 acres, initially, the proposal was to construct seven luxurious blocks in 10 acres spreading over 19,968 square meters, Chandrababu said. However, they made some amendments later and constructed four blocks with an extent of 13542 square meters in 1.84 acres through the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC)," the Chief Minister said. "The shocking facts are that it was proposed to build four blocks in three phases and works were completed after administrative sanction for Rs 92 cr for the first phase, Rs 94 cr for the second phase, and Rs 112 cr for the third phase," he pointed out. The Chief Minister pointed out that, this apart, works were also completed through the Tourism and Culture Department after granting permission for another Rs 46 cr for constructing roads, drainage, basic facilities, and for parking, He further claimed that in the name of bulk water supply, another Rs 1 cr of the Greater Visakha Municipal Corporation (GVMC) funds were spent while Rs 14 cr was the expenditure for 100 KV container sub-station, he said. Another Rs 21 cr was released through AP Greening and Beautification Corporation in August 2023 for landscaping works of which Rs 21 cr was spent. CM Naidu alleged that, for interior and furniture works Rs 33.48 cr was released, Chandrababu said, and asked the people to think twice whether anyone can spend so much for that purpose. Through Lepakshi 1357 articles were purchased of which 1312 are already decorated to the palace while Rs 11.24 cr was spent for sofas and curtains. He further claimed that, the expenditure on conference tables and executive desks is Rs 4.86 cr while a total of Rs 1.52 cr was spent on kitchen units. This apart, Rs 14 cr was allocated for interior decoration, and Rs 4.86 cr was sanctioned as consultation fee for one RV Associates for site designing and building design of which Rs 3.21 cr was paid to that company as consultation fee while bills worth Rs 1.37 cr are under process. The CM stated that an official committee formed in November 2023 has proposed to convert the tourism resort spreading to an extent of 1,46,784 square feet in Rishikonda as the chief minister's camp office-cum-residence in Visakhapatnam following which the General Administrative Department asked the Tourism wing to make necessary amendments, Chandrababu observed. Also, the GAD asked the Tourism wing to make some internal changes besides making necessary changes for transport and also provide needed furniture along with other facilities for residential purposes. Chandrababu Naidu said that the State Government will find ways to put the Rishikonda palace to use after seeking opinions from the people of the State. "I and my friend and Deputy Chief Minister, Pawan Kalyan, have tried to visit this place many a time. But we were not allowed to visit. But now we have the onus to tell the people what has really happened here,"Chandrababu said. "Only kings and emperors in the past built this kind of lavish structure. "I don't think even the President of India's palace has such a huge corridor as the Rishikonda Palace," he said. The Chief Minister opined that the government could have spent Rs 400 Crore on the completion of projects in northern Andhra Pradesh. "They could have filled the potholes and repaired roads with that money," Chandrababu Naidu said. (ANI) Ramzan Kadyrov, the Chechen head of state, has awarded his eldest daughter a medal for "strengthening relations" between the Chechen Republic and the so-called Donetsk People's Republic (DPR), the Russian-occupied part of Ukraines Donetsk Oblast. [The Chechen Republic, also known as Chechnya, is a federal subject of the Russian Federation; the Ukrainian parliament has recognised it as the temporarily Russian-occupied territory of the Chechen Republic of Ichkeria ed.] Source: Latvia-based Russian media outlet Meduza citing the Grozny TV channel, Chechen State Television and Radio Company Details: The TV channel reported that Kadyrov's eldest daughter was awarded for "merits related to strengthening cultural and friendly relations" between the Chechen Republic and the occupied DPR, as well as for "supporting the spirit" of the Russian forces. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ayshat Kadyrova, 26, clarified on social media that she had received the medal In Memory of Akhmat-Khadzhi Kadyrov. For reference: Since 2021, Ayshat Kadyrova has headed the Ministry of Culture of the Chechen Republic, having been awarded the title of Honoured Worker of Culture of the region. She was appointed Deputy Prime Minister of the Chechen Republic for Social Affairs in October 2023. In the same month, she was awarded the title of People's Artist of the Chechen Republic. Ayshat Kadyrova now has at least seven awards. Support UP or become our patron! People drop off their ballots at the Los Angeles County Registrar on Oct. 28, 2024, in Norwalk, California, two days after early voting in Los Angeles County began. Credit - Frederic J. BrownGetty Images Ahead of the U.S. presidential election on Nov. 5, which will see Republican candidate Donald Trump face Democrat nominee Kamala Harris in the polls, millions of Americans have opted to cast their ballot early. At the time of publication, 76 million people have cast early votes. All but three U.S. states and the District of Columbia offer early voting options, with both the Republican and Democrat Parties actively encouraging early voting among their supporters. A record number of votes have been cast in certain battleground states. According to Rachael Cobb, associate professor of political science and legal studies at Suffolk University in Boston, Mass., early voting has significant benefits for both campaigns and voters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With in-person early voting, she emphasizes that voters can go and receive whatever support necessary from poll workers. [Voters] can see that everything is handled with their own eyes, Cobb says. She also emphasizes how convenient early voting is, often allowing people to vote at centers close to their work or home, without too much impact to their busy schedules. Despite the heightened engagement in the electoral system, election officials in multiple different states have reported damaged and vandalized ballot boxes. Read More: Heres How Many Americans Have Voted Early in the Presidential ElectionSo Far Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Amid the tight race between Harris and Trump, voters may want to check and see if their 2024 presidential election ballot has been processed. If the vote was cast using a mail-in or absentee ballot, multiple states have online databases through which citizens can input their personal informationsuch as their name, date of birth, and zip codeand see whether their ballot has been counted. However, some states highlight that a voters mail-in ballot could take some time to show up on the respective databases. As for people who cast their ballot in-person, certain states also have options for voters to track their provisional ballot if they chose to go in-person for early voting. Some allow these voters to input personal information online to see whether their provisional ballot has been counted. If a voters state or county does not have this option, they can still use the national hotline: 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683) to check the status of their in-person provisional ballot. According to Charles Stewart, a political science professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge, Mass., if you cast an in-person vote, there's no need for voters to track the ballot, since they watch it enter the ballot box. Campaigns are more likely to be the ones attempting to verify in-person voting. In battleground states for President or anywhere else where theres a close election, its generally the parties and campaigns that do the work of notifying people about their presidential ballot and work to get them in to cure [any] problems, Stewart tells TIME. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You can click on the below states to check the status of your mail-in ballot: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. There are three states absent from the above list, as they do not offer online ballot tracking. Though Illinois does not have their own state website to check mail-in ballot status, certain counties, like Will County and Macoupin County, do. Check in with your specific county clerk website, and more information should be available there. Missouri also has no statewide mechanism online to help voters see the status of their mail-in ballot. But, depending on where voters live, tracking still occurs on the local level. Kansas City and St. Louis have both implemented their own online ballot tracking systems. Voters without online tracking systems can call their local election office, for information as to if their ballot has been received. In Wyoming, citizens are directed to contact their local county clerk, who can share with them if their ballot was received. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read More: Your Vote Is Safe Meanwhile, in California, the process depends on what county you are voting in. Some counties require voters to call their election office. The numbers for each office are listed on the state's website. Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Arizona are among the states that have their own separate databases for provisional ballots. Ohio and Florida, on the other hand, have their own state-specific hotlines (OHIO-VOTE (866-644-6868) and 833-868-3331 respectively) where voters can call and inquire about the status of their provisional ballot. Its important to note: The time it takes for different states to verify ballots varies, as do the methods used to obtain the information. Contact us at letters@time.com. GREENSBORO, N.C. (WGHP) A child was killed and two adults were injured in a crash on West Gate City Boulevard Friday night, the Greensboro Police Department says. According to a media release, around 10:20 p.m., GPD responded to a crash on West Gate City Boulevard near OBrien Street. A Hyundai Elantra was traveling east on West Gate City when it collided with an adult and child trying to cross the road. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A third person who saw the crash entered the road and attempted to warn other drivers but was hit by a Nissan Altima traveling east on West Gate City. The child was pronounced dead at the scene. The two adult pedestrians were taken to a local hospital with serious injuries. GPDs Crash Reconstruction Unit responded and is investigating. Anyone with information is asked to contact Greensboro/Guilford Crime Stoppers at (336) 373-1000. Citizens can also download the mobile P3tips app for Apple or Android phones to submit a mobile tip, or go to P3tips.com to submit a web tip. All tips to Crime Stoppers are anonymous. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. The Einstein Probe (EP) space telescope, sent into space in January by China, has identified a transient celestial object exhibiting flickering behavior akin to fireworks, suggesting a potential new type of astronomical phenomenon. The newly discovered transient object displays spectral and temporal features that don't match any known types, which could lead to important insights into the universe and extreme physical processes. These fleeting cosmic "fireworks" may provide crucial information about how celestial bodies form and evolve, making them significant for studying extreme cosmic phenomena, according to ScienceNet, a media outlet affiliated with the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Newly discovered transient event shows dramatic X-ray flare The transient event, designated EP240408a, was detected by the EP satellite on April 8. It recorded a powerful X-ray flare that brightened 300 times and lasted just 12 seconds before fading away. The X-ray emissions from this source vanished approximately 10 days later. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Yuan Weimin, principal investigator of the EP mission and researcher at the National Astronomical Observatories of CAS, this event is challenging for other X-ray and multi-wavelength telescopes to detect. "This finding suggests that our previous understanding of transient celestial phenomena may be just the tip of the iceberg," the Chinese scientist said. Launched in January, the EP satellite features advanced X-ray detection technology, including two instruments: a Wide-field X-ray Telescope (WXT) and a Follow-up X-ray Telescope. The WXT, inspired by lobster eyes, is designed for simultaneous wide-field observation and focused X-ray imaging. Since beginning its operations, the EP satellite has identified 60 confirmed transient events, along with many other potential candidates. These include stars, white dwarfs, neutron stars, black holes, supernovae, and gamma-ray bursts. Additionally, the satellite captured X-ray images of the moon in September. New gamma-ray burst discovery sheds light on black hole formation The satellite also detected a gamma-ray burst, designated EP240315a, located approximately 25.6 billion light-years away. This finding showcases the satellite's ability to identify gamma-ray bursts from the distant early universe, offering new insights into the physical processes of stellar collapse that lead to black hole formation and the creation of relativistic jets, according to Yuan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For Paul O'Brien, head of astrophysics at the University of Leicester's School of Physics and Astronomy, the EP satellite has proven the importance of wide-field monitoring of the X-ray sky. The survey and follow-up capabilities have allowed for the discovery of numerous new X-ray transients and the regular monitoring of known sources. EP's discoveries show that it is already having a major effect on science. OBrien noted. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=li1aG7mAaH0 The satellite is also named "Tianguan," honoring the ancient Chinese observation of supernova SN1054 in 1054 A.D. This event, recorded during the Song dynasty (960-1279), represents an early contribution to our understanding of the universe. The supernova was located in the "Tianguan" region of the ancient constellation system and was referred to as the "Tianguan guest star." Ancient Chinese astronomers used "guest star" to describe bright transient events visible to the naked eye. The supernova's remnants later became the Crab Nebula. A childs death is devastating to all parents. But for Chinese parents, losing an only child can add financial ruin to emotional devastation. Thats one conclusion of a research project on parental grief Ive conducted in China since 2016. From 1980 to 2015, the Chinese government limited couples to one child only. I have interviewed over 100 Chinese parents who started their families during this period and have since lost their only child whether to illness, accident, suicide or murder. Having passed reproductive age at the time of their childs death, these couples were unable to have another child. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2015, the Chinese government raised the birth limit to two, an effort to reverse declining birthrates and to rejuvenate an aging population. In May 2021, it announced that Chinese families could have up to three children. The new three-child policy received generally lukewarm responses in China. Many Chinese couples say they prefer not to have multiple children due to the rising cost of child rearing, how it would complicate womens professional aspirations and declining preference for a son. The childless parents I interviewed told me they felt forgotten as their government moves further away from the birth-planning policy that left them bereaved, alone and precarious in their old age in a country where children are the main safety net for the elderly. Having and losing an only child Chinas one-child policy was a massive social engineering project launched to slow down rapid population growth and aid economic development efforts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Until the early 1970s, most Chinese women had at least five children. By 1979, Chinas population had nearly reached 1 billion up from 542 million in 1949. The Chinese government claimed that the one-child limit prevented 400 million births in China, although this calculation has been disputed as an exaggeration. The birth limit was unpopular at first. Back then, we wanted to have more children, said a bereaved mother who was in her 60s when I interviewed her in 2017. My parents had an even harder time accepting that we were allowed to have only one child. To enforce the unpopular one-child policy, the Chinese authorities designed strict measures, including mandatory contraception and, if all else failed, forced abortion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those who violated the policy paid a financial penalty, and children from unauthorized births often could not be registered for citizenship status and benefits. Parents who worked for the government and under Chinas economic system, many urban workers did risked losing their job if they had more than one child. Several bereaved mothers told me that they had gotten pregnant with a second or third child in the 1980s or 1990s but had an abortion for fear of job loss. The one-child policy, while painful, contributed to an age structure that benefited the economy: The large working-age population born before and after it grew rapidly compared to the countrys younger and older dependent population. This demographic dividend accounted for 15% of Chinas economic growth between 1982 and 2000, according to a 2007 United Nations working paper. An uncertain old age Yet Chinas one-child policy also created a risk for couples: the possibility of becoming childless in old age. The original caption of this 1994 photo accompanying an article on Chinas one-child policy was: A baby is fed by its mother. The child is probably never to have a sister or brother. Peter Charlesworth/LightRocket via Getty Images Families with an only child are walking on a tightrope. Every family can fall off the tightrope at any moment if they lose their only child, one bereaved mother explained to me. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are the unlucky ones, she said. In China, where the pension and health care systems are patchy and highly stratified, adult children are the main safety net for many aging parents. Their financial support is often necessary after retirement. It is estimated that 1 million Chinese families had lost their only child by 2010. These childless, bereaved parents, now in their 50s and 60s, face an uncertain future. Due to the countrys longstanding tradition of filial piety, children also have a moral obligation to support their aging parents. Parental care is actually the legal responsibility of children in China; it is written into the Chinese Constitution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This safety net does not exist for parents who lost the only child the government would let them have. Help, but not enough Over the past decade, groups of bereaved parents have negotiated with the Chinese authorities to demand financial support and access to affordable elder care facilities. Those I interviewed said they had fulfilled their obligation as citizens by abiding by the one-child rule and felt the government now had the responsibility to take care of them in their old age. A bereaved parent of the one-child era shows a picture of her late son. William Wan/The Washington Post via Getty Images Eventually, the authorities responded to their grievances. Starting in 2013, the government has initiated multiple programs for bereaved parents, most notably a monthly allowance, hospital care insurance and in some regions subsidized nursing home care. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, bereaved parents told me that these programs were insufficient to meet their elder care needs. For example, adult children often take care of their parents during hospitalization, bathing them and buying meals. Private care aides can charge up to US$46 a day, or 300 yuan, to do these tasks. In regions that now provide government-paid hospital care insurance for childless parents, most plans cover between $15.50 to $31 about 100 to 200 yuan daily for a care aide, based on my research. Other people I interviewed worried about the high cost and limited availability of quality nursing homes in many regions. Chinas elder care facilities cannot meet the demand of its aging population, and living in these facilities is not covered by insurance. Chinas controversial one-child policy is history, but its legacy may depend on how the Chinese authorities treat the grieving parents left in its wake. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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: Lihong Shi, Case Western Reserve University Read more: Lihong Shi receives funding from the Wenner-Gren Foundation for Anthropological Research. BEIJING (Reuters) - China's Premier Li Qiang will deliver remarks at the opening ceremony of this week's China International Import Expo, the Chinese commerce ministry said on Sunday, as Beijing seeks to show the faltering economy is open for business. Leaders from Malaysia, Uzbekistan, Slovakia, Kazakhstan, Mongolia and Serbia are among those expected for the opening ceremony and other events at the seventh import expo, which runs from Tuesday to Saturday in Shanghai, the foreign ministry said. Launched by President Xi Jinping in 2018, the expo this year is an opportunity to showcase China's opening up and reform agenda, as the world's second-largest economy faces growing global trade barriers and domestic challenges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As China tries to transform its economy, it is grappling with the United States and Europe over key industries including semiconductors and electric vehicles. The European Union plans to send representatives to the country soon for more negotiations regarding price commitments in their ongoing EV tariff dispute. (Reporting by Ethan Wang and Bernard Orr; Editing by Christian Schmollinger and William Mallard) "They figured that this would shut me down," says Priscilla Villarreal. "But what they did was create a monster." Villarreal is a journalist in the Texas border town of Laredo. She is at the center of a legal battle with significant First Amendment implications. Villarreal doesn't work for a newspaper or magazine, nor does she have a perch at a TV station. Rather, she livestreams her reporting online, infused with her signature profanity-laced commentary. Known in Laredo as "Lagordiloca" (which translates to "the fat, crazy lady"), she's a celebrity there, famous for her irreverent, muckraking approach, which often sees her broadcasting directly from crime scenes and traffic accidents. In 2024, she announced a write-in campaign for Laredo City Council. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Not everyone finds her endearing. In 2017, law enforcementwho had often been the target of Villarreal's critical reportingarrested her after she broke two relatively benign stories: one concerning a Border Patrol agent who had committed suicide, the other relating to a family involved in a fatal traffic accident. "They were just looking for something to arrest me," Villarreal says. "Because I was exposing the corruption, I was exposing them being cruel to detainees.They were doing things they weren't supposed to." Villarreal had confirmed her information with a confidential source within the Laredo Police Department. That same agency then arrested her for doing so, leveraging an obscure Texas law that criminalizes the soliciting of nonpublic details if the person requesting stands to "benefit" from it. "In Laredo nobody had ever been arrested for that," says Joey Tellez, Villarreal's criminal defense lawyer. She was both the first and the last. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The statute appears to have been written to fend off government corruption, such as bribery. But law enforcement contorted the law to pursue a case against Villarreal for doing what journalists do every day: request information not yet published (a.k.a. a scoop) and benefit from it, usually in the form of a salary. Villarreal doesn't collect a salary. So her "benefit," the government alleged, was popularity on Facebook. The case was eventually dismissed. But when Villarreal sued, arguing that law enforcement should know better than to arrest a journalist for her reporting, she found the federal judges evaluating the claim to be sharply divided. Her lawsuit has kicked off a national debatenot only about her arrest and whether or not it violated the First Amendment, but also over the nature of "citizen journalism," and if reporters who adhere to a nontraditional approach are entitled to a less robust set of rights. "Villarreal and others portray her as a martyr for the sake of journalism. That is inappropriate," wrote Judge Edith Jones of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit, which ruled 97 against Villarreal. "Mainstream, legitimate media outlets routinely withhold the identity of accident victims or those who committed suicide until public officials or family members release that information publicly." The officials she sued received qualified immunity, which prohibits victims of government abuse from pursuing federal civil rights suits if the misconduct alleged has not yet been "clearly established" as unconstitutional. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Though her approach may be polarizing, Villarreal has attracted support from an ideologically diverse set of groups, including the Christian conservative law firm Alliance Defending Freedom, the libertarian Cato Institute, and the left-leaning Constitutional Accountability Center. The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press called the 5th Circuit's decision "a disastrous ruling for journalists' rights," and along with 21 media organizations, including The New York Times and The Washington Post, filed an amicus brief urging the Supreme Court to hear the case. Several current and former journalists, including Reason's Jacob Sullum, also submitted a brief in support of Villarreal. In October, the Supreme Court threw out that decision and ordered the 5th Circuit to reconsider. "I bristle at the idea that judges can throw out distinctions that have any significant legal meaning between citizen journalists and journalists who work for bigger companies," says Greg Lukianoff of the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, which is representing Villarreal in her appeal. We should all agree, he says, "that essentially just because an individual judge doesn't consider you a 'legitimate journalist'you still have the same free speech and First Amendment rights as a New York Times journalist." The post Citizen Journalism Is Under Attack. This Texas Woman Is Fighting to Save It. appeared first on Reason.com. The Clayton County Police Department have arrested one of their own after she violated her oath as a police officer. CCPD say they became aware that Officer Amari McCrary violated the Georgia Crime Information Center regarding obtaining and releasing information, i.e., Computer Invasion of Privacy. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Officials say she violated her oath by a public officer when she communicated and provided information to a felon about warrants and details regarding an ongoing murder investigation. TRENDING STORIES: McCrary was arrested on Thursday. As of the Saturday, she no longer shows as being housed inside of the Clayton County Jail. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Union Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita on Saturday hit out at Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi for his remark against BJP, saying who is the Prime Minister of India, Rahul Gandhi-Robert Vadra or mass leader Narendra Modi? Earlier, Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi said that, BJP's downfall started from Jorhat in last Lok Sabha polls and now the people of Behali assembly constituency in Assam's Biswanath district will put the seal of this downfall. Speaking to reporters Pabitra Margherita said, "Gaurav Gogoi talks about putting seal in BJP's downfall, but I want to ask him which is bigger 11 or 3. Because NDA won 11 seats and Congress won 3 in Assam in the last Lok Sabha polls. Who is the Prime Minister of India, Rahul Gandhi - Robert Vadra or Narendra Modi? In the last Lok Sabha polls, BJP and its ally parties lead in 94 seats out of 126 assembly seats in the state and there is needed 64 seats to form a government in Assam and Congress leads in 29 or 30 seats." "Ask him which is bigger 94 or 29. I wish him well. He has taken this opportunity to visit the rural areas of Assam and take stock of the environment. He spent many times in abroad," Pabitra Margherita added. The bye-elections for the Behali assembly constituency and four other seats in the state will be held on November 13. Portraying an air of confidence, the Union Minister said that BJP and its ally candidates will win all five assembly seats in Assam where the bye-elections will be held on November 13. The Union Minister on Saturday took part in two election campaign meeting in Behali in favour of the BJP candidate. Assam Water Resources Minister Pijush Hazarika was also present in the election campaigning meetings. (ANI) CLEVELAND (WJW) Two families gathered at midfield before the Cleveland Browns game on Sunday as the team honored local police officers killed in the line of duty. The team honored Euclid officer Jacob Derbin and Cleveland officer Jamieson Ritter. The team presented a plaque to each family with a Browns jersey including the badge number of each officer: #14 for Officer Derbin and #1176 for Officer Ritter. Officer Derbin, 23, died in May when he was ambushed on a call for domestic trouble. Police said his killer died that same weekend during a standoff. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I-Team: Untold stories of Officer Jacob Derbin, killed in line of duty Euclid Police Officer Jacob Derbin Officer Ritter, 27, died July 4th when he was shot and killed by a suspect wanted for shooting his grandmother. The suspect in that case has been ruled incompetent for trial, and he has been sent to a psych clinic for mental health treatment. This week, the FOX 8 I-TEAM revealed he had slipped through the cracks of the courts months ago when he was ruled incompetent for trial in an unrelated case. I-Team: Untold story behind murder of Cleveland Officer Jamieson Ritter Jamieson Ritter (Cleveland Division of Police) Both families have told the I-Team theyre committed to keeping the memories of the officers alive. And, theyve called for change. Demanding tougher penalties for criminals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The two officers both had military service in their backgrounds. And, the Browns honored them before their annual Salute to Service game recognizing military veterans and their families. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Ever since network television started covering presidential election nights in 1948, there have been only two occasions when viewers had to wait more than a day to learn the outcome. The first was in 2000, when the country was on hold for five weeks before the U.S. Supreme Court put an end to the vote recounts in Florida and gave George W. Bush the White House over Al Gore. Twenty years later, viewers sweated it out for four days before the networks put 270 electoral votes in President Biden's column on Nov. 7, 2020. Pandemic restrictions led to officials counting an unprecedented number of mail-in ballots, slowing the process. Former President Trump's legal challenges to the results and his attempts to block the certification of the vote became a saga that culminated in the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection. CNN anchor Wolf Blitzer calls the election for Joe Biden. (CNN) The bumpy ride of 2020 has TV news operations preparing for more uncharted territory when ballot counting begins Tuesday night in the tight race between Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris. The 2024 election could be decided by narrow margins in as many as seven states, and Trump already is making accusations of voter fraud, as he did four years ago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "If the polls are accurate, we're in for a real doozy," said Chris Stirewalt, political editor for cable network NewsNation and a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, a Washington think tank. Executives across the network news divisions say they will deploy a greater number of correspondents throughout the swing states, some assigned specifically to deal with election security and protests. Attorneys with experience in election issues have become a very hot commodity in TV newsrooms. "We really bolstered up our state election law expertise," said Catherine Kim, executive vice president for editorial at NBC News. "They're going to be working around the clock." NBC News and MSNBC will have a "reading room" at its Rockefeller Center headquarters where its team of legal correspondents and analysts will be ready to break down court cases if they come in. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CNN has hired Benjamin Ginsberg, the election lawyer who represented the Bush campaign in 2000. Fox News has added Thomas Dupree, an assistant district attorney during the Obama administration on the Fox broadcast network and will have its regular team of legal experts on its cable channel. CBS News will have a "Democracy Desk" to analyze voting-related matters and its CBS News Confirmed unit to fact-check reports. ABC has a "Ballot Watch" unit that will monitor election integrity. Networks once prided themselves on being the first to declare the election results. Not anymore. Read more: How to survive election week 2024: Lessons from last time Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Calling the election is treacherous territory," said Rick Klein, vice president and Washington bureau chief for ABC News. "I think very few viewers know or care who projects a state first, but every viewer should care that they are projected right." Being first and right can even have its drawbacks in the current hyper-partisan environment. In 2020, Fox News, which teams with the Associated Press and research organization NORC at the University of Chicago to analyze the results, correctly called Arizona for Biden at 11:20 (Eastern) on election night with roughly 80% of the vote counted. The decision, which shifted the unfolding narrative of the race, angered the Trump campaign and caused consternation internally at the network. The conservative-leaning channel even saw an exodus of angry viewers in the months that followed. Fox News never wavered in its decision to award Arizona's 11 electoral votes to Biden days before its competitors. But this time around, viewers should be prepared to wait. Fox News anchors Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum call the presidential election for Biden. "There may not be projections at all on election night," Klein said. "I think we just need to be honest about the extent of the uncertainty out there even as polls close and the results start to roll in." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We've come to expect the unexpected along the way, and that will be our approach on election night," said Doug Rohrbeck, senior vice president, Washington news and politics, for Fox News. While the process in 2020 was influenced by the tens of millions of people who had voted early, a group that leaned Democratic, no one is sure what the impact will be this time around. "Republicans, smarting from their loss in 2020, have embraced early and absentee voting," Stirewalt said. "And former President Trump no longer talks about the problem of mail-in ballots, or certainly not as much. So I think we had better proceed into election night with a lot of humility and a real openness to the possibility that assumptions we've had in the past might be wrong." Arnon Mishkin, director of the Fox News decision desk, explains his call of Arizona for Biden. As charges of irregularities in the voting are likely to pop up, news organizations are expected to be transparent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In previous elections, the political scientists, analysts and statisticians who make up the teams that call the races appeared on camera only when absolutely necessary. This time CBS News plans to give viewers a closer look at the process of calling states. NewsNation is partnering with Decision Desk HQ to handle its vote counting and will have a camera fixed on the room where the counting happens. There will be more correspondents and producers deployed in key counties inside the swing states showing the official process. "I think we're going to see more live counting of ballots than ever before," said Mary Hager, executive editor for politics at CBS News. There is also another possible scenario for election night 2024: The prognostications could be off, as they have been in the last three presidential election cycles, with the possibility of a winner declared after the polls close on the West Coast. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It happened in 2012 when President Obama was running neck and neck with his Republican opponent, Mitt Romney, in the final weeks of the campaign. Obama ended up winning the popular vote by four points and swamped Romney in the electoral vote count 332 to 206. "It could be an electoral landslide in either direction," Klein said. "No one should be surprised by either outcome." Stirewalt believes viewers will get some guidance from the results in North Carolina and Georgia, where polls close before 8 p.m. (Eastern) and which have a reputation for counting votes quickly. "We will get an immediate core sample of what the electorate looks like, and we'll start to figure out between 7:30 [and] 9:30 which way the polls were wrong, or maybe they were right and it's just a very close race," Stirewalt said. "If the polls are wrong, they tend to be in the same direction everywhere." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stirewalt's hope is that whatever the outcome, it doesn't replicate the drawn-out battle of 2000 between Bush and Gore, which happened during a comparatively more civil time in the nation's politics. "I do not think we have the institutional strength and confidence in our leaders to go through an ordeal like that," he said. Sign up for our Wide Shot newsletter to get the latest entertainment business news, analysis and insights. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. The co-leader of Germany's hard-left Die Linke (The Left) has spoken out against closer ties between NATO and Ukraine and the supply of more arms to Kiev's armed forces. During a recent trip to Ukraine, Jan van Aken told dpa he thought it would be "a mistake to say that the only way we can be sure of security is to be in NATO." He also said that "we should first try all the other options between simply supplying weapons and doing nothing." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As one option, he mentioned imposing tougher sanctions against the Kremlin, highlighting the oil tankers used by Russia for oil exports. He said he found it "incomprehensible" that the German coast guard "turns a blind eye when several million US dollars' worth of oil passes by every day." Putting oil tankers "on a leash" would cause "enormous pressure," he said. The pressure on Russia could also be increased by China, which describes itself as neutral in the war. "China made another offer to the West in March - along with Brazil," he said. Germany and Europe should respond to this and enable the start of peace negotiations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In his view, it is important for an end to the war not just to sign a peace treaty, but for Ukraine to also receive material security guarantees, which could come from Europe. "But a material security guarantee could also be a ceasefire line with Chinese and US soldiers walking around as blue helmets," he said as an example. It was the first visit by the left-wing politician to Ukraine since the Russian invasion in February 2022. U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS (WFLA) Two Americans were airlifted to safety by the Coast Guard following a zip-line collision in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. Jason Bomar, 58, and Jeanne Glidewell, 32, were medevaced from the Carambola zip-line platform after sustaining multiple injuries. 17-year-old dead, another hospitalized following overnight shooting in Sarasota The U.S. Coast Guard said the two were involved in a high-speed collision on Friday, but didnt specify what type of injuries were sustained. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This case highlights the importance of teamwork, Lt. David Tirado Tolosa, Coast Guard MH-60T Jayhawk aircraft commander said. It was a complex location to hoist two injured persons, but our crew and the local rescue personnel did an amazing job stabilizing them which allowed us to conduct the hoists safely. The pair were taken to receive the required medical treatment. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. In 1948, beset by labor issues and changing technology, the Chicago Daily Tribune was forced to print its first presidential election night issue with only a small percentage of ballots counted. Relying on polls and the prognosticating reputation of their Washington correspondent, editors announced the victory of Republican New York Gov. Thomas Dewey over the incumbent president, Democrat Harry S. Truman. After Trumans landslide victory, he was photographed holding up the mistaken front page in what would become an iconic reminder of the frailty of polls and the perils of calling an election before a majority of the ballots had been counted. No one in their right mind could have foreseen a United States president replicating the most famous journalistic error in this countrys history as a political tactic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yet four years ago this week, that is precisely what Donald Trump did. Early on election day 2020, then-President Trump led former Vice President Joe Biden in several key states. As more ballots, many of them mailed in or dropped off due to COVID-19 concerns, were counted, those leads began to vanish. By midnight, there was no clear winner: Georgia, Michigan, Wisconsin, North Carolina, Nevada and Pennsylvania remained too close to call. (Fox had called Arizona for Biden earlier but not every outlet agreed.) Based on voting trends, and the demographics of areas where ballots remained uncounted, networks and pundits began cautiously predicting a Biden win after midnight, Biden gave a speech in which he expressed confidence that he would prevail but neither candidate had enough electoral votes to declare victory. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And yet, at 2:21 a.m. on Nov. 4, that is precisely what Donald Trump did. Read more: How to survive election week 2024: Lessons from last time Dismissing the protests of all his top aides, with the exception of a reportedly drunk Rudy Giuliani, Trump called the press to the East Wing of the White House, where he stood in front of a bank of American flags and attempted to steal the election. In a matter of minutes, he claimed he had won the election (he hadnt), that he had won Georgia, Pennsylvania and Michigan (he hadnt, and didnt), that Democrats had perpetrated fraud (they didnt), that voting needed to stop (it had, hours before) and that we dont want them to find any ballots at 4 oclock in the morning and add them to the list (in some states, ballot counting would, by necessity, go on for several days). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The country, and the world, had never seen anything like it. Historically, various news outlets call election results after the majority of the ballots have been counted and the winner typically waits for his or her opponent to concede before delivering victory remarks. Twenty years ago, that pattern of protocol was interrupted by then-Vice President Al Gore after his race against Texas Gov. George W. Bush came down to an election-night seesaw in Florida. First called for Gore, it later was called for Bush. Gore first conceded, then, as continued counting narrowed Bushs apparent victory, withdrew his concession. For a month, we watched the hanging chad convulsions of the Florida recount and related court cases until a highly controversial 5-4 Supreme Court decision allowed Bush to win Florida and the presidency. Which Bush had not claimed until it was official. Yes, he had been, not surprisingly, a bit testy when Gore called to withdraw his concession, and many questioned, and continue to question, the legitimacy of the final outcome. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But neither man claimed to have won the presidency while ballots were still being counted or recounted. Yet here was Trump, mere hours after polls closed in the middle of a global plague, implying that his brief, early lead in certain states equaled victory; that Bidens growing gains constituted fraud; and that any ballot that had not been counted before 2:21 a.m. had been "found" and was somehow suspect. It was lunacy, attempted larceny, an attack on democracy. And it was only the beginning. Trump apparently believed that he could win simply by saying he had won. And that if he hadnt won, it was because his opponent cheated. A case of massive oppositional mendacity that borders on the hilarious except that many people believed and continue to believe him, all evidence to the contrary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Which is astonishing, infuriating, horrifying and queasily understandable. During the 2020 campaign, as polls began to lean in Bidens favor, Trump had gone to great lengths to undermine his supporters trust in the increased use of mail-in and dropbox ballots. Trump voters, who already mistrusted any media outlet that wasnt Fox (and then Fox too, after it called Arizona for Biden), expected Trump to defy predictions as he did in 2016. (Heading into that election day, most polls had Hillary Clinton leading; she won the popular vote, but Trump took the Electoral College.) Read more: Commentary: I won't be watching the 'chartthrobs' this election. Neither should you Still, on Nov. 4, 2020, the fact that he was president of the United States made it very difficult, even for those who did not vote for or admire him, to take in what we were seeing and hearing: That Trump was attempting to call the election, by himself and for himself, before millions of ballots had been counted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was the kind of transparent lie associated with authoritarian nations, not the worlds largest democracy. While news outlets rushed to provide "fact-checking," which boiled down to "None of this is true," the country, already exhausted and traumatized by a pandemic, tried to contextualize the enormity of Trumps actions. Many Trump supporters heard a president vowing to fight a conspiracy he had been describing to them for years. The rest of us experienced an emotional tsunami that went from dumbfounded disbelief surely this was one last bit of rhetorical self-aggrandizement that would lead to concession if he lost to hideous apocalyptic foreboding this is how democracy ends, not with a bang but with a 2 a.m. press conference. Even in our shock, we knew there had been signs. While campaigning against Clinton, Trump had positioned his victory as a litmus test for democracy. If he won, justice had prevailed. If he didnt, the system was corrupt and the Democrats were cheats. This is, of course, the logic of authoritarianism, and Trump continued to espouse it throughout his presidency and the 2020 campaign. So when, in the early hours of Nov. 4, even many members of his own campaign began agreeing that Biden seemed the likely winner, Trump took that twisted logic to its unnatural conclusion. In his mind, he should have won, therefore he did win. And anyone who said otherwise was a cheater. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many hoped that nights statement was the last gasp of Trumpian lies and hyperbole. As results proved Biden to be the winner, there were a few moments when it was hoped that Trump would remember his oath to uphold the Constitution and, after legally contesting the results in certain states, accept the courts conclusions and concede that he lost. We all know how that turned out. After the armed mob he sent to the Capital on Jan. 6, 2021, failed to keep Congress from certifying the election results, Trump finally conceded that Biden would become our 46th president, though not that he, Trump, had lost the election. Instead, for almost four years, Trump has incessantly repeated the lie he first told in that infamous press conference that the only votes that matter, the only votes that should count, are the ones cast for him. Get notified when the biggest stories in Hollywood, culture and entertainment go live. Sign up for L.A. Times entertainment alerts. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Comcast recently unveiled a new computer and STEM lab at the Fairview Boys & Girls Club as a group of eager neighborhood children looked on. First opened in 2017 in the basement of Berean Free Will Baptist Church, the Fairview Boys & Girls Club provides area kids with academic support, mentorship and a safe space to play, among other things. The organization was home to several computers, where the kids could do homework, research and occasionally play games. Now, it has a new, state of the art space where kids can do so much more. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This Fairview Boys & Girls Club Lift Zone enables Comcast to provide free high-speed internet access and digital skills training to ensure that every member of our community can succeed in an increasingly digital world, Comcast Director of Community Impact Amy Wright explained. Rural areas of the United States, and Tennessee, more specifically, can have a harder time getting internet access. The University of Tennessee calls it the digital divide, and further clarified that, only 53.4 percent of residents in Tennessee adopted broadband in 2019. In Tennessee alone, Comcast has invested millions of dollars to support initiatives like the Lift Zones, which provide safe spaces for students to connect to the internet, complete their schoolwork and access educational resources, Wright said. The Fairview Lift Zone is designed to support the rural and underserved community. It also helps students who, for a variety of reasons, including homelessness or housing insecurity, need somewhere to go during the day to engage in distance learning activities, officials explained. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Plans call for the facility to regularly offer computer training and Internet access for about 60 students, assisting with homework and learning. It now has about 60 machines in house. Boys & Girls Club participants also received a special surprise. Each child learned they were getting their own computer to take home. Upon hearing the news during the unveiling, screams filled the air with children asking simultaneously, Is this real; Can I do anything on it? Many said they were excited they didn't have to share a computer at home anymore. "Now I dont have to wait for everyone else to do my homework, one participant said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Seeing the excited, beaming faces made it all worthwhile for Wright, she said. We are creating a future where every child has the chance to succeed, no matter their background or circumstances, she said. Let's continue to work together to make a positive impact and create lasting change in our community. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Fairview Boys & Girls Club gifted new computers, STEM lab by Comcast As the 2024 election grinds to a hair-raising conclusion, its not just democracy thats on the Nov. 5 ballot. Voting itself is under attack, in big ways and small, from Donald Trump and his Republican allies. Trump is already spreading unsubstantiated claims of election fraud and cheating in Pennsylvania, with he and his supporters laying the same groundwork of lies, threats and misinformation as he did four years ago in preparation to contest the results if Vice President Kamala Harris wins. Their attacks on the machinery of democracy put poll workers and election officials in danger. And the GOP's efforts to challenge the eligibility of voters, purge voter rolls, restrict the counting of ballots and change the certification process threaten to disenfranchise citizens and cast doubt on the election. But this is no reason to despair. Its time to act, using the best defense we have against the threat of a vindictive authoritarian, consummate racist and malignant narcissist who puts himself before Americans and our democracy. Its time to get out and vote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: L.A. Times electoral endorsements for 2024 November election As late civil rights leader and U.S. Rep. John Lewis said: The vote is precious. It is almost sacred. It is the most powerful nonviolent tool we have in a democracy. But its meaningless unless you exercise it. It shouldnt have to be said, but if Trump and the Republican Party think their path to victory depends on spreading misinformation about election fraud, attacking poll workers and suppressing votes, that does not bode well for democracy. By working to restrict the electorate rather than expand it, that only demonstrates that they dont think they can win on the merits of their unpopular agenda . Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Commentary: Trump is using his racism to regain power. Silence will let him ride bigotry to another term Expanding voting rights was a nearly two-century struggle, but those rights have been under assault from Republican leaders. So it's painful and tiring the extent to which every election has become a referendum on democracy. That reality is clearer than ever. Trump is running an explicitly authoritarian and antidemocratic campaign, saying he would be a dictator on Day One. He said at a Christian summit this year that if he is elected, you wont have to vote anymore. His fomenting of the Jan. 6 insurrection and his attempts to overturn the will of the voters and his unabated lies about his 2020 loss to Joe Biden may only be previews of what is in store in the coming days. Trump's running mate, Ohio Sen. JD Vance, has said he wouldnt have voted to certify Bidens 2020 election win and said last month that Trump didnt lose. And in a recent social media post, Vance praised a Trump supporter who had verbally attacked a poll worker, saying, What a patriot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Commentary: A second Trump administration could make abortion restrictions even worse Its not just your vote on the presidential ticket that's important. Remember that four years ago there were 147 members of Congress, all of them Republicans, who tried overturn the will of the people by voting against the certification of Biden's victory. Many of them, from Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Rick Scott (R-Fla.) to Reps. Ken Calvert (R-Corona) and Mike Garcia (R-Santa Clarita), are running for reelection, while their party lays the groundwork to undermine this years election if they dont like the results. Most California Republicans running for Congress wont commit to certifying the 2024 presidential election results . Thats shameful and disqualifying. If they dont respect our votes, they dont deserve our votes. If you are disillusioned, on the fence, thinking of sitting this one out, otherwise disengaged or uninspired to use your vote to reject Trump and his attacks on Americas values, remember that you will be given no second chance. There will be no do-over in returning an aggrieved and emboldened demagogue to power, and no opportunity to reverse the ensuing harm to women, LGBTQ+ Americans, immigrants and people of color, including friends, family members and neighbors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So just vote. Vote, vote, vote. None of this matters if you dont vote. If its in the news right now, the L.A. Times Opinion section covers it. Sign up for our weekly opinion newsletter. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) Portland City Commissioner Dan Ryan is the only Portland commissioner not running for mayor. Hes running for City Council again in what is now District 2, representing North and Northeast Portland. If hes reelected, hell be the only current city commissioner to be a city councilor under Portlands new form of government. Portland City commissioners file to end joint homelessness efforts with Multnomah County Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ryan is also one of the architects of the citys Safe Rest Villages, now called Temporary Alternative Shelter sites (TASS). On this weeks Eye on Northwest Politics, Commissioner Ryan discussed current business on the council and what we may be able to expect after the election. Regarding why he chose not to run for mayor, Ryan said one reason revolves around his personal attachment to District 2, having grown up in the area. The other is to serve as a helpful guide to those entering the new, expanded city council, should he be elected. Ive been on the council since 2020, definitely seems like its been Portlands toughest time to serve, he said. And Ive learned a lot in those four years, so I wanted to bring some of that current institutional memory to help build the new city council. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last week, Mayor Wheeler proposed a 5% budget cut across the board, stating he didnt want to pass that budget burden to the next city council. Despite this, Ryan noted the key budget priorities of homelessness, public safety and economic development which are still preserved. But another one is livability. Portlands a city, a top 25 city, and its really because of livability, he said. Families have come here for generations to raise their children and go to our public schools. People love our parks. They notice that right away. Our access to arts, its a vibe. Bupe latest med in Portland effort to stem ODs He continued, So we have to take care of that asset and continue to invest in that as well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The city just opened its 10th homeless shelter site this one on North Portland road bringing the total number of shelter beds to 858. Ryan said that, though there has been apprehension about the building of these sites in certain neighborhoods, he believes were seeing some success. Were seeing close to 50% of those in the villages and task sites are in housing, as opposed to the 2-3% weve seen traditionally with the concrete shelters, he said. So thats whats important. Were bringing services where the people are. Ryan, as well as fellow city commissioners Mingus Mapps and Rene Gonzalez, have asked the city attorney to draft an ordinance that would withdraw the city from its Joint Office of Homeless Services contract with Multnomah County. Ryan stressed this stems from a need for clear roles and responsibilities when tackling the issue of homelessness, as well as improved measurements for success. The fact that theres some disagreements, thats also healthy. Thats called democracy, he said. Were going to stay at the table. Theres no such thing as going away from the table. Some of us just think we can build a better table. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Eye on Northwest Politics Despite there being upcoming changes to the role of city council, Ryan is excited for the opportunity to serve in a different way, should he be elected. Im going from a current job, where a commissioner has some executive oversight, to a legislator and one things common for both, but this will give me more time to do it, and that is to be a constituent public servant, he said. Ill have more time to be on the main streets of District 2, out in St. Johns, on Mississippi, over in the Alberta Arts District, in Alameda, up in the Beaumont area. My point is, I enjoy that. My job as a pubic servant is to really listen to what constituents are saying. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Watch the full interview in the video above. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. LEXINGTON, Ky. (FOX 56) Election Day is quickly approaching, and members of Advocacy Based on Lived Experience, ABLE, along with other community organizations, were out in Lexington today, canvassing and encouraging people to vote as part of its Get Out the Vote Blowout. Its very important to have a voice. Its very important for us to reclaim that personal dignity so that we can be the assets to our community that we know we are, said Marcus Jackson, Executive Director of ABLE. Record early voting numbers in Kentucky ahead of election Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That personal dignity of having a voice in elections has been lost for many people who completed their sentence after being convicted of a felony. Jackson said, We need to stop the punishment. The sentence was the punishment. Once that sentence is done, the punishment should end. Section 145 of the Kentucky Constitution prohibits convicted felons from voting. While members of ABLE are working to get that amended, theyre trying to make a positive change right now by making sure people who can vote, do. I think it comes from a very powerful place when theyre talking to people about utilizing their right to vote because they have it, said Jennifer Jackson, M.D., President of the League of Women Voters of Kentucky. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jennifer Schaeffer was out canvassing. She stressed the importance of knowing who youre voting for and why when you cast your ballot. Knowledge is power. They need to know that their vote does matter Why would your vote be less important than the next person? Its not. Your vote matters just as much as mine does, said Schaeffer. Rodriquez Ballenger knows what its like. He turned his life around and petitioned the city, getting his right to vote back. He stepped into the ballot box for the first time last year at age 60. I want to continue and be a productive member of society. At first, I was a menace to society. So, I want to be in society and stand up and be heard, said Ballenger. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He wasnt able to vote for so many years. He encouraged people to step up when it matters most. Read more of the latest Kentucky news Ballenger said, Together we stand, divided we fall. Your voice is not only heard but come join us and be a part of instead of apart from so we can get some things done. Polling locations will be open from 6AM to 6PM on Tuesday. You can go to your voting precinct, or in the event of long lines, you can vote at one of the six Lexington Public Library locations around the city. You can find the list of all polling locations here. For more information about ABLE, visit its website. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. ASHWAUBENON, Wis. (WFRV) The New Community Shelter held its annual Bowl-a-Thon event on Saturday, with numerous participants joining in to raise money for the shelter that has helped homeless people in Green Bay for the last 30 years. The 29th Annual Bowl-a-Thon, held at the Ashwaubenon Bowling Alley featured participants from the Green Bay Police Department and more. Neenah sisters visit spookiest city Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The event was backed by a few sponsors, the George Kress Foundation and Green Bay Packaging, both pledging to match up to $10,000 to help the New Community Shelter reach its goal of $120,000. This event has become our largest and most fun fundraising event, Terri Refsguard, Executive Director of the New Community Shelter said via a release. Green Bay family continues Belgian pie-making tradition The money raised will go back into the shelter as they look to continue providing meals and shelter to the homeless population in the area 365 days a year. For more information on the New Community Shelter, visit their website. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. In a landmark development for religious cooperation, Mizoram has witnessed the establishment of the Council of Churches in Mizoram (CCM), a pioneering initiative bringing together major Christian denominations in the state after 130 years of religious diversity. Launched on 27 October in Aizawl, the CCM represents a significant milestone for the Christian-majority state, where 87 percent of the population identifies as Christian. Nine key churches, including the Mizoram Presbyterian Church (MPC), Baptist Church of Mizoram (BCM), and Evangelical Church of Maraland, have united under this new apex body. The inaugural ceremony, held at the Presbyterian church in Mission Veng locality, was attended by prominent political figures, including Chief Minister Lalduhoma and legislators from various parties such as the Zoram People's Movement, MNF, Congress, and BJP. During the business session, over 500 delegates from different churches made pivotal decisions, adopting the council's constitution and approving the appointment of seven office bearers. They also passed an interim budget of 3.24 million rupees to support the organisation's initial operations. Rev Dr R Lalbiakliana, general secretary of the Baptist Church of Mizoram, was elected to serve as the council's president, with Rev Dr Lalhmangaiha from the Presbyterian Church appointed as general secretary. The temporary office will be located at the Synod Convention Centre in Aizawl. The council will bring the Church together in Mizoram, said Lalbiakliana while speaking to Christian Today India. We had been speaking about this and finally the decision to come together has been taken. The CCM aims to promote unity among Mizoram's diverse churches, contribute to societal reform, and support good governance. Lalbiakliana explained that the council is seeking to bridge divides by exploring common issues so that differences in Church traditions and doctrines do not become roadblocks. Issue based unity rather than doctrine-based unity is what the council is all about. In the council we will all accept each other. This is not a uniformity but unity in diversity. We have common areas on which we can work together, he said. This initiative traces its roots back to October, when religious leaders first discussed forming such a collective. The organisational structure is modelled after the North East India Christian Council and similar nationwide councils. When asked if the council will represent the Mizoram Church to the government, Lalbiakliana clarified that the same was not on the cards yet but did not rule out the possibility, should the need arise. The formation of the CCM is particularly significant given Mizoram's religious landscape. The Presbyterian Church alone has over 1,000 churches across eight districts, while the Baptist Church boasts approximately 200,000 members and about 680 Churches. Other important denominations in Mizoram include Catholics, Seventh Day Adventists, Pentecostal Churches, and the Salvation Army. The Catholic Church is not yet part of the CCM. With an open invitation extended to other churches, the CCM represents a promising step towards greater religious unity and collaborative social development in Mizoram. Originally published by Christian Today India Nationalist Congress Party (Ajit Pawar) candidate from Anushakti Nagar assembly seat and daughter of Nawab Malik, Sana Malik has attacked the Bharatiya Janata Party who is also is alliance partner of NCP for opposing Mankhurd Shivaji Nagar Assembly seat candidate Nawab Malik. Sana said that the BJP has always opposed Nawab Malik but the NCP have faith in the people that they will make him win. "The issues in Lok Sabha were different. But what kind of work has the MP done in the last 6 months? All these things are being discussed among the people today. In the assembly elections, people believe that if we are electing an MLA, then how much work will he do for us or how accessible he is to us, all these things are being discussed," Sana Malik told ANI on Saturday. She further exuded confidence in winning the Maharashtra Assembly elections and said that the people of the state is with the party. "We are contesting on the NCP symbol and we are with Dada (Ajit Pawar), the public is with us, we seek votes from people on the basis of our work and we are confident that people will choose us. BJP has always opposed Nawab Malik, we have faith in the people and we will win," she added. After Nawab Malik filed his nomination, a new challenge emerged in front of the Mahayuti alliance as the Mahayuti had already announced Shiv Sena's Suresh Krishna Patil as the 'official' candidate on the same seat. NCP-SCP has fielded actor Swara Bhaskar's husband Fahad Ahmad from the Anushakti Nagar seat against Sana Malik. On October 26, Nawab Malik, a two time MP from Anushakti Nagar announced that he will contest Mankhurd Shivaji Nagar Assembly constituency Notably, Bharatiya Janata Party officials said they will always oppose Malik, saying that he is accused of having relations with Dawood Ibrahim. The Shiv sena has also expressed opposition, claiming his links with underworld don and gangster Dawood Ibrahim. The BJP is in alliance with NCP (Ajit Pawar), and Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde), called the Mahayuti alliance.The other major alliance for the state's assembly election is the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), comprising of Congress, Sharad Pawar-led NCP, and Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena. The Maharashtra Assembly elections are scheduled for November 20, with counting for all 288 constituencies set for November 23. In the 2019 assembly elections, the BJP won 105 seats, the Shiv Sena 56, and the Congress 44. In 2014, the BJP secured 122 seats, the Shiv Sena 63, and the Congress 42. (ANI) A few months after Election Day 2020, a sheriffs deputy and a second man walked into the office of the Rutland Charter Township clerk in southwest Michigan. Clad in dress clothes, the man identified himself as a private investigator and said he was conducting a criminal investigation into election fraud. It was kind of a shock, recalled the clerk, Robin Hawthorne. We didnt have any discrepancies. We passed the canvass with flying colors, so it was like, What are they doing here? Hawthorne is a Republican in a solid-red township of 4,100 people. She had been Rutland Charters clerk since 2001 and had never encountered anything like this. Rutland Charter Township Clerk Robin Hawthornen her office in 2022. Hawthorne answered the private investigators questions, she said, as the deputy recorded the conversation on his phone. But when they asked to see her vote-counting machines, she was adamant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You can look at them, she recalled telling the men, but you cant touch anything. They got up to leave instead. But before doing so, Hawthorne said, they insisted that she not mention their visit to anybody to protect the investigation. I was like bull crap, she said. Youre not going to come in here, grill me like this and Im not going to find out whats going on. Barry County Sheriff Dar Leaf. She soon learned that the deputy and the private investigator had visited other township offices as part of an effort to find evidence of election fraud. And the man responsible for it was the top lawman in the area Barry County Sheriff Dar Leaf. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Leaf fashions himself as a constitutional sheriff. Sheriffs like him see themselves as holding supreme authority in their counties, exceeding that of state and federal law enforcement officials. They have become prominent figures in the election denial movement, and according to critics, among the most dangerous. Constitutional sheriffs believe they have the authority to seize voting machines, assemble armed posses to patrol near polling stations and refuse to enforce any law they view to be unconstitutional. This is vigilantism hiding behind a badge, said Matt Sanderson, an election lawyer in Washington. No official in this country has unchecked power, and its absurd to say that a local sheriff of all people would have some constitutional superpower to disregard courts and laws in pursuit of an extralegal agenda. Even though efforts to prove election fraud in 2020 fizzled out, constitutional sheriffs have only grown in stature in recent years. Frank Figliuzzi, a former FBI assistant director for counterintelligence, said he fears the possibility of one of these sheriffs interfering in the election process in a pivotal state like Michigan or Wisconsin. The worst case scenario is in a key swing state one of these knucklehead sheriffs tries, and somehow succeeds, in seizing ballots or stopping the voting process, Figliuzzi said. That allows Trump to claim victory and then their trained militia members come in and do who knows what. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Leaf did not respond to phone or email messages seeking comment. Trump world celebrities Its difficult to say how many constitutional sheriffs exist in the U.S. The most prominent group, the Constitutional Sheriffs and Peace Officers Association, was founded in 2011 by Richard Mack, a former Arizona sheriff and member of the Oath Keepers militia. He has claimed that 10% of the nations 3,000 sheriffs are members, along with 10,000 ordinary citizens. The group held a conference in Las Vegas last May, drawing a crowd of current and former sheriffs as well as election-denying Trump-world celebrities like MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell and former national security adviser Michael Flynn. Mack delivered a speech in which he called federal and state agencies the gestapo of America and said the sheriffs are going to have to stop it. Retired Army Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn at the Constitutional Sheriffs and Peace Officers Association conference in Las Vegas. The 2020 election has become a central focus. Multiple sheriffs aligned with Mack, including Chris Schmaling of Racine County, Wisconsin, and Calvin Hayden of Johnson County, Kansas, have trumpeted their ongoing election fraud investigations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ive got a cyber guy, Hayden said at a 2022 conference, according to the Associated Press. I sent him through to start evaluating whats going on with the machines. Richard Mack, a former sheriff in Arizona, at the CSPOA conference. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But perhaps no sheriffs in Mack's group have drawn as much attention as Dar Leaf in Michigan. Elected in 2003, Leaf first made national headlines a month before the 2020 election when he weighed in on the actions of 13 men charged with plotting to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. A lot of people are angry with the governor and they want her arrested, Leaf told Fox 17 News in Grand Rapids. So were they trying to arrest, or was it a kidnap attempt? Because you can still, in Michigan, if its a felony, you can make a felony arrest. The 2020 election was a seminal moment for Leaf. After Joe Biden was declared the winner, Trump claimed without evidence that the election had been rigged against him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Leaf and other members of the constitutional sheriffs movement, Trump attracted allies willing to take action. Leaf worked with Stefanie Lambert, a Detroit lawyer who was part of the Trump team led by Sidney Powell, a conspiracy theory-espousing attorney who filed several frivolous lawsuits alleging widespread voter fraud and rigged machines that flipped votes from Trump to Biden. Leaf took legal action on his own in early December 2020, seeking an emergency order to stop local clerks from deleting certain election records, as is standard procedure. The chief judge of the federal court in Grand Rapids denied the request in a scathing order. Leaf and his co-plaintiffs invite the court to make speculative leaps toward a hazy and nebulous inference that there has been numerous instances of election fraud and that defendants are destroying the evidence, the judge wrote. There is simply nothing of record to infer as much. During this period, Doug Van Essen, a lawyer in Grand Rapids, said he received a call from a sheriff in a nearby county with a pointed question: Would you get Dar off my back? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The sheriff said Leaf wanted him to talk to an Army colonel who allegedly had evidence of election fraud in one of the reddest counties in the state. Van Essen said he agreed to call the colonel, and then found himself listening to a man spouting nonsense. Biden garnered 40% more votes than Barack Obama did in the 2008 election, the colonel said, according to Van Essen. That was true, Van Essen said. But this was the fastest-growing county in Michigan, and Trump got 40% more votes than (John) McCain. It was the same percentage. Thats the kind of so-called evidence they had, added Van Essen, who considers himself a traditional Republican and Leaf an embarrassment. Good ol boys It was in early 2021 that Leafs deputy and the private investigator marched into Hawthornes office in Rutland Charter Township. Trump had soundly defeated Biden in Barry County, garnering 65% of the vote, but lost the state of Michigan by 154,000 votes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Leafs deputy and private investigator grilled several town clerks and managed to seize one voting machine, according to local reports and the Michigan Attorney Generals Office. He had also sought warrants to seize vote tabulators in Barry County and Woodlawn Township, according to documents obtained by Reuters. Leaf began touting his election fraud investigation at public events, drawing cheers and applause. He has claimed that Serbian foreign nationals remotely accessed voting machines in Michigan, and at other times that Venezuelans had programmed the machines to jam. For Hawthorne, its only brought headaches and dismay. Hes stirred up Barry County terrible, said Hawthorne. Its sad to see that people are not trusting me to do my job. Thats a sacred duty of mine and I take it seriously. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At an event in July 2021, Leaf said he launched the probe after a retired sergeant from his office came to him with some documentation from the MyPillow guy Lindell, an outspoken election denier and conspiracy theorist. Leaf added that the voter fraud investigation was the biggest task I got going on right now. Im hoping that other sheriffs will catch on, actually get a backbone and do their own investigations, he said. Leafs has stretched on for four years but has yet to produce clear evidence of fraud or misconduct. In a twist, the sheriff and his associates found themselves under investigation by the state attorney general for their role in a plot to access voting machines across Michigan. In August 2023, three people were charged in the scheme including Lambert, the Trump team lawyer Leaf worked with but not Leaf himself. The special prosecutor who brought the case, D.J. Hilson, said in a statement at the time that the decision not to charge Leaf and others was based on an evaluation of the law and careful consideration of the totality of the evidence gathered by investigators. Lambert, who has pleaded not guilty and is awaiting trial, said in an email that she didnt violate the law. She described herself as an attorney who began working for Leaf after the 2020 election. Leaf, meanwhile, is still focused on digging up election fraud from four years ago but appears to have moved beyond Michigan. Just last week, he posted a memo on his social media pages that said hes made referrals for criminal investigation to the Texas Attorney Generals Office. Hes still out there talking, blabbering, stirring up the masses, said Hawthorne, the Rutland Charter clerk. People are coming up here saying theyre sure the machines are flipping the vote. Hawthorne said early voting has gone smoothly but shes worried about the period after the election if Vice President Kamala Harris is declared the winner. Theres a lot of good ol boys around here who think what happened on Jan. 6 was great, Hawthorne said. The veteran clerk said shes hoping things remain calm in her little corner of Michigan. But one thing is certain: If there is an emergency, shes not going to call the sheriffs office. Im calling the state police, Hawthorne said. I dont trust the Barry County Sheriffs Office. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com The outcome of the struggle for control of both the House and Senate will have sweeping implications for the countrys future. Shown is the U.S. Capitol on Oct. 9, 2024. (Jane Norman/States Newsroom) WASHINGTON Voters are determining whether the next president enters office with a friendly Congress or a hostile one set on blocking their policies and nominees and as the election roars into its last moments its still very unclear what the makeup of the House and Senate might be. Most House races are not competitive. But House leaders are closely watching about two dozen toss-up contests to see whether Democrats or Republicans end up with the magic 218 lawmakers needed to control the speakers gavel, the agenda and the floor schedule. The GOPs razor-thin majority during the last two years created significant obstacles for leaderships legislative goals and ended Kevin McCarthys speakership. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Neither political party is expected to gain a large House majority during the next Congress, set to begin in January. Theres even a possibility the majority party has less wiggle room than the 220-212 split that currently exists, along with three vacancies. Experts warn it may not be known on election night or for some time whos won the House. Senate leaders have been equally focused on hard-fought and close campaigns in Arizona, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. Any one of them could deliver control of the upper chamber. Republicans are favored to turn over the West Virginia seat occupied by Joe Manchin III, potentially pushing them past the 50-member benchmark if they hold onto seats occupied by incumbents Ted Cruz in Texas, Deb Fischer in Nebraska and Rick Scott in Florida. If Democrats keep 50 seats, that would mean whichever party holds the vice presidency controls the Senate, making even just one pickup in either direction a priority for both political parties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The outcome in both the House and Senate will have sweeping implications for the countrys future, including whether the GOP overhauls Obamacare, how lawmakers address core aspects of Republicans 2017 tax law set to expire in the coming months and whether the country defaults on its debts for the first time in history. Four tense toss-ups in the Senate The nonpartisan Cook Political Report with Amy Walter rates four Senate races as toss-ups, meaning theres a relatively even chance for Democrats or Republicans to win. While the campaigns have shifted around a bit during the last few months, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin are all considered neck and neck heading into Election Day. Arizona and Nevada are categorized as leaning toward Democrats and Montana is expected to lean toward a Republican pickup, potentially giving the GOP its 51st seat and a narrow majority. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its also possible there could be upsets in Republican-held states traditionally considered safer, like Florida, Nebraska and Texas. That could alter the math for both Democrats and Republicans, depending on how things shake out after all the votes are counted, recounts finalized and lawsuits settled in the days and weeks following Nov. 5. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Jessica Taylor, editor for U.S. Senate and Governors at the Cook Political Report, said in a statement released Friday the battle for the Senate fundamentally ends where the cycle began with an overwhelmingly favorable map that very likely portends a GOP majority. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her projections show the GOP picking up two to five seats, giving the party a majority between 51 and 54 members. A narrower majority, Taylor said, would allow moderates like Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski and Maine Sen. Susan Collins to wield outsized influence in the next Congress. Will some voters split their tickets? Michigan Sen. Gary Peters, chairman of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, said during an interview with Washington Post Live in late October that he expects voters in Montana and Ohio will split their tickets. He acknowledged getting voters to support Democratic Sens. Jon Tester in Montana and Sherrod Brown in Ohio, while also voting for Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, will be much more challenging than in the past. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Certainly, its not easy if theres a lot of political gravity, Peters said. Im not going to sugarcoat that in any way. But, he said, both Tester and Brown have been consistently polling within the margin of error against their GOP challengers. Its about whos going to get their voters out and do the kind of ground campaign necessary to win, Peters said. Were doing that in Montana. Were doing that in Ohio as well. The Senate is more important to the next president than the House, since the upper chamber is responsible for vetting and confirming the next commander-in-chiefs selections for their Cabinet as well as judicial nominees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A GOP Senate would be a gift for Trump but likely tough for Vice President Kamala Harris. The opposite could also be true a Democratic majority in the Senate could put the brakes on many of Trumps plans for a second term, while it would aid Harris in setting up her administration and potentially confirming a Supreme Court justice or two. The Senate is the more bipartisan of the two chambers, thanks to the legislative filibuster the rule requiring at least 60 senators agree to advance legislation toward final passage. Without bipartisan support, bills and some nominees will be stuck in limbo, regardless of which party runs the Senate or controls the White House. Possible standoff Philip Wallach, senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, a conservative-leaning think tank, said a Harris administration and a Republican Senate would need to work out an agreement quickly or risk going into some kind of protracted standoff over executive branch nominations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both Trump and President Joe Biden had the luxury of same-party Senate control during their full terms and former President Barack Obama had a Democratic Senate during his first six years in office. Harris possibly having to work with the opposing party to establish her Cabinet would be especially challenging, Wallach said in an interview. I would expect Republicans to try to come up with some pretty concrete asks as a conference: To say, If were going to put any of your nominees up for a vote, heres what we want in return, and heres what kind of nominees we will accept. And, you know, I expect that would play out as a fairly heated public confrontation, he said. Trump and a Republican Senate would likely agree on some nominees and policy goals, though there would be significant differences over issues like tariffs. I think there are a lot of Republican senators who want to see some real limits to that, who still think of themselves as basically in favor of free trade and making sure that American businesses dont find themselves on the wrong end of a trade war, Wallach said. Especially in the Senate, I just dont think theyre that eager to just march to Trumps tune. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Trump administration, he said, could also disagree with GOP lawmakers on the specific details of how to address tax policy. I think its a very live possibility that there could be a much more confrontational kind of dynamic this time around, in part, because Trump and some of the people right around him have this idea that playing nicely in 2017 was a big mistake, Wallach said. House as close as its ever been Control of the 435-member House is more uncertain than the Senate, with 22 races rated as toss-ups by the Cook Political Report. Twelve of those are held by Republicans, while 10 are occupied by Democratic lawmakers. At the moment, 205 House seats are at least leaning toward a Democratic win, with 208 districts at least leaning toward Republicans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Cook Political Reports final projections range from Republicans adding five seats to their majority to Democrats picking up 10 seats and taking over the majority again. The race for control of the U.S. House remains as close as its ever been, Erin Covey, editor for the House at CPR, said in a written statement. The battleground is confined to a few dozen seats, with neither party having a clear advantage in a majority of seats, Covey added. And with several competitive races in West Coast states that take longer to count their ballots, its highly possible we wont know which party has control on election night. The House is essential to turning bills into law, though it doesnt have any role in confirming presidential nominees. And unlike the Senate, theres no legislative filibuster, which means the majority party can approve any bills it wants without buy-in from the minority party, as long as the leaders in the majority have the votes from their own members. Republican control of at least one chamber of Congress and a Harris victory would force significant bipartisan compromise on must-pass legislation, like the dozen annual government funding bills and the defense policy bill known as the National Defense Authorization Act. It could also lead to the types of bipartisan legislation that Biden made a hallmark of his term in office, including the bipartisan infrastructure law. That type of divided government is unlikely to produce the sweeping changes to home ownership, prescription drug prices, price gouging and reproductive rights that Harris has highlighted throughout her campaign. But it could lead Republicans and Democrats to resurrect the bipartisan immigration and border security bill that Oklahoma Republican Sen. James Lankford, Connecticut Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy and Arizona independent Sen. Kyrsten Sinema agreed to earlier this year. Trump in the White House and Democrats holding onto at least one chamber in Congress could also force bipartisan compromise, though likely with a far different tone and approach than under a Harris-Republican Congress scenario. GOP trifecta? Trump regaining the presidency along with GOP control of Congress would give the party at least two chances to use the complex budget reconciliation process to pass certain legislation. The party would likely use one of those opportunities to address provisions in the 2017 Republican tax law that have expired or are about to. The budget reconciliation process, which has considerable rules and restrictions, is how Republicans passed the tax bill during Trumps first term in office. It doesnt require at least 60 senators to advance the bill. But it does include something known as a vote-a-rama, where the Senate holds dozens of votes on amendments to the bill. The process typically lasts throughout the night and gives the party not in power a chance to force their colleagues across the aisle to vote on tough issues. Budget reconciliation is the process Republicans used to try to repeal and replace the 2010 health care law thats often referred to as the Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare, during Trumps first term in office. Speaker Mike Johnson, R-Louisiana, said in late October on Fox Business that some of his prior comments about overhauling the ACA were taken out of context and that he wants to make changes to the program, but not entirely end it. I said the ACA, unfortunately, is deeply ingrained in our health care system now, he said. Do we need further improvements? Absolutely. We need to expand quality of care, access to care and obviously lower the cost of health care. Johnson said during the interview that he was convinced Republicans would gain unified control of government following the election and that he had compiled a two-hour slide show presentation detailing what the GOP would do with that power. We will secure the border on day one with a President Trump executive order and then legislation to follow, and we will turn immediately to the economy, Johnson said. Energy policy will be the center of that as well. Deeply conservative House bills might not garner the support needed to overcome the Senates legislative filibuster. Unified Republican control of Congress and the White House would challenge the GOP to address the nations debt limit mostly on its own during the first half of next year after the current law expires. A default on the nations debt is vastly different from a partial government shutdown, which takes place when Congress doesnt pass an appropriations package on time. Failing to either raise or suspend the nations debt limit, before whats known as extraordinary measures runs out, would likely cause a global financial crisis. The GOP has been extremely vocal about cutting government spending, but that is separate from addressing the nations debt limit, which gives the Treasury Department the borrowing authority to ensure all of the countrys bills are paid in full and on time. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Could red-state Iowa be shifting back to purple as a presidential swing state? The new Des Moines Register/Mediacom Iowa Poll released Saturday night shows Vice President Kamala Harris leading former President Donald Trump by 3 percentage points in the state, 47% to 44% a result that suggests Iowa is in play with Election Day fast approaching. Iowa Poll: Kamala Harris leapfrogs Donald Trump to take lead near Election Day. Here's how Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yet neither campaign has treated Iowa and its six Electoral College delegates as up for grabs. Harris and Trump have made repeated visits to this cycles seven swing states Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin where campaigns and political experts have thought for months that either candidate has a chance to win each state. 7 Counties in 7 Days: A cross-country road trip to 7 key places in the battle for president Neither Harris nor Trump has campaigned in Iowa since the presidential primaries, and neither campaign has established a ground presence in the state, according to Des Moines Register chief politics reporter Brianne Pfannenstiel. Why haven't the campaigns targeted Iowa? It was widely believed that Trump would coast to victory. He won the state over U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton in 2016 by 9 percentage points and defeated national winner Joe Biden in Iowa by 8 points in 2020. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His campaign also spent 2023 amassing a juggernaut structure in the state that delivered a 30-percentage point win in the Iowa Caucuses in January, the largest margin in the Republican presidential caucuses 48-year history. Former President Donald Trump visits the Iowa Pork Producers Tent with Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Fla., at the Iowa State Fair on Aug. 12, 2023 in Des Moines, Iowa. Republican and Democratic presidential hopefuls are visiting the fair, a tradition in one of the first states that will test candidates with the 2024 caucuses. How close are the contests in the battleground states compared with Iowa? Among the seven battleground states, the largest spread in the Real Clear Politics rolling poll average is Trump's lead of 2.7 percentage points in Arizona. The smallest spread is Harris' lead of a mere one-tenth of 1 percent in Wisconsin. The 3 percentage-point Harris lead in the new Iowa Poll is within the poll's margin of error of plus or minus 3.4 percentage points. The poll of 808 likely Iowa voters was conducted by Selzer & Co. from Oct. 28-31. What's putting Iowa in play now? Women, especially those who are 65 and older and those who self-identify as independents, are spearheading the shift to Harris, the poll shows. Senior women support Harris over Trump 63% to 28%, and women who are political independents favor Harris by 57% to 29%. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump maintains large margins with groups that are core to his base: men, rural Iowans and those who describe themselves as evangelical. Was Iowa a swing state before Trump's repeat wins? Yes. It cemented that reputation with the 2000 and 2004 races, which saw whisker-thin margins and reversals between the two parties. Democratic Vice President Al Gore won Iowa in 2000 over the eventual national winner, Republican George W. Bush, by about 4,000 votes, or 0.3%. Then four years later in another squeaker, Bush got his payback, defeating his Democratic rival, U.S. Sen. John Kerry, by 10,000 votes, or 0.7%. But the state flipped back again in 2008, when Democrat Barack Obama took Iowa by storm. The freshman U.S. senator from neighboring Illinois had built a robust ground game on his way to winning the Iowa Caucuses over former U.S. Sen. John Edwards and Clinton, the early favorite. Obama coasted to a 10 percentage-point win over Republican U.S. Sen. John McCain. Former President Barack Obama poses with Iowa caucus artifacts that will be displayed in the Obama Presidential Center. Then Obama won Iowa again in 2012, defeating Republican Mitch Romney, by 6 percentage points. But that was followed by Trumps win, flipping Iowa back into the Republicans column. So is Iowa's red-state status shading back to purple? Even if Harris were to pull off a surprising win on Tuesday and Democrats did well down the ballot, it would be hard to argue that Iowa is anything but Republican red. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds won her second full term in 2022 by 19 percentage points. Republicans hold large majorities in the Iowa Senate and Iowa House. A good night by Democrats Tuesday could shrink the margins but isn't expected to change control. And Iowa heads into Election Day with an entirely Republican congressional delegation: both U.S. senators, neither of whom is up for reelection this year, and all four U.S. House members. Analysts at Cook Political Report have rated the 1st and 3rd districts as "toss-ups" but expect Republicans to be reelected in the 2nd and 4th districts. This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Iowa as a swing state? Iowa Poll shows Harris and Trump in tight race Voters wait in line at a Bucks County election office on Oct. 26, 2024. Officials cut off the line while people were still waiting, due in large part to confusion over early voting and the center's hours of operation. (Photo by Christina Kristofic for the Capital-Star) After Bucks County election officials repeatedly blocked voters from lining up to vote by on-demand mail ballot ahead of the Oct. 29 deadline to do so, the campaign for Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump sued, alleging voters were denied the right to vote. The Republican National Committee and the campaign for GOP Senate candidate Dave McCormick were also named as plaintiffs. Because the election was only days away when the lawsuit was filed, Bucks County Court of Common Pleas Judge Jeffrey Trauger moved to decide quickly. A hearing was held on Oct. 30, the day after the Trump campaign announced its intention to sue. Ultimately, the judge sided with the campaign, ordering the county to reopen three election offices and allow those turned away the chance to request and return a filled out mail ballot. It was a rare decision that found the Trump campaign and American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania applauding the same outcome. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A transcript of the court hearing preceding the decision offers new insight into how it was decided. It was recently obtained by the Capital-Star. Heres some of what we learned. A judicial assistant for Judge Trauger did not answer specific questions from the Capital-Star, but said to review the transcript. Lawyers representing the Trump campaign and the Bucks County Board of Elections, did not respond immediately to requests for comment over the weekend. Pennsylvanias election code is not clear on rules around on demand mail ballot voting On demand mail ballot voting is a process where voters request, fill out and return a mail ballot all in the same visit to an election office. It is not spelled out explicitly in the states election code, but has been implemented in previous elections. It was also advertised as a voting option in many counties, including Bucks, and by the Department of State ahead of the mail ballot request deadline. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This year, interest in the on-demand method of voting was higher than it had been since Act 77 created no-excuse mail ballot voting ahead of the 2020 election. The demand created long lines, especially in the final days ahead of the mail ballot application deadline. When lines became long enough that voters would not be able to reach the front by the time election offices closed, Bucks County election officials and security guards told voters they would not be able to participate. Sometimes this was several hours before advertised closing times. However, the county says, those voters were still allowed an opportunity to apply for a mail ballot by submitting a paper application or filling out an online form. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Because rules for the on-demand voting process are not explicitly set in the states election code, practical and legal decisions around its implementation are novel, according to Trump campaign attorney Walter Zimolong. According to Lancaster Online, in 2020, Zimolong filed and ultimately withdrew a federal lawsuit seeking to discard election results in certain Democrat-leaning Pennsylvania counties over irregularities. He describes himself on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) as a Conservative Attorney. Culture warrior and litigator. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Bucks County solicitor Amy Fitzpatrick, who represented the Board of Elections in court, officials believed they were not violating any statutory requirements by cutting off lines, as long as they were still giving voters the opportunity to apply for a mail ballot which they could receive at their provided address or at the election office at a later date. Our staff worked tirelessly to try to find alternative options for those voters so that they didnt have to stand in line, Fitzpatrick said. While there is no statutory guarantee that voters be able to vote by mail on demand, Traugers ruling was decided, in part, on the state election codes requirement that voters be promptly given a mail ballot after their application is submitted. Promptly, in this case, meaning in the same visit. There was confusion around the difference between applying for mail ballots and voting on demand Trump campaign lawyers and Judge Trauger sometimes interchangeably referred to applying for mail ballots and voting on demand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump campaign lawyers referred to a post on the social media platform X by the official Pennsylvania Department of State account. It said, on the day of the mail ballot application deadline, if you are in line at a county elections office tonight at 5 p.m. to apply for your mail-in ballot, counties must give you an opportunity to do so. There was no mention of voting by mail ballot on demand. But Trauger referred to this as when the Secretary assured everybody if they were in line by 5:00 that they would vote. The post was similarly characterized by Zimolong. Fitzpatrick argued that voters were still allowed to apply for mail ballots, even if they wouldnt receive them that day. The judges decision appeared to err towards ensuring greater voting access Early in the hearing, Trauger asked Fitzpatrick a blunt question: Dont we want more people to vote than less? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fitzpatrick agreed, and the framing was central to the Trump campaigns lawyers argument. This question appeared to guide Traugers decision-making both around his ultimate ruling and the decision to have a multi-day extension for on-demand mail ballot voting. When Fitzpatrick asked on behalf of the county that any legal remedy limit the extended on-demand voting period as much as possible, ideally to a single day, Trauger rejected the request. One of three Bucks County voters who signed a declaration that they were turned away actually did apply for a mail-in ballot As evidence for its claims that Bucks County voters were denied the opportunity to vote, the Trump campaign submitted three sworn declarations by Bucks County residents reading I was told by county officials I would not be able to request, receive, vote, and submit a mailed-in ballot and that I would have to return on a different day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The three declarations contained that identical language. The complaint described that as proof the voters were precluded from voting by mail-in ballot. But Fitzpatrick described the language in the declarations as lacking in specificity. And she noted one of the three declarants had applied for a mail-in ballot, which was printed and waiting for them at an election office. Thats one of the declarants in this case who says that they were not able to vote, Fitzpatrick said. The state and county allegedly advertised on-demand voting without being clear about the process limitations The Secretary of the Commonwealth, whos responsible for elections in the Commonwealth came out and said, if youre in line you will be able to vote, and that simply did not happen in Bucks County, Zimolong argued. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its unclear when Secretary Al Schmidt said this. Zimolong pointed to a post from the official Pennsylvania Department of State X account guaranteeing those in line by 5 p.m. a chance to apply for a mail-in ballot. The Department of States website does have a section describing on-demand mail ballot voting. It does not warn voters they could be denied entry if the election office would be unable to accommodate them ahead of the advertised closing time. If you are in line at a county elections office tonight at 5 p.m. to apply for your mail-in ballot, counties must give you an opportunity to do so. Our team continues to work with all counties to ensure every eligible voter who wants to vote by mail ballot is able to. https://t.co/Px4MfTo0eQ PA Department of State (@PAStateDept) October 29, 2024 A spokesperson for the Department of State did not immediately respond to questions on Saturday. Similarly, the Bucks County Board of Elections described the process in an Oct. 7 meeting, also not warning people they could be turned away if lines got too long. The Trump campaign submitted a viral tweet containing misinformation on early voting as evidence. In its complaint, the Trump legal team linked to a video posted to the social media platform X that showed a woman being told by a security guard that she could not get in line to vote on-demand. The posts author wrote, they are refusing to let people vote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, the woman in the video is handed a paper flyer with a QR code linking to a mail ballot application. She is never told she will not be able to vote, only that she will not be able to vote on-demand that day. That flyer was submitted as evidence by the county. Zimolong referred to this video in the hearing as proof of county employees violat[ing voters] statutory right to vote on-demand in person. Election staff worried that extending the on-demand voting deadline would affect election integrity Fitzpatrick argued that extending the deadline for on-demand voting could threaten the integrity of the election Tyler Burns, the director of the Bucks County Board of Elections testified to this point. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said election officials had been working forced overtime and would continue to do so ahead of the election. Their tasks included submitting requests to the state for supplies for Election Day. They also had to process the mail ballot applications and ensure the data that would go to each polling place reflected who did and didnt request one. Otherwise, he said, voters could have been able to vote twice, once by mail and once in person. Work on these datasets was supposed to happen after the deadline to apply during the days the election offices were ordered to open for extended hours to accept on-demand voters. Burns worried that, in the worst case, they would not have time to prepare their logs if on-demand voting was re-opened. And if that happened, they would have to segregate every mail ballot to ensure they werent submitted by people who voted in person after the election. This would significantly slow results. Thats really where the administrative burden and the rubber hits the road, Burns said. We need to be able to manage and keep track of everything thats going on in this election. If we change it now, its going to be administratively, its going to be a nightmare, Your Honor. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Correspondent Christina Kristofic contributed 24 10 30 TRUMP VS BOARD OF ELECTIONS TRAUGER.pdf COPY The Washington Post home page. (Colorado Newsline) Two major newspapers, The Los Angeles Times and The Washington Post, recently made a last-minute decision not to publish a presidential endorsement. The news for both was a surprise, particularly given reports that endorsements had already been written. However, The Washington Posts decision was the more shocking because of its stated duty to its readers and to the public at large, and not to the private interests of the owner. It was owner Jeff Bezos who ordered The Washington Post not to run the presidential endorsement which the Posts editorial page editor David Shipley had [already] approved. This is a first in 36 years of prior custom by the Post. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite his being the second richest man in the world, worth $215 billion, perhaps Bezos is terrified that the wrong endorsement might cause Amazon Web Services to lose its five-year contract with the U.S. Navy for $723.9 million. After all, Bezos alleged in 2020 that the then-administration had improperly pressured the Department of Defense, preventing the Pentagon from awarding a $10 billion contract to Amazon. Whatever Bezos motivation, his dictate feels like a treacherous abandonment of journalistic ethics by the once-legendary Washington Post. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Under past owner Katharine Graham, this newspaper demonstrated great moral courage in pursuit of journalistic truth, defying the Nixon administration when it published the Pentagon Papers in 1971 and revealed the U.S. governments lies about the quagmire in Vietnam. This is the newspaper, too, that broke the Watergate story and continued to report on the burglary and bugging until reporters Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein exposed President Richard Nixons connection to the crime and subsequent attempts at cover up. And, this newspapers former executive editor, Martin Baron, widely recognized as a journalistic icon, has strongly criticized Bezos decision, calling it cowardice, with democracy as its casualty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an election season that has already provoked an onslaught of criticism for much of mainstream media, including The Washington Post and The New York Times, the Posts decision is a historic low. No doubt Graham is spinning in her grave. Yes, democracy dies in darkness. How ironic that this gutsy slogan was adopted by the Post under Bezos ownership. The Post claims it is returning to the newspapers independent roots. Publisher and CEO William Lewis, a former Rupert Murdoch associate, alleges that he sees The Washington Post/Jeff Bezos decision as consistent with the news outlets values of standing up for the rule of law and respecting human freedom. However, 32,000-plus Post readers commenting on Lewis editorial know this is suspect. Additionally, over 250,000 readers have canceled their Post subscriptions. Tragically, what we have been seeing and hearing from the mainstream media, including The Washington Post, is precisely what was feared when billionaires started adding media outlets to their financial portfolios a decade or so ago. Would these media conglomerates allow their new acquisitions to continue to have editorial independence? Or, would profit be prioritized over the public interest? Would the rise of media monopolies result in less diverse perspectives being shared, while also amplifying, across multiple platforms, the narrow self-interests of media conglomerates? Whatever the outcome of the 2024 presidential race, Bezos might feel the need to seek refuge in international waters on his $500 million superyacht. I dont own a yacht. But, I am among the more than 250,000 who have saved $120 a year by canceling a subscription to The Washington Post, and I will continue to support a variety of reputable, independent news outlets instead. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE The Arizona Department of Transportation announced at 11 a.m. that the westbound lanes of the Loop 202 at Loop 101 have reopened following a Sunday morning crash. Westbound Loop 202 was closed at Loop 101 in the East Valley after an early-morning crash near Scottsdale Road, according to ADOT. The closure came while another nearby route, U.S. 60 westbound, was closed between Loop 101 and Interstate 10 for sign work. CLOSED: L-202 Red Mountain WB is closed at Loop 101 Pima. The closure is due to a crash near Scottsdale Road. For real-time traffic info, check https://t.co/l4s0AFGgA1 & the AZ511 app: Apple: https://t.co/ZBt7iIzG1F Android: https://t.co/n3R7tH9Ayf pic.twitter.com/bx7Crb0phR Arizona DOT (@ArizonaDOT) November 3, 2024 Check ADOT's Arizona Traveler Information site at az511.gov for real-time highway conditions. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Loop 202 westbound reopens after early-morning crash PAIPORTA, Spain (AP) A crowd of enraged survivors hurled clots of mud left by storm-spawned flooding at the Spanish royal couple on Sunday during their first visit to the center of their nation's deadliest natural disaster in living memory. Spain's national broadcaster reported that the barrage included a few rocks and other objects and that two bodyguards were treated for injuries. One could be seen with a bloody wound on his forehead. It was an unprecedented incident for a royal house that carefully crafts an image of monarchs adored by their country of more than 48 million people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Spanish fury has been unleashed against a state that appears overwhelmed and unable to meet the needs of people used to living under an effective government. Officials also rushed Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez from the scene soon after his contingent started to walk the mud-covered streets of one of the hardest-hit areas, where over 60 people perished and thousands of lives were shattered. The disaster fueled by climate change killed at least 205 people in eastern Spain. Get out! Get out! and Killers! the crowd in the town of Paiporta shouted, among other insults. Bodyguards opened umbrellas to protect the royals and other officials from the tossed muck. Police had to step in, some officers on horseback, to keep back the crowd of several dozen, some wielding shovels and poles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Queen Letizia broke into tears sympathetically after speaking to several people, including one woman who wept in her arms. Later, one of the queen's bodyguards had a bloody wound on his forehead and there was a hole in the back window of the prime minister's official car. But even after being forced to seek protection, King Felipe VI, with flecks of mud on his face, remained calm and made several efforts to speak to individual residents. He insisted on trying to speak with people as he tried to continue his visit. He spoke to several people, patting two young men on their backs and sharing a quick embrace, with mud stains on his black raincoat. Still, one woman smacked an official car with an umbrella and another kicked it before it sped off. While far from awakening the passion that the British hold for their royals, Felipe and Letizias public events are usually greeted by crowds of fans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 56-year-old Felipe took the throne when his father, Juan Carlos, abdicated in 2014 after he was tarnished by self-made financial and personal scandals. Felipe immediately cut a new figure, renouncing his personal inheritance and increasing the financial transparency of his royal house. He and the 52-year-old Letizia, a former journalist, dedicate a significant part of their public agenda to cultural and scientific causes. Visits to sites of national tragedies are also part of the royal duties for monarchs seen as a stabilizing force in a parliamentary monarchy restored following the death of dictator Francisco Franco in 1975. The king later told regional authorities at the command post of emergency response efforts that they had to give hope to those affected by the flood and attend to their needs, guaranteeing that the state is there for them. Public rage over the haphazard management of the crisis has been building. Felipe heard some jeers when he took part in a tribute to the dead of a deadly 2017 terror attack in Barcelona, but that was nothing comparable to Sunday's reception. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The queen had small glops of mud on her hands and arms as she spoke to women. We dont have any water, one woman told her. Many people still dont have drinking water five days after the floods struck. Internet and mobile phone coverage remains patchy. Most people only got power back on Saturday. Stores and supermarkets are in ruins and Paiporta, population 30,000, still has many city blocks completely clogged with piles of detritus, countless totaled cars and a ubiquitous layer of mud. Thousands have had their homes destroyed by a tsunami-like wave of muck and indignation at mismanagement of the disaster has begun. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The floods had already hit Paiporta when the regional officials issued an alert to mobile phones. It sounded two hours too late. More anger has been fueled by the inability of officials to respond quickly to the aftermath. Most of the cleanup of the layers and layers of mud and debris that has invaded countless homes has been done by residents and thousands of volunteers. We have lost everything! someone shouted. Shouts Sunday included demands aimed at regional Valencia President Carlo Mazon, whose administration is in charge of civil protection, to step down, as well as Where is Pedro Sanchez? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I understand the indignation and of course I stayed to receive it, Mazon said on X. It was my moral and political obligation. The attitude of the king this morning was exemplary. Spanish national broadcaster RTVE reported that the barrage aimed at the royals included a few rocks and other hard objects were tossed and that two bodyguards were treated for injuries, and the monarchs and officials called off another stop Sunday at a second hard-hit village, Chiva, about half an hour to the east of Valencia city. Sanchez said that recovery efforts won't be derailed by the incident. I want to express all my governments solidarity and its acknowledgement of the anguish, suffering, uncertainty and the needs of the residents of Paiporta and the region of Valencia, Sanchez said, while adding that he believes the majority of people reject the types of violence that unfortunately we saw today. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The mud-slinging scene occurred as thousands more Spanish soldiers, national police officers, and Civil Guard gendarmes arrived, or are set to arrive, at the disaster sites. ___ Wilson reported from Valencia, Spain. Several areas in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu experienced water logging due to heavy rains in the region on Sunday, as the municipal corporation works to eliminate stagnant water from certain low-lying areas. The areas of Thitagudi, Pradyantheru and Mettutheru, experienced waterlogging, affecting traffic in the area. According to Rameswaram Municipal Chairman KE Nazarkhan, there will be multiple measures taken to ensure that regardless of rainfall, no water stagnation and accumulation will happen. "Due to the rain in the morning, rainwater has accumulated in some low-lying areas. Stagnant rainwater was promptly disposed of by municipal workers," he told ANI. "Measures will be taken on a war-time basis so that water does not stagnate anywhere, no matter how heavy the rainfall," he added further. Due to the deep circulation in the area of the Gulf of Mannar South Peninsular India and Tamil Nadu's southern region received heavy rainfall on Saturday. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a heavy rainfall warning for the period of November 2 to 8, with multiple states including Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka. "Heavy to very heavy rainfall very likely over Tamil Nadu and Kerala and Mahe on November 1 and slight decrease thereafter. Gradual fall in minimum and maximum temperature over North and East India by 2-3 during November 3-7," said the warning. "We have received reports of heavy rainfall, mainly from South Peninsular India and Tamil Nadu. However, there are no reports of heavy rainfall from the rest of the country. Heavy rainfall is likely over Tamil Nadu and Kerala for the next 2-3 days, but most parts of the country will remain clear," said IMD scientist Soma Sen Roy. While speaking to ANI, IMD scientist Soma Sen Roy talked about the gradual fall in minimum and maximum temperature over Northwest and East India by 2-3C during 03rd-07th November. "Talking about temperature, the minimum temperature has dropped by 2 to 3 degrees Celsius in the Doab region in the last 24 hours. The overall temperature over Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and South Doab region is 2-4 degrees above normal. Minimum temperatures are expected to fall by 2 to 3 degrees Celsius from tomorrow morning. Temperatures are likely to fall at isolated places," she said. (ANI) Cybercrime victims in Ohio lost $197.4 million in 2023, ranking No. 17 in the nation, FBI data shows. With rapidly evolving technologies, near-ubiquitous internet use, and increasingly savvy scams, cybercrime is on the riseand Americans, in particular, are being swindled out of billions. Hundreds of thousands more cybercrimes were reported in the U.S. in 2023 than the other top 19 countries combined. Drata analyzed the state of cybercrime in Ohio as part of a larger national analysis, using the FBIs 2023 Internet Crime Report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement FBI data shows that cybercrimes cost Americans $12.5 billion in 2023a figure that has grown annually for at least five years. The FBIs Internet Crime Complaint Center, or IC3, received a record 880,000-plus complaints in 2023, with victims reporting losses of more than $14,000 on average. Notably, cybercrimes are vastly underreported, making the FBI datawhich only includes reported crimeswoefully incomplete. Ohio residents reported 17,864 cybercrimes in 2023, amounting to about 152 cybercrime victims per million people. On average, these victims reported losses of $11,048. Overall losses mounted to $17 per resident in Ohio, ranking No. 43 in the nation. Cybercrime affects people of all ages in all parts of the country. Nearly 1 in 3 Americans have been victims of online financial fraud or cybercrime, according to a 2023 Ipsos poll on behalf of Wells Fargo. Earlier this year, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency published draft rules for cyberattack reporting among critical infrastructure institutions, which would mandate reporting of substantial attacks and ransoms paid. In the future, these guidelines will allow for more comprehensive data collection, at least among major entities. Even so, current numbers make it clear that some Americans are more at risk of scams than others. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Americans older than 60 reported the highest number of complaints and volume of losses in 2023. They bore the brunt of an escalation in phantom hacker scams, where attackers impersonate IT, banking/investment personnel, and government officials to establish authority and trust with victims. About half of those who filed related complaints were 60 or older and experienced over $770 million in losses. Still, increasingly sophisticated scams heighten the risks for younger and more tech-savvy populations. Of the $2.2 billion increase in cybercrime losses from 2022-2023, more than half was due to a surge in cryptocurrency scams. Crypto scams comprise most digital investment fraud, a category affecting age groups over 30 relatively evenly. 1 / 1 Drata National look: losses high in technology and political centers Within the U.S., centers of politics, technology, and gambling experienced particularly high losses. In the nations capital, cybercrime victims lost over $46 million in scams, nearly doubling the national loss per capita. California and Nevada residents also reported heavy losses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the nations capital, Washington D.C. is an obvious target for cybercriminals. Government facilities were among the largest critical infrastructure targets for ransomware attacks in 2023. D.C. experienced multiple high-profile data breaches, including leaks of voter records and senior national security officials personal information. Attacks were also launched against political action committees, threatening campaign financiers, lobbyists, and donors. Californias high-tech culture makes it another clear target for cybercriminals. Californians from Silicon Valley to Los Angeles have been some of the first to be impacted by growing crypto fraud. That has included more advanced cons, in which scammers build relationships with people through dating apps, social media, networking sites, and other means, then convince them to invest in cryptocurrency through fake websites and apps. The California state government has already taken some action, limiting withdrawals from bitcoin ATMs after a string of scams utilizing them. In May, the FBI San Francisco division released a memo warning of AI-enabled cybercrime, such as automated and highly targeted phishing campaigns and advanced voice and video impersonations of friends, family, and colleagues. As cybercrimes become more advanced, they also wreak havoc on entire systems or disrupt businesses. Within neighboring Nevada, Las Vegasa hub of flashy business and nonstop spendingalso faced major attacks last year. Two of the citys largest casino and hotel operators were targeted in attacks that forced one to shut down its casino, hotel, and key systems and the other to pay about $15 million to prevent its data from being leaked. This January, the Nevada Gaming Control Board was also hacked. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Though many people and institutions lost money to scams last year, timely reporting and enforcement prevented further losses. The FBI helped freeze victims funds in thousands of incidents and prevented about 71% of losses within those cases. Even in cases where victims funds were already stolen, reporting losses helps the FBI investigate and connect strings of crimes, identify and warn the public of emerging scams, and track cybercriminals. This story features data reporting and writing by Paxtyn Merten and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 50 states and Washington D.C. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV. MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (WBOY) Youve probably heard of Dia de Los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, a two-day period where family and friends get together to celebrate their loved ones who have passed by typically going to cemeteries and creating altars and making offerings to their loved ones. One big way this holiday is celebrated is through food, with dishes unique to the Day of the Dead like the special Guatemalan salad Fiambre, as well as Pan de Muerto, or Bread of the Dead, which is a type of sweet bread. Although it is a large celebration in Mexico, its celebrated in many countries across Latin America. On Saturday Aury Mayen, owner of the Camaradas Mexican-Italian Kitchen food truck, hosted a Day of the Dead celebration in Morgantown across from the Morgantown Airport with the goal of bringing together the small but growing Latin community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement American Red Cross volunteers installing free smoke alarms across West Virginia Its a great blessing, because theres many families here that havent tasted this food in years, Mayen said. For example, Ive been here in this country for nine years, so its been nine years of not tasting some of the dishes we are presenting here. So this is something emotional for me because I know many people will remember their childhood, said Mayen. (Es una bendicion muy grande, porque aparte de que hay muchas familias que llevan muchisimos anos de no probar esta comida, yo por ejemplo que ya tengo nueve anos de estar en este pais, yo tengo nueve anos de no probar algunos platillos que estamos presentando. Entonces es algo emotivo para mi porque se que muchas personas se recordaran de su infancia.) Fellow Guatemalan Alejandrena Strauss said she attended the event because she was excited to celebrate her roots and eat food that would transport her back in time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Remembering my loved ones, and just eating, I think foods bring you closer to those memories that you have, so it took me back when I was home and I was with them and Im not able to do that anymore so it is really fun memories to try it again. (WBOY image) (WBOY image) (WBOY image) Mayen said she hopes to continue to bring more events like this to the future, and wants to share her culture with all Americans across the region, as her food truck offers dishes from 10 Latin countries. We have a big American population thats breaking down barriers, theyre coming to try new flavors, new cultures. (Tenemos mucha poblacion Americana que estan rompiendo barreras, estan viniendo a probar nuevos sabores, nuevas culturas.) There were also different snacks and spices that may be hard to find in the States available for attendees to purchase. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You can catch Mayens food truck 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. When the Mendenhall River waters began to dramatically rise on Aug. 6, Danielle Lindoff and husband Kamal were prepared yet hopeful. The jokulhlaups an Icelandic word for glacial lake outburst floods had largely left their property untouched over the years, with the Natural Resources Conservation Service recently determining in a neighborhood study that their land near the river wasn't in danger of erosion. "Every year we watched the river rise and fall, rise and fall. It was never even to the point where it got up to where it was even on our property," Danielle shared in the phone conversation with The Cool Down in September, explaining how no one had discussed the jokulhlaups with her family when they moved into their Juneau, Alaska, home in 2012. Jokulhlaups were unusual on the Mendenhall before 2011, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. However, like other critical glaciers around the world, those in the Juneau area are melting at an accelerated rate. In August, a glacial outburst would cause historic flooding, with the river surging to an unprecedented 15.99 feet just one year after it set the previous record at 14.92 feet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2023, the flood resulted in some water entering the Lindoffs' garage, according to Danielle, even though her house was many feet up and away from the river. Thankfully, her family escaped damage to their living areas despite the fact that they were out of town and couldn't take mitigation measures. (Their neighbors moved some items from the water-soaked garage.) "They've always been saying the 100-year flood event is coming," Danielle told The Cool Down. "So we were like, 'OK, well, that happened,' and we were really lucky." Nevertheless, when Danielle and Kamal received a warning that the basin had begun flooding this summer, they sprang into action, positioning sandbags along their property, adding temporary waterproofing to their doorways, and moving items to higher levels. Despite doing everything they reasonably could, though, their preparations were no match for the Mendenhall River, which completely overtook their home and made the escape treacherous as Kamal swam to their nearby boat and came back for Danielle as she left through a window. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Basically, our house was just part of the river. It was coming in like faucets through every doorway," Danielle told The Cool Down, explaining that the rapidly flowing river carried dangerous debris and rammed a large log into the garage, allowing water to pour in more freely. The trail of destruction left the Lindoffs and more than 300 other households in Juneau turning to one another for support through town meetings and resources like GoFundMe, which had helped raise more than $200,000 for those impacted by the Juneau flood and deadly landslides in Ketchikan by early September, according to an email from the company. What would you do if natural disasters were threatening your home? Click your choice to see results and speak your mind "I'm so thankful that my sister was like, 'I'm going to start you a GoFundMe,' because we wouldn't have had anything besides our regular income to cover all the things that needed to be done," Danielle told The Cool Down, explaining that she was hesitant to publicly ask for help but the crowdfunding platform has provided crucial support. As Danielle shared, she felt a sense of urgency to safely and securely restore her home as soon as possible, updating the patio entrance to a double storm door, investing in flood gates, and considering other mitigation measures like an aquadam. She added that she and Kamal, who is Tlingit and a Tlingit & Haida tribal citizen, were also very grateful for significant help from the T&H emergency operations team. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For Danielle, restoring the lower level was particularly important, as flare-ups of long-term rheumatoid arthritis, first diagnosed at 18 months old, have affected her mobility. "That level of the house, that was my area. That's where I could navigate in my own home without pain or assistance," Danielle told The Cool Down. "To have yet another thing come in and try to take away my independence has been hard. I look at those stairs, and it's like a tunnel that doesn't end." Beyond the continued financial support from GoFundMe donations as recovery efforts continue, when asked how else to assist people in Alaska, Danielle spoke with empathy, revealing she felt it was important to raise awareness about how rising global temperatures are impacting communities both in the Last Frontier and around the world. "Two full neighborhoods over was completely underwater," Danielle told The Cool Down. "So people who had no idea or expectation that this flood could affect them lost everything." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Experts have connected a warming climate not only to melting glaciers but also to more intense extreme weather, including an increased risk of flooding and intense rainfall as seen during an atmospheric river that contributed to the landslides in Ketchikan. According to NASA, more than 100 years of scientific evidence indicates human activities are the primary cause of these rising temperatures, especially the burning of dirty fuels. "It is all directly linked back to the changing of climate. Everybody across this nation has noticed either extreme weather or extreme things. ... Ours is the meltoff," Danielle told The Cool Down, reiterating that the floods from the Mendenhall were "never like this" in years past. "So something changed," she added. "Whatever your reasons for saying it out loud, know that people are impacted everyday by changes in the climate. Maybe it's time to start thinking about the 'why' a little bit more." Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. Another candidate is set to visit the Erie area this weekend. Dave McCormick is set to host a rally on Sunday, November 3, alongside Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders. Voters take advantage of Erie Co. Courthouse weekend hours ahead of Election Day The rally is scheduled to take place at 1:30 p.m. at the Honey Baked Ham Company, located at 7200 Peach Street This visit is part of McCormicks Time for a Change rallies, with several other visits taking place through Monday, the day before the elections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Nov. 3 (UPI) -- On this date in history: In 1868, John Willis Menard of Louisiana became the first African American elected to the United States House of Representatives. Opposition to his election prevented him from ever being seated. In 1903, Panama, with the support of the U.S. government, issued a declaration of independence from Colombia. In 1936, President Franklin D. Roosevelt was re-elected. It was a landslide victory over his Republican challenger, Kansas Gov. Alfred M. "Alf" Landon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 1948, U.S. President Harry S. Truman defeated Republican challenger Thomas Dewey. In what was perhaps the greatest upset in American political history, Truman, who had been given no chance in pre-election polls and forecasts, seized the lead with the first returns last night and never lost it. President-elect Harry S. Truman laughs heartily as he holds an early edition of the Chicago Tribune for November 3, 1948, with the headline Dewey Defeats Truman. The newspaper, whose headline jumped to an erroneous conclusion as early election returns came in, was shown to Truman as he stopped in St. Louis during his victorious return trip to Washington, D.C. File Photo by Frank Cancellare/UPI File Photo by Frank Cancellare/UPI In 1957, the Soviet Union launched the first animal into space -- a dog named Laika -- aboard the Sputnik 2 spacecraft. William Jefferson Clinton, flanked by his daughter, Chelsea Clinton, and wife, Hillary Rodham Clinton, is sworn in as president of the United States on January 20, 1993 on Capitol Hill. On November 3, 1992, U.S. voters elected Democrat Bill Clinton, the governor of Arkansas, to be president over incumbent George H.W. Bush. UPI File Photo In 1964, residents of the District of Columbia got to vote for the first time in a presidential election thanks to the passage of the 23rd Amendment to the Constitution. In 1964, Lyndon Johnson was elected U.S. president with a margin larger than in any previous election, defeating Republican Barry Goldwater. File Photo by Library of Congress/UPI Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement UPI File Photo In 1979, five members of the Communist Workers Party, participating in a "Death to the Klan" rally in Greensboro, N.C., were shot to death by a group of Klansmen and neo-Nazis. Seven others were wounded. Hamid Karzai, president of Afghanistan, gives a lecture at the U.N. University in Tokyo, Japan, on July 7, 2006. On November 3, 2004, Karzai was officially declared the winner in Afghanistan's first presidential election. File Photo by Keizo Mori/UPI In 1986, a Lebanese magazine exposed the secret weapons-for-hostages deal taking place between the United States and Iran. The scandal, which would escalate into the Iran-Contra affair, resulted in the indictments of numerous officials including Oliver North as well as then-Secretary of Defense Caspar Weinberger. In 1992, U.S. voters elected Democrat Bill Clinton, the governor of Arkansas, to be president over incumbent George H.W. Bush. PBS supporters take part in the Million Puppet March in Washington, D.C., on November 3, 2012. The bipartisan march was organized to show support for Public Broadcasting following Republican Presidential Candidate Mitt Romney's pledge to cut funding to PBS. File Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI In 2004, Hamid Karzai was officially declared the winner in Afghanistan's first presidential election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2012, hundreds of people, many dressed as Big Bird, marched in Washington to show support for the U.S. Public Broadcasting System. In 2014, 13 years after the World Trade Center was destroyed in the September 11, 2001 attacks, One World Trade Center opened it doors with employees at Conde Nast some of the first to move in. In 2019, Saudi Arabia announced its state-owned oil company, Saudi Aramco, will become publicly traded. A month later it raised $25.6 billion in the world's largest initial public offering. In 2020, voters headed to the polls in the U.S. presidential election. The counting process took days, but on Nov. 7, former Vice President Joe Biden was projected to win over incumbent President Donald Trump. In 2023, the strongest earthquake the strike Nepal in eight years killed nearly 160 people in a remote, mountainous region of the country. File Photo courtesy of the Nepal Prime Minister's Office/EPA-EFE Advertisement Advertisement The death toll from severe storms in the east and south of Spain reached 213 on Sunday and many people are still missing. The emergency services in the hardest-hit Mediterranean region of Valencia said that 213 people are known to have died, the state broadcaster RTVE reported. Severe weather continues to affect Spain's Mediterranean coast. An orange alert - the second-highest level - is in effect in parts of the Valencia region, including the province of Castellon, where heavy rainfall may occur. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Recovery efforts are now in their sixth day. The search is particularly difficult in tunnels and flooded underground or multi-storey car parks. On Saturday, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced that a further 5,000 soldiers and 5,000 police officers would be deployed. The Spanish central government in Madrid says more than 3,600 military personnel are currently deployed in the worst-affected areas near the city of Valencia. Previously, there had been harsh criticism, especially from the affected towns, which had been left to their own devices in the first few days. In many of the worst-hit 15 or so villages, roads are still blocked by piled-up cars or stranded household goods and covered in thick mud. Help has now started to arrive in many of these villages, thanks in part to the efforts of many volunteers, and the power supply is also largely functioning again. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the area west and south of the city of Valencia, an otherwise usually dry riverbed was turned into a raging torrent by the heavy rainfall on Tuesday and rushed towards the sea through several villages, causing severe damage. Volunteers clean up the streets in an area affected by the heavy floods in Valencia region. At least 211 people were killed in Tuesday's storms and floods in Spain's southern and eastern regions, most of them in the Valencia region. Lorena Sopena/EUROPA PRESS/dpa CHICAGO Chicagoans have one more day to get to the polls and vote early ahead of Tuesdays Election Day. Another busy day is expected at polling locations around Chicago on Monday for the final day of early voting. Polls will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. City residents can vote at any early voting site, no matter where they live. Long lines have been common in the final days before the election, with a typical wait time of three to four hours at some early voting locations over the weekend. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump, Harris make last ditch plea to voters ahead of Election Day Voter turnout in the city is typically more than 70% during a presidential election year. This year, Chicagoans are also electing CPS School Board members, adding to voter interest. As of Sunday night, the Chicago Board of Elections reported 454,321 total early-vote ballots, in-person and mail-in combined. That total is far fewer early votes in Chicago than for the last presidential election, in 2020. But that election came at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, when many people voted early or sent in mail-in ballots. A better comparison would be the 2016 presidential election, and early voting in Chicago this year has surpassed 2016 thus far. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some Chicago early voters face wait times exceeding three hours Some early voters told WGN that theyre encouraged by the long early voting lines, despite the waiting time, because it means people are paying attention. This election is too important to sit on the sidelines, they say. In addition to the obvious high interest in the presidential election, for the first time this year Chicagoans are picking CPS School Board members. More than 30 candidates are running for seats on a hybrid School Board that will take over in January. We tried to get here early, Jennifer Heffernan, an early voter, said. We were surprised to see the line so long when we first got here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But its moving, and its worth it. Said another early voter, Stephen Lee: Its good. It lets me know that people are paying attention to whats going on in the world. For a long time Im young people would assume that nobody pays attention. But this kind of proves the opposite. Write-ins hardly win, but these characters, celeb, and non-candidates are popular options Another early voter, Taki Chronopoulos, called the voting process such a fundamental part of our democracy. Ive learned so much about the election and the candidates and all types of things of the responsibilities of being an informed voter, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Click HERE on the Chicago Board of Elections website for early voting locations in all 50 wards, or for more information. Visit elections.il.gov for more information on early voting, including locations throughout Illinois. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV. BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) On Saturday, Delano took a pause to recognize our military with an early Veterans Day parade in honor of our nations heroes. For the third annual Delano Veterans Day Parade, the Delano Hometown Heroes Committee asked the public to wear red poppies, which they handed out to attendees. Poppies are one of the subjects in the famous war poem, In Flanders Fields, by Canadian soldier John McCrae. After burying a friend who died in the Second Battle of Ypres in 1915 during the First World War, McCrae noticed how quickly poppies in the area grew. He wrote the poem the next day, and since then poppies have become a symbol of veterans sacrifice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats why the Hometown Heroes Committee gave them out for their Veterans Day Parade. To honor Americas veterans, and their hometown heroes. Like Benny Alcala Jr., a Delano native, Navy veteran and correctional officer who was gunned down in a Target parking lot in 2022. Now, named Grand Marshall of the parade, a month after his killers were sentenced to life in prison. I feel very honored, said Maxx Alcala, Bennys 16-year-old son. Very thankful that they picked him to be the Grand Marshall. We feel honored to be here and to represent Benny, said Valerie Alcala, Bennys wife. He meant a lot to this community, he was an active member here in Delano, and he meant a lot to a lot of people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bakersfield Fire Department hosts promotion ceremony at Station 1 President of the Delano Hometown Heroes Committee, Sally Medrano, says this parade allows the people of Delano to honor their veterans and first responders, who give so much to their home in the name of freedom. Theyre an important part of our country and our active-duty military keep us safe, said Medrano. We have all of the rights because of them and we have our first responders who keep us safe in our communities. Medrano says Alcala was chosen as Grand Marshall to honor the work he did during his life. It was a big loss for that to happen to him. said Medrano. So we just wanted to honor him and show our gratitude for his service. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its events like this that show veterans their service was not in vain, and for us to show that weve not broken faith with those whove died. Its just an honor to see everyone come out and honor their veterans, their active duty military and their first responders, said Medrano. So veterans who live can know their service will not be forgotten. And those who died can sleep, as poppies grow in Flanders Fields. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Newsoms disappointing veto Senate bill would safeguard Californias water supply, (sacbee.com, July 27) Recently, Gov. Gavin Newsom cited the state budget deficit in his decision to veto Senate Bill 366, which would have modernized the California Water Plan. The bipartisan legislation aimed to establish long-term water supply targets and give underserved voices, including tribes, labor, and environmental justice organizations, a seat at the policymaking table. Newsoms actions are an affront to California communities struggling with water equity challenges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At American Muslims for Sustainability, we represent communities who experience water challenges, and partner with coalitions like Californians for Smarter Sustainability to ensure that policies prioritize economic prosperity, quality of life and environmental protection. I urge Newsom not to use the states deficit as an excuse to avoid resolving long-term water issues or exclude voices from policy discussions who will benefit most from these proposals. All Californians deserve to be included in policy discussions about one of our most pressing challenges: water security and equity. Mohamed Khan Culver City Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Opinion Protecting the Delta smelt Delta smelt gain habitat in largest tidal restoration, (sacbee.com, Sept. 23) The Delta in Contra Costa County is a vital ecosystem, but many species are in danger. The Delta smelt, once abundant, is now nearly extinct due to habitat loss, pollution and water diversion. Its decline threatens the food web, fishing and water quality. Peter Moyle, a fish biologist, said: The Delta smelt is an indicator species. Its decline signals broader environmental issues that need urgent attention. The California clapper rail, a bird native to our marshes, is also at risk due to wetland drainage. What can we do? Help out by joining local conservation organizations like the California Native Plant Society; participate in community clean-ups through VolunteerMatch; advocate for sustainable practices by contacting local representatives; and educate others about endangered species. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lets work together to protect this legacy of life for future generations. Riley Goudy Walnut Creek TikTok needs changes California, New York lead multi-state lawsuit against TikTok, alleging harm to children, (sacbee.com, Oct. 8) TikTok is unsafe and harms our children. The platform urgently needs to update its guidelines and improve moderation to protect vulnerable minors. By implementing stricter content restrictions, eliminating targeted content that exploits the innocence of minors and implementing a zero-tolerance policy for cyberbullying, harassment and inappropriate behavior, TikTok can become a safer space. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The platform would also need to add content filters, screen time limits and ensure that age-appropriate material is available. Angelica Valle Discovery Bay Smokers unpleasant surprise Concessions foods at Sacramento Kings Golden 1 Center, (sacbee.com, Oct. 18) Last week, we attended a show at Golden 1 Center. We made a night of it, paying for the premium parking next to the center, going to Old Sacramento for dinner at Joes Crab Shack and picking up candy at the shops there. Then, we went to the show where we were shocked to find that they had cigarettes, vapes and lighters on a list of prohibited items. They wanted to confiscate those from us, as we smoke. Its fine if I cannot use them while in the arena. But for them to confiscate these items is unacceptable. Robert Deitz II Placerville "Two jawans of Jagargunda police station got injured in a Naxal attack during a weekly market in Sukma. They are being given first aid. An intensive search operation is being carried out by security forces in the area," Sukma Police said. Following the attack, security forces have launched an intensive search operation in the area to catch the suspects. Further information is awaited. On Wednesday, a 35-year-old man was killed by Naxalites on suspicion of being a police informer in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district, police said. The victim was identified as Dinesh Pujar, who hailed from Putkel village under Basaguda police station limits. Earlier, the Dantewada police in Chhattisgarh reported that at least 38 Naxal cadres were gunned down in a recent encounter in the forests of Abujhmad, near the Dantewada-Narayanpur border. (ANI) The Utah Democratic Party lost state legislative ground in 2022 after new district maps were approved by Utahs Republican supermajority. But a group of young Democratic activists hope this years efforts to reach voters statewide could flip a few red seats blue on Tuesday night. Republicans have held a supermajority of at least two-thirds in the Utah Legislature since the 1990s, giving lawmakers latitude to pass legislation, override governors vetos and introduce constitutional amendments. Republican Party leaders say they have a plan to keep their supermajorities in place. The state Senate is currently made up of six Democrats and 23 Republicans three seats more than is needed for a supermajority. And the state House has 14 Democrats and 61 Republicans 11 seats more than is needed for a supermajority. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democrats say they are within reach of closing those margins. If not this year than in two, or six, or eight, according to the room full of 15 or so full-time Utah Democratic field organizers who are behind the state partys biggest centralized push in recent memory. This is step one of a massive program to make Utah the next battleground state, said Elliot Kauffman, the coordinated campaign director who came to Utah after helping flip Georgias Senate seat to blue in 2021 and helping to grow Vermonts Democratic supermajority in 2022. Kauffman leads a crew of mostly college-aged staffers, who manage data collection software, mass-text campaigns, a call center and canvassing operations out of the Utah Democratic Partys Salt Lake City headquarters. The effort involves Democratic candidates from the municipal level on up to congressional and statewide races pooling their fundraising dollars with the state party, which allows campaigns to work more efficiently as they take advantage of party volunteers and share campaign materials. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With a budget of around $180,000, the operation has reached out to nearly one million voters in the state, whether through door-knocking, internet messages or a phone call, according to Kauffman. Energized by the replacement of President Joe Biden with Vice President Kamala Harris as the partys presidential nominee, these young party operatives believe the youngest, fastest-growing state in the country will be more open to Democrats arguments than before. Members of the staff, including the state party communications director, Mason Hughes, age 21, say theyre also happy with the candidates theyve recruited, calling them the best slate of Democratic candidates weve had in decades in the state of Utah. But beyond trying to expand Democratic representation in 2024, Hughes and Kaufman said they hope the partys increased investment in candidates will also increase candidate quality in future years. Bridget Baldwin, from Salt Lake City, looks at campaign signs while picking out signs for her parents at the Utah Democratic Party Head Quarters in Salt Lake City on Friday, Nov. 1, 2024. Baldwin said that this is the second time she has had to pick up signs for her parents after their signs were stolen from their yard in Cedar Hills. | Brice Tucker, Deseret News What state Utah House seats are close this election cycle? While some legislative districts have become less competitive since lawmakers redrew the boundaries in 2021, Democratic and Republican operatives see six state House races as up for grabs in 2024: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement House District 10: Democratic Rep. Rosemary Lesser is defending her South Ogden seat against Jill Koford, a Republican business owner who lost against Lesser by 500 votes in 2022. House District 26: Republican Rep. Matt MacPherson is defending his West Valley City seat against Democrat Jeanetta Williams, the president of the Salt Lake Branch of the NAACP. MacPherson was elected by GOP delegates in 2023 to replace Quinn Kotter, who resigned after winning his seat by less than 150 votes in 2022. House District 27: Republican Rep. Anthony Loubet is defending his Magna seat against Democrat Dawn Stevenson, a former educator. Loubet flipped this seat in 2022 by less than 70 votes. House District 30: This previously Republican open seat in West Valley City is being contested by former Republican Rep. Fred Cox and Democratic West Valley City city council member Jake Fitisemanu. Ater winning the seat by less than 400 votes in 2022, Republican Rep. Judy Weeks-Rohner is running to replace state Sen. Karen Kwan. House District 35: This previously Democratic open seat in Murray is being contested by Democratic Murray city council member Rosalba Dominguez and Republican Mike Bird, a former state party treasurer. Democratic Rep. Mark Wheatley is retiring from the Legislature after 20 years in the state legislature. He won reelection by more than 1,100 votes in 2022. House District 42: This previously Republican open seat in Sandy is being contested by Republican business executive Clint Okerlund and Democratic lawyer Travis Smith. Republican Rep. Robert Spendlove is retiring from the Legislature after winning by large margins in 2022 without a Democratic challenger. Republicans skeptical of Democratic push Even if Democrats held or flipped every one of these seats, Republicans would maintain a supermajority in the House. Thats why the Utah Democratic Party views this year as just a piece in their long game to improve party infrastructure, with the hope that more Democratic-friendly legislative districts potentially will come in response to pending litigation against the Utah Legislature. Because of the Republican Supermajoritys unconstitutional gerrymandering, Democrats have to work much harder and more efficiently to get elected, Utah Democratic Party chair Diane Lewis said in a statement. To break the Republican supermajority, our focus cant be winning one race; it must be winning every competitive district for Democrats. The way Utahs Democratic activists see it, the state GOP has become complacent with its consistent supermajority, creating a window for Democrats to persuade voters with a better ground game and fresh message. But Utah GOP chair Rob Axson says the states dominant party is taking nothing for granted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We recognize that the stewardship of winning an election requires continued respect and work and effort to earn it, and so we are we are not assuming any outcome, and because of that, we will continue to work our tail off to continue on those battleground seats, to protect them, to earn the respect of those constituents, Axson said. Salt Lake County GOP chair Chris Null said the party at a county level has more than quadrupled its spending on social, digital and radio ads this year compared to recent election cycles. With increased fundraising in the party, Null was able to send out a mailer to every Republican in the county prior to election week informing them of their state House representative and encouraging them to vote up and down the ticket for GOP nominees. Null concedes that there has been a notable increase in excitement among Utah Democrats this year. But he is skeptical that renewed energy among candidates will make a difference at the ballot box. Were seeing the candidates who are excited, who are working hard on the Democrat side, Null said. I just dont think it translates to the voters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since the last presidential election cycle in 2020, the share of Utah voters registered as Democrats hasnt grown, but has actually fallen from 14.9% in 2020 to 13.9% in 2024, as the share of voters registered as Republicans has increased by 1% in the other direction. The last day for Utahns to register to vote was Oct. 25. Registered voters can vote by placing their mail-in ballot in a secure county dropbox by 8 p.m. on Election Day, Nov. 5; or by putting their ballot in the mail in time to be postmarked by Nov. 4; or by voting in-person at an official voting location identified by their county clerk. You can find all of Deseret News political coverage here. A look back at local, national and world events through Deseret News archives. On Nov. 2, 1948, in one of the most unexpected results in U.S. election history, Democratic incumbent Harry S. Truman won the presidential election against the heavily favored Republican governor of New York, Thomas E. Dewey. But the results werent announced in much of the country until Nov. 3. When Truman decided to run for reelection, few people gave him any chance of reaching his goal. The economic difficulties of reconversion and popular perceptions of him as unrefined and blunt had hurt his popularity. His inconsistencies on the Palestine issue contributed to a sense that he wasnt up to his job. The Republican Congress had rejected almost all of his proposals for domestic reform. And it wasnt yet clear that his foreign policy initiatives in Europe would succeed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To make matters worse, support within his own party was disintegrating. Southern Democrats became enraged when he began supporting civil rights for African Americans. Led by South Carolina governor (and later U.S. senator) Strom Thurmond, the Southerners broke away and established the States Rights Party, also known as the Dixiecrat faction. Truman was attacked by the left wing of his party because of his policy towards the Soviets, which they regarded as aggressive and provocative. Franklin Roosevelts former Vice President Henry Wallace and his followers established the Progressive Party. Down in the polls and under fire within his own party, Truman alone remained confident of his victory. On the morning after the election, according to Trumans historian, Americans rose to news of the most surprising comeback in presidential election history. In Missouri, Truman learned of his victory at 4 a.m. when a Secret Service agent woke him. Later that day, 40,000 people jammed the town square in Independence to salute their native son. The election was a cliffhanger; the president won without getting a majority of the popular vote, pulling together just enough of the old New Deal coalition to squeak through. His civil rights program attracted black and liberal voters. Farmers rewarded his backing of price supports and other benefits. Labor backed his attacks on the Republicans anti-union record. Urban machines delivered the cities. And despite the defection of the Dixiecrats, he still held on to several Southern states. Trumans upset was the highlight of a Democratic sweep, as the party won back control of Congress as well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Because the Deseret News was printed later than the newspapers that infamously ran with the headlines Dewey defeats Truman, Utahs newspaper headline that day was accurate: Dewey concedes defeat. As Americans prepare for another election, here are some stories from Deseret News archives on the November 1948 election: Perspective: How we can rebuild social trust Truman supporter still relishes victory and historic handshake Pollsters still learning from 1948 debacle Anything can happen in election, says Utahn who saw 48 surprise 1948 newspaper may not be worth much Emilia Toth at the Youth Voting Summit at Colby College in Waterville on October 5, 2024. (Photo by Michael G. Seamans/ Maine Morning Star) University of Southern Maine senior Emilia Toth was running an election event on campus last week when she encountered two out-of-state students who had no idea how they could register or vote in Maine. She helped the two students understand their rights, including how and where to register, and set them up to vote on Election Day, she said. But with the election around the corner, she is worried that a lot of students still dont know their rights, even with the increased engagement she has seen on campus this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Toth works for youth civic engagement organization Maine Students Vote and is overseeing all other student fellows at campuses across the state as they work to provide students with voting access information. There have been previous attempts by Republican officials in Maine to restrict out-of-state students from voting. So for those interested in exercising their right, information is key, Toth and Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows both said. Even with the states public and private universities working hard to ensure students have access to information and transportation to get to the polls, not knowing how and where to vote can deter students from casting a ballot. Ive encountered so many out-of-state students who had no idea they could choose where to vote, Toth said. I think its so important that students know what their rights are, and its not necessarily their fault that they dont know these things. Students are missing information on voting Sadie Lesback, a sophomore in the mechanical engineering program at University of Southern Maine, drove two hours to vote in person in New Hampshire because she didnt know she could vote in Maine. Her roommate, who is also from New Hampshire, could not make it home and wouldve had to miss voting until Lesback found out on Friday that out-of-state students can cast their ballots in Maine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said she had seen people tabling outside campus dining halls, but never stopped by because she wasnt sure it was relevant for her. To me, that kind of just looked like it was for Maine voters. Because I didnt know I could be a Maine voter, I never stopped by those tables, she said. But having those tables is really important, and so is having it known that its not just for the people who are from Maine. Lesback and three other USM students Maine Morning Star spoke with said having online information, such as emails to the student body, would have helped them better understand the law. Yangki Sherpa had already requested her absentee ballot from Connecticut when she learned from one of the tables on campus that she was eligible to have voted locally. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I wouldn't have even known I could register here if it weren't for someone telling me that I could. Holly Ness, a student at the University of Maine at Farmington I would have voted in Maine if I had known at the time, Sherpa said. Since Im from a really liberal part of Connecticut, my vote doesnt really matter that much there since a Democrat is always going to win, essentially. Holly Ness, a student at the University of Maine at Farmington, said the university has sent emails informing students how to get a proof of address letter to register. That allowed Ness to vote in Maine instead of Massachusetts this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Being able to vote as someone who isnt from Maine is such a convenience, and Im glad our university understands that and helps many students who either didnt know they could vote if theyre from out-of-state, or think that they cant vote because theyre not from Maine learn what they can do, she said. I wouldnt have even known I could register here if it werent for someone telling me that I could, Ness said. University outreach Maines public universities and private liberal arts colleges, including Bates, Bowdoin, and Colby, are encouraging students to know their rights and vote. The flagship University of Maine in Orono is serving as a polling place on Election Day, and most other campuses are offering shuttles for students to head to the polls, such as the more rural campuses in Machias, Fort Kent, and Presque Isle, according to system spokesperson Samantha Warren. Campuses in northern and central Maine may not have student fellows promoting voting, Toth said, which could potentially lead to a lack of information at these locations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There definitely are universities where this type of work may not be happening, and theres a lot of different reasons for that, whether theyre smaller schools or commuter schools or in the more rural areas, she said. But wherever out-of-state students attend school in Maine, the Secretary of States office has made it clear that all out-of-state students can choose to vote here or in their home state. Despite some attempts across the states public universities, email information about out-of-state students voting rights, which several students said is vital, was not provided across the system. While the Farmington and Machias campuses provided information about acquiring proof of residency on student portals or through the student life office, USM students said they did not receive any online information on this topic. Additionally, all the students Maine Morning Star spoke with said not having a day off on Election Day may also prove to be a barrier to voting, if students are forced to choose between attending class and going to the polls, where they may have to wait in long lines. Resurrecting voting restrictions that will impact students Even though student voting rights are clearly defined in state law, conservative political action committees and Republican lawmakers have and continue to attempt to limit these rights by introducing legislation or circulating petitions that would require voters to show identification before casting their ballots. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A recent petition being circulated by the conservative Dinner Table PAC is one such attempt to mandate Maine voters show photo ID before being allowed to vote. Since student IDs arent listed as an acceptable form of identification, if the effort, which is based on a bill introduced a few years ago gets enough signatures to be placed on the ballot and is passed, it will restrict students voting rights. Toth said she has advised students not to sign this petition if they run into people collecting signatures at the polls. Its a really misleading campaign, because they make it seem like a no-brainer, like, Yeah, you should show ID to be able to vote, she said. But the issue is that it would make certain IDs invalid as a type of voter ID. Over the years there have been other attempts at restricting student voters, including a letter sent to almost 200 University of Maine out-of-state students in 2011 by former Secretary of State Charlie Summers telling them they may be violating Maine laws. The warning was accompanied by a voter request to cancel registration, according to a letter by the ACLU of Maine letter in opposition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Every time a legislator has tried to block students from voting by introducing bills to do that, it has been decisively defeated, often with bipartisan support for students right to vote, Bellows, the current secretary of state, said. Dating back to the 1800s, the Maine Supreme Judicial Court has ruled that students who attend school here in our state have the right to vote. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE UPDATE: Detectives say they have identified the two women in this incident and they were cooperative in the investigation. Neither are considered suspects or persons of interest in the crime. A suspect has since been identified and arrested. Detectives are asking for the publics help in identifying two women who were at the Vancouver Mall when two people were injured and one was killed in a Halloween night shooting. The Vancouver Police Department and Crime Stoppers Oregon are working to locate the two women, releasing images of them, one pictured with a small child. According to Vancouver PD, the women are not believed to be involved in the shooting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anyone with information on the identity of the pictured people is asked to submit anonymous tips to Crime Stoppers of Oregon. Vancouver PD added that Crime Stoppers of Oregon offers cash rewards of up to $2,500 for reporting information that leads to an arrest in any unsolved felony crime, but tipsters must remain anonymous. Secure and anonymous tips can be left via the P3 app or at crimestoppersoforegon.com. If your doctor said you participated in an activity linked to more traffic accidents, chronic sleep deprivation and higher health risks, wouldnt you want to stop it? Its an activity all Californians partake in each year: springing forward into daylight saving time each March, and falling back into standard time in November. Because of the inconvenience of and health risks posed by this ritual, I introduced Senate Bill 1413 last legislative session to Ditch the Switch by instead implementing permanent standard time. The proposal did not result in getting rid of the switch, but I am still committed to finding ways to end this unhealthy, inconvenient practice. Opinion Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most people agree to ditch the switch, but the debate lies in which switch to ditch. You might be wondering: Havent Californians already approved doing just that? In 2018, voters approved Proposition 7, which allowed the Legislature to change to daylight saving time with a two-thirds vote if the change meets federal law and Congress authorizes it. However, these changes have not been implemented. Current federal law only allows states to authorize permanent standard time year-round or be on daylight saving time for a portion of the year. No option to permanently switch to daylight saving time exists. While there have been a few proposals in Congress to allow for permanent daylight saving time, they have consistently stalled. Californias only options now are to move to permanent standard time or keep the status quo with its biannual time changes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We all know the inconveniences of springing forward and falling back each year. But less known yet amply documented are the negative effects on peoples productivity, health and safety. Standard time aligns more closely with human circadian rhythm (our internal body clock) than daylight saving time does. Humans respond to environmental light the most important signal regulating our biological clocks. This is why the American Medical Association and the California Medical Association support permanent standard time because it aligns clock time closest with when the sun is overhead at noon. Setting clocks naturally closer to sun time would allow people to get more sleep. When later sunrises and sunsets are artificially set (which is what happens under daylight saving time), our body clocks keep us up later at night, making it difficult to fall asleep on time and wake refreshed the next day. This decreases productivity, with one study estimating at least $2 billion per year lost nationally due to workers showing up late or not at all. Medical experts, such as the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, say that permanent standard time provides a a better opportunity to get the right duration of high-quality, restful sleep on a regular basis, which improves our cognition, mood, cardiovascular health and overall well-being. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Interrupting our sleep pattern is harmful to our bodies. Gaining an hour of sleep may sound good, as daylight saving time ends on Sunday. Ultimately, however, changes to our sleep pattern interfere with our performance at work and school. I have heard from critics who say they enjoy long summer evenings provided under daylight saving time. But the change to standard time will not drastically affect that. For instance, on July 1, the sun would set at 7:35 p.m., which is still an arguably long evening. In contrast, if we were on permanent daylight saving time, the sun would not rise until 7:25 a.m. on January 1. California can work in a multi-state coalition, which right now includes Washington, Arizona, Oregon, Idaho and Utah. The coalition represents the growing public sentiment against the disruption caused by switching times. Its time for the legislature to take action on this issue, and I look forward to moving the discussion forward in 2025. State Sen. Roger Niello represents District 6, encompassing portions of Sacramento and Placer Counties. Queen Camilla's Heart-Wrenching Documentary Premieres as She Continues to Recover from Chest Infection: See the New Clip The Queen's film 'Her Majesty The Queen: Behind Closed Doors' premieres on Nov. 11 and shows her fiercely advocating for domestic abuse survivors Queen Camilla, a longtime supporter of domestic abuse survivors, is taking part in a new documentary that premieres on Monday, Nov. 11 The 90-minute film, called Her Majesty The Queen: Behind Closed Doors, sees the Queen speaking to survivors, a key part of her royal work Queen Camilla continues to recover from a chest infection that forced her to miss Remembrance events this past week As she continues to recover from a chest infection, Queen Camilla is releasing a documentary about a subject matter deeply important to her: raising awareness of domestic and sexual violence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her new, often-harrowing documentary Her Majesty The Queen: Behind Closed Doors debuts on Nov. 11 and shows the Queens path as she has worked to break the taboo over the issue of domestic abuse. It also reveals her empathy when she meets women and their families who have experienced domestic abuse and shows her deep understanding of the issue and the help needed for women and girls. The film, aimed at giving domestic abuse survivors a voice, will air on ITV1 in the U.K. One in five adults (and a quarter of all women) in the U.K. experience domestic abuse in their lifetime, and it is estimated that around three women die by suicide as a result of domestic abuse every week. In the 90-minute film, Camilla, 77, meets survivors of domestic abuse and talks to the support workers helping give women a new start. As she does, Camilla speaks candidly about what has motivated her over the last decade. ITV Queen Camilla meets survivors of domestic abuse during the filming of her new documentary Queen Camilla meets survivors of domestic abuse during the filming of her new documentary One of the most difficult things about domestic abuse to understand its not the bruises and the black eyes, which, unfortunately you see, through violence, this is something that creeps up very slowly and, far too often, it ends up with women being killed, Camilla said in the documentary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You meet somebody, you think theyre wonderful and attractive and love you and then, bit by bit, they start to undermine you. They take away your friends, they take away your family and then when you start questioning it these people become very violent, she continued. Related: Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall Remembers When Domestic Abuse Was a 'Taboo Subject' in Powerful Speech Of one never-before-seen private meeting with Diana Parkes whose daughter, Joanna Simpson, was killed by her estranged husband Camilla said, I think shes so strong, because not many people would be able to survive the death of their daughter. I admire her more than I can say. The film was unveiled to many of the contributors and supporters at a special screening at Buckingham Palace. There, Hetti Barkworth-Nanton, who was a friend of Joanna Simpson and is now chair of the charity Refuge, tells PEOPLE, Firstly, with every single survivor that I've seen her talk to, it's not about the cameras. She does it privately because she genuinely cares and she genuinely wants them to be at ease." ITV Queen Camilla featured in the new documentary 'Her Majesty The Queen: Behind Closed Doors' Queen Camilla featured in the new documentary 'Her Majesty The Queen: Behind Closed Doors' Secondly honestly, they come out of the conversation with her absolutely buzzing, and they're buzzing because they were helped to feel very comfortable talking about a very difficult thing," Barkworth-Nanton continues. "But also because they've spoken to the Queen and the Queen listened and showed she cared. You can't put a price on the difference that makes for survivors, because it lifts them up and they keep going. It's incredible." It helps them to realize that they can hold their head up high, they dont need to feel shame. Thats all part of repairing. These women have sometimes gone through decades of being made to feel utterly worthless. So just meeting the Queen and talking about what happened is part of the journey. And takes them further along the journey in terms of starting to feel some real self-esteem and worth, she adds. ITV Queen Camilla sharing a cup of tea with a survivor in the documentary Queen Camilla sharing a cup of tea with a survivor in the documentary Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In one scene at a refuge, Camilla sits opposite an unnamed client and empathetically looks across to her over a cup of tea, gently easing her story out of her. It doesnt matter that shes the Queen and that woman probably is at the lowest point in her life in terms of how she feels about herself," Barkworth-Nanton says. "And they come together as equals and, having come together as equals, its easier to then ask the questions and help to bring them out of themselves because they feel safe. She helps them to feel safe." Also featured is actor Sir Patrick Stewart, who talks about witnessing his fathers violence against his mother. Related: Queen Camilla Wears Queen Elizabeth's Symbolic Brooch as She Arrives in Australia for Royal Tour Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The film also follows the Queen as she celebrates International Womens Day at Buckingham Palace and concludes with a small reception for a group of survivors who also tell their story in the documentary. One of those was Rehema Muthamia. Britains first black Miss England in 2021, who entered the contest to help raise the issue to the audience of that pageant. She was acknowledging us, Muthamia tells PEOPLE. Showing that it mattered to her and acknowledging those of us who have been through it [and] have gone through the journey." Can't get enough of PEOPLE's Royals coverage? Sign up for our free Royals newsletter to get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more! Muthamia adds, Shes doing incredibly. For a monarch to take on this many of us have said we feel shame and guilt for ourselves, but for a member of the royal family to take on this social injustice, its very powerful. Ian Vogler-Pool/Getty Queen Camilla speaks at the Women's Forum event in Samoa on Oct. 24, 2024 in Apia, Samoa Queen Camilla speaks at the Women's Forum event in Samoa on Oct. 24, 2024 in Apia, Samoa It could be anyone from any background. It is a respecter of no woman, no man, she continues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Queen Camilla has long supported domestic abuse survivors, and on her recent trip to Australia and Samoa alongside King Charles, 75, she took part in a discussion on family and domestic violence in Australia to learn more about what is being done to tackle the issue on Oct. 21 in Canberra. Later, in Samoa, the Queen delivered a keynote address in recognition of Commonwealth efforts to end gender-based violence on Oct. 24, and the next day opened the Queen Camilla Pre-School of Hope as the Samoa Victims Support Group continues its mission to raise awareness and educate young people about preventing violence against women and girls. "I just want to do something about this," the Queen said in a trailer for her documentary, released on social media on Nov. 1. She adds later in the clip, "With determination and courage, we will succeed." If Her Majesty had one ambition for this documentary, it is not that viewers understand a little bit more about her and her work, but its a wish that this documentary will prompt conversations in homes, schools and workplaces across the country, a Buckingham Palace spokesman says. Conversations that, if they can happen here in a palace with the Queen, can and should happen everywhere. Jonathan Brady/PA Images via Getty Queen Camilla on a balcony at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) on Whitehall, during the Remembrance Sunday service at the Cenotaph, in Whitehall, London on Nov. 12, 2023 Queen Camilla on a balcony at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) on Whitehall, during the Remembrance Sunday service at the Cenotaph, in Whitehall, London on Nov. 12, 2023 The Queen's documentary premieres as she continues to recover from a chest infection, announced by the palace on Nov. 5, which forced her to miss numerous Remembrance events over the weekend with the rest of the royal family, including the Festival of Remembrance at Royal Albert Hall on Nov. 9 and Remembrance Sunday at The Cenotaph war memorial on Nov. 10. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a Nov. 9 statement, Buckingham Palace issued an update on Queen Camilla's health, saying that Following doctors guidance to ensure a full recovery from a seasonal chest infection, and to protect others from any potential risk, Her Majesty will not attend this weekends Remembrance events." "While this is a source of great disappointment to The Queen, she will mark the occasion privately at home and hopes to return to public duties early next week," the statement continued. 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. British royal family finances are complex and often spark debate. And today, a new documentary has ignited significant controversy over the millions that King Charles and Prince William get from estates of land and property harking back to medieval times. Investigative current affairs program Channel 4s Dispatches has put the spotlight on the Duchy of Lancaster and Duchy of Cornwall. These estates, established in 1399 and 1337 respectively, exist to raise money for the sovereign and heir by giving them all the net profits. In the last financial year, the King was given 27.4 million from his Duchy and William received 23.6 million. These funds are considered to be private income and are in addition to the millions the royals get annually from British taxpayers. However, Dispatches The King, The Prince and Their Secret Millions has sparked debate by investigating exactly what makes the royals these hefty personal sums. The program claims that the NHS, British Armed Forces, and charities are charged millions for use of properties and land on the estates. Charles and Williams private estates claim they are not funded by the taxpayer, Dispatches narrator says in the program, But [Dartmoor Prison] is just one example of many where they are making an income from the taxpayer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In revelations that will be a blow to William as he campaigns to end homelessness and on the environment, there are claims that some Duchy of Cornwall tenants are living in homes with mould and that are failing to meeting minimum energy efficiency standards. The investigations were carried out alongside the Sunday Times and the Daily Mirror. The reaction to the program has been widespread. Whatever your views on the Royal Family, we can surely all agree that they shouldnt be profiting from our NHS, NHS Million, an unofficial NHS campaign run by NHS staff, posted on X. London Bureau Chief of German network ARD Annette Dittert posted, This is quite something. The most comprehensive investigative research into Royal finances Ive seen. Even the NHS is being charged by the Royals. If there is no discussion now about whether the monarchy can go on like this, then I dont know when. And former BBC Royal Correspondent Peter Hunt posted, William can singlehandedly make a significant impact on homelessness by accepting a fixed income in return for giving up his vast Duchy of Cornwall estate. Instead of tinkering at the edges, hed become a consequential royal. The program claims that the Duchy of Lancaster is charging the NHS 11.4 million to store ambulances over 15 years and that the Duchy of Cornwall has a lucrative deal with the MOD to carry out army training in Dartmoor. I see no reason why the Duchy couldnt agree to let the MOD use the moor without chargebecause its the training of our troops, local Conservative Party councillor Philip Sanders told the program. He described the Duchy as a very shrewd and commercial landlord. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The fact that the Duchies do not pay corporation tax was also questioned, with Baroness Margaret Hodge telling the program, What should happen is that the profits that the Duchies make out of it, they should be paying corporation tax on that, as would any other British company making money in this way. The Duchies are exempt from capital gains tax and inheritance tax. However, the King and Prince of Wales pay income tax on the profits they receive. Also featured in Dispatches was the mayor of Liverpool City, Steve Rotheram, who said he was surprised to discover that the Duchy of Lancaster owned shores of the River Mersey and takes a cut of the money made by the dock. There is a much wider debate about whether Kings in the 21st Century should be getting money from land which was taken from people in feudal times, he said. He has hopes to build a tidal project in the Mersey estuary but will currently have to pay the Duchy of Lancaster to make this possible. If we are doing something which is of direct good to the public and to the environment, then I wouldnt think there should be an additional charge levied against that that goes into the pockets of the King, he said. Town & Country reached out to the Duchy of Lancaster and Duchy of Cornwall for comment, and received the following responses: A Duchy of Cornwall spokesperson said: The Duchy of Cornwall is a private estate with a commercial imperative which we achieve alongside our commitment to restoring the natural environment and generating positive social impact for our communities. Prince William became Duke of Cornwall in September 2022 and since then has committed to an expansive transformation of the Duchy. This includes a significant investment to make the estate net zero by the end of 2032, as well as establishing targeted mental health support for our tenants and working with local partners to help tackle homelessness in Cornwall. A spokesperson from the Duchy of Lancaster said: The Duchy of Lancaster manages a broad range of land and property assets. It is self-financing and does not receive any public funds in connection with its activities. It publishes an Annual Report and Accounts that is independently audited and available to view on its website and complies with all relevant UK legislation and regulatory standards applicable to its range of business activities. You Might Also Like SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) One woman was found dead at a home in Edgerton Minnesota Saturday. According to the Pipestone County Sheriffs office just before noon, officers got a call for a domestic assault at 800 1st Avenue in Edgerton. Both sides of Amendment G hold rallies in Sioux Falls When officers arrived they found the woman deceased. Deputies have one man in custody. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Former President Donald Trump spoke at Gastonias airport hours before early voting ended in North Carolina. Trump was last here in 2020when he won over Gaston County voters. Were just three days away from political victory in all history, but it only happens if you go get out and vote, said Trump. Trump energized the crowd as he talked about cutting taxes and lowering the cost of gasoline. He also spoke about a plan to tackle the border crisis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I believe the border is the single, most notable problem to happen to our country in 100 years, Trump elaborated. The former president was joined by several Republican candidates for North Carolina, including Tim Moore and Dan Bishop. However, there was no mention of Mark Robinson. ALSO READ: North Carolina breaks early voting record He is going to win NC; we are seeing it happen, said Bishop. Get this, Republicans lead early voting for the first time in early voting history. On Friday, the North Carolina Board of Elections said 50,000 more Republicans early voted in person than Democrats. Support Trump and all these wonderful people that are here to support. Let him know we do care and we want to change how things are, and hopefully, it will be a good outcome for America, said Trump supporter Brandi Buck. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nate Rambo of Rock Hill said it was his fifth Trump rally and likely the most important as election day nears. Its really special, this one. Its going to be the last time hes going to run, and this is the home stretch, Rambo elaborated. If you havent cast your ballot yet, you can do so on election day at your designated polling location. VIDEO: North Carolina breaks early voting record Former president Donald Trump stopped in Macon Sunday to hold a rally at the Atrium Health Amphitheater, an event that featured many of Trumps familiar platform discussions such as immigration and the economy. The event was Trumps final stop in Georgia before Election Day, but was delayed for about an hour and a half while the former president finished speaking at a different rally in North Carolina and traveled south. It wasnt Trumps only stop in Middle Georgia this cycle. He held a town hall aimed at religious voters on Oct. 23 at a church in Zebulon, Georgia, about an hour outside of Macon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump and his Democratic opponent, Vice President Kamala Harris, have both set their sights on the Peach State, which polls currently show as tied and whose 16 electoral votes could determine who gets the White House. Scenes from before the start of Republican presidential candidate Donald Trumps Make America Great Again Rally on Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024, at Atrium Health Amphitheater in Macon, Georgia. Trump was late to event Prominent Georgia Republicans, including vocal Trump supporter Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, were in attendance. Also in attendance prior to the event were Herschel Walker, a former University of Georgia running back who unsuccessfully ran for Senate in 2022, and former Georgia GOP Chair David Shafer, who was indicted as part of a Fulton County probe into election interference in Georgia by Trump. While the rally was set to begin at 4:30 p.m. with Trump delivering remarks at 6:30 p.m., the event didnt begin until 5:30 p.m. when Georgia Senate Pro Tempore John F. Kennedy took the stage and opened with an invocation. Trump himself didnt take the stage until about 8 p.m. Guest speakers including Walker, Greene, Florida Senator Marco Rubio and former Georgia Sens. David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler filled about 30 minutes of time while Trump made his way to the venue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The remarks from guest speakers echoed many of Trumps talking points he has emphasized while on the campaign trail. During her speech, Greene denied that Jan. 6 was an insurrection, and called the U.S. governments response to COVID-19 tyrannical. The government shouldnt lock people up because they protested an election, Greene said. The government shouldnt lock you down, force you to take a vaccine and muzzle you with a mask. Public health officials and experts are still emphasizing the safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines. At one point during the wait, an altercation broke out in the audience. While press was not allowed to get close to the situation, law enforcement and event security were able to quickly resolve the issue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The remaining hour or so was spent playing music while the stage sat empty. Immigration a major talking point Trump doubled down on many of the false and disputed claims he has focused on this cycle, including that the 2020 election was stolen from him and that President Joe Bidens administration gave Federal Emergency Management money to undocumented immigrants in the wake of hurricanes Milton and Helene. Trump focused heavily on immigration. He invited the mother of 25-year-old Mimi Ramirez who was allegedly killed by an undocumented immigrant in Georgia last week. Additionally, he played a video showing the mother of Jocelyn Nungaray, a 12-year-old who was allegedly killed by an undocumented immigrant in Texas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump also mentioned Laken Riley, a nursing student who was allegedly killed on the University of Georgias campus in February by an undocumented immigrant. I will not let these animals into our country any longer, I will not let them spill one more precious drop of American blood, Trump said. He said he would advocate for the death penalty to any undocumented immigrant who kills an American citizen if elected. In total, he spoke for about an hour and a half. By the time he finished his remarks, many attendees had left. He closed his appearance by urging supporters to head to the polls on Election Day. We win this state and its over, Trump said. Ahead of BJP's manifesto release for upcoming Jharkhand Assembly Elections, Union Minister Sanjay Seth on Sunday said that the Bharatiya Janata Party don't make announcements but take resolutions, adding that guarantees given by Prime Minister Narendra Modi are implemented on the ground. Union Home Minister Amit Shah to release party's 'Sankalp Patra' (manifesto) for the Jharkhand Assembly elections, in Ranchi. "We don't make announcements but take resolutions. We don't make resolutions by sitting at the party headquarters, since last two months, our thousands of party workers were going to each Gram Panchayat and taking the opinions of everyone, regarding what needs to be done in Jharkhand, how can corruption be wiped out, how jobs can be increased...this resolution is the guarantee of PM Modi. Guarantees given by PM Modi are implemented on the ground," Sanjay Seth said. Former Jharkhand CM Arjun Munda said that Union Home Minister Amit Shah will release the party's 'Sankalp Patra' today. "Union Home Minister Amit Shah will release the party's 'Sankalp Patra' today. Emphasis will be laid on the development of every section and making Jharkhand a 'Viksit' Jharkhand. The people of the state will bless the BJP," Munda said. BJP spokesperson Pratul Shah Deo said that in the manifesto all the groups of Jharkhand including farmers, women, youths, infrastructure and developmental subjects, everything will be included. "Our manifesto will be released soon, in which all the groups of Jharkhand including farmers, women, youths...infrastructure and developmental subjects, everything will be included...on the other hand, INDI alliance has not even declared seats yet. Our candidates have filed their nominations and we have also announced the seat-sharing. On the other hand, INDI alliance has not even finalised the seat-sharing...we are going to come to power in Jharkhand and the most corrupt state govt in the history of Jharkhand is going to go," Pratul Shah Deo said. Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma said that the Sankal Patra will have a 150 resolutions. "The 150th birth anniversary of Lord Birsa Munda will be celebrated this time. Union Home Minister Amit Shah will inaugurate our Sankalp Patra, tomorrow, which will have 150 resolutions," he said. Earlier on Friday, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren urged PM Modi and the Union Home Minister to clear Rs 1.36 lakh-crore coal dues to the state. "Today the Home Minister, tomorrow the Prime Minister is coming to Jharkhand. I once again request him with folded hands to return the outstanding amount of Rs 1 lakh 36 thousand crore of us Jharkhandis. This amount is very necessary for the development of Jharkhand and Jharkhandis," CM Soren said while posting a letter to PM Modi on X. Elections for 81 seats in the Jharkhand Assembly will be conducted in two phases on November 13 and November 20, with the counting of votes scheduled for November 23. In the previous assembly election, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha won 30 seats, the BJP won 25 and Congress won 16 seats. (ANI) Donald Trump is re-using his 2020 playbook to baselessly claim the 2024 election is being stolen from him and is being joined by allies with big megaphones amplifying his falsehoods ahead of Election Day. Trump has made repeated false claims that Democrats are cheating in the election, and hes twisted isolated problems with voting leading up to Election Day, all in an effort to prime his supporters to falsely believe the election is not legitimate if he loses. This includes saying voting by noncitizens is a widespread problem. Hes claimed theres no verification for overseas or military ballots. Hes claimed election officials are using early voting to commit fraud. Hes claimed that massive swaths of mail-in ballots are illegitimate, even as hes encouraged his supporters to use mail voting this time around. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most importantly, Trump has claimed that the only way Vice President Kamala Harris can win the election is by cheating. The claims are baseless. Its unfortunate that he sees his path back to the White House as denigrating a basic American institution like elections, said Ben Ginsberg, a CNN contributor and Republican campaign attorney who has served as general counsel for several previous GOP nominees. If youre just starting to pay attention to this, the claims that youre hearing in 2024 about the election system not being reliable is extraordinarily similar to what he and his supporters were saying in 2020. In 2020, Trump lost a close election, and then spent two months trying to overturn the result. In 2024, with polls signaling a razor-thin election in seven battleground states, election officials are bracing for another firehose of misinformation about the result especially if the election hinges on the results of hundreds of ballots in one or two states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Election experts say that despite the viral and hyperbolic claims, the vast majority of voters will almost assuredly experience a swift and uneventful experience whenever they vote, whether its through early voting, vote-by-mail or on Election Day. As early voting has gotten underway, many local and state officials are showing they intend to proactively knock down falsehoods about the election that spread like wildfire on social media. Voter fraud is rare, but when it does happen, it is usually caught thanks to the layers of safeguards built into voting processes, according to nonpartisan election experts. Its really useful to remind people in this time of heightened anxiety, all the way around, that theyre still in charge (to decide the election outcome), said Justin Levitt, a CNN contributor and election law expert at Loyola Law School who served as a voting rights adviser in the Biden White House. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres a ton of noise out there right now. If this election is more than a 537-vote margin in any of the swing states, none of the noise will matter, Levitt added, referencing the margin in Florida during the disputed 2000 presidential election. Still, that hasnt always stopped conspiracy theories from spreading on social media including from Elon Musk, the CEO of X, who has poured tens of millions of dollars into boosting Trumps campaign. Election officials warn theyre outmatched and struggling to combat the wave of falsehoods coming from Musk and his platform. An intense focus on Pennsylvania Pennsylvania could be the state where the 2024 campaign is decided, and its become ground zero for both legal fights over voting rules and the spread of misinformation. Trump has already claimed without evidence that his opponents are cheating in the state, both on his social media and at campaign rallies. At a Tuesday rally in Allentown, Pennsylvania, Trump claimed that the discovery of hundreds of suspected fraudulent voter registration applications in Lancaster County was evidence of cheating. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lancaster election officials and the county district attorney announced last week they received a batch of suspected fraudulent voter registration applications, which had similar handwriting, incorrect information and other problems. But that is hardly evidence of cheating and in fact it shows the system worked to flag the applications, thanks to the checks in place to verify voters personal information and signatures before any ballots are cast, said Kathy Boockvar, a former Pennsylvania secretary of state. All these safeguards make sure that this doesnt impact voting, said Boockvar, a Democrat who is now president of Athena Strategies. What it doesnt do is it doesnt actually make it any more likely that theres going to be any more improper votes, thanks to all those guardrails in place. Because the states presidential election is so contested, its become a tinderbox for claims of fraud to spread like wildfire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last month, a conservative activist claimed voter fraud on X, in a post that quickly went viral, because 53 voters were registered at the same address, a Catholic church in Erie County. But it wasnt voter fraud at all there are 55 nuns of the Benedictine Sisters of Erie who live there. Pennsylvania has also been the site of furious pre-election litigation, including over the rules about what mail-in ballots can be counted and how early voting is administered. Trumps campaign and Republicans successfully sued to have Bucks County extend on-demand mail over complaints that voters had been turned away. Elon Musks misinformation machine Election experts say that misinformation surrounding a presidential election is nothing new. But whats changed is the volume of viral claims that theyre trying desperately to keep up with. Musks 2022 acquisition of X, formerly known as Twitter, has only added fuel to the fire, as he has pushed out numerous conspiracies to his 200 million followers on the site, as well as at town halls to support Trumps candidacy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Social media has been used in past elections to fuel conspiracies, including by foreign actors in 2016. But X and other social media companies have pivoted away from efforts to combat falsehoods spread on their sites. Musks tactics have pushed election officials to go so far as to try unsuccessfully to personally convince him to stop spreading baseless claims that could mislead voters. In Michigan this past week, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson tried to push back on a claim Musk shared about registered voters in Michigan, accusing him of spreading dangerous disinformation. Musk responded that Benson was blatantly lying to the public. Musk was latching onto claims alleging there were more ballots cast in Michigans early voters than there were identified voters, which the secretary of states office said was due to a data formatting error that was corrected. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Lara Trump, the co-chair of the Republican National Committee, posted on X that her team had confirmed this issue was due to a glitch, that didnt stop others in the conservative media ecosystem from continuing to amplify claims of fraud refusing to back down from claims of a larger conspiracy. CNNs Donie OSullivan, after spending 24 hours consuming pro-Trump media, reported the pro-Trump outlets are telling their viewers theres no way the former president can lose, if the election is fair. Election officials are trying to take a more proactive approach to false claims in their states and municipalities to knock them down quickly like a false claim in Texas of a man claiming a voting machine had switched his vote. But thats often an uphill battle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The effect of all this election mis- and dis-information is when you survey people, they dont believe anything they read online about elections, and thats a problem when there are really great election officials trying to get information into the hands of voters, said Ruth Greenwood, director of the election law clinic at Harvard Law School. Manipulating early voting numbers In 2020, Trump attacked early voting and mail-in voting, claiming they were used to cheat. His supporters, in response, largely voted on Election Day. This time, Trump and the RNC have made a big push to use early and mail voting, even as Trump has continued to attack them. As of five days before Election Day, more than 61 million Americans have already cast their ballots through either mail or early in-person voting. Both Democrats and Republicans have looked for positive signs for their side based on publicly available analysis of data that states report and partisans have made sweeping predictions from the totals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Voting and election modeling experts say that trying to game out election results based on early voting data is not statistically sound, because there are gaps in the data and the data only describes people who vote ahead of Election Day, not who they voted for or the intentions of tens of millions who will go to the polls on Tuesday. The questionable claims about early voting data have stoked fears that the early voting numbers will be one thing that Trump and his allies use to question the election results should Harris prevail. There are also concerns that Trump is preparing to declare victory prematurely just as he did early in the early morning hours after Election Day in 2020, before anyone had called the race. Trump claimed he had won because he was ahead, ignoring the fact that the in-person votes, which tended to be more Republican-leaning, had been counted ahead of mail-in ballots, which leaned more Democratic. While Republicans have embraced mail voting this year and theres no pandemic pushing millions to vote that way, a similar phenomenon could still happen this election. If the trend from recent past elections continues, if Democrats are more likely to use vote-by-mail or absentee ballots and those ballots take longer to cast, then youre going to see results shifting from Republican candidates being ahead to Democratic candidates pulling closer to them and potentially even surpassing them, said Michael Morley, an election law professor at Florida State University College of Law. Not because of fraud or something underhanded or nefarious going on, but because more ballots are being counted. Baseless claims of rampant non-citizen voting Trump and his Republican allies have ramped up litigation as well as their rhetoric ahead of Election Day over the threat of noncitizens voting and Trump in particular has claimed without evidence that Democrats are trying to allow non-citizens to vote. Our elections are bad, and a lot of these illegal immigrants coming in, theyre trying to get them to vote, Trump said at the September presidential debate. They cant even speak English. They dont even know what country theyre in practically. And these people are trying to get them to vote. Republicans have sought ahead of the election to purge voter rolls of suspected noncitizens. The Supreme Court sided with Virginia Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin on Wednesday, allowing the state to continue with a program that state officials say is aimed at removing suspected noncitizens from the voter rolls. Voting rights groups have pointed to evidence that Virginias voter purge effort also caught up citizens who are eligible to vote. The Justice Department also sued Alabama this fall over the states effort to remove more than 3,000 names from its voter rolls, arguing it violated federal law against such an action taking place too close to an election. Experts say illegal voting by non-citizens is extremely rare, and when it does happen, it is usually caught quickly. A recent Georgia audit of the 8.2 million people on its rolls found just 20 registered noncitizens only nine of whom had voted. And Michigan earlier this week charged a Chinese citizen with voter fraud and perjury after he allegedly cast a ballot for the 2024 election, which experts say shows how rare instances of illicit voting are uncovered. The focus on noncitizen voting has led to false allegations against Americans, too. In Pennsylvanias Allegheny County, election officials issued a statement Wednesday debunking a viral video alleging non-citizens cut the line and were allowed to vote at an early voting site. In fact, the video showed a group of registered voters who needed the assistance of translators, according to a county spokesperson. Republican litigation has also targeted overseas ballots cast by Americans living abroad and military service members. Trump falsely claimed that Democrats were trying to cheat with overseas ballots. The Democrats are talking about how theyre working so hard to get millions of votes from Americans living overseas. Actually, they are getting ready to CHEAT! he wrote on Truth Social in September. But courts in multiple jurisdictions have rejected Republican challenges to the procedures for vetting overseas ballots and to set aside ballots for additional checks of voters eligibility. Fears of another attempt to challenge the result Since the chaos in the aftermath of the 2020 election, officials have spent the past four years preparing both for increased threats of violence and efforts to block the certification of a legitimate election result. Election officials have been inundated with threats of violence since the 2020 election. Theyve responded in 2024 by stepping up efforts to protect polling places and their workers on Election Day, including with bulletproof glass, wearable panic buttons and open lines of communication with local law enforcement. Last month, the FBI and Department of Homeland Security warned that election-related grievances could motivate domestic extremists to engage in violence before and after the November election. Ballots and drop boxes have been targeted already. Authorities are investigating fires at ballot boxes in Portland, Oregon, and Vancouver, Washington, where hundreds of ballots were destroyed or damaged. Once all the votes are cast, election officials and experts are preparing to try to stop a repeat of the 2020 election, where Trump sought out multiple avenues to try to overturn his election loss, culminating in his supporters rioting at the US Capitol on January 6, 2021. Election officials and experts say they hope to avoid a repeat of 2020, where if Trump loses the election, he and his allies make baseless claims that the other side cheated and the result is illegitimate. There have been steps taken to blunt any attempt to of a 2020 repeat: Congress, for instance, updated the Electoral Count Act, the law that governs the January 6 congressional certification of the presidential election, in an attempt to make it harder to block certification. But Trump and his allies have been laying the groundwork to try to dispute the election should he lose. The Stop the Steal movement has already reemerged before Election Day, and many of those activists have been telling their supporters that the only way Trump can lose in 2024 is through fraud. In Georgia, conservatives sought to allow county election officials to refuse to certify the election results, though the effort was blocked by a state judge. Another Trump ally, Maryland GOP Rep. Andy Harris, suggested last week that North Carolinas GOP-controlled state legislature could award the states electoral votes to Trump before votes are even counted, arguing there was possible disenfranchisement of voters in western North Carolina due to complications from Hurricane Helene. If Trump believes there is systemic fraud in the election, he will have the opportunity to prove it in the courts, just as he did after the 2020 election. Ginsberg, the GOP election attorney, noted that the Republican National Committees plans for 200,000 poll watchers means the Trump campaign should be able to provide evidence to back up any alleged fraud claims. That means they ought to have hard evidence of anything thats amiss, he said. And if they cant produce hard evidence, then that should be a pretty clear indication that it once again is rhetorical smoke and not evidence. CNNs Yahya Abou-Ghazala, Sarah Boxer, Pamela Brown, Ethan Cohen, Marshall Cohen, Zachary Cohen, Devan Cole, Daniel Dale, Curt Devine, Danny Freeman, John Fritze, Brian Fung, Majlie de Puy Kamp, Holmes, Lybrand, Sean Lyngaas, Sara Murray, Paula Reid, Fredreka Schouten, Tierney Sneed, Donie OSullivan and Casey Tolan contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Donald Trump will move to strip fluoride from drinking water on his first day in office, according to Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Trump has promised to put Mr Kennedy in charge of health initiatives in his administration if he is elected. On January 20, the Trump White House will advise all US water systems to remove fluoride from public water, Mr Kennedy said. Trump and his wife Melania want to Make America Healthy Again, he added, repeating a phrase Trump often uses and links to Mr Kennedy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fluoride strengthens teeth and reduces cavities by replacing minerals lost during normal wear and tear. While president Trump has received a variety of policy ideas, he is focused on Tuesdays election, Danielle Alvarez, Trump campaign senior advisor, said in response. Link between high fluoride exposure and low IQ In 1950, federal officials endorsed water fluoridation to prevent tooth decay, and continued to promote it even after fluoride toothpaste brands hit the market several years later. Though fluoride can come from a number of sources, drinking water is the main source for Americans, researchers say. Officials lowered their recommendation for drinking water fluoride levels in 2015 to address a tooth condition called fluorosis that can cause splotches on teeth and became more common in children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In August, a federal agency determined with moderate confidence that there is a link between higher levels of fluoride exposure and lower IQ in children. The National Toxicology Program based its conclusion on studies involving fluoride levels at about twice the recommended limit for drinking water. A federal judge later cited that study ordering the US Environmental Protection Agency to further regulate fluoride in drinking water. US District Judge Edward Chen cautioned that it is not certain that the amount of fluoride typically added to water is causing lower IQ in children, but he concluded that mounting research points to an unreasonable risk that it could be. He ordered the EPA to take steps to lower that risk, but did not say what those measures should be. Kennedys role unclear under Trump What role Mr Kennedy might hold if Trump wins on Tuesday remains unclear. He recently told NewsNation that Trump asked him to reorganise agencies including the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Institutes of Health, the Food and Drug Administration and some agencies under the Department of Agriculture. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The former independent presidential candidate has become one of Trumps top surrogates. Trump frequently mentions having the support of Kennedy, a scion of a Democratic dynasty and the son of former Attorney General Robert Kennedy and nephew of president John F. Kennedy. Mr Kennedy travelled with Trump on Friday and spoke at his rallies in Michigan and Wisconsin. Trump said on Saturday that he told Mr Kennedy: You can work on food, you can work on anything you want except oil policy. He wants health, he wants womens health, he wants mens health, he wants kids, he wants everything, Trump added. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Donald Trump told a rally today that he wouldnt mind if someone shot through the media section at his rally, the latest violent rhetoric he has used on the campaign trail in the final days before the election. Trumps attacks on the media are routine, but at the Lititz, PA event, Trump was talking about the bullet proof glass that now surrounds him at outdoor events since the assassination attempt on his life in July. More from Deadline Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I have this piece of glass here, Trump said. But all we have really over here is the fake news, right? And to get me, somebody would have to shoot through the fake news. And I dont mind that so much. I dont mind. Some in the crowd cheered. Campaign communications director Steven Cheung said in a statement that Trump was talking about protective glass placement has nothing to do with the Media being harmed, or anything else. It was about threats against him that were spurred on by dangerous rhetoric from Democrats. In fact, President Trump was stating that the Media was in danger, in that they were protecting him and, therefore, were in great danger themselves, and should have had a glass protective shield also. There can be no other interpretation of what was said. He was actually looking out for their welfare, far more than his own. On Thursday, Trump said that Liz Cheney is a radical war hawk. Lets put her with a rifle standing there with nine guns shooting at her. Lets see how she feels about it. You know, when the guns are trained on her face. Cheney, who has endorsed Kamala Harris, said that Trumps remark is how dictators destroy free nations. They threaten those who speak against them with death. We cannot entrust our country and our freedom to a petty, vindictive, cruel, unstable man who wants to be a tyrant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump campaign said that the former president was talking about how warmongers like Liz Cheney are very quick to start wars and send other Americans to fight them with no regard for the lives lost. Trump has spent part of the final days of his campaign attacking media outlets. He filed a lawsuit against CBS over the way that 60 Minutes edited an interview with Kamala Harris and, earlier today, attacked Fox News again for running Democratic ads. He wrote, FoxNews keeps putting on Democrat ads, as part of their news program. Their soundbites are almost all of Harris and her Democrat friends, all of whom are on the shows. FOX NEWS IS NOT OUR FRIEND. Its crazy! Trump also went after Matt Drudge, who has run blistering headlines about him on Drudge Report. Trump wrote, I havent seen the Drudge Report for years, but everyone tells me it is doing really badly. Is it remaining open, or will they close it up? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Drudges headline this afternoon: Move Over Cheney, Now He Wants Reporters Shot! Former President Trump on bulletproof glass: "To get me, somebody would have to shoot through the fake news. And I don't mind that so much." pic.twitter.com/4ZgDiRPNds CSPAN (@cspan) November 4, 2024 Best of Deadline Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Former President Donald Trump is promising a sweeping overhaul of U.S. immigration policy if he wins the election, one that aims to build upon and escalate the already strident measures of his first term. Trump intends to commence mass deportations of millions of people, a project that could be marked by widespread workplace raids and the involvement of the U.S. military, all while putting federal resources into expanding the border wall at the U.S.-Mexico border. His proposed agenda would represent a dramatic shift in American immigration policy, targeting millions of undocumented immigrants and redefining the nations approach to newcomers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps dark view of immigration has helped define his political career since he launched his first presidential campaign in 2015. His rhetoric around the issue has raised concerns that his immigration agenda is rooted in an idealized fantasy of racial purity. He said in a speech in December that migrants coming into the U.S. are poisoning the blood of our country. Last month, he said undocumented immigrants who commit murder have bad genes. Trumps proposals have reignited debates around legality, ethics, and the potential societal impacts of such an expansive crackdown. Critics argue that his strategies could pose fundamental challenges to civil rights and humanitarian obligations. But the Trump campaign is trying to capitalize on rising public discontent regarding immigration and border security, framing their plans as a necessary response to what Trump describes as a national crisis. Heres what to know about Trumps immigration plan if he were to win the presidential election. Mass deportations Trump is making his plans for mass deportations of undocumented immigrants a central feature of his potential second term. He has signaled an ambition to carry out what he calls the largest domestic deportation operation in American history. That could mean a years-long effort to remove an estimated 11 million people who are in the country without authorization. His administration aims to leverage expedited removal processes, which allow for rapid deportations without the usual legal hearings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His campaign has emphasized that such measures are within existing legal frameworks and would not require new legislation. They argue that mass deportations would benefit American workers by raising wages and improving job conditions. However, experts warn that the abrupt removal of millions of immigrants would likely lead to economic instability, particularly in industries heavily reliant on undocumented labor, such as agriculture and hospitality. Critics of Trumps deportation strategy contend that it is inhumane, citing potential violations of due process and the trauma that mass removals could inflict on families and communities. Many of the people targeted have lived in the U.S. for years and have children who are U.S. citizens. The implications of such a drastic policy shift could also extend far beyond immigration, fundamentally reshaping the demographic and economic landscape of the nation. Using the military for immigration Trump's proposal to use the military for immigration enforcement marks a significant escalation in the federal government's approach to undocumented immigrants. By invoking the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 and the Insurrection Act, he plans to deploy federal troops to assist in apprehending migrants at the southern border, a move that raises serious legal and ethical concerns regarding the role of the military in domestic law enforcement. Trump has said he would move thousands of troops currently stationed overseas to the southern border of the U.S. He has also said he would deploy the U.S. Navy to impose a blockade of fentanyl and fentanyl precursor chemicals from entering the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The militarization of immigration policy reflects Trumps broader strategy of framing immigration as a security threat, portraying all undocumented immigrants as dangers to public safety. The intention is to create an unprecedented formidable presence at the border, bolstered by the National Guard and local police from Republican-led states. Advocates argue that this approach is essential for national security, while critics view it as a dangerous precedent that undermines civil liberties and could lead to excessive force against vulnerable populations. Trump also wants to build new detention camps to hold undocumented immigrants awaiting deportation, which the campaign says would enable faster processing and removal of immigrants. This effort would also likely include the military. Opponents fear that this approach could mirror past abuses in immigration enforcement, where the rights of individuals are overlooked in favor of rapid, large-scale removals. Workplace raids A second Trump administration would plan to expand workplace raids as a method of identifying and apprehending undocumented immigrants. The strategy, which he also ramped up in his first term, aims to increase the visibility and enforcement of immigration laws in everyday settings, targeting industries that frequently employ unauthorized workers. Trump has suggested that these raids will not only deter unauthorized employment but also lead to significant labor market shifts, benefiting American workers. However, the practical implications of such raids could be far-reaching, disrupting local economies and instilling fear within immigrant communities. Critics argue that workplace raids often result in chaos, separating families and exacerbating vulnerabilities among immigrant populations. The resulting atmosphere of mistrust can leave immigrants afraid to report crimes or seek help in dangerous situations for fear of deportation. Expanding the border wall Expanding and reinforcing the border wall is another cornerstone of Trumps immigration agenda, a promise that resonates deeply with his base. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.S.-Mexico border is nearly 2,000 miles long. During Trumps first term, the U.S. government built less than 500 miles of border wall, and much of it replaced smaller, dilapidated barriers. Trumps GOP party platform released during the Republican National Convention in July promised, We will complete the Border Wall. Trump has indicated plans to redirect military funding to construct new sections of the wall, defying congressional appropriationsan approach that mirrors tactics from his first term, when he prioritized border security over other federal funding priorities. Advocates for the wall argue that it is necessary for national security and controlling illegal immigration. Yet, critics contend that the wall represents a misguided allocation of resources, with many experts arguing that immigration challenges require comprehensive reforms rather than punitive measures. The prospect of renewed construction raises environmental and logistical concerns, particularly in regions where natural landscapes may be disrupted. Additionally, whether a border wall even works as a deterrent remains debated, with studies suggesting that a comprehensive approach addressing root causes of migration would be more effective in the long term. Returning to the Remain in Mexico policy Trump has promised to reinstate the remain in Mexico policy he put in place during his first Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement term. This policy, formally called the Migrant Protection Protocols, forced migrants who entered the U.S. over the southern border and requested asylum to return to Mexico while their cases were heard. During the Trump administration, this led to more than 65,000 migrants not from Mexico struggling to find temporary shelter in northern Mexico. More Border Patrol agents Trump plans to hire 10,000 new Border Patrol agents. This could be a difficult task, as the U.S. Border Patrol has struggled to fill existing positions due to low morale and funding issues. Trump has promised to offer pay raises and bonuses to enhance recruitment and retention within the agency. Trumps plan would enlarge the Border Patrol by 50% and require congressional approval. However, the campaign has not clarified how it would secure the necessary funding. In February, Republicans and Democrats in Congress had agreed on a border security deal that would have added 1,500 more Border Patrol agents and immigration personnel and expanded the roster of immigration judges and asylum officers. President Joe Biden promised to sign the measure. But the bill died after Trump told Republicans to wait to take action until after the election. Ending birthright citizenship On his first day back in office, Trump has promised to issue an executive order ending the long-standing Constitutional principle that children born in the U.S. are granted citizenship. Trump said he would instruct federal agencies to require that any child born in the U.S. have at least one parent who is a lawful permanent resident or citizen, before they can be issued a passport or Social Security number. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 14th Amendment of the Constitution guarantees that all people born in the U.S. have the rights of citizens, regardless of their race. Ratified in 1868, that amendment sought to remedy the harm caused by the Supreme Courts Dred Scott decision of 1857, which ruled that Black people were not citizens. Any executive action Trump takes to deny birthright citizenship to people born in the U.S. is sure to be challenged in court and would likely be fought all the way to the Supreme Court. Ideological screenings for immigrants Trump has promised to bring back the travel ban from Muslim-majority countries he implemented in his first term. His campaign wrote on X in October 2023 that he would reinstate and expand the ban on travel from terror-plagued countries and implement strong ideological screening for all immigrants. In that post, the Trump campaign listed plans to send immigration agents to protests in the U.S. to remove pro-Jihadist demonstrators from the country and to revoke student visas of radical anti-American and anti-semitic foreigners at universities. Sympathy for jihadists, Hamas, or Hamas ideology will be automatically disqualifying for immigrants applying to enter the U.S, the campaign wrote. Those ideas were expanded in the GOP platform adopted during the Republican National Convention in July. Republicans will use existing Federal Law to keep foreign Christian-hating Communists, Marxists, and Socialists out of America, the party platform states. Write to Nik Popli at nik.popli@time.com. MAPLE HEIGHTS, Ohio (WJW) The Maple Heights police detectives are investigating after a rollover crash sent a woman to the hospital early Saturday morning. According to the Maple Heights Police Department, officers were called out a one-vehicle accident along Warrensville Center Road around 3:40 a.m. 2 Canton police officers indicted in Frank Tysons in-custody death When they arrived, officers found the vehicle in a grassy area at the I-480 Northbound exit to Warrensville Center Road. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to police, the vehicle appeared to have rolled several times and the driver had been thrown from it. Jason Kelce smashes phone after man calls Travis homophobic slur With help from the Maple Heights Fire Department, she was taken to South Pointe Hospital. Her condition is unknown at this time. FOX 8 reached out to officials for more information. Anyone who witnessed the crash or has information is asked to reach out to the Maple Heights Detective Bureau at 216-587-9624. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. (DC News Now) Police in Fairfax County announced on Saturday that detectives arrested two drivers involved in an illegal street race in Tysons earlier this month. According to the Fairfax County Police Department (FCPD), on Oct. 29, an FCPD detective was alerted to a viral video on social media showing a blue Lamborghini and a Tesla Cybertruck illegally street racing near Leesburg Pike and Westwood Center Drive. Police said the race took place on Oct. 13. Tesla CEO Elon Musk commented on the video of the race on X in a post that received over 100 million views. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Viral video shows street race between Tesla Cybertruck and Lamborghini in Fairfax County Upon investigating, FCPD said detectives identified the driver of the Tesla Cybertruck as Christian Camacho, 48, of Vienna, Va., and the driver of the Lamborghini as Carlos Montero, 37, of Sterling, Va. On Friday, Camacho turned himself in at the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center, where authorities charged him with Racing and Stopping on the Highway. That same day, officers arrested Montero and took him to the detention center. He was charged with Racing, Stopping on the Highway and two counts of Improper Lane Change. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both men were later released on an unsecured bond, according to FCPD. In a post on X on Saturday, FCPD said detectives were still looking for the flagger and that anyone with information should call 703-280-0543. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. BAZETTA., Ohio (WKBN) One person is dead following two car crashes in Bazetta Township around daylight saving time Sunday morning. First responders arrived at State Route 46 in Bazetta shortly before 1:30 a.m. A car carrying two passengers traveling north veered off the side of the roadway, struck a culvert, overturned and crossed back over the roadway before traveling down an embankment. The occupants were not wearing seatbelts and were ejected from the vehicle, according to a news release from the Ohio State Highway Patrols Warren Post. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alcohol and speed are suspected to be contributing factors in the crash. Another crash occurred after and was prior to first responders arriving on scene. A car traveling in the southbound lanes struck the passenger of the car that crashed earlier. EMS transported the driver of the first vehicle to the hospital where they are in serious condition. The passenger of the first vehicle, Frank Walter, was pronounced dead on scene. He was 31 and from Cortland. The crashes remain under investigation. Bazetta Township and Cortland Police and Fire departments assisted on scene. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) As the early voting period officially came to a close in North Carolina over the weekend, droves of people came out in record-breaking fashion ahead of the 2024 general election. Over 4.2 million North Carolinians cast their ballots in person during the early voting period, the N.C. State Board of Elections reported Sunday. This exceeds the previous statewide record when more than 3.6 million people voted early in 2020. Republicans lead in early voter turnout in North Carolina Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As of Sunday morning, 4,465,548 voters across the state have cast their ballots in the 2024 election, which marks 57% of all registered voters in North Carolina, according to NCSBE officials. Meanwhile, voters in the 25 western North Carolina counties affected by Hurricane Helene continue to outpace the rest of the state. Through the end of Saturday, voter turnout in those counties is 58.9% nearly 2% higher than the statewide total. How to find your NC Election Day polling place I am proud of all of our 100 county boards of elections and the thousands of election workers who are making this happen in their communities, said Karen Brinson Bell, executive director of the N.C. State Board of Elections. And I am especially proud of the workers and voters of western North Carolina. You are an inspiration to us all. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The final chance for registered North Carolina voters to make their voices heard will be on Tuesday. Polls are set to be open on Election Day from 6:30 a.m. until 7:30 p.m. Click here to find your local polling place on Election Day. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS17.com. More than 790,000 Kentuckians have voted in the 2024 Presidential General Election ahead of Nov. 5, according to Secretary of State Michael Adams. With the number of absentee ballots received so far, and in-person excused absentee voting and early voting concluded, 792,476 Kentuckians have voted in the 2024 general election to date, Adams posted on X. Thats more than twice the number of people who voted early in 2023. A large portion of those numbers stem from the three-day, no-excuse early voting period that began Thursday, Oct. 31. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although the presidential race in Kentucky is unlikely to be competitive, Kentuckians want to be heard, and are having their say through every available voting option, particularly early voting, Adams told the Herald-Leader. Adams reported that Saturday alone the last day of early voting 200,637 voters cast their ballots. Early in-person voting began Thursday and lasted through Saturday. Adams said 225,696 people voted on Halloween, which broke first-day early voter turnout records from the 2020 Presidential election. The number of early voters increased on Friday, with a total of 229,994, breaking Thursdays record-setting turnout. In total, 656,277 Kentuckians used early voting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Of those, 52.6% are registered Republicans, Adams reported. Registered Democrats made up 40.3%, and 7.1% are Independent or other. That amount far exceeds first-day early voting totals in the last two general election cycles: In 2020, 57,154 people cast ballots on the first day of early voting. In 2023, nearly 300,000 people took advantage of early voting options. At the time, registered Democrats helped lead the turnout for excuse in-person early voting, with 133,169 ballots cast to 112,398 from Republicans. Voters will still be able to cast their votes on Election Day. To find your polling location, use the states polling place locator. Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on Sunday that Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren is answerable not Bharatiya Janata Party after the JMM chief urged the central government to clear Rs 1.36 lakh-crore coal dues to the state. Addressing the BJP's manifesto release event in Ranchi, Shah alleged that during the UPA government only Rs 84,000 crore were given, whereas PM Modi has given Rs 38,000 crore, "Hemant Soren is asking Modi ji for an account of 1 lakh 36 thousand crores. Hemant Babu, I have brought the account. During the UPA government between 2004-14, only 84 thousand crore rupees were given to Jharkhand, whereas Modi ji has given 3 lakh 8 thousand crore rupees between 2014-24. Jawab aapko daina hai soren ji, BJP ko nhi daina hai (You have to answer, Mr Soren, not BJP)," Shah said. Shah further said that BJP government is being formed in Jharkhand and the party would drive out all the infiltrators. "You (Hemant Soren) have given shelter to the infiltrators. You see your vote bank in the infiltrators. Due to infiltrators, the number of tribals in this state is decreasing, the demography is changing and Hemant Soren's government is busy in its own work. BJP government is being formed in Jharkhand and we will drive out these infiltrators. We will bring the law and return the land taken away from women. Hemant Soren, you have failed to provide security to the women of Jharkhand. BJP government came to power in Assam and today infiltration has stopped in Assam. We will protect the three - roti, beti and maati," he added. The Union Home Minister said that the youth of the Jharkhand is angry with the Hemant Soren government. "The Hemant Soren government had promised to provide employment to 5 lakh youth every year. Today I have come to ask you for an accountability. Forget about 25 lakhs, just give me a list of 5 lakh youth. The youth of Jharkhand is angry with the Hemant Soren government. Today, the youth troubled by unemployment and paper leak are looking for their future with BJP. The paper leak mafia has ruined the future of the youth. Form a BJP government and we will hang the paper mafia upside down," Shah said. He further said that the people of Jharkhand are looking for a government that works for the welfare of the poor instead of a government that distributes the money meant for the poor among its lackeys through corruption. Amit Shah highlighted the BJP's role in creating Jharkhand, crediting former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee for the state's formation and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for advancing its development. "Jharkhand was created by our former Prime Minister Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji and the work of developing Jharkhand was done by our leader and the Prime Minister of the country Narendra Modi ji. But five years ago, Hemant Soren's government came to power, which stalled the development schemes implemented by Modiji through the double engine government," Shah said. He said that the Jharkhand government has crossed all limits of appeasement, adding that "Hindu Jharkhand Chodo" slogans were raised in the state. "The Jharkhand government has crossed all limits of appeasement. In Lohardaga, Kanwariyas were attacked, Kirtan and Bhajans were banned in Ramnavami, stones were pelted during Ramnavami procession, temples were damaged in Sahibganj and in Jamshedpur, "Hindu Jharkhand Chodo" slogans were raised. You should be ashamed. There will be such a rule of law here in which those who do such acts will be sent behind bars through the law, no one will dare to do such things," Shah said. Amit Shah further asserted that if there is any most corrupt government in the entire country then it is Hemant Soren's Jharkhand government. Earlier on Saturday, Jharkhand Chief Minister urged PM Modi and the Union Home Minister to clear Rs 1.36 lakh-crore coal dues to the state."Today the Home Minister, tomorrow the Prime Minister is coming to Jharkhand. I once again request him with folded hands to return the outstanding amount of Rs 1.36 lakh-crore of us Jharkhandis. This amount is very necessary for the development of Jharkhand and Jharkhandis," CM Soren said on X as he shared a letter addressed to PM Modi.Hemant Soren also appealed to the BJP colleagues, especially the MPs, to help the Jharkhandis in getting there dues. "I, Hemant Soren, the chief minister of Jharkhand, am drawing your attention towards a serious issue which is creating obstacles in the path of the state's development. Our dues from coal companies stand at Rs 1.36 lakh crore," CM Soren wrote in the letter to the PM. Elections for 81 seats in the Jharkhand Assembly will be conducted in two phases on November 13 and November 20, with the counting of votes scheduled for November 23. In the previous assembly election, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha won 30 seats, the BJP won 25 and Congress won 16 seats. (ANI) I have this awful clipping fixed to my wall in the room where I do the most work here at home, and it reads, in huge, bold headline lettering: JELLYFISH APOCALYPSE NOT COMING. I have no idea where this thing came from, and what actual disaster it refers to is lost in the anarchy and fog of the past. I keep the thing up, though, as a constant (if obscure) reminder that things are rarely as awful as they may seem and that things are usually at their worst when they are anticipated, not when they actually happen. The brutality of this presidential campaign has been historic. I would write unprecedented (everyone is) but wont, for two reasons. Firstly, the word has burned to meaninglessness over the past decade. And secondly, its not true. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As unnerving, dramatic, infuriating and (lets face it) invigorating as its been, its about to be over. And the voters of the United States will have to go back to being citizens, largely ignoring the political class. Theyll wash their hands and head back into the relative anonymity of the day to day of work, kids, partners, parents, vacations and the joys and occasional sadnesses that make up our lives when were not being screeched at from every possible source electronic and human. Thats likely how it will be. The adrenal gland, on overdrive for the past nine months or so, will shut down. Theres a funny thing about adrenalin, though, that every athlete is familiar with. Addiction is possible. Resist. Celebrate or drown your sorrows for 24, but this is the USA, when its over, its time for a reset. If your team wins, dont gloat. Remember that another election is always in the works we love them. We compete, we debate and we win or lose, then we reconnect with our friends on the other side. And its never really over. It will not be long before were back sweating out another one. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In every contest political or otherwise there are winners and losers. The folks who lose this presidential election will be disappointed, and thats understandable. No one likes to lose. But the beauty of this amazing system of ours is that the founders set it up in such a way that no one loses completely, ever. Losing in the presidential election, because of its gigantic symbolic profile, is particularly disappointing. And the rhetoric surrounding this one and its incredibly knife-edge tightness may make it worse. Vote local: The splashy elections aren't the ones that affect your life | R. Bruce Anderson But its important to remember that we do not have a king or a dictator, whatever the bombast weve had to endure, and that the founders never left the party in the minority out of the picture: Theres the House and the Senate, there are state governments and local policymakers as well. Winning one office never wholly determines the direction of American policy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Further, the system seems to be self-correcting no faction in American politics has held onto the reins of power for more than a cycle or two, though they may hold on for a time. R. Bruce Anderson The competitiveness of this particular election is remarkable, but not unprecedented. Garfield beat Hancock (1880) by fewer than 7,500 votes in the general election. Hays and Tilden (1876) and (Quincy) Adams and Jackson were so close in both popular vote and the electoral college that they had to be decided in the House of Representatives (Adams won there by a single vote). In more recent times and hinged on the vote here in Florida Bush beat Gore by an electoral college margin of only five electors. In Florida, the difference was barely more than 500 votes. And the Republic survived. We also survived 2016 and 2020. Whatever happens on Tuesday, we go back to being Americans together (if cranky with the outcome in 50% of cases) and start the ramp up to the next go-around. Its the American way. It has been for well over two glorious centuries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 2024 Jellyfish Apocalypse? Not coming. R. Bruce Anderson is the Dr. Sarah D. and L. Kirk McKay, Jr. Endowed Chair in American History, Government, and Civics and Miller Distinguished Professor of Political Science at Florida Southern College. He is also a columnist for The Ledger and political consultant and on-air commentator for WLKF Radio in Lakeland. This article originally appeared on The Ledger: Whatever the outcome, the system will endure | Bruce Anderson Election Day is here and Americans are heading to the polls. More than 82 million early votes have been cast as of Monday night, according to the University of Floridas Election Lab tracker. Before you head to vote on Nov. 5, you should double-check your polling place location and hours, as they may have changed. Also, check to see if your state requires any specific form of identification in order to cast your vote, because voter ID laws vary by state. In addition, you may be surprised to find some unexpected state laws and polling place rules. Heres what to keep in mind before you go. What can't you wear while voting? Twenty-one states have statutes banning political apparel at the polls. Its referred to as electioneering another word for campaigning and it encompasses any type of election-related clothing, whether its a MAGA hat, an Obama-Biden 2012 shirt or even pop culture references like a Vote for Pedro shirt from Napoleon Dynamite. In some states, it applies to smaller items like pens, stickers and buttons. The argument is that wearing or displaying political affiliations at a polling site could influence or intimidate others into voting for a specific candidate, party or issue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Arkansas, California, Delaware, Indiana, Kansas, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Vermont all have laws against electioneering apparel, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. The rest of the states, including Washington, D.C., do not allow campaign materials, signs, banners or literature near or inside polling sites but do not have specific guidelines about what voters can wear. In Maine, for example, voters can wear campaign buttons if the longest dimension of the button does not exceed 3 inches. In Florida, voters can even wear a costume mask while casting their ballot; they just have to take it off when poll officials verify their photo ID. There are also state laws about how far someone needs to be from a polling place while wearing political clothing. For example, in California, its 100 feet, while in Alabama, its 30 feet. Punishment for violating the rule also varies from state to state. In Kansas, wearing political attire within 250 feet of a polling location is considered a class C misdemeanor and can result in up to 30 days in jail or up to a $500 fine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Poll workers are allowed to ask voters to either cover up or remove their apparel or ask them to leave. Read more from Yahoo News: Election Day dress code: What you can and can't wear to vote Can I vote in person if I requested a mail-in ballot? If you request and receive an absentee or mail-in ballot but change your mind and decide to vote in person, some states will allow you to cast a regular ballot at a polling site. (Although election officials do recommend voters stick to their original plan.) Depending on the state and county, there are different rules for voters who decide to visit their polling site instead of mailing their ballot in. You can check your states rules for switching to in-person voting on ProPublica. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more from Yahoo News: Your mail-in election ballot could be rejected. How to make sure it gets counted. Can you take a selfie while voting? As with many aspects of life these days, voters may be eager to share that theyve completed their civic duty by sharing a ballot selfie a photo of themselves at the voting booth with their ballot on social media. But, voter, beware: There are 14 states where taking a photo of your completed ballot and posting it on social media is prohibited. One of those states is North Carolina, where a voter there is suing both the state and county boards of elections after she received a letter from an investigator asking her to take down a March 5 ballot selfie she posted to social media or face a misdemeanor charge. Meanwhile, there are nine other states that have complicated rules about selfies. Want to find out the rules in your state? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read Yahoo Newss guide: Can you take a selfie with your ballot on Election Day? Here's a breakdown of state laws. Can you bring your kids with you? Children are allowed to join their parents at the polls in all 50 states, as well as in Washington, D.C. Some states like Maryland limit the number of children you can bring to the voting booth with you. Other states have their own laws that set a maximum age for kids who can come into the voting booth with you. For example, in Virginia, children ages 15 years and younger are allowed to be in the voting booths with a parent or guardian. In states like California, a voter can bring in any minor under age 18 into the booth. Before you head to the polls, you can check on the rules with your local board of elections. You can find their contact information at VOTE411.org. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If youre looking for child care while you vote, there are some states where you can have it taken care of. Read more from The 19th: Need child care while you vote? In some states, you can get it paid for. Can you bring your pets? Voters are not allowed to bring their pets to vote unless they are service animals. New York Citys 2016 Republican mayoral candidate, Curtis Sliwa, learned this the hard way when he showed up to his polling place with one of his cats, which he had to leave outside before casting his vote. The Americans With Disabilities Act requires election officials to ensure people with disabilities have the opportunity to vote in federal, state and local elections. This includes allowing voters with a disability to bring a service animal into the polling place, even if that location has a no-pets policy. (NewsNation) Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens is focused on ensuring Atlantans feel safe as they head to the voting booth before Election Day. While concerns linger about the security of the election and those voting, Dickens told Morning in America Weekend that is a top priority in his city. Election security is a top concern right now, the Atlanta police department and Fulton County Police Department are working hand in hand to make sure that all polling locations are safe so that voters can feel safe as they go to the polls and leave the polls, Dickens said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Given the heightened rhetoric in American politics, there are worries violence and unruliness could occur once the next president is announced. RFK Jr. says Trump would push to remove fluoride from drinking water. Its possible, Trump says We hope that individuals will use their best common sense to accept the results of the election, knowing that theres very little fraud that will occur, that this is going to be a safe and secure election, but we make sure that you know, as I talk to our police chief every single morning, were going to do what needs to be done to keep the people of Atlanta safe, Dickens added. According to Decision Desk HQ, former President Donald Trump leads Vice President Kamala Harris by 2.2% in the key battleground state of Georgia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. ELMIRA, N.Y. (WETM) An Elmira man died after what police say was an accident in a hotel pool on Saturday night. Claudell Betts, 42, was pronounced dead about one hour after being found in the pool at the Clarion Inn on East Water Street in Elmira on Nov. 2, according to the Elmira Police Department. A police investigation found that Bettss death was an accidental drowning, and no foul play was suspected. According to the Elmira Police Department, officers responded to the Clarion Inn at about 7:52 p.m. on Saturday for a report about an unresponsive person in the hotels pool. The first officers to arrive at the scene found who they later identified as Betts at the bottom of the pool. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police say officers performed life-saving measures on Betts, and personnel from the Elmira Fire Department immediately took over after arriving at the scene within seconds of officers beginning. Paramedics from Erway Ambulance assisted with these measures before taking Betts to Arnot Ogden Medical Center for further treatment. Betts was pronounced dead at the hospital at 8:55 p.m. The Elmira Police Department thanked the Elmira Fire Department, Erway Ambulance, and the Clarion Inns staff for their assistance at the scene, and the department expressed condolences to Bettss loved ones. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Canvassers for Elon Musks America PAC say that they were flown to Michigan and told they had to meet unattainable quotas or risk paying for their own accommodations and travel home. Then they were unceremoniously fired after some of them spoke to the press. The workers many of whom are Black told Wired that Blitz Canvassing, a subcontractor for Musks PAC, had them sign nondisclosure agreements and transported them to Michigan neighborhoods in the back of a U-Haul without seats or seat belts. After Wired ran an initial story about their working conditions, the magazine reported that the subcontractor fired more than a dozen canvassers, leaving some without full compensation or transportation home. One door-knocker told the magazine they did not know what they were signing up for. I knew nothing of the job, or much of the job description, other than going door to door and asking the voters who are they voting for, the unidentified worker said. Then, after I signed over an NDA, is when I found out we are for Republicans and with Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The worker also said they were not aware of the billionaires involvement until they overheard my supervisor and a few others mention Elon Musk. According to Wired, Trumps campaign is relying on Musk and his PAC to lead its door-to-door efforts in the battleground state, but it appears that the X owners operation is slapdash at best. Canvassers said they were initially taking Ubers to neighborhoods where they spoke to voters, but later they were unsafely transported in the rear of a U-Haul van without seats or seat belts. Organizers told the canvassers to use a glitchy app to record their progress, even though the app is known for inaccurately flagging fake door knocks. Our subcontractors never should have driven their canvassers in a U-Haul van, and those involved were immediately reprimanded, Tim Pollard of Blitz Canvassing told Wired. More than a dozen workers were fired after the magazines story on the canvassing mishaps broke, Wired reported, leaving some in Michigan without their full pay or transportation home. According to emails obtained by the publication, canvassers were promised $2,000 per week in compensation and a return plane ticket. They were also told they would earn $1.50 per door knocked, text messages showed, and that rate would increase to $2 per door if they reached more than 1,000 doors per week an unachievable number. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I have this eerie feeling that I need to get the hell up out of there, Florida resident Tyra Muldrow, a 20-year-old Black woman, told the publication. Muldrow, who had to find her own way home, said she and other canvassers were told they were fired because some of them had spoken to the media. Muldrow said the group of canvassers she worked with was made up of Black people from out of state. She provided videos to Wired that showed cramped accommodations and disagreements between workers. Muldrow found out she and others were fired through a GroupMe chat from her cousin, Ebony Jones, who recruited her for the job. Everyone is fired, Jones wrote in the chat. According to Muldrow, Jones then started asking workers spoke to the media. At least four canvassers, including Muldrow, said they were not compensated for their work before they were terminated. Muldrow showed Wired that she initially received only $69 via Cash App for Gotv a reference to get-out-the-vote efforts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following the incident, some of the canvassers and contractors involved left the program, some decided to stay, all have been paid, Pollard told Wired, although the publication was not able to confirm the veracity of his statement. Muldrow did eventually receive $2,000 on Cash App with the note, For Michigan Gotv 742 doors paid in full. Shortly after that payment, Jones texted her, Please let wired know that youve been paid asap. More from Rolling Stone Best of Rolling Stone Sign up for RollingStone's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia (AP) As the price of fuel soared in Ethiopia earlier this year, Awgachew Seleshi decided to buy an electric car. That aligned with the government's new efforts to phase out gas-powered vehicles. But months later, he's questioning whether it was the right decision. He faces a range of issues, from the erratic supply of electricity in Addis Ababa, the capital, to the scarcity of spare parts. Charging my car has been a challenge," the civil servant said. Spare parts that are imported from China are expensive, few mechanics are able to fix such cars and the resale value of such cars is poor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Seleshi's troubles point to wider challenges for Ethiopia. In January, the East African country became the first in the world to ban the importation of non-electric private vehicles. The decision eased pressure on authorities who spend scarce foreign currency to subsidize the cost of fuel, but it also reflected growing enthusiasm for electric vehicles as the world demands more green technologies to reduce climate-changing emissions. Earlier this month, Ethiopia's government raised the price of fuel by up to 8% as part of a plan to gradually end all fuel subsidies in Africa's second-most populous country. Authorities have claimed some success in enforcing the ban on non-electric vehicles entering Ethiopia, and more than 100,000 electric cars are now being imported into the country each month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The official target is to increase the monthly import figure to 500,000 by 2030. By that time, a big new dam Ethiopia has built on the Nile River is expected to be producing power at full capacity. Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, in a televised address earlier this year, said the Grand Renaissance Dam will start generating more than 5,000 megawatts of electric power within a year. Authorities say such capacity would support the transition to electric vehicles. For now, many in Addis Ababa, a city of more than 5 million people, are doubtful the country can achieve its ambitious goals for electric vehicles without further needed infrastructure and services. The few garage owners who can fix broken electric cars say they are overwhelmed, while customers say they are being overcharged amid an apparent lack of competition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are two or three garages that can fix new energy vehicles in Ethiopia and many consumers lack awareness on how to take care of such vehicles," said Yonas Tadelle, a mechanic in Addis Ababa. As mechanics, we also lack the tools, the spare parts and the know-how to fix such cars. Many EVs are now parked in garages and parking lots awaiting parts expected to come from China. Ethiopia's minister in charge of transport, Bareo Hassen Bareo, has said he believes the country can be a model nation with a green economy legacy, with the prioritization of electric vehicles a key component. The government will invest in public charging stations, he told The Associated Press, and there are plans to create a plant manufacturing EV batteries locally to reduce reliance on imports. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Private efforts have included a collaboration, which has since fizzled, between Olympian Haile Gebreselassie and South Korean carmaker Hyundai to make electric vehicles in Ethiopia. That effort is believed to have collapsed over the sourcing of materials. Samson Berhane, an economist based in Addis Ababa, said the sudden flood of electric vehicles into the local market despite poor infrastructure is making it difficult for customers to adapt comfortably. Some EVs sell for about $20,000. Very few people are willing to take the risk of buying electric cars due to the lack of infrastructure, shortage of mechanics specialized in EV maintenance and the flooding of the market with Chinese brands that have questionable details and long-term visibility," Berhane said. But he said he believes that Ethiopia is more than able to provide electricity to the expected 500,000 EVs there within the next decade while fulfilling its industrial ambitions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some Ethiopians are already giving up on electric vehicles, and the secondhand trade in gasoline-powered vehicles continues. There are at least 1.2 million vehicles across Ethiopia, and only a small fraction are electric ones. Businessman Yared Alemayehu bought a Chinese-made electric vehicle that he had hoped to use for a taxi service. He knew the car had a mechanical defect, but he believed it could be fixed. A mechanic disagreed. In the end, he sold the car at a loss and bought a Toyota Corolla a car made in 2007 that he felt was more reliable for the equivalent of $20,000, a sum that included the hefty taxes imposed on gasoline vehicles. Taxes can be higher than the cost of importing the vehicle. In addition to having to charge my old electric car, it frequently broke, and the garage was overcharging, and the lineup at the garage was overwhelming us," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Taxi driver Dereje Hailu, who had high hopes for his Chinese-made E-Star electric vehicle when he purchased it earlier this year, said his expectations had been dashed. With such a car, I fear I might be stuck if I go far from Addis Ababa where there are no charging stations," he said. ___ The Associated Press receives financial support for global health and development coverage in Africa from the Gates Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content. Find APs standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org. TOPEKA (KSNT) A local museum closed its doors for the last time Saturday, November 2. Back in May the Evel Knievel Museum announced that they will be moving the museum back to its old stomping grounds in Las Vegas. For the past seven years, the museum resided next to the historic Harley Davidson store. The museum brought old memories to some visitors and educated others on the iconic stuntman. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Day of the Dead celebrated at the Kansas statehouse The director of the museum, Bruce Zimmerman, told 27 News how this is a bittersweet moment. Its been so much fun to tell the story of Evel Knievel right here in Topeka, Kansas, Zimmerman said. And sharing with all the public that have come from all over the Midwest and actually all over the world to visit the museum. The museum saw a record-high attendance of reaching almost 700 visitors on their last day. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. For those of you who arent supporting Kamala Harris, heres some good news: If she wins, she will not be out to punish you. To her, you are not the enemy within because you disagree with her. You are not lunatics who should be jailed but Americans with the same rights as anybody. While her opponent cant stop feeding the inferno, her closing message is that if elected, she will work for everybody, and give critics a seat at the table. Her entreaty that we stop pointing fingers and start locking arms may or may not be a winning closing argument, but its one that I appreciate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A conservative friend of mine thinks Donald Trump will win because there are more mad people than sad people. Another friend, who works for lefty causes, reminded me of one of my least favorite facts, which is that facts, no matter how well documented, dont flip votes. Scientific research into why we vote as we do shows how true that is. James Carville would be even richer if he got a residual every time somebody quoted his line that its the economy, stupid. But really, its the emotion, stupid. Even when we say and fully believe that were voting on policy alone, are we? That the parties have swapped places on national security, reverence for institutions and support for our intelligence community leads me to suspect otherwise. And I feel so strongly that we need a president who believes in democracy, the rule of law and the peaceful transfer of power that I cant separate policy from passion when it comes to Jan. 6 and upholding rather than terminating the U.S. Constitution. I agree with Harris on many other issues, too: middle class tax cuts, and her general support for the working person, including proposals to expand tax credits for first-time home buyers and make in-home care for an elderly loved one covered by Medicare. To me, her opposition to Putins illegal invasion of Ukraine is vital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I also oppose many of the same things Harris does, including an expansion of the Trump tax cuts that mostly helped the wealthiest Americans, the tariffs on foreign imports that would make prices take off again, and giveaways to oil and gas companies at a time of record profits. Also, at a time of near-record U.S. oil production, despite what both Trump and Biden want you to believe. And all of this while climate change, which Trump has called a hoax, is costing us bigly. Like Harris, I am against loyalty tests for government jobs, a revival of the Muslim ban and mass deportation of the immigrants our country needs. And no, asylum seekers are not rampaging through the land; undocumented immigrants are far less likely than native-born Americans to commit crimes. But on the feels, which I will not claim are irrelevant to my choice, Im also for Harris, much preferring her willed optimism to his inherited misanthropy. I am sorry that he lacks empathy, because no matter how wealthy and powerful you are, that is a bum way to live. His personal issues have hurt us as a country, and it matters to me that Harris seems like a well-adjusted person, with healthy relationships and the experience of caring for her dying mother. Her opponent wants us to see his lack of decency as a sign of strength, but it isnt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps cruelty has not been good for any of us, but I dont see Harris wasting her time plotting payback. I believe her when she says she would instead show up with a do-list, because thats what the women I know do. You dont get to be Kamala Harris by indulging grudges. The former president is getting more openly unfettered by any standards at all, as we saw at the Friday rally in Milwaukee where he pretended to perform oral sex on a microphone stand. But his lifelong degradation of women has always been disqualifying for me. I believe the dozens of women who have accused him of sexual assault, many of whom said so long before he was in politics, without seeking compensation. I also believe the disrespectful words out of his own mouth. What were young men supposed to learn from his suggestion that he did not violate E. Jean Carroll in a department store dressing room because she wasnt hot enough to rape? Even when promising to protect us, he couldnt help blurting the truth, which is that he intends to do that whether the women like it or not. He has not even ruled out punishing women criminally for seeking an abortion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With him, everything is about retribution. And while I do not agree with Harris on all issues, I am convinced she would prioritize competence, weigh competing interests and respect both the rule of law and all kinds of people. Thats why so many Republicans are supporting her. And why even the mega MAGA have nothing to fear. In the days that followed the 2020 election, as the nation waited with bated breath and twisted stomach for the final call on who had won, the team at the election-tracking organization Decision Desk HQ barely slept. Running on adrenaline and continuous infusions of caffeine, its analysts and data scientists were glued to their monitors around the clock, watching the slow trickle of results from Pennsylvania that ultimately would decide the race. "In those few days, I think I got four or five hours of sleep," says Decision Desk HQ President Drew McCoy. Finally, on early Friday morning, the numbers were conclusive: At 8:50 a.m., Decision Desk HQ became the first organization to call the 2020 presidential race for Joe Biden a full day before major television networks followed suit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The early call brought Decision Desk HQ into the national spotlight, a significant moment for a firm that only entered the election-calling space in 2012, joining the Associated Press and Edison Media Research in collecting and analyzing publicly available voting data for media organizations. Yet McCoy insists that being first was never the objective. In an election year marked by unprecedented challenges, from a historic pandemic to intense political polarization, the data were all that mattered. Read more: How to survive election week 2024: Lessons from last time With that call and every call we make, it's not about being first," McCoy says. "Its about looking at the data and coming to the right conclusion. While most modern U.S. presidential elections have been called on election night or in the early hours of the following day, the 2020 race took place under extraordinary circumstances, with the pandemic pushing a record number of voters to cast mail-in ballots. This shift had been particularly evident in the crucial battleground of Pennsylvania, where absentee ballots continued to arrive for days after election day. With President Trump's early lead eroding, Decision Desk HQs team focused on key Democratic strongholds, such as Philadelphia and Allegheny County, where Biden was picking up large margins of the vote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We knew the margin that Trump was leading by, we knew how many ballots were left to count and we knew how they were breaking, McCoy says. By Friday morning, as the last votes rolled in from Philadelphia, splitting roughly 80-20 in Bidens favor, it was clear that Trumps lead had evaporated and could not be regained. There was nothing magical about the remaining ballots, McCoy says, calling the calculation a simple algebra problem. The Republican areas had already fully reported. After Decision Desk HQ and its media clients Vox and Business Insider declared that the Scranton-born Biden had won Pennsylvania and thus the White House, famed polling guru Nate Silver praised the call on Twitter, writing, "Good for them. The outcome has been apparent for a while. No reason other sources shouldn't follow." Still, other media organizations, looking at the very same data, held off until Saturday morning before officially declaring Biden the winner, haunted by the memory of past missteps. The most infamous of these had occurred in 2000, when several networks prematurely called Florida for Al Gore, only to retract the call and later declare George W. Bush the winner, as the state plunged into a protracted recount. With political tensions at a peak in 2020 and misinformation spreading like wildfire, the pressure to avoid another high-profile error loomed large. Speaking to The Times shortly after the election, as viewers remained racked with anxiety over the yet-to-be-announced result, Susan Zirinsky, then president of CBS News, explained the network was determined to avoid a rush to call the winner. We have a motto: Slow is not a problem, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Though McCoy is hesitant to speculate on the cause for other news organizations' hesitation, his team was uniquely positioned to pull the trigger quickly, without the corporate or political pressures that might weigh on legacy networks. "I wouldn't want to speak for them," he says. "I'm sure they had their reasons. They're very experienced at doing this. ... Our call team is as insulated from everything as possible. We make calls based on the data we have. Building on the success of their pivotal 2020 call, as Decision Desk HQ prepares for the upcoming election under an even more white-hot spotlight, McCoy emphasizes that the firm is focusing on staying up to date with changes to how voting will be conducted in key states. For us, its about the rules and legislation that has been passed in the last four years, he says, noting that several states have changed their voting processes since 2020, including Pennsylvania and Georgia. Read more: Close polls, likely legal challenges: How TV networks will handle another election week Managing the flow of misinformation will be one of the biggest challenges facing news organizations in 2024. In an age of viral social media posts, rumors and falsehoods whether pushed by campaigns, supporters or foreign adversaries can easily overshadow the facts. McCoy says his team's approach remains grounded in real-time data from election officials, insulating them from speculation and unverified reports. We dont care if somebody tweets out an election result or if they put a photo up thats not a source, he says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For those hoping for a call on Tuesday night, technology and improved reporting processes could help speed things up in some areas. Still, McCoy cautions that the 2024 election may again take several days to resolve, noting that in battleground states like Arizona and Georgia, razor-thin margins could slow the final call. I think people expect this to be a close election," he says. "In 2020, we saw exceedingly close margins of 12,000 or 16,000 votes in states like Arizona and Georgia. That's always going to take more time than traditional margins of 2% or 3%." As Decision Desk HQ gears up for another high-stakes election, McCoys team, which will be tracking some 40,000 federal, state and local races for clients including the Hill, NewsNation and Scripps TV stations, remains guided by the same principles that brought them into the spotlight in 2020: Trust the data, ignore the noise and make the call when the math is clear. "I always say we don't necessarily call winners we identify the loser," McCoy says. "When the polls close and all the ballots are counted, the result is there. Were just discovering it. Get notified when the biggest stories in Hollywood, culture and entertainment go live. Sign up for L.A. Times entertainment alerts. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. According to the authorities, the message said that if CM Yogi doesn't resign in 10 days, he will be killed like Baba Siddique. Mumbai Police Traffic Control Cell received the message from an unknown number. A police investigation is being conducted to identify the message's sender. Earlier on March 2, a chief constable positioned at the security headquarters received a threat to blow upCM Yogi Adityanath with a bomb. The case was registered against an unknown person following a bomb threat. "The caller told the Chief Constable that Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will be blown up by a bomb and disconnected the call," officials said. (ANI) The expiration of SNAP benefits, a food assistance program, in the Farm Bill threatens to worsen the hunger crisis in Charlotte, particularly for low-income families and communities of color. Although a recent bill extension provided temporary relief, millions of Americans will face food insecurity without a permanent solution. SNAP is vital for over 40 million people, including children, the elderly and disabled individuals. Its expiration will leave many unable to afford basic necessities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SNAP has effectively reduced hunger and boosted local economies. I urge our community to contact our Congress members to advocate for passing SNAP benefits in the new Farm Bill. Mustapha Mahmud, Charlotte Come clean, Harris With the US elections around the corner, I am surprised why the polls remain tight. The contest must have been over when Vice President Harris uttered the words that her presidency will not be a continuation of the Biden presidency. For all I know, we are living in the Biden-Harris administration and for the vice president to try to distance herself from the Biden administration is like trying to run away from her shadow. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My advice to the vice president is for her to come clean with the American people. She claims to represent the future. To represent the future one must take responsibility for their actions. The economic mess we are in today in America is a Biden-Harris mess. Denford Madenyika, Charlotte With friends like these We hear what Donald Trump says in ads and rallies, but we dont know who he really is. It is striking, though, how many people who do know him personally are opposed to his election. Republicans who oppose Trumps re-election include his former Vice President Mike Pence, five former cabinet members, including former defense and homeland security secretaries, a former chief of staff and two former security advisors, and several other former White House officials. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even Republican and former Vice President Dick Cheney is voting for Kamala Harris! Scott Paxon, Asheville Existential threat What one issue should matter to every voter? How about the ability to safely exist? What could threaten our existence, destroy our family or town? Its not the economy, abortion or transgender people. The existential threat that nearly every scientist agrees on is human-made climate change. In North Carolina, that includes homes being swallowed by the sea on our coast and towns being wiped away by the floods in our mountains. One presidential candidate agrees with the scientists. The other candidate calls climate change a hoax. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With record heat, floods, wildfires, etc worsening, few issues will unavoidably affect our children with more tragedy. Keep it simple this election. Vote for existence. Mark Taylor, Charlotte Lawn service safety Now that political chaos is subsiding, perhaps we can focus on real life issues. We all love our hard working and dedicated lawn service personnel, but they do create a safety issue in narrow suburban streets. Perhaps a city-wide ordinance requiring all trucks and trailers to keep their flashers on while parked and place large safety cones in front and behind their equipment. This inexpensive recommendation will make our streets much safer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ed Carlson, Charlotte Protect democracy Anyone skipping this years election because you dont like either candidate should remember that voting isnt marriage, and its not a taxi. Voting is public transportation. You dont need to hold out for a candidate you love. You choose the one thats going to get you closest to where you want to be in four years. You dont blow off your next class or appointment because you cant find a bus that will drop you off at the door of your destination. You take the bus that will get you nearest. Protect our democracy. There is still time. Get out and vote for your future. Suzanne Villar, Huntersville Chinese military researchers have simulated a scenario in which stealth fighter jets from Japan evade the country's air defense system and attempt a bombing on Shanghai. The results of computer simulations, which were conducted over ten rounds, were mixed. Researchers of the National Defence Universitys College of Joint Operations, operated by China's Peoples Liberation Army (PLA), determined that only a few land-based radars could detect stealth fighters from a distance of 110 miles. This implies that an F-22 or F-35 stealth fighter would likely be spotted before it reachs the 15-mile range required for precision-guided bomb attacks. If the F-35 flies in 'beast mode' to utilize larger and longer-range missiles, it would lose its stealth capabilities and could be detected from much farther away. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The simulations indicated that the aircraft without stealth features could be detected from distances of up to 280 miles. However, F-35s can carry cruise missiles with a range of more than 560 miles while Japan, at its closest point, is just 497 miles from Shanghai. Sensitive details not disclosed The team led by project engineer Cao Wei presented its findings at the 36th China Simulation Conference in Yangzhou, Jiangsu, in October. This marks the first time the PLA has publicly shared results from war games focused on a major Chinese city, the South China Morning Post reported. The researchers did not clarify who was operating the aircraft in the simulations, as both the US and Japanese armies have stealth jets deployed in the region. Information about stealth fighter jets is considered highly sensitive, and the US military has never revealed how close its F-22s and F-35s can approach a target without being detected. To undertake computer simulations, Cao's team created an algorithm that translated complex radar system data into the maximum distance for target detection and the corresponding warning time. They designed it to be visually user-friendly to help experimental warfare personnel better understand the detection effectiveness data, the team's report stated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Researchers noted that the simulation results might be conservative, as they were based on just three radarssome operating at average levelsto defend Shanghai. Many Chinese naval vessels are equipped with stealth radars, and the air force employs powerful AWACS (airborne warning and control system) aircraft. Additionally, several Chinese Earth observation satellites in space can detect and track stealth fighter jets. Growing concerns for Beijing Beijing's latest war games come as the US military expands its F-22 fleet in Japan, a strategic move that could aim high-value targets in China. This increased presence of F-22s near its borders may also intensify the Chinese military's focus on eliminating hostile stealth fighters stationed on the ground. In July, satellite images revealed full-scale models of US fighter jets, including F-35s and F-22s, on a runway in the Taklamakan Desert in Chinas Xinjiang region. Some of the models appeared to be damaged, likely due to attacks by Chinese military aircraft. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dxn1-ks9Cto Just a few months ago, the PLA launched an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) into the Pacific Ocean, marking the first ICBM test in over 40 years. These missiles have a range of more than 3,500 miles and are capable of carrying nuclear warheads. Back then, Chinese authorities claimed that the test conducted by the PLA's Space Force was 'routine' and part of their 'annual practice', and that all neighboring countries had been notified in advance about the missile launch. DES MOINES, Iowa The Blank Park Zoo celebrated American Sign Language by bringing together kids to learn about ASL and meet zoologist Nancy Barker. Around 170 children who are deaf or hard of hearing came for the special event. They learned about American Sign Language (ASL) and how it can be used in school, at home, and throughout your community. The event hosted special guest Nancy Barker Ph.D., the first deaf person in the world to receive a doctoral degree in zoology. Barker is profoundly deaf and grew up in a deaf home, giving her access to sign language from the very beginning. Her family laid the foundation for a love of nature and appreciation for living things. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the event, Barker gave a keynote presentation where she recounted her adventures and her journey as a deaf woman following her dreams to work with animals and experience Africa. I remember growing up, we watched the Lion King. I knew it would be a rich experience to go to Africa, but I was young. I was just 21 or 22 at the time, and when I got there, I was very excited, I wanted to see so much, said Barker. Where to dispose of leftover pumpkins in an eco-friendly way One of the jobs that Barker got to do while in Africa was field work discovering fish. She would dive all day till late at night documenting the fish and experiencing other sea creatures like turtles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I mean swimming every day that was a nice life, right. I didnt have to spend my time all day in the office. I did this every day for weeks, and I think I became more confident, I knew that I could trust myself to go out and do this type of field work. After her speech Barker led the group on a tour of the zoo where she shared her insider knowledge of some of the animals. She also helped instruct the kids in some additional sign language. The event is hosted and made possible through the Iowa Department of Education and Iowa School for the Deaf Outreach. The Iowa School for the Deaf offers day and boarding school for children, providing specialized instruction while still prioritizing activities and sports, helping kids develop confidence and social skills. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. LITTLE ROCK, Ark. Suicide is never an easy topic, but is an important discussion for plenty of families that share the same hurt here in Arkansas, like Larrissa Carrol. I was coming home from work and the police was there and was like you cant go in because your son shot himself in the head, Carrol said. Carrol lost her son in 2017; shes now using the Out of the Darkness Fundraiser Walk to keep his name alive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For my son, he was 14, so there was a lot going on around him that I really didnt pay attention to, Carrol said. New nonprofit started by Little Rock teen focuses on building friendships with kids in foster homes, struggling with mental health There were rocks with messages to the ones who were overcoming suicide, and each rose that symbolized a piece of hope. Wes Holt, volunteer with the support team, says most people suffer with suicidal thoughts in private. 20% of the people walking around 2 out of 10 people struggle with intrusive thoughts in their day-to-day life, Holt said. Holt is also a crisis intervention training officer and says mental health issues are real, and after overcoming his struggles hes now showing up for others to prevent suicide. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Little Rock yoga studio aims to help with community mental health You dont need to be judged for the struggles youre going through, Holt said. You dont need to be castigated you dont need to be talked down to, be embraced and heard. Each step taken brought these families closer, as they remembered the lives of their loved ones. We might not understand everybodys background and what they went through with their struggles, but we all care about each other, Stephen Wright, a volunteer and presenter for AFSP Arkansas 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 KARK. Orlando Harris family pleaded with Missouri police to confiscate the 19-year-olds bullet-proof vest, ammunition and AR-15-style rifle. They knew his mental health was fragile after more than one suicide attempt. But the best officers could do in a state with some of the most expansive gun rights is suggest Harris keep the weapon in a storage unit. Nine days later, Harris entered his former St. Louis high school and declared, All of you are going to die. A new 456-page police report details the efforts Harris' family took to try to take his gun away in the days before he walked into Central Visual Arts and Performing Arts High School on Oct. 24, 2022, when he killed a student and a teacher and wounded seven others before he was fatally shot by police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Missouri is not among the 21 states with a red-flag law. Also known as extreme risk protection orders, red-flag laws are intended to restrict the purchase of guns or temporarily remove them from people who may hurt themselves or someone else. The case highlights how hard it is for law enforcement to restrict gun access, even when there are clues something is deeply amiss. After an Army reservist killed 18 people in October 2023 in Lewiston, Maine, an investigation found missed opportunities to intervene in the shooters psychiatric crisis. And before a 14-year-old was charged in a deadly shooting this fall at his Georgia high school, a deputy talked to him about an online threat and family warned of an extreme emergency. The investigation report in Harris' case shows the first time he attempted suicide was in the fall of 2021, just before he was scheduled to leave for college. Pandemic disruptions, the arrest of a friend in a homicide and a car wreck all may have contributed to his depression, his family and former boss told investigators. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The police report makes no mention of him attending college. Instead, he worked in the cafeteria at a senior facility, where he sometimes discussed guns with coworkers. The following August he met with a Washington University psychiatry resident, telling her he thought about shooting people at his old school. He said those thoughts lasted for just one evening and went away, and that there was no planning and he didnt want to do it. But soon after, Harris began a countdown to the shooting. His plans included detailed maps of the school and a plan to target teachers, students and the LGBTQ community. He also had plans to burn down his family's home with them inside. The psychiatrist prescribed medications, but Harris didnt fill the prescriptions. The report says they developed an emergency plan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Washington University did not immediately respond to messages from The Associated Press seeking comment. Harris then stopped showing up for appointments. On Oct. 8, he tried to buy a firearm from a licensed dealer in St. Charles, Missouri, but the transaction was blocked by an FBI background check. The report doesn't explain why, and police didn't respond to an email from the AP. The FBI merely provided a list of the 12 reasons for a denial with no other details. Then on Oct. 10, Harris drove to a nearby suburb to pay a man $580 in cash for the rifle used in the shooting. Harris family grew more concerned on Oct. 15, when two packages from gun and ammunition suppliers arrived. One of his sisters, Noneeka Harris, opened them, finding a body armor vest, magazine holsters and magazines. She then searched his bedroom and found the rifle inside an old TV box. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Harris' mother, Tanya Ward, called BJC Mental Health Services and staff there deemed the situation as an immediate threat. They advised her to take the items to the police department and tell officers about her sons mental illness. Police at the station told her they couldnt take the firearm because Harris was of legal age to possess it. They said she should head home and an officer would meet them there. By the time she returned, Harris was home and insistent that he keep the gun. His mother was adamant that the gun not be in the house, so the officers suggested a storage unit. The report said the officers also advised her on steps she needed to take to have her son deemed mentally unstable. Federal law has banned some mentally ill people from buying guns since 1968, including those deemed a danger to themselves or others, who have been involuntarily committed, or judged not guilty by reason of insanity or incompetent to stand trial. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ultimately, the firearm and other items were loaded into the trunk of Harris' sister's vehicle, including a box of ammunition that arrived the next day. She later drove her brother to a storage facility, which was about 5 miles (8 kilometers) from the high school. She told police she knew something was going to happen. On Oct. 24, shots rang out as Harris entered his former high school. It is unclear why Harris targeted the school. A security officer recalled him as somewhat popular and his grade school principal said he wasnt bullied, according to the investigative report. But as he fired at a dance class, one student told police she heard someone yell, I hate this school. I hate everybody. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fatally wounded, Alexzandria Bell initially ran toward the entrance before slumping to the ground, a security officer reassuring the 10th grader that help was on the way. But then she went quiet. One class jumped out a window to escape after their physical education teacher, 61-year-old Jean Kuczka, stood between them and Harris. Kuckza was killed. Harris eventually made his way to the third floor, hiding in a computer lab. The first officer to charge into the lab had a daughter at the school. I had everything to lose, the officer, who was among those to open fire, recalled in the police report. He texted his daughter afterward, telling her, I killed him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Harris' sister told investigators that when she heard about the shooting, she started driving toward the school but then went home instead, waking up her mother who had worked overnight. Harris' mother later checked her voicemail. There was a message from a hospital asking if she still needed help with her son. SCRANTON, Pennsylvania For Joe Biden, this is how it ends: surrounded by a sea of familiar faces in a modest union hall, minutes from his childhood home but miles from the real action. The president this weekend made his closing pitch in a 2024 campaign that he began more than a year ago with grand ambitions, only to watch it slip away from him in the intervening months gradually at first, and then, in one disastrous debate night, all at once. Where Biden once envisioned a race that built toward his triumphant reelection, Kamala Harris has since replaced him at the center of the political world, in a sprint to Election Day that could usher in a new generation of Democratic leadership or a Republican ready to wipe out his legacy as quickly as possible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And instead, Biden is spending the closing stretch of this neck-and-neck race and the last presidential campaign season of his 52-year political career hopscotching between campaign spots in this pivotal swing state and his Wilmington, Delaware, home, stumping for his vice president in some of the places hes guaranteed to be beloved and crucially can do no harm. Im asking for your support for Kamala and Tim Walz, Biden told an admiring crowd of roughly 150 supporters who had paused their get-out-the-vote efforts, cramming into the headquarters of the local carpenters union for a view of the president who, as several there put it, had always had their backs. Im not just asking for me. Im going to be gone. Im asking you to do something for yourself and your families. As Biden commuted back to Delaware shortly afterward, making a customary visit to church before calling it an evening just after 6 p.m., his vice president and hopeful successor was jetting to New York for a surprise appearance on Saturday Night Live. The three Pennsylvania events were expected to be Bidens closing moments on the campaign trail before returning to the White House on the day before the election. It was a marked contrast to the mega rally Barack Obama held in Philadelphia to close the 2016 race to succeed him, although it wasnt as secluded as George W. Bush spending the final weekend of the 2008 race at Camp David. Biden on Sunday went to lunch with Ted Kaufman, his former chief of staff and political confidant, at his Wilmington country club. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If the moment represented a final letdown in a campaign season of disappointments for Biden, he betrayed no bitterness or regret. Biden has thrown his unwavering support behind Harris since he named her his successor after stepping aside three months ago, even as he remained personally convinced he could have beaten Donald Trump a second time and as Harris has increasingly kept her distance from a president who has stumbled into embarrassing gaffes and whose approval ratings sit underwater. Just days earlier, he added a new headache to Harris campaign when he seemingly called Trumps supporters garbage, although he quickly said he didnt mean to do so. Biden, in his final speeches before Election Day, lavished praise on Harris, making sure to repeatedly credit Kamala and I for the work done during his term to revive the economy, expand health care access and attract new investments in infrastructure and computer chips. He sought to reassure skeptical union workers that Harris would be just as reliably pro-labor as hed been, asking them at the very least to put their faith in his decision to endorse her. And though diminished in his ability to articulate a clear and consistent message, Biden demonstrated across two days in Pennsylvania in union halls in Philadelphia and Scranton that he had not lost his central conviction: that the presidential race is no less than a fight for the soul of the country. "Three days to Election Day: The stakes couldn't be higher. The choice couldn't be clearer," Biden said. "This other guy doesn't care about us." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bidens remarks were unlikely to make a meaningful dent in the overall trajectory of a race that has long since left his orbit, serving more to fire up reliably blue voters in a state expected to hinge more on a narrow slice of Independents and Republicans alienated by Donald Trump. As Union Joe huddled with labor leaders and hometown pols, Harris was in the midst of a feverish sprint through the rest of the swing states marked by massive rallies and A-list guest appearances. She has focused studiously on the future adopting a turn the page mantra that not-so-subtly suggests moving on not just from Trump, but the Biden era as well. Biden is in the backdrop this race needs to be about her and Trump, said Dan Sena, a consultant who once led the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. Shes not running to be Bidens running mate. Shes running to be president against Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That's relegated Biden to a background role that he has accepted, if not exactly relished. The president has coordinated closely with Harris' campaign since dropping out, orienting many of his official events toward issues that may bolster her case while giving her a wide berth on the trail. Asked about Biden's role, White House spokesperson Andrew Bates pointed to efforts to emphasize that Republicans' agenda would "economically devastate hard-working middle class families" by rolling back the president's key domestic accomplishments. Privately, Biden has itched to do more on Harris behalf, driven by the belief he has more value to add and the recognition that the fate of his own legacy is tied directly to her election, according to close allies. But he is weighted down by lingering voter resentment over the cost of living, entrenched skepticism of his administrations record and the concern that, at 81, he no longer represents the party he leads. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Biden last week also did himself no favors, turning what began as a routine get-out-the-vote call into a high-volume distraction with his garbage remark. The ensuing controversy and debate over his intention Biden maintained that he was referring only to comedian Tony Hinchcliffe, who had insulted Puerto Rico as an island of garbage only deepened the conviction among some Democrats that the president should be kept clear of the campaign. Joe Biden, God bless him, but hes not at the top of the ticket, said one Democrat close to the Harris campaign granted anonymity to discuss private sentiments. The episode prompted speculation over whether Biden might cancel his weekend travel to avoid the risk of further damaging gaffes. And while he ultimately navigated the events without a major misstep, even while departing from his prepared remarks at various points, the risks were apparent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Biden, at the outset of his speech in Philadelphia on Friday, appeared to act as if he couldnt recall the name of former Rep. Bob Brady (D-Pa.) the longtime Philly party boss who Biden had embraced on the tarmac just minutes before. "The guy, if youre in trouble, youre in a foxhole man, you want him with you, he said, pointing at Brady and smiling. That guy right there, whats his name? It was unclear if he was serious. But it prompted laughs from the crowd, and one person yelled Bobby! Bobby, good to see you pal. Youre great, Biden responded. Im serious, hes always, always there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A White House official later said that Biden was joking about not knowing Bradys name. In Scranton the next day, Biden veered off script after warning that Trump and Republicans would try to cut taxes for the wealthy, telling the crowd that "these are the kinds of guys you like to smack in the ass." It was the type of moment that's made Democrats cringe and fueled questions in Washington about his capability of serving another term. Biden, during his aborted reelection bid, struggled to energize a restless public and find a coherent message that could break through, despite a litany of legislative accomplishments to run on. Since ending his bid, he has made only minor alterations to his stump speech preferring to rely on the same set of anecdotes, statistics and arguments for his presidency's success that few voters appear eager to hear. But at least for a day, in front of a hometown crowd, the remark drew raucous laughter across the union hall. That kind of reaction, Biden's allies were quick to note, shows the president simply knows his audience and retains much of the blue-collar charm that won him the presidency in the first place. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It's a sign, they argue, that Biden still has more to give to a party preparing to leave him behind. "I think he adds to the campaign," said Mike Mikus, a Democratic strategist in the state. "Joe Biden speaks to a lot of Democrats, especially here in Pennsylvania, who've seen the work that he's done." Indeed, the president's weekend was filled with people, he made sure to emphasize, who had supported him his whole career. And there were signs that Biden still retains formidable retail talents. He brought the widow of a prominent labor leader to tears by surprising her with the Presidential Citizens Medal. Later, after walking into another labor hall with half a chocolate doughnut in his mouth, he interrupted the photo op to lead the room in singing Happy Birthday to a union volunteer. In a state that could come down to razor-thin margins, that personal touch can make a difference, Biden's close allies say. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But even they acknowledge that the party is changing, the electorate is looking ahead and Biden's place is no longer at its core. Most people that support him wouldve loved to see him go out on top, not have to step aside, said Mikus. But in the end and this will apply to most voters once he leaves office, they will look back at his presidency as one of accomplishment, one of the most successful presidents of our lifetime. Sometimes it just takes a while. Lauren Egan and Elena Schneider contributed to this report. WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) As of Saturday, more than half of all registered voters in Williamson County cast their ballot, according to the countys website. One of the biggest races there is for sheriff. Current sheriff Mike Gleason is running against Matthew Lindemann the current Precinct 3 Constable. Home to more than 600,000 people, and cities where many people commute to and from Austin every day, Williamson County is integral to the greater metro area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Texas voters: You CANT actually register online heres what to do One of the hot topics in this sheriffs face is fentanyl. Its something Sheriff Mike Gleason, a Democrat, has taken seriously in the county. Its the belief that a lot of counties that have major thoroughfares, that its not the responsibility of that district attorney, or that sheriff, to intercept something thats not intended for their jurisdiction. I dont believe in that, Gleason said. Sheriff candidate Matthew Lindemann, a Republican, has a different approach. I think we need to be proactive rather than reactive, Lindemann said. I think we need to give school officials, superintendents and parents programs to educate our kids so that they wont take these pills to begin with. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gleason said he should continue as sheriff because of what hes accomplished over the last four years. Weve secured pay raises. Weve returned civil service. Were full, Gleason said. Not many agencies can so that theyre full. Ive got a waiting list on both sides. So weve recreated the culture. Everyone here is in it to win it. Theyre here for a reason. What to do if youve been wrongfully removed from voter rolls in Texas Lindemann argues not enough is being done. I stay awake at night thinking about the possibility that my grandchild could get a fentanyl pill and die from that, Lindemann said. Violent crime has been on the rise for the last three years. Sexual assaults and family violence are up, so theres a lot of work to do. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Work that will be decided by voters soon. Gleason was the first Democrat to be elected sheriff in more than 30 years in Williamson County in 2020. He defeated then-sheriff Robert Chody. You can read more about each campaign online. You can read more about Gleason here and Lindemann 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 KXAN Austin. Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) on Sunday mocked former President Trumps recent claims surrounding the validity of election results. Its the same s that he played in 20, and that didnt go anywhere, he told CNNs Dana Bash on State of the Union. Trump has recently been sowing doubt when it comes to election results in Fettermans home state of Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania is cheating, and getting caught, at large scale levels rarely seen before. REPORT CHEATING TO AUTHORITIES. Law Enforcement must act, NOW! Trump wrote Wednesday on Truth Social. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump and allies have continually spread unfounded claims about the 2020 election, with the former president consistently refusing to accept his loss in the presidential election four years ago. Its the same thing that he tried in 2020 and, you know, we had absolutely a secure election, Fetterman said in his Sunday CNN appearance. And now, there was voter fraud in Pennsylvania, and it was a handful of Republicans, and they had, they had their dead moms voting for Trump. And Id like to remind everybody that they were all caught and they were prosecuted, he continued. In an average of polls from The Hill/Decision Desk HQ, Trump is ahead of Harris by 0.7 points, with the former president garnering 48.8 percent support and the vice president garnering 48.1 percent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Id like to remind everybody that Biden wrecked his s by 80,000 votes, and now were gonna be back in the same situation, hes gonna try to lie and claim these baseless things, but now were gonna have a new team leading America, and thats gonna Harris and Walz, but it is gonna be close, Fetterman said of Trump. Polling from The New York Times/Philadelphia Inquirer/Siena College released Sunday found Harris and Trump tied in the Keystone State at 48 percent support from likely voters. In an emailed statement sent Sunday to The Hill, Republican National Committee (RNC) spokesperson Claire Zunk said President Trumps unprecedented election integrity operation is committed to defending the law and protecting every legal vote. We have engaged, and won, in record numbers of legal battles to secure our election. With over 230,000 volunteers to Protect the Vote, this is the most robust election integrity operation the party has ever seen, Zunk continued. We have stopped Democrat schemes to dismantle election safeguards and will continue to fight for a fair and transparent election for all Americans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Hill has reached out to the Trump campaign for comment. Updated at 3:48 pm EDT. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Two days remain until Election Day, and Republicans are aiming to take control of the Senate and expand their majority. Democrats hold a 51-49 advantage, which Republicans have already sliced into with their pending victory in West Virginia, where GOP Gov. Jim Justice is the heavy favorite to win the seat being vacated by the retiring Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.). That leaves Republicans needing only one more seat to win back the upper chamber, with Montana and Ohio being the prime targets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Decision Desk HQ (DDHQ), the GOP has a 70 percent chance of wrestling back the Senate. A number of battleground races have tightened to dead heats, and the performance of former President Trump and Vice President Harris could also play a role in the outcomes. For the final time of the 2024 cycle, here are the top five seats likely to flip, not including the West Virginia seat. Montana Republican Tim Sheehy, left, is in position to topple Democratic Montana Sen. Jon Tester. (Ben Allan Smith, The Missoulian via Associated Press) A win in Montana means the majority for the GOP, and the party has felt increasingly bullish that Republican Tim Sheehy is in position to topple Sen. Jon Tester (D-Mont.). Montana is widely considered Republicans best chance at flipping a seat, outside of West Virginia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to a recent survey by The Hill/Emerson College, Sheehy leads by 4 percentage points (50 percent to 46 percent) over the three-term incumbent. And the Cook Political Report has the seat in its lean Republican column. Perhaps more indicative of where the race stands is how each side has maneuvered their final spends. A top GOP outside group recently shifted nearly $3 million from Montana to Nevada, where Republicans have seen some last-minute tightening, showing confidence that Sheehy is ready to seal the deal. Im feeling certain about Montana right now, one Senate Republican told The Hill, noting that recent internal polls on the GOP side have shown Sheehy holding a lead over Tester that is outside the margin of error. Democrats, however, dont think this race is over despite the public polls. They are quick to note that Montana is notoriously difficult to poll and say that Testers 2012 victory, his last run in a presidential year, shows he can win despite polls showing him down. Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), left, and Republican Bernie Moreno. (Jeff Dean and David Dermer, Associated Press) The race between Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) and Republican Bernie Moreno has drawn to even with Tuesday fast approaching. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A win in Ohio would expand Republicans majority and the race has become the most expensive contest on the Senate map this year. Brown held a steady lead that lasted through Labor Day, buoyed by a massive advantage on the airwaves, but the wind appears to be at Morenos back now. An average of polls from DDHQ and The Hill shows Moreno up by just less than 1 percentage point. Republican operatives have argued that the contest is mirroring the trend line of Sen. JD Vances (R-Ohio) race two years ago. Vance trailed then-Rep. Tim Ryan (D-Ohio) throughout the summer and into October before overtaking and ultimately defeating him by 6 points. They are also counting on a boost from Trump. The operatives say an 8-point victory at the presidential level should be enough to pull Moreno across the finish line. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brown himself has reportedly told donors that an 8-point margin is one that he likely cannot overcome. Sherrods an A [candidate] and Bernies a C-, one GOP operative involved in Senate races said. But we should win it based on gravity. The Ohio contest is set to become not only the most expensive Senate race this cycle, but of all time. The Georgia Senate race in 2020 between Sen. Jon Ossoff (D) and former Sen. David Perdue (R) attracted $412 million, with this contest set to eclipse the $500 million mark. Wisconsin Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), left, and Republican Eric Hovde. (Mark Schiefelbein and J. Scott Applewhite, Associated Press file) Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) is trying to hang on for dear life as Republican Eric Hovde has brought the must-win race for Democrats to a virtual dead heat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republicans are eyeing Wisconsin as one of their best pickup opportunities outside of Montana and Ohio. Baldwin, a two-term incumbent, ran ahead of Hovde throughout much of the cycle, but that lead has largely disappeared as GOP-leaning men have come home to the Republican Party. The Cook Political Report rates the contest a toss-up. Still, whether Hovde can get over the final hump remains a major question. According to the final Marquette University Law poll, Baldwin holds a 2-point lead over the GOP nominee. Perhaps just as important, she is outrunning Harris by a slight margin. Democrats still see work to do in the home stretch, and that centers on turning out Democratic-heavy Milwaukee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think youll see a real focus on the city of Milwaukee from Democrats up and down the ballot in the final hours, one Wisconsin-based Democratic operative said, pointing to Harriss rally with Baldwin in the city on Friday and other smaller events. Republicans, meanwhile, see Baldwin as a generic Democrat who will have trouble separating herself from the top of the ticket despite what the Marquette poll says. The race, much like several of the blue wall states, also depends on the margin at the top of the ticket, with Hovde likely needing Trump to win with a big enough margin to carry him across the line. Pennsylvania Sen. Bob Casey (D-Pa.) left, and David McCormick, the Republican nominee for Senate in Pennsylvania. (Associated Press) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Defeating Sen. Bob Casey (D-Pa.) has been atop the wish list of Pennsylvania Republicans ever since he knocked off Sen. Rick Santorum (R-Pa.) nearly two decades ago, and they easily have their best chance this week. Casey has held a consistent margin over Republican David McCormick into September, but has seen his lead sliced and diced to where it is now almost deadlocked. While Republicans routinely note that toppling Casey is by no means easy, they laud McCormick and his team for how theyve been able to tie the Democrat to Harris. The perceived inability to create separation is giving Democrats anxiety as they near the end. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I always thought Casey would do like 3 points better than the top of the ticket. But polling isnt showing that. His numbers are the same as Kamalas, one senior Pennsylvania Democrat said. Im surprised. Even [Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.)], who isnt an incumbent, is running better than Bob and has some separation with Harris, the Democrat continued, saying if Trump wins Pennsylvania by 1 then the Senate race could definitely go Republican too. According to Decision Desk HQ, Casey leads by more than 2 percentage points and has a 72 percent chance at nabbing a fourth term. Republicans are also putting more muscle behind their message in the final stretch as they spent $16.2 million last week compared to $11.9 million by Democrats in the second most expensive Senate race on the map this cycle. Michigan Michigan Senate candidate Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), left, and former Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Mich.). (Associated Press) For a time this fall, Republicans had believed that Michigan represented the partys best chance at winning a non-Montana or non-Ohio race. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Unlike races in Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Nevada, the contest between former Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Mich.) and Slotkin does not feature an incumbent after Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) decided against seeking a fifth term, theoretically giving the GOP an advantage not seen elsewhere. However, Slotkin and Michigan have proved a tough nut to crack. Operatives on both sides of the aisle have acknowledged in recent days that while the blue wall states of Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Michigan are all up for grabs, Michigan is probably the least likely of the three to flip as the other states have narrowed more in the final weeks. Democrats in Michigan can win just if they hit their numbers, one GOP operative involved in Senate races said. We can be perfect in Michigan, but if they hit their numbers, we lose. Slotkin holds a 3.2-percentage point lead over Rogers, with Harris performing better there than in either of the two other states, according to Decision Desk HQ. And no Republican has won a Senate race in the Wolverine State in 30 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 The Hill. From thunderstorms in the Valley to snow in southern Arizona, here's what was expected ecasted across the state for the first week of November. Up North The National Weather Service issued a winter weather advisory for the White Mountains on Sunday morning to last through Monday morning. Areas above 7,000 feet, Greer, Alpine and McNary, are expected to see 6 to 12 inches of snow. Flagstaff and surrounding areas were forecasted less than one inch. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the possible snow showers on Sunday, the weather service predicted Flagstaff would spend Monday and Tuesday in windy conditions near 50 degrees. The weather service predicted a 20 to 30 % chance of snow showers returning to the high country on Wednesday and Thursday with less than a half inch of new snow accumulation. Chiricahua Mountains On the opposite end of the state, the weather service also issued a winter weather warning for the Chiricahua mountains. Areas above 8,000 feet in southern Arizona were expected to accumulate 6 to 10 inches of snow starting at 2 p.m. on Sunday and continuing until 2 a.m. on Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mt. Lemmon was forecasted to receive up to 8 inches of snow. According to the weather service, showers and thunderstorms were very likely to hit Tucson on Sunday. The rest of the week was expected to provide residents with sunny skies with a high of 75 degrees. The Valley In Phoenix and surrounding areas, small amounts of rain were expected Sunday afternoon through the evening. Between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Sunday, Phoenix saw a 50 % chance of showers. According to the weather service, "isolated to scattered showers" were possible across south to central Arizona with 0.10 inch of rain predicted. Rain was also likely across the higher terrain and in north and east Phoenix, with a maximum of half of an inch expected. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The rest of the week in Phoenix was set to be clear and sunny, with highs just above 70 degrees. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Rain, snow and 70-degree temps expected across Arizona The Mumbai Police, with assistance from the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), carried out the arrest. Earlier today, Mumbai Traffic Police Control Room received a death threat regarding UP CM Yogi Adityanath on Saturday. According to the authorities, the message said that if CM Yogi doesn't resign in 10 days, he will be killed like Baba Siddique. Mumbai Police Traffic Control Cell received the message from an unknown number. Earlier on March 2, a chief constable positioned at the security headquarters received a threat to blow up CM Yogi Adityanath with a bomb. The case was registered against an unknown person following a bomb threat. "The caller told the Chief Constable that Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will be blown up by a bomb and disconnected the call," officials said. (ANI) Fire station rebuild begins 2 years after Goshen tornado Over two years after a fire station in Goshen was badly damaged by an EF2 tornado, the rebuild process has officially started. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Officials broke ground at the site of Goshen Township Fire Station 18 on Friday. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As News Center 7 previously reported, the fire station was directly hit by an EF2 tornado in July 2022 and was later forced to be torn down due to extensive damage. According to fire officials, the project is being funded through insurance proceeds, state disaster funding, and allocations from the states capital budget. The project will not utilize local tax levy dollars. Goshen Fire Chief Edward Myers told our news partners at WCPO about some of the new features going into the new station. The new station is going to be more energy efficient, and were putting things in place because of the presumptive cancer laws for firefighters in the state of Ohio, Myers said. So were putting things in place to make it a safer work environment. The multi-million dollar station is expected to be completed by September 2025. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Fires broke out in Kyiv on the night of 2-3 November due to the fall of wreckage from downed Russian drones. Source: Serhii Popko, Head of Kyiv City Military Administration Quote from Serhii Popko: "As a result of an attack by Russian armed forces strike UAVs on Kyiv, wreckage fell in the Holosiivskyi district of the city, in an open area." Details: Popko noted that fires had broken out and had been extinguished. He said there was no information on casualties or damage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also added that the air-raid warning remained in effect, and air defence systems were operating in the capital. Updated: Popko later reported falling debris and fires in the Desnianskyi district of the capital. Quote from Popko: " Debris fell in the Desnianskyi district of the city, in an open area. The situation is the same with the fire. There was no information on casualties or damage." Details: The all-clear in Kyiv was given at 02:16 on 3 November. Background: Kyiv City Military Administration reported that Russians were using ultra-low altitude tactics in their attacks on Kyiv with attack drones, trying to find out the location of air defences. Debris fell in six districts of the capital as a result of a Russian armed forces drone attack on Kyiv on Saturday, 2 November. Support UP or become our patron! Attorneys defending Jose Ibarra have attempted to alter the case against him five times since his arrest. Jose Ibarra faces 10 charges connected to Laken Rileys murder Feb. 22. Police arrested him the next day, accusing him of murdering the nursing student as she jogged on University of Georgias Campus. In May, a grand jury indicted Ibarra, formally charging him with 10 crimes: Malice Murder, three counts of Felony Murder, Kidnapping, Aggravated Assault, Aggravated Battery, Interfering with an Emergency Call and Peeping Tom. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That same month, he pleaded not guilty and Special Prosecutor Sheila Ross said she intends to seek a punishment of life in prison without parole. In August, Ibarras defense attorneys filed a motion to change the trials location. They argued the case has grabbed so much attention, it would be impossible to pick an unbiased jury in Athens-Clarke County. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Judge Patrick Haggard said since jury selection hasnt started, theres no way to know. He denied that request. Also in August, Ibarras attorneys asked the court to try the Peeping Tom charge separately from the homicide case. They argued the peeping case involved another woman. Not Laken Riley. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors filed a response that said that motion ignores the inescapable fact that count ten is part of a continuous single scheme of this Defendant on the morning of February 22, 2024. That document said at 7:57 a.m., a UGA student called 911 to say she saw a man spying into her dorm window. She said he was at her front door, repeatedly trying to open it. By the time police arrived, prosecutors said hed disappeared into a wooded area that is connected to the running path Laken Riley was using. Thats where prosecutors argue Ibarra saw Riley, tried to sexually assault her, she fought back, and he killed her. At 9:10 a.m., prosecutors response document says Riley called 911 for help and that call was disconnected. The document also states Rileys mom tried to call and text her several times starting at 9:24 a.m. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alarmed by her daughters lack of response, Laken Rileys mother launched a search for Laken. Subsequently, Laken Rileys roommates began to look for Laken on the running trails near the Intramural Fields, but were unable to locate her, Special Prosecutor Sheila Ross wrote. At 12:07 p.m., her roommates called 911 to report Laken missing. At 12:38 p.m., UGA police found Rileys body. Prosecutors argued the singular motive of sexual assault ties the crimes together. On Oct. 28, Judge Haggard issued an order denying the motion to sever the Peeping Tom charge from the homicide case. Nov. 1, Ibarras attorneys asked a judge to suppress cell phone evidence. They argued the phones were tampered with when investigators tried to put them in airplane mode to preserve data. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That same day, the defensed asked the judge to throw out fingerprint evidence collected during the investigation. They argue the science behind it is unreliable while prosecutors said its widely accepted. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] The fifth request made was a motion asking the judge to delay the trial by at least six weeks. Defense attorneys said they need more time to research on the DNA testing tool used in the investigation called TrueAllele. The judge denied the motion to change the trial date. We expect the judge to issue a ruling on the cell phone and fingerprint evidence next week. Jury selection begins Nov. 13. Floridians are voting on Amendment 4, a constitutional amendment that would guarantee a right to abortion up until the point of fetal viability. Constitutional amendments require a 60 percent supermajority to pass in Florida, the highest threshold of any of the 10 states with an abortion measure on the ballot in 2024. For years, Florida was a critical access point for abortion as its neighboring states heavily restricted or banned the procedure. But as of May 1, the procedure was banned after six weeks of pregnancy with exceptions for rape and incest up to 15 weeks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Floridians Protecting Freedom, a coalition of abortion groups, secured the required number of signatures to get on the ballot, and the state Supreme Court approved the measures language in April. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who supports the six-week ban, vocally opposed the measure and leveraged public resources to try to undermine the abortion rights campaign. His state health department sought to stop local news channels from airing advertisements in favor of Amendment 4, an effort blocked by federal courts. Donald Trump, the Republican candidate for president and a Florida resident, also said he would vote against the measure. Florida and its 30 Electoral College votes hold significant sway in the presidential race, though the once-swing state has trended Republican in recent election cycles. To check your voter registration status or to get more information about registering to vote, text 19thnews to 26797. The post Florida voters weighing in on constitutional amendment on abortion appeared first on The 19th. News that represents you, in your inbox every weekday. Subscribe to our free, daily newsletter. Fluoride it's added to the water systems of more than two thirds of Americans. It's in dental products from toothpaste to mouth wash. It's been the subject of long-running conspiracy theories. And now that Donald Trump was elected to another term, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. says he could try to take it out of water supplies nationwide. In an interview the day after Trump's victory, Kennedy told MSNBC "fluoride will disappear." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He repeated the claim contrary to scientists' assurances of its safety that fluoride "lowers IQ in our children." Kennedy said he would "advise" water districts of their "legal obligation" to constituents. "I think the faster that it goes out, the better," he said. Kennedy, who says he is in the running for a position in the second Trump administration, centered false claims about vaccines and other conspiracy theories in his failed presidential bid. Kennedy also claims without proof that fluoride in U.S. water systems has been linked to a host of medical conditions. "On January 20, the Trump White House will advise all U.S. water systems to remove fluoride from public water," Kennedy said in a Saturday post to X. "Fluoride is an industrial waste associated with arthritis, bone fractures, bone cancer, IQ loss, neurodevelopmental disorders, and thyroid disease." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. health experts strongly disagree. The Centers for Disease Control calls the practice of adding fluoride to tap water systems one of the 10 greatest public health achievements of the last century. Major medical groups, such as the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics, have also endorsed water fluoridation at recommended levels as a way to boost oral health. The naturally occurring chemical has long represented a boogeyman for conspiracy theorists since before Sterling Hayden's famous rant against "communists" adding fluoride to the water in his role as a crazed general in Stanley Kubrick's Cold War satire "Dr. Strangelove." But what does the science really show about adding fluoride to tap water? Dentists say adding fluoride to water is still a safe way to boost oral health. What is fluoride? Fluoride is a natural mineral. It is found in soil, air, food and water sources across the planet, although in different amounts depending on the place, according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fluoride strengthens teeth by hardening their outer surface, or enamel. It's a common ingredient in oral health and teeth cleaning products such as toothpastes, mouth rinses and varnishes used by dentists. Why is fluoride adding to drinking water? The American Dental Association says adding fluoride to water streams is a "safe, beneficial, and cost-effective" public health measure, citing studies that it cuts cavities in children and adults by 25%. "Decades of research and practical experience indicate that fluoride is safe and beneficial to oral health," Linda Edgar, president of the American Dental Association, said in a statement released in August. The American Association of Pediatrics also maintains that fluoride in drinking water and toothpaste is a safe means of boosting children's oral health. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Charlotte W. Lewis, a member of the AAP's oral health section, said in a statement in September that she is confident in the "safety of optimally fluoridated water in the U.S." "Water fluoridation is a public health policy based on a solid foundation of evidence," she said. Water issues: Asheville residents still without clean water two weeks after Helene Is fluoride dangerous? Several studies published over the last year have raised concerns about the effects of fluoride in large quantities and given ammunition to groups who are pushing to ban public water fluoridation in some communities. A report released in August by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services found that drinking water containing more than 1.5 milligrams per liter was "consistently associated with lower IQ in children." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the report, which evaluated studies conducted in Canada, China, India, Iran, Pakistan and Mexico, noted that the fluoride levels found to cause such risks were more than twice as high as the amount U.S. officials recommend be added to public water systems. Fluoride levels that high are mostly found in other countries and a tiny minority of U.S. communities. The report also did not specify how much IQ levels dipped or whether adults could also be affected. A study released in May also found that children in the womb in "optimally fluoridated" areas in the U.S. could increase the risk of neurobehavioral issues after birth. The Department of Health and Human Services said the data was "insufficient" to determine whether the current recommended level of 0.7 milligrams of fluoride per liter of water also had an effect on IQ, and that "more research is needed" to understand whether lower levels also have health effects. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Health position? RFK Jr. said Trump 'promised' him control of health agencies. A Trump aide refuted that. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said a second Trump administration would try to remove fluoride from public water. How long has fluoride been added to tap water? Grand Rapids, Michigan, became the first city to have fluoride added to its water systems in 1945. Over the next 15 years, scientists monitored the tooth decay rate in almost 30,000 children in the city, and they found that the rate of dental cavities dropped more than 60% in 11 years, according to the NIDCR. As of 2022, the community water systems of more than 209 million Americans, 72% of the population, are fluoridated, according to the CDC. Another 11.6 million people drink from water systems that naturally contain a high enough level of the chemical to have the dental health benefits pointed to by dentists. The U.S. Public Health Service currently recommends a fluoride level of 0.7 milligrams per liter of water to maximize oral health benefits while minimizing the risk of fluorosis, a condition triggered by an excessive fluoride intake usually seen in young children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Naturally occurring fluoride is higher in some parts of the world than others. Fluoride was measured at 8 milligrams per liter in the groundwater of some villages in China, while some Canadian waters contain levels of less than 0.05 milligrams per liter, according to a World Health Organization report. Are state water systems required to add fluoride? No, state water systems are not federally mandated to fluoridate their water. State and local governments implement their own fluoridation levels, sometimes determined by voters at the ballot box, according to the CDC. Some states lawmakers have introduced recent measures to change fluoridation rules. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Kentucky law that would make fluoridation optional failed to pass earlier this year but could be reintroduced in 2025. In New Jersey, where fluoride is not required to be added to water utilities, lawmakers introduced a bill to mandate it. Georgia, Nebraska, Missouri and North Carolina have also recently introduced fluoride-related legislation, according to the American Dental Association. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: RFK Jr. wants to remove fluoride from water. Experts say it's safe. BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) A former state prison correctional officer was found guilty on Wednesday of smuggling more than 200 grams of methamphetamine into the facility. The suspect was identified as 34-year-old Priscilla Frances Hall of Springfield. Prosecutor Jeff Moore called six witnesses and presented evidence proving the defendant had the drugs when she reported for work at the Bay Correctional Facility. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to a news release, the evidence showed Bay County Sheriffs investigators were called to the facility on March 22, 2023, after the defendant reported for her morning shift. Bay County Council on Aging held annual Fall Festival fundraiser During a routine contraband check by her supervisors, Hall was asked to let her hair down and supervisors found two bundles consistent with smuggling narcotics, officials wrote. In a statement Hall gave at the time that was played for jurors, she said an inmate had asked her to smuggle in the packages and she agreed. Hall was found to be carrying four packages of what investigators tested positive as methamphetamine. According to investigators, together the drugs weighed about 222 grams. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Judge Timothy Register set sentencing for Nov 12. Under Florida drug trafficking statutes, Hall faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 15 years and could receive up to 30. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to mypanhandle.com. While Vice President Kamala Harris and Former President Donald Trump spent the day barnstorming other battleground states, Pennsylvania was not forgotten with rallies being held for both of them in the Pittsburgh region. Former President Bill Clinton visited Butler County to campaign on behalf of Harris and Eric Trump was in Carnegie to rally up support for his father. Rally visitors and their headliners all agreed that Pennsylvania will be a critical state to win in the upcoming election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If we win Pennsylvania were going to win the country. If we win Pittsburgh were going to win the country, Eric Trump said. Early numbers have been great, people have to get out. Obviously, Pennsylvania is going to be razor thin, it always is, but I think theres a lot of enthusiasm out there. There was a lot of enthusiasm at Clintons rally too. He was joined by a team of other politicians including U.S. Senator John Fetterman and State Senator Jay Costa. Pennsylvania picks the president, Fetterman said. Both sides also believe the election is crucial for a bright future. Im campaigning for my grandchildrens future and the future of all of your children and grandchildren and maybe the ones you hope to have someday, Former President Clinton said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One Trump supporter echoed that testament. Weve got to elect Trump. Weve got to get back to the America we once knew. The dreams our children [and] grandchildren want to have, said Melanie Patterson. Click here for more political coverage. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW TRENDING NOW: 2 women facing new charges after escaping from constables car, sheriffs office says Girl, 5, hit with rock while trick-or-treating in Penn Hills; suspect released on non-monetary bond Dozens of new felony charges filed against Pittsburgh tow truck driver accused of inflating costs VIDEO: Officials working to keep everyone safe as presidential candidates plan to visit Pittsburgh Monday DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts The 42nd president of the United States made an appearance in Erie after canceling a visit earlier this week. The Harris/Walz campaign brought big names in the final weekend before Election Day. For my grandchildren and your kids or the kids you hope to have or the grandchildren you already have, you need to vote for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz, said former President Bill Clinton. Just days before the election, former President Bill Clinton made a stop in Erie. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dave McCormick, Sarah Huckabee Sanders to host rally in Erie Sunday Clintons appearance is a final push from the Harris/Walz campaign within this bellwether county. Dozens of supporters lined 11th Street to enter Lavery Brewing Company hours before he took the stage to hear what the politician had to say. The two-term president spoke for 20 minutes expressing how this upcoming election is about today and tomorrow. He believes the cost of living is Americas main concern and highlights the campaigns plan to lower it. Clinton then talked about how he knows both candidates, but only one is fit for the job. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I had cordial relationships with Donald Trump for over 15 years, said Clinton. He is a genius, however, at bragging, blaming and making you feel like somebodys sticking it to you. Never take responsibility, deny everything and always accuse other people of doing what youre doing and he turned out to be a genius at it. One of the warm-up speakers said with the election so close, now is not the time to relax, but to increase the energy to ensure Harris wins. Knock on doors and talk to their friends and neighbors about the stakes in this election, said Krista Perry, a speaker. Everybody needs to go out and vote. Show up and vote. This is going to be a history-making election and you want to be a part of it. Voters take advantage of Erie Co. Courthouse weekend hours ahead of Election Day Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other speakers included the owner of Learning Ladder Daycare Kenya Johnson, farmer Dan Gorley and a special appearance from United States Senator John Fetterman. The path to the White House comes right through this county and its a special special relationship and responsibility, said Senator John Fetterman. The next happiest thing is to know you did everything you could. Do not wake up with regrets Wednesday morning. Go getem, thank you, said Clinton. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. EATONVILLE Former President Bill Clinton stumped for Kamala Harris and other Democrats on Sunday, speaking outside a church in this historically Black-run town on the last day of early voting in Orange County. Now Im not running for anything except the future of my grandchildren, Clinton said. This is a simple choicebut you gotta show up. You can win in Florida. The final day of early voting is often known as Souls to the Polls day for the large number of Black voters who vote after leaving church. Clinton rallied a crowd of more than 300 outside the Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, urging them to vote for the vice president and other Democrats on the ticket. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hillary Clinton stumped for Democrats in Tampa on Saturday, with the former first lady and 2016 Democratic candidate for president sharing a similar message as her husband. The Clintons appeared in Florida as Harris and former President Donald Trump face off in what looks to be one of the tightest presidential races in modern American history. This election cycle was the first time Eatonville hosted an early voting location, Mayor Angie Gardner said. She highlighted the significance of Harris background the vice presidents father is Black and her mother was Indian and Eatonvilles claim of the oldest Black incorporated municipality in the nation. We must support the candidate that will help all small communities like ours, Gardner said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After Clinton spoke, Gardner asked the crowd to march across the street to cast their ballot before polls closed at 8 p.m. Clinton was joined by local Democrats running for reelection, including former State Attorney Monique Worrell, who is trying to win her seat back after her removal from office by Gov. Ron DeSantis, and U.S. Rep. Darren Soto D-Kissimmee. The former president also urged the crowd to think about womens rights and the hot-button issue of abortion rights, which is on Floridas ballot as Amendment 4. Donald Trump once said he was going to protect the women of the United States, Clinton said to a roar of applause from the crowd. Well I have a notion that a couple days from now the women of Florida are going to protect themselves from him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Amendment 4 would protect abortion rights and undo the strict six-week abortion ban DeSantis signed into law last year. Ron Pike, 66, stood in line for more than 45 minutes to hear Clinton speak. He said he believes in Harris campaign platform but came to hear the former president. I drove about two hours from Zephyrhills to be here, Pike said. The retired mechanic said he thinks abortion is a key issue this election and may turn Florida blue. Clinton is one of the few top democrats that has visited the state this election cycle after Trump won Florida in 2020. Florida now has more than a million more registered Republicans than registered Democrats. A member of Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, Ram Singh on Sunday expressed his concerns over the tense India-Canada relations, saying that the Prime Ministers of both the countries should hold a dialogue on the matter. "Canada is also called as 'mini Punjab'...I request the PMs of both nations to hold a dialogue regarding this matter," he told ANI. "The conflict between India and Canada is a very serious and concerning matter," he added. Also highlighting that both the countries have had good relations, which has led to many people from Punjab settling in the country too. "India has held a good relationship with Canada, which is why the people from Punjab have chosen Canada to settle there. A lot of people have got citizenship there, and they have progressed in their lives. The deteriorating relations between the two nations have increased the stress for such people," he said. Tensions between the two nations recently escalated following Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's claims in Parliament of "credible allegations" implicating India in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. In response, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Saturday strongly protested against the allegations made by the Canadian government against Union Home Minister Amit Shah's purported involvement in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Nijjar. The MEA described these allegations as "absurd and baseless" and lodged a formal protest against Canada. During a press briefing on Saturday, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that a "diplomatic note" was handed to a representative of the Canadian High Commission on Friday, conveying India's strong objections. "Regarding the latest Canadian target, we summoned the representative of the Canadian High Commission yesterday... It was conveyed in the note that the Government of India protests in the strongest terms the absurd and baseless references made to the Union Home Minister of India before the Committee by Deputy Minister David Morrison," he said. (ANI) Moldovan President Maia Sandu has warned of vote buying and electoral fraud as voters cast their ballots in a run-off presidential election on Sunday. "Thieves want to buy our votes and our country, but the power of the people is infinitely stronger than all their machinations," the 52-year-old pro-European politician told local media when she cast her vote in the capital, Chisinau. Sandu is running for a second term, but failed to secure an absolute majority in the first round of voting a fortnight ago. The 52-year-old head of state garnered 42.45% of votes on October 20, leading the pack of a total of 11 candidates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her biggest rival and former attorney general Alexandr Stoianoglo, the candidate of the traditionally strong Socialist Party of pro-Russian ex-president Igor Dodon, came in second with 25.98%. Despite the considerable margin between Sandu and Stoianoglo, the outcome of Sunday's run-off vote is considered open. According to the electoral authority, voter turnout in the afternoon was around 43%, with more than 1.2 million people already casting their votes. Moldova, a largely agricultural country situated between Romania and Ukraine, is a candidate for EU membership like Ukraine. While Sandu is considered the favourite to win the presidency, she has also faced criticism over lack of economic and social progress in the country of about 2.5 million residents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stoianoglo, 57, plans for Moldova to both pursue the path to EU accession and maintain good economic ties with Russia. His opponents consider him to be a puppet of corrupt oligarchs. Security authorities in Chisinau recently said they had uncovered a cash-for-votes scheme by pro-Russian forces in advance of the October 20 vote. Despite this, a referendum to enshrine the country's EU orientation in the constitution of Moldova, scheduled by Sandu for the same day as the first round of voting, was narrowly backed by voters. Also called to the polls in the second round of voting are hundreds of thousands of Moldovans living abroad mainly in the EU - as well as those living within the breakaway Russian-controlled region of Transnistria. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a video shared on social media, numerous people on an aircraft hold up their passports. The Belarusian state news agency Belta reported that an aircraft with Moldovans living in Moscow had landed in Belarus. The Moldovans are also flying to other countries to vote because only 10,000 ballots were issued in Moscow. Police in Moldova have announced an investigation because it is a punishable offence to bring voters to polling stations in an organized manner, both at home and abroad, they said. Polling stations within the country are open from 7 am to 9 pm (0500 - 1900 GMT). Initial projections are expected late in the evening. A man casts a ballot in the ballot box at the embassy of the Republic of Moldova for the 2024 Moldovan presidential run-off election. Christophe Gateau/dpa Reviewing PEOPLE's own archives and court documents, PEOPLE retells the story of Missy Avila's 1985 murder, which hit even closer to home than anyone realized The Missy Avila Page/Facebook Michele "Missy" Avila. Michele "Missy" Avila. After her 17-year-old daughter was found drowned in a shallow body of water, her waist-length auburn hair hacked off and a 100-lb. log over her body, Irene Avila took comfort in the company of her daughters best friend, sharing in their mutual grief. The friend, Karen Severson, moved into Irenes home, vowing to find the killer that had left Michele Avila alone in California's Angeles National Forest in October 1985. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "She became like a daughter to me," Irene told PEOPLE in a 1989 interview. Often, the two stayed up talking about the beautiful, popular girl who everyone called Missy, whose body was found by hikers two days after she hopped into a car with another friend, Laura Doyle. Doyle had later claimed that she had dropped Missy off with three boys driving a blue Camaro. For the next three years, the only leads were false ones, and the case went cold. Then, another friend, Eva Chirumbolo, came forward, according to the factual background of the case summarized by a judge in response to a writ of habeas corpus previously filed in the case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chirumbolo told investigators that she had been with the other girls when they headed to the national forest. As it turned out, Doyle had recently had a break-up with her boyfriend and she blamed Missy for it. The idea that Missy was to blame, according to PEOPLE's previous reporting, had come from Severson. Walking in the forest, Doyle and Severson called Missy promiscuous, per the filing, and Doyle grabbed her by the hair and chopped off part of it. The two who were taller and bigger than Avila, who weighed just 97 lbs. then forced her into a shallow creek, tied her hands behind her back, gagged her and forced her head under the water until her body stilled. Then, they left her, trapped under a log heavier than her own weight. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In July 1988, Doyle and Severson were arrested in connection to Missys murder, and were each later convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to 15 years to life. After years of mourning the loss of her daughter with her daughters own murderer, Irene began to see those first grief-stricken months differently. 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. Severson had been obsessed with Missys case, visiting her grave several times a week and adorning her bedroom walls with pictures and newspaper clippings about her friend. Often, she took beer to the creek where Missy had been found, drinking at the crime scene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She even said Missy was haunting her: She saw her dead friend sitting on the sofa and she even blamed her when her van wouldn't start after a trip to the gravesite. "Missy, let me go!" she screamed, per the encounter described in PEOPLEs previous coverage of the case. Although Doyle had kept more distance from Irene, she had also occasionally dropped by to visit the grave, per the filing, which adds that she also furnished false leads to investigators. The California Board of Parole Hearings later noted, per the filing, that it was especially disturbing that both women had stayed in such close contact with Missys family, even as they carried on a charade about not knowing what had happened to her. Both women have since been released. Severson was paroled in December 2011, and, after 22 years behind bars, Doyle was paroled in July 2020. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Severson went on to publish a memoir about the murder, leading to the 2015 signing of Missys Law, which ensures that convicts in California could not profit off of their crimes. In a 1989 jailhouse interview with PEOPLE, in which she claimed she was innocent, Severson mentioned a boy she had been interested in, claiming Missy had moved in on my territory, and saying, I just couldn't take it anymore. But Missys family told PEOPLE at the time that it was more complicated than that. She was Missy's best friend, Irene said but she was jealous of Missy's family, Missy's looks, Missy's popularity and even Missy's relationship with me. Missy's brother Mark added: Karen wanted to be Missy. U.S. election security officials have said the 2020 election was the most secure in American history, and a months-long analysis by the Associated Press found fewer than 475 cases of potential voter fraud in the six key battleground states despite former President Donald Trumps baseless claims of a rigged result. But the extraordinary closeness of the latest polling in the 2024 race between Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris and Trumps continued insistence that the only way he can lose again is if Democrats cheat means that Election Day could be as chaotic and confusing in 2024 as it was four years ago. Here are six key things that could go wrong on Tuesday: Slow counting in key states According to the latest surveys, the battleground states of Pennsylvania and Wisconsin are likely to be two of the closest in terms of the final results. And in both of those states, workers are not allowed to start counting early ballots until Election Day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In most states, early ballots are opened and processed (i.e., pre-canvassed) as soon as they arrive or, at the latest, in the week before the election. Thats the main reason state officials can report their results so quickly after the polls close. But thats not how Pennsylvania and Wisconsin operate. There, its extremely unlikely that either Harris or Trump will jump out to the sort of immediate, clear-cut lead that enables media outlets to project and ultimately declare a winner with only a small percentage of precincts reporting. So the counting could continue well into the next day or even into the next few days, depending on how narrow the margins are. If that happens, the entire election could hang in the balance. Confusion over the rules and challenges to the results The longer it takes to call a winner and the closer the eventual outcome is the more chaotic things could get. Pennsylvania in particular is looking problematic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Generally, states have rules governing the counting of mail ballots that apply throughout the state and can be used to resolve disputes. But Pennsylvania has 67 different partisan county boards with different rules about which mail ballots theyll accept, how and when theyll notify voters about mistakes, and even whether theyll allow voters to fix the mistakes theyve made. This is a recipe for disaster. In the Bush v. Gore ruling following the 2000 election, the U.S. Supreme Court rejected Floridas use of different vote-counting standards within the same state. So if the winning margin in Pennsylvania is tight (it was about 44,000 in 2016) and if the usual number of ballots are rejected (it was about 34,000 in 2020), local decisions about mail ballots will almost certainly wind up in court. In fact, any razor-thin result in Pennsylvania or elsewhere is likely to trigger litigation. Since Jan. 1, 2021, the GOP and other Trump-aligned groups have already sued more than 50 times across the seven key battleground states. Claiming to be acting against voter fraud, Republicans have sued to purge voter rolls; bolster signature and ID requirements; reduce the use of ballot drop boxes; and require that all ballots be counted by hand. The partys goal, as voting rights expert Danielle Lang of the nonpartisan Campaign Legal Center recently told NBC News, is to create confusion and chaos and to use that confusion and chaos as a pretext for post-election challenges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A lot of this litigation is, quite frankly, not designed to succeed, Lang explained. Democrats have also filed lawsuits. According to NBC News, they have mostly focused on expanding voting access by trying to extend registration deadlines or appealing for broader interpretations of laws about absentee ballots and voter identification. The Trump factor In 2020, Trump claimed long before the election that the only way he could lose was if it was rigged. Then, when he did lose, he continued to publicly push this falsehood while privately overseeing a scheme to overturn his loss. Unless Trump secures a cut-and-dried victory on Election Night, he will almost certainly try to do the same thing again. They are getting ready to CHEAT! he wrote in a Sept. 23 Truth Social post. At the same time, he has repeatedly sidestepped questions about whether he will commit to the peaceful transfer of power. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So if Pennsylvania or any other state is too close to call on Nov. 5 and if its initial, incomplete vote count shows Trump ahead of Harris while Democratic-leaning mail ballots are still being processed Trump is expected to once again declare himself the winner, regardless of what the full tally ultimately shows. From there, according to reporting from Politico and others, Trump and his allies would likely lean on partisan election officials in contested states to refuse to certify the results (presumably by citing the partisan lawsuits mentioned above). Since 2020, 35 of these battleground-state officials have already done just that even though they lack the necessary authority. Short of prevailing in close races in battleground states, the former president and his allies are unlikely to get as far as they did in 2020, thanks to recently passed bipartisan laws blocking efforts by bad actors to meddle with the results. But just 28% of Republicans now have confidence in the accuracy of U.S. elections, according to Gallup, down from 55% in 2016 so it wont take much to divide and disrupt the country. Violence or intimidation at polling places Driven by the former presidents personal obsession with election integrity, the Trump campaign has reportedly recruited a network of more than 150,000 volunteer poll watchers and poll workers "to go into the polls and watch very carefully," as the candidate himself recently put it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We need every able-bodied man, woman to join [the] Army for Trump's election security operation, Donald Trump Jr. said in an online video. "We need you to help us watch them. Not just on Election Day, but also during early voting and at the counting boards. President Trump is going to win. Don't let them steal it." The concern among voting rights advocates, election officials and Democrats is that if such an Army does materialize outside or inside polling places, legal observation could tip over into illegal intimidation which could discourage or deter people from voting. Even violence is a possibility, including confrontations that shut down polling places or ballot-counting facilities. According to the New York Times, federal officials have not released data on the volume of violent threats and incidents of intimidation reported by local governments, but experts say it has increased substantially since the summer. Last week alone, the Justice Department unsealed a complaint against a man in Philadelphia who had vowed to skin alive and kill a party official who was recruiting volunteer poll watchers. The police in Tempe, Ariz., arrested a man in connection with shootings at a Democratic campaign office. Prosecutors charged a 61-year-old man from Tampa, Fla., with threatening an election official. A blue U.S. Postal Service mailbox in Phoenix was set on fire, damaging about 20 ballots. (The suspect admitted to committing arson but claimed his actions were not related to the election.) And on Monday, drop boxes in Oregon containing hundreds of ballots were also targeted by arson. Cyberattacks This year, 98% of voters including every single voter in the battleground states will cast paper ballots. So the chance of electronic vote-tampering is minuscule. But a cyberattack could still affect, say, the election-night reporting system that media outlets rely on. And foreign disinformation about the reliability of the vote is even more pervasive in 2024 than it was in the past several election cycles, according to Time, with Russia, China and Iran acting online to further divide Americans over the election results. They make us hate one another so much that we internally tear ourselves apart or we make enemies out of ourselves, Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes told the magazine. Bad weather Hurricane Helene has already upended the election in North Carolina, where the General Assembly unanimously passed special voting rules after the disaster to make it easier for 1.3 million registered voters in 25 storm-ravaged counties to vote in person and by mail. Any new weather emergency has the potential to shutter polling places or disrupt turnout. With two days left before election day, a new poll shows Los Angeles County Dist. Atty. George Gascon has cut slightly into challenger Nathan Hochmans lead in the race for the incumbents seat. But Gascon is still down 25 points in the closely watched contest. While that's an improvement over the 30-point deficit he was staring down in the same poll on Oct. 8, its still no better than the 25-point margin he faced in the survey on Aug. 18. If the election were held today, 50% of likely voters would vote for Hochman, a former federal prosecutor, and 25% would cast a ballot for Gascon, a former LAPD assistant chief who swept into office in 2020 on a progressive platform of criminal justice reform. That leaves 25% undecided, according to the poll of 1,205 likely L.A. County voters from the UC Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies, co-sponsored by The Times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The poll comes near the end of a period of intense politicking by both candidates and their supporters. Since the last Berkeley-LA Times poll results were released on Oct. 8, Gascon and Hochman have held a series of campaign events across the county, addressed hundreds of voters, and faced off in a contentious debate. Mark DiCamillo, director of the poll conducted online in English and Spanish between Oct. 22-29, said the slight narrowing of the gap between Gascon and Hochman shouldnt offer much hope to the incumbent. Its really not all that significant a change. The voters have pretty much stuck where they were before, with a quarter not really paying much attention, he said. Negative opinions on Hochman increased slightly since last months poll, which DiCamillo attributed partly to Hochman having the scarlet letter of being a former Republican in deep blue L.A. County, but his unfavorability still pales in comparison to the bad vibes voters seem to get from Gascon. Forty-nine percent of likely voters have a somewhat or strongly unfavorable view of Gascon, compared to just 15% for Hochman, who has also served as a former assistant U.S. attorney general and past president of the L.A. City Ethics Commission. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its mostly a vote on Gascon, DiCamillo said. Hochman is the other candidate in this race and hes in that fortunate position of running against an unpopular incumbent. Read more: How L.A.'s progressive 'godfather' wound up struggling to keep his job as D.A. About 70% of Gascons supporters said partisan affiliation played a role in their decision, and its possible undecided voters could trickle toward the incumbent given Democrats hold a massive advantage in voter registration in L.A. County. Hochman is running as an independent and has worked to distance himself from his past GOP affiliation, saying he plans to vote for Vice President Kamala Harris in this year's presidential race. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jamarah Hayner, Gascons chief campaign strategist, said the narrowing deficit is a sign that his campaign's ground game is impacting the race. What we hear when we talk to voters are serious concerns about Hochmans history with the Republican Party and the likelihood that hell roll back progress on issues like police accountability and wrongful convictions, she said in a statement. So every phone call and door knock matters as we get down to the wire. Read more: Your guide to the L.A. County district attorney's race: Gascon vs. Hochman Hochman countered that the poll results are still indicative of an electorate frustrated with Gascon. A former two-term D.A. in San Francisco, Gascon has faced multiple lawsuits from his own staff in L.A. over implementation of his policies. He has also been forced to confront the perception that crime is rising even as he points to statistics showing declines in some categories. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The people of Los Angeles County are fed up with crime and ready for new leadership in the D.A.'s Office, Hochman said in a statement. I appreciate that voters want a prosecutor like myself with 34 years criminal justice experience who will base decisions on just the facts and law and not on a personal political agenda. Asked about a list of factors in the D.A.s race, 54% of voters selected ability to prosecute cases involving violent crimes as influencing their decision; 48% cited making reforms to the criminal justice system. But that hasnt translated into similar levels of support for the incumbent, whom Hochman has repeatedly slammed as soft on crime. Gascon has countered by arguing that Hochman wants to return to mass incarceration and pull back on police reform and accountability. Asked if Gascon should have any reason for hope on election day, DiCamillo said: Unless the polling world is turned upside down, I would say no. Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has arrested and charged a man in connection with a deadly shooting at Albany State University. Jeremy Marshall, 18, of Albany, Georgia is charged with three counts of aggravated assault and three counts of possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. He is being held at the Dougherty County Jail. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Marshall is suspected in a shooting that killed one person and injured four others on October 19. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DeMarion Tashawn Daniels, 19, from Newnan, Georgia was killed during the shooting. The other victims include a 13-year-old girl, a 17-year-old girl, a 16-year-old girl, and a 20-year-old woman. TRENDING STORIES: [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] All eyes are on a south Georgia funeral home after its owner was arrested and accused of neglecting human corpses. Authorities say they found over a dozen decomposing bodies on the funeral home grounds while serving the business a routine eviction notice. The owner of Johnson Funeral & Cremation Services in Douglas, Ga. has been charged with 17 counts of abuse of a dead body, according to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI). Arrest warrants for Chris Lee Johnson say he failed to store the bodies properly, which resulted in the serious disfigurement of the deceased. Of the 18 discovered human remains, one is of a child. Authorities continue to work with the families of the deceased to identity and learn more about the victims. The bodies were decomposing for months before they were discovered, officials say. Also on the premises, police discovered several dead animals, including cats and dogs. Chris Johnson, 39 - Screenshot: Coffee County Sheriffs Office Coffee County Coroner Brandon Musgrove told WALB-TV, My priority is to get the bodies properly identified and make the notifications to the family. Please bear with us. Were working as diligently as we can. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During his Monday (Oct. 28) court appearance, a judge denied Johnson bond due to the severity of the charges. As of Nov. 1, Johnson has no lawyer listed on his behalf, but he told the court he plans to seek his own counsel, according to Local 3 News. Court records also say Johnson is expected to face additional charges as the investigation into his business continues. Interestingly enough, earlier this year, Johnson ran for public office in the small city of Douglas. He was defeated in the primary for Coffee County coroner in May, according to the Atlanta Journal Constitution. Officials say Johnson was in the process of relocating his business when the bodies were discovered. While in between moves, Johnsons business was operating out of its original location. To matters even worse, in light of the scandal, previous and current family clients of Johnson Funeral & Cremation Services are starting to question the state of their own deceased loved ones. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We still have not yet received a death certificate that I paid for, in full, to Chris Johnson, Sherri Thomas told WALB-TV. I have called probably over 50-60 times, and he has not once returned my phone call. And I just wonder with all these bodies, is that even my mamas body in this urn. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. (Bloomberg) -- Infighting within Germanys three-party coalition escalated on Sunday as top officials dismissed Finance Minister Christian Lindners latest economic proposals. Most Read from Bloomberg Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lindner, leader of the free market-leaning FDP, issued a position paper on Friday calling for tax cuts and a slower approach to emissions reductions. The suggestions quickly met with derision from leading members of his Social Democratic and Green coalition partners. Its the latest round of squabbling among the ruling coalition, adding to speculation that the grouping could break apart. I see no strategy, no plan from Lindner, SPD deputy leader Serpil Midyatli said in comments reported by Zeit Online. You cant keep talking the country down. What we need instead is a finance minister who does his job and closes the multibillion euro holes in the budget, senior Green politician Katharina Droge said in comments to the media organization RedaktionsNetzwerk Deutschland. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The three-party coalition is already struggling with an economy set to contract for the second straight year, as key industries like cars and chemicals face disruptive transformations. Chancellor Olaf Scholz, meanwhile, has been unable to find common ground with his vice chancellor, Robert Habeck of the Greens, and Lindner, the liberal finance minister. As the economy flounders, Lindners proposal called for a shift in policy including lower taxes, an immediate halt to all new regulations, and a change in course on climate initiatives. The document, which became available online late Friday, was intended as a discussion paper within the government and wasnt meant to be published, according to the FDP. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The latest clash comes ahead of pivotal budget talks and adds to speculation about the future of the coalition. Scholzs government faces the dual burden of bridging an 8 billion ($8.67 billion) budget gap, and addressing a pending court ruling that could strip 75 billion from public finances. Triggered by an FDP-backed lawsuit, the Federal Constitutional Court is set to assess the legality of the solidarity surcharge used to finance German reunification a ruling that could reshape the coalitions financial strategy just a year before elections. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. The News As the US election approaches, the German government is gaming out a potential Donald Trump victory, and German diplomats and politicians are racing to build up relationships with Republicans. Lawmakers, officials, and people briefed on Berlins preparations told Semafor that key ministries and the Chancellery are meeting regularly to share information about how the election could reshape transatlantic relations, with Berlin fearing a transformation in US security, trade, and climate policy with drastic repercussions for Europe. German leaders were caught off guard by Trumps victory in 2016 and openly admitted they had little idea what he would do. This marked the start of a turbulent four years for Germany, with Trump at one point telling the then-German leader Angela Merkel you owe me one trillion dollars. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This time around, the Germans are determined not to be caught flatfooted. Preparations are much more elaborate and more detailed than eight years ago, Nils Schmid, a senior lawmaker in Chancellor Olaf Scholzs party, told Semafor. We have very precise analyses for both sides on potential policies in certain areas and how we can react to them, said Michael Link, the transatlantic coordinator at the Federal Foreign Office. Know More Defense policy Germany, Europes biggest economy, has long been a lightning rod for Trump and his cadre of foreign policy advisers, who have criticized Berlin for low levels of defense spending. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NATOs problem is particularly Germany has to spend more on security, has to spend more on defense, his vice presidential candidate JD Vance said on Sunday, voicing an opinion widely held by Republicans who would likely serve in foreign policy roles in a second Trump administration. While many in Germany are optimistic that Trump wouldnt pull the US out of the NATO alliance entirely, there are still fears about what he could do within the alliance. NATO could be a really burning question, but not necessarily in terms of the US leaving. I think the more likely scenario could be that he stays in NATO, but attempts to play countries against each other within the alliance, Link said. Pulling troops out of Germany Berlin also fears that the former president would make a fresh attempt to pull thousands of US troops out of Germany. The Trump administration announced it would withdraw 12,000 troops from Germany in its last months because, Trump said, theyre not paying their bills a decision Biden reversed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What his folks are telling me is that there would be a stocktaking of military personnel and equipment in Germany and on European soil, said Peter Beyer, a German lawmaker who served as the Foreign Office transatlantic coordinator during the Trump years. They would withdraw everything that they need, and if theres some residuals for us, okay, if not thats also okay for them. Tariffs Trump has a grudge against Germany, Laura von Daniels, of the Germany Institute for International and Security Affairs, told Semafor. He keeps talking about Germany, German businesses, car corporations and tariffs all the time. Thats not exactly signaling that hes ready for compromise. The first shock that we will really feel will be about trade policy, and about some of the multilateral arrangements like climate policy, the Social Democratic Partys Schmid said, referring to Trumps promises to pull the US out of the Paris climate accord for the second time and implement blanket tariffs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A 20% tariff, which Trump has repeatedly floated, could cut Germanys GDP by as much as 1.5%, the German economics institute IW estimated, a serious blow to an economy that is set to shrink in 2024 for the second year in a row. Step Back German officials insist they have done more to prepare this time around, citing in particular their outreach efforts to Republicans: German politicians had an unusually large presence at the Republican National Convention, and officials have been meeting with Republican senators, governors, and foreign policy experts to highlight Germanys role as a key trading partner and stress that the country has now reached NATOs spending target. All the Europeans, including the Germans, have recently scrambled to meet with potential Trump officials, Leonard Schutte, a senior researcher at the Munich Security Conference, said. But personal connections only get you so far. Experts in Berlin and some European officials think the government has largely failed to present the kind of ambitious policies that could help insulate the country from the tectonic shifts in American foreign policy that a Trump presidency could entail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the top of the list is defense spending: The government has only budgeted for Germany to hit NATOs 2% spending target until 2026, and big questions remain about how the country will continue to finance its defense buildup with a struggling economy and tight fiscal rules. Johann Wadephul, a conservative lawmaker, said he had been peppered with questions about the hole in the defense budget during meetings with US lawmakers in Washington, DC. They know it, and Trump will know it as well, or his advisors will know it, Wadephul said. If Trump is elected, Berlin may not have much more time to get ready. During his first term, Trumps most radical proposals came towards the last months of his presidency and were not fully completed before he left office, Jurgen Hardt, foreign policy spokesperson for the center-right Christian Democratic Union, told Semafor. This time, Germany would face serious challenges right off the bat, as the former president is better prepared to hit the ground running from day one, the lawmaker predicted. But Germanys three-party coalition is teetering on the brink of collapse, meaning there is little political leadership to boost defense spending or take a leading role within the EU. The fiscal and political room for maneuver for actually preparing foreign policy initiatives in Germany is extremely limited, said Schutte. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Germans are in denial, they dont want to talk about it, a European official told Semafor. Even if Trump is elected, Berlin will do everything they can to keep the USA engaged in Europe. Notable BERLIN(Reuters) -German Chancellor Olaf Scholz will hold meetings with his top two ministers to seek common ground after they put forward contradictory plans to fix the nation's economy, a government source told Reuters on Sunday. A document leaked by Christian Lindner's finance ministry in Berlin last week laid out a plan for tax cuts and fiscal discipline that political analysts interpreted as a challenge to the multibillion euro investment programme put forward by Economy Minister Robert Habeck days earlier. The standoff is the latest escalation in a row over economic and industrial policy between the FDP, the Greens and Scholz's Social Democrats that has fuelled speculation of the coalition's potential collapse, less than a year before elections are due. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A government source told Reuters that Scholz and the ministers would hold several meetings in the coming days, saying that "now that everyone has submitted their paper, we have to see how they fit with each other". A different source said the 10 billion euros ($10.86 billion) made available to the government after the semiconductor project they were intended for was put on hold by Intel would play an important role in resolving the standoff. The sources asked not to be named because they were not authorised to speak publicly on the issues. Fiscal hawk Lindner has proposed scrapping the funds from the budget, while Habeck has said they could be reallocated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A worsening business outlook in Europe's largest economy has widened divisions in Scholz's ideologically disparate coalition over policy measures to drive growth, protect industrial jobs, and reinforce Germanys position as a global industrial hub. While Habeck wants the creation of a fund to stimulate investment and to get around Germany's strict fiscal spending rules, Lindner advocates tax cuts to spur the economy and an immediate halt on all new regulation. In a local newspaper interview, SPD leader Lars Klingbeil said he was willing to discuss Lindner's proposals, but that some of them were untenable for his party, which released its own economic plan earlier in October. "Giving more to the rich, letting employees work longer and sending them into retirement later - it will come as no surprise to anyone that we think this is the wrong approach," Klingbeil told the Augsburger Allgemeine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Opposition parties, including the conservative Christian Democrats (CDU) and the far-right Alternative for Germany, called for early elections on Sunday, with conservative parliamentary group manager Thorsten Frei telling newspaper Welt that this "would be the last service [the government] could render to our country". If one of the three governing parties pulls out of the coalition, the chancellor can call for a parliamentary confidence vote, which if lost would allow the president to trigger elections. In the past, chancellors and their parties have taken this route to strengthen their position, but polls suggest the SPD, the Greens and the FDP are vulnerable to heavy electoral losses should elections be called. (Reporting by Andreas Rinke and Christian Kraemer, Writing by Friederike Heine, Editing by Christina Fincher and Barbara Lewis) Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday released the BJP's Sankalp Patra (Manifesto) and announced the party will implement Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in Jharkhand and will also "drive out infiltrators" coming from Bangladesh. Outlining the 25 resolutions to mark 25 years of the state's formation, Shah said, "Hemant Babu, a Uniform Civil Code will certainly be implemented in Jharkhand, but the identity and heritage of the tribal communities will be fully preserved." "Uniform Civil Code will be introduced in Jharkhand but the Tribal community will be kept out of the ambit of UCC," he said. The BJP also promised that all lands occupied by the infiltrators will be returned to the tribal communities. "BJP government is being formed in Jharkhand and we will drive out these infiltrators. We will bring the law and return the land taken away from women. Hemant Soren, you have failed to provide security to the women of Jharkhand," he added. He further vowed to provide Rs 2,100 per month to every woman of the state if the BJP returns to power. "Under the 'Gogo Didi scheme', women will be given Rs 2100 every month. Free LPG gas cylinders will be given on Diwali and Rakshabandhan and the cylinders will be given for Rs 500. 5 lakh employment opportunities will be created for the youth of Jharkhand," Shah said. The BJP has also pledged to provide 21 lakh families with their own concrete homes, with tap water connections. The Home Minister took a strong stand against the paper leak mafia and said that the BJP government, if formed, would hang the paper mafia "upside down". "To support youth in their careers, the BJP in its manifesto promises to provide a monthly stipend of Rs 2000 for two years," the party stated. The BJP promised to create 287,000 government jobs and offer 500,000 self-employment opportunities in order to combat unemployment. The party said that under the Laxmi Johar Yojana, gas cylinders will be provided at Rs 500, with two free cylinders available each year. The BJP promised to ensure the recruitment on 2,87,500 government positions with transparency. "For this, the process will begin in the first cabinet meeting and will complete the recruitment process on 1.5 lakh positions by November 2025," the manifesto said. The promise of Implementing the UCC was included in the BJP's election manifesto for the 2024 general election. The Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill was a proposal in India to establish uniform rules for personal matters for all citizens. These matters include marriage, divorce, inheritance, and property rights. The UCC would apply to all citizens equally, regardless of their religion, gender, or sexual orientation. Amit Shah released Bharatiya Janata Party Sankalp Patra (Manifesto) for Jharkhand Assembly elections in Ranchi. Elections for 81 seats in the Jharkhand Assembly will be conducted in two phases on November 13 and November 20, with the counting of votes scheduled for November 23. (ANI) The closer we get to Election Day, the more the question becomes inescapable: What happens after Election Day? In the aftermath of the 2020 election, then-President Donald Trumps quest to hold on to power, first by challenging his loss and then by an ever-increasing pressure campaign on those responsible for confirming the results, culminated in a historic act of political violence: the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. Now, coming up to the finish line of the next presidential election, there are indications that Americans are again worried about the possibility of political violence. In a Scripps News/Ipsos poll released Oct. 24, 62% of Americans surveyed said that violence related to the election was somewhat or very likely, with a majority of both Republicans (59%) and Democrats (70%) agreeing that was the case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There have already been worrying instances of actual violence against people and processes as the election draws near: Ballot boxes have been set on fire in several states, and there have been threats of violence at polling stations. And there have been two apparent assassination attempts against Trump. U.S. intelligence has also warned about the possibility of violence and unrest. Reports from various news publications revealed that intelligence agencies, including the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security, had sent local law enforcement agencies a number of bulletins warning that domestic violent extremists were a threat to the election and its aftermath, with candidates, election workers and others considered targets. The bulletins also warned of violence at polling places, ballot boxes and political events, according to NBC News. If theres a very close election, there are a lot of people who are feeling extremely angry or extremely threatened, and particularly if its looking like Trump loses, he has supporters who are likely to engage in a lot of threats and intimidation and possibly some physical violence, said Rachel Kleinfeld, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, a nonpartisan think tank. The rhetoric that Trump, at least, has used on the campaign trail hasnt helped. The Republican presidential nominee has said he would prosecute his political enemies and would use the military to quash protests, and he has consistently used violent language when talking about groups he disparages the migrant invasion that is poisoning the blood of America, for example. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And perhaps most important, he has already been laying the groundwork to once again question the validity of the election if he loses. Which, in the very likely event of a close election that could takes a few days to determine, could be a hazard. The uncertainty is probably the biggest risk factor, Kleinfeld said. Obviously, if we get a strong turnout and everybody clearly knows who won, that would be wonderful. But the likelihood is a lot of litigation, dissension and mis- and dis-information. The presidential race is uncomfortably close. Polls have Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee, neck and neck, often either in a dead tie or within a percentage point or two of each other. And there are many indications that, barring an (unlikely) early landslide of results, Americans probably wont know who won until several days after the election. Insurrectionists loyal to President Donald Trump try to break through a police barrier on Jan. 6, 2021, at the U.S. Capitol while both houses of Congress were meeting to certify the electoral vote. Julio Cortez/Associated Press In particular, the increased use of mail-in ballots and, to some extent, early voting has created delays in counting ballots in some states that could slow the vote counts. Swing state Pennsylvania, for example, prohibits election officials from opening and beginning to process mail-in ballots until the morning of Election Day. As of Oct. 30, the state had received requests for more than 2 million mail-in and absentee ballots. Thats over 2 million individual, physical ballots that will have to be removed from envelopes, checked for accurate voter information and tallied work that cannot start until Tuesday morning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement [Its] just very unlikely that well know for days, possibly even a week or two, says Kleinfeld. She also points out that, due to changes to the Presidential Transition Act in 2022, if the results are unclear and neither candidate has conceded by five days after the election, both candidates will be allowed to begin their transition to the Oval Office, which will make them both look like theyre the legitimate winner to their supporters who arent used to seeing that happen, Kleinfeld noted. So I think youre likely to have a period of real uncertainty with a lot of fear, anger and, as a result, youll see, probably, armed mobs at the homes and the workplaces of people who those individuals think could make a difference. And youre likely to see a lot of intimidation against election officials, which were already seeing, but its likely to go up if theres people that those individuals think ... they can pressure, she added. However, she cautioned that the number of bad actors is fairly low. The vast majority of Americans, while they are worried about political violence, dont believe that its right, good that political violence is justified. A PRRI survey from early September found that fewer than 1 in 5 Americans agreed with cited measures of political violence, including the statement that true American patriots may have to resort to violence in order to save our country. And even among those polled by Scripps/Ipsos, the vast majority said that they would accept the election results even if their preferred candidate loses. Only 8% said they were willing to accept violence in order to secure their preferred election outcome. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kleinfeld noted that simply spreading information and reassuring voters that the election is safe and fair and straight-up normalizing the fact that we likely wont know the results for a while can be an important tool in staving off violence. Its certainly a best practice and can really reduce the likelihood of people getting agitated, concerned that something nefarious was happening, she said. None of this is inevitable, she added. By making the polls in the post-polling period more joyful and normalizing that when our country is this close, we dont know on election night the way we used to, the less likely it is to have violence. Legal experts have been working hard to affirm public faith in the election. Weve seen an assault in two dimensions, in the court of public opinion and in the court of law, and that is the basic structure that we also saw in the 2020 assault on democracy, Norm Eisen,special counsel to the House Judiciary Committee majority during Trumps first impeachment trial and an ethics czar in the Obama administration, said on a press call organized by the Defend Democracy Project earlier this week. That is the identical pattern that has commenced in 2024 and that we expect to continue in the post-election process. And part of the reason that we can be confident that the system is strong enough once again to withstand these predations is because thats whats happening. Eisen cited a number of recent legal decisions that have upheld election security, including the defeats of an attempt to purge voter rolls in Alabama and an attempt to change voting rules in Georgia to make it easier for Trump allies to challenge results. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The threats will be more severe if the election is close, but the system is tested. Our election officials are ready like never before, Eisen added. There are thousands of people working to make sure that the elections are run as well as possible, are as safe as possible afterward, Kleinfeld said. Theyre coordinating with law enforcement to keep individuals involved with the election safe. Theyre coordinating with communities to keep communities that might be targeted safe. Related... After a recent Google Maps update, multiple images of Ukrainian defence installations appeared on the maps. However, the company agreed to remove the images but not until a widespread public outcry regarding the matter emerged. Source: Andrii Kovalenko, Head of the Centre for Countering Disinformation at Ukraines National Security and Defence Council, on Telegram Quote: "We asked them to fix it fast, but they were out for a weekend. It did not concern them. All the while Russians were already actively spreading these images," Kovalenko said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After that, according to Kovalenko, Google representatives said they were already working to correct the situation with pictures of the deployment of military facilities in Ukraine. Previously: Russian forces are attempting to remove around 300 tonnes of sunflower crops from the temporarily-occupied Luhansk Oblast. Support UP or become our patron! Gov. Andy Beshear stopped by two political rallies in the Louisville area Saturday to encourage citizens to vote and to vouch for Democratic candidates days ahead of the 2024 General Election. Less than two hours after appearing in Jeffersonville to stump for Jennifer McCormick, the Democratic candidate for Indiana governor, Beshear spoke at a Get Out The Vote rally hosted by the Louisville Democratic Party at the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 369. Similar themes arose at both rallies, with Beshear and other Democratic candidates from Kentucky and Indiana working to mobilize voters in the final days before the election. Beshear voiced support for several candidates in attendance at both events. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 369, Beshear, Kentucky Sen. Gerald Neal and Rep. Pam Stevenson envisioned what they could accomplish if more Democrats occupy the General Assembly. Currently a Republican supermajority comprises both chambers. All seats in the Kentucky House of Representatives and half the seats in the Kentucky Senate are up for election this cycle. "We must reduce the supermajority," Stevenson said. "No one would care who was in charge in Frankfort if every family was thriving, and they're not." Gov. Andy Beshear spoke at a Get Out The Vote rally hosted by the Louisville Democratic Party at the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 369 on Saturday, Nov. 2. One of the first items Beshear broached during his speech was Amendment 2, which, if passed, would revise the state constitution to allow the legislature to allocate public funds to schools outside of the public school system. If approved, the change could have "detrimental" impacts on students and families in the public school system, Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman said at the Louisville rally. "People in our public school system learned enough math and subtraction to understand that under Amendment 2, giving Frankfort politicians the ability to take money from our public schools and send them to unaccountable private schools will leave us with less," Beshear said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beshear framed the Democratic party as invested in the well-being of every citizen, regardless of political affiliation. He spoke about several nonpartisan accomplishments under his administration, including drug-overdose deaths dropping in Kentucky for two years straight and record-low recidivism rates. He also touted growth in private-sector investments within the commonwealth like a surge of investment in electric vehicle manufacturing and job creation and record-high labor union membership. At both of Beshear's appearances Saturday, he appealed to citizens to cast a ballot and encouraged everyone to urge others to vote. Dustin Reinstedler, president of the Kentucky AFL-CIO, a state labor council to which all labor unions in the commonwealth belong, said the organization has approached roughly 39,000 homes in Jefferson County and the surrounding counties to urge people to vote. Those efforts will continue as Election Day looms, he said. Each and every vote matters, Beshear said, recalling his slim margin of victory in 2019 against former Gov. Matt Bevin. Efforts by community members, he said, could be the difference in outcomes across the ballot. "This is our chance in Jefferson County and across Kentucky to step up, to do the right thing, to show the Democrats have a bright future here, and the reason that we run is that we want to better the lives of not some Kentuckians, but every single Kentuckian," Beshear said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Contact reporter Killian Baarlaer at kbaarlaer@gannett.com or at @bkillian72 on X. This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Gov. Andy Beshear stops at rallies in Louisville, Jeffersonville ahead of election day Washington Governor Jay Inslee activated some Washington National Guard members Friday, asking them to be on stand-by, in case theyre needed to support local law enforcement and the Washington State Patrol during election week. The governor gave the Adjutant General the authority to determine how many members of the Guard will be activated. This governors office calls the action a purely precautionary measure taken in response to the U.S. Department of Homeland Securitys nationwide warnings regarding threats to election infrastructure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is also a response to other recent activities in southwestern Washington, including an arson that set a ballot box ablaze in Vancouver. The Guard will be on stand-by for four days, beginning Monday, November 4th. The activation will end just after midnight on Thursday. The activation request came in a letter from the governor to Maj. Gent Welsh, the Adjutant General. In the correspondence, Gov. Inslee said the action was being taken to ensure we are fully prepared to respond to any potential civil unrest or violence. Our state depends on these skilled individuals for critical support to protect the public health, safety, and welfare, to include support necessary to protect vital infrastructure related to carrying out free and fair elections and to respond to any unrest related to the 2024 general election, Inslee wrote. Welsh commands 8,000 soldiers and airmen of the Washington National Guard. LITTLE ROCK, Ark. On Saturday morning, Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders voted early in the 2024 election at the Dunbar Recreation Center, joined by her family. She briefly spoke with media and emphasized the importance of Arkansans getting out to vote. Arkansans get a head start at the polls as early voting kicks off I think that everybody that has the ability should get out and vote, Gov. Sanders stated. Theres a lot of locations all around the state that they can go and cast their ballot. I think its one of the most important duties that we have and a great way to let your voice be heard. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The governor also mentioned being proud getting to vote alongside her family and share that experience together. Record-breaking early vote, Pulaski County focuses on secure voting system We think its important for our kids to learn from an early age how important voting is and theyve been with us every time weve voted, Sanders said. We enjoy getting to do this together as a family. The governor also said she is proud to cast her vote for Donald Trump and she feels he is going to win big in Arkansas and across the country. She also voted against issue two, saying she felt a casino in Pope County has already been decided on by voters in that area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to unofficial early voting numbers from the Pulaski County Election Department, as of Saturday evening, there have been 105,658 votes cast which is 3,278 more than in 2020. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK. SRINAGAR, India (AP) An assailant threw a grenade at a marketplace bustling with shoppers in the main city of Indian-controlled Kashmir on Sunday, wounding at least nine people, police said. The attack comes a day after a suspected militant was killed in a daylong gunbattle in Srinagar, a rare occurrence in the city where security is tight. Police said an unidentified attacker hurled a grenade from a flyover bridge, apparently targeting a stationed paramilitary vehicle, in the main business center of Srinagar, where Sunday's flea market is visited by thousands of people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The grenade exploded in the midst of shoppers and vendors, wounding at least nine, police said. All were taken to a hospital and reinforcements of police and paramilitary soldiers launched a search for the attacker. In the past, Indian authorities have blamed rebels fighting against Indian rule in the disputed region for similar grenade attacks. Rebels have in turn accused government agents of carrying out the attacks to defame their movement. There can be no justification for targeting innocent civilians, Kashmirs Chief Minister Omar Abdullah wrote on the social media platform X. The security apparatus must do everything possible to end this spurt of attacks at the earliest so that people can go about their lives without any fear. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. The ocean is filled with so many species that it's impossible to count and scientists predict some are even yet to be discovered. Conservation efforts for rare sea creatures can be challenging, but scientists and fishers have come together to try to protect one that is occasionally seen in Australia's waters. According to ABC News, fishers and scientists in Northern Australia partnered for a three-year study to research the sawfish "a type of modified ray, with a saw-like nose on its head, called a rostrum, and a shark-like body, which can grow up to seven meters [around 23 feet] long." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Queensland state government has said sawfish are one of the most endangered rays and sharks. Sawfish populations have been drastically declining in recent years, and it isn't known how many are left. "These are historically rare animals that are found in remote habitats not frequented by most people," Marine scientist Dr. Vinay Udyawer said. Per ABC News, sawfish used to be hunted for their fins and rostrums, which were valuable until Australia regulated them. This fish is a food source in Indonesia and Papua New Guinea, and in Australia, they sometimes die after being caught in nets intended for other fish. "Other key processes that also are impacting sawfish populations is the modification of coastal and river systems," Dr. Udyawer noted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Protecting species like the sawfish is crucial for the ecosystem. As the Endangered Species Coalition explained: "Each species that is lost triggers the loss of other species within its ecosystem. Humans depend on healthy ecosystems to purify our environment. Without healthy forests, grasslands, rivers, oceans and other ecosystems, we will not have clean air, water, or land." Fortunately, organizations are committed to protecting threatened and endangered species. According to a study by Charles Darwin University, 29 species previously listed as threatened under Australia's Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act are no longer listed because their populations have recovered. Now, the groundbreaking project gathering data about sawfish could ultimately help protect their future. According to ABC News, scientists used the fishers' knowledge to "locate, tag, and document sawfish population distribution," and the partnership will continue to further understand how to help. "These guys know where they are they've got a general idea of their movements it was great that the scientists came and grabbed the knowledge," commercial fishing operator Cameron Berryman told ABC News. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This project came together because of many collaborators, including funding from Parks Australia and support from Charles Darwin University, the Australian Institute of Marine Science, and the NT Seafood Council. You can also commit to protecting these species by donating to climate causes doing this conservation work. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) With pro-choice pins fastened and posters in hand, several women, and even some men, participated in the Gulf Coast Womens March. They walked the Hathaway Bridge in support of Amendment 4, lifting Floridas abortion ban. We rank 55 in developed countries for dangerous outcomes for pregnant women, and that needs to change. Our focus today is to bring attention to this issue and to fight and march for choice, Democratic Womens Club President Laura Sturgis said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pensacola man arrested for robbing bank in Crestview Participants said Floridas current abortion laws are dangerous, with few exceptions in rape, incest, or life-and-death cases. Pro-choice women said they want the right to their autonomy back. I needed to have a hysterectomy, and I was almost 40, and they wouldnt give it to me because I didnt have a male to sign off for it. We should all be able to make our own decisions on our own bodies. How can other people make decisions for us as human beings? Gulf Coast Womens March Participant Lori Trembley said. In response to the womens march, a pro-life group peacefully protested Amendment 4 on the other side of the bridge. Pro-life participants said its important to protect the lives of unborn babies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With Amendment 4, this is allowing for abortions up to term, and this is going to hurt babies that would otherwise exist on their own and survive. We just really care about saving them and having protections for life, Pro-life March Organizer Janna Camperman said. Bay High celebrated 100 years with centennial alumni tailgate They said abortions affect more than just one body. That baby inside of you is its own person. And has its own DNA. And its actually when we start talking about third-trimester abortions, theres never a medically necessary reason for that. That baby could survive, Camperman said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You can decide to vote yes or no on Amendment 4 on Election Day this 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 mypanhandle.com. Two gunmen opened fire into a crowd at a candlelight vigil for a 13-year-old subway-surfing victim underlining a month that saw dueling tragic trends of teens getting shot and teens dying while subway surfing. Gunfire exploded around 9:15 p.m. Oct. 27 in Ridgewood, Queens, where two males fired into the memorial for Adolfo Sanabria Sorzano at Fairview and Putnam avenues, The Post has learned. No one was hit. Two gunman opened fire at a vigil for Sorzano at Fairview and Putnam avenues. GoFundme A makeshift memorial in Ridgewood Queens for 13-year-old Adolfo Sanabria Sorzano after he died subway surfing. Helayne Seidman At this time, it is believed that this was a targeted incident, a police official wrote in a email to other cops and city officials Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Four shell casings were recovered, police sources said. The vigil shooting came amid a spate in youth violence in the city that has left at least five teenagers fatally shot since Oct. 24, cops said. Police did not immediately comment on the vigil violence. Sorzano died subway surfing on an M train near the Forest Hills station just before 10 p.m. on Oct. 23 in a stunt officials linked to social media. His mom, Milene Sorzano, a recently arrived immigrant, posted on GoFundMe.com that her son was performing a TikTok challenge. It is with a broken heart that I ask for your support in this painful time, she wrote on the site to raise money for her childs funeral. The shooting at the vigil is believed to be a targeted incident, police said. Helayne Seidman His dad Adolfo Sanabria pleaded with other teens not to perform the stunt that has left six teens dead so far this year a devastating tally that has already surpassed 2023s mark of five deaths and led to frequent public service announcements on trains. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Please dont ride [atop] the subway. Please think about the pain it will cause your parents, the grieving father said. Last weekend, a 13-year-old girl was killed and her 14-year-old friend was injured while subway surfing. CDS Chauhan appreciated the exceptional expose of Algeria's military history through various objects, clothing, weapons and other unique pieces belonging to the Algerian fighters of the Numidian era through the colonization to the present day. Earlier on Saturday, CDS General Anil Chauhan, attended the Military Parade and Ceremony of the People's National Army of Algeria held to commemorate the 70th Anniversary of the Glorious Revolution. CDS was extended a special invite as the Guest of Honour for the parade by the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria. This marks a significant step in the bilateral defence relationship between India and Algeria. CDS General Anil Chauhan is on his maiden visit to the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria, to strengthen bilateral military collaboration between both nations. General Chauhan was earlier recieved by Ambassador Swati Vijay Kulkarni of India and General Hadjras Hocine from the Headquarters of the People's National Army of Algeria. Earlier, evaluating Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence (ETAI) Framework and Guidelines for the Armed Forces were launched by Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan and Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO Dr Samir V Kamat in New Delhi on Thursday. In his address, the Chief of Defence Staff underscored the urgent need to incorporate trustworthy AI, pointing out that recent global conflicts have demonstrated how AI is revolutionising modern warfare. He stressed that it is essential to ensure these systems not only work as intended but are also resilient to attacks from adversaries. He congratulated the Scientific Analysis Group for developing the ETAI Framework and praised their efforts in advancing the trustworthiness of AI in defence applications. (ANI) GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) Gwen Walz, the wife of Democratic vice presidential candidate Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, campaigned in Grand Rapids Sunday, calling on a congregation at a local church to get our souls to those polls. Gwen Walzs first stop was at Renaissance Church of God in Christ, where she attended a service and addressed the congregation. Gwen Walz campaigns at Renaissance Church of God in Christ in Grand Rapids. Thank you for welcoming me. Thank you for the inspirational prayer before service and all of this community coming together, she opened her remarks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Kalamazoo County, thousands turn out for early voting She was expected later at First Community A.M.E. Church and a voting canvass event. Both Renaissance and First Community have majority Black congregations. Vice President Kamala Harris campaign has been working to encourage Black voters, particularly Black men, to go to the polls for her. Walz praised the music and prayer at Renaissance that preceded her remarks. I have to tell you, my church in Minnesota is a Lutheran church. And once in a while, out loud, we say, Amen. But thats a big day for us, she joked. So this is amazing to be part of. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said the value of community praise demonstrated at the church and a belief in serving others has driven her husbands approach to public service. (In this election), we have a chance to end this dark era of division, where neighbor is pitted against neighbor, when conversations about politics put you just on the edge, where hatred and violence loom large. Instead, we can and I choose a better future, where everyone is worthy of dignity and safety and respect. Where everyone, everyone can build the life we choose, Walz said. Like buying a home of your own or starting a small business, building generational wealth for our families and retiring with dignity. Where everyone, everyone has the freedom to vote, to live without gun violence and to make our own choices about our own bodies and our own families, whatever they may be. Because freedom is a gift from God and not from any man to take away. She acknowledged one election wont fix everything. And I know youve heard promises. But voting is not just an act of blind hope; it is an act of power. It is how we make a statement about the world that we want to see. It is how we stand in solidarity with communities who need us most and who we most need. And its how we make our voices heard. So let us show what Michigan is made of, Walz said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With early in-person voting wrapping up statewide Sunday and Election Day looming, both campaigns are making a final push in Michigan. Harris has three events in Michigan Sunday, wrapping up with a rally at Michigan State University in the evening. Former President Donald Trump has scheduled his final rally for Grand Rapids Monday night, as he did the previous two elections. Your Local Election Headquarters Michigan is among seven key battleground states expected to determine the outcome of the election. An EPIC-MRA poll released Friday showed 48% of Michigan voters surveyed said they would vote for Harris and 45% for Trump. With a margin of error of plus or minus 4%, thats a statistical tie. As of Saturday, nearly 880,000 people had voted early in person statewide and more than 1.9 million absentee ballots had been cast, state data shows. Absentee ballots may still be returned to your clerk by 8 p.m. Tuesday. Election Day voting runs from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. statewide. You can check your sample ballot and find your polling place on Michigan.gov/vote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Walz called on voters to make a plan to vote and stick with it: Do not let a sick child get in the way. Do not let road construction get in the way. Do not let get grocery shopping get in the way. Let nothing get in your way, she said. Do not cede your power. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com. MEMPHIS, Tenn. Habitat for Humanity joined forces with the Memphis Police Department building hope to some in North Memphis. Memphis Habitat is currently building five homes on McComb Avenue and each will open the door to stability, wealth and hope with zero-interest mortgage rates. Every build season, Memphis Habitat unites leading local organizations to join together and build quality homes. Were thankful the Memphis Police Department has decided to volunteer with Memphis Habitat to help us ensure everyone has a decent place to live in the 901, said Dwayne Spencer, president and CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Memphis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thousands attend COGICs Christmas in November giveaway WREG spoke with some people who were instrumental in the project and they say home ownership has its perks. Its one of the key instances to generational wealth. If you own a home you can draw money from it if you need to. Its a permanent place you can stay and raise your family, have your pets, and its just so important that we have affordable homes in our community, said MPD Public Information Officer Louis Brownlee. Memphis Habitat has helped more than 600 first-time home buyers. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. With the presidential race on a knife-edge, it is possible that the election could end in a tie. There are 538 electoral college votes on the line, so if each candidate takes 269 an unlikely scenario, though not impossible there will be no clear winner. This could also happen if a third-party contender wins enough states to prevent Ms Harris or Trump reaching the required margin of 270 electoral votes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, this scenario is even more unlikely, with other candidates polling vastly below the margin where they could win a single state. What happens if theres a tie? If both candidates take 269 electoral college votes, then the election is resolved by Congress in what is known as a contingent election. The House of Representatives decides on the next president, based on the three candidates who received the most electoral college votes. The House of Representatives decides on the next president if there is a tie - MANDEL NGAN/AFP A delegation from each state casts a single vote for the candidate of their choice. A majority of states 26 is required to select the next president. Meanwhile, the Senate decides who becomes the vice-president of the two candidates who received the electoral college votes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Each senator casts a single vote, and whichever candidate reaches 51 votes is declared the winner. What would this mean in practice? The fact that Congress is likely to vote along party lines means that the winners of a contingent election will depend on the down-ballot races in November. If the Democrats maintain control of the Senate and win the House, then Ms Harris and Tim Walz will almost certainly be elected. By the same token, if the Republicans take the Senate and keep the House, then Trump will likely return to the White House, with JD Vance as his vice-president. This also means that there is a possibility of the Republican and Democrat tickets being combined. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the current Congress, with a Republican House and Democratic Senate, this would theoretically result in a Trump-Walz administration. Has it ever happened before? In the 1800 presidential election, Thomas Jefferson and Aaron Burr both received 73 electoral votes, producing the only tie in US history. The House of Representatives tied in a series of votes as the nation hovered on the brink of civil war, before finally picking Jefferson as the third US president. 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. LITITZ, Pa. (AP) Donald Trump delivered a profane and conspiracy-laden speech two days before Tuesday's presidential election, talking about reporters being shot and suggesting he shouldn't have left the White House after his 2020 loss to Democrat Joe Biden. In remarks Sunday that bore little resemblance to the speech he's been delivering at his recent rallies, the former president repeatedly cast doubt on the integrity of the vote and resurrected old grievances after trying to overturn his 2020 election defeat. Trump intensified his verbal attacks on what he cast as a demonic Democratic Party and the American media, steering his rally in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, at one point to the topic of violence against members of the press. He noted the ballistic glass that is used to protect him at outdoor events after a gunman's assassination attempt in July and pointed to openings between the panels. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I have this piece of glass here, he said. But all we have really over here is the fake news. And to get me, somebody would have to shoot through the fake news. And I dont mind that so much. It was the second time in recent days that Trump has talked about guns being pointed at people he considers enemies. He suggested former Rep. Liz Cheney, a prominent Republican critic, wouldnt be willing to support foreign wars if she had nine barrels shooting at her. Facing criticism for suggesting violence against the media, Trump's campaign later played down his comments. The Presidents statement about protective glass placement has nothing to do with the Media being harmed, or anything else, Trump campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung said in a statement. Instead he claimed that Trump was suggesting that reporters were in great danger themselves, and should have had a glass protective shield, also. There can be no other interpretation of what was said. He was actually looking out for their welfare, far more than his own! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump also revived falsehoods about elections and argued that he can only lose to Democrat Kamala Harris if he is cheated, even though polls suggest a very tight race. Its a crooked country," Trump railed to his crowd on a chilly airport tarmac, returning to the grievance that had defined the early days of his campaign. Theyll want to put you in jail because you want to make it straight. Think of it, think of it. They cheat in elections and you call them on it and they want to put you in jail. Trump was indicted for his efforts to overturn the 2020 election in both Washington and Georgia. Some of his allies, notably former chief strategist Steve Bannon, have encouraged Trump to prematurely declare victory on Tuesday night after polls close even if the race is too early to call. That's what Trump did four years ago, kicking off months of denial and lies that culminated in the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For much of this year, Trump had run a relatively disciplined campaign, emphasizing the issues his aides believe can deliver him victory, even as he clung to false theories about voter fraud and frequently went on digressions, stirring controversy. But that discipline is increasingly collapsing. Trump in recent weeks has joked about golfer Arnold Palmer's genitalia, continued using gendered or sexist language in his efforts to win over women and staged a rally at New York's Madison Square Garden with speakers who made crude and racist insults that continue to dominate the headlines. The darker and more profane tone of his campaign has comes as the former president, who has long been a fan of the masculine pageantry of the WWE, has been entering his rallies to the ominous tolling bell music once used by the wrestler known as The Undertaker." Trump had nonetheless been delivering what was a fairly consistent stump speech most days, aided by a series of videos that kept him on script, even as he veered from subject to subject in a discursive style he has labeled the weave. But outside the Lancaster airport, he completely abandoned his planned remarks, skipping his usual points on the economy, immigration and rote criticisms of Harris. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump's remarks in Pennsylvania were not planned according to a person familiar with them, who noted Trump is known to ad-lib. While it was unclear exactly what had set Trump off, his campaign had released a memo earlier in the day criticizing new polling from The New York Times again showing the race extremely close in the seven major swing states. Trump had spoken by phone before he took the stage with two reporters who had mentioned polling, including one who had asked him if he thought there was any way he could lose. Trump has been frustrated that the campaign remains locked in a close fight to the finish. He thinks Harris is an unworthy opponent and he cannot understand why he isn't dominating, said one Republican familiar with the dynamics of the campaign who, like others, was granted anonymity to discuss it. Another Republican blamed last-minute anxiety -- and Trump having to trust a system that he believes is rigged against him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, several Trump allies applauded his speech, saying that they were glad he was shining a light on concerns about fraud in the race's final stretch. Harris pushed back at Trump's characterizations of U.S. elections, telling reporters on Sunday that Trump's comments are meant to distract from the fact that we have and support free and fair elections in our country. Those good systems were in place in 2020, Harris said, and he lost. The vice president said she trusts the upcoming vote tally and urged voters, in particular people who have not yet voted to not fall for this tactic, which I think includes suggesting to people that if they vote, their vote won't matter. Trump, for his part, acknowledged that he was sidestepping his usual approach with his conspiratorial speech. He repeatedly talked about disregarding the advice of his aides, repeating their feedback in a mocking voice and insisting that he had to talk about election fraud despite their objections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In his next appearance a few hours later at an airport in Kinston, North Carolina, Trump returned to much of his usual script, alternating between prepared remarks and familiar stories. At one point, he said, hopefully, we get rid of Mitch McConnell pretty soon, undercutting the Senate Republican leader who endorsed Trump earlier this year despite blaming him for the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the Capitol. Can you believe he endorsed me? Trump added a minute later with a laugh. That must have been a painful day in his life. He took the stage a third time Sunday night in Macon, Georgia, sticking more closely to his prepared remarks and focusing heavily on immigration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump told his supporters that in two days, they were going to save our country" and that they were on the verge of the four greatest years in American history. You watch. Its going to be so good. Its going to be so much fun. Itll be nasty a little bit at times, and maybe at the beginning, in particular," he said. But its going to be something. ___ Cooper reported from Phoenix. Associated Press writers Lisa Mascaro in Washington, Darlene Superville in Detroit, Jeff Amy in Macon, Georgia, and Michelle L. Price and Bill Barrow in Washington contributed to this report A poll in Iowa that has unexpectedly put Kamala Harris ahead of Donald Trump in what was previously expected to be a safe state for the Republicans has sent shockwaves through Americas poll-watchers. The Selzer poll carried out for the Des Moines Register newspaper showed Harris ahead of her Republican rival by three points. Midwestern Iowa is not one of the seven battleground states of the 2024 election, which have consisted of the Rust belt states of Michigan, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania and the Sun belt states of Georgia, North Carolina, Nevada and Arizona. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While political experts and pollsters are very wary of putting too much store in any one single poll, Selzer is a widely respected polling organisation with a good record in Iowa. If Harris were even competitive in Iowa which Trump won in both 2016 and 2020 it could radically reshape the race. The Selzer poll has Harris over Trump 47% to 44% among likely voters. A September poll showed Trump with a four-point lead over Harris and a June survey showed him with an 18-point lead over then-candidate Joe Biden. Its hard for anybody to say they saw this coming, pollster J Ann Selzer, president of Selzer & Co, told the Register. She has clearly leaped into a leading position. The poll showed that women are driving the late shift toward Harris in the state. If true and borne out more widely, that would also be significant as the Harris campaign has focused on turning out women amid a broad gender gap with Republican-trending male voters. Harris and her campaign have focused on the overturning of federal abortion rights by the conservative-dominated US supreme court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The reaction among pundits and pollsters was largely one of shock and surprise, though it was also pointed out that a rival polling group still had Trump leading in Iowa. This is a stunning poll. But Ann Seltzer [sic] has as stellar a record as any pollster of forecasting election outcomes in her state. Women are powering this surge. Portents for the country? said David Axelrod, a former top aide to Barack Obama. Iowa Poll: Kamala Harris pulls ahead in state Donald Trump won twice This is a stunning poll. But Ann Seltzer has as stellar a record as any pollster of forecasting election outcomes in her state. Women are powering this surge. Portents for the country?? https://t.co/CNJfcQKXja David Axelrod (@davidaxelrod) November 2, 2024 I mean, margins of error exist and polls can be outliers and I doubt Harris will win Iowa, but Selzer is extremely well-regarded and a within-the-margin race in Iowa is not impossible particularly if the reported late shifts to Harris were real, said Washington Post columnist Philip Bump. Yeah, I mean margins of error exist and polls can be outliers and I doubt Harris will win Iowa but Selzer is extremely well-regarded and a within-the-margin race in Iowa is not impossible particularly if the reported late shifts to Harris were real. https://t.co/V5ZTqyDPas Philip Bump (@pbump) November 2, 2024 Selzer is the highest-rated pollster on the national US survey done by polling guru Nate Silver, one of the most closely watched polling experts in the US. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the world where Harris wins Iowa, she is probably also cleaning up elsewhere in the midwest, particularly in Michigan and Wisconsin, in which case shes already almost certain to win the electoral college, Silver said on his website. However, he also cautioned that another survey had been published on Saturday in Iowa that still had Trump ahead. The Emerson poll put the former US president up by nine points in the state compared with Harris. It is incredibly gutsy to release this poll. It wont put Harris ahead in our forecast because there was also another Iowa poll out today that was good for Trump. But wouldnt want to play poker against Ann Selzer, Silver said. That seemed to prevent any premature celebrations on behalf of many Democrats. Celebrate the Selzer poll for 90 seconds and get back to work. We have an election to win, said Christopher Hale, a former Democrat congressional candidate in Tennessee. CHARLOTTE (QUEEN CITY NEWS) Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris had the same message for voters as shes had since she started running, she plans to be a president for all. During one of her last campaign stops before election day, Harris rally reaffirmed key policies and featured high-profile celebrities and musicians, encouraging future voters to vote for Democrats down the ballot. At the top of my list is bringing down the cost of living for you That will be my focus every single day. As president, I will give the middle class a tax cut to over 100 million Americans, Harris said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Palestine supporters interrupted Harris during her speech, a frequent occurrence at her rallies as the conflict in Gaza wages on. She responded. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz returns to North Carolina for campaign rally in Gastonia Its all good. You know what? One of the reasons, one of the reasons we are here is because we are fighting for our democracy and the right of people to speak their mind. But right now, I am speaking, Harris. Voters enjoyed the musical acts of Brittany Spencer, Khalid, and Bon Jovi. On Friday, state election leaders announced voter turnout topped 4 million ballots casts more than 51 percent of the swing states registered voters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kamala Harris vision is optimistic, forward-looking, welcoming, its about fighting for every person, creating opportunity for every person, said Democratic Gubernatorial candidate Josh Stein. Kerry Washington, Democratic Attorney General candidate Jeff Jackson, and Congresswoman Alma Adams spoke to supporters as well, imploring potential voters to vote Democrat down the ballot. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. NEW YORK (AP) Vice President Kamala Harris made a surprise appearance on Saturday Night Live, briefly stepping away from the battleground states where shes been furiously campaigning. Harris appeared in a mirror opposite Maya Rudolphs impression of her. She told Rudolphs version of Harris you got this and the pair in sync delivered the signature Live from New York, its Saturday Night! Harris arrived in New York on Air Force Two earlier after a campaign stop in North Carolina. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She was scheduled to head to Detroit, but once in the air, aides said shed be making an unscheduled stop. Former President Trump campaigned in Salem, Virginia Saturday and rallied in Greensboro in North Carolina. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com. Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump. (Win McNamee and Megan Varner/Getty Images, photo illustration via Canva) Vice President Kamala Harris has taken a narrow lead over former President Donald Trump in the latest Des Moines Register/Mediacom Iowa Poll published Saturday, just days before the Nov. 5 election. The results are a surprising development for the state, which has been largely written off as an easy victory for Trump. He won Iowa in the 2016 and 2020 presidential elections. The latest Iowa Poll showed Harris leading with 47% of likely voters and Trump with 44%, the Register reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The poll, taken Oct. 28-31 by Selzer & Co. with responses from 808 likely Iowa voters, has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.4 percentage points. While Harris lead falls in the margin of error, its a significant reversal from previous Iowa Polls. In September, Trump led the Iowa Poll with 47% to Harris 43%. Trump had the support of 50% of likely Iowa voters in June when President Joe Biden was expected to become the Democratic presidential nominee. Women, independents shift toward Harris The largest shift heading toward support for Harris has been Iowa women particularly women who identify as independent voters as well as those age 65 and older, the Register reported. More independent likely voters as a whole now support Harris at 46% to Trump at 39%, despite the demographic favoring Trump in every earlier Iowa Poll. Independent women favored Harris in the September poll, with 40% supporting her and 35% supporting Trump. That lead grew in the latest poll to 57% of independent women who support Harris and 29% who support Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More independent men still favor Trump over Harris at 47% to 37%. While likely voters 65 and older also support Harris as a demographic, 63% of senior women support the vice president compared to 28% who support Trump a more than 2-to-1 margin. More senior men also support Harris but by a margin of 2 percentage points at 47% to 45%. Iowa Republicans have stumped for Trump in swing states Iowa Republicans have spent time on the campaign trail touting Trumps popularity in the state and the expectation that the former president will win Iowa for the third election in a row U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst and U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson, Iowa Republicans, have traveled to swing states like Pennsylvania and Georgia to rally voters in recent weeks, with Ernst saying Iowa was in the bag for Trump. Though both Harris and Trump have spent most their time in key swing states ahead of the election, Iowa Democratic Party Chair Rita Hart told reporters Saturday that the poll results show that Iowa is a winnable state for Democrats in the upcoming election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Weve been putting in the hard work, and it is paying off, Hart said. Weve been educating our voters, recruiting volunteers, listening to friends and neighbors concerns, and we recognize that Iowans are looking for better leadership. The fact that Vice President Harris now leads Donald Trump in the latest Des Moines Register poll is obviously very exciting for us. Iowa GOP chair calls poll an outlier Iowa GOP Chair Jeff Kaufmann disputed the accuracy of the results, comparing the Des Moines Registers poll results to one released by Emerson College earlier Saturday that showed Trump ahead at 53% to Harris at 43%. Des Moines Register is a clear outlier poll, Kaufmann said in a statement. Emerson College, released today, far more closely reflects the state of the actual Iowa electorate and does so with far more transparency in their methodology. House Minority Leader Jennifer Konfrst argued that the Iowa Poll is well respected and should not be dismissed just because it does not show favorable results for one party. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ive been in their shoes on a Saturday night before Election Day, where the Iowa poll results come out, and they dont look like what wed like them to (be), Konfrst said. And they cant believe Ann Seltzer, one of the gold standard pollsters in the country, in 2020 and not in 2024. The poll also found Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the independent presidential candidate who remains on the Iowa ballot despite ending his campaign, still has the support of 3% of likely voters. Libertarian presidential candidate Chase Oliver earned less than 1% in the poll. Another 1% of respondents said they would vote for someone else, 3% responded that they were not sure who to support and 2% said they did not want to disclose who they supported. Though the poll showed Harris in a favorable position for Tuesday, Hart said it was important to note that Iowa Poll results are not Election Day results. Konfrst said the poll is a welcome push giving energy and enthusiasm and momentum to Democratic voters and organizers leading up to Tuesday. We have three more days before this election, so remember, this is just a poll, and what really matters is that Iowans show up and make their voices heard, Hart said. Democrats say poll supports argument for more national help In the final days before the election, Konfrst said that she and other Democrats are having conversations about the poll with the national party and supporting Democratic organizations, hoping to get support and surrogate visits ahead of Election Day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were going to be asking as many folks as we can to be surrogates here, but at the end of the day, we know that its the hard work of volunteers, our candidates up and down the ballot, the congressional candidates and the party and all of our partners here in Iowa who are doing that hard work, Konfrst said. And so, surrogate or not, we think that were going to have a better night than expected for Kamala Harris and Democrats on Tuesday. Hart also said that Iowas decision in the 2024 presidential election could have major implications for the future of the Iowa Democratic caucuses. Iowa was ousted from its first-in-the-nation seat in the 2024 Democratic presidential nominating cycle and released its mail-in caucus results on Super Tuesday supporting Biden this year. The nominating calendar will be up for discussion again heading into 2028, and Hart said Nov. 5 results will have a crucial impact on Iowa Democrats argument to return as an early state in future elections. Once this election is over, were going to be having this conversation, Hart said. And the better we do here in November, the better case we can make. The bottom line is that I hope this shows the rest of the country that Iowa is a good barometer for choosing good leadership. This article first appeared in the Iowa Capital Dispatch, a sister site of the Nebraska Examiner in the States Newsroom network. The front page from the Des Moines Sunday Register on Nov. 3, 2024. Vice President Kamala Harris has taken a narrow lead over former President Donald Trump in the latest Des Moines Register/Mediacom Iowa Poll published Saturday, just days before the Nov. 5 election. The results are a surprising development for the state, which has been largely written off as an easy victory for Trump. He won Iowa in the 2016 and 2020 presidential elections. The latest Iowa Poll showed Harris leading with 47% of likely voters and Trump with 44%, the Register reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The poll, taken Oct. 28-31 by Selzer & Co. with responses from 808 likely Iowa voters, has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.4 percentage points. While Harris lead falls in the margin of error, its a significant reversal from previous Iowa Polls. In September, Trump led the Iowa Poll with 47% to Harris 43%. Trump had the support of 50% of likely Iowa voters in June when President Joe Biden was expected to become the Democratic presidential nominee. Women, independents shift toward Harris The largest shift heading toward support for Harris has been Iowa women particularly women who identify as independent voters as well as those age 65 and older, the Register reported. More independent likely voters as a whole now support Harris at 46% to Trump at 39%, despite the demographic favoring Trump in every earlier Iowa Poll. Independent women favored Harris in the September poll, with 40% supporting her and 35% supporting Trump. That lead grew in the latest poll to 57% of independent women who support Harris and 29% who support Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More independent men still favor Trump over Harris at 47% to 37%. While likely voters 65 and older also support Harris as a demographic, 63% of senior women support the vice president compared to 28% who support Trump a more than 2-to-1 margin. More senior men also support Harris but by a margin of 2 percentage points at 47% to 45%. Iowa Republicans have stumped for Trump in swing states Iowa Republicans have spent time on the campaign trail touting Trumps popularity in the state and the expectation that the former president will win Iowa for the third election in a row U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst and U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson, Iowa Republicans, have traveled to swing states like Pennsylvania and Georgia to rally voters in recent weeks, with Ernst saying Iowa was in the bag for Trump. Though both Harris and Trump have spent most their time in key swing states ahead of the election, Iowa Democratic Party Chair Rita Hart told reporters Saturday that the poll results show that Iowa is a winnable state for Democrats in the upcoming election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Weve been putting in the hard work, and it is paying off, Hart said. Weve been educating our voters, recruiting volunteers, listening to friends and neighbors concerns, and we recognize that Iowans are looking for better leadership. The fact that Vice President Harris now leads Donald Trump in the latest Des Moines Register poll is obviously very exciting for us. Iowa GOP chair calls poll an outlier But Iowa GOP Chair Jeff Kaufmann disputed the accuracy of the results, comparing the Des Moines Registers poll results to one released by Emerson College earlier Saturday that showed Trump ahead at 53% to Harris at 43%. Des Moines Register is a clear outlier poll, Kaufmann said in a statement. Emerson College, released today, far more closely reflects the state of the actual Iowa electorate and does so with far more transparency in their methodology. The Trump campaign made similar points in a response late Saturday. It put out a memo signed by its pollster, Tony Fabrizio of Fabrizio Lee & Associates and its chief data consultant, Tim Saler, late Saturday that compared the Register poll to the Emerson poll. The memo argued that the Register poll was an outlier and that the Emerson poll more closely reflected the electorate based on party registration, absentee ballot returns by party, exit polling and 2020 election results. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement House Minority Leader Jennifer Konfrst argued that the Iowa Poll well respected, and should not be dismissed just because it does not show favorable results for one party. Ive been in their shoes on a Saturday night before Election Day, where the Iowa poll results come out, and they dont look like what wed like them to (be), Konfrst said. And they cant believe Ann Seltzer, one of the gold standard pollsters in the country, in 2020 and not in 2024. The poll also found Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the independent presidential candidate who remains on the Iowa ballot despite ending his campaign, still has the support of 3% of likely voters. Libertarian presidential candidate Chase Oliver earned less than 1% in the poll. Another 1% of respondents said they would vote for someone else, 3% responded that they were not sure who to support and 2% said they did not want to disclose who they supported. Though the poll showed Harris in a favorable position for Tuesday, Hart said it was important to note that Iowa Poll results are not Election Day results. Konfrst said the poll is a welcome push giving energy and enthusiasm and momentum to Democratic voters and organizers leading up to Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have three more days before this election, so remember, this is just a poll, and what really matters is that Iowans show up and make their voices heard, Hart said. Democrats say poll supports argument for more national help In the final days before the election, Konfrst said that she and other Democrats are having conversations about the poll with the national party and supporting Democratic organizations, hoping to get support and surrogate visits ahead of Election Day. Were going to be asking as many folks as we can to be surrogates here, but at the end of the day, we know that its the hard work of volunteers, our candidates up and down the ballot, the Congressional candidates and the party and all of our partners here in Iowa who are doing that hard work, Konfrst said. And so, surrogate or not, we think that were going to have a better night than expected for Kamala Harris and Democrats on Tuesday. Hart also said that Iowas decision in the 2024 presidential election could have major implications for the future of the Iowa Democratic caucuses. Iowa was ousted from its first-in-the-nation seat in the 2024 Democratic presidential nominating cycle and released its mail-in caucus results on Super Tuesday supporting Biden this year. The nominating calendar will be up for discussion again heading into 2028, and Hart said Nov. 5 results will have a crucial impact on Iowa Democrats argument to return to return as an early state in future elections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Once this election is over, were going to be having this conversation, Hart said. And the better we do here in November, the better case we can make. The bottom line is that I hope this shows the rest of the country that Iowa is a good barometer for choosing good leadership. This story was originally produced by the Iowa Capital Dispatch which is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network, including the Daily Montanan, supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Praising Union Home Minister Amit Shah for raising alleged infiltrators issue in Jharkhand, the Bharatiya Janata Party on Sunday said that illegal immigration in Jharkhand has severe and serious demographic implications for the tribal population of the state, adding that strict action will be taken against illegal immigration. BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad on Sunday said that the Union Home Minister rightly pointed out the issue, strict action will be taken against the illegal immigration. "Today, the whole Jharkhand is in a concerning situation, especially Santhal Pargana. The way these people (state govt) are making the Rohingyas and other infiltrators come into the state for votes. Atal ji's govt formed Jharkhand, it was a big demand for the tribal brothers. Now, are you (JMM) trying to change the history of the state? This won't happen...Union Home Minister rightly pointed out the issue, strict action will be taken...if you (people) don't want West Bengal like situation in Jharkhand, remove Hemant Soren's government and bring in BJP and NDA government," Prasad said. BJP leader Nalin Kohli said that the party will be work to protect the identity of the tribals and other people of Jharkhand. "The issue that Union Home Minister Amit Shah has raised in Jharkhand is one of the burning and pertinent questions and concerns with regards to the illegal immigration which has severe and serious demographic implications for the tribal population of Jharkhand. The government there has looked the other way despite knowing it's a problem, done nothing, and this is the BJP's commitment. Like we have seen the changes in Assam, that's what the Home Minister is saying, that we will be working towards it to protect the identity of the tribals and other people of Jharkhand," Kohli said. BJP Jharkhand president Babulal Marandi attacked Jharkhand Cheif Minister Hemant Soren and said that they have looted the people of the state. "He (CM Soren) has looted the people of Jharkhand in the last 5 years. BJP does what it says. We have said that under the 'Gogo Didi Yojana', women will be given Rs 2100 every month, so everyone has faith in us," Marandi said. Union Home Minister Amit Shah said that the tribals of the state are unsafe under the current administration and assured that the BJP would stop the infiltration of Bangladeshis if the party comes to power in Jharkhand. "During Hemant Soren's government, the tribals of Jharkhand are not safe. You (Hemant Soren) have given shelter to the infiltrators. You see your vote bank in the infiltrators. Due to infiltrators, the number of tribals in this state is decreasing, the demography is changing and Hemant Soren's government is busy in its own work. The number of tribals in Santhal Pargana is continuously decreasing. Infiltrators are coming here and luring our daughters and marrying them and occupying the land. If this is not stopped, then neither the culture of Jharkhand, nor the employment, land, or daughters here will be safe. BJP government is being formed in Jharkhand and we will drive out these infiltrators," Shah said. He further said that the BJP will bring the law and return the land taken away from women. "Hemant Soren, you have failed to provide security to the women of Jharkhand. BJP government came to power in Assam and today infiltration has stopped in Assam. We will protect the three - roti, beti and maati," he added. The BJP in it manifesto promised that all lands occupied by the infiltrators will be returned to the tribal communities. Elections for 81 seats in the Jharkhand Assembly will be conducted in two phases on November 13 and November 20, with the counting of votes scheduled for November 23. (ANI) WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris has surpassed Republican Donald Trump in a new poll in Iowa, with likely women voters responsible for the turnaround in a state that Trump easily won in 2016 and 2020, according to a Des Moines Register/Mediacom Iowa Poll released on Saturday. The poll of 808 likely voters, who were surveyed Oct. 28-31, has Harris leading Trump 47%-44% in Iowa, which has been trending deeply Republican in recent years. It is within the 3.4 percentage point margin of error, but it marked a turnaround from a September Iowa Poll that had Trump with a 4-point lead, the newspaper reported. "The poll shows that women particularly those who are older or who are politically independent are driving the late shift toward Harris," the Register said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump won Iowa in his past two presidential campaigns by more than 9 percentage points in 2016 and 8 points in 2020. The Trump campaign released a memo from its chief pollster and its chief data consultant calling the Des Moines Register poll "a clear outlier," and saying that an Emerson College poll - also released Saturday - more closely reflected the state of the Iowa electorate. The Emerson College Polling/RealClearDefense survey of a similar number of likely voters Nov. 1-2 had a starkly different result, with Trump leading Harris by 10 points. This poll also has a 3.4 percentage point margin of error. The Emerson College survey had Trump with strong leads over Harris among men and independents, while Harris was performing well with those under the age of 30. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nationally, Harris and Trump are seen locked in a tight race for the White House, with early voting well underway. Election Day is on Tuesday. Whoever wins Iowa will collect six Electoral College votes. A total of 270 are needed to capture the White House. Both parties have been concentrating their efforts during the closing days of their campaigns on "battleground" states such as North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin. (Reporting by Richard Cowan; Additional reporting by Jim Oliphant and Ismail Shakil; Editing by Leslie Adler and Christian Schmollinger) Kamala Harris in Kalamazoo, Mich., Oct. 26; Donald Trump in Zebulon, Ga., Oct. 23 Credit - Brandon BellGetty Images; Anna MoneymakerGetty Images Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump kicked off their last Saturday before the presidential election within mere blocks of each other in Milwaukee, only to find themselves parked on the same tarmac several hours later in Charlotte, where their planes landed just a few hundred yards apart. It marked the fourth day in a row that the candidates were campaigning in the same statea sign of the relatively small playing field as the highly competitive race nears its finish line and only a handful of states are seen as competitive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump rallied a crowd in Gastonia, N.C. by warning that the suburbs are under attack. Hours later, Harris addressed a crowd at a rally in the heart of Democratic-leaning Mecklenburg County, roughly 35 miles away, casting Trump as increasingly unstable and obsessed with personal grievances rather than the well-being of the American public. This is not someone who is thinking about how to make your life better, Harris said. The candidates' contrasting approaches highlighted the stakes of the election in North Carolina, a pivotal battleground with a history of flipping between parties. Early voting in the state ended on Saturday afternoon, and polling shows a tight race within the margin of error, making it essential for both campaigns to mobilize their bases and sway undecided voters with three days left in the election. Please talk to your friends, your family and your neighbors, Harris said, encouraging those who had already cast their ballots to advocate for turnout among others. To those who have not voted, no judgment, but please do get to it. In North Carolina, the Harris campaign has been focused on building a coalition of voters that extends beyond traditional Democratic strongholds, targeting independents and moderate Republicans who may be disillusioned with Trump's rhetoric, a campaign official says. Her closing argument in the state was aimed at reassuring voters that her administration would prioritize their concerns over partisan conflicts. Unlike Donald Trump, I dont believe that people who disagree with me are the enemy, she said. Harris addressed abortion rights, linking North Carolina's strict abortion laws to Trumps appointment of three Supreme Court justices who helped overturn Roe v. Wade. One in three women lives in a state with a Trump abortion ban, including North Carolina, she said, eliciting a wave of boos from the crowd. We all remember how we got here, she added, pointing to Trumps role in shaping the current judicial landscape. Abortion is still legal in North Carolina, but is banned after 12 weeks of pregnancy, with exceptions for rape or incest or to protect the life of the woman. Several Harris rally attendees who were interviewed said that protecting reproductive rights was their top priority when it came to backing a candidate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As she spoke, the rally was intermittently interrupted by protests regarding the U.S. response to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Demonstrators unfurled banners and shouted slogans, but Harris turned the interruptions into an opportunity to reinforce her commitment to democracy. Its alright, yall, Harris said. Democracy can be complicated. This is what democracy looks like. We all want that war in the Middle East to end, Harris added. We want the hostages home, and when I am president, I will do everything in my power to make it so. North Carolina supported Trump by less than 1.5 percentage points in 2020, but shifting demographics have made the state increasingly competitive for Democrats. Democratic strategists view Mecklenburg County, where Charlotte is located, as crucial to securing the states electoral votes, given that it holds more registered Democrats than 53 other counties in the state combined. Turnout in the county, however, was lower than the state average in 2022, making it a key focal point for the Harris campaign. I believe were at a crossroads of America that we want to create for our future, says Maria Thrasher, a 54-year-old small business owner from south of Charlotte who considers herself an independent voter, but is supporting Harris this cycle. I'm concerned for my daughter. I'm concerned for my nieces and the girls that are coming behind us and them having less rights than my grandmother and my mother's generation. North Carolina has not been won by a Democratic presidential candidate since Barack Obama in 2008. Write to Nik Popli at nik.popli@time.com. Vice President Harris and former President Trump hold leads in different important swing states, according to new polling. The polling from The New York Times/Siena College and The New York Times/Philadelphia Inquirer/Siena College, released Sunday, found Harris garnered 49 percent support from likely voters to Trumps 46 percent support in Nevada; 48 percent support from likely voters to Trumps 46 percent in North Carolina; 49 percent support from likely voters to Trumps 47 percent in Wisconsin; and 48 percent support from likely voters to Trumps 47 percent in Georgia. Trump came out ahead in the polling in Arizona, garnering 49 percent support from likely voters to Harriss 45 percent, while the two were tied at 47 percent support from likely voters in Michigan and 48 percent support from likely voters in Pennsylvania. Harris leads in the seven battleground states overall by 1 point, garnering 48 percent support from likely voters to Trumps 47 percent support. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The polling comes two days away from this years Election Day, which will follow a chaotic and highly polarized campaign cycle that featured two assassination attempts against Trump and President Biden exiting the race. In an average of national polls from The Hill/Decision Desk HQ, Trump is ahead of Harris by 0.2 points, with the former president earning 48.3 percent support to the vice presidents 48.1 percent. The Times/Siena polling also showed good news for Democratic Senate candidates in the swing states, with 50 percent of the likely voters in the seven states saying they would be more likely to vote for a Democrat in the race versus 45 percent saying they would be more likely to vote for a Republican. The Times/Siena and Times/Inquirer/Siena polling took place between Oct. 24 and Nov. 1, featuring 7,879 voters and a margin of sampling error of plus or minus 1.3 percentage points, with each state having around a plus or minus 3.5 percentage point margin of sampling error. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. (Corrects paragraph 4 to remove extraneous word have) WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Democratic candidate Kamala Harris and Republican Donald Trump remain in a tight race in the country's seven battleground states two days before the U.S. presidential election, according to the final New York Times/Siena College poll. The opinion poll showed Vice President Harris with marginal leads in Nevada, North Carolina and Wisconsin and former President Trump just ahead in Arizona. The two are in close races in Michigan, Georgia and Pennsylvania, according to the poll, which surveyed 7,879 likely voters in the seven states from Oct. 24 to Nov. 2. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In all seven states, the matchups were within the poll's 3.5% margin of error. About 40% of the respondents had already voted and Harris led among those voters by 8 percentage points, while Trump leads with voters who say they are very likely to vote but have not yet done so, the poll found. The tied race in Pennsylvania shows Trump gaining momentum in a state Harris had led by four percentage points in all prior New York Times polls, the outlet said. Both candidates are campaigning in battleground states this weekend, with Trump set to appear in Pennsylvania, North Carolina and Georgia on Sunday, while Harris will campaign in Michigan. (This story has been refiled to remove an extraneous word in paragraph 4) (Reporting by Leah Douglas; Editing by Scott Malone and Frances Kerry) EAST LANSING, Mich. (AP) Two days out from Election Day, Kamala Harris dashed through four stops across battleground Michigan on Sunday without uttering Donald Trumps name, while urging voters not to fooled by the GOP nominees disparagement of the electoral system that he falsely claims is rigged against him. The vice president said she trusts the upcoming vote tally and urged voters, in particular people who have not yet voted to not fall for this tactic, which I think includes suggesting to people that if they vote, their vote wont matter. At a Michigan State University rally, Harris got a rousing response when she asked who had already voted and then gave students another job to encourage their friends to cast ballots in a state that allows Election Day voter registration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And instead of her usual speech riffs about Trump being unstable, unhinged and out for unchecked power, Harris sought to contrast her optimistic tone with the darker message of the Republican opponent she did not name. It was all in service of trying to boost her standing in one of the Democratic blue wall states in the Midwest considered her smoothest potential path to an Electoral College majority. We have an opportunity in this election to finally turn the page on a decade of politics driven by fear and division, she said in a oblique reference to Trump. We are done with that. We are exhausted with that. America is ready for a fresh start, ready for a new way forward where we see our fellow American not as an enemy, but as a neighbor. Harris also avoided direct mention of Trump during her 11-minute morning talk at Greater Emmanuel Institutional Church of God in Christ. But her comments nonetheless served as a clear juxtaposition with the Republican nominee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are those who seek to deepen division, sow hate, spread fear and cause chaos, she said. She spoke at the same time Trump was in Pennsylvania declaring the U.S. a failed nation and saying that he shouldn't have left the White House after the 2020 election, which he denies losing to Democrat Joe Biden. As Trump referred to Harris' party as demonic, Harris quoted the Old Testament prophet Jeremiah and told her friendly audience she saw ready to chart a new way forward. Addressing what was a largely student crowd in East Lansing, Harris promised to seek consensus. I dont believe people who disagree with me are the enemy, she said. In fact, Ill give them a seat at the table because thats what strong leaders do. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That was enough for Alexis Plonka, a Michigan State junior who will be voting in her first presidential election. Plonka, who said she has family members who support Trump, applauded the vice president for not referencing the former president directly. I think one of the things that turns people off from Trump a lot is the fact that he is so against people that dont agree with him and that hes not willing to work with them, she said. The approach reflects the wide net Harris has cast since taking the Democratic Party mantle in July after 81-year-old President Joe Biden ended his reelection bid. Casting Trump as erratic and unfit for office, she has attracted supporters ranging from progressive champion Rep. Alexandria Ocasio Cortez of New York to Republican former Rep. Liz Cheney and her father, former Vice President Dick Cheney. Still, Harris is looking to capitalize on core Democratic constituencies including young voters like those she addressed at Michigan State in part by emphasizing her support for abortion rights and Trump's role in ending a woman's right to terminate a pregnancy. One of the loudest cheers she received in East Lansing on Sunday evening came when she declared that government should not tell women what to do with their bodies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Speaking to reporters Sunday afternoon, Harris pushed back at Trumps characterizations of U.S. elections, charges that the former president elevated again as he campaigned in Pennsylvania. Harris said his latest comments were meant to distract from the fact that we have and support free and fair elections in our country. Those good systems were in place in 2020, Harris said, and he lost. Harris used her last Michigan swing to acknowledge progressives and members of the state's significant population of Arab Americans who are angry at the Biden administration for its continuation of the U.S. alliance with Israel as the Netanyahu government presses its war against Hamas in Gaza. I have been very clear that the level of death of innocent Palestinians is unconscionable, Harris told reporters. In East Lansing, she addressed the issue soon after beginning her remarks: As president I will do everything in my power to end the war in Gaza, to bring home the hostages, end the suffering in Gaza, ensure Israel is secure and ensure the Palestinian people can realize their right to freedom, dignity and self-determination. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some students in East Lansing voiced their opposition Sunday with audible calls for a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war. At least one attendee was escorted out after those cease-fire calls. After attending church in Detroit, Harris greeted customers and picked up lunch at Kuzzos Chicken and Waffles, where she had collard greens at the Detroit restaurant owned by former Detroit Lions player Ron Bartell, a Detroit native. Later, Harris stopped by Elam Barber Shop, a Black-owned business in Pontiac, where she took part in a moderated conversation with local leaders and Black men. As she returned to Detroit at the end of the day, Harris hopped on a Zoom call from the airport tarmac with Win With Black Women, the group that jumped into action for her on the night she first joined the race. Harris thanked the women for their organizing work and urged them to make one final push to mobilize our Facebook groups, our family group chats and everyone we know to turn out the vote. Michigan, along with Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, is critical to Harris' fortunes. Barack Obama swept the region in 2008 and 2012. But Trump flipped Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin in 2016, prompting considerable criticism from Democrats who said nominee Hillary Clinton took the states for granted. Biden returned the three to the Democrats' column in 2020. Losing any of the three would put pressure on Harris to notch victories among the four Sun Belt battleground states: North Carolina, Georgia, Arizona and Nevada. ___ Barrow reported from Washington. (The Hill) Vice President Harris widened her lead over her opponent former President Trump in Virginia, with less than 3 days left before Election Day, according to a poll released on Friday. The survey, conducted by the Institute for Policy and Opinion Research (IPOR) at Roanoke College, found the vice president leading Trump by 10 points, 51 percent to 41 percent, among Virginias likely voters. Independent Cornel West and Libertarian Chase Oliver both received 2 percent support while Green Party candidate Jill Stein got 1 percent. Some 2 percent of respondents were undecided while another 2 percent said they would choose another candidate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The economy was the top issue for the likely voters at 43 percent. Abortion was second with 20 percent, followed by immigration at 12 percent. Foreign affairs was the fourth most important issue with 8 percent while crime was at 3 percent, according to the survey. Respondents trusted Harris more on both crime and foreign policy, 49 percent to Trumps 45 percent. They favored Trump on the economy, 49 percent to 46 percent. On immigration, both White House contenders were tied at 48 percent. Likely voters had more faith in Harris on abortion, 57 percent to the Republican nominees 36 percent. Approximately 46 percent of the polls respondents said that Harris cares and understands people like them, nearly 10 points higher than Trumps 37 percent. A Washington Post/Schar School, released just over a week ago, had Harris leading Trump by 6 points, 49 percent to 43 percent, in Virginia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The vice president is up by 5 percent over the GOP nominee, 50 percent to 45 percent, in Virginia, according to the latest The Hill/Decision Desk HQs tally of surveys. The survey was conducted from Oct. 25 to 29 among 851 likely registered voters in the Old Dominion State. The margin of error was 4.6 percent. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Actor Harrison Ford announced his endorsement of Vice President Harris in the 2024 White House race three days before Election Day. Ford shared that he would be voting for the Democratic nominee in a video recorded for the Harris-Walz campaign. In them, he praised the Democratic ticket for believing in the rule of law while slamming former President Trump for embracing dictators and tyrants around the world. The Indiana Jones star referenced former Trump administration officials who have spoken out against the GOP nominee in the video posted Saturday and added that Harris will protect the peoples right to disagree with her about policies or ideas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You have to pay attention, Ford said. Theyre telling us something important. These arent soft people. Theyre governors, generals standing up against the leader of the party. They spent their lives advocating for many of them. This will be the first time theyve ever voted for someone who doesnt have an R next to their name, because they know this really matters. The other guy [Trump], he demands unquestioning loyalty, says he wants revenge, Ford says in the video. Im Harrison Ford. Ive got one vote, same as anyone else, and Im going to use it to move forward. Im going to vote for, Kamala Harris. Ford joins a group of other celebrities, artists and Hollywood stars that have endorsed the Democratic nominee, including Taylor Swift, Leonardo DiCaprio, Arnold Schwarzenegger, George Clooney, and others. Some have appeared with Harris on the campaign trail. Ford, in another video that was released by Rolling Stone on Saturday, emphasized that he does not agree with every policy position the Democratic ticket holds, but said they would govern, if elected, for all Americans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But these two people believe in the rule of law, the actor says in the video. They believe in science. They believe that when you govern, you do so for all Americans, they believe that we are in this together. These are ideas I believe in. These are people I can get behind. The actor, who endorsed President Biden in 2020, said he is displeased by a lot of things in the U.S., but emphasized that the country needs to work together again. Look, Im frustrated about a lot of things in this country, he said. Im sure you are too. But the other guy, he spent four years turning us against each other while embracing dictators and tyrants around the world. Thats not who we are. We dont need to make America great again. Come on. We are great, but we need is to work together again. All we need is a president who works for all of us, and again. The Hill has reached out to the Harris campaign and the Trump campaigns spokesperson for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 'Indiana Jones' actor has endorsed Kamala Harris for president, marking his first official political endorsement Getty(2) Harrison Ford and Kamala Harris Harrison Ford and Kamala Harris Harrison Ford is getting involved in politics this year in a way he never imagined. On Saturday, Nov. 2, the 82-year-old actor announced his endorsement of Kamala Harris for president, marking his first official political endorsement. "I'm Harrison Ford, doing something I never thought I'd do," Ford began his video statement, which was shared with PEOPLE. "Telling people I've never met who I'm voting for and why I think they might do the same." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This election, I'm casting my ballot for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz," Ford continued, speaking directly to the camera. "Do I agree with every one of their policies? Of course not. Do I think they're perfect? C'mon, for crying out loud, they're people just like you and me." Related: Harrison Ford Says He Continues to Act at 82 Because of the 'Essential Human Contact' It Provides Ford then said he supports Harris and Walz for some of their beliefs including in the rule of law, science and the idea that "when you govern, you do so for all Americans." "Look, I'm frustrated about a lot of things in this country. I'm sure you are too," he continued, before referring to former president Donald Trump. "But the other guy? He spent four years turning us against each other while embracing dictators and tyrants around the world. That's not how we are." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We don't need to 'make America great again.' C'mon, we are great. What we need is to work together again. What we need is a president who works for all of us again," Ford concluded the clip. In a separate video, the Indiana Jones star spoke out more directly against Trump, stating that he believes the "other guy demands unquestioning loyalty" and that Trump "wants revenge." "Look, I've been voting for 64 years. Never really wanted to talk about it very much. But when dozens of former members of the Trump administration are sounding alarms, saying, 'For God's sake, don't do this again,' you have to pay attention," Ford said in the video. Jerod Harris/GA/The Hollywood Reporter via Getty Harrison Ford in July 2024 Harrison Ford in July 2024 "The truth is this: Kamala Harris will protect your right to disagree with her about policies or ideas," he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite this being his first official endorsement of a presidential candidate, Ford has spoken publicly about who he's voting for in recent years. In 2020, he revealed in a conversation with former New York City mayor Mike Bloomberg that he was voting for Joe Biden. Related: Harrison Ford Says He Continues to Act at 82 Because of the 'Essential Human Contact' It Provides Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. In a clip posted on Bloomberg's Instagram page, the pair discussed the ongoing issue of climate change and why they believed Biden could handle the issue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We want to talk about the most pressing problem in America today, and that is our leadership," Ford said at the time. "We want to encourage people to support candidates who will support the environment." "The mans a centrist," the Star Wars alum said of Biden. "He said he believes in a coalition, he believes in consensus. Thats the Democratic party." Ford joins a number of other celebrities who have endorsed the vice president ahead of election day on Nov. 5, including Taylor Swift, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Bruce Springsteen, Jennifer Aniston and Beyonce. Check your voter registration, locate your polling place, and make a voting plan at Vote.org to ensure that your voice is heard this election season. On Saturday, Nov. 2, Harrison Ford joined the lengthening list of celebrities who have shared their thoughts on the upcoming 2024 presidential election. With just days remaining until Election Day, the Indiana Jones star revealed which presidential candidate he has decided to support when he goes to the polls on Tuesday, Nov. 5. The race between Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee, and former President Donald Trump, the Republican nominee, remained close at the time the 82-year-old actor shared his bold political message. SIGN UP for Parade's Trending News newsletter & we'll keep you in the know on the viral pop culture moments & celebrity news everyone is talking about Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Look, Ive been voting for 64 years. Never really wanted to talk about it very much, Ford said as his Saturday video message began. But when dozens of former members of the Trump administration are sounding alarms saying, For Gods sake, dont do this again, you have to pay attention. The Star Wars actor said those former administration officials are telling us something important. Related: Eminem Sends a Bold Political Message With a Rap Assist From Barack Obama These arent soft people, he said. "Theyre governors, generals. Standing up against the leader of the party that they spent their lives advocating for. For many of them, this will be the first time theyve ever voted for someone who doesnt have an R next to their name. Because they know this really matters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Fugitive star then said he has decided to cast his ballot for Harris. The truth is this: Kamala Harris will protect your right to disagree with her about policies, or ideas. And then, as we have done for centuries, well debate them. Well work on them together, and well move forward. In contrast, Ford said Trump demands unquestioning loyalty and says he wants revenge. Ive got one vote, same as anyone else, Ford said as his video came to an end. And Im gonna use it to move forward. Im gonna vote for Kamala Harris. Harrison Ford: When dozens of former members of the Trump administration are sounding alarms saying For God's sake, don't do this again, you have to pay attention. They're telling us something important. I've got one vote, same as anyone else, and I'm going to use it to move pic.twitter.com/C4m4x2Y2qv Kamala HQ (@KamalaHQ) November 2, 2024 Harris campaign shared Fords video message on X, formerly Twitter, on Saturday. It was one of three that the actor recorded in collaboration with the campaign, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Next: LeBron James Makes a Bold Political Statement Just Days Before Election Actor-politician Vijay's party Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) on Sunday passed resolutions opposing the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test, the proposal for 'One Nation, One Election' and Waqf Amendment Bill. TVK Executive and District Functionaries meeting chaired by Vijay also passed a resolution condemning the DMK government, alleging that the law and order situation in Tamil Nadu deteriorated under the government. The TVK demanded that education should be included only in the State List rather than remaining in the Concurrent List. "According to our demand for State Autonomy policy, Education belongs to the State list. If the Union Government moves education to the State List, the state government can revoke NEET on its own. This executive committee opposes the Union Government's obstacle to this and also opposes State DMK government for cheating Tamil Nadu people with fake promises," the resolution on the NEET issue reads. The TVK in its resolution said that 'One Nation, One Election' is against the principles of democracy and federalism. The meeting also resolved to follow the party's ideology and policies "wholeheartedly and strongly". Earlier, Vijay had spoken against NEET, saying that it is against federalism. On Friday, Vijay called for celebrating November 1 as Tamil Nadu Day. In a post on X, Vijay emphasized that November 1 marks a day of remembrance for the sacrifices made by the "border fighters" who advocated for the integration of Tamil-speaking areas into Tamil Nadu. "November 1 is the day when our state became a separate state geographically with the establishment of linguistic provinces in 1956. Martyr Shankaralingan went on a fast and gave up his life demanding that our state, which was Madras province, be renamed as Tamil Nadu. Bearing this in his heart, Kaniv's Thiruvuruvam Perunthagai Anna, when he came to power, passed a resolution in the Legislative Assembly and named it Tamil Nadu," the TVK chief said. (ANI) Commuters, beware: with former President Donald Trump hosting a rally in Raleigh, the usual Monday morning traffic will likely be even worse. Trump will speak at Mondays rally at the J.S. Dorton Arena at 10 a.m., with doors opening at 6 a.m., according to the GOP presidential candidates campaign website. Hillsborough Street could face significant delays from crowds traveling to and from the rally. Monday is the day before Election Day, with Trump facing off against Vice President Kamala Harris. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump will likely travel during morning rush hour on Interstate 40 from Raleigh-Durham International Airport to the arena, which is on the state fairgrounds. Drivers in west Raleigh, Cary and Morrisville should be prepared to take alternate routes or face potential delays Monday morning. The News & Observer has reached out to the Raleigh Police Department for additional information on possible traffic advisories. WAIKIKI, Hawaii (KHON2) After a 40-day strike, the union representing hundreds of hotel workers at the Hilton Hawaiian Village reached a tentative contract deal. Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You The news came in around 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 2 after more than 1,800 workers went on strike in late September. Workers at Hawaiis largest hotel on strike for over 2 weeks Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Housekeepers, front desk agents, restaurant workers, maintenance workers and more are represented by UNITE HERE Local 5. Workers requested proper staffing and wage increases to help keep up with the cost of living in Hawaii. Following the tentative agreement, workers will hold a ratification vote on Monday, Nov. 4 before returning to work on Tuesday, Nov. 5. Aloha Bears launch 2025 Calendar: Where to find it Officials said workers will hold a ratification vote on Monday, Nov. 4. Workers are expected to return on Tuesday, Nov. 5. After the contract is ratified, the strike will come to an end. Mid-Pac opens Global Exchange Academy to Hawaiis students Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are pleased to have reached a tentative labor agreement with UNITE HERE Local 5, which represents some of our Team Members at Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort. We believe this agreement is beneficial to our valued Team Members and to our hotel. We look forward to welcoming our Team Members back to work and continuing to provide our guests with our signature hospitality. Adam Wit, Vice President and Senior Counsel, Labor Relations Check out more news from around Hawaii Contract details have not been released at this time. UNITE HERE Local 5 said more than 3,200 members at seven other hotels are still working without a contract. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) The Hindu Temple of Rochester celebrated Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, Saturday. The holiday holds cultural and religious significance in Hinduism when light triumphs over darkness and good over evil. We spoke with leaders of the temple who said its time for the community to come together and worship. Dance & music commemorate Dia de los Muertos in Rochester Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement First-generation Indian Americans, they understand Diwali. By celebrating these festivals coming together, we are hoping our next generation understands and appreciates what Hinduism is about, said Krishna Kumar Kaza, the president of the temple. The celebrations concluded with a fireworks display outside the temple. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. EAST PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) Hundreds of people went trotting along the East Peoria riverfront to help find a cure for pancreatic cancer. Its for the 12th annual Theresa Tracy Trot. The non-profit organization Theresa Tracy Strive to Survive has raised more than $1,000,000 since its conception, to be donated to the University of Illinois Medicine, Illinois Cancer Care and Carle Health Methodist. The event was started in memory of Theresa Tracy, who was diagnosed with inoperable, stage four pancreatic cancer in 2010. The cancer then spread to her stomach. She died six months later at the age of 44. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her brother, Orin Naramore, said she would be thrilled at how far the organization has come. She would be proud. I mean, to raise the kind of money we have, its incredible to have 670 people here or whatever were at, its just incredible. And to give the money locally to here, nobody is being paid. And its just I think she would be proud. I mean, were making a difference, said Naramore. Participants in the trot had a choice between a 2-mile run or a 4-mile walk. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. To Dioselina Salto, the first two weeks of motherhood were amazing, even though she spent much of it in the hospital after her daughter was born prematurely. She visited her daughter Janelle twice a day, held her close to her own skin and pumped breast milk for her, which doctors supplemented with specialized formula. But a midnight call from the hospital changed everything. Doctors told Salto that Janelle had developed a life-threatening intestinal disease called necrotizing enterocolitis, or NEC. Janelle underwent more than half a dozen surgeries over the course of two weeks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She wasnt getting any better, said Salto, of Yorkville. She just got to the point where the doctors told us that there wasnt anything else they could do for her, that that was the end for her. Janelle died on her one month birthday, with bottles of unused breast milk meant to help Janelle grow still sitting in her mothers refrigerator Now, years later, Salto and hundreds of other parents whose babies developed NEC are looking for change and accountability. Theyre at the center of a legal battle with the makers of specialized formulas for preterm infants north suburban-based Abbott Laboratories and Indiana-based Mead Johnson Nutrition that could have implications for parents and babies born prematurely for years to come. Parents have filed more than 670 lawsuits in federal court in Chicago, over 60 in the Circuit Court of Cook County and others in courts across the country. Parents allege that the specialized, cows-milk based products for preterm infants caused their babies to develop NEC and that Abbott and Mead Johnson failed to warn them about the risks of giving their formulas to very small, premature infants. The companies, meanwhile, say their formulas do not cause NEC, and the American Academy of Pediatrics says they provide an essential source of nutrition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Three of the cases have gone to trial. Two resulted in verdicts against the formula companies, totaling $495 million against Abbott Laboratories and $60 million against Mead Johnson. The third case was heard in St. Louis last month, with jurors declining to find either formula company liable for damages. The legal battles have raised questions about the science of feeding preterm infants and the responsibilities of U.S. regulators when it comes to the safety of formula products. The lawsuits have also ignited fears that the companies could stop manufacturing the specialized formulas altogether, leaving some preterm babies without access to the nutrition they may need to survive. Mead Johnson said in a statement it has no plans to stop providing these products. Doing so would leave neonatologists without an important option for caring for the most vulnerable infants, Mead Johnson said in the statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But during Abbotts most recent earnings call, Chairman and CEO Robert Ford warned, If the regulatory process is disregarded, if the science is disregarded, its going to be very difficult for any company to remain on the market with these products, taking on that indefinite liability here, at least in the United States. Abbott sells about $9 million in nutritional products for preterm infants each year a tiny slice of the companys overall $40 billion in annual sales. If both companies pulled their preterm infant formulas off the market, that would leave us in a very, very difficult position in taking care of (premature) babies in the U.S., said Dr. Eric Eichenwald, a neonatologist at Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia who is chair of the American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Fetus and Newborn. More than 10% of babies in the U.S. and Illinois were born premature defined as before 37 weeks of pregnancy in 2023, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions natality database. About 56,000 babies were born before 32 weeks gestation last year, an age at which research shows they can be at higher risk of developing NEC. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dr. Richard Carmona, who served as the 17th U.S. surgeon general under President George W. Bush, said the loss of these products could affect premature babies in many places in the country and the world. More research needs to be done, Carmona said. In the meantime we cant abandon these babies. The science isnt there It took two weeks before Elizabeth Whitfields son, born 13 weeks early and weighing a little more than a quart of milk, started showing signs of NEC. His tiny belly and veins ballooned and his skin became discolored. He underwent surgery and three quarters of his small intestine had to be removed. After multiple surgeries that removed Whitfields sons right colon, ileum and more of his small intestine, he survived and is now a 7-year-old with severe, lifelong medical needs. He cant ride a bike, get dressed or brush his teeth without assistance. He cant eat many foods typical children consume, and picks up on things more slowly than his 3-year-old sister, his grandmother told jurors in October during testimony streamed on Courtroom View Network. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Attorneys for the family told the boys story in court in recent weeks as his case the third involving formula for premature infants to go to trial was heard. Whitfields son was fed Abbott and Mead Johnsons products for premature infants more than two dozen times over the course of six days, to supplement Whitfields milk, before the NEC took hold. Jurors in the case were asked to decide whether ingesting the formula caused or contributed to the boys NEC diagnosis and if the formula companies and the hospital should be held financially responsible for his plight. The jury decided not to hold the companies liable. In these cases, juries are being asked to weigh in on questions about NEC that scientists say they are still trying to answer. NEC is a terrifying disease in which tissue lining the intestine becomes inflamed and dies. Preterm and low-birth weight babies are at higher risk than full-term babies of developing NEC, potentially because of their immature digestive systems, according to the National Institutes of Health. Research indicates 15% to 40% of infants with the disease die. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The earlier a premature baby is born, the higher their risk of NEC, said Dr. Tarah Colaizy, a professor of pediatrics at the University of Iowa. The risk starts to drop significantly once a baby reaches about 32 to 34 weeks of gestational age. Colaizy recently published a study that found the risk of NEC in preterm babies, born before 29 weeks of pregnancy, who were fed formula was twice as high as in those fed donated breast milk a finding similar to those from numerous other past studies. The U.S. surgeon general in 2011 also acknowledged that formula feeding is associated with higher rates of NEC for premature infants. But thats not to say that the specialized formulas cause NEC in premature babies. Some premature babies who are fed only breast milk also develop NEC. We dont know what causes NEC, which is very frustrating for neonatologists and certainly families of infants affected by this condition, Colaizy said. Its obviously quite a complex condition because the exact cause and reasoning has not yet been established, despite a lot of really smart people working hard on it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Colaizy was part of a working group recently tasked by the head of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services with compiling a report on the state of science related to NEC and the feeding of preterm infants. That group released its report in September, and the findings prompted three major federal agencies the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the CDC and the National Institutes of Health to release a joint statement on NEC and premature infants. In that statement, they confirmed, There is no conclusive evidence that preterm infant formula causes NEC. Available evidence supports the hypothesis that it is the absence of human milk rather than the exposure to formula that is associated with an increase in the risk of NEC, according to the statement. The three federal agencies wrote that important scientific gaps exist when it comes to understanding NEC and how feeding practices may relate to it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jennifer Canvasser, of California, started the NEC Society to help advance research and raise awareness of the disease after her son Micah developed NEC nearly 13 years ago. Micah was born prematurely and diagnosed with NEC when he was about 6 weeks old. He recovered from NEC, but suffered permanent kidney damage while fighting the illness, and ultimately his kidneys failed. He was too ill from his battle with NEC to get a kidney transplant, and he died when he was about 10 months old. Micahs twin, also born prematurely, did not get NEC and is now a thriving 12-year-old boy. Both of Canvassers children received her breast milk, with a cows milk-based fortifier. Breast milk must be fortified for most premature infants because they need additional nutrients for adequate growth and development. Some of the lawsuits against Abbott and Mead Johnson also raise concerns about cows milk-based fortifiers. But more research is needed to understand whether using human milk-based fortifiers rather than cows milk-based fortifiers could help to reduce the risk of NEC, according to the working groups report. When Micah died, I was desperate for answers, said Canvasser, who was also part of the working group. I wanted to know what caused the disease. Why did he die? I wanted to have someone, something to blame. I share that desperate call for answers and for clarity. I think its just really difficult when the science isnt there. How much money is your child worth? Despite the many unanswered questions about NEC, many doctors, scientists and even lawyers suing Abbott and Mead Johnson say that the formulas should not be taken off the market. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The formulas in question are different from the ones parents pick up off grocery store shelves to feed their babies at home. Doctors use preterm formulas to transition babies from donor breast milk which is often fed to infants if their mothers cant provide enough milk before theyre sent home from the hospital, Eichenwald said. Theyre also sometimes given to babies who are born close to full term but who are underweight, and to preterm babies whose parents dont want them to have donor breast milk, Colaizy said. There are many, many populations who benefit from preterm infant formula products who are not at risk of NEC, Colaizy said. I would worry that infants who were never at risk of NEC anyway will suffer nutritionally in ways that could have lifelong implications for them if the products were pulled. Tor Hoerman, an attorney who represented mother Margo Gill in her case against Abbott over the summer, said, (Were) not saying (the specialized formulas) should come off the market but they should be used when only absolutely necessary or in situations where theres no donor milk available, or when babies are old enough to no longer be at serious risk of developing NEC. Over the summer, the jury delivered a $495 million verdict in Gills case against Abbott. Shortly after that verdict, the president of the American Academy of Pediatrics, Dr. Benjamin Hoffman, released a statement saying: Providing special formula is a routine and necessary part of care of these preterm infants and we must take steps to protect the supply of infant formula for those who need it. Neonatologists agree that mothers milk should always be the first choice for preterm babies, but its not always available. Some mothers cant produce milk right away, others cant produce enough milk, and some take medications that make their breast milk unsuitable for their babies. Other mothers do not wish to breastfeed for various reasons. Many doctors next choice is donated human breast milk, but that, too, may not always be available to all preterm infants despite a sufficient national and local supply. There is enough donor milk for everyone who needs it in neonatal intensive care units across the country, said Lindsay Groff, executive director of the Human Milk Banking Association of North America. Women who donate the milk must answer a questionnaire about their health and undergo a blood test that screens for certain diseases; their milk is then screened for bacterial growth, pooled with milk from other mothers and pasteurized before its given to babies. The Mothers Milk Bank of the Western Great Lakes has enough donor milk to serve all hospitals in Illinois and Wisconsin as well as babies at home with medical needs in those states, said Summer Kelly, the banks executive director. Yet not all hospitals offer donor milk to premature infants. All of the highest level NICUs in the country that responded to a 2022 CDC survey said they had donor milk available, but donor milk was not available at about 8% of the next highest level NICUs. Though moms arent paid for donated milk, the milk banks must pay to run the blood tests and process the milk, so they, in turn, charge hospitals for it. The price varies by milk bank, but a 4-ounce bottle of donated milk may cost a hospital about $9 to $22, Kelly said. In Illinois, hospitals charge patients between $1.50 and nearly $30 per ounce of donor human milk for inpatient care at some of the states largest health systems, depending on insurance coverage. Thats more than hospitals may pay for preterm infant formulas. Attorneys for Abbott acknowledged in court testimony that the company tends to give its formulas for premature babies to the hospitals for free in hopes of building brand loyalty with parents and securing hospital contracts. The cost of donated milk may be why, according to research, hospitals are less likely to utilize donor human milk if they serve a high percentage of Medicaid patients or serve a large proportion of Black or Latino/Hispanic patients. Medicaid is a state and federally funded health insurance program for people with lower incomes. Nearly half of the babies born in 2023 before 32 weeks gestational age, facing a higher risk of developing NEC, were birthed by mothers on Medicaid, according to the CDCs birth data. Human donor milk is an optional benefit of the federal Medicaid program, like hearing aids for most adults, that states can decide whether or not to cover. Illinois state law requires both Medicaid and private insurers to cover the cost of human donor milk for certain babies, including those with low birth weights who are at increased risk of developing NEC. State Rep. Katie Stuart, D-Edwardsville, was behind the 2019 bill that led to that law in Illinois. It can be extremely expensive, Stuart said of donor milk. In Illinois, in 2020, more than 90% of hospitals with neonatal intensive care units had donor milk available for very low birth weight babies, according to a CDC survey. At least 26 states and the District of Columbia have similar laws or administrative rules in place, requiring that public or private health plans cover human donor milk in some circumstances, according to a Tribune review of state laws nationwide. If its not covered by insurers, many hospitals will provide it without reimbursement, but some hospitals are unable to do so because of financial situations, said Eichenwald, chair of the American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Fetus and Newborn. In Virginia, state Sen. Jennifer Carroll Foy has twice filed bills in the statehouse that would require both the states Medicaid program and private insurers offering plans to cover medically necessary human donor milk. Her bill failed this February, but Carroll Foy said she is not giving up on the issue. Virginias Medicaid program voluntarily covers donor milk costs while infants are in the NICU but does not pay for donor milk in other circumstances. For Carroll Foy, its a deeply personal matter. In 2017 she gave birth to twins at 22 weeks. She said she didnt even know about donor milk when her neonatologist recommended she utilize it over formula for the safety of her babies. After five months in the NICU, she said, her sons were able to survive and thrive and are now 7 years old. Knowing the importance of breast milk, and that it isnt covered in many instances in her state, Carroll Foy said she presented the bill to help combat infant mortality. How much money is your child worth? Carroll Foy said. How much is too much to spend for your child who is fighting for his or her life. Thats what it really comes down to. Legislative attempts to require Medicaid coverage of donor human milk have failed in at least eight other states, including Wisconsin and Nebraska. Sparring over safety labels Lawsuits filed against Abbott and Mead Johnson allege the formulas are dangerous and should have had labels warning parents of the risk of NEC. But questions remain about whether such labels would be useful, and whether labeling is the responsibility of the companies or government regulators. Ultimately, the regulator decides if the products are safe and theyre fit for purpose, and they decide how theyve got to be labeled, said Ford, Abbotts CEO, in an October earnings call. He said hed rather see products and labels evaluated through the regulatory process than through uncertainty and unpredictable jury trials. According to the FDAs website, the agency regulates formulas by ensuring the safe production of the products, including making sure that products meet labeling requirements. But the FDA does not approve formulas like it approves medications. An FDA spokesperson said the agency does not comment on pending litigation and did not answer a reporters questions about whether it would need to approve any label changes on the formula. The spokesperson did not answer questions about general product oversight and would only provide links to information available on the FDA website. Peter Pitts, a former associate commissioner at the FDA, said the lawsuits are addressing an issue that the formula manufacturers do not have complete control over. To say that these products were not appropriately labeled may or may not be true, but that is not really a circumstance that is on the back of the manufacturer, Pitts said. If the FDA thought these products should be relabeled, they would be relabeled. The companies acknowledged in court that no NEC warning exists on their products but said a warning label wouldnt make a difference because parents often do not see the product packaging and neonatologists are already well-versed on the disease. The story thats being told is somehow we are robbers and barons and trying to take away this product, and that is not the case, said Hoerman, the attorney who represented Gill in St. Louis. This product has a purpose, but this product should be used when medically necessary with the appropriate patient and the appropriate information given to the parents who are and should be involved in the feeding decisions. Some doctors and public health advocates say the government might consider helping by legally protecting manufacturers of preterm infant formulas. The U.S. government gave companies engaged in manufacturing and distributing COVID-19 vaccines immunity from liability in 2020. The similarity is, if you dont protect vaccine manufacturers from litigation you dont get vaccines, Pitts said. Local hospital takes action Some Illinois hospitals arent waiting for the government or courts to act. Mount Sinai Hospital on the West Side of Chicago decided in 2019 to only feed human milk, not formula, to babies born at less than 32 weeks gestation or weighing less than 1,500 grams. That means if a mothers milk isnt available for a baby fitting those criteria, the infant is fed donor breast milk. The hospital made the change because of the association between formula feeding and higher rates of NEC among premature infants. Since making the switch about five years ago, the hospital has not had a single case of severe NEC among the more than 160 very low birth weight or very premature babies its treated in its neonatal intensive care unit, said Dr. Hari Srinivasan, chair of the Department of Pediatrics at Mount Sinai, and an attending neonatologist at the hospital. Its been more expensive for the hospital to use donor milk than formula and Mount Sinai does not serve an affluent community. About 86% of its inpatients were on Medicaid or Medicare in 2022, according to the state. But Srinivasan said the change has been worth it. We have to pay for the donor milk, but the benefit weve seen is phenomenal, Srinivasan said. The benefit completely outweighs the cost. Srinivasan said, so far, only one parent has refused donor milk for a premature baby, and, in that case, the hospital gave the baby formula. The hospital uses cows milk-based fortifiers, he said. Advocate Childrens Hospital also typically gives only mothers milk or donors milk to very small, premature infants, a spokesperson said. Other Chicago-area hospitals and health care systems including Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Lurie Childrens Hospital, Endeavor Health and Rush University Medical Center either declined to answer or did not respond to the Tribunes questions about whether they feed formula to very small, premature infants. Jasmine Gallardo, who gave birth to her son Hugo at Mount Sinai in September, more than three months early, said she appreciates that doctors at the hospital encouraged her to pump her own milk for Hugo. While she was pregnant, she wasnt sure if she would breastfeed Hugo. But then doctors explained the long list of health risks Hugo faced as a preterm baby. I was really scared, said Gallardo, of Evergreen Park. They tell you about everything that can happen. Doctors told her that her breast milk could help to protect him, so she began pumping for him, every few hours around the clock. On a recent day, Gallardo and her mother visited Hugo in the Mount Sinai neonatal intensive care unit. A nurse gently removed Hugo from his incubator, which had been decorated with a green sign reading NICU miracle and a cutout of his tiny footprints at birth. Gallardo and her mother took turns cradling Hugo, who occasionally opened his dark eyes, delighting his mother and grandmother. Wires still snaked from the bottom of his swaddle, and a feeding tube was still running up his nostril. But Hugo was nearly 4 weeks old, had gained nearly a pound since birth and was showing no signs of NEC. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban believes that if Donald Trump wins the US elections, Europe will be unable to maintain its "pro-war course" that is, the desire to aid Ukraine in defending itself against Russia. Source: Orban in an interview on state radio, writes Telex, as reported by European Pravda Details: Orban stated that by the end of the year, the world will be in different conditions, with "peaceful" forces in the majority. This transformation, he believes, will come with Donald Trump's victory. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Orban claims that if Trump is re-elected, "Europe will not be able to remain pro-war". He believes that Europe on its own will be unable to shoulder the burden of the war it was "irresponsibly dragged into", and that Europeans would also need to "adapt to the situation". According to the Hungarian government's leader, this problem should be tackled in Budapest, where European leaders will convene next week for a European Political Community summit. Orban has frequently voiced his support for Donald Trump in the US presidential race. He met Trump in July to discuss a "peace mission" to Ukraine. Earlier, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto stated that if Donald Trump wins the US presidential election, the "chance for peace" in Ukraine may improve. In early October, the Hungarian prime minister said he would open many bottles of champagne if Trump returned to power in the United States. Support UP or become our patron! Heavy rains from Hurricane Helene caused record flooding and damage on Sept. 28 in Asheville, North Carolina. The city is home to the only abortion clinic and high-risk obstetrics center in the western part of the state. (Melissa Sue Gerrits/Getty Images) Since Hurricane Helene struck North Carolina in late September, the full spectrum of reproductive health care in the region has been in precarity, from treatment for high-risk pregnancies to abortion care. Western North Carolinas only abortion clinic is still closed, and third-trimester, high-risk pregnant patients have been transferred out to hospitals across the state, health care workers told States Newsroom. Dr. Bhaskari Burra is an Asheville-based OB-GYN who works at the only high-risk obstetrics center in western North Carolina. Shes also a fellow with Physicians for Reproductive Health. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The clinic had to close after the storm and wasnt able to fully open back up until the middle of October, Burra said: Were already in a maternity care desert in this area and that sort of further ostracized people from accessing care on the outpatient side. Asheville is the seat of Buncombe County. But six nearby counties Alleghany, Clay, Graham, Madison, Mitchell and Swain have no hospitals or birth centers that offer obstetric care, according to the March of Dimes. On the inpatient side, folks who are high risk and already hospitalized prior to the storm were transferred to other facilities in the east, including hospitals in Chapel Hill, Charlotte and Greenville, North Carolina. Some patients were even transferred to Greenville, South Carolina. Mission Hospital in Asheville had no running water for four days, according to AVL Watchdog. Burra said the labor and delivery unit was open for emergencies and people who could not evacuate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Imagine if youre postpartum, if youve had a C-section and you also have an abdominal incision to care for and obviously a baby to care for. That is impossible to do without access to clean water, Burra said, adding that they encouraged new mothers who could to evacuate. Even though Burras clinic is fully operating now, theyre still dealing with the effect of the storm, more than a month after landfall. I think well be seeing the ramifications of this from a patient standpoint for a long time, she said. Ash Williams, a member of Mountain Area Abortion Doula Collective, echoed that sentiment. People were really talking about the impact of the storm two weeks ago, and now some of that support and attention is dwindling, but there are still people that are really impacted and needing support, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its unclear when Planned Parenthoods Asheville Health Center will reopen, but staff hopes to resume abortion services soon, said Molly Rivera, the organizations regional spokesperson. The clinic has been closed since the storm landed in Asheville on Friday, Sept. 27, she said. Patients were rescheduled to affiliate clinics in Charlotte and Winston-Salem. Telehealth appointments for birth control and gender-affirming care were not interrupted by the hurricane, Rivera said. But telehealth appointments for medication abortion are not available. Even though a federal judge struck down several restrictions on medication abortion in June, North Carolina law still requires patients to fill out informed consent paperwork in-person. North Carolina has been under a 12-week abortion ban since July 2023, but the state is still considered an access point in the Southeast, where most abortions are illegal. With the clinics closure, Tennessee patients were especially affected, Rivera said. Major parts of Interstate 40 between Tennessee and North Carolina were damaged by the storm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Patients from out of state seeking abortion can turn to abortion funds. But since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade more than two years ago, fund operators say donations have dwindled. In July, the National Abortion Federation announced it would cover 30% of abortion costs, down from covering half of the costs, States Newsroom reported. Williams said his group helps fill in the gaps in abortion access in the western part of the state, and for people in Georgia, South Carolina and Tennessee who need abortions. But after the storm, the collective decided to focus on people who needed abortions in their region, he said. A national organization called Elevated Access that flies people across the country to get abortions recently sent a plane full of supplies emergency contraception, period products, pregnancy tests and gender-affirming care products to Asheville to help with relief efforts, according to Williams and Mike Bonanza, the groups executive director. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The storm made people outside of the affected area want to support abortion access with funding. We were able to raise money to support the people that were needing care, and we did see a little bit of an influx of funding during the storm, Williams said. But similar to how it goes after a ban and a restriction, people will sometimes donate a lot of money to abortion funds. And then weeks later, were seeing those things dwindle and die down. That is kind of what were noticing now. Correction: This story was updated on Nov. 14, 2024, to correct the name of the national organization that decreased abortion funding. Kalle Benallie ICT ICT spoke to some tribal leaders about what issues are the most important to them and their tribal citizens in the 2024 presidential election. One consistent concern is having a good relationship with the United States government. Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation, Chuck Hoskin Jr., said their issues being represented through policies and agencies in the government is whats important to the Cherokee Nation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Respecting our tribes, our nations among nations, and that our relationship is with the government of the United States and that ought to be built upon respect and of all things consultation on any sort of policy that the government would propose that affects us, Hoskin said. Another important issue is healthcare, recognizing that the Cherokee Nation leads best with access to programs like the Joint Venture Program. They utilized it for healthcare facilities while the federal government helped for operative costs. Law, justice and public safety programs have also been on the Cherokee Nations radar since the post-McGirth era, the Supreme Court case that ruled eastern Oklahoma is still tribal lands since it was never disestablished by Congress. ...Making sure those are adequately funded so that we can do the jobs that we need to do when it comes to protecting people within our reservation, Hoskin said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hoskin mentioned the need for language revitalization and the responsibility the government has in reversing the erosion of Indigenous cultures and languages. We have to insist that people who are running for these offices pay attention to those issues, policies and funding that can reverse a century of loss, he said. Tribal citizens in the Cherokee Nation are encouraged to vote through their campaign Cherokee Vote. Since its inception in 2013, 80,000 Cherokees have registered to vote. Yet, Hoskin said theres a second important initiative to actually get them to the polls and vote for their interests. Its a collective responsibility of tribes, tribal leaders and citizens. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its something we undertake in terms of outreach, were reaching out on social media and at community events. Were explaining why voting matters, Hoskin said. In this 2019 photo, Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. speaks during a news conference in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki, File) Native people in the U.S. were not allowed to vote until the Indian Citizenship Act of 1924 that recognized Native Americans and Alaska Natives as citizens. However, access was not easy as some states used address requirements, literacy tests and other complex rules to try and limit Native voting in local, state and national elections. It was not until the 1965 Voting Rights Act where Native voting rights were officially solidified at the federal level. Gena Kakkak, chairman of the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin, said the inequity of funding throughout tribal nations and regions is an important issue to her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Specifically within our IHS funding, the Midwest region is one of the lowest funded. We're all tribal nations. We all have similar issues, but we all have separate focuses. If each nation had their own discretionary on how to use the funding, because they're the ones that know what fits for their areas and for their membership, Kakkak said. Another issue on her radar is infrastructure. We have such limited land bases within our nations that the infrastructure to be able to provide those services. We have housing and homeless issues, but part of that also goes to the infrastructure for the roads and the water and the sewer, she said. Menominee Chairwoman Gena Kakkak and her mother, Deborah Lyons, at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. (Pauly Denetclaw, ICT) Richard J. Peterson, president of the Central Council of the Tglint and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska said they hope to have a president elected that will work with the tribe, uphold agreements and fund important projects like their compact funding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We want elected officials that can work with us to build on that and not for it to deteriorate. My motto has always been that healthy tribes make healthy communities, Peterson said. He said that they were able to work with the municipality, the state of Alaska and receive funds after President Joe Biden declared it as a disaster. We demonstrate when working with elected officials and our tribes that we can be successful for our whole communities, Peterson said. Peterson added they hope their citizens vote for those who reflect and understand traditional values. Were not stressing who to vote for, just stressing the need to do your research, be an informed voter and vote, he said. Richard J. Peterson, president of the Central Council of the Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska. (Photo courtesy of the president's office) John Lowery, chairman of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina, said in an email that the high cost of living expenses, substance abuse and drug use, housing, cost of healthcare and receiving full federal recognition is important to the tribe in the presidential election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lowery said that this election is crucial for Native voters because our voices need to be heard by all candidates and by all parties. Our issues need to be addressed and because we are a minority, the apathetic response of not voting implies further suppression which can silence our tribal nations and leads to the ultimate denial of our inalienable rights. If we do not vote, the needs of our communities are not properly heard and we are forgotten in the larger discussions at the national level, he said. Lumbee Chairman John Lowery. (Photo courtesy of Lumbee Chairman John Lowery) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chief Gary Batton (Choctaw Nation photo) Choctaw Nation Chief Gary Batton said that sovereignty is their most important issue. And of course always the issue for us is service delivery to our people and making sure that again it goes back to the treaty all the proper healthcare, education those things are provided to us to assure a bright future for our tribal members, Batton said. He said they do try to outreach to Choctaw citizens through emails, social media and Batton writing in their tribal newspaper. In 2022, Batton signed the Voter Registration and Voter Education Proclamation to encourage educated Choctaw and Choctaw-aligned voter participation in local, state, and federal elections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He added that everyone needs to vote, whether youre Native or not. Again, I cannot stress enough that its a responsibility. Its something we should be held accountable to that everyone gets out to vote. Otherwise, if we have a government that does not represent us, its because we didnt get out to vote. Batton 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. Sana Malik, NCP candidate from Anushakti Nagar Assembly Constituency and daughter of Nawab Malik, speaking to ANI, on Sunday exuded confidence of winning the election. "It is a big challenge for me. When there is direct competition and the matter is to retain your father's seat, a lot of people have their eyes on the results. I have contested the elections of BMC in 2017. And when I lost that election, since then I have been working on the ground in Anushakti Nagar Vidhan Sabha seat... I am connected to the people...It is challenging as it (Anushakti Nagar Vidhan Sabha seat) is my father's seat, but I am confident as I have been working among the people for the last 7 years," she said. On his daughter Sana Malik's candidature, NCP leader and candidate from Mankhurd Shivaji Nagar, Nawab Malik says, "She is an educated woman. There is a perception that Muslim women do not get many opportunities. However, she is an architect and lawyer, who has been among the people for 5 years...I am sure that she will win with a big margin..." Notably, Bharatiya Janata Party officials said they will always oppose Malik, saying that he is accused of having relations with Dawood Ibrahim. , Sana Malik said "These allegations are not true at all and we will file a case against those of have linked my father with Dawood. He had a case of money laundering against him, but the links with Dawood are untrue. The people will answer these allegations." Sana Malik is up against the NCP (SP) candidate Fahad Ahmed in the Anushakti Nagar constituency. On October 26, Nawab Malik, a two-time MP from Anushakti Nagar announced that he would contest Mankhurd Shivaji Nagar Assembly constituency. The Shiv sena has also expressed opposition, claiming his links with underworld don and gangster Dawood Ibrahim. The BJP is in alliance with NCP (Ajit Pawar), and Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde), called the Mahayuti alliance. The other major alliance for the state's assembly election is the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), comprising of Congress, Sharad Pawar-led NCP, and Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena. The Maharashtra Assembly elections are scheduled for November 20, with counting for all 288 constituencies set for November 23. (ANI) JAKARTA (Reuters) - President Prabowo Subianto visited the Papua region of Indonesia on Sunday to oversee the development of a key food programme aimed at creating three million hectares (7.4 million acres) of food estates across the country. Prabowo has promised that the country could reach food self-sufficiency in the next four years. An advisor to Prabowo has said the food estates programme may add 20 million tons of paddy rice or 10 million tons of harvested rice. One million hectares will be located in the Merauke regency of South Papua province, which Prabowo visited on Sunday. The remaining will be located in Sumatra and Kalimantan islands. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The government has said the food estates will focus on increasing rice production, with the country relying on imports of rice and other commodities such as sugar. To support the Merauke food programme Jakarta plans to build a dock in the Wanam region and a 135 kms (84 mile) road from Wanam to Muting region to assist farmers, according to a statement from the palace. It was Prabowos first visit to the Papua region after being inaugurated as Indonesias 8th president last month. The food programme was started during former president Joko Widodo's era. (Reporting by Stefanno Sulaiman; Editing by Michael Perry) TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) An infant was found dead Friday afternoon at a Florida middle school after a relative forgot to drop the child off at daycare, according to the Sumter County Sheriffs Office. Deputies were called to South Sumter Middle School at about 4 p.m. for a dead baby. Deputies said a 15-month-old child was with a relative and was supposed to be dropped off at daycare. The relative forgot the child was in the car and went to school without dropping the child off. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The child was found dead in the parked car later in the day. This is a tragic situation and our hearts go out to the family of the child, deputies wrote in a Facebook post. The investigation remains ongoing. 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 Queen City News. Kristin and Dave Gambardella never expected the journey of growing their family to include an abortion procedure, but in summer 2023, the married couple nevertheless found themselves in a Planned Parenthood parking lot in Albuquerque, New Mexico, a seven-hour drive from their home in Tucson, Arizona. A week beforehand, a routine blood test at 17 weeks into Kristin's pregnancy had come back with devastating results. A follow-up ultrasound confirmed her doctors' fears. The fetus had a severe genetic abnormality. "They told us it was really a guaranteed short life, full of pain and surgeries and constant medical care," Gambardella said. "Dave is a stoic person," she said of her husband, "and I remember he just broke down and lost it. And that's when I really felt that feeling in my gut that was like, wow, this is pretty catastrophic." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In deciding to end the pregnancy, the Gambardellas realized they weren't only tasked with an agonizing decision for their family -- they also had an Arizona law to contend with, which would prevent them from seeing any of their own doctors for the procedure. "The doctor, I remember, she looked at me and her eyes just looked really sad. And she said, 'No, you can't come here. We can't do that procedure for you. You'd have to leave the state'," Gambardella said. Arizona's abortion ban In Arizona -- one of 21 states that has enacted abortion restrictions since the end of Roe v Wade -- abortion is banned after 15 weeks, except for medical emergencies endangering the life of the mother. Gambardella didn't qualify for that exception. "As someone who has always believed in a woman's right to make decisions about her own bodies, it was such a turning point in my understanding on just how much abortion care is interconnected with fertility care and the act of wanting to have a baby," Gambardella said. PHOTO: Kristin Gambardella speaks to ABC News. (ABC News) The experience inspired her to join the campaign to pass Proposition 139, a ballot measure that would enshrine in Arizona's state constitution the right to an abortion until fetal viability. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Arizona is one of 10 states in the country that have such measures on the ballot this November, including Florida, Colorado, Maryland, Missouri, Montana and Nebraska. This large push nationwide comes as abortion access remains one of the most important issues to voters this election -- and the top issue for women under 30, according to an October survey by KFF, the nonpartisan health policy organization. Where the candidates stand Democrats hope that the issue could drive enthusiasm for Vice President Kamala Harris, who has centered her campaign on restoring reproductive rights and attacking former President Donald Trump for nominating the conservative Supreme Court justices that voted to overrule Roe v. Wade. Trump, who has repeatedly shifted his position on abortion from supporting a federal ban to declaring that he would not pass one, while remaining open to other reproductive health care restrictions, maintains that he will "protect women," but is sparse on details. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It's not clear, however, if abortion-access ballot measures will alter the outcome of the presidential race in a swing state like Arizona. Voters could split the ticket -- voting to enshrine abortion access, but prioritizing other issues in their presidential choice. Trump is leading Harris in Arizona by two points, according to 538's latest polling average, even as polling so far has shown the abortion access amendment in Arizona to be widely popular, with about 60% of likely voters saying they'll support it. That level of support is in line with the success of abortion rights ballot measures in other states over the last two years since Roe v. Wade was overruled. Reproductive rights ballot measures have passed every time they've been on the ballot, whether the state leans Republican, Democrat or is closely divided like Arizona. Susan Ashley, a retiree and a volunteer for the Arizona for Abortion Access campaign, says her "fury" over Roe vs. Wade being overturned drove her to make the initiative her "full-time job right now." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I've been an active voter, but I've never been involved in an event where there were so many passionate volunteers. And so this struck a nerve," Ashley said. Efforts on the ground PHOTO: Volunteers speak with a voter about the abortion ballot initiative in Arizona. (ABC News) Athena Salman, a former Arizona state representative and director of Arizona campaigns for Reproductive Freedom for All, was at Ashley's side for door-knocking in mid-October, in the 90-degree heat. The two women spoke to nearly a dozen registered Independents in a neighborhood of Chandler, Arizona, a suburb of Phoenix. Each voter they spoke to said they were supporting the ballot measure. "I think it really shows that Arizonans are just fed up with their reproductive freedom being up in the air and they're ready to take action and get the government interference out of our personal decisions," Salman said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Though Arizona currently bans abortion at 15 weeks, the state saw all abortions halted for four months in the summer of 2022 when a ban from 1864 was revived. It nearly took effect again in the spring of 2024, but the Arizona state legislature repealed it after massive outcry from residents and a push from the Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs and Attorney General Kris Mayes. PHOTO: Volunteers speak with a voter about the abortion ballot initiative in Arizona. (ABC News) To Cindy Dahlgren, spokesperson for the campaign against the abortion access ballot measure, the legislature's decision to repeal the near-total abortion ban and keep a 15-week ban should put people at ease. "Proponents play on those fears and that confusion by saying there's a ban when there's not a ban," she said, arguing that the current law only curtails the procedure but doesn't fully ban it. "I would also point out that it was the legislature that repealed that law. And there doesn't seem to be an appetite to put that law back in." Her campaign, called "It Goes Too Far," argues that enshrining abortion access until fetal viability would remove too many restrictions around abortion, leaving it too unregulated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The choice really in November is not between abortion or no abortion. It's between limited abortion and safety precautions and a doctor and parents involved or unlimited and unregulated abortion," Dahlgren said. Asked about cases like Gambardella's, where pregnancy complications arise in the second trimester, or women who experience rape or incest and do not qualify for an exception, Dahlgren said, "we do not have to enshrine a very extreme abortion amendment to care for those victims." But Dr. Misha Pangasa, an OB-GYN with Planned Parenthood, one of only nine clinics in Arizona providing abortion care, said she doesn't want to leave reproductive rights up to the political makeup of the state legislature anymore. "The idea that Arizonans health care is at the whims of whichever legislature is holding the majority is never going to be the best way for people to get the best care," Pangasa said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are currently around 40 laws that restrict abortions in the state of Arizona, which Pangasa said have already significantly impacted her ability to provide care to pregnant patients. "Pregnancy is complicated and decisions at various stages are hard. And I am the one there helping support them. And what I wish that our government would do is just let me," Pangasa said. Pangasa said she sees patients like the Gambardellas on a regular basis. "To be honest, it's a really heartbreaking moment to be in when I talk to my patients and say, if you were in a different state with me right now, I would tell you that these are your options. But because we're in Arizona, an abortion is just not an option," she said. Inside Arizonas abortion ballot measure fight: One familys story originally appeared on abcnews.go.com The Kremlin has for the first time distributed a manual to soldiers on how to dig and maintain mass graves as Russia suffers growing casualties in its war in Ukraine. A 20-page textbook, Civil Defence: Urgent burials of corpses in wartime, is filled with diagrams showing mass graves with body bags piled on top of one another. It also features tables detailing the equipment and manpower needed to dig a grave for 100 people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under normal working conditions, burying 100 dead in one mass grave will require 368.5 man hours, said the manual. The manual, which appears to be an updated version of one published in 2021, shows an emergency worker in a protective suit and helmet standing in front of a helicopter on the front cover. Russian forces have suffered around 1,200 daily casualties for most of this year, with Moscow aiming to take advantage of mobilisation and ammunition challenges facing Ukraine. Western intelligence estimates have said that Russia may have lost up to 680,000 men, through death or injury, but the only documented use of mass graves to bury Russian soldiers, so far, has been in occupied parts of Ukraines eastern Donbas region. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Experts believe Russia is suffering large numbers of casualties due to its favoured swarm infantry tactics, which involves troops attempting to overwhelm Ukrainian forces with sheer numbers. On Saturday, Ukraines Gen Oleksandr Syrskyi, head of the Ukrainian military, said his forces were now facing the most intense onslaught by Russian forces since the start of the war in February 2022. Currently, the Armed Forces of Ukraine are holding back one of the most powerful Russian offensives since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, he said. Russian forces have been attempting to capture key supply hubs on the frontline before harsher weather arrives in the winter. Rescuers in the debris of a residential building after a strike in Kharkiv on Saturday - AFP via Getty As many as 13,000 North Korean soldiers are also expected to be deployed alongside Russian forces, likely in its southern Kursk region, which was invaded by Ukraine in August. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Saturday and Sunday, the Russian ministry of defence claimed the capture of a handful more villages in Ukraine. Russias recent gains has reportedly forced Ukraine into thinking about negotiating with the Kremlin, including to the Two Majors Russian military Telegram channel. The reasons for such behaviour of the enemy are the visible successes of the Russian army at the front and nothing more, the pro-Moscow channel said. Ukraine and its supporters are also concerned about the result of Tuesdays US presidential election. Donald Trump, the Republican candidate, is sceptical of Ukraines chances of defeating Russia and analysts have said that he may cut off critical US military aid. 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. UNITED NATIONS (AP) Yemens Houthi rebels have been transformed from a local armed group with limited capabilities to a powerful military organization with support from Iran, Iraqi armed groups, Lebanons Hezbollah militants and others, U.N. experts said in a new report. The Iranian-backed Houthis have exploited the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza and worked to enhance their status in Irans self-described Axis of Resistance to gain popularity in the region and beyond, the experts monitoring sanctions against the Houthis said in the 537-page report to the U.N. Security Council. To support Iranian-backed Hamas militants, whose surprise attacks in southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, sparked the war in Gaza, the Houthis have been attacking vessels in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, disrupting global shipping in a key geopolitical area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite Houthi claims that they would target ships linked to Israel, the panel said its investigations revealed the rebels have been targeting vessels indiscriminately. Its analysis of data from the International Maritime Organization, the U.S. and the United Kingdom revealed that at least 134 attacks were carried out from Houthi-controlled areas against merchant and commercial vessels and U.S. and U.K. warships in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden between Nov. 15, 2023, and July 31, 2024. The groups shift to actions at sea increased their influence in the region, the U.N. experts said. Such a scale of attacks, using weapon systems on civilian vessels, had never occurred since the Second World War. In their attacks, the experts said, the Houthis used a new and previously undisclosed ballistic missile, the Hatem-2. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The five-member U.N. panel includes experts on arms, finance, regional affairs, international humanitarian law and armed groups. The experts hail from India, Egypt, Switzerland, Belgium and Cabo Verde. Confidential sources told the panel that the Houthis are coordinating operations with al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula and strengthening ties to the al-Qaida-linked al-Shabab militant group in Somalia. The Houthis have been engaged in a civil war with Yemens internationally recognized government, backed by a Saudi-led coalition, since 2014, when they took control of the capital Sanaa and most of the north. Hopes for peace talks to end the war vanished after the Oct. 7, 2023, attacks. The U.N. experts said the Yemen conflict, which started as an internal fight and expanded into a regional confrontation, has now escalated into a major international crisis. According to the experts, the number of Houthi fighters is estimated at 350,000 now, compared with 220,000 in 2022 and 30,000 in 2015. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The panel observes the transformation of the Houthis from a localized armed group with limited capabilities to a powerful military organization, extending their operational capabilities well beyond the territories under their control, the report said. The experts said the transformation has been possible due to the transfer of military materiel and training provided by the Iranian Revolutionary Guards elite Quds Force, Hezbollah and Iraqi specialists and technicians. Military experts, Yemeni officials and even officials close to the Houthis indicated that the rebel group couldnt produce complex weapons systems such as ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, surveillance and attack drones, portable air defense systems, and thermal sights, which they have used without foreign support, the U.N. experts said. The scale, nature and extent of transfers of diverse military materiel and technology provided to the Houthis from external sources, including financial support and training of its combatants, is unprecedented, the experts said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The panel said it observed similarities between multiple military items used by the Houthis and those produced and operated by Iran or its allies in the Axis of Resistance, which includes Hezbollah and Hamas and armed groups in Iraq and Syria. It said joint operations centers have been set up in Iraq and Lebanon with Houthi representatives aimed at coordinating joint military actions of the Axis of Resistance. Inside Yemen, the panel said the Houthis have been intensifying military operations against the government. The internal military situation is fragile, and any internal or external trigger could lead to the resumption of military confrontations, it said. The Houthis also have been recruiting large numbers of Yemeni youths and children as well as exploiting Ethiopian migrants, forcing them to join the fight against the government and engage in trafficking narcotics, it said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Exploiting high illiteracy rates, particularly in tribal areas, they have reportedly mobilized boys as young as 10 or 11, often despite parental opposition, they said. Recruitment sermons and weekly classes on jihad are reportedly delivered in schools. Child recruitment reportedly increased after the war in Gaza started and the U.S. and U.K. airstrikes in Yemen, the experts said. Yemens government said it received 3,298 reports of child recruitment in the first half of 2024, with youngsters reportedly used as human shields, spies and in combat and for planting landmines and explosives, reconnaissance and as cooks. A female student at a university in Tehran stripped to her underwear in an act of protest after being harassed by campus security officers over her hijab. Videos circulating widely on social media show the unidentified student sitting outside the campus in her underwear while the security guards surrounded her. Another video shows her walking around the campus in her bra and knickers while stunned fellow students film her on their mobile phones. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her act of resistance began after a confrontation inside Azad Universitys science and research centre on Saturday, when security forces physically attacked the student because she was not wearing a headscarf. In response to having her clothes torn, she chose to remove her remaining garments as a protest, according to Iranian student social media news channel, the Amir Kabir newsletter and witnesses who spoke to The Telegraph. Multiple witnesses confirmed her subsequent detention by the authorities. Video footage showed security officers abducting her from the campus. Officers forcibly detain student About 10 security guards were captured on video forcibly bundling the young woman into a vehicle. The footage showed a group of officers overwhelming her before she was detained. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Oh God, how many of them are attacking just one person? one onlooker was heard saying. I cant believe what Im seeing, another said. Around noon, near the entrance of the faculty, I saw a girl being grabbed and forcibly taken by security forces, one witness told The Telegraph from Tehran. She wasnt wearing a headscarf. Then they reached the security building near the entrance, where a male and a female security guard grabbed her and tried to take her into the office with force. She resisted, and her hoodie was torn off her body, it made her very angry and she took off the rest of her clothes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She angrily yelled at them and took off her trousers - she sat outside the campus for a few minutes and the officer became more aggressive. I couldnt see much but, a few minutes after she started walking, several plain-clothes officers ambushed her and forced her into a car. Student media outlets reported that she suffered injuries during the arrest, including severe head trauma after being struck against a vehicle. Witnesses said traces of blood were visible at the scene. #Girl of Science and Research The footage has been widely shared in Iran and the student has already become a powerful symbol of resistance, drawing nationwide attention under the hashtag: Girl of Science and Research. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If courage had a face, one user posted on X with the girls picture. That brave girl is my leader, another user wrote. Amir Mahjoub, the director of public relations at the university, said that she was transferred to a police station and claimed that she is under severe mental stress and suffering from psychological disorders. The Farhikhtegan newspaper, affiliated with the university, also claimed, citing official and unofficial sources that the student has severe psychological and mental issues. The report added that, after being handed over to the police by university security staff, she has been hospitalised in a psychiatric facility. A female student at a university in Tehran stripped to her underwear in a defiant act of protest on Saturday Whereabouts and condition unknown There has been no further information about her whereabouts or condition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Amnesty International has urged Iranian authorities to release the girl immediately and unconditionally. It is not the first time that officials and media affiliated with the Islamic Republic have accused protesters of mental disorders and forcibly placed them in psychiatric institutions. The protest echoes earlier acts of civil disobedience, notably that of Vida Movahed, known as the Girl of Enghelab Street. That show of defiance gained international attention in 2017 when a woman removed her headscarf and held it aloft on the tip of a stick while standing to protest against the mandatory hijab. Observers have drawn parallels between these demonstrations, viewing them as key moments in Iranian womens ongoing struggle for personal freedoms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the September 2022 death in custody of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, and the subsequent protests, Iranian universities have also faced heightened repression and intensified control. The protests led to acts of civil disobedience by Iranian women and girls against the mandatory hijab. New stricter laws All women in Iran must conceal their hair with a headscarf and wear loose-fitting trousers under their coats while in public but a growing number of Iranian women have appeared in public without head coverings. Iranian police and security forces have intensified their enforcement of the rules. A new bill making its way through Irans parliament is set to harden the regulations governing how women and men can dress in public, but authorities have started enforcing it before its formal approval. Article 50 of the bill says anyone found naked, semi-naked, or wearing clothing deemed improper in public will be immediately arrested and handed over to judicial authorities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill also implements gender segregation across a wide range of settings, including universities, hospitals, educational and administrative centres, parks and tourist sites. People found in breach of the new rules also face a ban on leaving the country and using social media for a period of six months to two years. These girls will one day bring down Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Irans future belongs to free women, not the mullahs, a Tehran student told The Telegraph. Shell be remembered as a hero by many women, she said of the girl who protested on Saturday. After this regime falls, her picture will be everywhere in Iran, like Mahsa Amins and many more. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. The supreme leader of Iran, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, issued renewed threats to Iranian arch-enemies Israel and the United States on Saturday, following the recent military confrontations. "The enemies, whether the Zionist regime or America, will certainly receive a devastating response to what they are doing to Iran and the resistance front," the 85-year-old Khamenei said at an event in Tehran. Whether there would be a military response to the Israeli retaliatory attack a week ago initially remained open. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The danger of a major, open war between Iran and Israel recently increased. A week ago, Israel hit Iran with airstrikes in what the country described as retaliation for an Iranian missile attack at the beginning of October. Afterwards, there were contradictory statements and reports as to whether Iran's military would respond. Iran's so-called Axis of Resistance, an informal alliance of Islamist militant groups backed by Tehran, includes the Lebanese Hezbollah movement and the Palestinian Hamas movement in the Gaza Strip. Gaza fighting intensifies Israeli ground troops are intensifying the fight around the city of Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip, with combat units joining the fight, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said on Saturday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to witnesses, the situation for residents remaining in Jabalia has become increasingly catastrophic, and tens of thousands of civilians have already fled the area. Local Palestinians and Hamas-run authorities have repeatedly reported that numerous civilians have been killed in Israeli attacks in the city. The IDF, meanwhile, claimed that "hundreds of terrorists" in the Jabalia area had been "eliminated" or arrested in the military operations. It said it has killed around 900 "terror operatives" from the Islamist Hamas and other extremist groups during its ground offensive in Jabalia in the north of the Gaza Strip that began in early October. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition, 700 Palestinians were captured, of whom 300 could be identified as members of terrorist groups, the army said. Israeli military continues bombings The Israeli military said on Saturday that airstrikes hit more than 120 militant targets in the Gaza Strip and Lebanon over the past 40 hours. The Lebanese Health Ministry reported that dozens had been killed in the Israeli strikes on Beirut and eastern Lebanon, while residents of the Lebanese capital described the fallout from repeated Israeli airstrikes as "apocalyptic." The IDF said weapons depots and rocket launchers belonging to Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon were struck. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Soldiers continue to carry out limited, locally concentrated, targeted attacks against Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon," the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said. The military said separately that two Hezbollah commanders in the area of the Lebanese city of Tyre were killed. They were allegedly responsible for firing more than 400 missiles at Israel in October. The military's information could not be independently verified. Lebanon says 3,000 killed by Israeli strikes At least 71 people were killed by Israeli attacks in Lebanon on Friday, authorities said Saturday, which brings the total number of fatalities to almost 3,000 since fighting broke out between Israel and the Hezbollah militia more than a year ago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Lebanese Health Ministry said another 169 people were injured across Lebanon on Friday. At least 2,968 people, including 183 minors, have been killed and 13,319 injured since fighting broke out between the Israeli military and Hezbollah in Lebanon following the October 7 attacks on Israel, according to ministry figures. Missile injures 11 in Israel A missile fired from Lebanon left 11 people injured in Israel when the missile struck a building in the central town of Tira, north-east of Tel Aviv, the Magen David Adom rescue service said. The Israeli military said that three rockets were fired from Lebanon towards central Israel on Saturday morning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Some were intercepted," IDF said in a Telegram post, adding that "a fallen projectile was most likely identified in the area. Details are under examination." The military later said that it had attacked the rocket launcher used in the attack in Lebanon. By the afternoon, the armed forces had recorded around 80 projectiles fired from Lebanon towards Israel, it said. On Thursday, seven people were killed after rockets launched from Lebanon hit northern Israel. Hezbollah has continued to strike northern Israel almost daily since the beginning of the Gaza war more than a year ago. Israel responded with massive airstrikes and now a ground offensive. UN says Israel attacks Lebanese-Syrian border crossing The Israeli military has launched renewed attacks on a Lebanese-Syrian border crossing, according to the UN. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "A new Israeli airstrike hit the border post of Joussieh, where many Lebanese and Syrians cross from Lebanon to Syria," the UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi wrote on X on Saturday. Humanitarian structures were also hit, he added. In a heartening display of community spirit, villagers in Aurai, Muzaffarpur, have come together to build the Chachari Bridge through crowdfunding, addressing a long-standing need for safe river crossing. This initiative was necessitated by the Bihar Government's inaction, highlighting the resourcefulness and resilience of rural communities and demonstrating the community's determination to find solutions to their problems. By pooling resources, villagers have taken ownership of the project, ensuring its sustainability and maintenance. According to residents, the Chachri Bridge is frequently damaged during floods, forcing them to take a boat ride. The fear of an accident is always present. The panchayat head, Anil Kumar Mishra, stated, "We inaugurated this bridge through the collective efforts of the villagers. In the name of God, we performed a puja and hawan for the bridge. Without this bridge, the villagers faced many problems, but now we can commute easily." This infrastructure improvement will facilitate easier access for thousands of residents to both the block and district headquarters. The Chachari Bridge will facilitate safe crossing over the Bagmati River, enabling villagers to access essential services, markets, and neighbouring villages. Previously, residents relied on boats to navigate the river, posing risks to life and livelihood. Another villager, Deepu Saini, said, "It took more than a month to construct this bridge, with ten people working tirelessly each day. We faced many problems due to the lack of a bridge for about two to three months, and the government did nothing to support our village. We are still facing electricity issues as well." The Chachari Bridge collapsed during the devastating floods, which necessitated travel by boat, leading to safety concerns for the community. Furthermore, the absence of a bridge during the wedding season became problematic, as grooms' processions are unable to reach the brides' homes. The local community holds the government directly responsible for their ongoing challenges. However, the residents have taken the initiative to address this issue themselves. Even before the wedding season, they began constructing a pathway. They have successfully built a bridge over the Bagmati River through their collective labour and have inaugurated it. This development means that the people from eight panchayats will now be able to access the block headquarters without any difficulties. The construction of the 'Chachri' bridge will reduce travel distance by 20 kilometres. Varun kumar, a villager said "From independence till today, the people of this village, they are using boats to go to another side of river. Several politicians come and goes...they make promises but never fullfill them., with construction of this bridge many things became easier. There are about 25 villages and 8 panchayats that connect to the block Headquarters. And the people here, to go to the Muzaffarpur Hospital, their distance is about 20 km less. While in Runnisaidpur, people have to go 45 km. If this bridge is built, then it will be only 20 km from here to the Medical College." Madhuvan Pratap, located in the Aurai block of the district, lies on the banks of the Bagmati River and has a population of over 3,000. Since independence, there has been no proper road connecting the village. The construction of the 'Chachri' bridge after flooding provides some relief to the community. The 'Chachri' bridge or boat has become the only means of support for the residents of this village. (ANI) TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) An Israeli court on Sunday loosened a gag order on a case investigating leaks of classified information suspected to involve one of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus media advisers. Critics say the leaks were aimed at giving Netanyahu political cover as Gaza cease-fire talks ground to a halt. Netanyahu has denied any wrongdoing, downplaying the affair and publicly calling for the gag order to be lifted. Netanyahu has said the person in question never participated in security discussions, was not exposed to or received classified information, and did not take part in secret visits. On Sunday, an Israeli court allowed the publication of the name of the central suspect in the case, Eli Feldstein, whom Israeli media said was one of Netanyahus media advisers. Israeli media reports say the case concerns the leak of classified information to two European media outlets, allegedly by Feldstein, who may not have been formally employed and did not have security clearance. The media reported Feldstein joined Netanyahu as an adviser weeks after the Oct. 7, 2023 attacks and previously worked as an adviser to far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The court did not release the names of three other suspects who are also being investigated in connection with the leak. The leaked documents are said to have formed the basis of a widely discredited article in the London-based Jewish Chronicle which was later withdrawn suggesting Hamas planned to spirit hostages out of Gaza through Egypt, and an article in Germany's Bild newspaper that said Hamas was drawing out the talks as a form of psychological warfare on Israel. Israeli media and other observers expressed skepticism about the articles, which appeared to support Netanyahu's demands in the talks and absolve him of blame for their failure. Netanyahu made no mention of the case in a visit to Israels northern border with Israel Sunday, according to a video released by his office. The articles came out as Netanyahu was calling for lasting Israeli control over the Philadelphi corridor along the Gaza-Egypt border, a demand that was first made public over the summer. Hamas rejected the demand and accused Netanyahu of deliberately sabotaging the talks, which have been mediated by the United States, Qatar and Egypt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The articles also seemed to provide political cover as Netanyahu faced intense criticism from the families of the hostages and much of the Israeli public, who blame him for the failure to reach a deal. The criticism reached a fever pitch in early September, with mass protests and calls for a general strike, after Hamas killed six hostages as Israeli troops closed in on them. A court document confirmed that an investigation by police, the military and the Shin Bet internal security agency is underway and that a number of suspects have been arrested for questioning. It said the affair poses a risk to sensitive information and sources" and harms the achievement of the goals of the war in the Gaza Strip. The leak led to a scandal at the Jewish Chronicle, where prominent columnists resigned in protest over the discredited articles. The London-based newspaper removed the article in question and others by a freelance journalist, saying it was not satisfied with some of his claims. The Bild article suggested Hamas was not serious about the negotiations and was using psychological warfare to stoke Israeli divisions. Netanyahu cited it in a meeting with his Cabinet after it was published. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He again defended the article in a statement released over the weekend, saying it had exposed the Hamas methods of exerting psychological pressure from home and abroad on the Israeli government and public by blaming Israel for the failure of the talks to release the hostages. Netanyahu has sought to blame Hamas, whose Oct. 7, 2023, attack into Israel ignited the war, for the failure of the talks. Hamas, which is still holding scores of hostages, has said it will only release them in exchange for a lasting cease-fire, a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and the release of a large number of Palestinian prisoners. Hamas says those demands have not changed following last month's killing of its top leader Yahya Sinwar, as the United States, Egypt and Qatar seek to restart the negotiations. Netanyahu, often described by critics as image-obsessed, is on trial for corruption in three separate cases, two of which involve accusations that he gave favors to media moguls in exchange for positive coverage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His office has downplayed the latest affair and accused the judiciary of bias, citing the many other leaks over the course of the war. It has also denied the leak in question had any impact on the cease-fire talks. The document only helped the effort to return the hostages, and certainly did not harm it, Netanyahu's office said in a statement Saturday, adding that he only learned about the document when it was publicized. His critics say the allegations are far more serious. Yoav Limor, writing in the pro-Netanyahu daily Israel Hayom, called it one of the gravest affairs Israel has ever known. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The damage it caused extends beyond the realm of national security and gives rise to suspicion that the prime ministers bureau acted to scuttle a hostage deal, contrary to the wars objectives. ___ Follow APs war coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war Benjamin Netanyahu sat down for his regular cabinet meeting and had some words for a new ally and an old enemy. Last week I met with US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley, the Israeli prime minister told his colleagues. I thanked her, on your behalf as well, for her decisive words in favor of the state of Israel and against the anti-Israel obsession at the UN. It is time UNRWA be dismantled, he declared. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was June 2017: the beginning of Donald Trumps presidency. The possibilities for Netanyahu who once bunked in the childhood bed of Trumps son-in-law seemed endless. In a few months, the American president would buck decades of foreign policy precedent and move his countrys embassy to the disputed city of Jerusalem. In the case of UNRWA the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees Netanyahu would not get his wish so quickly. It would take another eight years. The Israeli parliament, or Knesset, on October 28 voted through legislation to ban UNRWA from Israel and prohibit any contact between it and Israeli officials. Israel on Monday officially notified the UN that it was cancelling its 1967 agreement allowing the agency to work. The two laws do not mean the immediate end of the agency. Nor do they technically prevent it from working in the Israeli-occupied West Bank and Gaza. But given the near-inextricable link between the agencys ability to function there and the Israeli authorities, they almost certainly mean the end of UNRWAs operation as we know it. On Monday, a UN spokesperson warned there is no alternative to UNRWA, adding that Israeli authorities maintain responsibility to provide for the population in Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If the law is fully implemented and the Israeli government makes it impossible for UNRWA to operate, this will have no effect on Israels responsibility to provide for the population, said UN Secretary-General spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric. There are as many opinions on why UNRWA, which provides services and aid to millions of Palestinians across the Middle East, was banned as there are people to ask. Many point to allegations by the Israel Defense Forces that a handful of UNRWAs 13,000 employees in Gaza participated in the October 7 massacre, which saw 1,200 people killed and around 250 taken hostage. In a country still reeling from the worst attack on Jews since the Holocaust, this has been a potent and impossible to ignore argument against UNRWA. Others see the move as another step in the erosion of Palestinian rights and the removal of their distant but long-promised right to return to the villages, now in Israel, from which they and their ancestors were violently evicted when the Jewish state was created in 1948. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In any case, the head of UNRWA has said that the legislation will only deepen the suffering of Palestinians, especially in Gaza where people have been going through more than a year of sheer hell. Low-hanging fruit Boaz Bismuth, a Likud member of Knesset, wrote one of the two bills to ban UNRWA, which passed 92 to 10. In the wake of October 7, he believed that dismantling the agency was urgent. I did not see December 49, when UNRWA was created, he insisted. Nor, he said, was he motivated by the claim that UNRWA perpetuates Palestinian refugee status. All this is totally irrelevant for me. What was relevant for me in my bill was the fact that they participated on the 7th of October massacre, and this is why they will not work in Israel anymore. The Israeli government in January said that 12 UNRWA staff members in Gaza had participated in the Hamas-led attack on Israel, and later added more to that list. The agency immediately fired most of the individuals concerned. A UN investigation found that nine employees may have been involved in the October 7 attack. Hamas' armed wing, the Qassam Brigades, on October 07, 2023. - Hani Alshaer/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images The Washington Post in February obtained CCTV footage from Kibbutz Beeri on October, which it said showed one of the UNRWA employees accused by Israel of involvement, carrying the corpse of an Israeli man killed by Hamas militants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement UNRWA to this day maintains that Israel never provided it with evidence against its former employees. The agency says it had regularly provided Israel with a full list of its staff members, and has accused Israel of detaining and torturing some of its staffers, coercing them into making false confessions about ties to Hamas. But Bismuth said that for me, UNRWA equals Hamas and his view is widespread in Israel. In a country where Netanyahu is politically ascendant against the odds, supporting his partys legislation was plain old good politics. UNRWA was low-hanging fruit for this Israeli government, said Aaron David Miller, a longtime American policymaker in the Middle East who was a key player in the last serious round of Israeli-Palestinian negotiations, in 2000. A long history UNRWA is nearly as old as Israel itself. The violence surrounding the creation of Israel in 1948 displaced close to a million Arabs from their homes in what had been British-mandate Palestine an event Palestinians call the Nakba, or catastrophe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The UN General Assembly, which had consented to Israels creation, declared that all the displaced Arabs should be allowed to return at the earliest practicable date. A year later, it created UNRWA to prevent conditions of starvation and distress. Palestinian Arabs fleeing their village near Jerusalem, in 1948. - AFP/Getty Images The entrance to Aida Refugee Camp, near Bethlehem, in the occupied West Bank. Above the entrance to the camp is a key, symbolizing the Palestinians' right to return to villages from which they were forced in 1948. - Mick Krever/CNN To Israelis, UNRWA is an anachronism that represents the unrealistic and distant dream of millions of Palestinians to return to their homes in what is now Israel. That is what Netanyahu means when he says the agency perpetuates the Palestinian refugee problem. Philippe Lazzarini, the Swiss commissioner-general of UNRWA, has made clear that even if his agency were dissolved, it will not strip the Palestinians from their refugee status. Israelis have long accused UNRWA of perpetuating anti-Israel ideology in schools they run. A UN-commissioned inquiry found that examples in textbooks of anti-Israel bias were marginal but nonetheless constituted a grave violation of neutrality. Israeli leaders believe that Palestinians do not deserve their own refugee agency and should permanently resettle where they now live assisted, if need be, by the agency responsible for all other refugees in the world, the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, or UNHCR. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What makes Palestinian refugees different is that theyre not seeking refuge in a third country, said Diana Buttu, a Palestinian human rights lawyer. They want to go home. What more do they want? Saleh Shunnar, displaced from his home in Gaza by the year-long war, knows what it means to be a refugee. Israel has always wanted to do this, he said, speaking from a tent encampment in Deir Al-Balah, in central Gaza. If they shut down UNRWA, that means there is no Palestinian refugee cause. They took away the Palestinian cause. Those fears run deep for many Palestinians. But concerns about the impact on so-called final status negotiations are tethered to a galaxy far, far away, rather than to the realities back here on planet earth, said Miller, the former American negotiator. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I can understand why the Palestinians would regard this as a systematic first step to undermine the right of return, he said. But the issues facing any negotiations over a Palestinian state are so numerous and so fraught that the right of return is far down the long list of obstacles, he said. Palestinians gather to receive aid outside an UNRWA warehouse in Gaza, in March. - Mahmoud Issa/Reuters Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That is particularly the case when so many Palestinians face an imminent humanitarian catastrophe. On Monday, the head of UNRWA warned that the latest legislation will further jeopardize the trickle of aid entering Gaza. Lazzarini said Israel approved an average of 30 daily aid trucks into Gaza last month just six percent of what was going into the enclave before the war. However, the Israeli agency that controls the flow of aid into Gaza said 146 trucks entered via the Kerem Shalom and Erez crossings on Sunday. Other humanitarian agencies expressed alarm over the two new laws. On Tuesday, UK-based NGO Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP) told CNN that Israel had crossed every imaginable red line. From bombing and starvation, to systematically dismantling the health system, to now outlawing the UN agency on which millions of Palestinians depend for their most basic survival needs, Israel is attacking the very foundations of Palestinian survival in Gaza and, increasingly, across the region, MAP said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These are the simplest of needs, Deir Al-Balah resident Ghalia Abd Abu Amra said of the aid she receives. What more do they want to take from us than what they already have? Our homes are gone, now they want to take UNRWA too? The massive tent camps for internally displaced Gazans have steadily become entrenched. Cloth walls become tarpaulin. Mud floors are replaced with wood. This transformation has been happening for decades across the 58 refugee camps run by UNRWA in the Palestinian territories and elsewhere in the region, as tent camps became residential blocks. A tent camp for displaced Palestinians in Gaza City. - Dawoud Abo Alkas/Anadolu/Getty Images An UNRWA school in al-Am'ari Refugee Camp, in Ramallah, in the West Bank. The agency runs 706 schools in the Middle East. - Issam Rimawi/Anadolu/Getty Images For millions of Palestinians, UNRWA functions as a parallel government. It is a vast organization that provides services that governments whether in Lebanon, Jordan, Syria, Gaza, or the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem are unable or unwilling to provide. It educates half a million students. It employs 3,000 medical professionals. It helps feed nearly two million people. UNRWA has saved Israeli taxpayers billions of dollars over the last 57 years, said Chris Sidoti, an Australian human rights lawyer who sits on the UNs Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory. Israel, as the occupying power under the fourth Geneva Convention, is responsible for the care, protection, and the provision of services to persons under occupation. The international community has been doing that by its financial support for UNRWA, he told journalists in New York. So if UNRWA is kicked out, the cost for the Israeli taxpayer is going to be ginormous. So this is a decision that is bad for the Palestinians and ridiculous for Israeli taxpayers. An UNRWA school in Nuseirat Refugee Camp in Gaza City, after an Israeli airstrike in September. - Anadolu/Anadolu/Anadolu via Getty Images Bismuth, the Knesset member who authored the UNRWA legislation, said that Israel would step in. You will not have a vacuum, he said. I feel good with my bill. Because all the services that they got not only will they continue to get it, but we will even upgrade it. Indeed, UNRWAs benefit to Israel had long been recognized by those in the government responsible for Palestinian affairs, said Nadav Tamir, a former diplomat who now serves as executive director of J Street Israel, a left-wing lobby group. He characterized their view as: Of course UNRWA is problematic, but we dont have another option, we need someone to take care of the issues. Before October 7, he explained, politicians could not overcome the realpolitik that UNRWA was an asset in taking a problem off Israels plate. Nur Shams refugee camp near Tulkarm, in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, after an Israeli raid in September. - Mohamad Torokman/Reuters What that will look like remains a mystery to most. Miller is blunt: Israelis dont have a long-term solution. In conversations with UNRWA staff members in the refugee camps around Jerusalem who asked to remain anonymous because they are not authorized to speak with the media confusion reigned. No one knows whether, when the legislation fully go into effect in three months, schools will remain open or medicine will be delivered. Tens of thousands of Palestinians who work for the agency could soon be unemployed. Most Israelis dont really know the facts, Tamir said. They dont really understand that there is no alternative. They think, Oh, we can just bring another organization, or we could somehow do it on our own. Even if the Israeli leadership decides that it can cast aside the moral issue of providing for Palestinian civilians, shutting down services for millions poses a threat for Israel itself. Its a strategic issue that will promote more terrorism and of course all kind of epidemics that are not stopping at the border, Tamir said. So people who really know the situation I think are concerned. But most people and most politicians dont really care about the reality. Its all about the perception. Zeena Saifi, Abeer Salman, Mohammed Al-Sawalhi, Shira Gemer, Kareem Khadder, Sana Noor Haq and Richard Roth contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com By Rami Amichay and Maayan Lubell RISHON LE-ZION, Israel (Reuters) - A suspected leak of classified Gaza documents involving an aide to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has jolted Israeli politics and outraged the families of hostages held by Hamas who have been pushing for a deal to get their loved ones home. Details of the case have trickled out slowly because of a gag order. But a magistrate's ruling partly lifting the order has provided an initial glimpse of the case that the court said had compromised security sources and may have harmed Israel's efforts to release the hostages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Classified and sensitive intelligence information was taken from IDF (Israel Defence Forces) systems and taken out illegally," a ruling by the Rishon Le-Zion Magistrates' Court said on Sunday, which may have caused "serious damage to the state's security and posed a risk to information sources". In that, the court said, the leak could have hurt efforts to release the hostages. Netanyahu has denied any wrongdoing by his office staffers and said in a statement on Saturday that he was only made aware of the leaked document by the media. The four suspects - one a spokesman from Netanyahu's circle and three of them members of the security establishment - could not be reached for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details from the document in question were published by the German Bild newspaper on Sept. 6, according to Israeli newspaper Haaretz, one of the media outlets that had appealed the court to lift the gag order. The article, labelled as an exclusive, purportedly outlined the negotiation strategy of Hamas, the Palestinian Islamist militant group that Israel has been fighting in Gaza for more than a year. Around that time, the United States, Qatar and Egypt were mediating ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas, that were to include a deal to release hostages held in Gaza. But the talks faltered with Israel and Hamas trading blame for the deadlock. The article in question largely corresponded with Netanyahu's allegations against Hamas over the impasse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was published days after six Israeli hostages were found executed in a Hamas tunnel in southern Gaza. Their killing sparked mass protests in Israel and outraged hostage families, who accused Netanyahu of torpedoing the ceasefire talks for political reasons. On Saturday, some of the families joined the Israeli journalists' appeal to lift the gag order. "These people have been living on a rollercoaster of rumours and half truths," said their lawyer, Dana Pugach. "For the last year they have been waiting to hear any intelligence or any information about negotiations for the release of those hostages. If some of that information had been stolen from army sources then we think that the families have the right to learn about any relevant detail," she added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In another session on Sunday about the investigation by the Shin Bet domestic security service, police and the military, the court ordered one suspect be released, while keeping others in remand, according to Haaretz. Asked about the investigation, Bild said that it does not comment on its sources. "The authenticity of the document known to us was confirmed by the IDF (Israel Defence Forces) immediately after publication," it said. The war in Gaza erupted after Hamas-led militants attacked Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing some 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages back to the enclave, according to Israeli tallies. Israel's retaliatory offensives have killed more than 43,000 Palestinians and reduced much of Gaza to rubble. (Additional reporting by Emily Rose in Jerusalem and Friederike Heine in Berlin; Editing by James Mackenzie, Christina Fincher and Barbara Lewis) Nov. 2 (UPI) -- The Israeli military on Saturday confirmed unofficial reports it has captured a senior Hezbollah naval leader during an amphibious operation carried out deep inside northern Lebanon. Awareness of the raid was first raised after a video posted on social media appeared to show Israeli commandos landing on a beach in the northern city of Batroun and arresting a man said to be a high-ranking Hezbollah naval commander. The IDF later confirmed in a statement to media outlets that a Shayetet 13 force landed in Batroun -- a Christian town far from the southern theater of operations -- and captured a senior Hezbollah leader. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The operative has been transferred to Israeli territory and is currently being investigated by Unit 504," the IDF's statement said. Lebanese officials identified the man as mariner Imad Amhaz and said the operation was in fact an "kidnapping" of one of its citizens. Lebanese Transport Minister Ali Hamieh said that the abduction of Amhaz could be a violation of United Nations Resolution 1701, which is meant to govern security arrangements between Israel and Lebanon after their 2006 war. "The kidnapping of Amhaz took place 100 meters from his place of residence," Hamieh told local media, suggesting the operation could be a violation of the agreement. "If it is proven that the kidnapping took place via a naval landing, where is the implementation of resolution 1701?" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Witnesses said they saw an unidentified military force land on the beach in Batroun at dawn on Friday, enter a nearby chalet and take away Amhaz, the Lebanon National News Agency reported. The witnesses said the military force took the man and left on speedboats. Hezbollah confirmed "Zionist aggression in the Batroun area" occurred but did not elaborate on the matter. The raid occurred after Hezbollah in late September said its forces targeted a naval base on Israel's northern Mediterranean cost where the Shayetet 13 special force is based. That action occurred on Sept. 23, but IDF officials said no injuries were reported without confirming Hezbollah attacked the base. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The IDF on Saturday also said it "eliminated" Jaafer Khader Faour, the commander of the Hezbollah Nasser Unit's Missiles and Rockets Array, in southern Lebanon. Faour was responsible for rocket attacks targeting the Golan area, including recent attacks that killed Israeli civilians, including a dozen children, the IDF said Saturday in a post on X. Faour was responsible for carrying out terrorist attacks from eastern Lebanon and commanded the launch of the first rockets toward Israeli territory on Oct. 8, 2023. The rocket attacks started the hostilities that continue on Israel's northern front that is bordered by Lebanon. The IDF did not say when, where or how it killed Faour. Israeli naval forces have captured a senior Hezbollah operative in northern Lebanon as the conflict between the Iran-backed group and Israel showed few signs of easing. An Israeli military official said in a statement that IDF forces captured a "senior operative of Hezbollah" and took him back to Israel for investigation by military intelligence. The media outlet Axios cited Israeli sources as saying the captured man is called Imad Amhaz and is allegedly responsible for Hezbollah's naval operations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two Lebanese military officials confirmed that a naval force landed in Batroun, about 30 kilometres north of the capital Beirut, and abducted a Lebanese citizen. CCTV shows the moment a man was arrested by Israeli troops in northern Lebanon, 2 November, 2024 - Screenshot from AP video 4530611 The operation marks the first time Israel has announced it deployed troops deep into northern Lebanon to take a senior Hezbollah operative captive since the conflict between the two sides escalated in late September. Hezbollah issued a statement describing what happened as a "Zionist aggression in the Batroun area." The statement did not give details or confirm whether a Hezbollah member was captured by Israel. Soon after Israel went public about the operation, Lebanese caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati called on Lebanon's foreign minister to file a complaint against Israel at the UN Security Council. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Recounting the event, Lebanese residents from the apartment building where the man was seized said the armed group introduced themselves as state security. "We were terrified. They were breaking into the apartment next to ours," Hussein Delbani said. "I thought a state agency was doing a security operation." Kandice Ardiel, a spokesperson for the UN peacekeeping force deployed in Lebanon, UNIFIL, denied allegations by some local journalists who said that the peacekeepers helped the Israeli landing force in the operation. "Disinformation and false rumours are irresponsible and put peacekeepers at risk," Ardiel said. Cross-border fire Hezbollah and Israel have traded almost daily fire since the war in Gaza began in October last year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hezbollah is ideologically-aligned with the Gaza-based militant group Hamas and Hezbollah says its strikes on Israel are in solidarity with the Palestinian people. The year-long cross-border fighting, which has displaced tens of thousands on both sides of the border, erupted into full-blown war on 1 October when Israeli forces launched a ground invasion of southern Lebanon for the first time since 2006. It is estimated that up to 15,000 IDF soldiers have been deployed to Lebanon. The Israeli military killed "the terrorist Farouk Amin Alasi, the Hezbollah commander of the Khiam area," it said on Sunday. "Alasi was responsible for the execution of many anti-tank missile and rocket attacks toward Israeli communities in the Galilee Panhandle, and especially Metula," the tweet said. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) also eliminated "the terrorist Yousef Ahmad Nun, a Radwan Forces company commander in the Khiam area who was responsible for rocket and anti-tank missile attacks toward Israeli communities in the Galilee area and IDF troops operating in the area," the military said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hezbollah has not yet commented on the two men said to have been killed. Khiam, close to the border with Israel, is the site of ongoing fighting between the Israeli military and the Iran-backed Hezbollah militia. The IDF also "eliminated Radwan forces and other Hezbollah terrorists through air strikes and close combat," it said in a statement that added soldiers also found large stocks of Hezbollah weapons. The Israeli military killed "the terrorist Farouk Amin Alasi, the Hezbollah commander of the Khiam area," it said on Sunday as fighting continues in southern Lebanon. "Alasi was responsible for the execution of many anti-tank missile and rocket attacks toward Israeli communities in the Galilee Panhandle, and especially Metula," the tweet said. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) also eliminated "the terrorist Yousef Ahmad Nun, a Radwan Forces company commander in the Khiam area who was responsible for rocket and anti-tank missile attacks toward Israeli communities in the Galilee area and IDF troops operating in the area," the military said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hezbollah has not yet commented on the two men said to have been killed. Khiam, close to the border with Israel, is the site of ongoing fighting between the Israeli military and the Iran-backed Hezbollah militia. The IDF also "eliminated Radwan forces and other Hezbollah terrorists through air strikes and close combat," it said in a statement that added soldiers also found large stocks of Hezbollah weapons. Lebanon: Fighting continues for villages in the south Fighting between Israeli ground troops and fighters for the pro-Iranian Hezbollah militia is continuing in several villages in the south of Lebanon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Soldiers tried to enter the villages of Marun al-Ras and Jarun, the state news agency NNA reported on Sunday. There had already been reports of widespread destruction in these villages during the Israeli ground offensive. Israeli forces bombarded the strategically important town of Khiam with artillery, NNA reported. The newspaper L'Orient Le Jour reported, citing the Lebanese Red Cross, that 20 people posted missing in Khiam had now been confirmed dead. The television station LBCI reported that a hospital in Bint Jubayl had been damaged in an Israeli air raid. Hezbollah continued its shelling of Israel and announced that it had attacked several Israeli towns with rockets. The information cannot be independently verified at this time. UN: Humanitarian situation in Lebanon worse than 2006 war The United Nations says the humanitarian situation in Lebanon is now even worse than during the last war against Israel 18 years ago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The humanitarian situation in Lebanon has reached levels that exceed the severity of the 2006 war," the UN emergency aid office OCHA said on Sunday. "The situation has escalated anew in recent days, with the Israeli army issuing displacement orders for residents of Baalbek and Nabatieh, shortly before airstrikes targeted these locations." The office said the toll on the population has been "exacerbated by the destruction of critical infrastructure including healthcare, with many hospitals overwhelmed and reportedly urgently requesting blood donations to address the critical influx of casualties." The current war between Israel and Hezbollah began on October 8 last year with rocket attacks by the Lebanese Shiite militia in support of the Islamist Hamas movement in the Gaza Strip, which had launched the Gaza war with its terrorist attack on Israel the previous day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Almost 3,000 people have been killed in Lebanon since then and a further 13,300 injured, according to official reports. The Ministry of Health does not distinguish between civilians and members of Hezbollah in its lists. Among the dead are also about 180 minors and 600 women. In its latest report, OCHA emphasized that more than 11,000 pregnant women have been affected by the war, including 1,300 who had to give birth in a health system on the verge of collapse. The Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon, Imran Riza, condemned attacks on civilians and infrastructure, calling for "an immediate cessation of hostilities to protect vulnerable populations." During a visit to Israel's border with Lebanon, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reiterated that Israel will do everything it can to remove the Hezbollah militia from the region. Hezbollah must be pushed back to the north of the Litani river, which is about 30 kilometres from the border, Netanyahu said, according to statement issued by his office on Sunday. Netanyahu has vowed to create conditions for the safe return of citizens to their homes in northern Israel. One of those conditions is to prevent Hezbollah from rearming in the future, the prime minister said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We are attacking in all parts of Lebanon," Netanyahu asserted. He added that Israel must react in a comprehensive way to any action against us. Another goal that he mentioned is preventing arms shipments from Iran to Hezbollah via Syria. A high-level drug dealer known as Nuke was sentenced to 21 years and 10 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to trafficking methamphetamine. Paul Allen Anderson, Jr. had been under surveillance by the FBI and the Jacksonville Sheriffs Office for months. In September and October of 2023, agents saw Anderson, 32, conduct several drug deals from his apartment and the parking lot of a nearby business. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] Read: JSO, Mayor responds to viral videos of officers involved in fights at the GA/FL game On October 20, 2023, FBI agents and JSO detectives executed search warrants at his homes in Jacksonville and Orange Park. In his Jacksonville home, they found more than 19 pounds of marijuana, more than three kilograms of pure crystal meth, 140 grams of fentanyl, 63 grams of powder cocaine, a loaded Glock semi-automatic pistol, more than $1000 in cash, plus drug paraphernalia like vacuum-sealed bags and digital scales. In Orange Park, they found four loaded guns, more than $30,000 in cash and a bulletproof vest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This case epitomizes how law enforcement agencies work together to stop criminals from threatening the safety and stability of our neighborhoods, Kristin Rehler, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Jacksonville Division, said in a news release. Drug traffickers have no place in Jacksonville, and the FBI and our partners on the Safe Streets Task Force will continue to focus on stopping the movement of illegal drugs on our streets and ensuring our neighborhoods are free from illegal firearms. JSO said on social media, Taking Anderson off our streets has made a significant impact on the supply of dangerous drugs in our city. Read: Floridas convicted killer clown released from prison for the murder of her husbands then-wife [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live. James Ledbetter, a pioneering media critic whose sharp analysis won him a large following across several publications, died Monday at his home in Manhattan of a heart attack. He was 60 years old, his family told the media. A graduate of Yale, Ledbetter had a substantial media career. He wrote the popular Press Clips column for The Village Voice in the 1990s, a time when media criticism was beginning to fully blossom into the mainstream. Before that, he was a speechwriter for Brooklyn DA Elizabeth Holtzman. He then became an editor at Seven Days magazine and a media critic at The New York Observer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He joined The Voice in 1990, later becoming a senior editor at Time magazine, a web editor at Fortune and the editor of The Big Money, a business spinoff of online magazine Slate. Ledbetter spent time as the opinion editor of Reuters, the head of content at Sequoia Capital, chief content officer of Clarim Media (publisher of Worth magazine) and served as executive editor of Observer Media, which publishes the online successor to The New York Observer. Most recently, he was an editor at the management consulting firm KPMG. Along the way, he also became the editor-in-chief of Inc. magazine, later starting a popular Substack column on financial technology. In a memorable column about The New York Post in 1998, Ledbetter condemned New York state for approving a $12.9 million economic development grant to the newspaper in an effort to stop it from moving to New Jersey. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Why, taxpayers want to know, should part of our hard-earned paychecks pamper the pockets of the paper thats always complaining about everyone elses welfare check? he wrote. Especially since that paper is owned by billionaire Rupert Murdoch? Ledbetter was also an early champion of diversity in media, highlighted by a 1995 investigation decrying the unbearable whiteness of magazine and book publishing in New York. New Yorks print media industries have at least one significant trait in common; like firefighting, theyve been shielded from the demographic shifts in New York over the last several decades, he wrote. Ledbetter became the New York bureau chief of The Industry Standard, a magazine which covered the internet. The publication, once fat with ads, crashed in the 2001 dot-com crash. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ledbetter wrote about what happened to the publication and why in his book, Starving to Death on $200 Million: The Short, Absurd Life of The Industry Standard. He also wrote the books One Nation Under Gold (2017) and Made Possible by The Death of Public Television in the United States (1997). He is survived by his sisters, Kathleen Ledbetter Rishel and Laura Baird; a son, Henry; and his parents. He was separated from his wife, Erinn Bucklan. The post James Ledbetter, Media Analyst and Author, Dies at 60 appeared first on TheWrap. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah condemned the grenade attack at the Tourist Reception Centre (TRC) and weekly market in Srinagar on Sunday, saying there can be "no justification for targeting innocent civilians." "The last few days have been dominated by headlines of attacks & encounters in parts of the valley. Today's news of a grenade attack on innocent shoppers at the 'Sunday market' in Srinagar is deeply disturbing. There can be no justification for targeting innocent civilians," the CM said in a post on X. CM Abdullah further said that the security apparatus must do everything possible to end this spurt of attacks. "The security apparatus must do everything possible to end this spurt of attacks at the earliest so that people can go about their lives without any fear," he added. Earlier in the day, terrorists attacked the TRC and shoppers at the weekly market in Srinagar by hurling a grenade, injuring several people. Security forces immediately reached the scene, and the injured were shifted to the hospital. Following the incident, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir, Vidhi Kumar Birdi, also reached the Govt SHMS Hospital, where those injured in the attack were admitted. "This kind of thing never happened here before. I don't know what's going on these past few days... Even during the peak of militancy, nothing like this ever happened," a local resident said. The grenade attack comes a day after a Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) commander was killed in an encounter in the Khanyar area of Srinagar. On Saturday, IGP Kashmir Vidhi Kumar Birdi told ANI that the LeT commander, identified as Usman, was a foreign terrorist involved in the murder of Inspector Masroor. Four security personnel were injured in the encounter. In a separate incident, two terrorists were killed by security forces during an encounter in Anantnag district on Saturday. Congress leader Ravindra Sharma said called the attack incidents "a conspiracy to disturb the atmosphere in the valley." "This is a conspiracy to disturb the atmosphere here. Such incidents have increased ever since elections have been held and the new government has been formed. Sunday market is mostly crowded. I will pray for the well-being of those injured in the attack. This proves that militancy is still there in the valley. Central government has the entire law and order and security apparatus in its hand. We call for strict action," said Sharma. (ANI) Conservative activist James OKeefe has been warned against placing hidden cameras at voting locations in Arizona an act that would be completely illegal after he claimed to be in the process of sending the devices out. Maricopa County attorney Rachel Mitchell spelled this out in a letter sent to OKeefe. If you were to send a poll worker a hidden camera to record audiovisual in a voting location, you might be guilty of conspiracy to violate Arizona law, she wrote in the message obtained by the Washington Post via the states public-records law. As ABC15 political analyst Garrett Archer explained of OKeefes plans on X, Sothis is illegal. Its a privacy violation against voters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Oct. 26, OKeefe wrote on X, If youre a poll worker, election judge, or election clerk who wants to record in your polling location,@okeefemedia will ship you a specialized OMG hidden camera early this week ahead of the election. SHIPPING HIDDEN CAMS TO POLL WORKERS THIS WEEK: If youre a poll worker, election judge, or election clerk who wants to record in your polling location, @okeefemedia will ship you a specialized OMG hidden camera early this week ahead of the election. Send us an email with your pic.twitter.com/wmMJD3KOiL James O'Keefe (@JamesOKeefeIII) October 26, 2024 Yes, the acronym for OKeefes organization, OKeefe Media Group, is OMG. OKeefe specified that his organization will also determine if youre in a Jurisdiction where its legal to record. He also previously shared a video secretly recorded at a polling site in Arizona. The conservative activist has a history of using undercover video to try to expose what he has claimed are nefarious deeds by the mainstream media and liberal groups, but he has frequently been criticized for using deceptively edited videos and other dubious techniques. He was fired from the organization he founded, Project Veritas, last year, with comedian John Oliver celebrating the firing on Last Week Tonight and calling OKeefe the alt-right Borat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Voter privacy is of utmost importance in the United States it is not legal for anyone to find out who you have voted for unless you consent to it. OKeefe did not specifically identify Arizona as one of the states he has targeted, but officials in the state are on alert because of the video he posted, as well as his history posting a video secretly recorded at an Arizona voting location. Each state has its own laws that pertain to video recording and photography at polling sites. For example, Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Indiana, Nebraska, Oklahoma and Utah allow ballot selfies; Florida allows voters to take a picture of their ballot, but not of them inserting the ballot into voting machines. All ballots in Oregon are by mail, and voters are allowed to take photos of their ballots. But Texas does not allow any wireless communication devices or recording devices when voting, which makes legally taking a photo of a ballot with a phone impossible. The topic of voter privacy has been hyper-relevant to this years election and has even pervaded social media, where a no one will ever know trend has dominated most platforms in the weeks leading up to Election Day. Videos mostly made by women have shown people voting to cancel out their partners opposing vote, usually with the implication that the women will be supporting more liberal policies than the men, including reproductive rights. The videos are often funny, but highlight a real concern that many people contend with in their relationships or marriages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Of particular concern to Democrats and Kamala Harris is the votes of conservative and often white women, who have historically tended to vote along the lines of their husbands in an act of deference to their decisions. Democratic pollster Celinda Lake told The Guardian, Women often give deference to the presumed expertise of their husbands on politics, and then the men reinforce that presumption and express their intensity and so-called greater expertise. We try to reinforce to women that you have your own way of doing things, your own point of view, you focus on whats good for the whole family. Then we emphasize that the vote is private, Lake shared. The post James OKeefe Gets Warned Not to Place Hidden Cameras at Arizona Polls: You Might Be Guilty of Conspiracy appeared first on TheWrap. WASHINGTON (AP) Japan has grounded its fleet of V-22 Osprey aircraft again after an incident last Sunday where one of the hybrid helicopter-aircraft tilted unexpectedly and hit the ground while trying to take off. The V-22 was taking part in the joint U.S. military exercise Keen Sword and carrying 16 passengers, including three U.S. service members. During takeoff it became unstable as it swayed from side to side, and the left wing, the lower part of the aircraft came into contact with the ground and part of the aircraft was damaged, so the flight was aborted," Japan's Ground Self Defense Forces said in a statement. It was the first major incident involving Japan's V-22 fleet since a U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command Osprey crash last November off the coast of Japan killed eight service members and led to a monthslong grounding of the entire fleet for both Japan and the U.S. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The aircraft resumed flight operations earlier this year, but the Ospreys use remains controversial particularly in Okinawa, where residents have questioned its safety record. The Osprey in last Sunday's incident was able to land and no one was injured, however Japan will keep its fleet of more than a dozen V-22s grounded while it investigates the incident, Defense Minister Gen Nakatani told reporters last week. We believe there is no safety problem with Ospreys, although ensuring flight safety is a prerequisite for aircraft operations, Nakatani said. The Pentagon's V-22 joint program office is supporting Japan's investigation into the incident, spokesman Neil Lobeda said Saturday. The V-22 was operating on the Japanese island of Yonaguni during the joint exercise Keen Sword. Yonaguni is only 100 kilometers (62 miles) east of Taiwan. ___ Yamaguchi reported from Tokyo Former president Donald Trumps son-in-law and nepotism hall of famer Jared Kushner has been quietly advising the Republican nominees transition team, according to a new report. One of the most consequential figures during Trumps term in office, Kushner, 43, has kept a low profile during the 2024 election, insisting he is focused on his investment firm, Affinity Partners, which has mysteriously failed to make any money for its clients while taking in billions from Saudi and other government groups. That hasnt stopped the former senior advisor to the president from huddling with his father-in-laws transition co-chair, Howard Lutnick, about building out a roster of appointees ready to carry out the MAGA agenda on day one, according to a report in the Wall Street Journal. Former advisor Jared Kushner looks on as his father-in-law, former president Donald Trump, speaks in the Oval Office. The Journal reported Lutnick, the billionaire CEO of investment firm Cantor Fitzgerald, has frequently leaned on Kushner for references for people he worked with in the Trump White House, and for advice about how to present potential nominees to the former president. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lutnik first confirmed Kushners involvement to independent journalist Michael Tracey last month, though didnt offer details. Trump transition team co-chair @howardlutnick did not reveal who would hold top positions in a second Trump administration. But, he told @mtracey that Jared Kushner is "actively helping" him to find "talent:" pic.twitter.com/BhirkiN1fO System Update (@SystemUpdate_) October 3, 2024 Kushner apparently offered the guidance that its best to give the tempestuous Trump three or four names for every position and let his whims dictate the final call. Kushner and his wife, Ivanka Trump, have been virtually absent from the public-facing component of this years Trump campaigntheir only notable appearance was as part of the family entourage at this years Republican National Convention. By contrast, Ivanka introduced her father in major prime time convention speeches in 2016 and 2020. Lutnick has also spoke to MAGA billionaire and alleged semen offerer upper Elon Musk, who has spent tens of millions to help elect Trump and advocated for cutting $2 trillion a year from the federal budget. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lutnicks activities havent been universally welcomed in Trump World, the Journal said. Some MAGA diehards began fretting after Lutnick told a dinner of donors from New Yorks financial elite last month that he needs resumes from their well-heeled networks to fill thousands of jobs in a potential second Trump administration. Many in Trumps camp are deeply suspect of Wall Street. Howards not a regular Wall Street guyhes a real MAGA guy, Trumps eldest son, Donald Jr., an honorary transition team co-chair, told the Journal, of Lutnick. Have you heard him talk about tariffs? Have you heard him talk about shredding the deep state bureaucracy? Hes one of us. DERRY Republican vice-presidential nominee JD Vance bashed Vice President Kamala Harris and touted former President Donald Trump in a last-minute attempt to shore up support in New Hampshire just two days before the 2024 presidential election. Vance held the rally at the New England Sports Center in Derry on Sunday night. It had been announced Donald Trump Jr. was expected to join Vance, but he did not speak. Vances visit to the Granite State was a bit of an outlier, as both campaigns have been focused on the seven swing states where the election is likely to be decided. Vance held rallies in Pennsylvania and North Carolina, two of the battleground states, earlier in the day Sunday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I gotta be honest, a couple months ago, I wasnt necessarily sure that the day before the last full day of the campaign, wed be in the great state of New Hampshire, but I think that it suggests that what were doing is expanding the map, were bringing new voters into this coalition and for the folks in New Hampshire who want to live free, we are the only ticket in town, Donald J. Trump is the only president for you, Vance said. I believe in two days, we will turn New Hampshire red. Trump cuts into Harris' lead in NH polls Republican vice presidential nominee JD Vance speaks at a campaign rally just two days before the 2024 presidential election in Derry, Sunday Nov. 3. Recent polls show Harris leading Trump in the Granite State, but by a shrinking margin. A University of New Hampshire Survey Center poll released Sunday found Harris ahead by 5 points, down from 9 points in the previous poll. A poll released Oct. 30 by Saint Anselm found the same results: up by five, a smaller margin than previous polls. Political analyst Scott Spradling told WMUR the Trump campaign might think that they can take the state, and Vances rhetoric suggested the same. Vance painted Trump as the candidate of change, rather than Harris, the sitting vice president. I've never seen a politician that shameless who can stand before the American people and say, on day one, we're going to fix the affordability crisis, or on day one, we're going to secure (the border), he said. Kamala, day one was 1,400 days ago. What the hell have you been doing the whole time? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: Harris, Trump rally swing states with 2 days left; new polls Vance repeated many campaign themes, speaking about high prices of groceries, the border, and the opioid crisis. He said that the immigration crisis would overcrowd New Hampshire schools and overwhelm New Hampshire hospitals. He said that the compassion of the American president belongs with the American people who have a right to be here. More: JD Vance's final pitch to Arizona voters on Saturday ties economic woes to illegal immigration Campaign staff at the event said they estimated there were 1,400 attendees inside the building, and 800 outside listening on loudspeakers. They chanted JD, USA, and we love Trump at various points along his speech. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vance encouraged attendees to turn out, saying it's the "only way" they will win. I want all of you to get out there and vote 10 times. This is not a Kamala Harris event. We only vote once," he said, echoing Trump's false claims of voter fraud. "Here is how we're going to vote 10 times the legal way. I want you to get yourself to the polls on Tuesday, and I want you to take nine of your friends and family with you. This was Vances first visit to New Hampshire since becoming Trumps vice-presidential nominee. Trump last visited New Hampshire in January, before the first-in-the-nation primary. Vance made the first high-profile Trump campaign stop in the state since spring. His appearance was preceded by Republican congressional candidates Russell Prescott and Lily Tang Williams, as well as a New Hampshire Trump campaign chairman who encouraged the crowd to vote Republican up and down the ballot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Former U.S. Sen. Kelly Ayotte, the Republican candidate for governor, did not make an appearance at the rally. Trump supporters think New Hampshire is 'in play' Trump supporters at the JD Vance rally were feeling bullish about the former presidents chances in New Hampshire. "With New Hampshire, it really is in a unique spot, because so much of the state can go either way, and historically, it has gone either way," said Rachel Peters. "I mean, within the last I'd say 20 years, yes, I would say it has been a little bit more blue-leaning. But I do think that it has the ability to be a swing state, so it doesn't surprise me at all that JD is here, that there is a Republican presence here." Two women embrace while watching JD Vance address the crowd in Derry Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024. Bob Murphy said while New Hampshire has voted for a Democrat for president in each election since 2004, he thinks this year is Trumps best chance to flip it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont think hed be here if it wasnt in play, said Murphy, referring to Vance. Murphy said he doesnt pay attention to the polls, which have largely showed Harris ahead in New Hampshire. It was a sentiment echoed by other attendees. But several people also voiced their distrust in the system. I think youre gonna see record numbers this year. I think youre gonna see 100,000 votes, said Lisa Banister, expressing concerns over illegal immigrants voting. Trump has increasingly levied false accusations of high levels of voting by non-citizens, despite data showing it to be very rare. Others said they were worried about people from Massachusetts or Maine voting in New Hampshire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New Hampshire Secretary of State David Scanlan has emphasized that elections in New Hampshire are safe and secure, and that voters "should be confident that the voters on the checklist are United States citizens." Despite their trepidations over the election, all were enthusiastic about Vance, praising his stances on the issues and his speaking ability. He is the new Republican Partys Barack Obama, said Peters. This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: JD Vance brings Trump campaign to NH in late play for state's voters As the presidential election reaches its final days, first lady Jill Biden made a stop in Macon Saturday afternoon to campaign on behalf of Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz. While the first ladys remarks were wide-ranging including repeating Harris promise to lower costs for the middle class and criticizing former President Donald Trumps rhetoric Biden especially focused on one critical group: women. Data shows that a significant gender gap has arisen this election, with women significantly more likely to support Harris over Trump than men. The Harris campaign has sought to capitalize on this divide, with Biden putting a spotlight on abortion rights during her visit to Macon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No one has to abandon their faith and deeply held beliefs to agree that the government shouldnt be telling women what to do, Biden said. By speaking directly to women, the campaign hopes to turn out an important group in Georgia on Election Day and propel Harris and Walz to the White House. Mind the gap According to data from an ABC News poll, Harris has a 14-point lead over Trump among women, with 56% of likely female voters supporting the vice president. By comparison, Trump has a six-point lead among male voters. Thats a wider gap than the 2020 election, where Biden led Trump among female voters by 11 points, according to the Pew Research Center. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While its hard to explain with data alone why women are supporting Harris at such a high rate, experts guess they have chosen her because of her stance on abortion rights. In 2022, the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, the landmark 1973 decision that generally protected womens rights to an abortion. Three of the five justices who voted to overturn the decision were appointed by Trump. Since then, 13 states have fully banned abortion, six have a gestational limit between six and 12 weeks and five have a gestational limit between 15 and 22 weeks, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. While Donald Trump hasnt made his views on abortion very clear, in the past he has said he would allow states to determine laws surrounding abortion. Harris has expressed a commitment to codifying abortion rights into law if elected. It takes a woman While Jill Bidens Macon appearance drew a diverse crowd, it was obvious that women dominated the attendance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Donna Williams, who came to see the first lady speak, said that as a woman who remembers when Roe v. Wade was first handed down, it hurts to see abortion rights under threat. Voting to protect them is a major priority for her this election. (Harris) wants to go forward, Williams said. For those who came up when birth control came out, when Roe v. Wade came out of the Supreme Court, we cannot believe the Republican Party is trying to take us back to the 1950s. Sabrina Ellis-Friday, the executive director of a local charity called the Mothers Nest that focuses on helping women living in poverty, said abortion rights are especially crucial to poor women. They need to have their choices, Ellis-Friday said. Theyre already in the lower class, so at least give them something to hold onto, so that they have a decision. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to a study by the University of California San Francisco, women who were denied an abortion were more likely to live in poverty in subsequent years. However, Ellis-Friday also said she would like to see greater support for poor women from Harris campaign platform. She hoped to learn more about what the vice president could do for Americas poorest citizens if elected. The message has been all about the higher class and the middle class, Ellis-Friday said. I just want to hear some messages about the lower class, the people that I represent. Elsie Stephens, another attendee, said she thinks women can see themselves and feel truly represented by Harris. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It takes a woman to understand another woman, Stephens said. She knows the feelings of women and how we have been suppressed for so many years. Could women decide the election? While Election Day isnt until Tuesday, early voting numbers show women have gone to the polls at higher rates than men. In Georgia which polls currently show is tied between Harris and Trump 56% of people who have already voted are women, while just under 44% are men, according to data from the Georgia Secretary of State. While its unclear how Georgia women are voting, Democrats, including Jill Biden, are hopeful that emphasizing women and encouraging turnout will provide a path to win Georgia and, by extension, the White House. We have to work harder than we ever have before, we have to push further than weve pushed in the past, Jill Biden said. We have to meet this moment as if our democracy is on the line, because it is. U.S. Mark Kelly argued Sunday that former President Donald Trump and congressional Republicans have ill-defined plans that would imperil the economy, especially in Arizona. Appearing on Fox News Sunday, Kelly, D-Ariz., was asked why many Americans still view the U.S. economy warily and after Vice President Kamala Harris said in an interview she couldnt think of anything she would do differently than President Joe Biden. I think it simply comes down to the fact that she has a plan and he, after 10 years of either running for president, being president for four years, then running for president again for four years, he has nothing to offer the American people except grievance and tariffs, Kelly said. Tariffs turns into taxes for families. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kelly, who has been a prominent national surrogate for Harris, also referenced Project 2025, the controversial blueprint for the next president written by the conservative Heritage Foundation that included contributions from some who worked under him. Trump has distanced himself from the nearly 900-page report. He called the plans really a bad deal for the American people and these tariffs are going to be devastating for them. By contrast, Kelly argued, Harris wants tax-cutting legislation that would primarily benefit middle-class taxpayers, while Trump wants to renew his tax cut law that tilted to corporations and business owners. Kelly framed the choice as Harris has: She wants to help the middle class and Trump wants to help billionaires. It is a rejoinder to polling that has shown likely voters giving Trump an advantage over the Democrats on his handling of the economy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kelly twice mentioned the CHIPS and Science Act that he helped author and that has contributed to the semiconductor manufacturing expansion in the Phoenix area. Related: CHIPS Act and government subsidies draw attention in campaign's last days Arizona has attracted more than $100 billion in semiconductor investments, nearly two-thirds of that from Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., as the worlds largest chipmaker completes a factory in north Phoenix, with commercial production slated to begin early next year. TSMCs presence has attracted dozens of suppliers, too. In an Oct. 25 interview with podcaster Joe Rogan, Trump seemed to express hostility to Taiwan, saying the island across from mainland China stole our chip business. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump said that chip deal is so bad. He went on to suggest that building plants in the U.S. alone is enough incentive to escape his planned tariffs. Last week, House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., also told reporters in New York that we probably will repeal CHIPS next year, then softened his rhetoric while standing with U.S. Rep. Brandon Williams, R-N.Y., who now backs much of its aims in a politically competitive district where chipmaker Micron is poised to build a new facility. Later, Johnson said he misheard the question he was asked and said he wants only to strip out parts of the CHIPS law that deal with the Green New Deal. Were talking about doing away with tens of thousands of good-paying jobs, Kelly said. I went back and listened multiple times to what he said and the question. Its very clear to me that he didnt misunderstand what was said there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He actually repeated part of the question in the answer. He said that if Donald Trump is president, theyre going to end this program, which is probably the biggest foreign investment in our country. Donald Trump made it perfectly clear that program is dead if he is president again. When Harris became the Democratic nominee, Kelly was a finalist to become her running mate. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Harris offers plan, not 'grievance and tariffs,' Sen. Mark Kelly says Pro-Palestine protests interrupted Vice President Kamala Harris rally in Charlotte Saturday evening. The protesters, as well as a few supporters of former President Donald Trump, were escorted out of the rally at PNC Music Pavilion by security after shouting loudly over Harris. Harris addressed both groups of protesters at the rally, telling attendees that the protests were an example of democracy. Its all good, Harris said. One of the reasons we are here is because we are fighting for a democracy and the right of people to speak their mind. But right now I am speaking. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The group of around 10 pro-Palestine protesters said Harris should stop arming Israel and held up a banner that was quickly ripped out of their hands by an attendee before being escorted out of the venue. We all want that war in the Middle East to end. We want the hostages home, Harris told protesters. When I am president I will do everything in my power to make it so. Ahead of Harris appearance, the Party for Socialism and Liberation and Charlotte United for Palestine made a post on Instagram asking protesters to fill up the seats at the venue. No votes for genocide. No lesser of two evils, the post reads. No war criminals are welcome here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Harris also was interrupted by Pro-Palestine protests on Thursday in Madison, Wisconsin and responded similarly by saying she wants the war to end. Harris and the Biden administration have said they are pushing for a ceasefire deal that includes the release of Israeli hostages, but have largely defended Israels military tactics in the wake of the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas-led attack, NPR reported. According to Reuters, more than 41,500 people have been killed by Israeli military forces in Gaza since the October attack where Hamas militants killed more than 1,200 people. Once the protesters were removed from the venue, Harris continued her pitch as the commonsense candidate for president. She spoke about helping the middle class, protecting reproductive rights and helping small businesses during her roughly 30-minute speech. What I care about, on your behalf, is truly about dignity, Harris said after addressing protesters. It is about the importance of lifting people up and not trying to tear them down. Kamala Harris has taken a surprise three-point lead over Donald Trump in Iowa, according to a survey taken by a respected pollster. The research, by Ann Selzer for the Des Moines Register, puts Ms Harris on 47 per cent of the vote in the state and Trump on 44 per cent. The result suggests that Iowa, which is considered a safe Republican state, is closer than analysts had previously expected. If the predicted swing towards Ms Harris in Iowa is accurate and is replicated nationally on Tuesday, she would win the presidential election by a landslide. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The poll of 808 likely voters, who were surveyed between October 28 and 31, found a significant shift among older voters, especially among women over 65, who favoured Ms Harris by 63 per cent to 28 per cent. Polls also show Ms Harris has a big lead over Trump among early voters - Al Drago Independent likely voters also favour Ms Harris by 46 per cent to 39 per cent, the poll found, along with women, who favoured her by 20 points. The shock result, from one of the most respected pollsters in America, is an outlier and contradicts other surveys that have found Trump leading Ms Harris in recent weeks. Its hard for anybody to say they saw this coming, Ms Selzer told the Register. She has clearly leaped into a leading position. Trump rallied in North Carolina on Saturday - Chip Somodevilla Another poll released by Emerson College taken on November 1 and 2 found Trump ahead by nine points, on 54 per cent of the vote to Ms Harriss 45 per cent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, Ms Selzers poll is significant because Iowa has been a safe Republican state since 2016. It is not considered one of the seven swing states in this race, and Trump won Iowa in his past two presidential campaigns by more than 9 percentage points in 2016 and 8 points in 2020. Ms Selzer is considered a doyenne of polling in Iowa, and correctly predicted Barack Obamas strong performance there during the Democratic primaries in 2008. Her research has generally been accurate in previous races. In response to the survey, Trumps campaign issued a memo from its chief pollster, Tony Fabrizio, which described it as an outlier. Jon Bon Jovi performed at Ms Harriss campaign event on Saturday - Al Drago The memo contrasted Ms Selzers findings with the Emerson College poll, arguing that the second survey was more similar to exit polls in 2020. Pundits suggested that if Ms Selzers poll was correct, it could be explained by a boost in support for Ms Harris among women, because of a six-week abortion ban which took effect in Iowa in July. Ms Harris has made her opposition to abortion bans a major feature of her campaign, and has promised to reinstate federal protections for abortion access if she is elected on Tuesday. Whichever candidate wins Iowa will collect six Electoral College votes. A total of 270 are needed to win the election, of 538 available from all states. Both candidates have paid little attention to Iowa during the campaign, preferring to hold rallies in the battleground states of Wisconsin, Michigan, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Georgia, Arizona and Nevada. Nationally, Ms Harris is ahead of Trump by one point, according to an average of polls collated by FiveThirtyEight. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. A crucial meeting of the Coordination Committee of all Bar Associations of Delhi was held on Sunday, where it was unanimously resolved that lawyers will abstain from work on November 4, 2024. This decision comes in strong condemnation of the brutal attack on an innocent lawyer in Ghaziabad, allegedly directed by the district judge. Advocate Jagdeep Vats, of the Coordination Committee of all Bar Associations of Delhi, condemned the police's actions while talking with ANI. He stated that the lathi charge on lawyers inside the courtroom is highly condemnable and must be addressed. Recently, the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) has strongly condemned the alleged violent actions of the police against advocates inside the Ghaziabad court premises, characterizing the incident as an egregious violation of rights and the rule of law. The association specifically criticizes the high-handedness of the UP Police, noting that such acts of aggression under the direction of the District & Sessions Judge, Anil Kumar-X, are unacceptable and undermine the integrity of the judicial system. The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) resolution has made it clear that it will not tolerate any attacks on the dignity of advocates. In light of recent events, the SCBA demands immediate action from both the Allahabad High Court and the Uttar Pradesh Government to address the situation effectively. Specifically, the SCBA calls for an inquiry into the conduct of Anil Kumar-X, the District & Sessions Judge of Ghaziabad, to be led by a sitting judge of the Allahabad High Court, including the Chief Justice and the Administrative Judge responsible for Ghaziabad. They also emphasize the need for a thorough investigation into the incident and accountability for both the District & Sessions Judge and the police officers involved. Furthermore, the SCBA demands the dismissal of Anil Kumar-X and the police officers responsible for the lathi charge, along with compensation for the injured advocates. To prevent such incidents from recurring, they urge the implementation of measures that would safeguard advocates and their families, including the introduction of the Advocates Protection Act. In addition, the SCBA calls on the Bar Council of India and all State Bar Councils to take necessary steps to protect advocates' rights, ensuring they can perform their duties without fear of intimidation or harassment. The SCBA stands firmly in solidarity with the advocates of Ghaziabad and pledges to do everything possible to ensure justice is served. (ANI) If elected, Vice President Kamala Harris said she would push Congress to pass the border security bill Republicans and Democrats drafted earlier this year. That failed deal has become the centerpiece of Harris campaign promises on immigration and provides a window into Harris likely approach to immigration as President. The bipartisan bill would have added thousands of Border Patrol and other immigration personnel, sped up immigration decisions, and made it harder to claim asylum in the U.S. The bill was supported by the National Border Patrol Council, the union that represents border agents. But the effort died when Donald Trump publicly pressured Republicans to back out of the deal, calling it a death wish for the GOP. During Bidens first three years in office, the Border Patrol apprehended about 2 million people per year on average trying to enter the U.S. between border crossings. Illegal crossings on the U.S. border fell this summer after the Biden Administration added caps on asylum during periods of elevated illegal border crossings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Voters consistently ranked immigration as one of their top issues in the 2024 election. For months, polling showed the issue was a weak spot for Harris. Trump has labeled Harris as the border czar, trying to blame her for the countrys immigration challenges and overstating her diplomatic task as Vice President to reduce the root causes of migration from El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras. Since becoming the partys nominee, Harris has tacked to the center on border security. At campaign events and in ads and interviews, she has emphasized her work as a prosecutor in California bringing cases against transnational crime syndicates and human traffickers. Heres what to know about Harris immigration plan if she were to win the presidential election. More Border Patrol agents Harris supports adding more Border Patrol agents. In February, Republicans and Democrats in Congress had agreed on a border security deal that would have added 1,500 more agents and immigration personnel and expanded the roster of immigration judges and asylum officers. Harris has repeatedly said she would press Congress to pass that bill if she becomes President. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The deal would also expand immigration detention. Harris supports provisions in the border bill that would add more immigration detention beds, bringing the current total from 34,000 beds to about 50,000 beds. That means more people held by immigration officials while their deportation cases are heard in court. More asylum officers and immigration judges Harris has also supported provisions in the bill aimed at staffing up the officials who determine who is allowed to stay in the U.S. The deal would add 4,300 new asylum officers to speed up decisions on who gets asylum protection and who doesnt qualify. Doing so would likely reduce delays and make it faster to remove those who dont qualify. Harris has also proposed opening up more offices overseas where people can make asylum claims. It can take years for asylum claims to be decided, Harris said in September while campaigning in Douglas, Ariz. Well, this is a problem we can solve, including by hiring more asylum officers and expanding processing centers in peoples home countries. Harris also supports adding 100 more immigration court judges and associated support staff to address the backlog in immigration cases that has extended the amount of time people are waiting in the U.S. to hear about a deportation decision. Those changes would require additional funding from Congress, and Harris would need to convince Republican lawmakers to follow through on the compromise deal they made earlier this year. A higher bar for asylum claims As Vice President, Harris supported capping new asylum claims when illegal border crossings spiked over 2,500 per day, as a way to deter migrants from appearing at the border. Harris also supported tougher provisions in the bipartisan border deal that would have increased the requirements for people seeking asylum in the U.S. Asylum seekers would have to show that there was no safe place for them to avoid persecution in their home country, including moving to a different town. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Harris also supported provisions in the bill that made it easier to deport asylum seekers who dont meet the required standards for protection. Under the plan, new asylum seekers would be placed either into expedited removal or a six-month process conducted by asylum officers outside the immigration court system called protection determination. Expand legal pathways for immigrants Campaigning in Douglas, Ariz. in September, Harris said that the country doesnt have to choose between securing the border and making the immigration system more orderly and humane. We can and we must do both, Harris said. We need clear, legal pathways for people seeking to come into our country, and we must make our current system work better. Harris supports adding 250,000 family and employment-based visas over five years, provisions that were in the bipartisan border deal shes pledged to resurrect. She has also promised to go farther. She vowed that as President she would work to create an earned pathway to citizenship for Americans in the country without authorization. I will work with Congress to create, at long last, a pathway to citizenship for hardworking immigrants who have been here for years, for years, and deserve to have a system that works, Harris said in Arizona in September. Write to Nik Popli at nik.popli@time.com. KANSAS Despite recent rain, federal lawmakers say drought is just one of the big issues facing farmers today. Kansas Senator Jerry Moran says hes hoping to help by providing more resources to fire departments battling grass and brush fires tied to the drought. And he says the federal governments biggest responsibility to farmers is to put a new farm bill in place. The farm bill expired earlier this year, and Moran says that put many things in jeopardy, especially farm finances. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You add to the drought problem the increasing import costs, everything costs more money today for a farmer, and so the circumstances are really serious, said Senator Jerry Moran, (R)-Kansas. Moran says when he left Washington, D.C. earlier this week, it appeared there was movement towards having a new farm bill in place, hopefully by the end of the year. If a new farm bill is not passed, most of the funding for key programs will revert back to policies from the 1938 and 1949 farm bills. According to the non-partisan Congressional Research Service, the old policies are not consistent with modern farming practices and international trade agreements and would cost the federal government billions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNF/KODE | FourStatesHomepage.com. Attendees hold signs at the Nov. 2, 2024, rally for womens rights at the Statehouse in Topeka. (Grace Hills/Kansas Reflector) TOPEKA Kansas women and their allies rallied Saturday at the Statehouse in support of candidates who value womens rights. Speakers emphasized the historic struggles women have gone through for rights specifically with bodily autonomy. Former Kansas Rep. and Topeka Mayor Joan Wagnon, now 84, recalled her time in high school where women would wear coat hangers on their sweaters to symbolize the back-alley abortion procedures that were common before Roe v. Wade. When Roe was instated, she remembers celebrating while protesters called her a baby killer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Every year that I was in the House, and every year since then, there has been stronger and more restrictive pushes on Roe, Wagnon said. That culminated in Kansas with a conservative majority, and the placement of an anti-abortion constitutional amendment on the August 2022 ballot. Weeks after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, voters in Kansas by an 18-point margin rejected the attempt to rewrite the Kansas Constitution, upending the political landscape. Joining Wagnon at the rainy afternoon rally were Kansas Democratic Party chairwoman Jeanna Repass, Democratic congressional candidate Nancy Boyda, Democratic Kansas House candidates Alexis Simmons and Jade Pearson Ramsdell, and Kansas Coalition for Common Sense president Ashley All. Former Kansas Rep. and Topeka Mayor Joan Wagnon and Kansas Democratic Party chairwoman Jeanna Repass appear at the Nov. 2, 2024, rally for womens rights at the Statehouse in Topeka. (Grace Hills/Kansas Reflector) Their speeches repeatedly emphasized that Kansans are currently represented by a Legislature that fails to represent their interests. Repass said that even after Kansans voted to keep their right to abortion, Statehouse Republicans have passed bills to restrict that right. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You are living currently under minority majority rule, Repass said. Repass said Kansans have a chance to change that this election. The Republican party currently holds a supermajority in the Legislature, which helped them override Democratic Gov. Laura Kellys vetoes seven times in the 2024 session. Three of those bills dealt with abortion. House Bill 2749 requires medical facilities and providers to report the reasons for each abortion performed, based on an invasive questionnaire. Abortion providers challenged the law in court. Kansas has a history of electing centrist female governors like Kathleen Sebelius and Kelly. Simmons, who is running in a Topeka district, sees a history of feminist representation across the state which is why she believes breaking the supermajority is absolutely critical. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We might have voted no, but a whole lot of people voted to keep the same representatives who tried to put that amendment on our ballot, Simmons said. So although we may have the right, it is not without the trauma. Thats why we have to show up on Tuesday. Simmons said the rally still would have happened if Joe Biden was the presidential candidate, but that she has noticed a shift in energy with Vice President Kamala Harris on the ticket. She said its given her hope. A recent statewide survey that put Harris five percentage points behind former President Donald Trump, compared to the 14 percentage points Biden lost by, also has given candidates hope. I dont think you can emphasize enough what the top of the ticket means for the rest of us down the ballot, Simmons said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Repass said she wasnt surprised at all by the poll. She said Kansas is a state that wants change, and Harris reflects that. We have fought, we have marched for 100 years, Wagnon said. Because we have an election every two or four years, were going to keep doing that, because nothing is permanent in a political system. UPDATE 11/3/24 7:50 p.m. - According to the website where attendees can register for the Kamala Harris rally scheduled to be held on Monday, the event has officially been moved to the Carrie Blast Furnaces in the Swissvale/Rankin area. The event will run from 5-10 p.m. on Monday. Channel 11 also saw crews setting up there Sunday evening. Katy Perry, D-Nice among performers at Kamala Harris rally in Pittsburgh area on Monday The artists performing at a Vice President Kamala Harris rally on Monday in Pittsburgh have been announced. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Harris is scheduled to hold a Get Out the Vote concert in Pittsburgh on Monday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. and will be joined by performers D-Nice, Katy Perry and Andra Day. The event was originally scheduled to take place at Point State Park, but Channel 11 has learned that the location is moving. >>> Upcoming Kamala Harris rally in Pittsburgh expected to be relocated, sources say A new location for the rally has not yet been announced. For more information on registering for the event, click here. Harris will also hold a similar rally in Philadelphia on Monday. The Harris-Walz campaign says the concerts are part of a series of simultaneous events in battleground states to mobilize voters ahead of Election Day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Former President Donald Trump will also hold a rally in Pittsburgh on Monday. His event is scheduled to take place at PPG Paints Arena at 6 p.m. Doors open at 2 p.m. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW TRENDING NOW: Upcoming Kamala Harris rally in Pittsburgh expected to be relocated, sources say SMU cornerback leaves game vs. Pitt in ambulance after injury 2 men accused of trying to scam 75-year-old Fayette County man out of over $25K VIDEO: Former President Bill Clinton, Eric Trump visit local communities as Election Day quickly approaches DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts CONCORD Months of campaigning saw the city of Manchester used for political gain, both candidates sharing personal stories of miscarriage, and New Hampshire awash in political advertising. Now, the most competitive governors election in the country, between Republican Kelly Ayotte and Democrat Joyce Craig, is finally upon us. Polls have shown the race to be neck and neck, with no candidate emerging as a clear favorite. Ayotte, a former U.S. senator, has benefited from name recognition and the endorsement of popular outgoing Republican Gov. Chris Sununu. Craig, former mayor of Manchester, has been lifted by Vice President Kamala Harris popularity in the state during a presidential election year and support from Sen. Jeanne Shaheen and other prominent Democrats. Democratic gubernatorial nominee Joyce Craig, left, and Republican gubernatorial nominee Kelly Ayotte, right, face off at a debate in Conway hosted by the Mt. Washington Valley Economic Council, Oct. 15, 2024. Ayotte and Craig started campaigning against each other even before winning their party nominations in the Sept. 10 primary. Since the beginning, Ayotte has gone after Craig for her tenure in Manchester and Craig has hit Ayotte heavily on the issue of abortion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here are six of the defining issues and campaign themes that could be decisive for voters on Tuesday, Nov. 5: Abortion has been a top issue throughout the campaign All year, abortion has played a defining role in the race between Craig and Ayotte. Craig and New Hampshire Democrats have repeatedly suggested in debates, speaking events, and aggressive advertising that Ayotte is not to be trusted on the issue of abortion and that she might further seek to restrict access in the state. New Hampshires current law bans abortion after 24 weeks. Ayotte has a record of being further to the right on abortion than the average New Hampshire voter. As a senator, she was an original co-sponsor of a bill that would have banned abortion after 20 weeks, she voted several times to defund Planned Parenthood. She also served as the sherpa for Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch, who voted to end Roe v. Wade. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ayotte has said many times she supports New Hampshires law and would veto any legislation that aims at restricting it further. She supports abortion being a states' rights issue and said she would fight to keep it that way at a recent debate. The issue has become personal, as both candidates have released television ads describing their own experience with miscarriages. The city of Manchester caught in the political crossfire Manchester, New Hampshires largest city, has been the subject of the bulk of Ayottes attacks on Craig. She has pointed to homelessness and drug use issues in the city, saying that New Hampshire cant allow Joyce Craig to do to New Hampshire what she did to Manchester. In return, Craig has criticized Ayotte for casting the city in a negative light and instead touted her achievements as mayor, like creating housing and a hot job market while decreasing violent crime and opioid overdoses. Ayotte running on anti-Massachusetts platform Massachusetts has been a central theme in Ayottes campaign: namely don't let New Hampshire become like Massachusetts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dont MASS Up New Hampshire, her slogan reads. That line of messaging includes everything from taxes to immigration: Ayotte has accused Craig of wanting to make New Hampshire a sanctuary state for immigrants and to raise taxes, both of which Craig has denied. And Ayotte has criticized Craig heavily for campaigning with Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey. Her message may resonate with some: a Suffolk/Boston Globe/USA TODAY poll from Oct. 2023 showed 32% of New Hampshire voters likely to vote in the Republican primary thought that too many Massachusetts residents are moving to New Hampshire. However, she also risks alienating some voters as Massachusetts is the largest source of migrants to New Hampshire, and less than half of the states residents were born in the Granite State. Huge amounts of money raised and spent Democrat Joyce Craig (left) and Republican Kelly Ayotte are in a close 2024 election battle to be New Hampshire's next governor. Its the most expensive governors race in New Hampshire history. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ayotte has raised over $21 million for her New Hampshire gubernatorial campaign, according to the last finance report before the general election on Nov. 5. Her Democratic opponent, former Manchester mayor, Joyce Craig, has raised a little over $7.3 million. The bulk of Ayottes funds (82%) come from businesses/organizations, and the majority of Craigs funds (65%) come from individuals. Political experts in New Hampshire were expecting the cash flow to be high, especially after a scandal in the North Carolina governors race made New Hampshires race the closest gubernatorial race in the country and freed up national funds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Indeed, the Republican Governors Associations Live Free PAC has given $12 million to Ayotte, and the Democratic Governors Association has donated $1.7 million to Craig. Those numbers dont include other RGA and DGA funds not directly given to the candidates but that have been used to promote them, as well as other outside groups that have spent money on ads. The amount of money means that the regional airwaves have been flooded with Ayotte and Craig ads. Money is important for messaging through television or online advertising, UNH Survey Center Director Andrew Smith said, but its not everything. Money doesnt necessarily win you the race, Smith said. You just have to have enough money. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both candidates, he said, have enough money. The Trump factor Trump has been a thorny issue for Ayotte in both the primary and general election campaign, as well as in past elections. In 2016, Ayotte rescinded her support for Trump after the "Access Hollywood" tape was published, showing him bragging about making sexually aggressive and crude comments towards women. She then lost her Senate seat to Democrat Maggie Hassan in a very close race. In 2024, Ayotte endorsed Trump but has not made him a central part of her campaign, avoiding a full embrace of him. At a recent debate, Ayotte sidestepped a question about continuing to support Trump despite his 34 felony convictions, instead explaining that she saw the election as a choice between what the country looked like under his administration vs. President Joe Biden's administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think the country was better off just in terms of cost, what we're paying and safety when he was in office, she said. Craig responded by asking Ayotte where she would draw the line. Is it when he sexually assaults women? Is it when he boasts about Hitler? Is it when he tries to overthrow democracy? Craig said. Ayottes poor relationship with the former president as well as his lack of popularity in the state means she will likely have to run far ahead of the former president in New Hampshire to win the election. Interest and dividends tax a late emerging issue The interest and dividends tax may sound boring, but it has emerged as a top campaign issue, as recently reported by New Hampshire Bulletin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The interest and dividends tax is a state tax on distributions, dividends, and interest income often accrued from investments. Any New Hampshire resident who received more than $2,400 per year from any of those categories or $4,800 per year if filing jointly must pay the tax. Most Granite Staters do not pay the interest and dividends tax, data shows, and it is largely paid by upper income taxpayers. Seacoast NH election 2024 voter guide: Read about candidates before going to polls New Hampshire Republicans moved to repeal the interest and dividends tax, which has been phased out since 2022 and will be eliminated for the 2025 tax year and beyond. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Craig has assailed this choice, portraying the move as a handout to the wealthy. She said she would push to restore the tax and modify it to focus on higher earners. Ayotte, meanwhile, has attacked that stance and used it to say Craig supports raising taxes. Reporting by Ethan DeWitt of New Hampshire Bulletin is used in this report. This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Ayotte vs. Craig: 6 issues may decide NH governor's race A Lebanese ship captain abducted by Israeli special forces may have been acting as a double agent. Imad Ahmaz, described by the Israeli military as a senior Hezbollah operative, was extracted from a residential building in Batroun, 20 miles north of Beirut, in Lebanon, on Friday. At least 12 naval commandos from Shayetet 13 Israels version of the Royal Navys Special Boat Service (SBS) or the US Navys SEALs were involved in the dramatic raid, which was launched from an unknown location in the Mediterranean sea. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Israeli military said in a statement that the operative had been transferred to Israeli territory, where he was being investigated by a military unit. However, intelligence experts have questioned whether Mr Ahmaz had been serving as a double agent given that the extraction was markedly different from recent operations on Hezbollah targets carried out by Israel. The operation took place in a residential building just yards from the seafront, and just 400 metres from the Batroun Marina, a popular tourist destination. The commandos, who were ferried on speedboats, reportedly told residents that they were Lebanese security forces, before breaking down the door to Mr Ahmazs apartment. I did not see their faces, just shadows and voices. They said they were from state security, a resident told the New York Times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A senior political figure in Lebanon, who opposes Hezbollah, told The Telegraph on the condition of anonymity that there were signs pointing to the fact that [Mr Ahmaz] could have been a double agent. But he was also believed to be deeply involved in sea smuggling routes and financing, which could make him a valuable asset to Israel, and it would be more valuable to keep him alive, the official added. Batroun is believed to be the furthest north Israeli forces have ventured during the latest military offensive against Hezbollah fighters in Lebanon. While uncommon, it would not be the first time Israel had extracted and interrogated senior Hezbollah and Hamas operatives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dozens of high-level Hamas figures have been captured since Oct 7 2023, providing Israeli officials with intelligence that has led to the rescue of hostages being held by the terror group. But Israels operations against Hezbollah have largely focused on taking out senior leaders and fighters in massive air strikes, primarily targeting the countrys southern stronghold, where the terror group is largely based. Hassan Nasrallah, Hezbollahs long-time leader, was killed in such a strike two months ago. Days before his killing, over 1,500 Hezbollah members were taken out of action after an alleged Israeli operation saw pagers and walkie-talkies belonging to them explode. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ronen Solomon, an Israeli defence and intelligence analyst who is an expert on Hezbollah operatives and operations, told The Telegraph that Fridays abduction was highly unusual. Some items found in Mr Ahmazs room included SIM cards from different countries, multiple passports, and an old-fashioned Nokia phone, which may indicate he had been working as a spy, according to Mr Solomon. Mr Ahmaz could have been working as a senior operative in a Hezbollah unit that specialised in transporting weapons and electronics used in the fight against Israel, he suggested. But also, because of his position, he could also have been recruited as a double agent for Israel and the rescue was to get him to safety outside Lebanon, Mr Solomon added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ahmazs family telecommunications business, Stars Group Holding based in Beirut, was sanctioned by the US in 2014. The US Treasury department accused the business of illicit activities through the transportation of communications devices to Hezbollah factories in Lebanon, via countries such as China and the UAE. Ahmaz maybe recruited the family for this kind of operation, Mr Solomon added. An Israeli security source, speaking on the condition of anonymity, repeated Mr Solomons belief that the items found in Mr Ahmazs room were as interesting as the abduction itself. Things like USBs that were left with maybe critical data on which could have helped Israel. You have to ask why they were left behind when such operations in Gaza saw all pieces of intelligence retrieved at the same time, the source said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The source also said it was also unusual that the CCTV around Mr Ahmazs location had not been disabled unless someone wanted it to be videoed. Ali Hamieh, Lebanons minister of public works and transport, said that Mr Ahmaz was a civilian ship captain taking a course at a maritime institute in Batroun. Lebanons caretaker prime minister, Najib Mikati, said he had ordered the government to file a complaint to the UN Security Council over the abduction, citing the violation of Lebanons sovereignty. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. A 45-year-old Davenport man was in custody Saturday in connection with a kidnapping and assault, according to court records. Yonas Seyoum faces felony charges of first-degree kidnapping, assault while participating in a felony serious injury, and willful injury arrest affidavits show. Yonas Seyoum (Scott County Jail) Shortly before 10 a.m. Friday, Davenport Police responded to the area of the 300 block of South Marquette Street for a report of an assault, according to arrest affidavits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officers found a victim who was bleeding, had several bruises, and a burn mark on the back of one hand. The victim, who was transported to a hospital, told officers about an assault, affidavits show. A witness called 911 for the incident after the witness saw Seyoum drag the victim off a gravel road to the west of the 300 block of South Marquette Street, affidavits say. The witness said Seyoum struck the victim with a blanket or jacket that was on fire. The witness saw the victim stand up and try to walk away, but was stopped with a walking stick by Seyoum, who forced the victim to walk back further away from the gravel road, police say in affidavits. Additionally, affidavits show the witness said Seyoum had a long-handled ax that he used to assault the victim. Affidavits say the witness offered Seyoum $1,000 to stop assaulting the victim. Seyoum, the witness said, accepted the money, and returned $60 back to the witness, then walked away from the scene. The victim told the witness that Seyoum tortured (the victim) for two and a half hours, police say in affidavits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officers found Seyoum, and the witness identified him as the suspect, affidavits say. Seyoum confined the victim and forcefully prevented the victim from leaving the area, with the intent to use weapons and fire to cause serious injury, arrest affidavits show. Seyoum, who was being held Saturday on a $1 million cash-only bond in Scott County Jail, is scheduled to appear for a preliminary hearing Nov. 12 in Scott County 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 WHBF - OurQuadCities.com. South Korean intelligence reports that an agreement between North Korea and Russia includes an annual supply of 600-700 tonnes of rice to North Korea, a salary of US$2,000 for North Korean soldiers deployed in Ukraine, space technology, and provisions for Russian involvement in potential conflicts on the Korean Peninsula. Source: The Korea Herald, citing South Korean MP Wi Sung-lac Details: The Institute for National Security Strategy, a think tank affiliated with South Koreas National Intelligence Service, stated on 1 November that North Koreas decision to send troops to Russia shortly before the US presidential election is likely based on the calculation that a win for Donald Trump could lead to a swift end to the war in Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Korean MP Wi Sung-lac, former South Korean ambassador to Russia, described North Koreas involvement in the war against Ukraine as "not a bad deal at all" for the regime. As a member of the National Assembly intelligence committee, Wi was briefed on the North Korea-Russia agreement by the National Intelligence Service (NIS). He stated that the financial and food crises in North Korea are largely being alleviated by Russian compensation for its military support against Ukraine. Last week, the NIS informed the Assembly that each North Korean soldier sent to fight alongside Russia would receive a monthly salary of approximately US$2,000. With around 10,000 North Korean troops expected to be deployed to Ukraine, this could generate over US$200 million annually for Pyongyang, Wi reported. In addition, approximately 4,000 North Korean workers are currently stationed in Russia, earning an average of US$800 per month, as reported by NIS. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wi explained that North Korea's annual grain production includes around 4 million tonnes of rice, barley, and wheat. However, rice accounts for less than a third of this figure, with much of the crop actually comprising potatoes. Quote: "The 4 million tonnes of grains that North Korea says it produces per year are actually about 1 million tonnes short of what it needs to feed the country. If Russia is offering 600,000 to 700,000 tonnes of rice, that is enough to cover more than half of what North Korea would need to meet the years demand." The diplomat also noted that Russia used to supply North Korea with 50,000 to 100,000 tonnes of rice in a single shipment. Now, with Russia purchasing artillery shells from North Korea, a significant portion of the food shortage is "probably relieved through the arms trade", he noted. South Korean intelligence informed the Assembly that Russia may also be providing North Korea with advanced space technology, as Pyongyang seeks to launch another military reconnaissance satellite. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, perhaps the most advantageous part of the deal for North Korea is Russias potential involvement in combat on the Korean Peninsula in the event of unforeseen circumstances, NIS reported. "North Korea is on record as having fought for Russia. If there ever is a war on the Korean Peninsula, North Korea can now expect Russia to come and help," Wi said. Former President of the Institute for National Security Strategy, Nam Sung-wook, told The Korea Herald that South Koreas intelligence think tank "downplays" the significance of North Koreas involvement in the Ukraine war in its recent reports. Nam believes North Korea will "remain useful to Russia as a bargaining chip" in negotiations with the next US administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Moscow will use its close ties with Pyongyang to gain leverage over Washington, the way Beijing had in the past," he said. Background: Previously, the Pentagon confirmed that North Korean troops, who had arrived in Russia for training, have started moving toward Kursk Oblast, with some already present there. According to the latest US assessment, North Korea has sent approximately 10,000 troops to Russia for training and potential involvement in combat operations against Ukraine. CNN sources suggest that some North Korean soldiers may already be in Ukraine. Ukrainian intelligence reported that in the last week of October, Russia transferred more than 7,000 North Korean army soldiers to areas near Ukraine. Support UP or become our patron! Kyiv City Military Administration (KCMA) has reported on the aftermath of the fall of Russian drone wreckage on the night of 2-3 November, posting photos. Source: KCMA Details: In particular, the wreckage damaged the road surface, a street light and some power lines. The blast wave also damaged window panes in a student accommodation building on the ground floor and first floor and window panes in an office building from the ground floor to the eighth floor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The report adds that there were no fires or casualties. KCMA also published photos of the damage caused by the Russian drone attack. Updated: Later, KCMA added that the drones were launched mainly from the northeast. The UAVs were flying over Kyiv from different directions and at very low altitudes. An air-raid warning was issued twice in the city during the night. It was in effect for five and a half hours. Quote from KCMA: "The defence forces destroyed all the drones that threatened the capital. As a result of the repelled attack, wreckage was seen falling in the Shevchenkivskyi and Holosiivskyi districts of the city. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In particular, the road surface, street lights and power lines were damaged in the Shevchenkivskyi district. The blast wave damaged window panes and entrance areas in at least five buildings. There were no fires or casualties." The consequences of the Russian attack. Photo: KCMA The consequences of the Russian attack. Photo: KCMA The consequences of the Russian attack. Photo: KCMA Background: On the night of 2-3 November, fires broke out in Kyiv due to the fall of wreckage from downed Russian drones. In the morning, the wreckage of a Russian drone was spotted falling in the Shevchenkivskyi district. Support UP or become our patron! (Reuters) - Dmytro Lubinets, the Ukrainian parliament's commissioner for human rights, called on Russia on Sunday to provide a list of Ukrainian prisoners of war ready for exchange after Moscow accused Kyiv of sabotaging the exchange process. "I would like to receive from the Commissioner for Human Rights in the Russian Federation all lists of Ukrainian prisoners of war, whom the Russian Federation is ready to urgently return!" Lubinets wrote on his Telegram messaging channel. "We are always ready to exchange prisoners of war!" (Reporting by Lidia Kelly in Melbourne; Editing by Leslie Adler) Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged Assamese people outside Assam to participate in the celebration. In a post on X PM Modi said, "Bhasha Gaurav Saptah is a noteworthy effort, highlighting people's enthusiasm on Assamese being conferred Classical Language status. My best wishes. May the programmes planned over the week deepen the connect between people and Assamese culture. I also urge Assamese people outside Assam to participate." The festival will continue till November 9. Earlier in a post on X Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said, "Bhasha Gaurav Saptah, a week-long celebration of Assam's rich linguistic heritage and the conferring of Classical Language status to Assamese, begins today. This week, people from various linguistic groups will celebrate their languages and commit themselves to preserving it." Assam Cabinet headed by CM Sarma decided to celebrate Bhasha Gaurav Saptah (language pride week) from November 3 to November 9, 2024, to honour the Assamese language and its recent status as a classical language approved by the Union Cabinet. (ANI) Halloween night in downtown Orlando went from a fun night of music and partying to thousands running to safety after a 17-year-old fired a gun at a crowd of people. While many ducked for cover, security for KSP and La Rosa Nightclub Brandon Thomas leaped into action, saving hundreds from potential gunfire. Im just glad I had the right instinct to make sure i got to where i needed to be so people didnt die, said Brandon Thomas, KSP Security. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thomas told Channel 9 his first instinct was to get to the door for people to get in and to maintain urgent order. Surveillance footage outside La Rosa shows Thomas rushing towards the door, and hundreds follow. Read: Halloween mass shooting survivor describes chaos during celebrations in downtown Orlando Immediately I made my way to the door and made sure the door was open to control the crowd that was flowing inside. I made sure that everybody had enough hand room to use their hands to use each other as kind of like a push, said Thomas. Thomas said not only was the objective to get people from outside the club inside but also those running away from the shooting scene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Inside the nightclub, the owner and operator of JD Hospitality, Justin Kihano, said they helped to maintain order and quickly planned an escape route away from the danger. We funneled everybody behind the bar, upstairs to lay down and crouch down. me, security, and the other managers were walking around making sure everyone was okay, said Kihano. Read: Police ID victims killed in Halloween mass shooting in downtown Orlando Kihano said the plan between La Rosa and his upstairs bar was to have all patrons leave through the back door away from the shooter when it was safe. Orlando Police said 17-year-old Jaylen Edgar is accused of being the shooter who sent bullets into a crowd of thousands. The juvenile faces two counts of first-degree murder and six counts of attempted first-degree murder with a firearm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since the shooting, Thomas said he hasnt had the chance to take in all the chaos. However, he said what happened that late Halloween night only makes what he does all the more unique. With this shirt on my back its my job to make sure youre safe so you can get back to [that] family even if it means I have to put my life on the line, said Thomas. Read: Scattered showers from throughout the day, slowly are fading for a drier weekend Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. By Ariba Shahid KARACHI (Reuters) - Unprecedented air pollution levels in Pakistan's second-largest city of Lahore prompted authorities to take emergency measures on Sunday, including issuing work-from-home mandates and closing primary schools. The city held the top spot on a real-time list of the world's most polluted cities on Sunday after recording its highest ever pollution reading of 1900 near the Pakistan-India border on Saturday, based on data released by the provincial government and Swiss group IQAir. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The government has shut primary schools for a week, advising parents to ensure children wear masks, said Senior Minister of Punjab Marriyum Aurangzeb during a press conference, as a thick blanket of smog enveloped the city. Citizens have been urged to stay indoors, keep doors and windows shut, and avoid unnecessary travel, she said, adding that hospitals had been given smog counters. To reduce vehicle pollution, 50% of office employees would work from home, said Aurangzeb. The government has also imposed a ban on three-wheelers known as rickshaws and halted construction in certain areas to reduce the pollution levels. Factories and construction sites failing to comply with these regulations could be shut down, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Aurangzeb described the situation as "unexpected" and attributed the deterioration in air quality to winds carrying pollution from neighbouring India. "This cannot be solved without talks with India," she said, adding the provincial government would initiate talks with its bigger neighbour through Pakistan's foreign ministry. The smog crisis in Lahore, similar to the situation in India's capital Delhi, tends to worsen during cooler months due to temperature inversion trapping pollution closer to the ground. (Reporting by Ariba Shahid in Karachi and Mubasher Bukhari in Lahore; Editing by Christina Fincher) Editors note: This article is published through the Colorado River Collaborative, a solutions journalism initiative supported by the Janet Quinney Lawson Institute for Land, Water, and Air at Utah State University. See all of our stories about how Utahns are impacted by the Colorado River at greatsaltlakenews.org/coloradoriver. In 1963, the Glen Canyon Dam was built. It created Lake Powell Reservoir, which straddles Utah and Arizona, to ensure a water supply for the lower Colorado River basin states and Mexico. Over the past six decades, it has also become a recreation destination for millions. The dam has experienced its fair share of unexpected trauma, threatening river flow levels, depleting water storage and exposing sediment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sediment is the walled molded mud that contains the Colorado River. Its always been there, but historic droughts like those in 2002 and 2020 have caused the lifeline of the West to drop to alarming levels, exposing the mud. Before the water is potable, its brown and murky. The Colorado got its name from the color. Colorado means colored red in Spanish. That red color comes from suspended sediment floating down, according to Davide Ippolito, Returning Rapids researcher and the OARS river guide on our trip. I spend a lot of my days here just convincing people that this river isnt just water. A lot of material is being transported. So when you have a lake at the bottom of that, the water stops moving, and that material, that sediment, just sinks to the bottom. And now were seeing, with the drought, all this exposed sediment thats sunk to the bottom. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Why should we care? Because the mud is being trapped above the dam, depriving the river below, and suffocating it above. Mike DeHoff, Returning Rapids principal investigator, Susannah Erwin, National Park Service Water Resources Division river program lead, and Paul Grams, USGS Southwest Biological Science Center research hydrologist, talk about changes along the Colorado River by Gypsum Canyon rapid in Cataract Canyon on Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News Shrinking storage and rising sediment levels The silt buildup has decreased Lake Powells storage capacity by almost 7% since it was first created. On average, the equivalent of 30,000 dump truck loads of sediment are deposited into Lake Powell daily. This is approximately 100 million tons annually, per the Glen Canyon Institute, with most of the load coming from the Colorado and San Juan rivers. While some sediment is natural and even beneficial for habitats and forming riverbeds and beaches, an excessive amount can lead to myriad environmental issues that harm the rivers health. Mike DeHoff, principal investigator for the nonprofit Returning Rapids Project and lifetime river guide on the Colorado, recalled his experience boating down the river during the drought in 2002 and 2003. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Cataract Canyon, there are places where it felt like you were boating in this giant mud canal of ooze going down to the lower part of Cataract, he said. There are places where you couldnt get out of your boat. It wasnt safe, emphasizing that he pulled people out of the mud that went in chest deep. Thats when many of us were like, whats happening here? ... Thats when we started to see remobilization of all the stuff that was starting to be exposed. In the original Colorado River Compact of 1922, the seven basin states agreed to remove causes of present and future controversies. Sediment is not mentioned once in the compact. More than 100 years later, and after the construction of multiple dams, it seems the issues caused by sediment were not anticipated by the original signers. Yet, on a six-day river rafting trip down the Colorado River, I witnessed firsthand masses of sediment falling from the banks into the river on multiple occasions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Friday, the National Parks Service published a press release reporting that 300-350 meters of shoreline slid from the river-left bank into the river channel, creating a small rapid in the rivers main channel. Mud deposits, referred to as mudbergs by Returning Rapids researchers, are pictured in the Colorado River and lining the river banks by Mille Crag Bend, between Cataract Canyon Glen Canyon Dam, on Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024. The sediment filled in when this area was submerged under Lake Powell. After the lake receded, mud remains. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News At what point does Lake Powell become a mud reservoir? All dams have a lifespan, which is ended by structural aging, sediment build-up or other natural causes. The longer the issue goes unmanaged, the more expensive it is to fix. Without a sediment management plan, Lake Powell will cease to exist. If nothing is done regarding the sediment flowing into Lake Powell, it will take approximately 750 years to be considered a mud lake. Though that might not sound imminent, it would likely lose its value as a reservoir much sooner than that. Scientists, lawyers, river guides, even librarians and welders have devoted their careers to managing this issue, each with different insights into the best solution. Dam reconstruction Newer dam systems, like the Three Gorges Dam in China, are built with sluice gates that release sediment from the dams base. However, the only way for the system to operate is to drain the reservoir to get the momentum to carry the sediment out of the reservoir, Paul Grams, a research hydrologist at the USGS Grand Canyon Monitoring and Research Center, explained. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rivers carry sediment. Lakes collect sediment, Grams said. So the only way to carry sediment through is to turn it into a river. And you could do that artificially with a pump and a pipe, or you can do it by redesigning the dam to do it that way. While adding sluice gates to the Glen Canyon dam could theoretically move some sediment downstream, most experts agree that the costs, potential environmental impacts and the engineering nightmare alone make it too complex of a solution that wouldnt lead to a long-term fix. Jack Schmidt, USUs Janet Quinney Lawson Colorado River Studies chair and Center for Colorado River Studies director, and Meg Flynn, Returning Rapids researcher, climb partially up a 40- to 60-foot high wall of sediment buildup called the Dominy Formation during a Returning Rapids trip in Cataract Canyon on the Colorado River on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024. It is named after Floyd Dominy, commissioner of the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation in 1963, who was responsible for the dam and Lake Powell. When asked about the future effects of sediment on the Colorado River, Floyd replied, We will let people worry about it in the future. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News Targeted dredging In the early 1900s, the river went in all different directions because of all of the sediment that was pouring into it, and the channel was jumping and going from place to place, Jack Schmidt, program director for the Center for Colorado River Studies at Utah State University, told me. Now, its jammed into a tiny place. Lake Powell is not regularly dredged like a harbor or smaller reservoir would be, but dredging occurs occasionally and is typically done to clear channels or maintain access for boat ramps and marinas, especially when water levels drop due to drought or lower inflows. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The National Park Service and other agencies have considered dredging projects to keep certain areas accessible. Still, these efforts are typically on an as-needed basis rather than part of a regular dredging schedule. DeHoff and his team at Returning Rapids believe one way the sediment should be dredged is for its nutrient makeup so it can be purposed for aggregation by farmers in the local area, or it could be done using targeted sediment removal in specific areas where it hinders the reemergence of rapids and affects river flow. Although the sand could be used as a resource if dredged, its size and location make some experts think that exporting it out of the river would be impractical and costly. Its helpful to think about what it was very productive until we built these dams, and now its become unproductive, John Berggren said. Hes the regional policy manager with Western Resource Advocates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both Schmidt and Berggren are unsure what the proper course of action is now that the silt remains blocked from moving through the lower basin, where areas like the Grand Canyon are starved of sediment. Beaches where the Colorado used to meet the sea are eroding because sand that should reach the coast is instead trapped in reservoirs like Lake Powell and Lake Mead. You cant move this with a truck down to somewhere to grow food. But historically, its incredibly productive, Berggren added. Still, the only way to make this economical would be moving it via river. And we have too many dams to do that. Eric Balken, Glen Canyon Institute executive director, gives a talk in Clearwater Canyon during a Returning Rapids trip through Cataract Canyon on the Colorado River on Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024. Where the group is standing would have been under 20-30 feet of water when Lake Powell was at its highest, estimates Mike DeHoff, Returning Rapids principal investigator. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Removing the dam completely Perhaps as controversial as the creation of the dam itself is the proposal to remove it. After the dam was completed, the sediment became confined in a levee, Schmidt said. And everything beyond the levee is massive farm fields where sediment would benefit agriculture. Eric Balken, the executive director of Glen Canyon Institute, a nonprofit focused on restoring the Colorado River through Glen Canyon, said that people need to have a future outlook on what keeping the dam in place will look like. What does this river system look like in 20 or 30 years? Does it make sense to try to operate these two massive reservoirs that are mostly empty, or does it make sense to consolidate? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To some conservationists, including Balken, the Glen Canyon Dam should be deconstructed, the water stored solely in Lake Mead, and Glen Canyon should be established as a national park. Will Lake Powell ever be drained? Its mostly drained now, Balken said. As the reservoir goes away, what comes out of the water is similar to those parks and monuments that we really value as a society; weve chosen to protect those places. And so I think Glen Canyon, which is coming out of the water deserves similar protection. I dont think it makes sense to think of it as just a storage reservoir. However, not everyone shares the same sentiment. Colorado River Commissioner of Utah Gene Shawcroft told the Deseret News that even the removal of the dam would not restore the Colorado River to its former glory. There is no way, once youve been delivering water to 40 million people and to seven states and the Republic of Mexico, that youre going to go back to a river that was what it was before men showed up. Thats just not in the cards, he said. There are always those who wish it could be turned back that way, but thats impossible because of the economic system and the population thats grown to depend on that water. If all those dams were removed, would it be different? Sure, it would be different, but it couldnt be like it was pre-1922 and still make available the benefits to 40 million people that depend on the river. Mike DeHoff, Returning Rapids principal investigator, navigates rapids in Cataract Canyon on the Colorado River on Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News North Wash, a side canyon that has filled in with sediment since the creation of Lake Powell, is pictured where it meets the Colorado River on Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News Julie Stahli, program director for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Upper Colorado River Endangered Fish Recovery Program, holds a juvenile sand shiner, a non-native bait fish, at Rockfall campsite in Cataract Canyon on Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024. Sediment buildup created a mud barrier from river currents and a still water area where the non-native fish can thrive. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News Peter Lefebvre, Returning Rapids researcher and OARS river guide, and Travis Custer, Returning Rapids member, motor by a plateau of mud in the Colorado River by Mille Crag Bend, below Cataract Canyon, on Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024. The sediment filled in when this area was submerged under Lake Powell. After the lake receded, mud remains. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News Mud deposits, referred to as mudbergs by Returning Rapids researchers, are pictured in the Colorado River by Mille Crag Bend, between Cataract Canyon and Glen Canyon Dam on Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024. The sediment filled in when this area was submerged under Lake Powell. After the lake receded, mud remains. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News Grasses are pictured in the clear water of the Colorado River below Glen Canyon Dam on Sept. 12, 2019. As sediment builds up in muddy rivers and Lake Powell above the dam, the clear downstream river is lacking in the nutrient-dense sediment that cant get past the dam. | Kristin Murphy Morgan VerMerris jumps into the clear water of the Colorado River below Glen Canyon Dam, near Lees Ferry, on Sept. 13, 2019. As sediment builds up in rivers and reservoir above the dam, the clear downstream river is lacking in the nutrient-dense sediment that cant get past the dam. | Kristin Murphy Chris Wilkowske, USGS Water Science Center supervisory hydrologist, and Mike DeHoff, Returning Rapids principal investigator, set up a sonar acoustic doppler current profiler to measure the depth and speed of water currents in the Colorado River just below Gypsum Canyon rapid in Cataract Canyon on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News Davide Ippolito, Returning Rapids researcher and OARS river guide, looks in Clearwater Canyon to see what is sediment buildup accumulated after Glen Canyon Dam was built versus what is previously existing rock during a Returning Rapids trip through Cataract Canyon on the Colorado River on Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024. Clearwater Canyon was filled in by Lake Powell, but has recently reemerged as the lake level drops. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News A small section of a 40- to 60-foot high sediment wall called the Dominy Formation is pictured in Cataract Canyon on the Colorado River on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024. The buildup has formed over the past six decades since Glen Canyon Dam was built and Lake Powell was formed. It is named after Floyd Dominy, commissioner of the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation in 1963, who was responsible for the dam and Lake Powell. When asked about the future effects of sediment on the Colorado River, Floyd replied, We will let people worry about it in the future. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News Mike DeHoff, Returning Rapids principal investigator, talks about what he hopes will happen to Cataract Canyon and the Colorado River during a Returning Rapids trip in Cataract Canyon on Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News Mike DeHoff, Returning Rapids principal investigator, shows changes in Lake Powell water elevations and areas of returned rapids in Cataract Canyon on a Returning Rapids Project Colorado River main stem scroll map, made from 1923 USGS topographical data, during a Returning Rapids trip on the Colorado River on Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News Peter Lefebvre, Returning Rapids researcher and OARS river guide, navigates Big Drop 3 in Cataract Canyon during a Returning Rapids trip on the Colorado River on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024. On board with him are Cory MacNulty, National Parks Conservation Association southwest region campaign director, Jennifer Pitt, National Audubon Society Colorado River Program director, Jack Schmidt, USUs Janet Quinney Lawson Colorado River Studies chair and Center for Colorado River Studies director, and Paul Grams, USGS Southwest Biological Science Center research hydrologist. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News The Colorado River is pictured below Glen Canyon Dam on Sept. 12, 2019. As sediment builds up in rivers and reservoir above the dam, the downstream river is lacking in the nutrient-dense sediment that cant get past the dam. | Kristin Murphy John Berggren, Western Resource Advocates regional policy manager, swims in Gypsum Canyon rapid on a Returning Rapids trip in Cataract Canyon on the Colorado River on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024. The Gypsum Canyon rapid only recently reemerged after being under the flat water of Lake Powell for decades. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News The Colorado River flows into Lake Powell on Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News Boaters lounge on rafts near a mudbank at Lower Ten Cent campsite in Cataract Canyon on the Colorado River on Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News Farmland which is dependent on the Colorado River for irrigation is pictured in Imperial County, Calif., on Friday, Dec. 15, 2023. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News Gene Shawcroft, Utah commissioner to the Upper Colorado River Commission, poses for a portrait by the Colorado River near Moab in Grand County on Thursday, April 25, 2024. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News Peter Lefebvre, Returning Rapids researcher and OARS river guide, navigates rapids in Cataract Canyon during a Returning Rapids trip on the Colorado River on Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024. Cory MacNulty, National Parks Conservation Association southwest region campaign director, rides up front. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) Early voting is ending, with Election Day only three days away. People like me, I work out at the Savannah River Site, and so by the time I get home, Im fighting the crowd with everybody. So, this made it really good, said Chad Horne, a voter. Aiken County held its last day for early voting, and many were happy to voice their vote while not waiting in lines on election day. Being able to come on a Saturday. Youre off; you can come out here, and you can vote and go have lunch, said Nathan Tutt, a voter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement South Carolina requires a photo ID to vote. Voters told me the experience was quick and easy. The voting was secure, like on a regular election day. I think its going to have a way better voter turnout because of that. Im a fan, no line, you know I waited less than five minutes, said Tucker Jackson, a voter. This was the first presidential election in which voters could vote early since the law was passed in 2022. I love it; you dont have to wait in line; just go in there and come on out. I love it, said Maryann Gantt, a voter. A first-time voter told me she was happy to be able to come out and cast her ballot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It feels great. I mean, I love being able to voice my opinion and, you know, have it feel like it matters. So, I feel very, very proud to be able to live in a country where I can voice my opinion, said Emory Keesling, a first-time voter. Many voters I spoke with encouraged others to do the same. Everyone should come out and vote to make a change. If you want the change, you got to be a part and come out and be willing to vote, said Violet Hickson, a voter. The Aiken County government complex also had handicap lines for those who could not vote regularly, but it still allowed them to cast their vote and see their ballot go through. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It gave her an opportunity to come out and support the community and the other things that she has to do, said Philip Frazier, a voter. Others encourage people to vote because it is not only about the presidential race but races for the county. A lot of people are focused on the presidential election, which is absolutely important, but there are so many races as you go down the ballot, school board races, local ballot initiatives, and all kinds of things. Things that affect you where you live. Said Shannon Bridgmon, a voter. If you missed the early voting period, you can find where you can vote on election day, November 5th, on their website. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. ILLINOIS Were just days away from the November 5, 2024 general election. Voters will soon decide whether Vice President Kamala Harris (Democrat), former President Donald Trump (Republican) or third-party candidates to determine the 47th president in United States history. The latest comprehensive election models from The Hill project that Harris has a 98% chance of winning Illinois. If this scenario becomes a reality, it would extend Illinois long-standing pattern of voting blue in presidential elections. But just how lengthy is that long-standing pattern? According to state election results, the last time Illinois did not vote blue in a presidential candidate, otherwise voting majority red, was 1988. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That year, Republican candidate George H.W. Bush defeated Democratic candidate Michael Dukakis to become the 42nd U.S. President, following an eight-year term from Republican incumbent Ronald Reagan. Illinois voted in favor of Bush, 51.8% to 47.8%, over Dukakis. When was the last time Missouri voted blue in a presidential election? Before the turn to the 21st century, Illinois held a strong reputation as a bellwether state. Illinois voters sided with eventual winners in 21 of 25 U.S. presidential elections from 1900 to 1996. This century, the closest Illinois has ever come to voting red in a presidential election was in 2004 when state voters sided with Democratic challenger John Kerry, 54.8% to 44.5%, over Republican incumbent and 43rd U.S. president George W. Bush. Bush won a second presidential term that year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No other red candidates have finished within a 10% gap of a blue majority for Illinois in a presidential election in the 2000s. Origins of red and blue states NOTE: This information is based on a similar recent report from Nexstar affiliate KTLA. While it seems like a name that has been around forever, the terms red and blue states have actually not been around for as long as you may think. To find the origins of these names, youd have to go back to the year 1976, according to NPR. During the election that year, NBC, the first all-color network, unveiled an illuminated colored map. If a state voted for Gerald Ford (Republican), the state would turn the color blue and if they voted for Jimmy Carter (Democrat) it would turn red the opposite colors of what the parties are associated with today. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The original choice of blue for Republicans was due to blue being the color of the Union during the Civil War. As more networks began switching to color, they too began using colored maps for the election, but they did not agree on what color each party should be. This caused viewers who would switch channels plenty of confusion as what was blue for Republicans on NBC was red on a different network. This confusion continued until 2000 when people began casually referring to states that voted for George W. Bush (Republican) as red states and states that voted for Al Gore (Democrat) as blue states. The terms then became commonplace in the political world, pop culture, and throughout the country, with everyone agreeing that Democrats were blue and Republicans were red. LEARN MORE ABOUT WHATS ON MISSOURI BALLOTS Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. MISSOURI Were just days away from the November 5, 2024 general election. Voters will soon decide whether Vice President Kamala Harris (Democrat), former President Donald Trump (Republican) or third-party candidates to determine the 47th president in United States history. The latest comprehensive election models from The Hill project that Trump has a 98% chance of winning Missouri. If this scenario becomes a reality, it would extend Missouris long-standing pattern of voting red in presidential elections. But just how lengthy is that long-standing pattern? According to state election results, the last time Missouri did not vote red in a presidential candidate, otherwise voting majority blue, was 1996. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That year, Democratic incumbent Bill Clinton won a second term to remain the 43rd U.S. President. Missouri voted in favor of Clinton, 47.5% to 41.2%, over Republican challenger Bob Dole. When was the last time Illinois voted red in a presidential election? Before the turn to the 21st century, Missouri held a strong reputation as a bellwether state. Missouri voters sided with eventual winners in 24 of 25 U.S. presidential elections from 1900 to 1996. This century, the closest Missouri has ever come to voting red in a presidential election was in 2008 when state voters narrowly sided with Republican challenger John McCain, 49.4% to 49.3%, over Democratic challenger Barack Obama. That year, Obama won his first of two presidential terms to become the 44th U.S. president and replace Republican incumbent George W. Bush. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Three blue candidates have finished within a 10% gap of a red majority for Missouri in a presidential election in the 2000s, though that has not been the case for the last two presidential election, in which Missouri voters largely supported Donald Trump. Origins of red and blue states NOTE: This information is based on a similar recent report from Nexstar affiliate KTLA. While it seems like a name that has been around forever, the terms red and blue states have actually not been around for as long as you may think. To find the origins of these names, youd have to go back to the year 1976, according to NPR. During the election that year, NBC, the first all-color network, unveiled an illuminated colored map. If a state voted for Gerald Ford (Republican), the state would turn the color blue and if they voted for Jimmy Carter (Democrat) it would turn red the opposite colors of what the parties are associated with today. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The original choice of blue for Republicans was due to blue being the color of the Union during the Civil War. As more networks began switching to color, they too began using colored maps for the election, but they did not agree on what color each party should be. This caused viewers who would switch channels plenty of confusion as what was blue for Republicans on NBC was red on a different network. This confusion continued until 2000 when people began casually referring to states that voted for George W. Bush (Republican) as red states and states that voted for Al Gore (Democrat) as blue states. The terms then became commonplace in the political world, pop culture, and throughout the country, with everyone agreeing that Democrats were blue and Republicans were red. LEARN MORE ABOUT WHATS ON MISSOURI BALLOTS Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) In Monroe County, early voting has been a popular choice for many people casting their ballot this election season. Many of those voters chose to make their voices heard at the historic Susan B. Anthony House on Madison Street in Rochester. More than 100 people stood in line Saturday afternoon, during the final weekend of early voting in New York State for the 2024 election. I feel like voting is the one way we get to have a voice in whats happening, City of Rochester resident Greta Hartenstein said. This election will set the course for my life and for a lot of others as well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When early voting started last weekend, over 40,000 people across Monroe County went to the polls in the first three days they were open. That number has increased drastically over the past week. Our country is so divided on such important issues including education, City of Rochester resident Matt Juba said. As a public school teacher, I want to make sure that the future of my students is protected and that were fighting for it. Voters we spoke with emphasized the importance of taking the step to vote. Its one of the reasons that we live in this country so that we have a say in who is governing it, Town of Brighton resident Paula Harris said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sunday is the last day of early voting in New York State. The Monroe County Board of Elections has a list of early polling locations available on their website. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to RochesterFirst. A man was arrested for vehicular homicide and other charges after a fatal collision in Marion County killed two people, state police say. Kentucky State Police (KSP) Post 15 Troopers responded to a two-vehicle injury collision on US 68, near the intersection of Jessietown Road in Marion County around 6:20 p.m. Saturday night. Early investigation shows 20-year-old Erick Garcia, of Lebanon, was traveling west on US 68 in a 2005 Dodge Ram when he crossed the center line of the roadway, according to state police. Alcohol was a factor in the collision, police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Garcia entered the eastbound lane and dropped off the roadway and steered his vehicle back into the eastbound lane and collided head-on with a 2020 Chevrolet Equinox operated by Roy Wright, 75, of Lebanon. Wright was traveling east on US 68, according to state police. Roy Whites passenger, Deborah Wright, 72, died at the scene according to the Marion County Coroner. Roy Wright was transported to the University of Kentucky Hospital, where he later died. Garcia was charged with vehicular homicide, first-degree assault, driving under the influence, first-degree wanton endangerment, and other traffic offenses. He is being housed in the Marion County Detention Center. The investigation in to the collision is ongoing. Fighting between Israeli ground troops and fighters for the pro-Iranian Hezbollah militia is continuing in several villages in the south of Lebanon. Soldiers tried to enter the villages of Marun al-Ras and Jarun, the state news agency NNA reported on Sunday. There had already been reports of widespread destruction in these villages during the Israeli ground offensive. Israeli forces bombarded the strategically important town of Khiam with artillery, NNA reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The newspaper L'Orient Le Jour reported, citing the Lebanese Red Cross, that 20 people posted missing in Khiam had now been confirmed dead. The television station LBCI reported that a hospital in Bint Jubayl had been damaged in an Israeli air raid. Hezbollah continued its shelling of Israel and announced that it had attacked several Israeli towns with rockets. The information cannot be independently verified at this time. BJP Punjab's Vice President Fateh Singh Bajwa on Sunday condemned Canada's allegations of Union Home Minister Amit Shah's involvement in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar and said that pinpointing any Home Minister without proof is unacceptable. Bajwa questioned Rahul Gandhi's stance on the issue, asking if he condoned the accusations and if he wouldn't defend his own Home Minister. "Involving or pinpointing any Home Minister without any proof is wrong. I want to ask Rahul Gandhi what his views are on this. Do you think this is correct and do you not want to defend your Home Minister now?" said Bajwa. Bajwa believes India's growth is unsettling for Canada, leading to such unwarranted attacks. He also slammed Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's move as an election-winning tactic that would impact Indian students in Canada and damage global relations. "I believe as a nation India is growing and Canada is not able to digest it. Whatever happened is extremely unfortunate and wrong," he said. "It was a card played by Trudeau to win. It will have an impact on the children who are studying there. This is just a stunt by Trudeau and this isn't correct. This will have an impact worldwide. All political party leaders should stand together and show Canada that India will not tolerate the disrespect," he added. Tensions between India and Canada escalated after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau claimed in the Parliament of "credible allegations" implicating India in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. In response, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Saturday strongly protested against the allegations made by the Canadian government against Union Home Minister Amit Shah's purported involvement in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Nijjar. The MEA described these allegations as "absurd and baseless" and lodged a formal protest against Canada. During a press briefing on Saturday, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that a "diplomatic note" was handed to a representative of the Canadian High Commission on Friday, conveying India's strong objections." "Regarding the latest Canadian target, we summoned the representative of the Canadian High Commission yesterday... It was conveyed in the note that the Government of India protests in the strongest terms the absurd and baseless references made to the Union Home Minister of India before the Committee by Deputy Minister David Morrison," he said. (ANI) Leon Cooper, who has died aged 94, shared the 1972 Nobel Prize in Physics with his fellow Americans John Bardeen and John Schrieffer for their development of a theory, known as the Bardeen-Cooper-Schrieffer (BCS) theory, explaining the phenomenon of superconductivity; once described as a theorist who spends a great deal of time theorizing about what it means to theorise, he also did pioneering research in neuroscience. Superconductivity is the ability of some materials to lose electrical resistance when cooled to very low temperatures. It was first observed by the Dutch physicist Heike Kamerlingh Onnes in 1911 in mercury chilled to a few degrees above absolute zero. Two decades later, two German scientists discovered that magnetic fields are expelled from the material when superconductivity sets in. But no one was able to account for such phenomena. Einstein, Heisenberg, Bohr, Pauli and Felix Bloch all tried but failed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 1955 Cooper, a postdoctoral student working at the Institute for Advanced Study at Princeton, joined Bardeen (who would share the Physics Nobel in 1956 for his discovery of the transistor effect) and Schrieffer at the University of Illinois, where they were researching superconductivity. Electrical resistance arises because the electrons that carry current bounce off the nuclei of the atoms, causing them to recoil and vibrate, sapping energy from the electrons. It was Cooper who discovered that electrons in a superconductor are grouped in pairs, now called Cooper pairs, and that application of an electrical voltage to the superconductor causes all the pairs to move as a single entity, constituting a current; when the voltage is removed, current continues to flow indefinitely, because the pairs encounter no opposition. Schrieffer went on to describe the behaviour of Cooper pairs mathematically, and in December 1957 the three scientists published their Theory of Superconductivity in Physical Review. It was a major breakthrough which helped solve complex puzzles to do with the often odd behaviour of neutrons and protons in the atomic nucleus. It also helped to account for the bizarre behaviour of pulsars small rotating stars that emit regular bursts of radio waves after their discovery in 1963, and helped towards the development of magnetic imaging techniques in medicine. Cooper: developed with doctoral students the BCM theory of synaptic plasticity, enabling scientists to identify mechanisms behind processes of learning and memory storage in the brain - Karl Schoendorfer/Shutterstock The elder of two children, Cooper was born Leon N Kupchik (the N was not short for anything) on February 28 1930 to Jewish parents in the Bronx. His father Irving Kupchik, a printing typesetter originally from Belarus, then part of the Russian Empire, had, as a Menshevik, fled his homeland after the Russian Revolution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His mother Anna, nee Zola, was originally from Poland. She died when Leon was nine and when his father remarried, he changed his name to Cooper. Leon took a degree in physics at Columbia University in 1951, followed by a doctorate in 1954, before joining the Institute for Advanced Study at Princeton. In 1958 he was appointed professor of physics at Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, where he turned his mind to neuroscience, becoming director of the universitys new Center for Neural Science in 1973. In 1982, with his doctoral students, Elie Bienenstock and Paul Munro, he published Theory for the development of neuron selectivity: orientation specificity and binocular interaction in visual cortex in the Journal of Neuroscience. Known as the BCM theory of synaptic plasticity, it is regarded as foundational to neuroscience, enabling scientists to identify fundamental mechanisms behind processes of learning and memory storage in the brain. Once described by a Providence newspaper as Dr Supercool, Cooper was a bon viveur who could often be seen driving round the university campus in a 1968 Chevrolet Camaro convertible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His first marriage, to Martha Kennedy, was dissolved. He is survived by his second wife, Kay and by two daughters from his first marriage. Leon Cooper, born February 28 1930 , died October 23 2024 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. DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) The end of Daylight Saving Time means less hours of sunlight in the evening hours, which doctors say can impact our mood, routines and health. Dr. Thao Tran, family physician for Kettering Health, said people typically spend more time indoors this time of year. She recommends finding time throughout the day to spend outdoors to get some vitamin D from the sun. Even on days that are cloudy, we would recommend that you go outside and can get some natural sunlight, which helps with mental health and also helps with energy levels, Tran said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The change of seasons can also impact health habits like eating well and exercising. Tran suggests keeping the fridge stocked with fruits and vegetables, and getting at least 150 minutes of physical activity a week. Whether that be counting steps, that 10,000 steps per day, having some way to track that can help motivate patients and to get those steps in, Tran said. Another way is joining a gym membership, especially this time of year, to allow access to a lot of exercise machines. While its tempting to stay in once it gets dark out earlier, Tran said spending time with friends and family, or getting involved in the community can boost your mood. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Keeping that social connection healthy will just help with that social aspect of health, emotional health and physical health, Tran said. If you notice signs of fatigue, changes in mood or disinterest in activities, it may be time to make an appointment with your doctor. Tran said it could be seasonal affectiveness disorder. We can do blood tests that can check vitamin D levels, which are usually on the lower end, Tran said. We can also assess for signs of anxiety and depression. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com. The Lower Fox Creek School stands in 2017 at Tallgrass National Prairie Preserve near Strong City. (Max McCoy/Kansas Reflector) Its 48 hours to Election Day and Ill let you in on a secret. Im terrified. For the past few days, Ive battled my fear by thinking about other times in American history when the outcome was uncertain, the consequences were dire, and ordinary people made it through. Not all of the examples even qualify as turning points or great moments or any of that other Stephen Ambrose kind of stuff, even though the people Im thinking about were swept up by history, just as we are now. They endured, mostly, and so has the country, mostly. Were a little rougher around the edges and badly torn across the middle, but with a little luck and a lot of civic duty well come out of this thing OK. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement OK being a relative term. I am suspicious of flag wavers, but I have an abiding respect, if not downright reverence, for American democracy. It is the greatest collective experiment in government in the history of the world. It is an experiment that sometimes wobbles or often works only for the few, but which has the capacity to right itself for the benefit of the many. If it seems were being tested in the crucible of the possible, we are. Here in Kansas, we have a long history of being tried by fire. We entered the union a Free State in 1861, at the start of the Civil War, and by the time the shooting had started back east, the bullets had already been flying out here for some years. Anybody with even a passing familiarity with the states history could probably identify John Brown as a seminal figure, if only because of the iconic panel from the John Steuart Curry mural in the Statehouse. In the mural and in popular culture, Brown is a larger-than-life abolitionist whose shadow tends to obscure people and events around him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of those people is Narcissa Daniels. Before Browns failed attempt at the federal arsenal at Harpers Ferry, Virginia, he lived in Kansas Territory and sometimes conducted armed raids into Missouri to free enslaved people. In late December 1858 he returned with 11 or so individuals he had liberated from Vernon and Bates counties, Missouri, seeking passage along the Underground Railroad to freedom in Canada. Because of the Supreme Courts 1857 Dred Scott decision, no fugitive Black person was safe on American soil, because they could expect no protection from the federal government or the courts. It is generally regarded as the most notorious Supreme Court decision on record and likely hastened the Civil War. One of those freed individuals in the Brown party was Narcissa, a young Black woman who was pregnant. In early January 1859, between stations on the Underground Railroad, Brown and his group paused near Garnett, Kansas Territory, so Narcissa could rest a few days after giving birth. This account comes from the website of the Grover Barn at Lawrence, a stop on the Underground Railroad that has been preserved and designated a historic landmark. The child born to Narcissa and her husband, Jim, was christened John Brown Daniels. The Daniels family did eventually reach Canada, according to a history page from Fremont County, Iowa. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That a fugitive Black child was born on Kansas soil at the threshold of the Civil War speaks more powerfully to what was at stake than any political oratory could. We know, of course, what happened to Brown. After a failed attempt to ignite an insurrection of the enslaved at the federal arsenal at Harpers Ferry, Virginia, he was hanged Dec. 2, 1859. One of those witnessing the execution at Charles Town was an actor and newly enlisted militiaman named John Wilkes Booth. John Steuart Currys Tragic Prelude adorns a wall at the Kansas Statehouse in Topeka. (Max McCoy/Kansas Reflector) While our national crisis is not as fiery as that which engulfed us during the Civil War, it might be near enough to see from some of our front porches. The parallels are striking. We are a deeply divided nation with grievance on one side, righteous indignation on the other, and a Supreme Court making historically bad decisions. We have regressed as a nation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Religious conmen are thumping the Bible and claiming to know Gods will, just as they said slavery was ordained by scripture. State lines have again become the borders where rights for some end and others begin. The stain of slavery continues to haunt us, with voter suppression efforts targeting minority voters who are the descendants of enslaved and otherwise marginalized people. We are again in the battle for the soul of the nation. My ears are fairly bleeding from listening attentively to the arguments from both sides of the divide, because it is our civic duty to know the best case for each and decide wisely. But little can be said at this point in the campaigns that has not already been shouted a hundred times over. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What should give us hope is the story of Narcissa Daniels and her child. It is impossible for me to understand the hardship the Daniels family faced, or the fear they must have tamped down every day until they reached Canada. That others, with no fortunes or particular influence, have survived tough times and in doing so strengthened the nation should be comfort to us all. In November 1944 my father was a sailor on the battleship USS Pennsylvania. He was a kid from the Missouri Ozarks, really, barely 20 years old and chafing at having to wear shoes so often. He manned a typewriter, not a gun, tapping out the ships orders for the officers. Even though he was an excellent typist, he was a private individual, not one to put his thoughts in letters to home. I wish he had. I know he was scared, especially when the Pennsylvania took a Japanese torpedo off Okinawa, because he told me so decades later. But I would like to have some glimpse of his personal life, what he thought about the war and whether he thought his job was important (it was) and if he ever gave much thought to democracy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even though I dont have his letters, I have a few other things from his time on board, and these offer some clues to the man. There are black-and-white photos of him in uniform, but also mementos from his time with my mother when they were in San Francisco before he shipped out, especially photos from bars and nightclubs. But the thing that gets to me most is a carefully preserved Thanksgiving 1944 ships menu. Turkey, dressing, all the fixings. Im not surprised he kept it because, as a kid during the Depression, he never had enough to eat. That was always his standard for success. Do you and your kids have enough to eat? My Dad died at 73, a success. Remembering my father softens my regard for those who think about elections in strictly personal terms. Things are tough for many even when our economy, as the Economist magazine puts it, is the envy of the world. While too many families still go hungry in America, perceptions of scarcity are subjective. My Dad was always afraid of not having enough. Others have too much and still want more. My wife, Kim, and I have enough food, but I still buy peanut butter and rice in bulk, and my fathers memory probably has something to do with it. A fear is still a fear even if its irrational, and theres been plenty of irrational these days to go around. Curiously, the things I see that are truly cause for alarm dont seem to have made much of a blip of some peoples radar this election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Climate change is an increasingly dire threat, but its not driving many votes. George Will declared the other day that World War III has already begun, in the same way the previous world war began years before Germany invaded Poland. Im inclined to agree, even though I dont agree with Will all that often. The new axis powers have already aligned and the theaters, in Europe and the Middle East, have been defined. In a year or two the price of a gallon of milk might be the least of our worries. Think of the nuclear arsenals. There it is again, that gnawing fear. And along with that fear is a peculiar loneliness, a sense of isolation, even though we are never truly alone anymore even when were by ourselves. Social media is always at hand, that teeming abyss of insecurity and alienation, the technological monkey on our backs. What should be a boon is instead a bane, deepening our divisions. But things could be worse. Americans are not currently shooting at each other, at least not in ranks. Theres going to be enough food on our dinner table this Thanksgiving. And Im not sitting in a battleship in the middle of the Pacific worrying about the next torpedo bomber attack or crouching in a jungle holding an M16 and eating C rations and smoking Marlboros from the little pack that was included. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im not going to talk much about my brother here, because his 2022 death is still too recent for me. And like our dad, he was a private individual. He was a kid from Kansas, an American Legion ball pitcher, and an Army ROTC graduate. He came back from Vietnam a captain, and was a little worse for wear for having been shot down in a helicopter. I dont know what combat was like for him. We talked about it a little, but never in detail. But I do have from him something he made while in country, not a letter but a cassette tape. My father, who was never good at writing letters, bought a pair of cassette tape machines at Katz Drug in Joplin, Missouri, before my brother shipped out. One of these relatively new gadgets went to Vietnam. It was my fathers idea that he could exchange tapes with home. For many years I thought it was my dads reluctance to write letters that prompted the cassette machines purchase, but I think now its because he wanted to hear my brothers voice. I know I do now. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What I have is a white cassette tape, more than 50 years old, which Jim recorded at someplace called Firebase Mace, which I now know saw intense fighting. On the tape you can hear the diesel generators in the background and my brothers voice, which sounds a lot like mine. He is trying to sound cheerful and he talks about what is going on at home. My mother has written him letters many letters so he is pretty up to date, and he asks about some school play Im in. The most important thing about the tape is his voice. The tape is so old now I dare not play it, for fear it will crumble into nothing. But I remember the recording well. There seems a longing for the ordinary in my brothers voice, but I could just be projecting. Certainly there is a wish for home. Most of us may be longing for the ordinary these days, in a chronic kind of way. We arent targets in a world war or being shot at in jungles or giving birth as fugitives in a supposedly free territory, but unraveling of norms and civility have left us with our kinds of hundred-yard stares. But to reach ordinary, to return home, we just have to wait, and to work, a little while longer. How much longer until the ordinary returns? Nobody knows. But we can remember what ordinary democracy looks and feels like. It is in the average things, the Thanksgiving dinners and the homecomings and sometimes the funerals of those we love. It is holding our family and our friends close and tamping down our fear and allowing our judgment to be unclouded by hate or misinformation. It is doing the right thing through your fear. So consider this a letter to the present and the future. Take comfort where you can. Know that others have gone through worse. Be prepared that things might get darker before they get better. Remember to hold close those people that matter most to you and be prepared to fight for the right of others to do so as well. Max McCoy is an award-winning author and journalist. Through its opinion section, the 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. To the editor: In defending his intent to vote for neither presidential candidate, Jonah Goldberg dismisses how crucial individual elections are. He indicates that it's wrong to see them as "religious wars about the nature of reality." However, thats exactly what presidential and Senate elections have become. Had the outcome of the 2016 election been different, we would still have constitutionally enforceable abortion rights that no state could abolish. Whether religious right-wing oppressors or supporters of the separation of church and state are placed on the U.S. Supreme Court and the lower federal courts depends on who the president is and who controls the Senate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are candidates who would turn the nation over to those intent on imposing their religious views on society. Others believe that the government should be neutral in matters of religion and that believers and nonbelievers should be equal before the law. Such elections do become "religious wars about the nature of reality." Edward Tabash, Los Angeles The writer is an attorney who chairs the board of directors for the Center for Inquiry. .. To the editor: I respect Goldberg. I believe him to be intelligent and generally fair. He has been clear that he does not believe that former President Trump is good for the country or even the Republican Party. Being a conservative, he apparently can't bring himself to vote for a Democrat, so he will write in some other Republican. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are many people on both sides who object to voting for Vice President Kamala Harris for various reasons. It is very frustrating to me that they think voting third-party or for neither candidate isn't essentially a vote for Trump. For someone like Goldberg, who knows that Trump is horribly unqualified, to waste his vote is inexcusable. Patricia Colburn, Pasadena .. To the editor: I'm respectful of Goldberg's decision not to vote for either candidate. That's his right. However, when he states that he won't vote for Harris in part because he understands the vice president will carry the District of Columbia, where he lives, by 30 points is a perfect example of why the electoral college is antiquated. It's an anachronism that makes many people believe their vote doesn't matter, so they don't bother turning out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dave Gershenson, Van Nuys .. To the editor: Goldberg says, "I will write in some normal, decent Republican on my ballot," rather than vote for either Trump or Harris. He may be able to write in a name, but it probably won't count as a vote in the election. The District of Columbia, where Goldberg resides, has a rule (similar to most states) that a write-in candidate must file an "Affirmation of Write-In Candidacy." Although in the district, unlike most states, the deadline for this form (Nov. 12) is after the election, it is unlikely the person Goldberg writes in will ever file the form and, thus, his "vote" will not count. Gary Clark, Los Angeles This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Editor's Note: In just days, it will be all over but the shouting. Our readers have been vocal over who would make the best choice to lead our nation, between Democrat Vice President Kamala Harris and the Republican in the race, former President Donald Trump. Here are readers' views in the final batch of letters from the closing days of the 2024 election. Here's why the race is so close I would like to answer the big question the writer raised in, Why is this election even close? I agree with all the examples he cites and have heard the same question asked many times from many different sources lately. He doesnt even cite all of the bizarre behavior of the former president and his supporters to bolster his argument which would be significant. So why is this election even close? Here it is: In the USA, when it pertains to Donald Trump, the collective disregard for gross incompetence and moral turpitude is steadfast. You can come up with dozens of reasons to explain why that is, but until Americans start applying the same standards of character to Trump as they would to their neighbors, it will remain close. Kirk Harris, North Palm Beach Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Post's View:: Vote. Appreciate your power as the 2024 campaigning comes to an end. Presidential pick an easy choice I am a non-affiliated party (NPA) voter in Florida, and have been for the 20 years that I have lived here, because I don't care much for either party. This is why I always split my ticket and will do so again this time. That being said, I found it very easy to vote for the top of the ticket this year. I would never cast my presidential vote for a person who attempted to overthrow our democracy and our government, who is a convicted felon, a man whose own Joint Chiefs of Staff chair and chief of staff labelled a fascist and unfit to serve, and a person with a history of sexually abusing women. I would, however, cast my vote for a person whose administration has brought violent crime down, created an economy that is the envy of the world, dropped unemployment down to 4.1% and inflation down to 2.4% not to mention stimulating a stock market that has been breaking records daily. As Vice President Kamala Harris has told us, "It is time to turn the page-we cannot afford to go back." That's the candidate I am voting for! Bruce J. Maltzman, Wellington Familiarity favors Trump Re: a recent letter asking how someone could vote for Donald Trump after citing a number of different concerns: It reminded me of an admonition my grandmother gave me many years ago, Better the devil you know than the devil you dont. The current Vice Presidents inability to be specific about her plans is a frustrating factor to many. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement George Chapman, Jupiter Former President Donald Trump walks to the ballroom for his press conference at Mar-a-Lago on October 29, 2024, in Palm Beach, Florida. The Post's View: Election 2024 is a matter of character Trump's going after bureaucracy, not democracy President Donald Trump's policies are a threat to bureaucracy, not democracy, and have been instrumental in curbing the unchecked growth of the federal government. By focusing on deregulation and executive orders aimed at reducing red tape, Trump's administration demonstrated and looked to empower businesses and individuals rather than government agencies. One of his signature efforts was the "two-out, one-in" policy, which required federal agencies to eliminate two existing regulations for every new one introduced. This helped streamline the regulatory process. Mr. Trump previously prioritized rolling back regulations from various agencies, reducing their ability to impose unnecessary, costly, and time-consuming requirements on industries like energy, manufacturing, and agriculture. This allowed businesses to work more freely, generating jobs and boosting the economy. By taking these measures, Mr. Trump lessened the influence of unelected bureaucrats who often create barriers to progress without accountability to the American public. This is why our national, state, and local boards of directors have all endorsed Mr. Trump for president. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Peter Dyga is president and CEO, Associated Builders and Contractors Florida East Coast Chapter. Trump's economic views plain false For one year I have questioned the new democracy advocated by Donald Trump. After the debate, I was convinced the 78-year-old Trump did not have morality or wisdom to compete with the more knowledgeable and youthful candidate. Recent economic indicators show that the country is not in the deplorable condition as stated by Trump and believed by many. Out of 195 nations, the United States is still number one in Gross Domestic Product. The consumer price index is down to 2.5%, and unemployment down to 4.1%. I dont think you can separate morality from the office of the presidency. The Bible says get wisdom, its the principal thing, and Kamala Harris is far in the lead in these qualities. We cannot allow a convicted felon that disgraces the military and the U.S. Constitution to be our next president! Steven Weil, Boynton Beach What if Harris loses? Massive disappointments will be felt if Kamala Harris loses. Feelings of loss will affect all of us, who saw hopes and dreams realized in Harris' candidacy. How will all those young enthusiastic supporters of the vice president rebound, and find a way to move on? Another four years of a Donald Trump administration will seem like a lifetime. There is always a next time, and that must be the guiding force to staying committed to a candidate, who represents all that is right, good and ethical. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Darryl Harris, Lantana Local 2024 Election Coverage: Palm Beach County voters are packing the polls early this election. What are they saying? Compromise is on the ballot, too Common sense must refute the current Republican ideology that treason and lying are honorable and loyalty and truth are dishonorable. We must introduce compromise back into the political system, which is the essence of wisdom and practicality, to solve the problems we face today. To paraphrase the adage, a society that does not face up to its crimes is doomed to repeat them. Therefore, fellow Americans, we must vote for who and what are in our best interests to move forward to a peaceful and prosperous future. James Thomson, Lake Worth Stick up for science this election Science leaves no doubt that we are on course to make our planet uninhabitable. The inevitable result of worldwide pollution, global warming has already triggered a drastic increase of extreme floods, fires, and storms, the likes of which have never been seen. One presidential candidate denies the existence of this science and will end efforts toward cultivating solar, wind and electrical power to replace the petroleum industry. The other is genuinely concerned and committed to meeting this challenge head-on as part of a worldwide effort to address this global threat. Please know that your vote will impact the lives of your children and your grandchildren. Open your mind to the facts and your heart to doing what's right. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Elliott Krakow, Wellington Trump's election means democracy's death It is really rich that Donald Trump wants to use the military to arrest the enemy within. There is an enemy within but its him. He would gladly arrest others without trial, for opposing him and his criminal schemes. This is eerily similar to his lies about a stolen election. The only people trying to steal the election were Donald Trump and his co-conspirators. If he is re-elected, his goal is to take a page out of the dictators playbook, and 250 years of democracy will become a thing of the past. Dianne Golder, West Pam Beach Dems need to exploit The Big Lie The leadership of the Harris campaign has failed to fully utilize the most vulnerable issue for Republicans: the Big Lie about a stolen election in 2020. The foundation of democracy is free and fair elections. If we no longer have fair elections, we no longer have democracy. We are like Russia and Venezuela, whose sham elections are not democratic. Donald Trump and his supporters are caught in a bind. If they insist that the election was stolen, then we no longer have a democracy. Most of Trumps allies who know there is no credible evidence of a fraudulent election are forced to follow Trumps untenable position or go against him. We should no longer allow them to avoid this dilemma by changing the subject or talk in vague references about irregularities or unanswered questions. Those who insist that they dont want to rehash the past but look to the future should be reminded that Nov. 5 is the future. If our democracy is to survive, we must have confidence in election integrity and fairness. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ray McGogney, West Palm Beach Put country first on Election Day Over the years I have always waited for Election Day to vote. Its what my father did, its what I do. We used to discuss the issues and decide whom we would vote for. We didnt always agree but that was OK. That was when we respected the candidates and they, we thought, respected us. That, unfortunately, is gone now. It is time for every American to look deep inside and give our respect to the country and put it first. We cannot vote for haters, bigots, and those who talk down our country. This is our last opportunity to vote for our children and their future. Get out there and vote. Vote with your heart. Raymond Gleason, Greenacres This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Letters: Harris or Trump? Here's how Palm Beach Post readers feel SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) A winter storm is underway in Utah, causing the Utah Dept. of Transportation to issue a warning of road weather hazards. Precipitation is hitting the state, including snow showers across the mountains and upper canyons on Sunday before tapering off Sunday night. Time for winter gear freezing temperatures expected statewide this week The highest routes mainly summits above 8,000 feet could see several inches of snow during the storm, according to UDOT. While snow totals will lessen the further down in elevation you get, any snow that mixes down to the Wasatch Front or any lower valleys will result in wet roads. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anyone driving through canyon or mountain routes should exercise caution and pay attention to Traction Laws. The following routes will be affected by the storm, according to UDOT: I-15, Scipio Summit; Cove Fort to Cedar City I-80, Parleys Canyon to WY Border I-70, Clear Creek Summit; Salina Canyon US-40, I-80 Jct. over Mayflower Summit; Daniels Summit to Fruitland US-6, Kings Canyon; US-89 Jct. over Soldier Summit to Helper US-89, Logan Canyon to ID border; Sardine Canyon; US-6 Jct. to Fairview; Marysvale to Long Valley Jct. US-191, WY Border over US-191 Summit; over Indian Canyon Summit SR-190, Big Cottonwood Canyon SR-210, Little Cottonwood Canyon SR-36, Stockton Bar SR-199, Johnsons Pass SR-39, Huntsville to SR-16 Jct. SR-150, Entire route (Bald Mtn. Pass) SR-31, Skyline SR-12, Bryce Canyon area; over Boulder Summit to Torrey SR-24, Over Wayne Summit to Torrey SR-20, Entire route SR-143, Entire route SR-153, Entire route SR-14, Entire route Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. Jeffrey Epstein described himself as Donald Trumps closest friend and claimed intimate knowledge of his proclivity for sex, including cuckolding his best friends, according to recordings obtained exclusively by the Daily Beast. The convicted pedophile even boasted of his closeness to Trump and his now-wife Melania by claiming, the first time he slept with her was on my plane, which was dubbed the Lolita Express . Epstein spoke at length about Trump with the author Michael Wolff in August 2017, two years before being found dead in his jail cell. Wolff was researching his bombshell bestseller Fire and Fury at the time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The recordings cast more light on Trumps long relationship with Epstein, and will add to debate over the character of the Republican candidate, especially his attitudes and conduct toward women, just days before the election. The tapes tell Epsteins version of the relationship between two former friends and their very different paths: One toward infamy, prison and suicide; the other toward power, the Oval Office and his own criminal conviction for paying hush money to a porn star. Trumps camp referred to the tapes release as false smears and election interference. The tapes also offer unusual insight into the friendship of two wealthy, powerful men who frequently went out on the town together, prowling for women in New York and Atlantic City. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Epstein painted a complicated portrait of Trump. He called him charming, and always fun, capable of extraordinary salesmanship, and suggested he was personally in favor of Trumps policies on the transgender stuff. But he alleged Trump was a serial cheat in his marriages and loved to f--- the wives of his best friends. He also claimed that while Trump has friends, he was at heart a friendless man incapable of kindness. And he alleged that Trump had undergone scalp reduction surgery for baldness and called himself The Trumpster. The new tapes shed light on a barely explored part of Trump's past, his long-term friendship with a man who would become one of America's most notorious sexual predators. Trump was in the last three days of campaigning on Saturday in Salem, Virginia. Asked by Wolff, How do you know all this? Epstein replied, I was Donalds closest friend for 10 years. Wolff shared the tape with the Daily Beast ahead of discussing it on his Fire and Fury podcast on Monday. Last Thursday he caused shockwaves by revealing a few seconds of a separate recording in which Epstein spoke in detail about the inner workings of the Trump administration. Wolff also said Thursday that the pedophile showed off photos of Trump with topless young women sitting in his lap. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wolff, a veteran journalist and author who was also the biographer of Rupert Murdoch, has long attracted praise and bromides . When Fire & Fury was published in January 2018, Trump tried to stop it with a failed cease and desist order, then threatened to sue. No case ever materialized, and it sold 5 million copies worldwide. Wolff, who appears regularly on his Fire and Fury podcast, wrote two more books on Trump after Fire and Fury, and about Epstein in 2021s Too Famous. Wolff says he has up to 100 hours of recordings of interviews with Epstein, including from using him as a source for Fire and Fury, and from years of meetings when the disgraced financier appeared to want Wolff to write a biography of him. Wolff said he decided to release parts of the archive after a new accuser, a former Miss Switzerland, alleged last week that Trump had groped her in 1992. The new recording offers extraordinary insights into Epstein, who in 2017 was shuttling freely on his two private jets between his Manhattan townhouse , his Palm Beach, Florida, estate and Little St. James, a private island in the Virgin Islands. In 2017, Epstein was free to travel between his properties on a choice of two planesthis Gulfstream, and his Boeing 727, dubbed the Lolita Express, on which he claimed Melania and Donald Trump first had sex. Epstein had been convicted in 2008 in Florida of procuring a child for prostitution and soliciting a prostitute in a plea deal that allowed him to escape prosecution for victimizing multiple underage girls, in return for an 18-month sentence. He spent the years after his release associating with billionaires including Leon Black, the co-founder of Apollo Global Management who paid him more than $150 million for financial advice, and Microsoft founder Bill Gatesand dining behind closed doors with members of the financial and political elite. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In July 2019, however, he was arrested by the FBI and charged with child sex trafficking. Six weeks later Epsteins body was found hanging in his prison cell ; authorities said he had died by suicide . Wolff told the Beast he interviewed Epstein, then 64, in a gargantuan study in his townhouse on East 71st Street in Manhattan two years before his death. The Beast has reviewed the entire recording, which is one hour, 44 minutes long. The voice on the tape clearly matches recordings of Epsteins voice from depositions in 2012 and 2016. The Trump campaign has already attacked Wolff for releasing audio of Epstein, calling the author a disgraced writer who routinely fabricates lies in order to sell fiction books because he clearly has no morals or ethics. A spokesperson renewed that attack Saturday, and said, He waited until days before the election to make outlandish false smears all in an effort to engage in blatant election interference on behalf of Kamala Harris. Hes a failed journalist that is resorting to lying for attention. Sources in the Trump camp also suggested it was widely known that Trump had kicked Jeffrey Epstein out of Mar-a-Lago when he learned about the sex-trafficking allegations. Wolff interviewed Epstein at his vast Manhattan townhouse on a day in August 2017. Just short of two years later it was raided by the FBI. Trumps long friendship with Epstein, which spanned the late 1980s, 1990s and early 2000s has been well documented. In the 1990s, the two publicly partied at Mar-a-Lago and went to a Victorias Secret Angels show together. In 2002, Trump told New York Magazine of Epstein, Ive known Jeff for 15 years. Terrific guy. Hes a lot of fun to be with. It is even said that he likes beautiful women as much as I do, and many of them are on the younger side. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Epsteins infamous leaked address books had Trumps own phone number as well as Melanias , while Trumps name appeared seven times in the passenger logs of Epsteins planes. (The books and logs also included princes, politicians and potentates such as Bill Clinton, former British prime minister Tony Blair, former Israeli PM Ehud Barak, Prince Andrew and celebrities and billionaires including Mick Jagger and Les Wexner.) The long friendship between Trump and Epstein saw them party at Mar-a-Lago, including in February 2000 when they posed with their then-girlfriends, Melania Knauss and Ghislaine Maxwell. Melania became First Lady; Maxwell is serving 20 years in federal prison. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2022 Ghislaine Maxwell, Epsteins former girlfriend who procured him underage girls, would be sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for the sex trafficking of minors. Upon hearing of her arrest in 2020, Trump, then president, said he wished her well . Her friend or boyfriend was either killed or committed suicide in jail. Yeah, I wish her well Good luck. In 2004, Epstein and Trump fell out when they both tried to buy a Palm Beach estate, Maison de LAmitie, out of bankruptcy. The next year, the FBI began investigating Epstein for child sex trafficking. In 2019, on the day after Epsteins arrest, Trump said in the Oval Office, I was not a fan of his, that I can tell you, and that they had not been friends for 15 years. He said it did not much matter what the fall-out had been over. This September, asked about Epstein by the tech podcaster Lex Fridman , Trump said: He was a good salesman. He was a hailing, hearty type of guy. He had some nice assets that hed throw around like islands, but a lot of big people went to that island. But fortunately, I was not one of them. However, the financiers version of their relationship has never been heard until now. The two men fell out in 2004 over the purchase of the Maison de L'Amitie, an estate and mansion in Palm Beach which Trump bought from under Epstein. He offers a portrait of Trump womanizing, yelling at staff and living a basically friendless life with only his daughter Ivanka, his secretary and his bodyguard truly loyal to him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump, he said, was almost functionally illiterate but did read the Page Six gossip column in the New York Post. He was incapable of reading a balance sheet, and any act of kindness would have been an accident, Epstein said But it is Epsteins description of Trumps conduct toward women which is likely to attract most attention, given the pairs long friendship, and the 28 women who have made accusations against the former president of sexual misconduct (all of which he denies). Many of the attacks are alleged to have occurred when he and Epstein were friends. On the tape Epstein can be heard saying, Hes a horrible human being. He does nasty things to his best friends, best friends wives, anyone who he first tries to gain their trust and uses it to do bad things to them. On one occasion, Epstein alleged, Trump took a woman to what he called the Egyptian Room in an Atlantic City casino. Epstein alleged, He came out afterward and said, It was great, it was great. The only thing I really like to do is f--- the wives of my best friends. That is just the best. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He alleged that he and Trump would pick up women by combining to split them from their male companions. We always used to go to Atlantic City to try to find girls in the casino, he said. And if there was a guy, I would say, Im here to invite the guy to go out to dinner. And hed say, [to the woman], Let me show you the casino. And as he walked out, he put his arm around the girls shoulder, and the bodyguard would walk up and Donald, whoosh, take the girl away. Epstein also alleged that Trump had an elaborate scheme to procure sex with his friends wives. He would call the men into his Trump Tower office to ask them about their sex lives and offer them sex with beauty pageant contestants, the pedophile said. He would do this while the wives wereunknown to their husbandslistening on speakerphone, so that he could then seduce the wives on the basis their husbands had betrayed them, Epstein claimed. You must have had a better f--- than your wife, tell me about it What Epstein alleges Trump would ask his friends Epstein can be heard acting out what he alleged was Trumps elaborate seduction technique to Wolff, using Wolffs name and that of his wife, Victoria, to demonstrate it. Epstein said, And hed say, Whats it like to do that? Do you like having sex with your wife? How often do you have sex with her? Epstein claimed Trump would also say, You must have had a better f--- than your wife, tell me about it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Then, the pedophile alleged, Trump would say, We can, you and I can go upstairs or tomorrow, come over, theres this girls coming in from Los Angeles, part of the, whatever Hawaiian Tropic contest, so come over, we can have a great time. I promise you, Michael, you know, its just me and you, we can have a great time. Epstein added, The whole time, your Victorias with us on the phone. Then he would use the wives anger to seduce them, he claimed. In April 1997, Trump and Epstein went to the Victoria's Secret Angels party together in Manhattan. Outside Trump posed with Belgian model Ingrid Seynhaeve. The Epstein tape includes an allegationwhich is impossible to verifythat Trump had an affair with a politician while in the White House. Epstein offered no proof or sourcing for the claim. He also alleged that Trump cheated on both his first wife Ivana and second wife Marla Maples with a Black girl. At one section, Epstein used a Yiddish racial slur to refer to Black women and alleged Trump boasted to him, Im f---ing all these Black women. The tape mixes sexual allegations with other aspects of Trumps life. Early in the recording Epstein is heard to say, You probably know he had a scalp reduction. Hes getting the same male pattern baldness that we all have. He had his scalp reduced. Its hysterical. Trump has long refused to release full medical records while his White House medical reports did not disclose any prior surgeries. Hes charming. In a devious way, hes charming. To some extent its a typical tragedy where he believes his own bulls--- Epstein on Trump And Epstein offers his eyewitness account of Trump Tower and Trumps office where, he said, Trump had fake honors on the wall. Trump, he claimed, would yell at his personal assistant Rhona Graff, whos a loyal, perfect, secretary, as well as Matthew Calamari Snr., his bodyguard, and Michael Cohen, his attorney who is now an enemy . Epstein compared Trump to an emotionally challenged 9-year-old, and said, He screams and yells at Rhona more than anybody else. His screaming is how he treats people. He has a tantrum, not a temper. If you dont understand him, its frightening. Once you understand him, its sort of silly. Epstein also told Wolff he had positive things to say about Trump. Hes charming. In a devious way, hes charming, he said. To some extent its a typical tragedy where he believes his own bulls---. He has delusions of grandiosity, then he takes it on board. He added that he had a self-deprecating nature and was not vulgar. Hes funny, Epstein said. Self-awareness means youre self-aware. Hes aware of that person, Donald Trump. He talks about The Trump, The Trumpster. Trumps getting laid. Despite Epstein speaking of his Democratic friends, he offered praise for some aspects of Trumps time in office, and said, I think hes doing a pretty good job at certain things and hes not getting credit for it. All the transgender stuff, the bathroom stuff, giving police back their weapons. This is the last public picture of Epstein, the mug shot taken when he entered federal custody after his attest in July 2019. He died weeks later in his cell. Authorities said it was by suicide. On the tape Epstein, speaking in a New York accent, also mentioned the rich and powerful. (In a deposition released after his death Epstein admitted under oath that he dropped the names of people he had never met.) The names he mentioned on tape include: Former president Bill Clinton; Ivanka Trump and her husband Jared Kushner; then-Defense Secretary James Mattis; and the billionaires Carl Icahn and Tom Barrack, both of whom are friends of Trump. Clinton was a long-standing friend of Epstein but has denied any association after the pedophiles disgrace in the mid-2000s. Mattis has no known association with him. Ivanka was photographed with him as a child but Kushner has never been known to be linked to him. Barrack appeared in a leaked appointment diary for Epstein from 2016, while Carl Icahn, a corporate raider and long-time Trump friend, was in Epsteins 1997 address book. Startlingly for a man who became one of the worlds most notorious sex offenders, Epstein on the tapes offers a damning judgment of Trump, telling Wolff, The moral compass just does not exist. Editors note: The Daily Beasts Chief Content Officer Joanna Coles holds an investment in Kaleidoscope, the maker of the Fire and Fury podcast. National Chemistry Week wrapped up with a fun event for kids. Eries local section of the American Chemical Society displayed science activities that celebrate the importance of chemistry in everyday life. Over $6M awarded to support Penn State Behrends new research facility Local chemists and students from regional colleges and universities showcased several different experiments for kids. Activities included UV light beads, rainbow spectroscopes, dry ice bubbles and more. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Check those smoke detector batteries as we fall back an hour this weekend One student said he hopes to inspire kids to see the fun in chemistry. Definitely to inspire kids, I tutor at Behrend, Im hoping to become a professor someday. The big thing for me is spreading it around and spreading the love about chemistry, said Ben Lindquist, a chemistry student at Penn State Behrend. The event ended at 2:00 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 WJET/WFXP/YourErie.com. The Spanish royals and their entourage which included Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez were reportedly met with hostility and pelted with mud on Sunday during a visit to the flood-ravaged Valencia region. Authorities said the death toll has risen to 217 following Tuesday's deadly flash floods and storms. In the town of Paiporta, near Valencia, some locals reportedly shouted "murderers" and "resign" at the visiting delegation, which consisted of King Felipe VI, Queen Letizia, Sanchez and Carlos Mazon, president of the Valencia regional government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The atmosphere in the town, which is among the worst affected, was very tense, the state broadcaster RTVE reported. The royal couple tried to talk to the people who approached the group and to calm them. Felipe intended to continue the visit to the town, but was then shielded by bodyguards - some on horseback - for security reasons. It was initially unclear whether the visit would continue. There has been harsh criticism of politicians and emergency services in Spain since the storms. In many places, people felt abandoned because there was little assistance available on the ground in the hours and days after the storms. There is also criticism that the regional government of Valencia was too slow to relay the warnings from the meteorological service AEMET. Dozens of people remain missing and the death toll is expected to rise further. LONDON (AP) Holding signs with slogans including stop the plop and species not feces, thousands of people marched in London on Sunday to demand a cleanup of Britains sewage-clogged waterways. Organizers estimated that 15,000 people took part in the march along the River Thames to Parliament, many wearing blue and waving blue flags to form a human river. Police did not give an estimate of the crowd. The March for Clean Water was organized by groups ranging from Greenpeace and Friends of the Earth to British Rowing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Water pollution has become an increasingly high-profile issue in Britain, focusing attention on climate change and the legacy of privatization of Britains utilities several decades ago. Private companies that provide both water and sewage have failed to update their often-Victorian infrastructure as populations have grown and demand swelled. Leaks are common, and during heavy rainfall companies discharge raw sewage into rivers, lakes and the sea. The number of discharges increased by more than 50% last year to a record 464,000 spills, according to the Environment Agency. Pollution from farm runoff also taints Britains waterways, and climate change is making the situation worse by bringing more intense rain. Rower Imogen Grant, a gold medalist at the 2024 Olympic Games, said it was commonplace for rowers to get sick after training on the Thames. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I spend hours and hours on the water training every day in the rowing boats during my sessions, and seeing nappies floating along, seeing plastic bags, seeing scum along the pontoons that were training on Its just not good enough and something needs to change, she said. Water companies say the industry regulator wont allow them to raise water bills enough to finance improvements. The Labour Party government, elected in July, has introduced a bill to strengthen regulation and impose tougher penalties on water companies responsible for pollution. But the demonstrators said more needs to be done. Nature broadcaster Chris Packham, who attended the march, said Britains rivers are among the worst in Europe. But Im hopeful, firstly because we know what we need to do, and we have the technologies to fix it. What we need to do is to convince our new government to act more rapidly, he said. Ahead of the by-elections in Bihar, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) MP Misa Bharti on Sunday raised concern over the deteriorating law and order situation in state and called on Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to ensure proper enforcement of law as people are not safe in the state. RJD MP Misa Bharti said, "We have always raised our voice against the law and order situation in the state at present. People walking on the streets are shot. The Chief Minister is also the Home Minister and he should ensure proper enforcement of law and order. People are not safe in the state." She further said that whenever the opposition asks questions concerning law and order the state government starts talking about what happened 20 years ago. "They should talk about what is happening today. During the 90s under CM Lalu Prasad Yadav, 5 Universities were built in Bihar. When Lalu Prasad Yadav was Railway minister then three factories were built in Bihar. For the last 20 years, there has been NDA rule. How many factories have they built in Bihar?" she added. Earlier Former Bihar Deputy Chief Minister and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav on Sunday lashed out at the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government for troubling people over various issues, highlighting problems related to electricity bills and pre-paid meters. He also said that the law and order situation has collapsed as the criminals have become fractious. "People have made up their mind that they have to teach a lesson to the current National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government. People have been troubled - from the electricity bill, and pre-paid meters to land surveys. They are fed up now. You can see that crime has increased day by day. Today, we listed 110 murder incidents. The criminals are celebrating, while law and order have collapsed. The government has failed and the criminals have become fractious, out of control. Incidents (of crime) are increasing constantly," Tejashwi Yadav said. Ahead of the by-elections in Bihar, the former Deputy Chief Minister said that his party would go to the people and ask for votes in favour of their grand alliance. "We will go among the people and ask for voters in favour of Mahagathbandhan. We are confident and sure that we will win all four seats in the by-elections," he said. The Election Commission of India (ECI) had announced bypolls to four assembly constituencies in Bihar's Belaganj, Imamganj, Tarari, and Ramgarh. The by-elections are scheduled be to held on November 13 and the results will be announced on November 23. (ANI) NATCHITOCHES, La. (KTAL/KMSS)Thousands of voters will have the chance to vote on a new representative for Congress in the newly formed Sixth Congressional District, which stretches from East Baton Rouge to Shreveport. Democratic candidate Quentin Anthony Anderson from Baton Rouge held a public town hall meeting at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center in Natchitoches on Saturday. The Congressional District 6 map, stretches from East Baton Rouge Parish through St. Landry, parts of Rapides, all of Natchitoches, half of DeSoto Parish, and a section of Caddo Parish. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the news release, this was his third campaign stop in the area during this election cycle. He had previously held campaign events at Legacy Cafe and on the campus of Northwestern University. As Election Day approaches on November 5th, Anderson shares his vision for the future. This is, I think, my third campaign stop in Natchitoches during this race, and each time, Im always excited about the enthusiasm up here to do something different. And thats what this election is about doing something different than weve always done because most of us are tired of the results weve always gotten, he stated. Who qualified for the November election in Caddo Parish? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The news release detailed, Anderson emphasized the need for comprehensive policies beyond traditional policing. Crime is a problem everywhere, including in Natchitoches. But I think what we also understand here in Natchitoches is that public safety goes beyond merely policing. Policing is a component, for sure, but more police or harsher tactics wont stop the next crime. Thats where policy comes in, he explained. The Baton Rouge business owner touched on the importance of authentic representation in Congress. This seat has to mean more than just having someone that looks like us. We have to elect someone who we know when no one is looking will fight for us. And theres a real difference between the two. Saturdays town hall marks Andersons final public stop in Natchitoches before the upcoming election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. DENVER (KDVR) On Nov. 1 around 7 p.m. the Loveland Emergency Communication Center received a call from a daughter to perform a welfare check for her mother after she had not been able to contact her the Loveland Police Department announced in a post on Facebook. When Loveland police arrived at the mothers home, they discovered a man inside. Officers attempted to have the man exit the house and speak with them before noticing a woman on the floor in the home. Where to drop off leaves, old pumpkins in Denver Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officers entered the home and placed the man into custody. They confirmed the woman on the ground was dead. The man from the incident was identified as Michael Fuller, 30. Fuller was charged with: First-degree murder Tampering with physical evidence Violation of a protection order Fuller was also recently arrested on Oct. 9 when Loveland police received a call from a woman about a man threatening her in Namaqua Park the Loveland Police Department announced in a press release. The woman said she was walking her dog in the park by the river when Fuller appeared by the bank of the river and began to yell at her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When the police arrived they discovered Fuller and the woman standing in the water about 15 feet from one another. Officers asked Fuller to get out of the water multiple times so they could speak to him. The officers reported that he appeared to be intoxicated and was slow to comply with their directions. Boulder man scares off mountain lion going after his dog The officers attempted to use a remote restraining device called a Bola wrap on him but were unsuccessful before reaching him on a second Bola wrap attempt. When Fuller was brought into contact with the officers they reported he began to fight with officers in the water and at one point grabbed an officer by the neck and tried to pull him underwater. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another officer received a minor injury when trying to restrain Fuller. The woman stated that Fuller asked her for a cigarette and when she said she did not have one, he began to yell at and threaten to kill her and her dog. She said he threw a beer bottle and rocks at her forcing her into knee-deep water. When Fuller got close enough, she said she sprayed him in the face with pepper spray. Fuller was arrested and charged with: Second-degree assault Menacing Disorderly conduct Resisting arrest Obstructing government operations Fuller was issued a $250 cash bond. The incident at the home is an active investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) Members of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) gathered near an international port of entry in El Paso on Saturday, Nov. 2 to call attention to what they say are thousands of veterans who have been unjustly deported in the past decade. Ray Mancera, LULACs national vice president for the Southwest, said these veterans who were undocumented non-citizens were automatically deported under the Patriot Act after 9/11 for committing crimes, no matter how small. We are calling for the Biden Administration to grant them a pardon if it was a federal crime and for state governors to pardon them, if they were state crimes, Mancera said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mancera said these veterans fought for their country and now feel abandonded. They feel their country has abandoned them, Mancera said. They thought they were Americans and their government said, No, you are not. Get out of here.' These people served their country in battle; they were not asked if they were residents, Mancera said. They fought for America. When they came back to their families and were starting to enjoy the benefits of being an American, they were deported. Mancera and other members of LULAC said they were going to travel over to Juarez and visit with deported veterans. He did not know exactly how many there are in Juarez because they are fearful about their identities being found out by the drug cartels and being forced to work for them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There might be five there. There might be 40, Mancera said. We want to tell them, we have not forgotten 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 KTSM 9 News. Rachel Maddow looks at how the politicization of abortion has imperiled the health of women in the United States, making all aspects of reproductive health more dangerous, and showing real-world tragic outcomes, and how Donald Trump's continued kowtowing to anti-abortion activists threatens to solidify these harmful conditions. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) Counties across Nevada had rejected or failed to verify signatures on more than 15,000 mail-in ballots as of Saturday enough to swing an election in the states tight races. Nevadas 17 registrars rejected 591 ballots as of Saturday, according to the Nevada Secretary of States Office. Those ballots either arrived in the wrong envelope, or an envelope arrived without a ballot at all. Link: Clark County Registered Voter Services Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As of Saturday, registrars needed to verify the identities of 14,469 voters for their mail-in ballot to be tabulated. In Clark County, a signature verification machine takes the first pass at verifying a signature. If the machine determines there is no match to the signature on file, the ballot goes to a bipartisan review team that determines if the ballot needs to be verified. More than 9,000 Nevada voters had verified or cured their signature as in state language as of Saturday morning. Clerks will notify a voter if there is a signature issue. The Clark County Election Department will notify voters if there is an issue with their signature, however, a voter must have a phone number or email on file to be notified. Voters have until 5 p.m. on the sixth day after Election Day to provide a signature confirmation, Nevada law states with the Veterans Day holiday, that date this year is Tuesday, Nov. 12. Friday marked the last day of in-person early voting. The next and only opportunity to vote in person is on Election Day on Tuesday. Mail-in ballots postmarked by Election Day will continue to be tabulated until Saturday, Nov. 9. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2022, 5,979 ballots statewide needing a signature cure were not counted 2% of the total of mail-in ballots. Clark County voters can see if the county has counted their mail-in ballot under the Registered Voter Services section of the election departments website. The county can also be reached at 702-455-VOTE (8683). Nye County voters can call 775-482-8134. Close margins often decide Nevada elections: In 2022, Nevada Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo won by about 15,000 votes; Democratic Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto won by about 8,000 votes. In 2020, President Joe Biden won by about 33,000 votes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. MEMPHIS, Tenn. A man was arrested on Saturday after Memphis Police say he repeatedly pointed a laser into the cockpit of a Tennessee Highway Patrol helicopter. Eric Price. (SCSO) Eric Price, 47, has been charged with three counts of aggravated assault for the following incident: On Friday at 10:30 p.m., a state trooper spoke with a Pilot Lieutenant with the Tennessee Highway Patrol who told them that an unidentified person repeatedly pointed a laser into the cockpit of his helicopter while they were actively in flight and flying above the Memphis area, putting all three passengers at risk of serious bodily harm or injury as a result of the use of the laser. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the police report, troopers say that it should be noted that pointing a laser at an aircraft pilot can cause temporary blindness and disorientation, which can put both the flight crew and civilians below at risk of death or serious bodily harm. In this case, the victims said that the persistent laser pointing forced them to shield their eyes and operate the helicopter temporarily without maintaining a visual on the airspace to avoid further risk of incapacitation or death. Shooting victim seeks help at Midtown IHOP The state trooper was told that the laser was coming from a shed behind the address of a home in the 400 block of Angelus Street in Memphis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When the trooper arrived at the house, he made contact with a man through the window of the residence. The man was later identified as Eric Price. While speaking with the trooper, Price spontaneously uttered that he was the one responsible for pointing the laser at the helicopter. Price was arrested and was held on $20,000 bond. He has since been released. According to a statement from the Federal Aviation Administration, they will be investigating this incident as well. Shooting victim seeks help at Midtown IHOP The FAA works closely with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to pursue civil and criminal penalties against people who deliberately aim a laser at an aircraft, FAA administrator Mike Whitaker said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier this year, the Federal Aviation Administration started a campaign to raise awareness about the dangers of laser strikes after noticing an increase in incidents. The FAA says intentionally pointing a laser at an aircraft is a serious threat to aviation safety and a federal crime. Last year, pilots reported 13,304 laser strikes to the FAA So far this year, there have been 8,863 incidents. 483 of those happened in Tennessee. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) A 24-year-old man accused of stabbing a 28-year-old man in Providence was arrested Saturday. Providence Police Col. Oscar Perez said officers arrested him on General Street. The victim is in stable condition after suffering multiple stab wounds on his arms, according to Perez, and an investigation into the incident is underway. NEXT: Fall River police investigating stabbing Close Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WPRI.com. OKALOOSA COUNTY, Fla. (WKRG) Crestview Police say a man convicted of bank robbery nearly 30 years ago did it again Friday. According to a Facebook post from the Crestview Police Department, 66-year-old James Keith Johnson robbed the Regions Bank on South Ferndon Boulevard at about 4:30 p.m. on Friday. Police say he was wearing a fluorescent yellow safety vest and a large straw hat with a face mask, claimed to have a weapon and demanded money. Johnson drove away and was arrested at his home in Pensacola. Jail records indicate he was booked Saturday morning. Crestview Police say Johnson was arrested for two separate Florida bank robberies in 1995 and was caught after he tried to launder the stolen money at a Mississippi casino. He received a 27-year sentence after his conviction in 1995. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The post says Johnson adopted the name Thunder Eagle Ghost Dancer after his 1995 bank robbery conviction. After the Friday robbery, police say he went to a Native American event in the Niceville area but was only spotted there for a short 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 WKRG News 5. MEMPHIS, Tenn. Memphis Police are investigating after a man was fatally shot in Orange Mound overnight. At 12:54 a.m., officers responded to a shooting in the 700 block of Dallas Street. When they arrived, they found a male victim who was taken to Regional One Hospital in critical condition. The victim later succumbed to their injuries and was pronounced deceased at the hospital. Two juveniles, one adult shot in Frayser Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police say they do not have any suspect information available at this time but this is an ongoing investigation. If you have any information that could help police, call CrimeStoppers at 901-528-CASH. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. Union Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita and Assam Minister Pijush Hazarika on Sunday evening celebrated the Tihar and Bhai Tika festival of the Gorkha community at Majgaon area under Behali assembly constituency in Assam's Biswanath district along with local people. Assam Minister Pijush Hazarika was seen trying his hands at playing dhol and the Union MoS Pabitra Margherita was seen dancing to a traditional song. The bye-elections in the Behali assembly constituency and four other assembly constituencies of Assam will be held on November 13. Bhai Dooj is known by several names in other parts of India. In North India, it is known as Bhai Dooj, Bhau Bij, and Bhai Beej, and in Maharashtra, this day is celebrated as Bhai Tika. This day is celebrated as Bhai Phonta in Bengal. In the southern regions of India, particularly in Karnataka and Telangana, Bhai Dooj is celebrated as Yama Dwitiya. The mythology behind this celebration is that Goddess Yamuna fed her brother Yamraj at her own home on the day of Kartik Dwitiya. Since then, this day has been recognised and celebrated as Yama Dwitiya. Sisters apply tilak to their brother's foreheads and follow other rituals such as fasting and puja on this day to wish them a long and prosperous life. In return, brothers give their sisters a gift and promise to always protect them. Raksha Bandhan and Bhai Dooj are quite similar up to an extent, however, on Bhai Dooj, sisters do not tie a thread or Rakhi on the wrists of their brothers like they do on Raksha Bandhan. Numerous ancient Hindu scriptures have mentioned Bhai Dooj as a celebration of bonding and eternal love between brothers and sisters. There are several tales associated with the origin of the occasion and the most well-known are those of Lord Krishna and Yamraj. (ANI) AMES, Iowa The Ames Police Department is investigating after a man was found dead in a parking lot in downtown Ames. Around 8:26 a.m. the Ames Police Department responded to the 700 block of Burnett Avenue on reports of a man lying in an alley. Once on scene, police located a deceased 53-year-old man in a parking lot near the alley. The man was transported to the Iowa Office of the State Medical Examiner for an autopsy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities opened an investigation and have since conducted follow-up interviews, canvassed the area, and processed the scene. Police say there does not appear to be any ongoing danger to the community. Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call the Ames Police Department at (515) 239-5133. You can also call the anonymous tip line at (515) 239-5533 or submit anonymous tips at www.crimestoppersofcentraliowa.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 who13.com. IRON COUNTY, Utah (ABC4) A man has been sentenced to prison after assaulting another man with a metal tow hitch and strangling him, according to the Iron County Attorneys Office. Elijah Wall, 27, was sentenced to 1-15 years in Utah State Prison for aggravated assault (second-degree felony) and up to 5 years for attempted burglary (third-degree felony). In Oct. 2023, Wall had a verbal altercation with his domestic partner at the front door of her home, according to a statement from the attorneys office. Wall reportedly assaulted the woman, took items from the home, and threatened her and other members of the community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Who is Lucifer Justin Case Everylove? Meet the presidential candidate who is only on Utahs ballots In a second instance that took place in May 2024, police responded to an assault and learned that Wall had been lying in wait for a man to exit a residence in Cedar City, according to the statement. When the victim exited, Wall reportedly struck him in the head with a metal tow hitch and then strangled him. The victim was reportedly leaving the residence of Walls former girlfriend. In a text message to his ex, Wall threatened to pull back up if the victim decided to press charges. Wall also sent a video of himself in the hospital where the victim was located. He was arrested at the hospital before being booked into Iron County Jail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Utah Board of Pardons will determine how long Wall serves in prison, the attorneys office stated. No further information is available at this time. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. UPDATE: According to a post on the Whiteside County Sheriffs Offices Facebook page, Johnathon Parker was taken into custody on an outstanding Whiteside County felony warrant. Parker was transported to the Whiteside County Jail and is being held without bond. The Whiteside County Sheriffs Office was assisted by the Illinois State Police, the Sterling Police Department and the Rock Falls Police Department. Johnathon Parker (Whiteside County Sheriffs Office) EARLIER: An arrest warrant has been issued for Johnathon P. Parker, 40, of Rock Falls for the charge of aggravated battery with a firearm after a man was shot Monday, the Rock Falls Police Department announced in a news release. Police say Parker should be considered armed and dangerous. If you have information about his location, call the Rock Falls Police Department at 815-622-1140 or 911. Johnathon Parker (Rock Falls Police Department) EARLIER UPDATE: Police in Rock Falls are looking for a suspect after a man was shot early this morning, according to a news release from the Rock Falls Police Department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rock Falls Police responded to a report of a person shot at a residence in the 900 block of West Fifth Street on Monday, October 28 at about 2:16 a.m. When officers arrived, they found a man with a gunshot wound inside a home. The initial investigation revealed that the injured man was shot outside the home and that the shooter fled on foot. The man was taken to CGH Medical Center for treatment of a non-life-threatening injury. This is believed to have been an isolated incident and there is no ongoing threat to the public. Sterling Police and Illinois State Police Crime Scene Services assisted at the scene. The case is still under investigation. Anyone with information should contact the Rock Falls Police Department at (815) 622-1140. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHBF - OurQuadCities.com. Authorities are investigating a Merced shooting that sent a man to the hospital with injuries on Sunday. At about 1 a.m., police officers responded to the 100 block of Royce Lane on a report of shots fired in the area, according to Merced Police Sgt. Christian Lupian. Arriving officers found an adult male at a residence suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Authorities said the victim was flown to an out of area hospital for treatment of his injuries. The mans condition is unknown at this time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Lupian, Merced Police Department detectives responded to the scene, spoke with witnesses in the area and requested the Crime Scene Response Team. During the investigation, authorities located evidence of a shooting including shell casings, according to police. No suspects have been identified at this time. To my knowledge, its still really early on in their investigation, said Lupian. They havent developed any leads. According to police, its unclear what the victim was doing at the time of the incident and a possible motive for the shooting remains under investigation. Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to contact Merced Police Sgt. Jeremy Salyers at 209-388-7771. (NewsNation) Million-dollar homes in the U.S. are growing in number: A record 8 million houses are valued at seven figures or more, according to a Redfin analysis. Thats more than double the amount in 2019 before the pandemic. The homes high price tags are even pricer with whats known as a mansion tax. With this tax, high-end real estate sales come with a one-time payment at closing. A home that costs $1 million will leave the buyer or seller with a $10,000 fee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Buyers in New York are on the hook for paying this tax, whereas sellers in other markets like Los Angeles and San Francisco are responsible for paying the fees. Home sales approaching another 30-year low: Report What is the mansion tax used for? Mansion taxes have become a new funding source for local governments. But real estate industry groups oppose the mansion tax because data show that it tends to impact the number of home sales, creating a rush of deals before the tax goes into effect and suppressing transactions for several months afterward, the Wall Street Journal reported. Home prices are at an all-time high, which is why the share of U.S. homes valued at $1 million or more is higher than its ever been. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Los Angeles mansion tax known as Measure ULA went into effect in April 2023 to raise money for affordable housing and homelessness prevention. Experts point to the law as the primary reason for the collapse of the citys high-end housing market. Americans in these US cities have the most debt One entrepreneur paid $1.25 million in taxes on a $21 million sale in August. Entrepreneur David Alexanderian waited to list his home for half a year hoping the law would be repealed, but in the end, his profits took a hit. This is a very unfair tax, he told the WSJ. Buyers, on the other end, may negotiate a lower selling price just below the $1 million threshold to avoid paying the fee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One New Yorker bought a home for $995,000, escaping the tax. Hamza Sheikh, who was in the market for his first home, told the WSJ avoiding the tax made the whole process a lot more feasible. The tax has been around in New York for decades, but recently, more mansion taxes have been proposed as cities look for new sources of funding. Local leaders are going to be put under immense pressure with few options, said Richard Auxier, a state and local tax policy expert, to the WSJ. Youre out of money what else are you going to do? Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation. A Massachusetts correction officer was arrested after allegedly bringing drugs to a prisoner. On Saturday, November 2, State Police arrested Roxsandra Wright as part of an ongoing investigation by DOC and MSP into the smuggling of illicit narcotics into DOC facilities., The Massachusetts Department of Correction (DOC) said. Wright was arrested on charges related to bringing synthetic cannabinoid-laced paper into MCI-Shirley. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Massachusetts Department of Correction holds all staff members to the highest standards of professionalism and integrity, said DOC Interim Commissioner Shawn Jenkins. Any behavior that compromises the safety and security of our facilities, or undermines public trust, will not be tolerated. I want to thank the Massachusetts State Police for their invaluable coordination and collaboration on this matter. Recognizing the risks that contraband poses to the safety and health of both staff and incarcerated individuals, the DOC has implemented a comprehensive, multi-layered approach to prevent the introduction of illicit substances, the DOC said. Wright had resigned from the Department earlier this month, which took effect on October 31. She is expected to be arraigned in Ayer District Court on Monday, November 4. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The investigation into this matter is ongoing. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW On Friday, November 1st, a Maui surfer was in the water at Sand Piles, part of Waiehu Beach Park on the north central side of the island, when he was attacked by a shark. As we previously reported, the victim was 61-year-old Kenji Nonaka, and he lost a portion of his leg in the attack. Related: Maui Surfer Loses Leg In Shark Attack He had gotten himself onshore by his own power, said Maui Fire Assistant Chief, Jeffrey Giessa. He was alert. What I can confirm is that the patients right leg was bitten off below the knee. I am unsure if his surfboard was also damaged. Something bit him, wrenched his leg off, and was on its way. He could not give any information as to the type of shark or the size. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, a few days following the attack, there are some updates on Nonakas condition. Loved ones have set up a GoFundMe to support Nonaka in his recovery, and they have reported: He is out of the ICU and in the PCU, fully alert and full of joy for all the love and well wishes from the Maui ohana and beyond. Kenji and Tomoko are so grateful for all the support, and hes been talking story all afternoon about his love for the ocean and Waiehu surf. This accident hasnt lessened his stoke one bit, but he still has a long journey of healing ahead of him so please continue to spread the word and a huge thank you to those who have donated. Kenji is staying positive and strong for his recovery, and in his own wise words, he says tomorrow mo betta! At the time of publish, the GoFundMe has raised over $60,000 of its $100,000 goal. "Tomorrow mo betta! Kenji Nonaka Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Per KITV, a close acquaintance of Nonaka, Renee Wilcox, who goes surfing with the victim nearly every morning, had this to say about her friend: When I talked with him in the hospital, he was looking forward to getting back in the ocean. He just talked about how much he absolutely loves the ocean and how he might want to try boogie boarding for a little bit at first. It's scary for all of us because you always think, It's not going to happen here. It's not going to happen to us. and it did. He is a really hard-working man and he takes such good care of himself. He's so healthy and so positive and friendly. It is hard to see something like that happen to somebody that amazing of a person. Reports now are saying that Nonakas condition has been elevated from critical to serious. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Previously, per an investigation from National Geographic, as we reported, sharks (particularly the notoriously aggressive Tiger Sharks) congregate on Maui during the wintertime. The data revealed something astonishing, the narrator says. Tiger sharks across Hawaii stick to their home islands most of the year. Then, during the winter, they converge on Maui. The scientific community was baffled. Why? Mating. So, as the winter months approach, could the attack on Nonaka be a forebearer of whats to come? Hopefully not. But for Maui surfers, keep an eye out; couldnt hurt. Related: Most Hawaii Shark Attacks Happen on Maui; Heres Why (Video) Ahead of the Nov. 5 U.S. election, the Kyiv Independent sat down with U.S. academic and former ambassador to Russia Michael McFaul to discuss what the future of U.S. politics for Ukraine looks like with both presidential candidates Donald Trump and Kamala Harris Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Skyborne is a pilot training academy with bases in the UK, Florida, and India. The training costs $136,000 for a demanding 70-week course. Business Insider spoke to staff and trainees about what it's like to train as a commercial pilot. Skyborne is a pilot training academy based at Gloucestershire Airport in southwest England. It has nine intakes of 20 cadets this year for its Airline Transport Pilots Licence (ATPL) course that costs 105,500 ($136,000). The company was founded in 2018 and finished building its UK base in April 2019. In less than a year the pandemic would strike, wreaking havoc on the global aviation industry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Carla Booth, Skyborne's commercial director, tells Business Insider: "We were the ones going, 'we need to expand because we know this is going to bounce back, and we know it will bounce back pretty quickly because airlines have laid off so many pilots.'" It acquired another site in Vero Beach, Florida, where UK cadets spend six months of their course. It also trains US pilots and has a partnership with Delta Air Lines. Booth says airlines are "very much knocking on our door" as they look to recruit new pilots. After an oversupply prior to the pandemic, the management consulting firm Oliver Wyman estimates that North America is short of about 17,000 pilots due to factors such as early retirement, while the global figure could hit nearly 80,000 by 2032. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Skyborne received a further boost after being selected as the UK base for British Airways' Speedbird Pilot Academy program, which covers the training costs for up to 200 cadets. Booth said the course gets about 40,000 applications. Skyborne cadets and British Airways CEO Sean Doyle at this year's Farnborough Airshow. Courtesy of British Airways Life at Skyborne When a new course starts at Skyborne, cadets move into the academy's accommodation in nearby Cheltenham. Before classes begin, the previous intake will take the new recruits to the pub. When BI toured the academy, there was a palpable camaraderie in the hallways and crew lounges, where noticeboards advertised running clubs and other extracurricular activities. One of the two lounges overlooks Skyborne's hangar, where its in-house maintenance crew worked on one of the eight light aircraft parked inside. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vicky Harriss, head of operational delivery, says cadets also spend time with the engineers and air traffic controllers. "It's really important to us to ensure that we help the trainees build those relationships and break down any barriers that may be there very early on in their training," she adds. After graduating from high school, 21-year-old Skyborne trainee Libby Roebuck spent the first post-pandemic summer working as cabin crew for TUI Airways, part of the European package holiday group. Libby Roebuck is a Skyborne student. Courtesy of Skyborne Flying in helicopters with her dad throughout her childhood engendered a love of aviation, but school counselors often suggested cabin crew or the military as a career path. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I think that just kind of pushed it for me more to just go, 'I am doing this' the motivation to just do it," Roebuck told BI. There's also the challenge of entering what she called "a very male-dominated industry." Just 12% of trainees on Skyborne's ATPL course are women, and female pilots account for just 5% of the global total pilots, per the International Civil Aviation Organization. Roebuck said she's attended many open days and careers events with only one or two women, prompting her to keep pushing for change. "Especially since I've got back from Florida, I've seen far more females in the building, which has been really nice." Ground school, flight school, and simulators Skyborne's pilot course starts with six months of classes, which Harriss described as "really intense" and has just two seven-day breaks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Roebuck said she would get up at 7 a.m. and be in classes or studying until 11 p.m. as well as putting in another 12 hours on weekends. "What you put in is what you get out of this course." There's also customer-service training that includes roleplaying different scenarios. "Airlines are really starting to realize how important that is now, far more than maybe before," Harriss said. Cadets then spend the next six months in Florida doing single-engine flight training with Piper PA-28 planes before returning to often-cloudy England for multi-engine flight training. This starts in simulators for the twin-engine Diamond DA42 before trainees take to the skies and learning how to cope with only one engine running. A Skyborne Diamond DA42 in front of its hangar. Pete Syme/Business Insider It also includes a course with aerobatic aircraft called Upset Prevention Recovery Training to learn techniques to recover a plane from "unusual attitudes" such as stall events or a spiral dive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The final few weeks involve learning how to work in a multi-pilot crew, and getting to grips with large jets in a Boeing 737 Max simulator preparing for the reality of being an airline pilot. After landing a job, airlines assign a specific aircraft type for which there's typically another eight weeks of training. Booth tells BI the best part of her job is seeing trainees progress over the 18 months. "They've developed and changed so much during that time. To support them in getting in that first job is just so rewarding." Skyborne's UK social media pages celebrate trainees accepting offers from airlines including British Airways, easyJet, TUI, and Jet2. Roebuck said she's on a BA pathway waiting for an interview date, and hopes to become a first officer on the Airbus A320. Read the original article on Business Insider Field of Honor Field of Honor pays tribute to Merced veterans, spotlights military, first responders, (mercedsunstar.com, Nov. 8, 2021) As we gather for the 2024 Merced Field of Honor, I am filled with immense gratitude for the support and dedication our community has shown in making this event a heartfelt tribute to our veterans, active-duty military and first responders. The Field of Honor is not just an event, it is a symbol of the strength, unity and compassion that make Merced such a special place to call home. This year, over 2,000 flags have been placed on the field by our community, honoring the sacrifices made by those who serve to keep us safe. Every flag is sponsored by someone in our community, and many are flown year after year as a testament to the deep connections we share. These flags tell powerful stories of courage, dedication and love for our country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The City and County of Merced have a rich history of honoring our veterans, understanding the importance of service and the need to recognize those who protect our freedoms. Visit this years Field of Honor between Nov. 9-16. Whether you attend the ceremonies or take a quiet moment for reflection, your presence helps honor the heroes among us. Aggie Freeman Rotary Club of Merced Sunrise, president Opinion Animal abandonment Stanislaus animal shelter running out of space. How to help, (modbee.com, March 22) A few months ago, a litter of eight young border collies were dumped in the industrial area of Modesto, just off California State Route 132. They were wandering aimlessly before they were caught. Sadly, they had gone without food for so long that some could barely walk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement How could anyone do this? Animal abandonment has become a common problem, but it remains unacceptable. Our dogs view us as their loyal companions and love us unconditionally. Abandoning them is unimaginable cruelty that causes them tremendous suffering. A domesticated dog lacks survival skills and will suffer greatly on the streets. A visit to the shelter will reveal the physical destruction to their bodies and the emotional devastation dogs experience trembling, cowering and refusing to eat. Its truly heart-wrenching. Fortunately, those eight border collies all found homes (one now lives with me). But this is a serious problem. Our pets deserve much better. We are facing a crisis of strays that can only be resolved if we all take action together by spaying and neutering. Julie Limbocker Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement La Grange Protecting the Delta Smelt Delta Smelt gain habitat in largest tidal restoration, (sacbee.com, Sept. 23) The Delta in Contra Costa County is a vital ecosystem, but many species are in danger. The Delta Smelt, once abundant, is now nearly extinct due to habitat loss, pollution and water diversion. Its decline threatens the food web, fishing and water quality. Peter Moyle, a fish biologist, said: The Delta smelt is an indicator species. Its decline signals broader environmental issues that need urgent attention. The California clapper rail, a bird native to our marshes, is also at risk due to wetland drainage. What can we do? Help out by joining local conservation organizations like the California Native Plant Society; participate in community clean-ups through VolunteerMatch; advocate for sustainable practices by contacting local representatives; and educate others about endangered species. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lets work together to protect this legacy of life for future generations. Riley Goudy Walnut Creek Dangers of TikTok California, New York lead multi-state lawsuit against TikTok, alleging harm to children, (sacbee.com, Oct. 8) TikTok is unsafe and actively harming our children. The platform urgently needs to update its guidelines and improve moderation to protect vulnerable minors. By implementing stricter content restrictions, eliminating targeted content that exploits the innocence of minors and implementing a zero tolerance policy for cyberbullying, harassment and inappropriate behavior, TikTok can become a safer space. The platform would also need to add content filters, screen time limits and ensure that age-appropriate material is available. Angelica Valle Discovery Bay As Haridwar is set to celebrate the eighth edition of Ganga Utsav on Monday, preparations for the event are carried out in full swing at the Chandi Ghat in the spiritual city. The Ganga Utsav is organised by the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) on November 4, aiming to promote the conservation of the River Ganga, highlight its cultural and spiritual significance and raise awareness among the public towards cleanliness. This year's Ganga Utsav is being celebrated with great pomp and will be inaugurated by Union Jal Shakti Minister CR Patil. Several distinguished guests will be present at the opening ceremony of the festival. The special feature of this event includes the Women's River Rafting Campaign in which a group of 20 women will start the campaign from Devprayag to reach Ganga Sagar in 50 days and raise awareness about the importance of the Ganga River. Speaking to ANI, Rajeev Kumar Mital, Director General of the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), said, "The main feature of this year's event is the Women's River Rafting Campaign, which is organized in collaboration with BSF. This group of 20 women will start their campaign from Devprayag to reach Ganga Sagar in 50 days. So, this is a new initiative in which a women's contingent will spread awareness about the pure and incessant Ganga." Explaining other features of the event, Mital highlighted NMCG's efforts to revive a fish species 'Mahseer' in the river again. Apart from it, NMCG will also launch some products and knowledge portals on River Ganga. "There was a time when 'Mahseer' species of fish were found in the rivers of Uttarakhand, but with time, their population severely decreased. So, now, when the condition of the rivers is getting better in Uttarakhand, with the position of the Ganga river getting good, so, we have decided to release some Mahseer fishes in the Ganga river in the event. After that, we have cultural programmes, in which the main event is 'Rag-Rag Mein Ganga'. NMCG has made some products and knowledge portals on River Ganga, that will be launched at the event. In a row, some ministers will address the event," Mital told ANI. Several cultural programmes will also be held in the event, including a performance by actor Ashutosh Rana, he added. Director General NMCG said, "We have a performance by actor Ashutosh Rana... After that, Ganga Aarti will be performed and a sound and light will be showcased, based on the story of Haridwar. Cultural events depicting several cultures of Uttarakhand will be showcased. We have various stalls for children and a lot of things are there... A special VR tunnel depicting Ganga... We have one special initiative on River City Alliances, that will also be showcased in the event so that people get knowledge on it. We have an aim that all river cities work together." Highlighting the major objectives of Ganga Utsav 2024, Mital said that this event is being organized to raise awareness about the cultural, spiritual and ecological importance of the Ganga River among the society, especially in youth generations. Mital said, "Ganga Utsav is celebrated on the day on which River Ganga was declared as the National River. This will be the eighth edition of the event, as we have celebrated Ganga Utsav seven times. This time we have decided to celebrate it on the Chandi Ghat. The main objective of this celebration is to raise awareness among youths and society about the importance of the Ganga River, whether cultural, spiritual or ecological, as rivers have always been an important part of Indian culture. With the increasing pollution, the importance of rivers is decreasing, especially among the younger generation, so, to give a message to the younger generation, the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) is organising this festival." He further highlighted that the Ganga Utsav 2024 also meant acknowledging the efforts of all unknown people who have been working for the cleanliness of rivers and the conservation of river animals for years. "There are several unknown people who are continuously working for the cleanliness and conservation of animals in the rivers, so, this event is also an acknowledgement of their efforts," he added. Ganga Utsav 2024 marks a milestone, as it will be the first time that this event will take place on the riverbank itself, commemorating the anniversary of the Ganga River's designation as India's 'National River'. The event is also expected to deepen the appreciation of the river's heritage and role in Indian civilization. The celebration will span across 139 districts within the Ganga basin, coordinated by District Ganga Committees, with each state hosting a primary event. Union Minister for Jal Shakti, C.R. Patil, will inaugurate the central event in Haridwar, joined by prominent guests including Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, Minister of State for Jal Shakti Raj Bhushan Chaudhary, and Secretary of the Ministry of Jal Shakti, Debashree Mukherjee. (ANI) When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Credit: solarseven via Shutterstock The devastation of a giant meteorite impact on early Earth may have allowed life to flourish, new research suggests. A study of the remnants of a 3.26 billion-year-old impact reveals that microbial life the only type of life at that time may have ultimately benefited from the impact of a meteorite 50 to 200 times larger than the one that killed off the nonavian dinosaurs . While destruction reigned immediately after the impact, the meteorite and a resulting tsunami ultimately released nutrients that were crucial to microbes, the researchers reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Not only do we find that life has resilience, because we still find evidence for life after the impact; we actually think there were changes in the environment that were really great for life," said Nadja Drabon , an assistant professor of Earth and planetary sciences at Harvard University and the lead author of the study, published Oct. 21 in the journal PNAS . Drabon and her colleagues investigated evidence of an impact during the Archean eon (4 billion to 2.5 billion years ago) in what is now South Africa. Back then, this region was a shallow sea environment. There are probably only a few places on Earth where rocks this old preserve a moment in such detail, Drabon told Live Science. In the layers, researchers can see spherules tiny, glass-like orbs that form when a meteorite impact melts silica-containing rock. They also see conglomerates, or rocks made of other chunks of rock. The conglomerates are evidence of a globe-spanning tsunami that tore up the seafloor and smooshed the debris into clumps. The chemistry of the rock layers reveals remnants of the meteor itself, which was a primitive type of space rock called a carbonaceous chondrite. It would have measured between 23 and 36 miles (37 to 58 kilometers) in diameter. Even though the South Africa site was a good distance from the impact, the collision had major consequences. Not only did it cause a worldwide tsunami, but it also threw up dust that would have blotted out the sun . Evaporated minerals show that the impact also heated the atmosphere enough to boil the upper layers of the ocean. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It would have been quite disastrous for any life on land or in shallow water," Drabon said. A close-up of a rock with deposits in it Within a few years or decades of the impact, however, life was returning, and it may have been in better shape than ever. That's because, post-impact, there were spikes in elements essential to life, the study authors noted in the study. The first was phosphorus, an essential mineral that likely would have been in short supply in the oceans 3.26 billion years ago. Today, phosphorus erodes out of continental rocks into the oceans, but during the Archean, Earth was mostly a water world, with a limited number of volcanic islands and small continents. A carbonaceous chondrite of the impactor's size would have held hundreds of gigatons of phosphorus, Drabon said. The second was iron, which would have been plentiful in the deep Archean oceans but not in the shallow seas. The tsunami caused by the meteorite strike would have mixed the oceans, bringing this metal into shallower regions, Drabon said. Red rocks in the layers above the impact show this change in the environment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The study helps to explain how life began to flourish on a young planet beset by space collisions. The geological record suggests that meteorites larger than the one that killed the dinosaurs hit the early Earth at least every 15 million years. Life was resilient, Drabon said, but those impacts may have shaped life's evolution each time they occurred. "Because of the extinction of the dinosaurs, mammals were able to radiate, and without that, who knows if we would be able to be here?" Drabon said. The Archean impacts may have had similarly decisive effects on the kinds of microbes that flourished and the kinds that faded away. "Every impact is going to have some negative effects and some positive effects," Drabon said. EVANSVILLE, Ind. (WEHT) Election day is just three days away. Two of Indianas candidates for governor visit Evansville this weekend for a final push to voters. Indiana republicans are sending out a handful of their election hopefuls by the busload. Their latest stop is in Evansville. We want to win with authority, so we can take this state to a place its never been before based upon freedom and opportunity, says Braun. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To make that happen, Senator Braun says hes bringing his six years of experience in Washington to the governors mansion. Ive wrestled there on the big issues. Weighing in on like education, workforce, high healthcare costs, rural broadband, childcare, affordable housing, says Braun. Watch the video above to learn more. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW). President Joe Biden's key plans for broad student-debt relief are blocked in court. Neither former President Trump nor VP Kamala Harris would be able to act on them imminently. Harris supports Biden's efforts and would likely continue more targeted relief efforts should she win the election. Millions of federal student-loan borrowers remain in a debt-relief limbo that the election won't immediately solve. That's because President Joe Biden's latest attempt to grant broad relief is blocked in court by a lawsuit from GOP-led states. Vice President Kamala Harris has said she supports Biden's efforts, but if she wins she won't have the option to move it forward until the court reaches a decision. Former President Donald Trump has opposed forgiveness altogether and has called for abolishing the Education Department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite its inability to provide broad cancellation, Biden's Education Department has issued targeted relief that has given nearly 5 million borrowers debt cancellation to date. Under Secretary of Education James Kvaal has been working on these efforts since 2021, trying to improve a higher education system that heavily relies on student loans. He told Business Insider that shifting to a new administration's priorities will be "a baton race." He hopes the next president continues his work of thinking beyond just relief. "We need to make sure that we run the student loan programs in a way that protects students from being left with unaffordable debts," he said. "But we also need to invest in making those programs affordable on the front end and then making sure that those programs reliably lead to graduation and a job." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The issue has hardly been mentioned by the presidential candidates drowned out by concerns about the economy, immigration, and taxes. It's a big turnaround from the 2020 election when candidates made ambitious campaign promises. That's likely because polling shows it's not a top issue for voters. Just 18% of respondents said student-debt relief would impact their vote in a May Bankrate survey, and a separate May survey by the AP-NORC found just three in 10 adults approved of Biden's actions on the issue. While over 40 million Americans still hold student loan balances of about $38,000 on average, and it's keeping them from buying homes, starting a family, or saving for retirement, any future president has limited motivations or options for broad relief. Without broad cancellation, Biden has been chipping away at relief for targeted groups of borrowers Despite getting stuck on broad relief, Biden's Education Department has spent the last four years making a slew of changes to relief programs like Public Service Loan Forgiveness, borrower defense to repayment for defrauded borrowers, and the gainful employment rule, which ensures a borrower's debt doesn't pile up after they graduate. The department also implemented a new income-driven repayment plan, SAVE, intended to lower monthly payments and provide a shorter timeline for forgiveness. The plan has been blocked in court since July following challenges from GOP-led states, and 8 million enrolled borrowers won't have to make payments for at least six more months as the Education Department works to reprogram its systems and adjust repayment plans for impacted borrowers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some borrowers have lost hope. Constance, 65, has nearly $200,000 in student debt, an amount that's ballooned since she graduated from law school in 1994. Constance who requested to go by her first name for privacy went through periods during which her kids' expenses took up most of her salary. She placed her student loans on deferment, meaning she didn't make payments but interest accrued. "It's just out of control at this point, and there's no way I'm going to be able to pay it off," Constance said. She's disappointed because she would likely qualify for Biden's second attempt at broader student-debt relief, which has been blocked in court. Specifically, the plan would cancel up to $20,000 in student debt for borrowers whose balances have grown because of unpaid interest and provide relief for borrowers who first entered repayment at least 20 years ago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On October 25, the Education Department unveiled a separate proposal to provide relief to borrowers experiencing long-term financial hardship that prevents them from repaying their loans, including challenges with high childcare or healthcare costs. The department expects to finalize the plan in 2025, and it did not comment on how a future administration could impact the relief. Sara Partridge, associate director for higher education policy at the left-leaning Center for American Progress Action Fund, told BI that it's hard to predict what relief will come for student-loan borrowers as legal challenges remain ongoing. "We will likely need to see how the current case against the Plan B rule plays out to have a better understanding of what exactly is possible in the future," Partridge said. Kvaal said that moving forward, he wants to focus on the way the country finances higher education. He also said that borrowers should expect more action on student-loan industry regulation, pointing to the Education Department's restructuring of servicers' contracts over the past year. Those changes have enabled the department to process debt relief applications quicker and implement more safeguards for borrowers to ensure their servicers are fulfilling their contractual obligations. Harris vs. Trump on student loans Even though both Harris and Trump provided minimal detail on how they would address student debt, Partridge said it's helpful to look back on their previous actions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I would expect continued improvements and limited expansions of debt relief where legally possible under a Harris-Walz administration," Partridge said. She said the Trump administration "didn't take any major steps" to fix long-standing issues, like backlogs with Public Service Loan Forgiveness and borrower defense applications. Borrowers should not expect expanded relief or reform should Trump win the election. He also lauded the Supreme Court decision striking down Biden's debt relief. The composition of Congress will also impact what's in store for student-loan borrowers Republican control would mean that previously introduced legislation to prevent relief could be signed into law. "Where is the forgiveness for the guy who didn't go to college but is working to pay off the loan on the truck he takes to work? What about the woman who paid off her student loans, but is now struggling to afford her mortgage? Is the administration providing them relief? Of course not," Sen. Bill Cassidy, the top Republican on the Senate Education Committee, said in a recent statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Regardless of who wins the election, legal challenges to debt relief will keep borrowers in limbo. Kvaal said the fight isn't over, and the Biden administration will work to provide relief under its authority as long as it can. "It has gone to the full extent of its authority to offer relief to borrowers," Kvaal said. "We are fighting currently in court to offer more debt relief, but we also are taking dozens of actions that are not contested in court that have helped millions of borrowers." Read the original article on Business Insider GASTONIA, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) Governor Tim Walz is returning to the Tar Heel state for a campaign rally just days before Election Day. According to a press release, Walz will hold the event in Gastonia to encourage voters to cast their ballots. Earlier in the day, Former President Bill Clinton will hold a campaign rally at a church in Charlotte at 10 a.m. Details regarding the event are limited at this time, however, we do know he is scheduled to arrive in Charlotte around 6 p.m. before traveling to Gastonia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the event, Walz will return to his home state of Minnesota. His last visit to the area was on October 30 in Charlotte. QUEEN CITY NEWS NORTH CAROLINA ELECTIONS Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) The highest-ranking Democratic Congressman Hakeem Jeffries joined Senator John Mannion on the campaign trail the weekend before election day. Jeffries believes the 22nd Congressional District race could make all the difference. The election of John Mannion is critically important to our efforts to take back control of the house in order to be able to deliver for hard-working taxpayers here in Central New York, throughout the great state of New York State, and the nation, Leader Jeffries said. Latest local news Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The rally was packed with Mannion supporters, standing ovations, and a sense of pride for the city of Syracuse, which Mannion proudly calls home. The lively rally gave some in attendance a sense of hope. It definitely made me feel like I was part of a movement, and I felt happy and energized, Cheryl Dixon-Hills said. Before the rally, Jeffries and Mannion took questions on an incident at Fridays rally for Brandon Williams where Speaker of the House Mike Johnson made comments threatening the landmark legislation credited with attracting Micron. Speaker of the House apologized profusely for saying hed probably will try to repeal CHIPS Act Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Johnson later said he misheard the question and that he does support the repatriation of chips manufacturing in America. This statement from the speaker yesterday was a clear indication that he doesnt understand Central New York, Mannion said. The comments from the former president are also an indication that he doesnt understand our history and what we need here in Central New York. The CHIPS and Science Act is critically important to the ongoing economic revival here in Central New York, Leader Jeffries added. Republican Congressman Brandon Williams told NewsChannel 9, I spoke privately with the speaker immediately after the event. He apologized profusely, saying he misheard the question. He clarified his comments on the spot and I trust local media to play his full comments on supporting repatriation of chips manufacturing to America. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. CEDAR CITY (ABC4) A Cedar City man was first reported missing on Tuesday, Oct. 29, after leaving on his motorcycle. On Saturday, Nov. 2, officials with the Cedar City Police Department confirmed that his body had been found. Based on initial investigations, authorities believe Eduardo Gutierrez-Nava, 35, crashed his motorcycle on State Route 14 and passed away. His motorcycle and remains were found near mile marker 7 on Nov. 2 by a volunteer searcher, according to police. $2,000 reward offered for the return of missing DCSO K-9 Kash Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Preliminary investigations indicate that the victim may have lost control of his motorcycle, resulting in a fatal crash, the Cedar City Police Department said on social media Saturday. Iron County Sheriffs Search and Rescue assisted with search efforts for about three days. Police said the Utah Highway Patrol is investigating the circumstances around the crash. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time, and we extend our deepest condolences for their tragic loss, police said. There is no further information at this time. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. A screenshot shows the Shroyer family in an update on the My Vineyard Church website. Photo courtesy of My Vineyard Church Nov. 3 (UPI) -- The wife of an American missionary murdered in Angola has been arrested in his killing, the couple's church has announced. Officials allege that Jackie Shroyer, 44, killed her husband Beau Shroyer, 44, in a "violent, criminal attack," Troy Easton, pastor of Detroit-based Lakes Area Vineyard Church said in a statement. Easton added that Jackie Shroyer had been taken into custody. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I'm so sorry and simply do not have words to express my disbelief and sorrow about this news. What I can tell you is that the Shroyer children are well cared for," the statement said. "This is unimaginable, and yet it is very real. As a community we must cry out to the Lord for his grace, mercy and comforting presence for the Shroyer children and family." The statement told congregants to anticipate media attention and that the church was prepared to assist investigators as well as be sensitive to the needs of its members. "Today we grieve and we ache for Jackie and the children and their families," Easton said during Sunday services. "We hurt for us." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Shroyers moved to Angola three years ago to serve as long-term missionaries, with their five children, through the organization SIM. The organization said it was "heartbroken" over Beau Shroyer's death and "shocked and devastated" to learn of his wife's involvement. "SIM is grateful to Angolan law enforcement for their diligence in investigating this matter," the organization said. "The SIM USA leadership team is working closely with the SIM team in Angola and with the Shroyers' home church, Lakes Area Vineyard Church in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, to care for the Shroyers' five children and everyone else affected by this tragedy." JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) Mississippians are known for having a sweet tooth, and they usually go inside and outside the kitchen to satisfy it. Mississippians, like other American cooks and consumers, make and buy desserts, baked goods and candy. However, the states palate and consumer taste have shaped Mississippis unique culinary landscape. To satisfy Mississippis sweet tooth, companies have moved into the state. The Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce (MDAC) even makes biscuits and fills them with syrup. Below are distinct examples of the foods and recipes synonymous with Mississippi. Malones Candy Company Malones State Fair Taffy (Courtesy: WJTV 12 News) The candy company known for its State Fair Taffy originated in Southern Illinois. The Company moved to Jackson around the same time that the Mississippi State Fair started to become more popular in the 1970s. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Four generations of taffy makers have made themselves one of the most consistent staples of Mississippis fair and others. However, Malones sells taffy year-round. It also has numerous flavors other than vanilla, like banana and black walnut. For those interested in spreading the gift of taffy this holiday season, visit their website. What are the 2024 holiday events happening in Mississippi? Mississippi State Fair Biscuits Since the early 1970s, MDAC employees have made buttermilk biscuits from scratch and served them with Blackburn-Made Syrup to fairgoers. Longtime Mississippi Agriculture Commissioner Jim Buck Ross started the tradition after noticing a similar practice at the Missouri State Fair. Each year, MDAC employees make about 100,000 biscuits for the public during the Mississippi State Fair. However, you do not have to wait until 2025 to make them: the recipe is available on WJTVs website. Blackburn-Made Syrup is available in most area grocery stores and online. Mississippi Mud Pie Mississippi Mud Pie (Courtesy: Getty Images) The name Mississippi mud pie derives from the pies dark brown appearance. The top surface of the dense chocolate dessert is a crunchy counterpoint to the soft and chewy center. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To prepare mud pies, cooks whisk together sugar, melted butter, chocolate and eggs. Then they pour the filling into a pie shell and bake it at moderate heat. However, there are many variations of this dessert. Mississippians often add whipped cream, boiled custard, yogurt, ice cream or fruit to their mud pies. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJTV. Moldovan citizens are casting their votes in the decisive second round of the presidential election, where pro-European incumbent President Maia Sandu faces Alexandru Stoianoglo, the candidate from the pro-Russian Party of Socialists. Source: European Pravda Details: In the first round, Sandu secured over 42% of the vote, while Stoianoglo garnered nearly 26%. Polling stations opened at 07:00 local time and will remain open until 21:00. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are 2,219 stations in total, with 1,888 located within Moldova and 231 abroad. Stoianoglo balances between East and West, his rhetoric contrasting with the policies of Sandu, under whose rule Moldova cut ties with the Kremlin and supported Ukraine amid the full-scale Russian invasion. Sandu contends that Stoianoglo is aligned with Kremlin interests and warns that his victory could bring uncertainty and instability. Stoianoglo disputes this, accusing Sandu of pursuing a policy that is dividing the country, which has a substantial Russian-speaking population. The vote results will set the tone for next year's parliamentary elections, in which Sandu's party will fight to maintain its majority. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Background: Moldovan authorities report that Russia has spent millions of dollars on influence operations within the country, targeting interference in both the presidential election and the referendum on EU membership. Support UP or become our patron! The police officials of Panisagar town seized 1,50,000 Yaba tablets worth Rs 3.75 crore from a vehicle coming from a neighbouring state at Panisagar Naka. In this incident, a person has been detained and a case has been registered under the NDPS Act. In a post on X, Manik Saha wrote, "Kudos to Tripura Police! Today, Police personnel intercepted a vehicle coming from a neighbouring state at Panisagar Naka and seized 150,000 Yaba tablets worth Rs3.75 Cr. One person detained and a case registered under NDPS Act. Great job, Panisagar Police...Keeping our communities safe from the scourge of drugs!" https://x.com/DrManikSaha2/status/1853151580901797907 Earlier on November 2, Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha applauded the Tripura Police for seizing drugs worth Rs 2 crore from Ambassa, Dhalai district of the state. The police officials of Ambassa Police have seized 80,000 YABA tablets worth Rs 2 crore after intercepting a vehicle. According to CM Saha, the Ambassa Police received secret information about the movement of the vehicle transporting the drugs. Acting on the information, the Ambassa Police detained a vehicle and arrested the driver, resulting in the seizure of the YABA tablets. He further said that a case has been registered under the NDPS Act and congratulated the police officials for their efforts."Great job by Ambassa Police for seizing 80,000 YABA tablets worth Rs 2 CRORE. Acting on secret info, Ambassa PS detained a vehicle & arrested a driver. From where the recovery is made. Case under NDPS Act has been registered. Congratulations to Ambassa Police for their constant efforts against #DrugMenace," Manik Saha said in a post on X. (ANI) (Bloomberg) -- Moldovan President Maia Sandu pulled out a decisive election victory in the former Soviet republic on Sunday, defying Russian efforts to disrupt the ballot and revive her push to steer the country into the European Union by the end of the decade. Most Read from Bloomberg Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The victory, with just over 55% of the vote, took place after an Oct. 20 referendum on Moldovas EU membership squeaked through by an unexpectedly thin margin and as authorities cited massive interference from Moscow. Sandu, a former World Bank official, hit the campaign trail over the last two weeks to reassure voters in one of Europes poorest countries that shell accelerate reforms and improve governance. But her victory in the second round was ultimately assured by a surge of Moldovans casting ballots outside the country. We proved that united we can defeat those who wanted to bring us to our knees, Sandu told reporters early Monday in Chisinau. Moldovans abroad have shown once again that Moldova beats as strongly in their hearts as it does in ours back home. The countrys Central Electoral Commission confirmed Sandus victory over Alexandr Stoianoglo, a former top prosecutor who pledged to maintain strong ties with the Kremlin, citing an almost final count. Sandu acknowledged that a majority within the nation of 2.6 million remain dissatisfied, with Stoianoglo winning an edge among voters within Moldovas borders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A string of recent ballots laid bare gains in Russian President Vladimir Putins efforts to halt a turn to the West. A week ago, Georgias Moscow-aligned ruling party declared victory in a parliamentary vote, triggering condemnation from the opposition, who said the vote was rigged. The pro-Russian Party of Socialists, which endorsed Stoianoglo as presidential candidate, has rejected the results. The party would not acknowledge the diaspora vote due to irregularities in unnamed foreign countries, said party leader Igor Dodon, a former president of Moldova. The statement accused the electoral commission of being politicized but did not say the party would challenge the vote in court. Dodon said Moldovas citizens will make the final decision during next years general elections. Sandu, 52, has vowed to press ahead even as she confronts fierce resistance from the Kremlin, which shes accused of meddling in the countrys democratic process. Moldovas police documented 225 incidents of irregularities, though said the vote was largely conducted without major incidents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meddling Charges Sandus national security adviser, Stanislav Secrieru, cited reports of transporting voters, bomb threats at polling stations abroad and record turnout in the breakaway region of Transnistria as factors that were aimed at steering the result. Were seeing massive interference by Russia in our electoral process as Moldovans vote in the presidential runoff today an effort with high potential to distort the outcome, Secrieru said in a post on social media platform X. In response to Sandus position, Stoianoglo struck a more cautious tone than previous pro-Russian leaders in Moldova, advocating ties with all partners, including Russia, the EU, the US and China. He insisted that he didnt oppose EU integration, but dismissed last months referendum as a political ploy by Sandu. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the hours after polls closed, the candidate called for calm regardless of the result, asking the diplomats to be careful in analyzing election tallies, because Moldova needs peace and not useless conflicts. Sandus reelection looked like a tight bet after the first round, but the president managed to regain energy and enthusiasm and mobilize, including voters from other camps, said Radu Magdin, a political analyst and head of Smartlink Communications. After Moldovas vote two weeks ago, in which Sandu secured a first-round victory, the president denounced Russian tampering, citing accusations that some 150,000 voters had been paid off. She called it fraud of unprecedented scale. The Kremlin has denied any meddling. One of Europes poorest nations, Moldova began EU accession talks this year after securing candidacy status alongside Ukraine in 2022. Sandus government has pledged to overhaul the nations justice system and bolster the economy to become a member by 2030. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Russia, which has dominated Moldovas energy resources and political system in the more than three decades since the collapse of the Soviet Union, has sought to thwart the countrys Western path. With the US and EU accusing Moscow of meddling in the elections, the chief Moldovan negotiator with the EU last month said Moscow had pumped some 100 million ($109 million) trying to disrupt the votes. A Harvard-educated economist, Sandu took office in 2020 on a campaign for European integration. Shell become the countrys first head of state to be elected to a second term in a popular vote. Vladimir Voronin secured a second term in 2005, though under a previous system in which the president was elected by parliament. For months, Russia sought to undermine Moldovas democratic institutions and election processes. But Russia failed, said US President Joe Biden in a statement on Monday. The Moldovan people have exercised their democratic right to choose their own future, and they have chosen to pursue a path aligned with Europe and democracies everywhere. (Updates with opposition comments in 7th and 8th paragraphs, US President Biden comment in final paragraph.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. Moldova has informed several EU countries that it suspects Russia will attempt to disrupt voting by Moldovan expatriates at overseas polling stations during the Nov. 3 presidential election runoff, according to a Moldovan government source. Pro-Western incumbent Maia Sandu faces former prosecutor general Alexandr Stoianoglo, who has support from the traditionally pro-Russian Socialist Party, in a high-stakes second round. The source, who spoke anonymously to Reuters, indicated that polling stations in countries including Italy, France, Germany, Spain, Canada, Romania, the U.S., and Britain may be targeted by Moscow with disruptive tactics, including bomb hoaxes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The goal is to interrupt the voting process during the (bomb threat) evacuation and check by the police. We kindly ask to apply procedures and protocols that do not interrupt the voting process," Moldova said in a message to a European official, as shown in a screenshot reviewed by Reuters. Moldova, a former Soviet republic that gained independence with the Soviet Union's breakup in 1991, has alternated between pro-Western and pro-Russian orientations over the years. The country accelerated its Western alignment after Russias 2022 invasion of neighboring Ukraine. Law enforcement has accused Russian-backed fugitive oligarch Ilan Shor of meddling in Moldovas election, though Shor denies any wrongdoing. Moldovan voters residing in the West are largely seen as pro-European and more likely to back Sandu, who has advocated for Moldovas bid to join the European Union by 2030. The diaspora vote played a crucial role in helping Sandus team secure victory in the October 20 referendum, affirming the country's EU ambitions, which coincided with the first election round. The source added that Moscow has been transporting Moldovan citizens by air and bus to Azerbaijan, Belarus, Turkey, and Moldova to vote, in an effort to boost Stoianoglos chances. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: How Russia attempted to steal Moldovan election, referendum, and what comes next Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Moldova has informed several EU nations that Russia will try to disrupt voting by Moldovan emigrants at polling stations abroad during the presidential election on Sunday. Source: Reuters, citing a source in the Moldovan government, as reported by European Pravda Details: The source, who spoke anonymously, reported that Russia could target polling stations in Italy, France, Germany, Spain, Canada, Romania, the United States and the United Kingdom in attempts to disrupt the vote, including through bomb hoaxes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The goal is to interrupt the voting process during the (bomb threat) evacuation and check by the police. We kindly ask [you] to apply procedures and protocols that do not interrupt the voting process," Moldova told several EU countries. Moldovan voters residing in Western countries are largely seen as pro-European, and they are more likely to support Sandu, who has been advocating Moldova's path toward EU membership. The diaspora vote proved crucial to Sandu's victory in the 20 October referendum, which confirmed the country's aspirations for EU membership. The referendum was held simultaneously with the first round of elections. The source added that Moscow was transporting Moldovan citizens by plane and bus to Azerbaijan, Belarus, Turkiye, and Moldova in an effort to bolster the chances of Sandu's opponent, Alexandru Stoianoglo. Background: Moldovan citizens are casting their votes in the decisive second round of the presidential election on Sunday, 3 November. Support UP or become our patron! Moldovan police, overseeing the second round of presidential elections, have received a report of a bomb threat against a bridge used by a significant number of voters from unrecognised Transnistria travelling to vote in Moldovan-controlled territories. Source: Moldovan TV channel TV8, cited by European Pravda Details: Traffic was halted on the bridge connecting Transnistrian Ribnita and Rezina on the right bank of the Dniester River. Law enforcement authorities view the incident as a provocation against state institutions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Quote from Moldovan Police: "We classify the event as a challenge to state institutions, which are now accused of restricting citizens movement to exercise their voting rights. We urge those intentionally provoking state institutions to refrain from such gestures and to allow proper conduct of voter participation and avoid wasting resources [on fake threats ed.]." Police were compelled to suspend movement to check the report in accordance with the protocol. Earlier in the day, Moldovan police had already halted traffic on the bridge between Ribnita and Rezina after discovering a suspicious box carried by an individual who refused to open it upon request. Movement resumed over two hours later. The Central Election Commission of Moldova (CEC) also reported bomb threats against two polling stations in Varnita, where citizens from the Transnistrian region vote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Additionally, Moldovas Foreign Ministry reported fake bomb threats at four polling stations in Germany and the UK. The Moldovan government had previously warned European countries about such potential disruptions, indicating that Russia might attempt to interfere with voting by Moldovan emigrants at overseas polling stations. Notably, Moldovan CEC data shows that turnout in the presidential elections second round is higher than in the first, especially among voters in Chisinau and the diaspora. On Sunday, Moldovan authorities also reported extensive Russian interference in the election's second round. Support UP or become our patron! The Moldovan authorities have reported significant Russian interference in the second round of the presidential election, which takes place on Sunday 3 November. Source: Stanislav Secrieru, National Security Adviser to the current President of Moldova Maia Sandu, on Twitter (X), as reported by European Pravda Details: Secrieru claimed that Moldovan officials are witnessing "massive Russian interference" in the electoral process. According to him, this manifests in measures that have the potential to skew the election outcomes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Secrieru added that the authorities are on high alert. Among the examples of such intervention, he noted the organised transfer of voters from Transnistria is unlawful under Moldova's electoral legislation. As of 11:00, Transnistrian voter turnout had already topped the amount for the first round. Secrieru showed a queue of cars crossing the Dniester River bridge connecting the Transnistrian city of Ribnita to Rezina on the river's right bank. He underlined that the authorities of the Russian Federation are responsible for what is happening in Moldova's Transnistrian area, as affirmed by multiple ECHR verdicts. Here is a queue of cars crossing the Nistru river bridge from Ribnita (left bank) to Rezina (right bank). pic.twitter.com/4m5BKfwfTu Stanislav Secrieru (@StasSecrieru) November 3, 2024 Also, according to Sandus adviser, there is an organised transit of voters from Russia. According to Russian propaganda channels, voters are being transported to polling centres in Baku, Istanbul, and Minsk via buses and large charter flights. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Secrieru produced a video from a chartered aircraft, initially posted by Russian Sputnik, depicting a plane full of Moldovan passport holders. "The plane appears capable of carrying anywhere from 260 to 400 voters clear evidence of large-scale, organised voter transportation", he pointed out. Heres a video of a charter flight, originally posted by Russias @SputnikInt, showing an aircraft full of Moldovan passport-holders. The plane appears capable of carrying anywhere from 260 to 400 votersclear evidence of large-scale, organised voter transportation. pic.twitter.com/7v4XZFgvy6 Stanislav Secrieru (@StasSecrieru) November 3, 2024 The Moldovan Cybersecurity Agency said that a DDoS attack caused the Central Election Commission's voter education website to temporarily go down on Sunday morning. Operational actions restored access to the site while ensuring the data's integrity. "Additional measures are in place to ensure the smooth conduct of the electoral process", the adviser noted. Earlier, it was reported that on the day of the second round of presidential elections, Moldovan police documented organised transportation of voters to polling stations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Furthermore, elections are being held with significant activity at Transnistria's polling locations, where queues have formed. Some people, when asked about their reasons for voting, echo the slogan of Alexandr Stoianoglo, a candidate for the pro-Russian Party of Socialists, and declare that they are voting "for justice". Support UP or become our patron! The national security adviser to Moldova's pro-Western President Maia Sandu accused Russia on Sunday of significant interference in the ongoing run-off presidential election. Stanislav Secrieru wrote on Sunday on the platform X: "Were seeing massive interference by Russia in our electoral process as Moldovans vote in the presidential run-off todayan effort with high potential to distort the outcome. Authorities are on high alert." Authorities are reportedly alarmed by organized transport of voters to the polls in the breakaway region of Transnistria, where Russian troops are stationed, which Secrieru said is illegal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Secrieru also reported that organized transport from Russia is being arranged with buses and charter flights to ferry voters to Baku, Istanbul, and Minsk. He shared a video circulating on social media that allegedly shows individuals holding their Moldovan passports on a plane heading to Minsk. There had been prior complaints about the limited voting options for Moldovans living in Russia, with only two polling stations open in Moscow. He stated that the flight serves as clear evidence of a large-scale organized voter transport effort. CHISINAU, Moldova (AP) Moldovas pro-Western President Maia Sandu has won a second term in a pivotal presidential runoff against a Russia-friendly opponent, in a race that was overshadowed by claims of Russian interference, voter fraud, and intimidation in the European Union candidate country. With nearly 99% of votes counted in the second round of the presidential election held Sunday, Sandu had 55% of the vote, according to the Central Electoral Commission, or CEC, compared to 45% for Alexandr Stoianoglo, a former prosecutor general who was backed by the pro-Russia Party of Socialists. The result will be a major relief for the pro-Western government, which strongly backed Sandus candidacy, and her push for closer Western ties on Moldovas path toward the EU. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moldova, you are victorious! Today, dear Moldovans, you have given a lesson in democracy, worthy of being written in history books. Today, you have saved Moldova! Sandu said after claiming victory after midnight. She went on to claim that her country's vote had faced an unprecedented attack" through alleged schemes including dirty money, vote-buying, and electoral interference by hostile forces from outside the country" and criminal groups. You have shown that nothing can stand in the way of the peoples power when they choose to speak through their vote," she added. Speaking before the final vote count, Stoianoglo told the media that everyones voice deserves respect and that he hopes from now on, we will put an end to the hatred and division imposed on us. It isn't clear if he has publicly commented on his electoral defeat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When polls closed locally at 9 p.m. (1900 GMT), turnout stood at more than 1.68 million people about 54% of eligible voters, according to the CEC. Moldovas large diaspora, which cast ballots in record numbers of more than 325,000 voted, heavily in favor of Sandu in the runoff. In the first round held Oct. 20, Sandu obtained 42% of the ballot but failed to win an outright majority over the second place Stoianoglo. The presidential role carries significant powers in areas such as foreign policy and national security and has a four-year term. European Union Commission President Ursula von der Leyen congratulated Sandu on her victory, by writing on X: It takes a rare kind of strength to overcome the challenges youve faced in this election." Allegations of vote-buying and Russian interference Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moldova's diaspora played a key role in the presidential vote and in a nationwide referendum held on Oct. 20, when a narrow majority of 50.35% voted to secure Moldova's path toward EU membership. But the results of the ballots including Sunday's vote were overshadowed by allegations of a major vote-buying scheme and voter intimidation. Instead of winning the overwhelming support that Sandu had hoped, the results in both races exposed Moldovas judiciary as unable to adequately protect the democratic process. On Sunday, Moldovan police said they had reasonable evidence of organized transportation of voters illegal under the country's electoral code to polling stations from within the country and from overseas, and are investigating and registering evidence in connection with air transport activities from Russia to Belarus, Azerbaijan and Turkey. Such measures are taken to protect the integrity of the electoral process and to ensure that every citizens vote is cast freely without undue pressure or influence, police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moldovas foreign ministry said on Sunday afternoon that polling stations in Frankfurt, Germany, and Liverpool and Northampton in the U.K. had been targeted by false bomb threats, which intended only to stop the voting process. Stanislav Secrieru, the presidents national security adviser, wrote on X: We are seeing massive interference by Russia in our electoral process, which he warned had a high potential to distort the outcome of the vote. Secrieru later added that the national voter record systems were being targeted by ongoing coordinated cyberattacks to disrupt links between domestic polling stations and those abroad, and that cybersecurity teams were working to counter these threats and ensure system continuity." Moldovas Prime Minister Dorin Recean said that people throughout the country had received anonymous death threats via phone calls in what he called an extreme attack to scare voters in the former Soviet republic, which has a population of about 2.5 million people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After casting her ballot in Chisinau, Sandu told reporters: Thieves want to buy our vote, thieves want to buy our country, but the power of the people is infinitely greater. Outside a polling station in Romanias capital, Bucharest, 20-year-old medical student Silviana Zestrea said the runoff would be a definitive step toward Moldovas future. People need to understand that we have to choose a true candidate that will fulfill our expectations, she said. Because I think even if we are a diaspora now, none of us actually wanted to leave. Moldovan police expose a scheme allegedly plotted by a convicted oligarch Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the wake of the two October votes, Moldovan law enforcement said that a vote-buying scheme was orchestrated by Ilan Shor, an exiled oligarch who lives in Russia and was convicted in absentia last year of fraud and money laundering. Shor denies any wrongdoing. Prosecutors say $39 million was paid to more than 130,000 recipients through an internationally sanctioned Russian bank to voters between September and October. Anti-corruption authorities have conducted hundreds of searches and seized over $2.7 million (2.5 million euros) in cash as they attempt to crack down. In one case in Gagauzia, an autonomous part of Moldova where only 5% voted in favor of the EU, a physician was detained after allegedly coercing 25 residents of a home for older adults to vote for a candidate they did not choose. Police said they obtained conclusive evidence, including financial transfers from the same Russian bank. On Saturday, at a church in Comrat, the capital of Gagauzia, Father Vasilii told The Associated Press that he had urged people to go and vote because it's a civic obligation and that they do not name any candidates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We use the goods the country offers us light, gas, he said. Whether we like what the government does or not, we must go and vote. ... The church always prays for peace. On Thursday, prosecutors raided a political party headquarters and said 12 people were suspected of paying voters to select a candidate in the presidential race. A criminal case was also opened in which 40 state agency employees were suspected of taking electoral bribes. Moldova's EU future at stake Cristian Cantir, a Moldovan associate professor of international relations at Oakland University, told AP that whatever the outcome of the second round, it will not deflate geopolitical tensions. On the contrary, I expect geopolitical polarization to be amplified by the campaign for the 2025 legislative elections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moldovan law enforcement needs more resources and better-trained staff working at a faster pace to tackle voter fraud, he added, to create an environment in which anyone tempted to either buy or sell votes knows there will be clear and fast consequences." Savlina Adasan, a 21-year-old economics student in Bucharest, said she voted for Sandu and cited concerns about corruption and voters uninformed about the two candidates. We want a European future for our country, she said, adding that it offers many opportunities, development for our country and I feel like if the other candidate wins, then it means that we are going 10 steps back as a country. A pro-Western government has been in power in Moldova since 2021, and a parliamentary election will be held in 2025. Moldova watchers warn that next years vote could be Moscows main target. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the wake of Russias invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Moldova applied to join the EU. It was granted candidate status in June of that year, and in summer 2024, Brussels agreed to start membership negotiations. The sharp westward shift irked Moscow and significantly soured relations with Chisinau. ___ McGrath reported from Bucharest, Romania. Associated Press writer Nicolae Dumitrache in Comrat, Moldova, contributed to this report. Monica Lewinsky has revealed who she is endorsing in the US presidential race ahead of election day on Tuesday. PLEASE VOTE! Lewinsky said in a tweet viewed over 10 million times. (preferably like I did for harris/walz). Lewinsky has been vocal about her support for Harris and is just one of numerous celebrities urging their followers to vote for her. In the weeks leading up to the election, Beyonce, Cardi B and Michael Keaton have pleaded with voters to cast their ballots for Harris. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A new New York Times/Siena poll published on Sunday showed Harris is leading in Nevada, North Carolina and Wisconsin, while Trump is leading in Arizona and Pennsylvania. More than 70 million people have already voted by mail or in person ahead of the election, according to the University of Floridas Education Lab. Of those, women are particularly more than likely to vote for Harris. Some have even publicly stated their intentions to cancel out their husbands votes for Trump. The behaviour of former US president Bill Clinton - with whom Lewinsky notoriously had an affair - came under question again recently (AP) Earlier this week, Trump told a crowd of supporters: Im going to do it whether the women like it or not. I am going to protect them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Harris criticized the remark, telling her supporters: Theres a saying that you gotta listen to people when they tell you who they are. He does not believe women should have the agency and authority to make decisions about their own bodies. Lewinskys support comes some 26 years after her scandalous affair with then-president Bill Clinton while she was working as a White House intern between 1995 and 1997. Clintons behaviour again came under scrutiny last month, when he called Arizona senate candidate Kari Lake attractive in a speech on the Harris campaign trail. As a middle-aged woman, Im flattered, Lake said at a Trump rally in response. I thought I was a little too old for him. Doesnt he like interns? Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy sounded the alarm on Russia's escalating attacks, revealing that more than 2,000 Shahed drones and missiles utilising Western components were launched against Ukraine in October alone. Zelenskyy further stressed the urgent need for enhanced export controls to prevent sanctions evasion and said that Russia's supply chain relies on over 1,70,000 individual components from firms in China, Europe, and the United States. Sharing a post on X, Zelenskyy wrote, "Russia is gradually ramping up its daily attacks with Shahed drones and missiles, still using Western components to do so. In October alone, over 2,000 Shaheds were launched against Ukraine--almost every single day." "Such a massive number of Shaheds requires over 1,70,000 individual components that should have been blocked from reaching Russia. All this is supplied to Russia from abroad. And sadly, including from companies in China, Europe, America - lots of micro-contributions to the constant Russian terror," he added. Zelenskyy further emphasised the importance of enhanced export controls on specialised components and resources, which is crucial to prevent Russia from evading the sanctions imposed. "This ongoing supply chain highlights, yet again, the urgent need for the world to step up export controls on special components and resources. Russia must not be allowed to circumvent sanctions that were imposed long ago in response to this war," he said. Zelenskyy added, "Sanctions must increase and be effective. Every scheme to bypass sanctions is a crime against people and the world. These very schemes also enable Russia to strengthen regimes in Iran and North Korea. This is a global threat, and only global, unified pressure can overcome it." The remarks by Zelenskyy comes after US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken on Thursday revealed that approximately 10,000 North Korean soldiers are currently in Russia, with around 8,000 deployed in the Kursk region. He further said that while these troops have not yet been engaged in combat against Ukrainian forces, he anticipates their involvement in the coming days. Blinken said, "We now assess that there are some 10,000 North Korean soldiers in total in Russia. And recent information indicates that as many as 8,000 of those North Korean forces have been deployed in the Kursk region. We have not yet seen these troops deployed in the combat against Ukrainian forces but we expect that to happen in the coming days." He added, "Russia has been training Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) soldiers in artillery, UAVs, and basic infantry operations, indicating that they fully intend to use these forces in front-line operations. Should these troops engage in combat or combat-support operations against Ukraine, they would become legitimate military." (ANI) The troubles for Tim Sheehy are only increasing ahead of Election Day in Montana, where the Republican Senate candidate is hoping to defeat incumbent Democrat Jon Tester and flip a crucial seat in the upper chamber of Congress. Sheehy sat down for an interview with conservative journalist Megyn Kelly on Saturday, where he struggled to explain the shifting story behind an injury he claims was a bullet wound suffered in Afghanistan in a possible friendly fire incident one he says he covered up to avoid getting Afghan allied forces in trouble. Kelly pressed the former SEAL to explain where the injury actually occurred, and whether he was hurt in 2015 when he went to Glacier National Park with his family. Sheehy, in response to reporting on his explanation for the bullet wound byThe Washington Post, claimed in a statement that he injured himself in a fall at the park in 2015, then used that injury as cover for the bullet wound. Montana Senate candidate Tim Sheehy has seen his polling lead shrink amid new scrutiny into a story hes told about a bullet wound he supposedly suffered in Afghanistan (Getty Images) It looks like you spoke to the Washington Post, and you said that you lied when you told the park ranger when you told them [you shot yourself in the park], Kelly said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sheehy then offered a convoluted answer in which he claimed that medical officials, treating him for a wound he suffered at the park, had informed him that they were required to report the wound to law enforcement because of the bullet which Sheehy claimed had been dislodged by his fall and subsequent re-injury. But it wasnt clear why Sheehy would need to lie at that point a report Sheehy made to a Park Ranger in Montana about being shot in Afghanistan years earlier by a member of the Afghan security forces would not have caused recriminations thousands of miles away. He told Kelly that hospital records were not available to verify his claims. Its likely that, if he was treated in a hospital, doctors would have been able to tell the difference between a fresh gunshot wound and an injury suffered in a fall. Sheehy is hoping to defeat incumbent Democrat Jon Tester (AP) The Senate candidate also did not explain why the park ranger who came forward to discuss her side of the story, Kim Peach, told the Post that shed verified Sheehys firearm had been discharged on the day of the accident in the park in 2015. Nor did he explain why a gunshot had been reported by other park guests. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A former Navy SEAL deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, Sheehy has been widely seen as the Republican Partys best hope of unseating an incumbent this cycle. His victory in Montana, coupled with the presumed loss of West Virginias seat due to Joe Manchins departure, would hand Republicans a majority in the Senate assuming no GOP incumbents lose their seats this cycle. But the Democratic Partys focus on his unclear answers about his military service and the wound he either suffered in Afghanistan or Montana has thrown a wrench into the race and suddenly pushed the prospect of GOP Senate control into real danger. Polls have shown Sheehys lead dropping in recent weeks; one, conducted by Montana State University - Billings had the race tied in early October. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If Tester wins re-election on Tuesday, Sheehys failure to provide a clear explanation to respond to questions about whether he lied about the origin of his bullet wound will likely play a large part in it. The race is the third-most expensive congressional race of the 2024 cycle, behind only Texas and Ohio; Democrats have poured millions into attacking Sheehy in an attempt to narrow the polls, and may have found success with this issue. Sheehy himself remains a decorated veteran; he was awarded a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star. Brightline West, a high-speed rail project set to connect Las Vegas to Southern California, is set to receive $3 billion in funding from a federal grant via the Nevada Department of Transportation, Newsweek reported. That $3 billion, awarded through the Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Grant, will cover roughly a quarter of the project's estimated $12 billion price tag. The line will use 10 fully electric American Pioneer 220 trains, provided by Siemens Mobility and capable of reaching speeds up to 220 miles per hour, as Brightline announced in May. That will make the route from Las Vegas to the line's Rancho Cucamonga station a two-hour journey, about half of the current driving time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier this year, Brightline released renderings of the planned train interiors, including a "party car." Michael Reininger, CEO of Brightline, called the project "a historic commitment that will jumpstart the high-speed rail industry in America, creating thousands of jobs all across the country. Brightline West will be American-made and American-built, and will serve as the blueprint for connecting city pairs that are too close to fly, but too far to drive," per Newsweek. Besides using trains made in the U.S., the construction of the line is slated to create 35,000 jobs, including 10,000 union construction positions. When it's running, it will employ about 1,000 people. The whole project is set to be completed in 2028 ahead of the Los Angeles Olympics. By diverting some of the 50 million estimated people who drive or fly from Southern California to Las Vegas, Brightline West will get three million cars off the road each year, Newsweek revealed. Not only will that relieve traffic congestion on I-15, it will also prevent 400,000 tons of heat-trapping and unhealthy air pollution annually. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "With this funding, we're closer than ever to making high-speed rail a reality offering a fast, sustainable alternative to car travel between Las Vegas and Southern California," said Nevada transport director Tracy Larkin Thomason, per Newsweek. "This project will stimulate economic growth and create jobs, providing lasting benefits for both our state and the region." Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. (WSPA) More than half of all eligible voters in North Carolina cast ballots during the early voting period, according to state officials. According to a recent report detailing early and absentee voting statistics, 4,175,681 ballots had been cast by the end of day Friday. Nearly all of those ballots were cast in-person at early voting sites around the state. A little over 200,000 of those ballots were cast by mail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The state has not yet released totals which include ballots cast on Saturday, the last day of early voting. As of Friday, 53% of all eligible voters in the state have cast a ballot in the 2024 general election. The milestone continues a trend of early voting being a popular tool for residents in North Carolina. According to a release from the state board of elections, in 2020, 65% of voters cast their ballots during the early voting period. Saturday was the last day of early voting in North Carolina. Election day is Tuesday. Read next: Over one third of eligible South Carolina voters have already voted Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) We have more details on the officer-involved shooting that happened Friday afternoon on the north side of Rapid City. According to the rapid city police department, bystanders noticed the suspect pointing a gun at a Pizza Hut and then going into an apartment complex nearby. Officials say the suspect was pointing a gun at people in the apartment and was able to speak to the suspect through a window. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Political friction adds stress to South Dakota election process At some point during this altercation, the man pointed a gun through a window at a police officer. The police officer fired at the individual that was holding the gun, pointing it at him. Im being told one round was fired. Thats thats the best information I have at this time, said Don Hendrick, Chief of the Rapid City Police Department. The suspect later died at the hospital. This is fourth officer-involved shooting in South Dakota this year. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com. Election Day 2024 is upon us. And while the Trump-Harris race may grab all the headlines, Morris County voters will also cast ballots on dozens of key congressional and local races Tuesday. Republican U.S. Rep. Thomas Kean Jr. and Democrat Sue Altman are competing in a closely watched congressional race that could help decide which party controls the House of Representatives. In municipal, county and school board races, candidates offer differing visions on taxes, affordable housing policy and the rights of parents and LGBTQ+ students. Here's a look at some of our coverage from closely contested races in the area. In New Jersey, in-person early voting is available through Sunday at 8 p.m. On Election Day, polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Check in with DailyRecord.com after the polls close Tuesday night for live results and analysis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Morris County: Our guide to New Jersey's 2024 election for U.S. Senate Voters line up outside the door during the early voting time period at Richard Rodda Community Center in Teaneck on Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024. Tom Kean Jr. vs. Sue Altman Kean and Altman are battling to represent New Jersey's 7th Congressional District, which stretches across northwest New Jersey towns including the Mendhams, Mount Olive, Long Valley, Roxbury, Hopatcong, Hackettstown and Sparta. Polls show a close race. NJ 7th District: We met with Tom Kean Jr. and Sue Altman. Here's what they said More: What do Tom Kean Jr. and Sue Altman allege in their last attack ads? | Stile Mikie Sherrill vs. Joseph Belnome Democratic U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill is seeking reelection in the 11th Congressional District, which includes most of Morris and parts of Essex County. She's running against Joe Belnome, a housing inspector from Belleville. Morris County commissioners election In Morris debate, Dems take on GOP commissioners over housing: 'We need leaders' Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The two tickets clashed over state-mandated affordable housing requirements during a spirited 90-minute debate hosted by the League of Women Voters of the Morris Area and co-sponsored by the Daily Record. County finances, open space, education and the role of the commissioner board also generated sparks. Parsippany school board race Increased enrollment, PILOT funding controversy debated by Parsippany school board candidates The public feud between members of the Parsippany Board of Education and Mayor James Barberio over future funding was a front-and-center topic during an online debate between five board candidates looking to fill three seats in Morris County's largest school district. Roxbury school board election Will parental rights, LGBTQ+ policy swing Roxbury school board race again? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Questions of the conflicting rights of parents and LGBTQ+ students once again hang over the school board election in Roxbury Township. Randolph council election Randolph Republicans, Democrats spar at council debate. Here's what they said Taxes, affordable housing and commercial development dominated the discussion during a sometimes tense debate among eight candidates seeking four seats on the Randolph Township Council. Boonton Township election Boonton Township's $11M town hall renovation fuels contested election An $11 million renovation of Town Hall is fueling a contested race for the Township Committee. The debate over debates Why are local election debates vanishing? Some New Jersey candidates have become 'debate duckers' Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republicans, and a few Democrats, have declined to cooperate with the League of Women Voters, a traditional sponor of local candidate forums. For more information on Election 2024 ... More: Our guide to New Jersey's 2024 elections for federal, local and school races Who's running in Morris County?: The Morris County Clerk's Office website has sample ballots for every town. Where to vote: The state's Voter Information Portal has a list of Election Day polling place locations. Email: Nussbauma@northjersey.com This article originally appeared on Morristown Daily Record: Morris County election guide 2024: Candidates, races to watch (Bloomberg) -- The emergence of Elon Musk as one of Donald Trumps top campaign donors bodes well for Xi Jinping if the former US president wins back the White House. Most Read from Bloomberg Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The billionaire chief executive officer of Tesla Inc. and SpaceX, who has donated more than $100 million to support Trump, has extensive business interests in China. He enjoyed perks that were rarely offered to other foreign investors, such as when Tesla got an unprecedented concession to wholly control its local subsidiary. Today, half of all Tesla electric vehicles are made in China. Musks views on some of the most sensitive US-China issues also closely align with those of Xi. The businessman has said Taiwan should effectively be under Beijings control, and expressed opposition to US duties on Chinese electric vehicles a stance that differs from Trumps threat to impose tariffs of as much as 60% on all goods made in China. In April, with Teslas revenue declining, Musk made an unannounced trip to China to seek approval to launch its driver-assistance software in the worlds biggest auto market. He met with Premier Li Qiang, who as the Chinese Communist Party secretary for Shanghai helped the company set up what is now its top plant globally. Shortly afterward, Teslas locally-made cars cleared a key data security and privacy requirement in China. We have a pattern with Musk that he flatters the Chinese and they give him special treatment, and they will use that absolutely to try to influence the Trump administration, Derek Scissors, senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute who previously worked at the Pentagon. He is extremely pro-China. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Musks views on China represent a stark contrast to others within Trumps orbit when it comes to policy toward the worlds second-biggest economy. Robert OBrien, Trumps former national security adviser, wrote in Foreign Affairs magazine this year that the US should sever all economic ties with China, while Michael Pompeo, a former secretary of state, has called on the US to recognize Taiwan as a nation. Both the Trump campaign and Musk didnt respond to emailed requests for comment. During Musks trips to China, he is routinely received by senior Chinese leaders, including Li and his various ministers. Even his mother, Maye Musk, enjoys some star status in the country. Besides becoming the first international carmaker in China to operate without a joint venture with a local manufacturer an exception not granted to the likes of Volkswagen AG or General Motors Co. Tesla is positioning itself to get other perks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just last month, the official China Daily newspaper said Tesla is likely to be one of the first firms to join a pilot program that allows foreign companies to operate their own telecommunications infrastructure, which could help the company move closer toward deploying its driver-assistance system. The Tesla-China relationship is one of co-dependence, where Tesla needs China for its manufacturing scale and supply chain sophistication, while China welcomes Tesla for its technology leadership, said Kevin Xu, a tech investor and founder of Interconnected Capital based in the US. I can see Musk becoming a key interlocutor between the US and China on many technology and trade matters in a second Trump administration, Xu said. Musk will likely push Trump to be more friendly towards EV adoption in the US, which Trump has not been so far. On the campaign trail, Trump has indicated an openness for Chinese automakers to build cars in the US even while threatening across-the-board tariffs on China that would effectively decimate trade between the worlds biggest economies. At the same time, the former US leader has shown a willingness to cut deals and expressed admiration for Xi. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He controls 1.4 billion people with an iron fist, Trump said of Xi on a recent podcast with comedian Joe Rogan. I mean, hes a brilliant guy, whether you like it or not. Musks comments on the Communist Party have generally won praise in Beijing. In 2021, after he said the Chinese government is possibly more responsible to peoples happiness than the US, then Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying hailed his objective statement. A year later, Musk published a column in the official magazine of the Cyberspace Administration of China, where he laid out a vision for how technology can ensure humanitys future that largely echoes the goals of Xis government. After his $44 billion takeover of Twitter, since renamed X, Musk decided to drop all state-affiliated labels from the site, including for Chinas propaganda outlets such as Xinhua News Agency. Musk on Taiwan Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Musk also weighs in frequently on geopolitical issues. In 2022, he said his recommendation for Taiwan was to figure out a special administrative zone, aligning with Xis vision for unifying the self-ruled island under the same framework that Beijing has to govern Hong Kong and Macau. Last year, he said Beijing views Taiwan an integral part of China similar to Hawaii for the US, drawing criticism online. The USs One China policy recognizes the Peoples Republic as the sole legal government of China, without clarifying its position on Taiwans sovereignty. Trump has already expressed skepticism over US defense commitments to Taiwan, raising fears that he could abandon the island as it faces growing tensions with Beijing. Bloomberg reported last year that talks between Taiwan and SpaceX over the deployment of Starlink a satellite network that can maintain communications in the event of a war have broken down over Musks insistence on owning 100% of the company, which is currently not allowed under the islands laws. I dont think either Trump or Musk gives a hoot about national security or define it the same way the current administration does, said Kendra Schaefer, a partner at consultancy Trivium China. During the first Trump term, Id argue that national security was defined by whoever was whispering in Trumps ear last. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite Teslas success in China, Beijing has remained suspicious of Musks SpaceX and his ties with the Pentagon. The PLA Daily, the official mouthpiece of Chinas military, once warned about the barbaric expansion of the Starlink satellite network, saying it could be used by the US government obsessed with seeking hegemony. Its unlikely that either Trump or Vice President Kamala Harris would take advice from Musk when it comes to Taiwan, according to Stephen Orlins, president of the National Committee on US-China Relations, who was a member of the State Department legal team that helped establish diplomatic relations with China. Governments are smart enough to know what the interests of the business people are, said Orlins, adding that multinationals with big stakes in China could play a constructive role as long as they disclose their interests. I dont mind having people with interests in both countries, he said. It could lead to a more peaceful future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement --With assistance from Chunying Zhang, Stephanie Lai and Jenni Marsh. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. Elon Musk has seen engagement on his X account significantly increase since he waded into the presidential election and endorsed Donald Trump, new research claims. The billionaire saw view counts on his posts increase by 138 percent, retweets by 238 percent, and likes by 186 percent, academics Timothy Graham and Mark Andrejevic claim in their research, which was published by The Conversation. This compares with other prominent political accounts on X, which saw increases of 57 percent in view counts, 152 percent in retweets and 130 percent in likes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The researchers said they compared Musks engagement metrics with a set of other prominent political accounts from the period of January 1 2024 to 25 October 2024. Other accounts they used as a comparison included Tucker Carlson and Donald Trump Jr. They also examined prominent Democrats accounts, including Kamala Harris, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Bernie Sanders. Their research found that while engagement went up for all accounts after July, Musk enjoyed a particularly large boost. Elon Musk has become a key player in Trumps election campaign (AP) Musk endorsed Trump in the days after the first assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania on July 13. Since then, he has become an influential part of the MAGA movement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shortly after Musk endorsed Trumps presidential campaign, there was a statistically anomalous boost in engagement with his X account, the researchers said. Suddenly, his posts were getting much higher views, retweets and likes in comparison to other prominent political accounts on the platform. This raises suspicions as to whether Musk has tweaked the platforms algorithm to increase the reach of his posts in advance of the US presidential election. The SpaceX owner has more than 200 million followers on the social media platform. X did not respond to a request for comment from The Conversation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The researchers acknowledged that it is impossible to know for sure whether changes to its curation system are boosting its owners posts due to the platforms limited access when it comes to research. Tesla and X CEO Musk, the worlds richest man, has become a key player in Trumps camp this election. Not only has he spoken at two of Trumps rallies calling himself dark, gothic MAGA at a rally in New York City but the former president has said hed let him lead the charge on gutting the federal government if hes elected. Musk gave nearly $75 million to a pro-Trump super PAC America PAC that he helped form in the summer, CNN reports. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Federal filings show that Musk has given at least $132 million to help Trump and conservatives in Congressional races this year. He has become one of the most prolific donors of the 2024 election cycle. India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar extended greetings to the people of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) on their Independence Day, commemorated on November 3. In a message posted on X, EAM Jaishankar expressed his "warm greetings to Secretary of Foreign Affairs Lorin S Robert and the Government and people of Federated States of Micronesia on their Independence Day," underscoring India's goodwill and supportive ties with FSM. The EAM also shared a video animation that showed "Happy Independence Day Micronesia." https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1852898888207745490 The Federated States of Micronesia, which marks its 38th year of independence today, has maintained friendly relations with India since diplomatic ties were formally established in 1996. These relations have grown considerably in recent years, bolstered by collaborative forums like the Forum of India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC), which aims to strengthen India's engagement with Pacific Island nations. FSM has been an active participant in FIPIC meetings, with Vice President Yosiwo P George leading the FSM delegation at the second summit held in Jaipur on August 21, 2015. India's commitment to supporting FSM and other Pacific Island states was further solidified when Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with FSM President David Panuelo and other Pacific Island leaders on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in 2019. During the 2019 meeting, Prime Minister Modi announced a USD 12 million grant to benefit Pacific Island Developing States (PSIDS), allocating USD 1 million per country for high-impact developmental projects of their choosing. In addition, a concessional Line of Credit worth USD 150 million was established, enabling PSIDS to fund solar, renewable energy, and climate-resilient projects according to each country's unique needs. PM Modi also invited PSIDS leaders to join the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), demonstrating India's commitment to fostering sustainable growth and disaster preparedness within the Pacific region. India's continued engagement with FSM and other Pacific Island nations illustrates a strong partnership aimed at sustainable development and mutual cooperation. By supporting FSM's growth through multilateral channels and financial initiatives, India continues to play a pivotal role in the region, enhancing its influence in the Pacific and promoting shared goals around climate resilience and development. (ANI) For help on Election Day, contact the Native American Rights Funds helpline at 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683) for election protection volunteers who can assist voters in Indian Country. The organization can also be reached at vote.narf.org. Kolby KickingWoman ICT MISSOULA, MT One of the most crucial and hotly contested races outside of the presidency this election cycle has been taking place in Montana. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Incumbent Democratic Sen. Jon Tester is locked in a tight contest with Republican challenger Tim Sheehy in a race that could determine which party ultimately controls the U.S. Senate. The Native voting bloc could prove to be critical this year in determining the outcome. SUPPORT INDIGENOUS JOURNALISM. CONTRIBUTE TODAY. There are 65,000 eligible Native voters in Montana, but more than 35,000 more than half were not registered to vote, according to Sami Walking Bear, Crow, who is the outreach and field director for Western Native Voice Votes, the sister organization to Western Native Voice. Walking Bear hit the ground in February with a goal of registering 10,000 people, and by June had more than 30 community organizers across the state on the seven reservations and urban areas of Billings and Great Falls. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Along with traditional door-to-door canvassing and phone banking, she has organized small events like bingo nights to reach people. During the bingo games, we would put in a lot of information about voting in the upcoming election and just tips on how to register to vote, and that we offer assistance in any way we can to help you register to vote, Walking Bear said. So a lot of our organizing had a lot to do with events and trying to draw people to us. A lot of people were hesitant when she approached them with a piece of paper from the government asking them to sign it. She gave an example of someone who may have a warrant wondering if the cops would find them if they registered to vote. We worked really hard, she told ICT. We ended up getting about 3,300 registered voters. That was, we thought, pretty good, and now we're hoping we have 70 percent turnout for elections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nationally, there has been much focus on the issues of immigration and the economy, but issues to Native voters can be different, including protecting tribal sovereignty, conservation and healthcare. The race between Tester and Sheehy drew increased attention from Native voters when Sheehy was caught in hot water in August after derogatory comments about the Crow Reservation were made public by the Char-Koosta News, the news publication of the Flathead Indian Reservation. Sheehy has also drawn fire after claiming to have been wounded in military service despite telling a park ranger that the wound was self-inflicted. Letting Native people drive the bus Tester, 68, an organic farmer, has worked closely with tribal communities during his tenure in the U.S. Senate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was instrumental in the passage of water compacts for the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes in 2020 and the Fort Belknap Indian Community in 2024. He voted for passage of Savannas Act, which improves coordination with tribes and enhances law enforcements ability to track and prevent crimes against Native Americans. Democratic U.S. Sen. Jon Tester of Montana speaks during a hearing of the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. in this file photo taken on Sept. 26, 2018. Tester is facing a stiff challenge from Republican businessman Tim Sheehy in the Nov. 5, 2024, election. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) Tester has also served on the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs and the Veterans Affairs Committee. He is often quoted as saying, We need to let the Native Americans drive the bus, when it comes to issues facing tribal communities. Tester worked two years as a music teacher starting in 1978 before returning to run the family farm and butcher shop near Big Sandy, Montana. After holding several local positions, he won election to the Montana Senate in 1998, and worked his way up to become the chief presiding officer. Faced with term limits in the Montana Senate, he won election to the U.S. Senate in 2006. He is seeking his fourth term this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jonas Rides At The Door, Blackfeet, is a Marine Corps combat veteran and Purple Heart recipient from Missoula who served in the Iraq War. He said Tester has been an ally with a good record with Native veterans. Rides At The Door hopes there is big Native turnout on Election Day. We can be the change, get out and vote and change this election, he said. Controversial remarks Sheehy, 38, a former Navy Seal, is a businessman who founded Bridger Aerospace, an aerial firefighting and wildfire management company that is based in Belgrade, Montana. He also co-founded a cattle company that produces Montana beef. He has drawn sharp criticism over the remarks he made during public events that were recorded on audio. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the clips, Sheehy is heard saying that as a rancher, he is involved on the Crow Reservation, and that roping and branding is a great way to bond with all the Indians while theyre drunk at 8 a.m. Additionally, at a different event, he said that while participating in the Crow Fair parade, Theyll let you know when they like you or not, if Coors Light cans flying by your head They respect that. The comments were quickly condemned by tribal leaders throughout the state, who called for him to apologize. The Democratic members of the Montana American Indian Caucus expressed their disappointment with the comments as well, saying the remarks perpetuate racist stereotypes. Republican businessman Tim Sheehy is challenging incumbent Democratic U.S. Sen. Jon Tester in the Nov. 5, 2024, election. Here, he addresses suppoters at a primary election night party in Gallatin Gateway, Montana, on June 4, 2024. (Thom Bridge/Independent Record via AP) The Montana American Indian Caucus cannot express how let down we are by your remarks, where we can hear you disparaging the Crow Nation, the caucus said in a statement. Your words perpetuate the damaging and racist stereotype of the drunken Indian. This stereotype, and others like it, hurts our young people and contributes to limitations on their opportunity to succeedYour words are wrong, derogatory, and hurtful to a racial population that is fighting for equality and to improve their homeland. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During a debate between the two candidates, Tester called for an apology. Sheehy didnt explicitly apologize but did take accountability for the comments. The reality is, yeah, 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, I'm an adult, I'll take accountability for that, but let's not distract from the issues that our tribal communities are suffering. Sheehy has also drawn questions about a bullet wound in his arm, which he said came from a firefight while he was serving in Afghanistan. Glacier National Park Ranger Kim Peach, however, said Sheehy told hospital officials in 2015 that he had been injured by an accidental discharge of his weapon in the park. The park ranger repeated the accusation in an advertisement from a pro-Tester political action committee, but acknowledged that the ad had been recorded before he spoke publicly about the allegations. Republicans said the ranger is not credible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "He's shifting his story left and right because he is a liar and a Democrat partisan," said Mike Berg with the National Republican Senatorial Committee, according to The Associated Press. Tester said Sheehy should release his medical records to clear up the dispute, adding: "Stolen valor is a huge problem." Follow the money The race has drawn a major influx of campaign funding. Democrats, fighting to keep the majority in the Senate, are on track to outspend Republicans by almost $50 million in the Montana race, according to Federal Election Commission filings and the media tracking firm AdImpact. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Total spending is expected to exceed $315 million, or about $487 for each of the state's 648,000 active registered voters a record for a congressional race on a per-voter basis, according to party officials. The Associated Press reported that much of the money traces back to shadowy political committees with wealthy donors. The non-partisan Campaign Legal Center sued over alleged financial transparency violations by a pro-Tester group, Last Best Place PAC, that has amplified some of the claims against Sheehy. Another complaint says the advocacy group used a straw donor to conceal more than $2.5 million in contributions to political committees, including one supporting Sheehy. A Sheehy victory could shift the balance of power to Republicans. This story contains material from The Associated Press. Like this story? Support our work with a $5 or $10 contribution today. Contribute to the nonprofit ICT. Sign up for ICTs free newsletter. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump claimed in August 2024 that a photograph of a large crowd of supporters welcoming Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris to Detroit on Aug. 7 was doctored. Trump falsely wrote on Truth Social that the crowd did not exist because she A.I.d it. Multiple independent news sources, including Reuters and the BBC, confirmed that the photograph was not created by artificial intelligence. The large crowds at other Harris rallies also suggested that this turnout was not an anomaly. But minuscule details such as the apparent lack of reflections on the plane made some conspiracy theorists skeptical. Trump himself came under fire after fake, AI-generated images made by his supporters of him amid crowds of smiling Black supporters circulated. But even if Trump seems willing to share fake images, he does not have a monopoly on the practice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After a bullet grazed Trumps ear on July 13, for instance, some people including those who identified as anti-MAGA activists shared social media posts and memes asserting the false idea that the assassination attempt was staged. These kinds of accusations that fake-looking images are real, that real-looking ones are fake have been a common feature in politics, particularly among extremists, especially since the early 20th century. Thats when it first became technically possible to routinely print photographs in newspapers and magazines. During this era, a new form of media blossomed, as magazines began using photographs, rather than just drawings, for illustration purposes. These magazines were particularly popular during the Weimar Republic, a government in power in Germany from 1919 through 1933, before the rise of the National Socialist German Workers Party, most often known as the Nazi party. During the 1920s, Germany experienced an unstable economy, parliamentary paralysis and an increasingly polarized society. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During this economically and politically tumultuous time in Germany, photo manipulation in popular news publications particularly one run by the Nazis was rampant. A page in the Illustrierter Beobachter, a Nazi publication, shows jokes, riddles and a crossword puzzle with Nazi swastika symbols. HathiTrust/Public Domain The rise of the Nazis publication I am a scholar of Germany, and as part of my research on Nazi Germany and the Holocaust, I have been researching an idiosyncratic Nazi propaganda magazine called the Illustrated Observer or, in German, the Illustrierter Beobachter. The Nazis, who formed as a political party in 1920, started publishing this magazine in 1926. The magazine, published through 1945, provides valuable historical context for understanding todays political mudslinging about fake and doctored photos. It also shows how, left unchecked, publishing fake information could potentially contribute to dire political consequences, such as a rise in fascism. As the Illustrated Observers name suggests, it belonged to a genre of publications that Germans call Illustrierten, literally translating to illustrateds in English. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These magazines included serious news stories and photojournalism, but also short fictional stories, jokes, cartoons and crossword puzzles. And because of advances in printing technologies, they also included lots of photographs. These glossy, stylishly illustrated tabloids were so popular in Germany that the most popular publication, the Berliner Illustrirte Zeitung or Berlin Illustrated Newspaper had a circulation of 1,844,130 copies each week by 1929. The actual readership numbers surpassed this figure, as multiple people in homes, hotels and cafes in Germany would share copies of the newspaper. Who lies? In July 1926, the Illustrated Observer published a spread that included eight large photographs of a Nazi rally held in the town of Weimar. It included one photo that was taken with a wide-angle camera lens that exaggerates the crowds size. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alongside this camera trick, the Nazis also used misleading captions and photo cropping to skew how people would likely interpret this and other photographs. The Nazis were still a small political party in 1926, but they were steadily gaining power, and this sort of photographic trickery helped fuel their rise. The caption for the photo that shows a crowd of people at the Nazi rally hatefully shouts: Who lies? Photography or the Jewish newspapers? With this question, the Illustrated Observer aimed to discredit centrist newspapers, which accurately reported that the rally was a noisy and violent affair attended by hooligans, whom one journalist mocked as Hitler-people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A few months later, the Illustrated Observers Christmas 1926 issue included a story headlined The Jews and their servants. A tightly cropped photo showed U.S. President Calvin Coolidge surrounded by about a dozen rabbis, who were dressed conservatively and had top hats and thick beards, traditional for Orthodox Jewish men. But this was not the full story. The photograph was cropped, and the original image showed a much larger group portrait of more than 100 people who attended a religious Zionist meeting at the White House. Through cropping and misleading headlines, the Illustrated Observer falsely tried to show that a small, conspiratorial group of Jews controlled the American president. An image of Calvin Coolidge with rabbis in the publication Illustrierter Beobachter in 1926 is accompanied by the German headline that translates to The Jews and their Servant. HathiTrust A flashback to the 1920s These kinds of photo manipulations were common during the final years of the Weimar Republic, Germanys first but ultimately failed experiment with democracy that left the doors of power open to the Nazi takeover in January 1933. The Nazis effectively used a visually striking mix of incendiary words and images in their magazine to constantly sow the seeds of doubt among readers. It was hard to know which photographs were real and which were fakes and, thus, who was telling Germans the truth and who was not. This practice eroded confidence in the news, fueled further conspiracy theories and made it hard to know which political party to trust. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These conflicts from a century ago will sound familiar to people following the 2024 U.S. presidential election. Now, there are also claims of doctoring images, angry rebuttals, accusations of media bias and an intense, conspiratorial fixation on details that supposedly expose certain images as fakes. To some, the knowledge that the current political trend of photo doctoring is not new may make it easier to dismiss this as a fact of life in politics. But to others, the ominous historical consequences of unchecked photo manipulation might be too significant to ignore. 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: Daniel H. Magilow, University of Tennessee Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Daniel H. Magilow receives funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities in the form of a faculty fellowship. CIUDAD JUAREZ, Mexico (AP) Nearly 200 families gathered Saturday along a stretch of the U.S.-Mexico border for heartfelt but brief reunions with loved ones they had not seen for years because they live in opposite countries. Tears flowed and people embraced as Mexican families were allowed to reunite for a few minutes at the border with relatives who migrated to the U.S. Adults and children passed over the Rio Grande to meet with their loved ones. This year, the annual event organized by an immigrant rights advocacy group happened three days before the U.S. presidential election, whose monthslong campaigns have focused heavily on immigration and border security. It also took place under increased security, according to the Network in Defense of the Rights of Migrants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We did not have barbed wire, we did not have so many soldiers deployed in our community, said Fernando Garcia, the organizations director, highlighting the border security changes that the border has seen since the reunions began last decade. The barbed wire had to be opened so that the families could have this event. Garcia said he expects migration into the U.S. to continue regardless of who wins Tuesdays election. Family reunions, he said, will continue, too. Deportation policy, border policy, immigration policy, is separating families in an extraordinary way and is deeply impacting these families, he told reporters ahead of the event. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) A Nevada man said his Henderson home was vandalized with racial slurs and hate symbols this week after he incorporated a political sign into his Halloween decorations. He had written racial epithets, Justin Phelps described the vandalism. And a racial slur on there and symbol. Phelps walked 8 News Now through an experience he said left him feeling deflated. For this to happen, it was kind of an eye-opening experience, he said. It really kinda hurt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Burger King releasing first-ever Advent calendar how to get it He said he and his wife put up their Halloween decorations in their front yard Wednesday, incorporating a Harris-Walz political sign. Phelps told 8 News Now they woke up the following morning to his skeleton decorations, the sign, and his front door defaced. A Henderson man said his home was vandalized with racial slurs and hate symbols this week after he incorporated a political sign into his Halloween decorations. (Justin Phelps) On here [the sign] there was a sign that was glued, he recalled. There was a sign over it that had the N-word on it. Phelps said he then checked his doorbell camera, which recorded a man with a mask and a hoodie committing the crime around 4 a.m., then standing back and taking photos of his work. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think as a country weve just gotten to a point where we have gotten too supercharged and too emotional, Phelps said. To the point where an adult male would come and vandalize another neighbors yard. He called this act an example of concern, no matter how someone decides to cast their vote. A Henderson man said his home was vandalized with racial slurs and hate symbols this week after he incorporated a political sign into his Halloween decorations. (Justin Phelps) He told 8 News Now he hopes to see more kindness and respect shown to everyone. Thats what makes America great, Phelps concluded. We can all have an opinion, we all have a choice. Jason Kelce smashes phone after man calls Travis homophobic slur Phelps and his wife filed a report with Henderson Police Wednesday afternoon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 8 News Now reached out to HPD and was given the following statement: We are actively investigating the matter, and all preliminary information indicates that the incident is politically motivated and not a hate or racially targeted crime. Anyone with any information is asked to contact the Henderson Police Department at (702) 267-4911 or contact Crime Stoppers at (702) 385-5555 or online to stay 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 PIX11. The infant was determined to be already deceased when she was placed in the box GoogleMaps Grove Creek Medical Center in Idaho Grove Creek Medical Center in Idaho The body of a newborn baby girl was found in a safe haven drop-off box at a hospital in Idaho. On Monday, Oct. 28, Grove Creek Medical Center a labor and delivery hospital located in Blackfoot announced in a statement posted on Facebook that a deceased baby was left in its Safe Haven Baby Box on Oct. 13. The nearby Twin Falls Police Department confirmed the news in a press release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Safe Haven Baby Boxes which are often placed in fire departments and hospitals in states with safe haven laws that allow parents to anonymously leave unharmed newborns set off alarms when babies are placed inside. Nonprofit Safe Haven Baby Boxes wrote in a statement: "Grove Creek Medical Center staff responded immediately to the alarm, indicating a baby was in the box. The medical team removed the infant from the bassinet within a minute. Upon removal, they quickly realized that the infant had passed away long before being placed in the baby box." Idaho's Safe Haven Law only allows for infants who are unharmed and healthy to be surrendered, making this incident a crime, Safe Haven Baby Boxes' statement said. Grace Ramey/Daily News via AP A Safe Haven Baby Box at a fire station in Kentucky A Safe Haven Baby Box at a fire station in Kentucky "We are heartbroken," Safe Haven Baby Boxes founder Monica Kelsey said in the statement. "Let this be clear: this is an illegal, deadly abandonment. Anonymity is only allowed when an infant is safely surrendered completely unharmed." According to Kelsey, when the baby girl was placed in the box, she was wrapped in a blanket and the placenta was still attached. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We are fully cooperating with the investigation and providing all information we possess to local authorities," she added. The medical center thanked its staff for their quick action when the baby box alarm went off. "Were incredibly grateful for our dedicated team, who responded within moments to the Safe Haven Baby Box alarm and gave their all in a heartbreaking situation," Grove Creek said in its post. "Though this infant was already deceased when abandoned, our staff showed deep compassion and commitment to care. Their actions mean everything to us, and were so proud of the way they honor every life they touch." The center added that it would not comment further on the case while law enforcement investigations were still ongoing. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. In a separate social media video shared on Thursday, Oct. 31, Kelsey noted that the female parent's identity is now known to police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Safe Haven Baby Boxes, the organization is the only one in the U.S. that provides an anonymous surrender option to parents of newborns. In its statement, the organization wrote that 52 infants have been surrendered at its baby box locations since 2017. Locations of each of its boxes are listed on the Safe Haven Baby Boxes website. "We will continue to educate citizens on the stark differences between illegal abandonment and legal, safe surrender of an unharmed newborn," Kelsey added. Police in both Blackfoot and Twin Falls are investigating, the Twin Falls Police Department said in its press release. Neither the Twin Falls County Prosecutors Office nor the Bingham County Prosecutors Office immediately responded to PEOPLE's request for comment. "We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and community affected by this loss. The health and safety of our communitys children remain our top priority," the police department wrote. The last Formula One race of the season is just around the corner. The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix takes place next weekend to round off the 2024 calendar as the final part of a season-ending triple-header. Max Verstappen claimed his fourth world title in a row at the Las Vegas Grand Prix in November and now Abu Dhabi awaits to mop up the final positions in the Drivers and Constructors Championship. Here is the calendar for the 2024 F1 season: 2024 F1 calendar ROUND 24 - ABU DHABI Yas Marina Circuit - 6-8 December When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Credit: Tim Tronckoe Nightwish manager Ewo Pohjola has been charged by authorities in Finland with assaulting two women at an industry event last year. According to the Finnish broadcasters YLE, Pohjola has been charged following a months-long investigation by police. YLE also reports that someone close to the investigation said there were "sexual characteristics" to at least one of the alleged incidents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The alleged assaults took place during the Music x Media event in Tampere, Finland in October 2023 and the charges involve allegations that Pohjola strangled one woman and manhandled another. Asked for comment on the charges, Nightwish tell MetalSucks: "The band will not comment on the ongoing situation until the case has been closed." YLE previously reported that one of the women involved said she had been approached by a visibly drunk Pohjola and one other man at a bar at the Music x Media event. She alleges Pohjola said she was beautiful and that he then left the bar while she spoke to the other man. She says she then felt someone put a "tight stranglehold" on her neck. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She added that the incident lasted just seconds and that Pohjola told her "it felt exciting". A second woman told YLE Pohjola forcefully pulled her close to him before grabbing her hair from behind while she repeatedly told her to let her go. Pohjola was kicked out of the event and Music x Media CEO Jani Jalonen said: We are aware that, unfortunately, there has been inappropriate behaviour at our event. We cannot comment on the details. "Every participant in our event is required to commit to the events values and respect others. We have a process for potential harassment situations, according to which we act." Pohjola admits he was at the event, but denied the allegations. He said: Ive been there and thats what makes this strange. I, and no one from our company, has any idea about this. Special." On all fronts, the Labour Party is finding the easy nostrums of opposition colliding with the hard realities of government. Nowhere is this more evident than in dealing with the Channel boat crossings. In opposition, Labour derided everything the Conservatives did to try to halt the traffic. Once in office, they would target the gangs, achieve new deals with France and other European countries, end the use of hotels to house would-be asylum seekers and deport more who fail to qualify for refugee status. Although we are just four months into the new governments tenure, none of these have remotely been achieved. Indeed, the crossings have risen, the backlog will only be tackled by giving refugee status to people who are effectively economic migrants and more hotel rooms are being requisitioned. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just as his predecessor promised to Stop the Boats, Sir Keir is now making it his personal mission to dismantle the trafficking gangs. The smugglers are to be treated like terrorists, more border officers are to be recruited and the Prime Minister will urge other countries to treat the crossing like a security crisis when he attends a summit in Hungary this week. Sir Keir says that the world needs to wake up to the necessity of this challenge as though this is something he has only discovered since entering No 10. In Hungary he will find his fellow leaders fully apprised of the problems, with many well aware that the only way to stop this traffic is to deter asylum seekers from making the trip in the first place. Yet the one policy that the Tories had promulgated in an effort to deter migrants, the plan to send them to Rwanda, was scuppered by Sir Keir with nothing put in its place. Putting people smugglers on a par with terrorists will not make them go away. Only a collapse in their market will do that. Most of the traffickers operate on the continent and those caught here already face stiff sentences. Would a heavier or swifter jail term make a difference? Since Labour has removed any deterrent and deportations are almost non-existent, it is hard to see why people willing to risk their lives by cramming on to small dinghies would stop coming. The advent of winter will see the numbers fall and no doubt will be hailed by the Government as proof of success. But without deterrence the traffic will start up again in the spring. 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. Who would have believed when Ukraine was invaded that, almost three years on, North Korean troops would be fighting on European soil? Yet, here we are, with Pyongyang now a full-fledged participant in Russias war, largely thanks to the Wests failure to deter. The US now estimates that 10,000 North Korean troops are stationed in Russia and 8,000 of those forces will be imminently deployed to the battlefront. After meeting with her Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov on Friday, North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui vowed to stand alongside our Russian comrades until Russias day of victory in Ukraine. Despite the scale of North Koreas force contingent and the likelihood of further deployments, complacency abounds in Western capitals. After news of the arrival of North Korean troops broke, Britains mission to the UN posted a statement on social media with following caption Putin is clearly desperate. His desperation is a danger to us all. Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte echoed these comments. I was struck by this hubris, which contrasts markedly with the alarm expressed by South Korean experts and officials I have engaged with in recent weeks. My read of the situation aligns much more closely with the view in Seoul: the arrival of North Korean forces should spur the West towards firmer action. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Russias army has experienced staggering rates of attrition, its personnel deficits are less acute than Ukraines in this phase of the war. Ukraines plans to draft 160,000 new soldiers, which follows legislation mandating all men aged 25 to 60 to register on an electronic enlistment database, exemplifies this reality. So Russias use of North Korean troops is a tactical gambit rather than desperation. It is concentrating North Korean forces in Kursk, where it is on the defensive, so it can keep pressing its advantage on the Donetsk, Kharkiv and Zaporizhzhia axes of the frontline. The trope that North Korean forces are going to provide little offensive value also does not stand up to scrutiny. Half of the shells that Russia uses on the battlefield are of North Korean origin. Its technical advisors could enhance the interoperability of Hwasong-11 missiles with Russias Iranian-modelled Geran-2 drones, as Pyongyang and Tehran also have long-standing military ties. Despite much-publicised recordings of racial slurs by Russian forces towards North Korean troops and linguistic barriers, North Korea has significant foreign combat experience to draw upon. The North Korean-trained Zimbabwean fifth brigade helped dictator Robert Mugabe repress dissent in the 1980s and North Korean forces also allegedly aided Syrian President Bashar al-Assads conquest of Aleppo in 2016. While North Korea has not participated in a conventional war of Ukraines intensity since the Korean War ended in 1953, its troops are unlikely to be overawed by their surroundings. Fearing Russias potential tit-for-tat assistance to North Koreas nuclear programs, Seoul could take matters into its own hands. Assuming it scraps legislation barring it from exporting arms to conflict zones, South Korea could unload some of its estimated 3.4 million 105mm artillery shells to Ukraine. South Korea also possesses Tomahawk-style cruise missiles, which are coveted by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As Russias deployment of North Korean forces is an asymmetric retaliation for Ukraines offensive on Kursk and strikes on Russian energy infrastructure, the West needs to stand with South Korea in calling Putins bluff. Lifting bans on Kyivs ability to strike Russian targets with Nato-class weapons is the least the West can do. Russia is determined to prevail in Ukraine by any means. The West needs to shed its complacency and get serious. Dr Samuel Ramani is an associate fellow at the Royal United Services Institute 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. Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence (MND) reported a notable surge in Chinese military manoeuvres near Taiwan on Sunday, with a total of 37 People's Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft detected from 9 am local time. Of these, 35 aircraft crossed the Taiwan Strait median line and entered Taiwan's Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ) in the southwest, south, and southeast, conducting long-distance flights toward the West Pacific. The increased activity signals an escalation in Chinese operations around Taiwan, prompting heightened vigilance by Taiwan's defense forces. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the MND provided details of the aircraft involved, which included J-16 fighter jets, H-6 bombers, and KJ-500 early warning planes. "Overall 37 PLA aircraft in various types (including J-16, H-6, KJ-500, etc.) were detected from 0900hr today," the MND stated. "Of these, 35 crossed the median line and entered the southwestern, southern, and southeastern ADIZ, heading to the West Pacific for a long-distance flight." https://x.com/MoNDefense/status/1852946499229135224 This activity followed an earlier update by the MND, reporting that by 6 am local time, 27 PLA aircraft, six People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) vessels, and three other official Chinese ships were operating in areas surrounding Taiwan. The ministry confirmed that 14 of these aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait, entering the northern, central, southeastern, and southwestern ADIZ regions. https://x.com/MoNDefense/status/1852878361858895998 The MND assured that Taiwan's forces "have monitored the situation" and responded accordingly to safeguard airspace integrity. https://x.com/MoNDefense/status/1852946501871567100 On Saturday, the Ministry of Defence reported that they had detected 20 PLA aircraft in various types (including Su-30, KJ-500, etc.). Out of which, 11 crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered the northern, central and southwestern ADIZ The PLA's recent manoeuvres around Taiwan reflect ongoing tensions between Taiwan and China, as Beijing continues to assert its claims over the island. Taiwan's defence officials have repeatedly raised concerns over China's intensified military presence, which they say undermines regional stability and sovereignty. The MND's reports coincide with ongoing U.S. and international support for Taiwan's autonomy, emphasising the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. (ANI) Ahead of the November 5 presidential election, more than 70 million people have cast a ballot during an early voting period that in some instances has included record turnout. But access to the ballot remains a challenge for some voters. In recent years, the courts have rolled back voter protections in decisions that advocacy groups say have allowed anti-voting policies to flourish. Republican lawmakers in some instances have restricted vote-by-mail and enacted more strict voter identification laws. In almost half the country, voters are expected to face new voting restrictions since the 2020 election, according to an analysis by the Brennan Center for Justice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Americans are also dealing with a rise in disinformation about voting whether through phone scams, fake videos created by foreign adversaries or online platforms. Advocates say among those most disproportionately impacted are voters of color, rural voters and those with disabilities and thats the reality even without a deadly hurricane or rampant politically motivated gerrymandering. The 19th set out to capture the stories of some of those who face voting barriers. Four photographers spoke with voters from the storm-ravaged Appalachian counties of North Carolina to volunteers driving people with disabilities to the polls in Georgia. Photographers also followed residents of Philadelphia and Atlanta as they rallied at get-out-the-vote events. While some reported having had improved access to voting, others acknowledged various struggles they feared would make voting much harder this year. Voting through the wreckage of Hurricane Helene Buncombe County, North Carolina Residents like Melanie Reising face treacherous drives and FEMA tents as polling locations, but theyre unwilling to let disaster silence their voices. Melanie Reising stands behind her mother-in-laws house on their family land in Buncombe County, North Carolina, which was heavily damaged by Hurricane Helene flooding. (Justin Cook for The 19th) After Hurricane Helene raged across the Southeast, killing more than 200 people and causing an estimated $53 billion in damage in North Carolina alone, residents of the state were worried they might have difficulty voting in the presidential election. Unstable roads, destroyed buildings and election worker vacancies forced officials to change planned polling locations and go as far as erecting a FEMA tent for voting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Melanie Reising, a 65-year-old who lives in rural Buncombe County, said she would normally vote at the Garren Creek Fire Department. When the roads to her usual polling location became impassable, she changed plans and decided to vote early at the Black Mountain Library despite her fear of driving on the damaged roads that would get her there. Reising said shes motivated by a need to cast her vote this year. Some of the issues that are most important to her are womens rights and teachers salaries. Parts of North Carolina Highway 9 are washed out near Melanie Reisings home in Black Mountain, North Carolina, on October 23, 2024. (Justin Cook for The 19th) Also in Buncombe County, Martha Calderon, 64, said she will have to walk to her polling place if she even finds the time to vote this year, as her family struggles without electricity or running water in their storm-damaged home. As a naturalized citizen who immigrated from Latin America, Calderon feels that having the right paperwork in hand is her guarantee to accessing the ballot. She has her drivers license and passport, but every other document was lost to the flood. The flood-damaged Swannanoa, North Carolina, home of Federico Gutierrez and Martha Calderon was deemed unsafe. (Justin Cook for The 19th) Martha Calderon holds a flood-damaged family photo in her Swannanoa, North Carolina, home, which was severely impacted by Hurricane Helene. (Justin Cook for The 19th) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite the various difficulties Calderon is experiencing this election, she said voting is a duty and has high hopes that whoever gets elected president will help Latin American immigrants like herself. There are many hard-working people who have been living in this country without papers for many years. What Id hope for the new president is to help them, she said. Rolling to the polls: when mobility is an obstacle Atlanta, Georgia Volunteer services like Roll 2 the Polls provide a resource for voters using wheelchairs, but some accessibility needs are limited by recently enacted voting laws. Elisabeth Huhn (center) and Sam Soremekum (left) assist Cathy Johnston out of a Roll 2 the Polls van in Atlanta on October 30, 2024. (Nicole Craine for The 19th) A 2022 survey by the U.S. Election Assistance Committee found that 1 in 7 voters with disabilities experienced difficulty casting their vote in the midterm elections. Efforts like the Roll 2 the Polls van service in Atlanta offer some relief for those with mobility issues, but other disability needs can be more difficult to address. Elizabeth Huhn, now a driver with the grassroots nonprofit Georgia ADAPT, which runs Roll 2 the Polls, lived with chronic pain and fatigue for years after surviving cancer. She said there are many barriers to voting that can arise even after voters have reached their polling location, especially for people with disabilities. Elisabeth Huhn drives a Roll 2 the Polls van in Atlanta on October 30, 2024. (Nicole Craine for The 19th) In years previous, there were long lines and its really hard to wait an hour, but we had to wait five hours to vote, she said. Huhn said its especially tough now that a Georgia law added restrictions on handing out water or food to people waiting in those long lines to vote. You know, every year they tell you this is the most important election of your life. And, you know, every year it usually is, but Im afraid this year it really is, and I personally have my feelings, which I keep to myself, but its just theres a really stark difference. Theres a much larger difference between these two candidates than normal, she said. Cathy Johnston waits for a ride to a local protest in Atlanta on October 30, 2024. (Nicole Craine for The 19th) Cathy Johnston, who uses a wheelchair and the Roll 2 the Polls van service, said she was excited to vote this year because theres a woman running for president. Johnston acknowledges that lines at the polls have gotten better in recent years. She also has had relatively little difficulty voting. Even when there were long lines, they would move me to the front of the line. They also have machines that are lower, so if youre handicapped, you dont have to try to reach up. They have several side by side. So, Ive never had a problem. Battling bureaucracy Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Last-minute location changes and long routes to the polls have not stopped committed voters like Karlynne Staten. Karlynne Staten attends a Philadelphia Black Voters Matter rally on October 29, 2024. (Rachel Wisniewski for The 19th) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Embracing the right to vote is a family legacy for Philadelphia resident Karlynne Staten: Her great-grandmother, Vivid Apple White, was a key plaintiff in a 2012 lawsuit against discriminatory voter ID laws. This year, Staten was hoping to make voting a family affair with her 19-year-old twins, but a problem with the address on her paperwork has the family split across voting districts. On Election Day, she will have to take four different modes of public transportation and travel for over an hour and a half to reach the polling place in her old neighborhood. (My twins) were with me when I voted for Obama when they were babies and this was supposed to be our first time voting together as a family. Somehow, their registration went through but mine did not, Staten said. Despite the long trek and disappointment of not achieving the imagined family activity of voting together, Staten said nothing will stop her from voting this election. Sherry Vanputten voted early because she knew she would not be able to get time off from work on Election Day and shes excited to vote this year. Im very excited. Its time for a change. We need a new regime. (Rachel Wisniewski for The 19th) Jackie Fulton attends a Black Voters Matter event in Philadelphia on October 29, 2024. (Rachel Wisniewski for The 19th) Jackie Fulton said she was unable to vote early because her polling location changed and she was not notified of the new location. Usually we vote at the playground on 11th and Oxford and they moved the location. To me, thats a barrier. You think youre going to vote, its voting day and I get there and I cant vote. So that makes a lot of people go home because I dont know where Im going, so I cant vote. Fighting misinformation Atlanta, Georgia Trained poll monitor Alicia Black Brumfield recognized a phishing attempt disguised as voting support. Digital disinformation campaigns often target voters with less resources. Alicia Black Brumfield attends a voter engagement event in Atlanta on October 27, 2024. (Melissa Golden for The 19th) A few months ago, Alicia Black Brumfield experienced a frightening voter misinformation campaign that might also have been a phishing attack. I received a text that said, Hey, all you have to do is click this link and well take care of the rest. Dont worry about submitting your vote, dont do early voting. We can take care of your voting right here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a registered poll monitor, she knew better than to click on such a suspicious link that asked for personal information and discouraged voting, and she contacted friends and family to alert them that they might receive similar messaging. A voter wears a pin at a voter engagement event outside Impact Church in Atlanta on October 27, 2024. (Melissa Golden for The 19th) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The efforts to dissuade or actually confuse people, that is my biggest fear. She said shes been so frightened of how polling locations and other information can change at the last minute that shes checked her My Voters page like, every single day. A few years ago her husband, who had been voting in Fulton County for eight years, had his voter registration challenged. So its little things that have innately happened to me that have caused me to be extra cautious with my voting. Justin Cook, Nicole Craine, Melissa Golden, and Rachel Wisniewski contributed reporting. The post Nothing will stop these women from voting appeared first on The 19th. News that represents you, in your inbox every weekday. Subscribe to our free, daily newsletter. Unitarian Universalist Church of Canton is hosting a Jazz and Coffee Night on Friday, Nov. 8, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Unitarian Universalist Church of Canton New York 3 1/2 East Main St. Canton, NY The coffee bar will include coffee, various teas and herbals and hot chocolate. Performing jazz at the event will be: John Danis; James Galasinski; Hailey Hodge; Ben Ritchie; and Tim Savage. They will play jazz standards, originals, funk, straight-ahead, blues and Latin styles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All jazz and coffee nights are free and open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item to support the Church and Community Program. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWTI - InformNNY.com. The NYPD quietly moved the commanding officer of its crime-plagued Central Park precinct this month, as burglaries, felony assaults and rapes surge in the iconic green space. Effective today I have been designated the commanding officer of the 23 Precinct, Capt. Anthony Lavino wrote in an email to community members, announcing his transfer to East Harlem. Thank you for being supportive of my efforts to improve the safety and security in Central Park, Lavino added. NYPD officers patrol in front of a mobile command center in Central Park. Michael Nagle Photo released by the NYPD in the search for a man who tried to rape a 38-year-old woman in Central Park. DCPI Hes being replaced by Capt. Timothy Magliente, who has been in Chelseas 10th Precinct since 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Central Park, robbery has more than doubled, to 37 incidents so far in 2024 from 18 at this point last year already 61% more than all of 2023, NYPD data showed. Its the highest since 1998, when there were 80 park robberies. There have also been 11 felony assaults so far this year compared to eight in the same period in 2023, a 38% increase. Rape went from two to three this year. Seattle native and NYU student Harlowe Brumett-Dunn talks about crime in Central Park. Helayne Seidman In a shocking early morning attack on Oct. 26, a man brutally beat and attempted to rape a 38-year-old woman near 85 East Drive in the northern end of the park, the NYPD said, releasing a photo of the bicycle-riding sicko. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The assailant approached and pushed the victim over a metal fence, punched her in the face multiple times, and attempted to rape her, police said. They are still hunting for him. Increasing crime in the once-peaceful space is scary, parkgoers told The Post. Capt. Anthony Lavino is being located to a new precinct during crime increases. NYC.GOV Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When I first moved here, all I was thinking about was going to the park but then the sun-tanning incident happened, Seattle native and NYU student Harlowe Brumett-Dunn said, referring to a June sexual attack by a homeless maniac on a 21-year-old sunbather. You would think in these public places, in daylight, those things wouldnt happen, the 22-year-old continued. So that was a reality check for me. She wondered if a new commander in the precinct was the solution. Jermaine Longmire is arraigned in Manhattan Criminal Court on attempted rape charges after he was arrested for trying to rape a woman in Central Park who was sunbathing. . Curtis Means/POOL My question is, whats the plan? she said. They think a different CO is going to have a better plan, better goals for crime, or what? I dont know if thats really the solution were looking for. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the sunbather attack, police officials rolled out a plan they said would put more eyes on the park, including cameras. The NYPD needs to do more than move deck chairs around, said City Councilwoman and former Manhattan beep Gale Brewer. Robbery, assault and rape have increased in the park so far this year over last, NYPD data show. NEW YORK POST I dont think its just leadership you need actual police, Brewer said. He was always asking for more staff and cameras, she said of Lavino, noting it was unclear whether he managed to get the additional police officers. The union called the move to the 23rd Precinct, where Lavino will also be in charge, a promotion. The commanding officer of the Central Park Precinct was transferred to the 23rd Precinct, Captains Endowment Assiciation President Chris Monahan said. He has done a tremendous job in Central Park. This is a promotional opportunity for him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An NYPD spokesman called the move an opportunity to work in a more active precinct. Captain Lavino performed effectively as the Commanding Officer of the Central Park Precinct. In his new assignment, as the Commanding Officer of the 23 Precinct, he is being given the opportunity to expand his career, the spokesperson said. QUEENS, N.Y. (PIX11) An off-duty New York City employee was arrested in Queens early Sunday morning, according to the NYPD. Aidan Murtagh was taken into custody around 1:08 a.m. More Local News The 24-year-old is an employee of the Department of Sanitation, police say. Murtagh was charged with assault. Police say the incident was not domestic. 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). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. In a slew of social media posts, a veteran Ohio sheriffs lieutenant said he would not protect those who voted for Vice President Kamala Harrisor those who identified as Democrats. Lt. John Rodgers, a 20-year veteran of the Clark County sheriffs office, posted on Facebook that he would not render aid to those who identify as Democrats, according to reporting by WHIO-TV. The county in question has been a hotbed of right-wing conspiracies in recent months, and was rocked by former President Donald Trumps false claims that Haitian immigrants in Springfield, the county seat, are eating peoples pet dogs and cats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bomb threats have repeatedly closed local schools and the city canceled its cultural fest in September amid the conspiratorial campaign against Springfields migrant community. All of this has led to a loss of confidence in local institutions, which took another hit after Rogers declaration that he would not perform his job duties if it were in aid of a constituent who identified as a Democrat. I am sorry. If you support the Democrat Party I will not help you, he reportedly wrote on Facebook. The problem is that I know which of you supports the Democratic Party and I will not help you survive the end of days, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rogers posts said that those who needed help would have to provide proof of who they voted for before being rendered aid. The sheriffs office immediately distanced themselves from the sentiment when confronted by WHIO, but wrote in a statement that Rodgers would be handed a written reprimand and remain on duty. It is understood that while these comments are highly inappropriate, they in no means reflect the Clark County Sheriffs Office delivery of service to ALL our community and does not reflect the mission and values of the Sheriffs Office, the department said. The community has a right to be upset over the actions of Lt. Rodgers and he, as well as the Sheriffs Office in general, will have to work even harder to replenish the trust of members of our community. According to WHIO, who obtained an investigative file and communications within the office, Rodgers said he was prescribed sleep aids and that his out of character actions were a documented side effect. The department told the outlet that they apologize for his behavior and that Rodgers has received received a written reprimand for a violation of the departments social media policy and will remain on duty. Ohio police officers rescued a deer that was stuck in a fence Saturday morning. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] The North Canton Police Department shared body camera footage on Facebook showing two officers rescuing a deer from a fence around 8:37 a.m. Saturday morning. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The deer was trapped in a gap in a fence it had tried to walk through. North Canton Police Officer Knam and Seargeant Buzzard were able to lift the deer by its hind legs up where the gap in the fence was larger and the deer was able to get through. Officer Knam is no stranger to rescuing animals, according to the Facebook post. He is known within the department as the Duck Recovery Expert because he always seems to be working when baby ducklings fall into storm drains, the post read. Deer Rescue You never quite know what the day holds in this profession. Ofc. Knam and Sgt. Buzzard started their Saturday morning off by rescuing a deer stuck in a fence. Ofc. Knam is no stranger to rescuing animals as he is affectionately known internally as the Duck Recovery Expert because he always seems to be working when baby ducklings fall into storm drains. Well today, he can add deer recovery to his resume! Great job guys!! Posted by North Canton Police Department on Saturday, November 2, 2024 [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] The Market of Sweethearts has nothing on Brooklyns seedy Penn Track. East New Yorks notorious open-air sex market has seen an explosion of scantily clad prostitutes in the area near Pennsylvania Avenue, prompting a local pol to plead for cops to crack down as parents are forced to shield their childrens eyes and residents wake up to used condoms scattered across their condo parking lots. We need the same attention the police department is paying to Roosevelt Avenue, to bring it out to East New York to help address the issue, City Councilman Chris Banks told The Post. East New Yorks notorious open-air sex market, known as the Penn Track, has seen an explosion of scantily clad prostitutes in recent years. The Post encountered nearly a dozen skimpily dressed hookers Wednesday night, standing beside parked city Sanitation Department and semi-trailer trucks along Georgia and Malta avenues, bringing sleazy drivers to a stop and even jamming up traffic as they chatted up potential johns. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Youd like to hang out? one prostitute, who wore black platform boots and a tiny skirt exposing most of her derriere, asked a Post reporter. After offering sex for $120 or oral for $85, she advised, I know a spot we can go, before being turned down. Another woman on the block promised a good time in the backseat of the scribes Chevy Malibu for $140. You dont have tinted windows? Were going to have to fishbowl it, cooed the sex worker, who wore thigh-high boots along with a red and black leather jacket. Longtime locals bemoaned brazen prostitutes hawking sex in broad daylight, less than four blocks from PS 306. Several prostitutes propositioned a reporter along Georgia Avenue between Flatlands Avenue and Linden Boulevard. Had there been an early response to this, it wouldve brought the activity down, [but] its been allowed to fester over the last couple years, said a frustrated Banks, who supported the recently passed hotel licensing bill aimed at cracking down on bad actors profiting off the illicit sex trade. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Through Oct. 27, police have made 18 prostitution-related arrests along the Penn Track, including 12 for patronizing prostitutes, compared to 19 during the same period in 2023, with 16 johns being busted. During this period in 2022, just four arrests were made in the area, all for prostitution. Migrant women staying in nearby shelters are believed to be fueling the prostitution surge at Penn Track, historically the domain of young black sex workers, Banks and a womens advocate said. Parents have complained about having to shield their kids eyes while bringing their children to school near the Penn Track. The prostitutes are being extorted by pimps, the advocate explained some of whom have been busted for allegedly forcing girls as young as 16 to work the streets and gunning down rivals in flesh-peddling turf wars. Its all pimp-controlled, said the advocate, who requested anonymity. You cant work independently there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement City Hall and the NYPD have made a lot of verbal commitments to provide additional resources for tackling the prostitution in his district, but we havent seen the boots on the ground, Banks said. Prostitutes along the Penn Track are all being extorted by pimps, according to a womens advocate. J.C. Rice Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An NYPD spokesperson said police have focused their patrol efforts in the Penn Track area and will continue to address the issue. City Hall spokeswoman Kayla Mama said Mayor Eric Adams has made it clear that lawlessness, particularly the exploitation of women, will not be tolerated or ignored. While roughly 50-plus cops were seen patrolling Roosevelt Avenue on a Wednesday night two weeks ago, The Post observed only a pair of cops in an NYPD cruiser and in an unmarked car around the prostitution hub over the course of four hours Wednesday. Be careful, two officers in the unmarked sedan warned a reporter they initially believed to be a john. You dont want to be in The Post. On Nov. 3, 1979, Ku Klux Klansmen and neo-Nazis ambushed and killed five leftist demonstrators at an anti-racist rally in Greensboro, North Carolina. Assailants wounded 10 other Maoist Communist Workers Party members and traumatized scores more at Morningside Homes, a predominately African American public housing project. The Greensboro Massacre is a cautionary tale, with contemporary resonance, about how to confront racist extremism and violence and how not to. I was there that day, helping to report on the shootings aftermath for the New York Times. Dr. Michael Nathan, my Duke classmate and friend, was slain; other friends were wounded. Later, I covered the subsequent state criminal trial. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The anniversary coincides with the release of Aran Shetterlys excellent new book, Morningside: The 1979 Greensboro Massacre and the Struggle for an American Citys Soul. City leaders blamed the attack on outsiders a common Southern whites civil-rights-movement trope, as Shetterly notes. Greensboro was named an All American City in 1967, partly for its allegedly healthy racial climate. In the aftermath of the shootings, Mayor Jim Melvin hustled to manage the crisis that threatened to tarnish his citys carefully cultivated reputation as a beacon of business-friendly, progressive Southern politics, according to Shetterly. Melvin insisted the shooting had absolutely nothing to do with our city, as if malicious intruders had left a dead cat on their pristine neighborhoods front step. Not a single person involved was from our city, Melvin said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Not quite true. Some of the Klansmen were from the Greensboro area. And while most demonstrators were outsiders, Nelson Johnson, a charismatic protest leader and community activist, was a student at Greensboros historically Black North Carolina A&T University. Many outraged whites considered Johnson a bete noire, a Black beast. Shetterly tells the Greensboro Massacre story largely through the lives and words of Johnson and his wife, Joyce Hobson Johnson. The Greensboro murders went unpunished. Two all-white state and federal juries acquitted the white supremacists. None of them served prison time. A subsequent federal civil suit awarded Mike Nathans family $350,000, possibly because he a physician, not a Communist Workers Party member had opposed holding the demonstration. Two wounded survivors received much smaller awards. Klansmen and Nazis paid nothing to the deceaseds families. Shetterly recently said the federal civil verdict barely enabled massacre survivors to eke out a sliver of justice. The verdict did, however, confirm the central roles of two provocateurs: a Greensboro Police Department informant and a Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms agent. Last month, Shetterly spoke to a racially mixed crowd, mostly seniors, at the Greensboro Museum of History, sponsored by the citys civil rights commission. The crowd of about 200 squeezed into the small auditorium, evidence that the wounds of 1979 persist. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shetterly said this was a night I have been imagining for a long time. He said racism plus local and federal law enforcement incompetence made the ambush possible, enabling the Klansmen and Nazis to drive their armed caravan down a narrow street unimpeded. No police attended the shooting site, despite their documented knowledge of the attackers plans. The verdicts proved the lack of accountability empowered impunity among white supremacists in following years. Communist Workers Party cadres had focused on building area textile unions and combatting resurgent violent white supremacy. If capitalism didnt soon collapse like a rickety house of cards they believed it to be, theyd agitate to dismantle it, Shetterly writes. Nelson Johnson signed an open letter to All KKK Members and Sympathizers, calling white supremacists scum and racist cowards. At the Nov. 3 rally, the protesters promised, the Klan would be smashed physically, receiving no mercy. Johnson taunted them for an earlier encounter when party members had disrupted a Klan screening of Birth of a Nation. Assailants took the leftists inflamed, blustering rhetoric literally. The Greensboro Police Department prohibited demonstrators from carrying weapons, but demonstrators kept some shotguns and small pistols concealed in cars. Klansmen and Nazi vehicle trunks contained an arsenal of shotguns and assault rifles. Essentially, the demonstrators had brought a knife to a gunfight. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 1979 encounter was a personal tragedy for the victims families and friends. But over time, survivors acknowledged that the Death to the Klan rally, while well-intentioned, was a strategic disaster. We have to admit that some of those leaflets were stupid, said Dale Sampson, the widow of Bill Sampson. Our mistake, she said, was that revolutionary zeal blinded us to what was going on inside the Klan, and it led us to a confrontationWe have to take responsibility for being there that day in the manner that we got there. Another widow, Signe Waller, agreed. Military posturing, she said, can make idealism dangerous. The Communist Workers Party had been naive, arrogant and hotheaded, she said. I think a healthy dose of humility would have served me and some of the rest of us. In August 2005, Nelson Johnson, now an ordained Baptist minister, issued a wide-reaching apology to the city at a Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I deeply regret the use of the slogan Death to the Klan, he said. In retrospect I am clear that it was an unfortunate, ill-advised sloganI very much regret that a flyer was developed in the form of a letter that called Klan members cowards and challenged them to come from under their rocks and face the wrath of the people. That was wrong. The Greensboro Daily News did not report Johnsons remarks. For years, Greensboro refused to acknowledge its flaws, as noted in Duke historian William Chafes classic, Civilities and Civil Liberties: Greensboro, North Carolina, and the Black Struggle for Freedom. It took the city decades to embrace the central role it played as the locus of the 1960 sit-ins in the Civil Rights Movement. A downtown museum now celebrates that. Would it take decades more for city leaders to accept and celebrate the 1979 martyrs idealism and heroism? The city establishment dragged its feet accepting responsibility for its role in the ambush, unwilling to give a full-throated apology or endorse a historical marker at the site. Then came George Floyds killing, Black Lives Matter and Charlottesvilles deadly Unite the Right demonstration, which inspired Shetterlys book. In October 2020, the Greensboro City Council finally issued a full apology statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mark I. Pinsky is a journalist and the author of seven nonfiction books. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Most alliances die young. That is how The Economist magazine began a special essay on the durability of NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization). This military alliance turned 75 years old this year. The treaty was signed in Washington, D.C., in April 1949. The fact-based Economist essay notes that coalitions of the Napoleonic wars lasted on average five years. The previous U.S. administration directed constant public criticism at European allies for not doing more. However, such tension has been a feature of life in NATO almost from the beginning. That administration hosted the Baltic Summit in 2018, underscoring defense commitment to Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. In 1940, the Soviet Union annexed the Baltic States, which had achieved independence in 1918. All three nations became NATO members in March 2004. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Montenegro became a NATO member in early June 2017. After Russia invaded Ukraine, neutral Finland and Sweden joined, an enormously important strategic shift. The collapse of the Soviet Union and East Europe communist regimes ended the Cold War, but not conflict in Europe. In 2008, Russian troops invaded a portion of Georgia, following a move of Georgian troops into South Ossetia. This territory, as well as Abkhazia, had declared independence from Georgia. Russia encouraged and fostered these breakaway efforts, though the international community did not support them. In 2014, Russia invaded Ukraine and annexed the territory of Crimea. Russias 2022 invasion of Ukraine, after years of generating turmoil and aiding insurgent rebel forces, generated the most serious crisis in Europe since the Balkan wars of the 1990s and perhaps since World War II. The end of the Cold War was a great victory for the policy of restraint and deterrence, termed Containment. Every United States president from Harry Truman, when the Cold War commenced, to George H. W. Bush, when that conflict ended, supported this foundation security policy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NATO endures, for good reasons. Bureaucracies naturally seek self-perpetuation, but strategic realities provide persuasive justification. General war in Europe was avoided for a century between the final defeat of Napoleon and the outbreak of World War I. The Concert of Europe, brokered by the United Kingdom, helped keep the general peace. NATO today arguably represents an approximate counterpart to the uncertain but generally effective Concert. The alliance has operated well beyond the nations of the North Atlantic region, including not only on the margins of Europe but in distant territory, notably including Afghanistan. Article 5 of the NATO treaty states that an attack on one member amounts to an attack on all. The 9/11 terrorist strikes on New York and Washington, D.C., and in the sky over Pennsylvania, triggered this clause for the first time. Post-Cold War leaders in Europe have been generally effective, German Chancellor Angela Merkel in particular. Chancellor Merkel spearheaded the expansion of Germanys roles in international humanitarian relief. She also provided arms to Kurds fighting Islamic extremists in Iraq. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another outstanding leader is David Cameron, who was Britains prime minister from 2010 to 2016. He termed Russian aggression unacceptable and unjustified and bluntly stated that any efforts to appease Vladimir Putin would be a repetition of the same mistakes made by Britains Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain in accommodating Adolf Hitler in 1938. Britain and Germany both have highly effective militaries. In 2002, NATO renewed efforts to develop rapid reaction military capabilities. This is essential to credibility. The belligerence of Donald Trump, and the general unassertiveness of President Joe Biden, undermine effectiveness. Arthur I. Cyr is the author of After the Cold War American Foreign Policy, Europe and Asia. Contact acyr@carthage.edu. The leadership of the Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party (SCCCP) has raised serious concerns regarding the University of Michigan's (U-M) strategic partnership with Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU), particularly focusing on potential national security implications. In a letter addressed to the university, the committee urged a thorough review of this collaboration, referencing a recent report that highlights the risks associated with US-PRC academic joint institutes. The report indicates that such partnerships have facilitated the transfer of sensitive US technologies to Chinese defence entities, contributing to advancements in critical military capabilities. In response to similar concerns, both the Georgia Institute of Technology and the University of California, Berkeley, have terminated their joint institutes with Chinese institutions. The letter emphasised that SJTU is recognised for its deep ties to the Chinese Communist Party's military-civil fusion strategy, which aims to integrate military and civilian sectors to enhance China's defence capabilities. The university operates several national-level laboratories, including defence-related facilities, and has been linked to projects advancing military technologies such as nuclear weapons and satellites. Since its inception, the University of Michigan has hosted students from the Shanghai Jiao Tong University Joint Institute program, which provides education and research in critical technologies and receives funding from China's 863 Program, designed to support military technology development. The Joint Institute reportedly facilitates research that directly supports China's military, including collaborations on projects related to advanced imaging technologies and rocket fuel. Concerns also extend to recruitment practices within the Joint Institute, which may funnel students into Chinese military and intelligence sectors. Recent legal actions against former Joint Institute students at Michigan, accused of concealing unauthorised visits to military sites, have intensified scrutiny of the partnership. The letter calls for Michigan to sever ties with Shanghai Jiao Tong University to protect the integrity of federally funded research and to implement stringent vetting processes for international students on campus. As tensions rise over US-China relations, the implications of academic partnerships continue to be a critical topic in national security discussions. (ANI) By heeding the siren song of third-party candidates or staying home on Election Day, Arab and Muslim Americans would be repeating a historic blunder. In 2000, we were angry and alienated. Sanctions and bombing against Iraq, and the use of secret evidence to deport Arab immigrants, marred Bill Clintons presidency. But then as now, Palestinian suffering especially inflamed us. At the Camp David Summit in July 2000, Clinton failed to secure an agreement realizing the goal of Palestinian statehood implicit in the 1993 Oslo accords. Worse, by Election Day that year, the second intifada against Israeli occupation was well underway, causing overwhelming and disproportionate Palestinian civilian casualties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many Arab and Muslim Americans expressed their discontent with the Clinton administration, which they had once strongly supported, by abandoning its vice president, Al Gore, who ran as the Democratic presidential nominee in 2000. Some, especially in the American Muslim community, voted for George W. Bush, who condemned secret evidence. Others stayed home. And many liberals such as myself voted for Ralph Nader, an Arab American icon. Our defections from the Democrats were misguided: Al Gore lost one of the closest elections in U.S. history, and the disastrous 2003 invasion of Iraq was a direct consequence. Today, opposition in my community to Vice President Kamala Harris stems mainly from the Biden administrations support for Israels brutal war of vengeance in Gaza. Anger is blinding many to the overwhelming dangers posed by former President Donald Trump, and to the fact that Harris would govern better or at least not as harmfully on every issue we care about most. Unable to stomach either candidate, many Arab Americans may stay home or vote for Green Party candidate Jill Stein choices that could potentially sway the result, particularly in the state of Michigan. But anything other than a vote for Harris will be, in effect, a vote for Trump. There are over 300,000 Arab Americans in Michigan. President Joe Biden won there in 2020 by about half that, just over 150,000 votes. Arab and Muslim Americans will also be a significant factor in Pennsylvania, Georgia and elsewhere. With the election so close, every voter and nonvoter will most likely contribute to the outcome. Many in our community have the same concerns as a quarter century ago. We dont want to be taken for granted. We want to punish Democrats excessive support for Israel and register dissent about U.S. complicity in Palestinian suffering. We want a better Middle East policy. We want to cast a vote we can live with. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I said all that in 2000 and embraced the folly of voting for Nader. I still sympathize with the impulse today. But a Trump victory probably wont teach the Democrats a lesson about taking the community for granted or the dangers of excessive support for Israel. Instead, it will almost certainly constitute another devastating self-inflicted blow against our own interests and priorities. There isnt a single major issue for us on which Harris stated positions arent markedly preferable. Take immigration: One of Trumps first steps after his inauguration in 2017 was his Muslim ban, prohibiting entry into the United States by nationals of seven Muslim-majority countries. While that hideously discriminatory policy was reversed by Biden, Trump vows to reinstate it. Syrian, Yemeni, Sudanese and Afghan immigrants are likely to lose their temporary protected status or humanitarian parole and face Trumps promised bloody mass deportations. Trumps deeply held and draconian attitudes toward law enforcement and civil liberties also bode extremely poorly for us. A major Trump-inspired threat to Arab and Muslim American civil liberties is already underway. Republicans are pursuing legislation to punish universities that dont sufficiently silence pro-Palestinian protests by stripping them of federal support and, eventually, even accreditation. Trump reportedly told donors, according to The Washington Post, that he would deport pro-Palestinian protesters, who he said were part of a radical revolution that has to be stopped now. He reportedly promised that if re-elected, he would set that movement back 25 or 30 years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Biden administrations policies on Gaza have been indefensible. But Harris has been the most outspoken senior official about the need for a cease-fire and the suffering of Palestinian civilians. And she has been categorical about the necessity of establishing a Palestinian state, which would help pave the path for an end to Israels occupation. Trump, by contrast, has expressed only doubt about the practicality of Palestinian statehood and actively worked to prevent it as president. In January 2020, he issued a peace plan that invited Israel to annex an additional 30% of the occupied West Bank, including the Jordan Valley, which would leave any Palestinian entity entirely surrounded by a greater Israel. Trump moved the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, recognized Israels sovereignty in that city and approved Israels annexation of the occupied Golan Heights from Syria. For all their faults, its impossible to imagine Harris or Biden doing any of that. And any notion that Trump would have been more sympathetic to Palestinians, or restraining of Israel, after Hamas Oct. 7 attacks or the subsequent Gaza war can only reflect a serious misunderstanding of his basic attitudes. This is a man who has repeatedly deployed the word Palestinian as if it were a damning slur against his opponents. Although the U.S. census historically and currently designates people with origins in the Middle East and North Africa, along with Europe, as white, Trump and his MAGA movement dont pretend to consider us real Americans, at least not the ones they purport to represent. To them, we are the enemy within. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The idea that things couldnt get worse is remarkably naive. They certainly could, especially for Palestinians. And helping to re-elect even through inaction a president who is on record endorsing Israeli annexation of much of the remaining West Bank would be a major step in that direction. Anger, however justified, is not a political strategy. Arab and Muslim Americans need to face the stark reality that, like everyone, we have a binary choice on Nov. 5. There is an understandable desire to demonstrate our outrage by withholding support from Harris, but, however emotionally satisfying, that would come at the expense of our clear shared interests, including securing Palestinian rights. An experiment in American fascism, which is Trumps undisguised agenda, cannot be a reasonable corrective to any grievance not even the unspeakable carnage in Gaza. Arab and Muslim Americans must vote with our heads, not our hearts, and help elect the imperfect but demonstrably and clearly preferable Kamala Harris. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com Much depends on the outcome of this presidential election. The presidential race, and many others, have been uncivil. A stark contrast was offered by the vice presidential debate, in which JD Vance and Tim Walz presented very different visions of America, but in a civil way. One interpretation of Vances demeanor is that he sought to tidy up Trumps rambling and hateful rhetoric to appeal to centrist voters. Civility is well and good, but let us be clear. One side in this contest will preserve democracy; the other will weaken it. As the ACLU states: In 2022, the Heritage Foundation, a conservative-leaning think tank, and 140 former Trump staffers put together Project 2025 a road map for how to replace the rule of law with right-wing ideals and Project 2025s largest publication, Mandate For Leadership, is a 900-page manual for reorganizing the entire federal government agency by agency to serve a conservative agenda. A vote for Donald Trump is a vote against democracy. More: Opinion: Democrats, Republicans worked across the aisle. We must return to norms of democracy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As someone who has been active in local politics around the issue of homelessness, I can attest to creeping authoritarianism writ small at the municipal level of government. By this I mean a lack of transparency and accountability of government officials, a tendency to hide documents, a lack of engagement with all citizens on issues of concern, and a propensity to side with the interests of well-heeled businesses at the expense of ordinary citizens. Writ large, the U.S. Supreme Court has rolled back abortion rights, affirmative action and the basic ability of the unhoused to live. These decisions and others have been made along ideological lines and have advanced a so-called conservative agenda. I say so-called conservative because, to my mind, the ideologies being propounded today have little, if anything, to do with intelligent conservatism and more to do with a quest for power. For some, this quest is deadly. More: Ordinary citizens are having to navigate political rhetoric and violence | Nancy Snow Nex Benedict is a person who should not have died. Anti-trans rhetoric promoted by state schools Superintendent Ryan Walters created an intolerable culture of bullying for them. At least two women in Georgia died because of the states abortion ban, which denied them access to critical medical care. As ProPublica reports, ... Amber Nicole Thurman suffered from a grave infection that her suburban Atlanta hospital was well-equipped to treat. Thurman had taken abortion pills but had not expelled all of the fetal tissue from her body. She needed a dilation and curettage, commonly known as a D and C. Georgia had made performing that procedure a felony. Doctors waited 20 hours to operate, but it was too late for the otherwise healthy, 28-year-old medical assistant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Intelligent conservatives do not promote laws and policies that end in death. A sensible approach to Thurmans plight could have saved her. An understanding approach to Nex Benedict would not have led to their suicide. The restrictive laws and policies we see today are not about conservative values. They are about power and control. Project 2025 attests to the fact that the authors of this so-called conservative document do not advance conservative values. They want power. This kind of scenario is not unfamiliar. It has happened in countries on the brink of authoritarianism. Our country now stands on this precipice. Cast your vote wisely. Preserve our democracy. Nancy Snow Nancy E. Snow is a professor of philosophy at the University of Kansas. She formerly was a philosophy professor at the University of Oklahoma and director of the Institute for the Study of Human Flourishing. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Opinion: Vote to preserve democracy and the rule of law When I was 19 years old, in the early 1980s, I started writing a novel about the daughter of the first female United States president. I dont think there has been a day since when I havent thought about that possibility at least once. When I wrote The Presidents Daughter, the idea of a female president felt completely foreign. Geraldine Ferraro would be nominated for vice president as Walter Mondales running mate a few years later, but my experience of the concept was limited to Shirley Chisholms brief presidential campaign when I was in elementary school. I also saw an execrable, patronizing movie from the 1960s called Kisses for My President, wherein Fred MacMurray helped his wife the little lady who happened to be the president do her job until she had to retire because she was pregnant. I assume this film seemed groundbreaking when it came out, but to me, it felt embarrassing for everyone involved. So, as I slouched in front of an old Smith-Corona typewriter in my college dorm room, there were really no viable images of what it would look like to have a woman in the Oval Office. I was an enthusiastic politico who had been stuffing envelopes at the local Democratic Party headquarters since I was a child, so I figured that I Knew Things, and I could just make up what a candidate would need to be like, and how she could win. And when the book was published in the spring of 1984, I figured that sooner rather than later, a woman would win the presidency in the real world. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Calmes: The Top 10 reasons to vote for Kamala Harris for president I was wrong, of course. Years passed, then decades. The prospect of the U.S. electing a woman as president felt like an increasingly distant goal, even after maybe especially after Hillary Clintons loss in 2016. But then, like a lightning bolt, Kamala Harris entered the proverbial chat. These past few months, I have felt like Im watching my books come to life. And I recently started working for a nonprofit doing relational organizing in North Carolina, trying to help mobilize the community and turn out voters. While they have their differences, in a startling number of ways, Harris and Katharine Vaughn Powers, my fictional president, are remarkably similar. They share the same energy, joie de vivre and elegant swagger. Watching Kamala Harris in action is like seeing my imaginary president gliding confidently around, owning the stage especially the scene I wrote in which my candidate initiates a firm handshake with her tediously sexist and burly Republican opponent at the first presidential debate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Commentary: What more does Kamala Harris have to do to win? More to the point, they are both liberal pragmatists a breed that, in recent years, has often felt like a unicorn in the Democratic Party. Incremental changes are not most liberals preference, but a pragmatist will look at the full picture and pivot to centrism to get something done. Quite simply, they understand how to govern. Neither the president in my books nor Harris runs on gender, which has always felt to me like it would be a reductive choice. They are just intensely qualified candidates for the highest office in the land, and the women who came before them helped clear the path. Certainly, Hillary Clinton pounded on that damn glass ceiling as hard as she could. It will always be tragic that despite winning the popular vote by a wide margin, she couldnt take office because of that antiquated paean to white male supremacy known as the electoral college. But Harris 2024 campaign is different. It is genuinely joyful, and a balm to the soul in the midst of the dystopian nightmare of Trumps racist chaos and JD Vances cravenly ambitious embodiment of Project 2025 and yes, their noisy white male supremacy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: 'Take our lives seriously,' Michelle Obama pleads as she rallies for Kamala Harris in Michigan Back in July, when President Biden stepped down from his campaign, I was working on a sequel to the four books that comprised my Presidents Daughter series of novels. But his decision made me put the new book aside. It was a dark story, grounded in the notion that democracy was possibly irretrievably broken and that the hope of reunifying the country had been eradicated. But by doing the most patriotic thing many of us will ever see, Biden made my plot moot. The all-out sprint that Harris and her hastily assembled campaign began that day assuaged those unsure whether she could gain Democrats full-throated support. And working in North Carolina, talking to thousands of prospective voters who could join Liz Cheney, Bernie Sanders, Mark Cuban, retired Army Gen. Stanley McChrystal and Taylor Swift in voting for Harris, has me feeling the way I did when that first book was published as if a woman will occupy the Oval Office sooner rather than later. I plan to return to the characters and the world I created in The Presidents Daughter. I hope that when I do, the female president Ive thought about for so long will be something Ive seen in reality, not just the pages of my novels. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ellen Emerson White is the author of many books, including the Presidents Daughter series, The Road Home and, most recently, A Season of Daring Greatly. If its in the news right now, the L.A. Times Opinion section covers it. Sign up for our weekly opinion newsletter. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Elections matter. Elections signal to government officials whether the public believes they are doing a good job. A prerequisite to deciding how government officials are performing is a well-informed electorate. Yet, it seems many of my colleagues in the Oklahoma Bar Association are quite upset with efforts to inform voters about the three Supreme Court justices on the ballot this year. Information on judicial officers is notoriously hard to find. Voters cannot be expected to read about every decision, especially when many cases are concluded without a written opinion. The Oklahoma Bar Association would have voters go to its website, which offers little other than biographical information about judges. How can voters make informed voting decisions about judicial performance based on nothing other than biographies? More: Opinion: The Oklahoma Supreme Court justices up for retention aren't 'liberal activists' Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Understanding that voters wanted more than a biography, the Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs recently released its judicial scorecard at www.oklajudges.com. It compiles a list of public interest cases and how the justices voted in each one. Also included with most cases is a policy article outlining why the case was scored as it was. I invite all voters to view the scorecard, ignore the media invectives, and decide for yourself if the three Supreme Court justices up for retention are activist jurists who override legislation with their own political philosophy. Some decisions may startle you. The suggestion that educating voters about decisions made by the Oklahoma Supreme Court is inappropriate or an attack on the independent judiciary is absurd. No judiciary standing for popular elections is independent. That is one reason many voters favor a judicial selection system like the United States Constitution where judges serve for life. Yet, efforts to reform judicial selection have been rebuffed by legal insiders wishing to retain control of the process and exclude informed voters. Some urging you to retain the judges argue they are entitled to be retained and offer little or no information to the electorate explaining why. Does that notion fit within our democratic form of government? More: Opinion: A Supreme Court scandal humiliated Oklahoma before. A new one is brewing. The current system for selecting judges has been in place for nearly 60 years. Judges and justices would be vetted by the Judicial Nominating Commission. However, that same system requires a democratic check on that process. Judges and justices have to stand for retention elections and account to voters. Until now, these retention ballots were meaningless. Voters had no information about judicial performance. It is hard to read in the dark let alone vote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now the same groups that extol the merits of our judicial selection system, including the elections, are upset that voters are paying attention. This is not about who supports public schools, or any other curve-ball issue you see in media ads. This is about judicial philosophies. Performance. Period. This may be the first time since the JNC was established that voters can be informed on what the Oklahoma Supreme Court has been doing. The light is on. Like what you see? Larry Parman Larry Parman is an Oklahoma City attorney and former Oklahoma Secretary of Commerce. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Opinion: Legal insiders are upset Oklahoma voters are paying attention Earlier this month, China deployed an impressive fleet in force around Americas ally, Taiwan, simulating a blockade and issuing a major warning to those who back Taiwan independence. But this was just a simulation. The real question is: If China takes real action against Taiwan, will the United States be ready? And what does this have to do with Wisconsin? The answer is complicated. Most Americans dont know this, but China now has the largest navy in the world. While American ships are still higher quality, quantity has a quality all its own, and the U.S. Navy is in desperate need of more warships. To that end, the Navy is building a new class of frigates, intended to be built faster and at lower cost than current classes of U.S. Navy warships. Marinette, Wisconsin, is the only shipyard in the country building the Navys new Constellation-class frigate. The Navy is currently only producing these frigates at a planned rate of one a year, but leadership is hoping to expand production of the Constellation-class frigate as soon as possible, aiming for four frigates a year. Two of those would be built in Marinette and two more built at a second shipyard elsewhere. Millions from Navy contracts could be coming to Wisconsin If the Navy and Congress follow through with the increase, that could mean a big influx of capital for this small Wisconsin town. In 2020, Fincantieri Marinette Marines contract for design and construction of the first ship alone was worth $795 million. It could also mean more jobs. To build an additional ship every year, Marinettes shipyard would need to hire new welders and other employees to accommodate this planned production expansion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But that is a big if, and there remain many obstacles to the Navys expansion of the Constellation-class frigate program. For example, finding skilled workers and overregulation make shipbuilding unnecessarily difficult and expensive. Another issue is that the Navy has added too many requirements to the Constellation-class frigate, effectively changing the ship so much from the original design that it is for all intents and purposes an entirely new ship. Coming back to a shipbuilder repeatedly after construction has begun and adding even more requirements causes both production delays and cost overruns. Opinion: Trump secured the border and made world safer as president. Economy boomed. The good news is, there are simple solutions that can help small towns like Marinette to restore Americas Navy. To make it easier to find skilled workers, for example, one initiative that both federal and state governments can take to assist shipyards like Marinette is to redirect existing federal education spending to training for critical defense tasks like welding and engineering. Likewise, reducing the overly restrictive regulatory burdens on shipbuilders would help reduce overall costs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To solve the problem of adding too many requirements, the Senate Armed Services Committee can move to require the Navy to certify that the design of the frigate is complete before they authorize any new funding for the program. This will help encourage the Navy to move quickly, thus avoiding cost overruns and unnecessary delays. America needs Wisconsin shipyards to enhance global security These solutions are important because America needs shipyards like the one in Marinette to be effective. Building a strong U.S. Navy is key to a successful deterrence strategy in the Indo-Pacific, which is why prominent conservative organizations like The Heritage Foundation are supporting dramatic increases in shipbuilding that would benefit towns like Marinette. Opinion: Former WTMJ radio host calls Trump threat to democracy. Conservative endorses VP. To facilitate that increase, conservatives are advocating for large block buys of American ships. Block buys have historically reduced costs long-term and encouraged shipbuilders to invest in additional shipyard infrastructure based on marginal revenue and anticipated profits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If the Navy, Congress, state legislators, and industry all do their part, Marinette will soon be building two frigates a year, and in the long run, perhaps even more. This new class of frigate will allow for a more efficient distribution of missions across the fleet, and free up the currently overtasked Arleigh Burke-class destroyers for critical high-end missions. That would be a win-win, for America and for Wisconsin. Wilson Beaver is a Policy Advisor for defense budgeting at The Heritage Foundation. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Opinion: Marinette could see defense contracts if Congress approves No one knows how Election Day will turn out. But if the presss panicked behavior this week is any sign, including its false claim that former President Donald Trump called for Republican critic Liz Cheney to be executed by firing squad, things wont go well for Vice President Kamala Harris. A confident team doesnt resort to these types of desperate measures. During a conversation Thursday with right-wing provocateur Tucker Carlson, Trump criticized Cheney for her foreign policy positions, many of which call for U.S. engagement in overseas conflicts. In criticizing Cheney, Trump trotted out warmed-over anti-war rhetoric. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Liz Cheney is a deranged person, the GOP nominee said, but the reason she couldnt stand me is that she always wanted to go to war with people. I dont want to go to war. She wanted to go she wanted to stay in Iraq. I took them out. I mean, if [it] were up to her, wed, wed be in 50 different countries. Shes a radical war hawk. He then said, Lets put her with a rifle, standing there with nine barrels shooting at her. Okay? Lets see how she feels about it, you know, when the guns are trained on her face. You know theyre all war hawks when theyre sitting in Washington in a nice building saying, Oh, gee, well, lets send, lets send 10,000 troops right into the mouth of the enemy. Much of the press feigned horror, scrambling to report that the former president had called for Cheneys execution. Trump suggests Liz Cheney should face firing squad, Reuters reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump embraces violent rhetoric, suggests Liz Cheney should have guns trained on her face, reported the Washington Post. Donald Trump suggests [Liz Cheney] should be fired upon, reported CNNs Kasie Hunt. Its an escalation of his violent rhetoric. Politico senior political columnist Jonathan Martin remarked, Once again, Trump shows hes built in a lab to humiliate his apologists Trump gonna call for Liz Cheney to face a firing squad And thereby rub ya nose in it, and demand more rationalization. Trump Attacks Liz Cheney Using Violent War Imagery, declared the New York Times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What? Re-read what Trump said, and then re-read those headlines and news blurbs. What sort of a firing squad hands a rifle to the condemned? The firing squad claim isnt even a little bit true. It doesnt lack context. He simply didnt say what they said he said. Worse than merely mischaracterizing his remarks, these reporters and their editors almost certainly understood exactly what Trump meant. Theyre simply pretending otherwise. Trump said nothing new. He simply dusted off the well-worn argument, the chickenhawk criticism, that says direct involvement may cool ones support for military conflict. Or, as the show Letterkenny put it, its the notion that says, Maybe, if youd ever been in a real fight, you might not be so keen for another. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This sardonic observation has been a fixture in political discourse worldwide for as long as the wealthy and powerful have sent the poor to war. America is no exception. It was a near-constant refrain during the Vietnam War and the so-called war on terror. The rock band Creedence Clearwater Revivals Fortunate Son captured this sentiment with the lines: Some folks inherit star-spangled eyes/Hoo, they send you down to war, Lord/And when you ask em, How much should we give?/Hoo, they only answer, More, more, more, more. And Im sure you remember that nearly every Republican lawmaker in the years following the September 11 attacks was required at some point to answer the question, Will you send your own son to war? Yet, despite the ordinariness of it all, journalists act as if Trump has crossed yet another red line. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zoomers and first-timers can be forgiven for having no context for Trumps words and mistaking the ordinary for the extraordinary. But what excuse is there for seasoned journalists to gin up such panic? Even if Trump were unclear and he wasnt longtime journalists know exactly what he meant from context and precedent. There is no daylight between what Trump said and the sort of stuff anti-Bush Democrats and commentators said for the entirety of George W. Bushs presidency. Former Sen. John Kerrys entire 2004 presidential campaign was built around the idea that the reins of power should be handed over to a real war hero, one who understands the sacrifices and horrors of armed conflict, and not some nepo-warmonger. CNN, the New York Times and others remember this. Yet, in the closing days of the 2024 election, as media try to convince voters there was an invisible apostrophe in President Joe Bidens off-hand remarks about Trumps garbage supporters, the same newsrooms that gave outsized and positive coverage to the Bush-era anti-war activists would have you believe Trump called for a critics execution by using similar rhetoric. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And journalists wonder why Americans trust them less than Congress. Becket Adams is program director of the National Journalism 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 The Hill. It is a commonly held belief in many circles that evangelical Christians to say nothing of evangelical pastors like me should vote Republican. The GOP, the thinking goes, is the party most closely aligned to our morals, our values and our commitment to biblical principles. I held this belief for the better part of 40 years. I saw Democrats endorsing, encouraging and elevating gay rights agendas and same-sex marriage and advocating and advancing abortion rights. President Bill Clinton, a Democrat, was impeached for perjury following an adulterous affair he had while in office. None of the above aligned with my Christian values. I supported Texas constitutional ban on same-sex marriage that passed in 2005. I joined Gov. Rick Perry on a tour of the state while preaching the message Are Gay Rights and Civil Rights Parallel? My answer is they arent. As it relates to abortion, Republicans have always been strong pro-life advocates. It was one of the pillars that the GOP included in its official party platform. Thats why voting for Republicans made sense to me. So why, then, am I, the senior pastor of Cornerstone Church in Arlington, Texas, for 41 years, voting for the Democrat, Vice President Kamala Harris, for president? As I wrote Wednesday on X, Im voting for character and competence and for the candidate who has the capacity and bandwidth to demonstrate respect and high regard for everybody made in the image of God. Republican Donald Trump doesnt have Harris character, her competence or her capacity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To be clear, my opinions on the issues mentioned above havent wavered. I still believe in the sanctity of marriage between a man and a woman and feel just as passionately about protecting life in the womb as I ever have. Democrats havent changed their stance on those two issues, either. But Republicans have changed. I dont even recognize the Republican Party anymore. This year, for example, the GOPs platform abandoned its long-standing call for a national abortion ban and removed the language that says marriage is between one man and one woman, and is the foundation for a free society. The party I knew and loved would have never chosen as its nominee the adulterous, childish, habitually lying and criminally convicted Donald Trump. Evangelical leaders rightly called Clinton out for his sex scandal with Monica Lewinsky and then his lying about it. Its astonishing to see these same leaders ignore Trumps many sex scandals and ignore that he was found liable in court of sexually abusing a woman. Its sickening to see people who say they read and believe the same Bible I do not only refuse to denounce Trump but endorse his candidacy. For better or worse, I am a man who votes my convictions. Traditionally, Ive voted based on social issues and put everything else in Gods hands. Being that I am now a political party outcast on the two major social issues Ive always used to guide my voting decisions, Im being forced to change my voting criteria. I cant vote for a party that upholds my social convictions. Because neither does. So Ive got to vote based on the character of the candidates. Enter Harris. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a pastor for more than four decades, Ive had to hire for a variety of positions. Not just other ministers, but also CPAs, counselors, communication specialists, contractors, engineers, lawyers, even custodians. If Harris resume came across my desk and I was able to interview her, not knowing a thing about her political views, I would hire her in a heartbeat. Why? Because on paper she represents a person of good character and someone who can be trusted. Unlike the adulterous, twice-divorced Trump, shes married to her first and only husband, and she graciously embraced the role of mother to his children. A product of humble beginnings, she made something of herself. She was introduced to church as a child and has remained in the church as an adult. She presents herself as a woman of integrity and leads with love. By that I mean she has a gentle and welcoming spirit. Oh, and she can pass a background check. Ive been speaking up for those like me whore horrified at the thought of Donald Trump returning to the White House, yet because of tradition, associations, socio-economic-religion connections, simply cannot verbalize their disgust with Trump. Im speaking up for those who have Dwight McKissic (@pastordmack) August 21, 2024 As we look to elect a leader for the next four years, I think its vitally important that we choose someone worth following. A May 2020 investigation conducted by ABC News found at least 54 criminal cases in which Trump was invoked in direct connection with violent acts, threats of violence or allegations of assault. The individuals responsible for these acts were predominantly white men, and their victims came from multiple minority groups. In that May 2020 report, ABC News said it could not find a single criminal case filed in federal or state court where an act of violence or threat was made in the name of President Barack Obama or President George W. Bush. But those 54 cases are nothing compared to what came a few months later. On Jan. 6, 2021, when Trump spoke at the Ellipse and kicked off what he insultingly calls a day of love at the U.S. Capitol. But we all saw Jan. 6 for what it was: a day of chaos, violence and upheaval. Nobody can reasonably believe that a President Harris would (explicitly or implicitly) incite her supporters to commit violence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite all we know about Trump his numerous adulterous affairs, his multiple felony convictions, his race-baiting, his violent rhetoric, his repeated lies, his not resembling Christ or His church in any way there are people who warn evangelicals against abandoning the party of their faith for a Democrat. Theres a scripture in the seventh chapter of Matthew that says a tree that doesnt bear good fruit should be cut down and tossed into the fire. Thats how I think evangelicals should treat todays Republican Party. I make it a point to tell other evangelicals to vote however they please. But Im thinking about my vote the same way Id think about a hiring decision. And under no circumstances would I ever hire Donald Trump. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com Immigration is at the forefront of public debate and has been dubbed a crisis. But its worth asking: what is it about immigration that makes it one? Some have asserted that immigrants crossing the border into the U.S. have created a crisis in crime, drug trafficking, housing affordability, unemployment and/or election infiltration. However, these assertions are unfounded. Research consistently shows that immigrants are less likely to commit crimes than native-born citizens and 60% less likely to be incarcerated as just one example. Instead, studies indicate that immigrants boost the economy by creating jobs and increasing demand for goods and services. This isnt to say that there arent problems and challenges. Is there a shortage of resources? Yes. Should immigrants be able to come into the country unchecked? No. As the election is only a few days away, it seems the real crisis lies in the failure of Congress and others to enact immigration policies that harness the strengths immigrants bring, establish more orderly processes and address practical needs around integration and support. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Immigrants contribute to American society in important, even vital ways. Without immigrants, existing worker shortages in agriculture, construction, health care, hospitality services, childcare and other industries would be even worse. Need help taking care of the family? My 85-year-old mother lives in a memory care facility where most of the amazing staff who care for her around the clock are immigrants. Love your local ethnic restaurant? Think about whos in the kitchen cooking your meal. Need an Uber? On a recent trip to the airport, my Venezuelan driver kindly corrected our route even though I had accidentally entered the wrong destination. He also told me about some of the atrocities he had suffered in his own country. He had fled violence, not brought it. The crisis around immigration is not due to some imaginary barbarism that immigrants possess but rather the broken system that cannot efficiently and humanely process applications and resolve cases. In the fiscal year 2023, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) reported a backlog of 10 million immigration cases. Even after a reduction in the number of cases, the median processing time for naturalization applicants is still at 6.1 months, leaving individuals and families in prolonged uncertainty, often waiting years for resolution. For those waiting for asylum rulings, as of Oct. 31, 2023, 105,0620 affirmative asylum applications were pending with USCIS. Factors such as inconsistent staffing and bureaucratic legal barriers further weaken the system. Instead of focusing on the false narrative that immigrants are dangerous, policymakers should address the root issue of a flawed and under-resourced system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Streamlining processes, increasing funding for USCIS and implementing humane policies would help alleviate the actual crisis of bureaucracy and inefficiency. Elected officials must address these issues through collaborative, bipartisan solution-oriented efforts. The last comprehensive immigration reform was enacted almost four decades ago, during Ronald Reagans presidency. Since then, immigration policy has not kept up with the worlds realities, nor our domestic needs. It has not brought more order, and at times it has been nothing short of inhumane, with children being separated from their parents and detained. Weve become so sidetracked with disinformation about immigration this election season that we fear a crisis that is not the actual one. Our leaders must yet work together to find sensible, compassionate, orderly, respectful and practical solutions. Immigration doesnt have to be a crisis real or imagined. Instead, with rational discourse and informed policymaking, our leaders in Congress and the presidency can manage immigration as a pathway to opportunity that strengthens the nation. By shifting focus from fear to facts, we can create a system that balances security with compassion, efficiency, and humanity. Tina Jensen Augustine is a resident of Salt Lake City, a member of Mormon Women for Ethical Government (MWEG) and a mother of two. For years, data brokers have abused Americans most personal data in every way possible, selling peoples identifying information to businesses, other individuals and even governments. Now, a string of news stories underscore how the industrys practices are increasingly endangering womens safety. Data brokers are selling the ability to track phones that visit abortion clinics and follow them back across state lines, all the way to their owners homes. All it takes for this kind of 24-hour surveillance is a credit card. Given the creepy enthusiasm with which MAGA government officials are inserting themselves into womens health choices, these tracking tools present a pressing danger for women across the country. According to reports by multiple news organizations last week, the data broker Babel Street allowed a private investigator to use its Locate X tool to zero in on abortion clinics and other sensitive locations. While Babel Street advertises its tool as being for government use, in practice this private investigator received a weeklong trial subscription, apparently without any vetting whatsoever. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ive spent years probing data broker malfeasance, and unfortunately this news wasnt surprising. My investigations found that wireless companies let data brokers sell Americans location information to bounty hunters, corrupt law enforcement officials and nearly anyone with a credit card. Earlier this year, I revealed that data brokers helped anti-abortion activists send targeted misinformation about abortion to patients at 600 Planned Parenthood clinics across the country. I discovered that automakers sold drivers location data and other records to data brokers for pennies. And I successfully pushed utility companies to end their practice of giving away their customers personal information to data brokers. Again and again, MAGA politicians show that they will go to shameful lengths to control womens bodies. Since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, Republicans have moved mountains to restrict the constitutional rights and freedoms of women, making it impossible for many women to live their lives free from government intrusion. They wont rest until theres a politician in every bedroom and exam room in America. But Americans shouldnt accept a reality where their phones are sleeper agents for stalkers and fundamentalist politicians to track women across the country. Heres how we can fight back. First, anyone who cares about womens rights needs to make themselves heard and vote for candidates who have a track record of protecting those rights. The Dobbs decision to overturn womens right to choose was the culmination of a decadeslong far-right movement to take over the nations courts. Democrats need to respond with the same amount of determination, which is why I introduced the Judicial Modernization and Transparency Act to reform the court system and ensure our judges better represent American values. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Second, the executive branch should use the powers it already has to crack down on data brokers sleazy behavior. At my urging, the Federal Trade Commission has already started to go after some data brokers that sold location data collected from Americans without their consent. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is expected to announce its own regulations in the near future to extend financial privacy rules to the industry. States can also act to protect their residents. Starting in 2026, Californians will be able to sign up for a new data broker registry, where with a single click they can require the brokers to delete their data and stop selling it in the future. The law that created that new privacy control, which will put tens of millions of Americans back in control of their own personal data, was modeled after legislation I wrote. I encourage other states to follow Californias lead. Third, Congress needs to finally breach the corporate barricade that has blocked a strong consumer privacy law. Ive authored my own strong privacy bills, the Mind Your Own Business Act and the Banning Surveillance Advertising Act. And in the coming months I plan to release two new bills: one that will protect Americans privacy by limiting how much data websites and apps can collect on Americans and preventing data brokers from amassing and selling that data, and another that will protect Americans from being spied on by their smart TVs and set-top boxes and having that data given away or sold to data brokers. Finally, its notable that the vast majority of the phones tracked by Babel Streets Locate X tool used Googles Android operating system. Though Apple changed its privacy settings in 2021 to make it far easier for users to stop apps from hoovering up and selling their personal information, Google has failed to do the same. As a result, people who use Android phones are far more vulnerable to surveillance than people who use iPhones. It doesnt take a genius to understand why the largest online advertising company in the world does not want to make it easy for users to stop tracking by advertising companies and their data broker partners. Google could act immediately to limit data broker access to location information and cut this slimy industry off at the source. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When it comes to violations of Americans privacy, our country has reached a crisis point. The repeal of Roe has only heightened the stakes for women who want to make health decisions without a politician in their doctors office or a stalker watching their phone. The good news is, theres no mystery about how to solve this problem. Theres a clear path forward for protecting our privacy and safety that Americans should insist on from our government. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com For the 2024-25 school year, Advanced Placement exams will be administered between May 5 and 16. Beyond a small number of exemptions, all students in all states must take the same tests on the same dates, at the same times. High schools in states that start after Labor Day end up with fewer instructional days before the exams than those that open their doors in mid-August, and sometimes even in late July. Does this discrepancy create a difference in results? Having had three children in NYC public high schools, where classes start in September, Ive repeatedly heard from their teachers that they dont have enough time to cover all the material on the AP tests. Get stories like these delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for The 74 Newsletter My daughter reports of her AP Calculus class, We have to do a lesson a day. Every time we take a test we are, technically, falling behind, because it takes a whole period. So were learning new material (sometimes in a different unit) while still studying for the test on material weve already moved on from. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I asked fellow NYC moms and dads whether the same was true at their schools. My student goes to Stuyvesant, an NYC mom confirmed. The AP European History class follows a ridiculously regimented schedule. The entire year is already mapped out to the day. This is surely an artifact of the tight timeline the teacher is forced to follow to cover the material before the spring exam. I experienced it as a student in the early 90s in a post-Labor Day-start school system, Elizabeth Jones Polkovitz, another NYC public school parent, said. Its a month of instruction or more! It can make a really big difference for Calc BC in particular. We really had to rush sequences and series. And we had to rush through sections of [AP U.S. History]. My kid experienced the same. The end of [these classes] were a sprint for both of us, 30 years apart. A contributor with a student in an NYC private school revealed that her childs teacher often has students do a unit or two of work in summer before school starts for many of the AP classes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is not a problem exclusive to NYC. National message boards like College Confidential find parents lamenting: Living in a state that goes back after Labor Day and having multiple kids take AP, I have seen firsthand how teachers push topics together to try to get everything to fit in. While over on Reddit, teachers and students assert: Schools that dont start until late August and early September are at a disadvantage. States that start school in early August get an extra month of instructional time before AP tests. We dont start until after Labor Day. I teach AP Calc AB, and it is impossible to cover all of the material without feeling like I have to rush every lesson. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To teach my AP class using the minimum recommended time described by the College Board, I would have to see my students for over 27 more class periods than I currently have. My school started around Aug. 3. My friend in New York started after Labor Day. I had an entire month to teach the same material for the same AP test. Im in NY and recently learned that the states that start school sooner (August, like AZ) get 40 weeks to prep for the exam, versus our 32. My AP Biology teacher told us that we would have to study the last part of the course ourselves. There were not enough instruction days to cover all the material. [My teacher] would choose a few chapters that were purely homework, and then have one or two optional afterschool workshops to go over the material. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its out of concern for this AP inequity, among other factors, that 70% of U.S. public school students now begin class before Labor Day. For Michigan: An earlier start to the school year lets students and teachers have the maximum amount of instructional time prior to the start of standardized tests and assessments. In Wisconsin: The early start calendar gives AP students more learning time before taking exams in the spring. (The district changed to a September start but planned to offer more learning time for AP students during Saturday academies and summer school.) And for California: It gives students more time to prepare for Advanced Placement exams. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The assumption is that more time to prepare for AP tests will lead to better outcomes. Surprisingly, the data doesnt show that. The three states with the highest percentage of public high school graduates scoring a 3 or higher on an AP exam, according to the College Board, are Massachusetts, New York and New Jersey, all of which begin school at the end of August or after Labor Day. The three lowest-scoring states, Oklahoma, Kansas and Mississippi, start Aug. 13, Aug. 15 and in late July/early August, respectively. Not coincidentally, the wealthiest states by personal income are Massachusetts, Connecticut (ranked No. 5 by AP scores), New York and New Jersey. Mississippi is the poorest, with Oklahoma and Kansas placing in the bottom half. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The College Board stopped breaking down AP scores by socioeconomic status in 2021. But a 2020 data analysis study concluded, the performance levels for low-income test-takers has not dramatically shifted from the early 2000s: 60% of students from this demographic group only earned a 1 or 2 out of a possible 5 on the exam. Its highly unlikely thats changed since. So maybe all that cramming isnt necessary if you live in a high-income state. For low-income students, some teachers may generously schedule extra study sessions to fit in material they dont have time to cover. But students of means, even if their teachers decline to go above and beyond, will still do just fine because their families can simply hire a private tutor. Despite what seems like inequity, success on AP exams may have less to do with when classes begin and more with whether you live in a state where students can afford to learn everything they need outside of them. The recent BRICS summit held in Kazan has emerged as a pivotal event in shaping the trajectory of global governance and international cooperation among emerging economies. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov took center stage, articulating a vision for the group's future that emphasises inclusivity, economic collaboration, and a unified stance on global challenges. The summit brought together leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, who collectively recognised the importance of enhancing BRICS's role in the international arena and addressing the concerns of the Global South. Lavrov commenced his address by emphasising the unity and collective will displayed by BRICS nations during the summit. "BRICS is not just a group; it's a representation of a collective will among nations that share common goals of development, equity, and justice," he stated, highlighting the importance of solidarity in the face of global challenges. This sentiment resonated throughout the summit, as leaders engaged in constructive dialogues aimed at forging a cohesive strategy for the future. One of the standout achievements of the Kazan summit was the consensus reached on expanding BRICS membership. Lavrov underscored the significance of this development, explaining that the decision to create a category for partner countries reflects a commitment to inclusivity and collaboration with emerging economies that share the values of BRICS. "We are not looking to isolate ourselves; instead, we are building bridges with nations that seek to join us in our pursuit of a fairer world," he remarked. This initiative is poised to enhance BRICS's global influence by providing new avenues for cooperation and engagement with a broader range of nations. The summit also saw an emphasis on economic cooperation among member states, a theme Lavrov articulated with clarity. "We see potential in diversifying our economic relationships and strengthening intra-BRICS trade," he asserted, advocating for a shift away from over-reliance on Western markets. The discussions highlighted the importance of creating sustainable economic frameworks that prioritise mutual benefit and foster resilience against external economic pressures. Lavrov's call for enhanced trade among BRICS nations underscores a strategic pivot toward self-sufficiency and solidarity in economic matters. To facilitate this economic cooperation, Lavrov announced plans for the establishment of a BRICS Development Bank. He explained that the bank aims to provide financial support for infrastructure and sustainable development projects within member countries. "This bank will serve as a vital instrument for financing initiatives that promote growth and development in line with our shared vision," he stated. The establishment of the bank represents a significant step toward addressing the infrastructure gaps that many developing nations face, ensuring that BRICS members can pursue their developmental agendas effectively. In addition to economic cooperation, Lavrov highlighted the critical role of digital transformation in the future of BRICS. He stressed that embracing digital technologies could enhance trade, improve access to services, and foster innovation across member states. The summit discussions included various proposals for creating a BRICS digital economy framework, which would facilitate collaboration in technology, cybersecurity, and digital finance. "In a rapidly changing world, harnessing the potential of technology is crucial for our collective advancement," he noted, reinforcing the need for BRICS to stay at the forefront of technological innovation. As the summit progressed, Lavrov shared his thoughts on the upcoming chairmanship of Brazil, expressing optimism about the opportunities it presents for furthering BRICS's agenda. He reiterated the importance of reforming global institutions like the United Nations and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to better reflect the current geopolitical landscape and meet the needs of developing nations. "Reforming these institutions is not merely an option; it is a necessity for creating a more just world order," he asserted. This call for reform reflects a broader sentiment among BRICS leaders regarding the need to address systemic imbalances in global governance. The discussions at the summit extended beyond political and economic issues, with cultural exchange emerging as a key theme. Lavrov emphasised that fostering cultural ties among BRICS nations is essential for building mutual understanding and trust. He remarked, "Cultural diplomacy is an invaluable tool for promoting peace and understanding among our peoples." Initiatives such as educational exchanges, cultural festivals, and collaborative research projects were highlighted as effective means of strengthening the bonds between member states and fostering a sense of shared identity. The summit also addressed pressing global issues such as climate change and health security. Lavrov underscored that BRICS countries share a responsibility to address these challenges collaboratively. "Climate change poses a significant threat to sustainable development, and we must work together to implement solutions that prioritise environmental sustainability," he emphasised. The discussions around climate change showcased a collective commitment to addressing environmental issues that disproportionately affect developing nations, reinforcing BRICS's role as a leader in advocating for sustainable development. In light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Lavrov highlighted the necessity for BRICS nations to strengthen their cooperation in health care, particularly in vaccine distribution and access to medical resources. "In times of crisis, solidarity and cooperation are paramount," he stated, advocating for a unified approach to global health challenges. The pandemic has underscored the interconnectedness of nations and the importance of collaborative efforts to safeguard public health and ensure equitable access to medical advancements. Lavrov's address also touched on the geopolitical landscape and the need for BRICS to position itself as a counterbalance to Western dominance in international affairs. He asserted that the multipolar world order necessitates a reconfiguration of global governance structures that prioritise the interests of developing nations. "The time has come for us to assert our influence and demand a seat at the table," he stated, echoing sentiments shared by other BRICS leaders during the summit. This call for a multipolar approach to global governance reflects a growing recognition of the importance of diverse perspectives in shaping international policy. As BRICS continues to evolve, Lavrov's insights underscore the group's dedication to enhancing economic cooperation, cultural ties, and collective action on pressing global challenges. The Kazan summit has reinforced BRICS's role as a significant player in international relations, advocating for a multipolar world that recognises the voices and aspirations of all nations. The collaborative spirit displayed by BRICS leaders in Kazan has set the stage for future initiatives that prioritise the interests of the Global South and promote development. Further reinforcing the vision for BRICS, Lavrov elaborated on the potential for increased collaboration in science and technology. "Innovation is a cornerstone of our future growth," he stated, calling for collaborative research initiatives that leverage the unique strengths of each member nation. By pooling resources and expertise, BRICS nations can advance their technological capabilities and address common challenges, from energy security to environmental sustainability. The summit's emphasis on regional security was another significant aspect of Lavrov's address. He noted that stability in member countries is essential for fostering economic development and maintaining peace. "We must work collectively to address security challenges that threaten our regions," Lavrov urged, indicating that BRICS should play a proactive role in conflict resolution and peacebuilding efforts. This call for enhanced security cooperation highlights the need for BRICS to engage more deeply in regional dynamics and support stability in member states. In addition to discussing regional security, Lavrov articulated the need for BRICS to address the ongoing conflicts that have global ramifications. He stated, "We are committed to promoting dialogue and diplomatic solutions to conflicts that threaten peace and security." By positioning itself as a mediator in international disputes, BRICS can enhance its credibility and reinforce its role as a force for stability in global affairs. This proactive stance reflects a desire among BRICS leaders to take ownership of their narrative and advocate for peaceful resolutions to pressing geopolitical challenges. Moreover, Lavrov emphasised the importance of education in shaping the future of BRICS. He stated, "Investing in education and skill development is crucial for empowering our youth and ensuring sustainable development." This recognition of education as a driver of growth aligns with BRICS's long-term vision for enhancing human capital and fostering innovation. Initiatives aimed at promoting educational exchanges and collaboration in research can empower the next generation of leaders within BRICS nations. The Kazan summit also addressed the need for a coordinated approach to global financial governance. Lavrov called for reforms in international financial institutions to better serve the interests of developing nations. "The current system often perpetuates inequalities and does not adequately address the needs of emerging economies," he noted. By advocating for a more equitable global financial architecture, BRICS can help create an environment conducive to sustainable development for all its members. In the context of climate change, Lavrov acknowledged that BRICS nations face unique challenges due to their diverse geographic and economic contexts. "We must adopt tailored approaches to address climate change that reflect the realities of our member countries," he asserted. This recognition of the need for flexibility and adaptability in climate strategies underscores BRICS's commitment to sustainable development that respects the specific needs and circumstances of each member. As the summit concluded, Lavrov expressed optimism about the future of BRICS. "Our unity and commitment to collaboration will propel us forward as a formidable force on the global stage," he stated, leaving attendees with a sense of hope and purpose. The outcomes of the Kazan summit have set a positive trajectory for BRICS, positioning the group as a leader in advocating for the interests of the Global South and promoting a multipolar world. In conclusion, the Kazan summit has emerged as a defining moment for BRICS, highlighting the group's commitment to inclusivity, economic collaboration, and addressing global challenges through collective action. Sergey Lavrov's vision for the future of BRICS resonates strongly with the aspirations of member states, reflecting a collective hope for a more just, inclusive, and equitable global order. As BRICS looks ahead, the outcomes of the summit serve as a foundation for continued collaboration among emerging economies, positioning the group as a driving force for change in the international arena. (ANI) Last week, North Koreas elite Storm Corps furnished Russian President Vladimir Putins regime with 12,000 soldiers with which to kill my fellow Ukrainians. President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris have decried this escalation and offered words of support, but not the means to achieve a real victory for Ukraine. This, in effect, has led to the slow hemorrhage of Ukraine in a war of attrition against a larger enemy. But Donald Trump may well be different from Biden and Harris. I believe he could be the engine of change that Ukraine needs. Why? Because Trump wants peace, and a peace on his terms, not Russias. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If he wins, Trump could achieve this by delivering an ultimatum to each side. To Ukraine, he would push President Volodymyr Zelensky to the negotiating table through the lever of U.S. support. To Russia, he could threaten exactly the opposite: An expansion of U.S. support for Ukraine and withering economic warfare against Russia. This ultimatum would be highly effective. The last three months of the war have exhausted both sides, and this is clear in the situation at the front. A few days ago, Russia made its last desperate attack on four out of five main directions of the Ukrainian front. In this massive though underreported attack, Russia was able to capture about a dozen villages. But now the Russian offensive potential has been exhausted. After large losses in manpower and equipment, the lack of not only strategic but also tactical reserves afflicts the Russians just as the rainy season hits. Since chernozem black soil is very common there, it will be impossible to use heavy equipment. Thus, a combination of factors will force Russia to halt until January. Ukraines situation, however, is much worse there is a dire lack of manpower. What reinforcements come are poorly trained and often do not hold their positions when the Russians advance, which leads to experienced units being surrounded and retreats to new positions. Russia uses its superior numbers ground forces and air power to keep stealing Ukrainian territory slowly and with huge attrition on both sides. Both sides are nearing a situation that in chess is called Zugzwang, or a compelled move, where the player forced to move can only make his own situation worse. Russia is catastrophically lacking the means and forces to continue the offensive; Ukraine only has enough means to slow down the advance, gradually yielding and barely holding the Russians back. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An American finger on the scale in either direction would be enough. During two months of poor marching conditions, Ukraine will build defenses along the entire front, while Russia will accumulate strategic resources for a new offensive. What is unknown is whether the West will give Ukraine all the necessary equipment and permission to strike deep into Russian territory, to destroy Russian reserves. This uncertainty does not bring optimism to either side. Therefore, it will be in Trumps own best interest to take all measures and try to end this war with a long-term ceasefire. The scales of war are slightly in Russias favor now, but all that will change if America adds money and resources and gives Ukraine the opportunity to destroy Russian strategic objects deep within Russian territory. On the other hand, if America refuses to help Ukraine at all, then the Ukrainian front would fall apart. The victory of either puts the other side on the brink of survival Ukraine may lose sovereignty, Russia could disintegrate into a kaleidoscope of nuclear-armed feudal states. My hope is for Ukrainian victory; a U.S. administration would likely see both maximal outcomes as disastrous. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Therefore, Trumps position to force a ceasefire is both the safest outcome, and advantageous for his administration. This ultimatum would be adhered to, since the parties have no other option but to sit down at the negotiating, or quickly suffer defeat. It would be difficult for Ukraine, since the fronts would become borders, and it will be difficult for Russia, too, since Russia was unable to defeat Ukraine and the new territories it claims to occupy will remain mostly Ukrainian. Ukraine and Russia would both be forced to withdraw heavy weapons from the borders. This situation would ultimately favor Ukraine: It would give Ukraine the opportunity to hold elections for a new president and parliament an urgent necessity, as the old government has legally lost its mandate. With the new government, Ukraine will receive a popular mandate for integration into the European Union and NATO under new military-political conditions or the opportunity to conclude an agreement with America and NATO countries, guaranteeing the preservation of 80 percent of the territories under Ukraines control and negotiations on the fate of 20 percent under Russias control. Ukraine gets at least four years of firm peace with the Trump administration, during which it can complete the reform of its armed forces, begin to form its own defense industry, restore the energy sector and begin to restore the agricultural sector and destroyed infrastructure. At the same time, Ukraine must find a solution to provide for and protect citizens in the occupied territories who retain Ukrainian citizenship. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Only a strong Ukraine, integrated into the Western bloc to one degree or another could eventually ensure the return of territory either as a result of diplomatic efforts by Ukraine and the West, or as a result of the collapse of Russia (like Germany in 1945), or the coming to power of new democratic forces in Russia with which Ukraine must begin to build special relations now. To achieve the first stage of the ceasefire, and the breathing room, opportunity and security for Ukraine that would follow from it, Trump only needs to make a public offer or ultimatum to both parties. Russia and Ukraine would have no choice but to accept this condition. Everything else is catch-22 for them. Alexander Temerko is a Ukrainian-British businessman and political activist, energy investor, and Councillor of the Institute of Economic Affairs. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Every year, Americans of every political stripe volunteer their time to register voters on the street, knock on doors for political campaigns and assist voters with disabilities or limited English proficiency. They welcome new voters into the electorate and equip them to participate. As our democracy faces unprecedented challenges, it is thanks to them, and to the thousands of public servants who run our elections, that we can all be confident the vast majority of voters will cast a ballot smoothly and safely this year. Yet some volunteers, suspicious of our elections, are trying to turn democracy in on itself. They are working to keep voters away from the polls and to root out fraud even though every legitimate study shows voter fraud to be vanishingly rare . This growing antidemocratic brand of activism is a dark mirror image of the grassroots work that drives our democracy. Many of the participants seem motivated by a real sense of civic duty. Thats because leaders of the election denial movement cynically use disinformation to twist Americans democratic impulses toward antidemocratic ends, and to lay the groundwork to challenge election results baselessly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Opinion: Jan. 6 was just a start. Vigilantes are expanding, and legalizing, their attacks Four years ago, then-President Trumps attempt to overturn the presidential election was carried out mostly by a small group of insiders a cast of characters whose desperate antics would be laughable if their goal wasnt so serious, including lawyers Rudolph W. Giuliani and John Eastman and the MyPillow Chief Executive Mike Lindell, who has helped finance the election denial movement. That plot culminated in the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection by hundreds of followers, many of whom appeared to believe they were carrying out some patriotic duty by attacking the U.S. Capitol and interfering in our nations most sacred tradition, the peaceful transfer of power. In the years since, Trumps ragtag gang of election deniers has built a movement, organizing everyday American citizens to take democracy down. Cleta Mitchell one of the lawyers on the January 2021 call in which Trump pressured the Georgia secretary of state to revise the vote in his favor has assembled the Election Integrity Network, which has some 30 state chapters and weekly Zoom calls . This year Mitchell created the Only Citizens Vote coalition, which she has likened to a national neighborhood watch over elections. Mitchells network was initially backed by the Conservative Partnership Institute, where former White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows is a senior partner and which has reportedly contributed to an online system to enable mass challenges of voters. Stephen K. Bannon, a close ally of Trump, uses his radio show to encourage those who dont believe in elections to sign up to be poll watchers , part of efforts to start taking over all the elections. In this twisted inversion of a healthy, functioning democracy, these activists harass volunteers registering Latino voters with discriminatory accusations that they are signing up noncitizens to vote. Some have joined right-wing groups that challenge their neighbors right to vote based on dubious investigations, or conduct canvassing to scrutinize voter rolls. In Pennsylvania, volunteer activists sent mailers encouraging voters suspected of moving to cancel their voter registration, confusing and alarming recipients. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although these activists often insist they are helping officials ensure fair voting, they are effectively doing the opposite intimidating voters and interfering in elections. Rather than stop actual fraud, these efforts are far more likely to scare eligible voters away from voting or remove them from the rolls based on faulty data. The targeting of Latino registration drives, and the focus of some activists on scrutinizing voters with Hispanic-sounding last names, are reminders that disenfranchisement is especially likely for voters of color . Moreover, an unprecedented surge of Americans hear this call to antidemocratic vigilantism as an invitation to harass and threaten election officials. Read more: Opinion: Voters with a 'party-over-reality' bias may play a decisive role in the election There are robust legal safeguards to prevent these tactics from undermining our elections. Many federal and state laws prohibit the intimidation of voters, election workers and volunteers registering and turning out voters, as our team at the Brennan Center has shared in resources available to election officials , pro-democracy organizations, law enforcement and anyone else. Although poll watchers play an important role in protecting the transparency of elections, there are rules governing their role for example, they cannot physically threaten voters or ask intrusive questions . Those who break the rules can be removed from the polls. State laws put limits on voter challenges, including, for example, Arizonas requirement that a challenger provide clear and convincing evidence of a voters ineligibility in order to prevail. Election denialism has helped erode some legal protections; in Georgia, the state Legislature passed a pair of laws that allowed voters to file an unlimited number of challenges and lowered the bar for bringing them. But responsible local election officials have ensured that few of those challenges resulted in voters being removed from the rolls. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is also a powerful counter-alliance fighting to keep our democracy right side up. This fall, some states have seen record-breaking voter registration numbers , early voting turnout and creative community efforts, including by marching bands and celebrities, to get people to the polls. More than 300 organizations are part of the national, nonpartisan coalition Election Protection , which offers national hotlines in multiple languages to answer how-to-vote questions (at [866] OUR-VOTE [687-8683] for English speakers). Its volunteers and staff, including lawyers, can help elevate more serious issues to officials if necessary. Voters themselves, of course, are key to defending democracy this fall by exercising their right to vote. In future elections, those interested can join a registration drive, knock on doors to encourage voting, sign up to be a poll worker and support your local election officials. And you can always let your representatives in Congress know that you value an inclusive, representative democracy. Building that system up, not tearing it down, is the future we deserve. Sean Morales-Doyle is the director of the voting rights program at the Brennan Center for Justice at NYU Law. If its in the news right now, the L.A. Times Opinion section covers it. Sign up for our weekly opinion newsletter. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Starting in the Summer of 2016 and then through the first year of the Trump administration, as I wrote my book Fire and Fury about the first months of the Trump White House, I spoke periodically to Trumps longtime and now estranged friend, Jeffrey Epstein. Epstein, of course, would go on to be branded as among the worlds most famous sexual predators and, in 2019, died, most likely a suicide, under federal indictment and as a prisoner in New Yorks Metropolitan Correctional Center, a federal prison. But in 2016 and in the nascent days of the Trump administration, Epstein, although the subject of many allegations and lawsuits, was still a free man, living alone in extraordinary splendor in one of the largest private residences in Manhattan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among the reasons he agreed to talk to me was his own incredulity that Donald Trump, a man who, in their friendship, had displayed so many disqualifying attributes to high office, was on his way to becoming presidentindeed, who became president. In short, even Jeffrey Epstein was appalled. Our conversations took place in the dining room in the back of his house on East 71st Street, where he customarily conducted something like an ongoing colloquium with a long and now notorious list of the rich, powerful, and celebrated. Or we would sit, up a grand staircase, in the baronial study which ran the length of the mansion. Epstein was, clearly, obsessed with Trump, and I believe personally afraid of him. He was not the only one who knew the real Donald Trump, he told me, but he did, surely, know him, really know him, he would emphasize. Now, he was groping for a way to explain how the man he knewa man who had hardly ever tried to hide his blatant moral flawshad risen to the very top of American politics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last week, on the podcast I host with James Truman for iHeart, Fire and FuryThe Podcast, we first broached the Epstein-Trump subject after the model Stacey Williams came forward to discuss how Trump had abused her when she was Epsteins girlfriend in the 1990s. The response to the podcast was immediate and overwhelming, suggesting a hunger to know about a story, the Trump-Epstein relationship, that has seemed for so long to hide in plain sight. The friendship between these two men ended in 2004 but has never been fully explored. The Fire and Fury podcast has partnered with the Daily Beast, which has helped with the myriad technical difficulties of bad recordings (my fault here), to publish, in Epsteins own words, some of the highlights of his experiences with and observations about what I think can be fairly described as his fellow predator. During the podcast I noted the glaring and confounding circumstance that one of these predators ended up in the countrys darkest prison and the other in the White House. We still need to understand how that came to pass. Editors note: The Daily Beasts Chief Content Officer Joanna Coles holds an investment in Kaleidoscope, the maker of the Fire and Fury podcast. U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink said on Nov. 3 that the U.S. State Department has funded 800 mobile fire teams in Ukraine, which have shot down over 200 Russian drones since Jan. 2024. The mobile fire teams are saving lives with their successful work, protecting people and critical infrastructure being attacked by Russia, she wrote on X. The mobile fire teams, consisting of personnel from Ukraine's National Guard and State Border Guard Service, are funded by the U.S. Department of States Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moscow has recently ramped up drone strikes, while dialing down the use of more powerful and harder-to-intercept cruise and ballistic missiles. Russia has launched thousands of cheap but effective Iranian-designed Shahed-type drones against Ukraine since the fall of 2022. According to Ukraine's Air Force, 1,339 Shahed-type kamikaze drones targeted the country in September, 1,107 of which were shot down, with some others being jammed by electronic warfare and flying into Russian or Belarusian airspace. Read also: Zelensky calls for tougher sanctions as Russia launched 2,000 drone attacks on Ukraine in October using foreign-made parts Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. GREENVILLE COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA) Election Day is drawing near, but according to state figures, more than a third of eligible South Carolina voters have already cast their ballots. According to scvotes.gov as of Friday morning, 1,216,968 voters cast their ballots early out of the 3,444,370 registered South Carolina voters. Greenville County alone accounts for about 10% of the total number of ballots cast in the state every presidential election, according to County Registration and Elections Director, Conway Belangia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Belangia said there were already more than 120,000 early ballots cast as of 4 p.m. Friday and he usually sees around 270,000 ballots cast from Greenville County voters, out of the more than 300,000 eligible county voters. That means were knocking down almost half the voters of this early-voting process, said Belangia. This is the first time South Carolina has allowed no-excuse early voting during a Presidential Election cycle. The first time no-excuse, early-voting was allowed was during the 2022 Midterm Elections cycle. High turnout also means long lines of voters hoping to cast their ballots without having to wait in election day lines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Macy Fitzgerald, a Greenville County resident, went back to her car just minutes after getting out to vote early at McAlister Square. The line was too long, said Fitzgerald. She said she plans to comeback on Tuesday, hoping the lines are shorter. Definitely dont be scared to vote. Its important to have a say in the government, Fitzgerald said. Belangia said the standing-line wait times averaged between 40 to 60 minutes in McAlister Square, Greenville Countys most visited precinct. The wait times are even longer when it comes to curbside voting, which he said averaged about 2 hours. Some voters said they didnt let the lines scare them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I was in line for an hour-and-a-half, said Karen Cooley, an Anderson County voter. Your vote counts. Everybodys vote counts. Its the biggest privilege we have. Honestly, for me, its the only time I had off, but the line was worth it though, said Erica Stroud, a Greenville County voter who said she is unable to vote during Election Day. The wait was worth it. Even first-time voter Angely Rodriguez-Brand, 18, of Greenville County, said she waited in the lines because getting her voice heard was important to her. It felt great to be able to exercise that right for sure. Its been something thats been a longtime coming, said Rodriguez-Brand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Angelys father, Bryan Rodriguez, said he stood by with his daughter because it just feels like were a part of something and were a part of something bigger than us. Precincts open on Saturday for the last day of early-voting beginning at 8:30 a.m. and close at 6 p.m. Belangia said as long as youre in line at a precincts by 5:59 p.m., you will be allowed to cast a ballot. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. This is nuts. An upstate man whose beloved squirrel was cruelly killed by the state said he was treated like a terrorist when 10 government agents descended on his home during a five-hour raid. Mark Longo, whose pet Pnut captured the hearts of 3 million social media users, was stunned when a convoy of vehicles carrying officials from the state departments of Environmental Conservation and Health arrived at his Pine City home Wednesday. Pnut the Squirrel was cruelly killed by NY state. AP Pnuts owner Mark Longo said he was treated like a terrorist. Courtesy Mark Longo via AP They served him with a surprise warrant allowing them to snatch away Pnut the squirrel and Fred, a raccoon hed taken in. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They treated me like I was a terrorist. They treated this raid as if I was a drug dealer. They ransacked my house for five hours, Longo told The Post Saturday. They asked my wife, who is of German descent, what her immigration status was. They asked if I had cameras in my house. They wouldnt allow me to go to the bathroom without a police escort, who then checked the back of the toilet to see if I was hiding anything there. But worse than all of that, they delivered his gray fur baby to its death. Longo said his house was ransacked for five hours. Instagram The state claimed it had to euthanize both animals Friday so that they could be tested for rabies because the squirrel sunk its teeth into the hand of an official during the disturbing raid. The test results are not yet known. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Longo, 34, cared for PNut for more than seven years, rescuing him when his mother was hit by a car. We rehabbed him for eight months, we released him for a day and a half, but he ended up getting attacked. He never developed the instincts to survive outside, Longo told The Post. Pnut slept in his own room in their house in Pine City, just south of Elmira, NY. Fred arrived four months ago, after being dropped off at their front door, and split time between an outdoor enclosure and a room in their residence. Pnut and Fred were targeted, and not other animals living on the 350-acre property, because they lived indoors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pnut was a star on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. Even Elon Musk paid tribute to him on X today. One post said, President @realDonaldTrump will save the squirrels and another lamented, Government overreach kidnapped an orphan squirrel and executed him. My phone is blowing up from people around the country saying how much they loved Pnut, Longo said. I have people who call me and cry more than I do. The Connecticut native moved to upstate New York last April to start PNuts Freedom Farm, a nonprofit animal rescue he operates with his wife, Daniela. The sanctuary is home to 300 rescue animals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also has an OnlyFans account under the name Squirrel Daddy, and insisted it was separate from his animal rescue work. Thats just me, completely separate. It actually just made enough money for us to start this organization. Longo was stunned that the gang of so-called government conservationists searching his home Wednesday kept him from tending to his other animals during their raid. New York state claimed Pnut had to be euthanized so it could be tested for rabies. Instagram Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I was not even allowed to fill their water, he said. Longo explained it is illegal to house a squirrel and raccoon, but he didnt have the heart to keep them outside. The DEC said in a statement obtained by WETM that the raid was in response to complaints about Fred, the raccoon, but Longo claimed they used him as an excuse to get Pnut. The only time I ever talked to the DEC prior to this was when they got complaints from anonymous people on the internet for Pnut about five or six months ago and that was before Fred, he said. They used Fred as their go-to to get into my house. Longo rescued Pnut after its mother was hit by a car. Instagram The DEC claimed Pnut bit one of its officials on the hand during the raid, but Longo said he did not witness that and that the officials hands were heavily protected. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I watched everybody put gloves on before they entered my house. They had gloves that you get an eagle to land on, he said. Longo is demanding an investigation into the claim they were checking the animals for rabies, and filing a motion to get the medical records of the officials in his house to see if they actually got tested for the disease. Longo said he was treated like a drug dealer. Instagram Pnut and Fred did not have rabies or I wouldnt be here talking to you right now. Ive been around them long enough, played with them, cared for them and I didnt foam at the mouth, he said. Longo, who only found out his animals were put down through his local news station, said the state must answer for its actions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Why was there so much force brought to my house for a racoon and a squirrel? he asked. We have so many other things that we need to focus on. We use our government to do this sit when we cant even fix the problems we have in daily human life. Gov. Hochul, along with the state DEC and Health Department, did not respond to messages seeking comment. One elected official blasted state government for its over-the-top response. With all the crime in our migrant shelters, good to know we have the time and resources for a squirrel swat team, scoffed City Councilman Joe Borelli (R-Staten Island). I cant wait to meet the new senior advisor to the governor, Elmer J. Fudd. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State Sen. Thomas OMara, who is Longos state representative, said he has reached out to the DEC and Chemung County Department of Health and has been stonewalled on getting an answer about who authorized the decision to euthanize Peanut. Everything else our government looks the other way on as far as illegal immigrants but then come down on someone harboring a squirrel, said state Senator Thomas OMara. It just highlights the priorities of the government we have in New York State, frankly. Its disturbing and we need answers from both the state DEC and the Chemung County department of Health. Ken Girardin, research director at the conservative watchdog Empire Center for Public Policy, said that the raid that ultimately led to Peanuts death demonstrates how the DEC is arguably the most powerful state agency. They have sweeping authority that, as this case shows, allows them to enter private homes and seize private property with what appears in this case to be questionable justification, he said, adding, Some of the blame falls on New York state lawmakers, who havent provided adequate oversight. Spotlight PA is an independent, nonpartisan, and nonprofit newsroom producing investigative and public-service journalism that holds power to account and drives positive change in Pennsylvania. Sign up for our free newsletters. HARRISBURG The Nov. 5 general election in Pennsylvania is quickly approaching. If you still have questions about where your polling place is, who is on the ballot, and how to vote, Spotlight PA has got you covered. Voters across the commonwealth will cast their ballots for president, U.S. House and Senate, Pennsylvanias three statewide row offices (attorney general, auditor general, and treasurer), and state House and Senate. Depending on where you live, there might also be local ballot questions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Heres a last-minute checklist of everything youll need to vote. First, the basics: Heres what you can expect to see on your ballot: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are no statewide ballot measures this year, but some voters may see local questions. Check your countys election website or sample ballot to know exactly which races and candidates you will be voting for. A complete listing of Spotlight PA voter guides and coverage: En Espanol: BEFORE YOU GO If you learned something from this article, pay it forward and contribute to Spotlight PA at spotlightpa.org/donate. Spotlight PA is funded by foundations and readers like you who are committed to accountability journalism that gets results. Editors Note: This interview was originally published November 2024 and has been updated following the 2025 Academy Awards. Midway through the documentary No Other Land, journalist and activist Basel Adra recounts a 2009 visit to his village by former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair. In a navy suit and crisp tie, surrounded by security detail and photographers, Blair walked through the village for seven minutes, Adra says in a voice-over. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He visits the local school, Adra says. He passes by Adras familys home. He nods along to something someone says off camera, the footage shows. He shakes a hand. He smiles. Months later, after Blair returns to the UK, Israel cancels the demolition orders held for the school and home in the street he visited, Adra says. In the mere handful of minutes, Blair accomplished what villagers had been trying to do for years. This, Adra says, is a story about power. No Other Land tells of the continued demolition of Masafer Yatta, a collection of villages in the Hebron mountains of the West Bank where Adra and his family still live. But as we see the demolition the local playground torn down, his family moving their beds and other belongings into a cave, his brother shot and killed by soldiers, attacks by Jewish settlers Adra and the rest of the filmmakers also show us a community trying to survive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Adras filming begins in 2019 and stretches until 2023, chronicling the Israeli governments attempt to evict the villagers by force, having claimed the land for a military training facility and firing range in 1981. (During the lengthy legal battle, before the Israeli supreme court ruled in favor of demolishing homes in the villages in 2022, Israeli prosecutors argued that Palestinian residents only began squatting in the area when it was declared a firing range, after previously using the land as seasonal pasture. Residents countered, saying the IDF had blown up Palestinian homes in Masafer Yatta decades earlier, in 1966). The acclaimed documentary most recently won an Academy Award for best documentary feature film. Still, Adra and Israeli journalist Yuval Abraham, two of the filmmakers behind the documentary, told CNN that American distributors have been hesitant to pick up No Other Land, despite widespread acclaim from critics. Basel Adra and Yuval Abraham in "No Other Land." - Antipode Films While the documentary finishes before the events of 2023s Hamas attack, which took the lives of roughly 1,200 people in Israel, its release comes at a time when war in the Middle East is accelerating, as Israels offensive in Gaza have left at least 42,500 people dead since October 8, 2023. While promoting the film at the New York Film Festival in October, Abraham and Adra unexpectedly cut their US tour short to be with their families as the violence escalated. Even as the movie succeeds, they told CNN, little on the ground back home has improved. Speaking from Adras family home in Masafer Yatta, they spoke with CNN about life under occupation, and what, if anything, their documentary might change. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This interview has been edited for length and clarity. What motivated you to pick up the camera in the first place? Was making a documentary always the goal? Basel Adra: No, it wasnt. It was documenting. To document the things around me was the goal, and it always felt important to catch the incidents thats happening around us as evidence of the reality of whats happening. And then, after years, the guys joined, and we decided together that we want to make a movie. Yuval Abraham: I came here as a journalist, so documenting was part of the job. Its something that I believe in. I came into journalism out of realizing that there is so much that is not being told in the land that we live in that needs to be told. But for me, the act of documenting, whether its by writing or by filming, always has a purpose or an audience in mind, most of the time. Whereas for Basel, its also that, but as he said, its also the way to survive when youre being attacked, or when your community is. You started filming this in 2019 and you wrapped it up before the events of October 2023. Do you think the film has changed or taken on new meaning because of whats happened since then? Abraham: Of course, the movie meets the audience at the moment where the audience is. Now, Palestine and Israel are on the news 24/7 for the past year. To me, the film is showing the reality on the ground before October, and its showing essentially the decades-long occupation of Palestinians. And I think one of the reasons why we made the movie is, for me, is because October 7 is an atrocity but the world was not paying attention, almost at all, to the violent life that Palestinians are living under for decades before October. A child is seen playing in Masafer Yatta. - Antipode Films This adds so much urgency for me to the film right now. Its clear that, to anybody who watches our film and looks at the reality of the farmers in Masafer Yatta, living under Israeli military control is not something sustainable and its not something just. Its not something that can continue. Me and Basel were born in the 90s. If we would have reached a political solution then, imagine how many more people would be alive today? And its unfortunate that people are now talking about the need for political change only after, in a way, human beings are paying with their blood. I know with the recent escalation, you had to cut your time in the US short. How did it feel to go from touring this documentary all over the world, getting awards, etc., to zooming back home to Palestine and Israel? Adra: Its different. Its not easy to go to the festivals and succeed, and journalists talk about it, the audience wants to see it, and its been sold out in many festivals. But coming back to the reality here, its sad to see that the situation is going, changing to be worse than it was even before. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Abraham: Its a question that we always ask ourselves: What can we do to cause change? To end the occupation, to reach a political movement? Now, I think after really a year, its hard not to talk about Gaza, honestly, because you see every single day, literally, houses filled with families being bombed and little children obliterated or burnt alive. And now in the north of the Gaza Strip, there is an ethnic cleansing. Its one of the biggest atrocities of our age and time, and the atrocities of October 7 cannot justify what has been going on every single day since. What kind of footage do people need to see for the United States to change its foreign policy in a way which would be constructive for the people who are living here, in a way which will push us towards some kind of political solution? Those of us who want to see a future where this oppression ends have to call for a change. And so can our film do that? I dont think it can do that. Its very hard to speak about the power now of documentary and footage, when there is so much footage. You can now Google. I mean, just open Twitter and open Facebook, you see so much endless footage of violence and nothing is changing. Its a complicated position that we are in, so I dont know what can change. So, you dont necessarily feel hope that things can change, because theres footage everywhere? Abraham: This is why we made a documentary, because there is a difference between just posting a random instance of violence to watching our film, which tells a very strong human story of a community for four years, trying to survive on their land. We hope that watching a film will have some kind of impact that these videos that we post on social media does not have. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the end of the day, were not powerful people, and if the people who have power are not using their power to change the reality, then things are not going to change. We can make a million documentaries about it, but theyre not going to change their reality. When was the moment where you decided, Im done waiting on other journalists; Im going to tell my own story? Adra: Well, this is like back in the beginning, of documenting whats going on. What I saw, like the missions happening, the attacks are happening here in Masafer Yatta. But its not a story, even, its a routine in our lives. So there I started using social media, writing articles and filming what is happening. Abraham: There are times in history when policy becomes invisible to the people because it happens so much. Its just routine. Its part of the routine oppression. I think of South Africa, for example. There were times when it was just considered normal, under the apartheid regime, to have certain people who cannot vote for the main government. It was just normal. You didnt need to report about it. And this is whats really happening here in Masafer Yatta. Yesterday, houses were demolished. Was it reported anywhere? Its not going to be reported, because this is the day-to-day life, the routine life, under the military occupation. Scenes from "No Other Land." - Antipode Films One of the challenges we face as journalists or even as activists, is how to take a policy that is a routine, that the people are not able to see, and to make them see it. And this is one reason to make the film, to make this policy a story that will be so strong that will show the human aspects of it in such a powerful way that people will be interested to see it. Ive heard some places have been hesitant to maybe distribute the documentary theatrically. Is that something that you have run into? Adra: Yeah, we still dont have a distributor in the US, we think its because of the subject, theyre not taking it. We wish this will change in the future, because we really want the movie to be shown around the US, and we want millions of people to see it. What are you hoping the impact will be? Adra: We want political change for the situation here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Abraham: Change is possible, especially if there is willingness from the US leaders to allow us to reach the point of change. The United States is very much complicit in what we are seeing in our movie. For a better future for Palestinians and for Israelis, we need change in US foreign policy, and we hope that the film will contribute to that. Like that moment with Blair, for example. Abraham: It just gives you an example of peoples lives here are getting ruined, and for people in power who are sitting in Washington, DC or in New York or in London, to change that is a matter of lifting their finger to exert pressure on Israel to stop. Of course, in the long term, we hope that the film and not only our film, activism and work that we are doing on the ground and abroad will lead to an end to this occupation, and to a political solution that is based on Palestinians having freedom, and Palestinians and Israelis both having political and individual rights. And the way to do that is the US changing their foreign policy. That is one of the main things that need to change, and if our film can contribute to that, even just a little bit, then Im very, very happy that we made it. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) A bald eagle who residents say spent the last few days in a ditch near a Van Buren County road will be taken to an animal rescue and rehabilitation center, according to deputies. Around 9:35 a.m. Sunday, Van Buren County dispatch got a call from someone driving on County Road 681 near 72nd Avenue in Hamilton Township who said they saw an injured bald eagle in the area. Deputies with the Van Buren County Sheriffs Office arrived to find an injured adolescent bald eagle laying in a ditch on the side of the road. Residents in the area told them the bird had been there for a couple days. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An officer with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources confirmed the bird was an adolescent bald eagle and was able to safely capture it, according to the sheriffs office. Injured adolescent bald eagle found near a road in Van Buren County on Nov. 3, 2024. (Courtesy Van Buren County Sheriffs Office.) Injured adolescent bald eagle found near a road in Van Buren County on Nov. 3, 2024. (Courtesy Van Buren County Sheriffs Office.) The DNR plans on taking the animal to a rescue and rehabilitation center, the sheriffs office said. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com. In a recent statement, the council asserted that state actions against Baloch youth have exceeded "all limits" in what they describe as unconstitutional treatment of Baloch students, reported The Balochistan Post. The BSC highlighted recent incidents that they believe reflect a disturbing trend of repression aimed at silencing Baloch students, creating an environment of fear throughout Islamabad's campuses. "The enforced disappearances of Baloch students are occurring with disturbing frequency," a BSC spokesperson stated. During a hearing at the Islamabad High Court on February 28, 2024, addressing the recovery of missing Baloch students, Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar was present. Shortly afterward, Baloch student Imtiaz Alam reportedly went missing. The BSC noted that the trend has continued following recent visits by Prime Minister Kakar to several universities in Islamabad, during which more cases of Baloch students going missing have emerged, The Balochistan Post reported. The council also reported a raid by security forces on a Baloch student residence in Rawalpindi the previous day, resulting in the detention of ten students enrolled at the National University of Modern Languages (NUML) in Islamabad. Those reported missing include Saleem Arif, Balach Fida, Khuda Dad, Khalil Ahmed, Khalil Iqbal, Hammal Hasni, Babar Atta, Noor Maheem, Iftikhar Azeem, and Ahsam Akbar. The BSC spokesperson condemned what they termed "intentional targeting" based on ethnic identity, stating that Baloch students are subject to "collective punishment" under state policies fostering fear on campuses. The council further emphasised that Baloch students have endured mass disappearances for over a decade, which has severely impacted their pursuit of education in a climate of persistent fear, reported The Balochistan Post. In their statement, the BSC urged the Baloch community to recognise these abuses and unite against the "collective repression" faced by Baloch students. The council also announced plans to hold a press conference in Islamabad soon to outline their next steps in seeking justice and safety for Baloch students. (ANI) (WHTM) With only a few days until the November 5 election, Pennsylvania Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt joined This Week in Pennsylvania to discuss issues counties are facing ahead of Election Day and what voters can expect. Former Republican Congressman Jim Gerlach and former Democrat Governor Ed Rendell also join the show to discuss the Democracy Defense Project. Every week, This Week in Pennsylvania gives a comprehensive look at the weeks biggest news events in Pennsylvania, provided by the abc27 News team, along with the latest updates on local stories. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now This Week in Pennsylvania Check your local listings for weekly air times. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27. OKALOOSA COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) The Crestview Police Department responded to Regions Bank on South Ferdon Boulevard about a bank robbery on Friday. Authorities said just before 4:30 p.m, a suspect wearing a fluorescent yellow vest, and a large straw hat with a face mask held his hand in his pocket, claiming to have a weapon. He demanded money from the bank tellers during the robbery. According to a news release, when officers arrived the suspect had fled, running towards an adjacent shopping plaza. Witnesses said they saw him getting into a white SUV and driving erratically through the parking lot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bay High celebrated 100 years with centennial alumni tailgate The suspect was identified as 66-year-old James Keith Johnson of Pensacola. Johnson is a Federal Bureau of Prisons Parollee for his arrest in two separate Florida bank robberies back in March of 1995. He was caught after laundering the banks dye-stained bills, through a casino token machine in Mississippi, authorities wrote. Johnson was convicted in Florida in November of 1995 and received a sentence of 327 months in prison. An arrest warrant was issued for Johnsons arrest in Crestview while investigators coordinated with Escambia County Sheriffs Office to take Johnson into custody as his resident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Johnson was arrested at his home in Pensacola by the Escambia County Sheriffs Office. He was booked into the Escambia County Jail and charged with robbery. Johnson will be awaiting his first appearance and the coordination of his extradition back to Okaloosa County. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to mypanhandle.com. Phoenix police said they were investigating after a body was found near a park on Saturday morning. Police officers responded to calls of an injured person near a park in the area of 23rd Avenue and Cactus Road in Phoenix, according to Sgt. Phil Krynsky. When officers arrived, they found a man dead at the scene. Phoenix police identified the man as 47-year-old Nazario Lopez-Felix on Sunday afternoon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigators suspect foul play as Lopez-Felix was found with "suspicious trauma" to his body, according to police. It's not known what kind of trauma he suffered. Krynsky encouraged anyone with information regarding the incident to call Phoenix police or Silent Witness if they wish to remain anonymous at 480-WITNESS or 480-TESTIGO for Spanish. This is a developing story, stay tuned to azcentral.com for more details. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Phoenix police identify man found dead near park Pierce County Human Services was provided with a multi-million-dollar award that would help several young people who are experiencing homelessness. According to a press release from the Pierce County Human Services (PCHS), the agency received a $3.5 million award to fund services for youth and young adults experiencing homelessness. The funding comes from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The agency partnered with the Pierce County Youth Action Board (YAB) to complete the application, leaning on the young peoples lived experience and expertise to guide the work. The YAB is comprised of advocates and youth and young adults with lived experience of homelessness and provides oversight on community projects that impact youth and young adults in Pierce County, according to the press release. Our partnership with the Youth Action Board brought lived experience and great creativity to our application, Heather Moss, Pierce County Human Services director, said. Im grateful for their hard work and dedication in applying for these dollars. This funding will bring more services to more young people and allow us to address disparities among youth. We look forward to working with the CoC and other local partners to write the community plan, develop services and invest the grant into the county. Pierce County is 1 of 14 communities across the country to receive funding from HUDs Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program (YHDP), which supports housing solutions such as: rapid re-housing permanent supportive housing transitional housing host homes Pierce Countys Comprehensive Plan to End Homelessness identified youth and young adults as a targeted population with unique needs, who are shown locally or nationally to have poor outcomes in the homeless system. To learn more about homelessness in Pierce County, visit www.piercecountywa.gov/homelessplan. In a nondescript warehouse on the outskirts of Southampton sit 25 high-end cars. When they were stolen seven years ago, as part of a finance fraud, the police said they were worth an eye-watering 6.5 million. Now, after spending the intervening period in Thailand, their value is a fraction of that. The haul is part of a car theft epidemic that shows no sign of abating but their presence in Southampton represents a significant triumph for British policing. The cars are like an enthusiasts dream garage: Lamborghini Huracan Spyder, three BMW M4s, three Nissan GT-Rs, two Porsche 718 Boxsters, a 718 Cayman, a Range Rover, a Mercedes-AMG G 63, a Ford Mustang Convertible The list goes on. In total, 35 cars were stolen to order for the right-hand-drive Thai market, where the wealthy pay a premium for luxury motors. Only 30 have so far been repatriated, including the 25 on display in Southampton. Criminals involved in the scam obtained the cars on finance from legitimate UK dealerships. They then passed the motors on via middlemen to the masterminds behind the crime, who shipped them to Bangkok. There they were sold to unsuspecting buyers through Thai dealerships. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was a long-winded trail that led us to finally repatriating the cars seven years later, Sharon Naughton, the head of the National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service (NaVCIS), said. We have officers at Southampton, Felixstowe, London Gateway and Tilbury. They saw a container at Southampton whose manifest listed two Mercedes going to Singapore, then Thailand. Criminals obtained the cars on finance from legitimate UK dealerships - NaVCIS Further investigation by NaVCIS discovered that containers with more cars, which were stolen in the same way by the same gang, had been air-freighted to Thailand from Heathrow Airport. It was the beginning of Operation Titanium (NaVCIS pronounces it Thai-tanium). Without realising that the cars had been stolen in the UK, Thai authorities began investigating the man behind the crime for undervaluing the cars that he was importing. He was just making pure profit, Naughton said. The criminals were so efficient, the first the finance companies here knew of the crime was when we told them their cars were in Thailand. Organised gangs: a formidable foe Police believe that organised crime gangs are responsible for about four in five car thefts in the UK. Asst Chief Constable Jenny Sims is the National Police Chiefs Councils (NPCC) lead on car crime. She told us: Organised crime is significant. Well over half of stolen vehicles are used in other areas of crime such as drug offences. We recover fewer vehicles each year because we know theyre going abroad. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NaVCIS recorded a 29 per cent increase in stolen vehicles being shipped through UK ports in the second quarter of 2024. It believes that the 10 to 15 cars it recovers a week are just the tip of the iceberg. In September, Operation Alliance, which involved various law enforcement agencies, recovered 325 vehicles, plus parts worth an estimated 4 million. It led to 196 arrests. In terms of what we have recovered, we know about 30 per cent of the stolen vehicles going abroad end up in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The second most popular destination is the United Arab Emirates, Sims added. Police are hitting back Astonishingly, Sims NPCC role is carried out in her spare time. Sims has been working to change the fact that there are 130,000 cars stolen in the UK each year. The result of this work is the Vehicle Crime Reduction Partnership (VCRP), which combines multiple groups inside the police and beyond, including car manufacturers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With the undisclosed budget that she has secured, Sims has employed Mark Kameen, a retired police officer who has a background in serious organised crime. She said: I think this is a launch pad to deliver boots on the ground to tackle car crime because people will be able to buy into the partnership and see this isnt just vehicle crime: were up against serious organised criminals. NaVCIS is the UKs only privately funded police unit with a budget from the Finance and Leasing Association. It, too, relies on a handful of retired police officers. But Naughton is keen to dispel the notion that this is in the vein of the New Tricks TV series. Im taking advantage of the knowledge, skill and experience of police officers whove had 30 years on the job, she says. And they dont cost the taxpayers a penny. The way the world is now, companies realise that if they want a premium service, they have to pay for it. You still get the service if you dont go private but when finance companies pay for an enhanced service, they know it pays dividends, she adds. Shipping containers are big problem Currently anyone can pay 2,000 to 3,000 (5,000 for airfreight) for a shipping container and put anything inside. They dont even have to be honest on the manifest about whats in the container, said Steve Poole, a NaVCIS vehicle inspector at Southampton port. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When you think that the biggest boats can carry more than 20,000 containers and tens of thousands of containers leave our ports daily with minimal regulation, we really are looking for a needle in a haystack. Even if Poole and his colleagues do open a container, they might be greeted with a pile of mattresses or sofas. You pull those out and behind them you might find two or three stolen cars. We then have to pay to dispose of the mattresses he says ruefully. Stolen cars are sometimes hidden behind mattresses and sofas - NaVCIS Once a container has been opened, the work really begins. Nick Sawdon, a NaVCIS officer, says: Well try to find out where, when and how the cars were stolen. We need to find out who got the shipping container and where it came from. The number of cars were recovering is increasing and were improving our intelligence all the time. Unable to make arrests or interview suspects, the NaVCIS officers then pass their findings on to the force in the area where they believe that the car was stolen. We have to package up the investigation and sell it to the police, investigator Mark Haughlan says. When I look at stolen cars, I just see lumps of money because thats what they are to the criminals. Three Range Rovers in a container: thats 200,000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And the cars in the Southampton warehouse? They will be returned to the finance companies that were tricked out of them seven years ago. Im sure any money they can get back for them will be welcome, Sawdon says. 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. Police have identified the two victims killed in a shooting that led to a five-hour standoff Friday in Lenexa. Lenexa residents Sheila M. Donovan, 52, and Tyler K. Donovan, 22, were allegedly killed by their relative Todd Michael Donovan, 53 who was charged with two counts of First-Degree Murder by the Johnson County District Attorneys Office.. Friday night, around 8:30 p.m. police responded to a report of an armed disturbance at a home in the 7900 block of Hallet Street. When officers arrived, they heard multiple gunshots coming from the area of a home in that block, said Danny Chavez, a spokesman with Lenexa police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lenexa officers spoke on the phone with a man suspected of firing shots and learned he was inside his residence on Hallet Street. The man barricaded himself in the home and refused to comply with officers requests to come outside peacefully, Chavez said. Chavez said negotiators spoke with the man for nearly two hours before he stopped speaking with law enforcement. During the course of the negotiation, the suspect told police he had taken some pills, Chavez said. We were using tools drones, robot to ensure it was safe to make entry since we believed the suspect had already fired a weapon when officers arrived, Chavez said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Around 1:50 a.m., the Lenexa Tactical Team entered the home and took the man into custody. He was immediately taken to a hospital on a suspected overdose, Chavez said. Officers found a woman and a man both dead inside the home. Police are investigating the incident as a double homicide, Chavez said. The preliminary investigation indicates that both deceased individuals were shot, Chavez said in a news release. As part of this investigation, it was also learned that a neighbors dog was shot and killed around the same time that officers responded on the initial call. Chavez said the suspect is alive and recovering at a hospital. The killings mark Lenexas second and third homicides of 2024, according to data maintained by The Star. The Stars Kendrick Calfee contributed to this piece. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has voiced strong objections to the newly proposed Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Bill 2024, which grants the government authority to detain individuals for up to three months based solely on "credible information" or "reasonable suspicion." The HRCP warns that this legislation, lacking judicial oversight, dangerously undermines due process by presuming detainees to be threats to national security or public order. In response to the recent surge in militancy and the tragic loss of lives, HRCP acknowledges the necessity of heightened security measures. However, the commission insists that "preventive detention is not a viable solution" and warns of the potential for authorities to misuse such powers. "Historical precedents highlight the state's inadequate track record in exercising such powers transparently and judiciously," the HRCP stated. The commission cited the prolonged detentions of climate activist Baba Jan and former legislator Ali Wazir, who both face terrorism-related charges the HRCP considers dubious. Additionally, rights activist Mahrang Baloch's recent listing under the Fourth Schedule has raised concerns over potential misuse of these powers in Pakistan's tense political climate. The HRCP is particularly troubled by provisions allowing armed forces to detain individuals based solely on suspicion without civilian or judicial oversight. HRCP argues that this effectively legalises enforced disappearances and establishes internment centres, fundamentally violating the constitutional rights to due process and fair trial under Articles 10 and 10A. The bill's broad, vague criteria for detention further increase the risk of abuse, HRCP contends, stating that such open-ended grounds fail to meet the standard for derogating rights under Article 4, Paragraph 1, of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Additionally, the amendment does not restrict its application to temporary or extraordinary circumstances. Calling on the government to withdraw the bill, the HRCP urged the development of alternative legislation that protects citizens' rights while addressing security concerns. "Any plan of action must uphold the principles of justice and human rights in the fight against terrorism," the Commission emphasised. (ANI) HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) Evansville Police are investigating a theft report after a companys gasoline was siphoned out of their business vehicles. This happened sometime between Friday night and Monday morning. Police say the reporter has had issues with thieves siphoning gasoline from company vehicles at night. When officers arrived on scene, the reporter showed them a gas can that was sitting near the vehicle with a clear hose attached to it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The reporter says the vehicle that was most recently stolen from was missing approximately 10 gallons of gasoline. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW). Two men were shot overnight Sunday in Fresno. The shooting happened shortly after midnight at North State Street near West Shaw Avenue when witnesses called police to say there were two victims. The victims - police said who are in their 20s and 30s - were taken to a local hospital and are expected to survive. One victim was shot in his lower body and the other in the midsection, Lt. Henry Garcia III said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The motive to the shooting is not clear, police said but believe a dark sedan may be involved. Were still trying to determine exactly what happened prior to the shooting, Garcia said. Anyone with information is asked to call police at 559-621-7000. UPDATE, 11/5/24, 10:15 p.m.: A suspect has been identified in connection a Saturday shooting in Opelousas that left one person injured. The Opelousas Police Department announced on Tuesday that an arrest warrant has been issued for Cedric Collins. He faces one count of attempted second-degree murder and felon in possession of a firearm. Police said responding officers were called to the 500 block of East Landry Street. There, they found a person suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police said the initial shooting took place at the Ranch Motel on South Cane Street. OPELOUSAS, La. (KLFY) Opelousas Police are on the scene of a shooting in Opelousas, authorities said. Opelousas Police have confirmed they are investigating a shooting at a hotel in the city today. No other information is yet available. This story will be updated as more information becomes available. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now KLFY Daily Digest Latest news Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLFY.com. PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) A 24-year-old woman was shot in Providence on Sunday afternoon. Providence Police Col. Oscar Perez said the shooting happened on Russo Street and she had a not life-threatening shot wound. An investigation into the incident is underway. NEXT: Man arrested after Providence stabbing Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WPRI.com. Correction: The parents were taken into custody on different dates. The father was arrested on Oct. 18, as previously reported, but the mother was arrested on Oct. 23. Two parents are facing a host of criminal charges, including attempted murder, for their role in an attempted abduction of their daughter last month outside a Lacey high school, court records show. And at least one parent is questioning how events leading up to assault on the girl were handled by the school, the police and the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ihsan Ali, 44, and his wife, Zahraa Ali, 40, were arrested on suspicion of multiple crimes after they allegedly assaulted and attempted to kidnap their 17-year-old daughter near a bus stop outside Timberline High School. Their goal was to take her overseas for an arranged marriage to an older man, The Olympian reported. Ihsan was taken into custody on Oct. 18 and Zahraa on Oct. 23, jail information shows. During the incident, witnesses reported that the girl went limp and appeared to lose consciousness as her father choked her while her boyfriend and multiple people tried to pry him off of her. The girl regained consciousness once she was freed, but then her mother allegedly tried to grab her by the neck as well. A series of amended criminal charges were filed in Thurston County Superior Court on Tuesday, Oct. 29. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The father is accused of second-degree attempted murder/domestic violence, first-degree attempted kidnapping/domestic violence, second-degree attempted kidnapping/domestic violence, second-degree assault/domestic violence and fourth-degree assault. The mother also is now accused of second-degree attempted murder/domestic violence. In addition, there is first-degree attempted kidnapping/domestic violence, second-degree attempted kidnapping/domestic violence, second-degree assault/domestic violence and second-degree burglary. Both are set to be arraigned on Nov. 5, according to the Thurston County Prosecutors Office. What led to this? The girls 16-year-old boyfriend was punched during the Oct. 18 incident and he suffered a boxers fracture to one of his fingers as he and others struggled to free his girlfriend from her father. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The injury is now in a cast, the boyfriends father said. He spoke to The Olympian this week and raised additional concerns about how the school, police and the state have handled the situation. Some of the details were included in a protection order he sought for his son. There are a multitude of things that have me extremely perturbed, he said, adding that he is weighing whether to consult an attorney. There is a negligent aspect to this on so many levels, he said. He said his son had been dating the girl since about February, but it wasnt until summer when he learned the girl was facing troubles at home. In September, the girls mother showed up at the high school and allegedly grabbed and yelled at his son, court records show. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The mother was immediately trespassed from the campus, according to the court information. Then, about a week before the Oct. 18 incident, the girl reportedly had run away from home. Lacey police were alerted about her running away and then came to the boyfriends home looking for the girl, the father told The Olympian. The problem, he said, is that police brought her parents with them. They know where we live and they know how to locate us, he said. Lacey police Sgt. Jeremy Knight said Thursday that we hear his concerns. We are working cooperatively with the school district and the prosecutors office and appropriate measures are in place, he said. School district responds The boyfriends father also asked: Where were the adults as his son and the girl left school on Oct. 18? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the end of the school day, the school made my child responsible for this girls safety by asking him to help this girl get on the bus, he wrote in his protection order. The girl would later run back to school to get help, which triggered a lockdown, but they continued to put this girls family situation in the lap of my child as if hes an adult and understands the gravity of everything, the father wrote. Timberline sent a message to parents that day. After school today (10/18), there was an altercation near campus that required response from law enforcement, the message reads. We were put on lockdown for a brief period of time to maintain safety and order on campus. Upon instructions from Lacey PD, the lockdown was lifted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The district issued a statement about the boyfriends fathers concerns. We work with families, staff, and law enforcement partners to maintain safety and security on our campuses, and we take student and staff safety extremely seriously, said spokeswoman Amy Blondin. When unique situations arise, we work with concerned parties to provide a safe learning environment, and we are doing so in this case. As standard practice, including in this instance, we conduct a debrief after situations relating to student safety and consider whether there are actions we can take to improve in the future. The boyfriends father expressed frustration about Child Protective Services work on the case, claiming they were working with the girl and then they stopped just as her situation worsened. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A media contact at CPS could not be reached on Thursday. His son is Black, the father said, and although he doesnt want to make this about race, his concern and frustration has him thinking about unequal treatment for Black and brown people. Honestly, thats where my head goes, he said. Im sorry. Parents accused of assaulting, trying to kidnap daughter in Lacey over arranged marriage Tens of thousands of children have received a second dose of the vaccine after the start of the new polio vaccination round in the northern part of the Gaza Strip. More than 58,600 children under the age of 10 were vaccinated against polio on Saturday, UNICEF and the Israeli military authority COGAT, which is responsible for Palestinian affairs, reported on Sunday. The vaccination campaign resumed after being suspended due to heavy fighting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, head of the World Health Organization (WHO), wrote on X on Sunday that the organization had received a report of an attack on a vaccination centre despite the promised tactical combat breaks. Six people, including children, were reportedly injured. Medical sources in the Gaza Strip said the attack was carried out by the Israeli military, an accusation Israel refuted. The information could not be independently verified. A WHO team was on the ground shortly before the incident, Tedros said. "This attack, during [a] humanitarian pause, jeopardises the sanctity of health protection for children and may deter parents from bringing their children for vaccination," the WHO director warned. In a post on platform X, UNICEF spoke of "unparalleled operational & security challenges" in the vaccination campaign. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to UNICEF, around 119,000 children are to be vaccinated in the north. However, it is unclear whether all of them can be reached for their second dose. COGAT said the vaccination round should take at least three days. The vaccination campaign in the northern part of the Gaza Strip was interrupted in October due to heavy fighting. Vaccinations at the medical centre affected continued, according to medical sources in the Gaza Strip. The World Health Organization (WHO) has received a report of an attack on a vaccination centre in the Gaza Strip. "Six people, including four children, were injured," Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, head of the World Health Organization (WHO), wrote on X on Sunday. He did not initially say who was said to have attacked the medical centre on Saturday. He said there had been a tactical ceasefire in the area because of the ongoing vaccination campaign. Medical circles in the Gaza Strip said at least three children had been injured and that the attack was carried out by the Israeli military. The information could not be independently verified. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A spokesperson for the Israeli military wrote on X that the Israel Defense Forces was aware of the reports of Palestinians injured at the vaccination centre. Contrary to the allegations, however, an initial investigation had shown that the Israeli army was not attacking in the area at the time of the incident, he said. Hamas did not immediately comment. A WHO team was on the ground shortly before the incident, Tedros said. "This attack, during [a] humanitarian pause, jeopardises the sanctity of health protection for children and may deter parents from bringing their children for vaccination," the WHO director warned. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The vaccination campaign in the northern part of the Gaza Strip was interrupted in October due to heavy fighting. Vaccinations at the medical centre affected continued, according to medical sources in the Gaza Strip. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar emphasised the transformation in India-Australia relations, attributing the progress to four key factors while reflecting on the evolution of the bilateral partnership between the two nations while addressing the Indian diaspora at the University of Queensland in Brisbane, Australia, on Sunday. During his address, Jaishankar stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Australian government, the global dynamics, and the contributions of the Indian diaspora were the key factors for the evolution of the India-Australia relationship. Reflecting on the growth in ties between the two nations, Jaishankar remarked that Australia would have featured among India's crucial partners a decade ago but that has changed significantly. "This is my fifth visit to Australia in the last three years... I first came to Australia when I was Foreign Secretary. Yesterday, before I boarded the flight, I launched a book in which they highlighted seven crucial friendships of India, Australia was one of them. And I told the author; that if he had written the book 10 years ago, I am not sure it would have been. I am saying this because I am trying to stress how much this relationship has in the last decade and why has it changed... There are four reasons. One PM Modi, two Australia, three the world and fourth is all of you. That is the reason why the relationship has come a long way," the EAM said. Jaishankar noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi posed a question back in 2014, when he became the Prime Minister, on the development of the India-Australia relationship. He stated that this inquiry initiated a reevaluation of the relationship, recognising the potential that had previously gone untapped. Jaishankar acknowledged the inherent connections between the two countries, citing shared language, culture, and tradition as foundational elements. He reiterated that the transformation in the relationship between the two nations was not done on "autopilot" but was done by efforts, leadership, and ambition from both sides. "I mentioned PM Modi for a particular reason. After he had become Prime Minister, he posed a question to me in 2014. He asked, Why hasn't our relationship with Australia developed? Despite having such a natural faith, there is language bonding, shared culture and tradition. I had no answer that day because I hadn't reflected on it myself and maybe even if I had, I would not have probably realised that at the end of the day, things do not happen automatically; they need effort, leadership, and ambition. They need people, governments, and leaders at both ends. So when I present to you today a picture of such transformation, this did not happen when the India-Australia vehicle was on autopilot. It happened when people have worked at it; at both ends, there was a realisation of the value of these ties and the great efforts of building it," the EAM added. EAM Jaishanka is on his five-day visit to Australia from November 3 to November 7, during which he will inaugurate the fourth Indian consulate in Australia in Brisbane on November 4. Earlier today, EAM landed in Brisbane for his five-day visit to the QUAD partner nation. "Namaste Australia! Landed in Brisbane today. Look forward to productive engagements over the next few days to take forward the India-Australia Dosti," the EAM said on social media platform X. (ANI) A 22-year-old political prisoner, Dmitry Shletgauer, has died in prison in Belarus. Shletgauer, a native of Russia, was serving a 12-year sentence for espionage and "promoting extremist activities". Source: Belarusian Human Rights Centre Viasna, as reported by European Pravda Details: Early reports indicate that Shletgauer died on 11 October 2024, having served less than a month in prison. The exact cause of his death is unknown. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was sentenced to 12 years in a high-security colony in the summer for "espionage" and "promoting extremist activities". The Russian citizen, who obtained a residence permit in Belarus in 2018, worked at a polymer plant before his arrest. Shletgauer became the seventh dissident to die in prison since Minsk launched a harsh and widespread crackdown on the opposition in 2020. Viasna reports that approximately 1,300 political prisoners are currently being held in Belarus, with many being denied proper medical care and the ability to communicate with their families. Belarusian opposition leader-in-exile Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya called for an independent investigation into Shletgauer's death. Background: Following the historic prisoner exchange between the West and Russia, Tsikhanouskaya stressed that ways should be found to release political prisoners held by the regime of Alexander Lukashenko, the self-proclaimed President of Belarus. Recently, Lukashenko pardoned a number of political prisoners in several waves. However, the European Union has emphasised that hundreds more remain imprisoned on political grounds in Belarus. Support UP or become our patron! WASHINGTON (AP) The results on Election Day will come down to seven states: Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump have visited them the most. Together, these states are likely to deliver the Electoral College votes needed for the winning candidate to get a majority of 270. It will be a game of hopscotch to keep up with key times in each of the states, which stretch across four different time zones. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A look at the Election Day timeline across the seven, with all listings in Eastern Standard Time: Arizona Polls opened at 8 a.m. in Arizona, which Joe Biden carried in 2020 by 0.3%. He was only the second Democratic presidential candidate to do so in nearly 70 years. Polls will close at 9 p.m. Arizona does not release votes until all precincts have reported or one hour after all polls are closed, whichever is first. In 2020, The Associated Press first reported Arizona results at 10:02 p.m. ET on Nov. 3, Election Day, and declared Biden the winner at 2:51 a.m. ET on Nov. 4. Georgia Polls opened at 7 a.m. in Georgia, which played a key role in 2020. Biden was the first Democrat in a White House race to carry the state since Bill Clinton in 1992, defeating Trump by less than one-quarter of a percentage point, a margin of 11,779 votes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since then, Trumps efforts to overturn those results have been at the heart of a criminal case in Fulton County. It is on hold while his legal team pursues a pretrial appeal to have District Attorney Fani Willis removed from the case and the indictment tossed. The Georgia Court of Appeals will hear those arguments after the election. Georgia's polls close at 7 p.m. In 2020, the AP first reported Georgia results at 7:20 p.m. ET on Nov. 3 and declared Biden the state's winner at 7:58 p.m. ET on Nov. 19, more than two weeks after Election Day. Michigan Polls opened at 7 a.m. ET in Michigan, one of the blue wall states that went narrowly for Trump in 2016 after almost 30 years of voting for Democratic candidates. Biden won it back four years later. His margin was about 154,000 votes out of more than 5.5 million votes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Michigan covers two time zones, but polls in most of the state close at 8 p.m. ET, with the rest at 9 p.m. ET. In 2020, the AP first reported Michigan results at 8:08 p.m. ET on Nov. 3 and declared Biden the winner at 5:58 p.m. ET on Nov. 4. Nevada Polls opened at 10 a.m. ET in Nevada, the smallest electoral vote prize of the battlegrounds. But it has one of the best track records as a presidential bellwether. The candidate who won Nevada has gone on to win the White House in 27 of the past 30 presidential elections. Polls close at 10 p.m. ET. The state doesnt release results until the last person in line has voted, so theres usually been a wait between poll close and the first results. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2020, the AP first reported Nevada results at 11:41 p.m. ET on Nov. 3 and declared Biden the winner at 12:13 p.m. ET on Nov. 7. North Carolina Polls opened at 6:30 a.m. ET in North Carolina, which has been carried by Democrats only two times in presidential elections since 1968. But the state has stayed competitive for both major parties. Trumps 2020 victory in North Carolina, by about 1 percentage point, was his smallest winning margin in any state. Polls close at 7:30 p.m. ET. In 2020, the AP first reported results at 7:42 p.m. ET on Nov. 3 and declared Trump the winner at 3:49 p.m. ET on Nov. 13. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pennsylvania Polls opened at 7 a.m. ET in Pennsylvania, another blue wall" state. Bidens 2020 margin in Pennsylvania was about 80,000 votes out of more than 6.9 million votes. This year, it's the spot where Harris and Trump met for the first time at their sole debate in September in Philadelphia. Polls close at 8 p.m. ET in a state with more electoral votes, 19, than any of the battlegrounds. In 2020, the AP first reported results at 8:09 p.m. ET on Nov. 3 and declared Biden the winner at 11:25 a.m. ET on Nov. 7. Wisconsin Polls opened at 8 a.m. ET in Wisconsin, the third blue wall state in this group. Wisconsin is no stranger to close elections; the margin of victory in the state was less than 1 percentage point in 2020, 2016, 2004 and 2000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Polls close at 9 p.m. ET. In 2020, the AP first reported Wisconsin results at 9:07 p.m. ET on Nov. 3 and declared Biden the winner at 2:16 p.m. ET on Nov. 4. ___ Meg Kinnard can be reached at http://x.com/MegKinnardAP Polls have closed for Moldova's presidential run-off election amid accusations of Russian interference by the country's president, Maia Sandu, and her national security adviser Stanislav Secrieru. Voter turnout in the country torn between the European Union and Russia was higher than in the first round on October 20, with preliminary results expected later in the evening. There are no exit polls or forecasts. Sandu is running for a second term, but failed to secure an absolute majority in the first round of voting a fortnight ago. She garnered 42.45% of votes on October 20, leading the pack of a total of 11 candidates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her biggest rival and former attorney general Alexandr Stoianoglo, the pro-Russian candidate, came in second with 25.98%. Despite the considerable margin between Sandu and Stoianoglo, the outcome of Sunday's run-off vote is considered open. Earlier in the day, Secrieru wrote on X: "Were seeing massive interference by Russia in our electoral process as Moldovans vote in the presidential run-off today an effort with high potential to distort the outcome. Authorities are on high alert." Secrieru accused Russia of massive electoral interference, claiming it poses a risk of distorting the results. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He reported illegal voter transport from the Russian-controlled region of Transnistria and organized transport from Russia to locations such as Baku, Istanbul and Minsk. He shared a video circulating on social media that allegedly shows individuals holding their Moldovan passports on a plane heading to Minsk. Complaints arose over limited polling stations in Moscow, as only 10,000 ballots were allocated for Moldovans living in Russia. Sandu also warned of vote buying and electoral fraud before the polls closed. "Thieves want to buy our votes and our country, but the power of the people is infinitely stronger than all their machinations," the 52-year-old pro-European politician told local media when she cast her vote in the capital, Chisinau. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moldova, a largely agricultural country situated between Romania and Ukraine, is a candidate for EU membership like Ukraine. While Sandu is considered the favourite to win the presidency, she has also faced criticism over lack of economic and social progress in the country of about 2.5 million residents. Stoianoglo, 57, plans for Moldova to both pursue the path to EU accession and maintain good economic ties with Russia. His opponents consider him to be a puppet of corrupt oligarchs. Security authorities in Chisinau recently said they had uncovered a cash-for-votes scheme by pro-Russian forces in advance of the October 20 vote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite this, a referendum to enshrine the country's EU orientation in the constitution of Moldova, scheduled by Sandu for the same day as the first round of voting, was narrowly backed by voters. Thousands of Moldovans living abroad mainly in the EU - as well as those living within the breakaway region of Transnistria were also able to vote in the second round. Maya Rudolph and Democratic Presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris appear on NBC's Saturday Night Live November 2, 2024 in New York City. With only days to go until Election Day, Vice President Kamala Harris is campaigning in battleground states along with making the appearance on SNL. Jeenah Moon/Getty Images WASHINGTON On the final frantic Sunday of the presidential race, while Vice President Kamala Harris spoke at a Black church service in Michigan, former President Donald Trump told supporters at a Pennsylvania rally that he shouldnt have left the White House after he lost the 2020 presidential election. At a campaign rally at an airplane tarmac in Lititz, Pennsylvania, Trump again perpetuated the falsehood that the 2020 presidential election was stolen from him and claimed that this years election would also be stolen because election results could take a while to be counted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These elections have to be decided by 9 oclock, 10 oclock, 11 oclock on Tuesday night, he said. Bunch of crooked people. Election officials have warned that results could take days to finalize. The comments came as new polls showed good news for Harris. A highly regarded pollster in Iowa showed a shocking lead for Harris there and New York Times-Siena College polls of the seven major battleground states showed slight leads for Harris in some Sun Belt swing states, while Trump made gains in the Rust Belt. As the campaign dwindles to its final hours, here are seven key developments from this weekend: Trump says he shouldnt have left White House Trump spent much of his Lititz rally complaining about the election process and media coverage, seeming to repeat his false claim that he was the rightful winner of the 2020 election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I shouldnt have left, I mean, honestly, Trump said. We did so well, we had such a great so now, every polling booth has hundreds of lawyers standing there. He also joked about shooters targeting reporters covering his event, the Pennsylvania Capital-Star reported. He pointed to protective glass covering him on two sides and noted a press section was on another side of him. To get me, someone would have to shoot through the fake news, Trump said. And I dont mind that so much. In a statement that seemed to contradict the plain meaning of Trumps remark, campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung denied Trump was encouraging violence against reporters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Presidents statement about protective glass placement has nothing to do with the Media being harmed, or anything else, Cheung wrote. It was about threats against him that were spurred on by dangerous rhetoric from Democrats. In fact, President Trump was stating that the Media was in danger, in that they were protecting him and, therefore, were in great danger themselves, and should have had a glass protective shield, also. There can be no other interpretation of what was said. He was actually looking out for their welfare, far more than his own! Harris heads to the Big Apple Harris made an unscheduled trip to New York City Saturday, where she made a surprise appearance during the cold open of NBCs Saturday Night Live alongside actress Maya Rudolph, who portrays the veep in the live sketch comedy show. In the three-minute opener, Rudolph approaches a vanity dresser and wishes she could talk to someone who was in my shoes as a Black, South Asian woman running for president, preferably from the Bay Area. Rudolph turns toward the faux mirror, and Harris, on the other side, responds, You and me both, sister. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They wore identical suits and Harris turned to Rudolph and said that she is here to remind you, you got this. Because you can do something your opponent cannot do. You can open doors, Harris said, joking about a recent campaign event where Trump tried to open the door to a garbage truck. Rudolph cackled, doing an impersonation of Harris laugh, before the two women began a pep talk with puns of Harris first name. Now, Kamala, take my palmala, Rudolph said. The American people want to stop the chaos. And end the dramala, Harris said. Harris and Rudolph then stood side-by-side and said they were going to vote for us. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Harris joked and asked Rudolph if she was registered to vote in the battleground state of Pennsylvania. Harris headed from New York to Michigan, where she spoke Sunday at the historically Black Greater Emmanuel Institutional Church of God in Christ in Detroit. Polling bombshell in a non-swing state Polling in the latest Des Moines Register/Mediacom Iowa Poll, reported a shocking lead for Harris in a state that Trump easily won in 2016 and 2020, with women and independent voters breaking for the Democratic presidential nominee. The poll shows Harris leading with 47% of likely voters compared to 44% with Trump, according to the Register. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump campaign quickly called the Iowa poll a clear outlier, and instead cited a poll by Emerson College as accurate, which showed the former president having 53% support compared to 43% for Harris. Trump also took his grievances to his social media site, Truth Social. All polls, except for one heavily skewed toward the Democrats by a Trump hater who called it totally wrong the last time, have me up, BY A LOT, he wrote. I LOVE THE FARMERS, AND THEY LOVE ME. The New York Times/Siena College Sunday polls found that Harris is improving in North Carolina and Georgia while Trump has gained in Pennsylvania and maintains a strong advantage in Arizona. Harris is still ahead in Nevada and Wisconsin, according to the poll, but Michigan and Pennsylvania remain tied. The poll of Georgia showed Harris with a 1-point edge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both candidates were within the polls margins of error, meaning that the seven swing states could tip to either candidate. While both Democratic and Republican politicians have expressed confidence in winning the election, polling experts said during a panel hosted by the conservative-leaning American Enterprise Institute in late October theres no way to know for sure who will control the White House until all the votes are counted. Kristen Soltis Anderson, founding partner at Echelon Insights, said theres about a 60% chance that this years nationwide polling has been mostly correct, though she emphasized that the people who focus their careers on political polling are dedicated to providing a realistic understanding of where campaigns are headed. We are trying our very hardest to get it right, Anderson said. Even if you dont believe in our altruism or even if you dont believe in our academic and intellectual integrity, believe in nothing else than our financial incentives. You want to be the pollster who was right. It is very good business to be the pollster who is right. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jeff Horwitt, partner at Hart Research, said during the panel his firm has wrapped up its polling for this election year and expressed skepticism about the polls that emerge close to Election Day. Because our job, for our political clients, is to tell them the contours of the election, Horwitt said. How do we convince voters to vote for our candidate? What are the most effective messages? What do we have to think about? So the public polls are seeing now, theyre super interesting, and theyre important, but theyre not actionable. Trump welcomes sexist insult As Trump spent his weekend in a campaign blitz across North Carolina, he welcomed a sexist remark from a rallygoer in Greensboro who suggested that Harris worked as a prostitute. During the Saturday night rally, Trump questioned whether Harris previously worked at a McDonalds. Her campaign has stated that she worked the summer job in 1983. In a campaign photo opportunity, Trump visited a closed McDonalds in Pennsylvania where he handed fries to pre-screened people at the drive through. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its so simple, Trump said. Shes a significant liar, and when you lie about something so simple, so she never worked there She worked on a corner, a man from the crowd shouted. Trump laughed at the crude comment. This place is amazing, Trump said. Just remember, its other people saying it, its not me. Harris has significantly gained support with women, according to the Pew Research Center. Trump has often dismissed criticism that he has lagged among women. During a rally last week in Wisconsin, and in an attempt to win over women voters, Trump said that he would protect women and Im going to do it whether the women like it or not. Trump repeats father of fertilization claim At a Greensboro, North Carolina, rally Saturday, Trump again called himself the father of fertilization, a title he first gave himself during a Fox News town hall with women voters last month. I consider myself to be the father of fertilization, he said Saturday. The Iowa poll and other late surveys showed a stark gender gap, with women voters increasingly preferring Harris. Nearly twice as many Iowa independent women voters, 57% to 29%, favored Harris. That represents a major gain for Harris since a September survey by the same pollster showed the vice presidents edge with independent women was only 5 percentage points. Democrats have sought to exploit their advantage with women voters by emphasizing Trumps record on abortion access. The former president appointed three of the U.S. Supreme Court justices who voted in 2022 to overturn the federal right to an abortion. A flurry of state-level policymaking on reproductive rights has followed, including restrictions on in vitro fertilization, a common fertility treatment. Trump has said he opposed an Alabama Supreme Court ruling that outlawed the treatment in the state, but had not previously taken a position on the issue. Early voters up to 76 million More than 76 million voters had already cast ballots through early and mail voting by midday Sunday, according to the University of Floridas Election Lab. Roughly half of those have come in states that track voters partisanship. About 700,000 roughly 2% of the total more Democrats have voted in those states than Republicans, but the numbers include California, where Democrat Joe Biden won more than 5 million more votes than Trump in the 2020 election. Among the six states Georgia, Michigan, North Carolina, Colorado, Idaho and Virginia that track voters gender, women accounted for 54% of the vote, compared to 43.6% for men. Election eve blitz The candidates for president and vice president plan to sprint across the key swing states in the campaigns final days, with particular focus on Pennsylvania, the largest of the contested states where polling has shown a deadlocked race. The Harris campaign announced Sunday the vice president would be in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia on Monday, the night before Election Day, for rallies and musical performances. Scheduled entertainers and speakers included Oprah Winfrey, The Roots, Lady Gaga and Katy Perry. Harris is also set to hold an event in Allentown, Pennsylvania, a majority-Latino city, on Monday. Part of Harris closing message has highlighted racist comments Trump and his supporters have made about Latinos. After spending much of the weekend in North Carolina, Trump will also hold a rally in Pittsburgh on Monday evening following an appearance with his running mate, Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance in Aston, Pennsylvania, earlier in the day. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, Harris running mate, will be in Milwaukee on Monday. Vance will hold events in Georgia, Wisconsin, Michigan and Pennsylvania on Monday. Harris will hold an election night watch party at her alma mater, Howard University, in Washington, D.C. Trumps watch party will be at his Mar-a-Lago club in West Palm Beach, Florida. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX NAZARETH, Pa. Pennsylvania Democrats believe comedian Tony Hinchcliffes insulting remarks about Puerto Rico at Donald Trumps Madison Square Garden rally on Oct. 27 are already helping turn out Puerto Rican voters who might have otherwise stayed home in this critical swing state. Out of the seven battleground states that will decide the winner of Tuesdays election between Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris, Pennsylvania has the largest population of Puerto Ricans. The Keystone States nearly 500,000-person Puerto Rican population is concentrated in North Philadelphia, the Lehigh Valley, Reading and Hazleton. The same day Hinchcliffes remarks shook the political firmament, Harris had been campaigning in the Puerto Rican community in North Philadelphia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I have heard from the Puerto Rican community directly about how much they were offended by Hinchcliffes remarks, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro (D) said Saturday while campaigning for Anna Thomas, a Democratic running for Pennsylvania state representative. I think it woke up the community in a way that is going to turn them out in even greater numbers for Kamala Harris. Pressed to explain why these remarks might resonate with voters who are not already firmly in one corner, when so many other Trump or Trump-related comments have failed to damage him, Shapiro said, This is my sense from being all over the state: that it broke through, and it resonated in a way with the community, where it made them say, Well, wait a minute, that guys not for us. That guy doesnt respect us. State Rep. Josh Siegel (D), who represents Allentown, a city thats a Puerto Rican hub, and Lamont McClure, executive of Northampton County, had similar assessments at the campaign event on Saturday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its had an undeniable impact on the ground here in the Lehigh Valley, Siegel said. Reached by phone on Saturday, Philadelphia City Council member Quetcy Lozada (D), who is Puerto Rican, said her office had received messages from people who voted for Trump and wanted to know if they could change their votes. (They cannot.) Lozada, who accompanied Harris to a Puerto Rican restaurant while she was campaigning in North Philadelphia, has also heard from many constituents who say their friends and relatives were either leaning toward Trump or were not planning on voting until they heard about Hinchcliffes insult. Its a marked change from the mixed results Lozada had gotten some days while door-knocking for Harris in parts of North Philadelphia before Hinchcliffes remarks. Ive seen a huge level of anger and feeling of disrespect, Lozada said. I think we will see folks who were undecided up until just this week turn out for Harris. We are going to see Puerto Ricans come out in record numbers to demand to be respected. And theyre going to demand that through their vote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Strategists from both major parties are still reeling from a critical moment in Trumps xenophobia-filled rally on Oct. 27 that Democrats hope could provide a marginal advantage in the final days. While delivering a comedy set filled with racist jokes, Hinchcliffe, a comedian based in Austin, Texas, described Puerto Rico as a floating island of garbage in the middle of the ocean. Tony Hinchcliffe called Puerto Rico a "floating island of garbage" at Donald Trump's rally in Madison Square Garden on Sunday, Oct. 27. Evan Vucci/Associated Press In a rally full of nativist and racist remarks, Hinchcliffes comments nonetheless stood out for the politically important constituency they offended. Republican-elected officials from Florida and other Puerto Rican-heavy states and districts rushed to condemn the remarks. Puerto Rican pop stars Bad Bunny, Jennifer Lopez and Ricky Martin responded that night by sharing a Harris video appeal to Puerto Rican voters. The Trump campaign took the rare step of distancing him from the insulting comedy set, saying that the joke does not reflect the views of President Trump or the campaign. But Trumps Puerto Rican critics have faulted him for failing to apologize or to condemn Hinchcliffes remarks right away while taking the podium. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I specifically asked the audience, OK, what about if Trump today, all of a sudden, decides to apologize Would that be OK? Would you take that in consideration? Victor Martinez, host of a Spanish-language morning radio show popular throughout Pennsylvania, said on CNN on Tuesday. Overwhelmingly, everybody was like, Nope, too late. Seeking to capitalize on the blowback Trump has gotten, the Harris campaign dispatched the vice presidents sister, Maya Harris, and Puerto Rican musical theater artist Lin-Manuel Miranda to rally Puerto Rican voters at the Puerto Rican Beneficial Society in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, on Thursday. Harris is due to hold a rally in neighboring Allentown on Monday afternoon. HuffPost spoke with several Puerto Rican voters outside of a CTown Supermarket on Bethlehems south side, across the street from the Puerto Rican Beneficial Society. Nilsa Vega and Neidel Pacheco of Hellertown, a borough south of Bethlehem, both said they had never voted before, but Hinchcliffes remarks were the reason they planned to vote for Harris on Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That hit the spot right there, Vega said. They keep saying, Oh, hes only a comedian. It still hurts. Pacheco saw Trumps decision to pose in a garbage truck at a campaign stop in Wisconsin the following day as an additional insult. If he didnt have nothing to do with it, whats he doing in the garbage truck? Pacheco asked. Sergio Martinez, a warehouse worker from Bethlehem, said he had never voted before and is torn about whether to vote now. He thinks Trump kept the country strong as far as economy-wise and kept the borders a little tighter. But Martinez has reservations about Trump because he has ways of saying things about immigrants and just other than white [people]. So thats kind of like a little iffy about that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Martinez was less fazed about Hinchcliffes remarks. However, his mother, who never votes, is planning to vote for Harris because of the joke. It definitely impacted, Martinez said. Everybodys telling everybody, Dont vote for him. Related... A South Carolina law enforcement agency issued a warning after a woman was recently arrested on a credit card fraud charge. The Fairfield County Sheriffs Office also said there could be more victims as it continues to investigate the crime that occurred at a Midlands CVS. Deputies got involved on Oct. 16, when a Fairfield County resident reported discovering unauthorized charges after using a credit card at the CVS in Winnsboro, the sheriffs office said in a news release. Shylexis Coleman, a CVS employee, was identified by deputies as the suspect, according to the release. Surveillance footage confirmed that Coleman discreetly took a photo of the victims card during the transaction, the sheriffs office said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Winnsboro resident was taken into custody on Oct. 30, Fairfield County court records show. She was charged with financial transaction card fraud (value $500 or less) and financial transaction card theft, according to court records. Information about what was purchased in the unauthorized charges was not available. When she was arrested, Coleman admitted to investigators that she had multiple photos of others credit cards on her phone, the sheriffs office said. That phone is being forensically examined, according to the release. This is an on-going investigation where there could potentially be other victims, the sheriffs office said. This case highlights the importance of staying vigilant with your financial information. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Colemans bond was set at $4,000 on the combined charges and was posted Oct. 30, court records show. How to protect yourself Keep your card in sight: Be mindful when handing over your credit or debit card. If possible, keep it within view during transactions. Watch for suspicious behavior: Take note if someone appears to handle your card out of your view or near their personal devices. Monitor transactions regularly: Check your bank statements and set up alerts to quickly spot any unauthorized charges. Report suspicious activity: If you notice unauthorized transactions, contact your card issuer immediately and report it to local authorities. Source: Fairfield County Sheriffs Office BELGRADE, Serbia (AP) Angry protesters on Sunday left red handprints at the entrances of government buildings in the Serbian capital to demand the arrest of officials, two days after a concrete canopy collapsed at a railway station, killing 14 people and injuring three. Police formed a cordon outside the seat of the Ministry of Construction and Infrastructure in central Belgrade as several thousand people called for ranking government ministers, including Prime Minister Milos Vucevic, to immediately step down. Arrest, arrest! chanted the crowd. They shouted at police officers outside the building that they are guarding murderers and that your hands are bloody," while holding banners reading corruption kills and we are all under the canopy! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Everywhere you can, leave bloody hands so they know their hands are bloody. In every city in Serbia, everywhere you can, opposition political activist Nikola Ristic said. The concrete canopy that ran along the front of the railway station in the northern city of Novi Sad collapsed suddenly on Friday, landing on people who were sitting on benches or passing through the buildings entrance. Surveillance camera footage showed the canopy crashing down in seconds. The dead included a 6-year-old girl. The three injured, who are between 18 and 24 years old, all had to have limbs amputated. They were still in serious condition on Sunday, doctors said. Funerals for the victims, attended by thousands, have been held in northern Serbia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The train station has been renovated twice in recent years, and critics of Serbias populist government attributed the disaster to rampant corruption, lack of transparency and sloppy renovations. The renovation was part of a wider deal with Chinese construction companies. Citizens no longer have anything to lose, they are increasingly becoming aware of this, said liberal politician Biljana Stojkovic. This is grief combined with anger, despair that is turning into rage. Serbia's populist government has promised a thorough investigation, with prosecutors saying they already have questioned more than two dozen people. But critics believe that justice is unlikely to be served with the populists in firm control of the judicial system and the police. Officials have insisted that the canopy had not been part of the renovation work, suggesting this was the reason why it collapsed but giving no explanation why this wasn't done. The Novi Sad railway station was originally built in 1964, while the renovated station was inaugurated by President Aleksandar Vucic and his populist ally, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, over two years ago as a major stopover for a planned fast train line between Belgrade and Budapest. MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW) A crowd of protestors converged outside of Solid Rock Church in Market Common on Sunday, days after the FBI seized boxes of evidence from the home of its embattled pastor. It wasnt immediately known whether John-Paul Miller was at the pulpit. Police were on hand amid barricades set up around the propertys perimeter. White Solid Rock lettering against the churchs distinctive orange sign had been removed. Controversy has swirled around Miller and his Market Common church since his wife, Mica, was found dead in late April at the Lumber River State Park in Robeson County. Her death was eventually ruled a suicide, but the case sparked nationwide interest because of allegations that she was abused by her husband before her death. News13 photo / Hannah Huffstickler Federal authorities spent most of Friday conducting an investigation at the Millers Coldwater Circle home in the Azaela Lakes community home, leaving just before 5 p.m. Officials were seen carrying items out of the house including boxes, a computer screen, and what looked like an external computer drive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement News13 checked federal court filings for any action against Miller but as of Sunday none was listed. Melissa Pfeiffer, who launched the now-weekly Justice for Mica rallies that take place outside the church every Sunday, said she was heartened to see the FBI get involved. It gave merit to what weve been doing. We were told for a long time that the FBI was not investigating and that proved not to be true, she said. Co-organizer Alexandra Cuozzo agreed. Its a relief, everything that weve worked so hard for, ever since the first protest on May 5. I mean, all of us have put our blood, sweat and tears into making sure this could happen, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Justice Department spokeswoman Veronica Hill told News13 that as of Saturday there have been no charges. She said the agency doesnt comment on potential indictments. Miller has not been charged in connection with Micas death. News13 photo / Hannah Huffstickler The home is owned by Solid Rock Ministries as part of its $5.59 million real estate portfolio. It was transferred to Miller in December 2023. The ministry registered a 2007 Cirrus four-seater with the FAA on May 9, according to government records, but the aircraft was last used April 6, flying from Knoxville, Tenn. to Rocky Mount, N.C. Registration records show the aircraft was sold on Sept. 11 to Myrtle Beach-based FERX LLC, which was incorporated in August. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement FERX LLCs registered agent is Mark Kaufman, owner of Myrtle Beach dueling piano bar Crocodile Rocks Miller at one point held a minority stake in the business. The exact reason for the investigation remains unclear, but FBI spokesman Kevin Wheeler told News13 on Friday that agents were conducting court authorized law enforcement activity at the home. Millers attorney Russell Long did not respond to multiple requests for comment by News13. News13 also tried contacting Miller about the investigation but has not been able to speak to him. A phone call indicated that the number had been changed or disconnected. Neighbors said that authorities told them they were at the home to execute a search warrant. They also said that Miller was not home when investigators arrived. News13 photo / Adrianna Lawrence I came back outside and saw cop cars everywhere. Officers in the front yard with guns drawn, got a little bit nervous, next-door neighbor Dennis Blair said. Then I heard the bullhorn go off, saying, This is the FBI, we have your house surrounded. Come out with your hands up. Were here to execute a warrant. At that point, I got a little nervous and they yelled at me to grab my dog and go back into the house. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is a developing 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. * * * Hannah Huffstickler is a multimedia journalist at News13. She joined the News13 team in January 2024 after graduating from Coastal Carolina University in December of 2023. Keep up with Hannah on Facebook, X, formerly Twitter, and Instagram. You can also read more of her work here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement * * * 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. * * * Savannah Denton joined News 13 in July 2023 as a reporter and producer. Savannah is from Atlanta, Georgia, and is a graduate of the University of Alabama. Follow Savannah on X, formerly Twitter, and read more of her work here. * * * Adrianna Lawrence is a multimedia journalist at News13. Adrianna is originally from Virginia Beach, Virginia, and joined the News13 team in June 2023 after graduating from Virginia Commonwealth University in May 2023. Keep up with Adrianna on Instagram, Facebook, and X, formerly Twitter. You can also read more of her work, here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. In strong disapproval, former Indian diplomats have termed Canadian authorities' surveillance of Indian diplomats posted there as atrocious, adding that they violated international law such as the Vienna Convention. JK Tripathi, a former diplomat, told ANI, that, "No country has the power to do it...but the Canadian government has done it and this is the rarest of rare cases of violation of international law according to the Vienna Convention. They have even gone up to the extent of accusing the Union Home Minister of being the mastermind behind that and now they have put India among the list of 4 countries who are cyber threats to Canada...." The Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (1961) is established to define fundamental principles and terms governing how countries must treat each other's diplomatic representatives. A key principle of the Convention is diplomatic immunity. It grants diplomats exemption from certain laws and taxes in the host country where they are posted. It ensures that diplomats can fulfill their duties without fear, threat, or intimidation. "...so in a way, India has been declared as an enemy state by Canada, which is very disturbing and serious," said Tripathi. Virendra Gupta, another former diplomat, said this action of Canada merited an extremely strong reaction from the Indian government. "Merely criticising Canada is not enough...Canada has crossed all the limits of decency and normal diplomatic behaviour...," Gupta told ANI. According to Article 29 of the Convention, diplomats are not subject to arrest or detention. The host country must accord the diplomatic agent the appropriate level of respect and is responsible for undertaking all necessary measures to prevent any form of harm or violation to the diplomat's person, liberty, or dignity. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced on Saturday that India has lodged a formal protest with the Canadian government after revelations that its consular officials in Canada were subjected to audio and video surveillance. The MEA condemned these actions as "flagrant violations" of diplomatic and consular conventions. During a press briefing, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that some Indian consular officials were recently informed by the Canadian government about the ongoing surveillance. Jaiswal criticized Canada for attempting to justify its actions by citing technicalities, arguing that such justifications cannot excuse what he described as harassment and intimidation of Indian diplomatic personnel. Also, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) strongly protested against recent allegations made by the Canadian government against Union Home Minister Amit Shah's purported involvement in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. The MEA described these allegations as "absurd and baseless" and lodged a formal protest against Canada. MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that a "diplomatic note" was handed to a representative of the Canadian High Commission on Friday, conveying India's strong objections. Tensions between India and Canada escalated after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged in Parliament last year that there were "credible allegations" of India's involvement in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. India has firmly denied all such allegations, labelling them as "absurd" and "motivated," while accusing Canada of providing a haven for extremist and anti-India elements. (ANI) By Manuel Ausloos and Antony Paone PAIPORTA, Spain (Reuters) -Hundreds of residents of a Valencia suburb badly hit by last week's deadly floods protested on Sunday during a visit by Spanish King Felipe, Queen Letizia, and Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, with some throwing mud at them. Chanting "Murderers, murderers!" they vented pent-up anger over what has been widely perceived by local residents as tardy alerts from the authorities about the dangers of Tuesday's flooding, and then a late response by the emergency services when disaster struck. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Please, the dead are still in the garages, the families are looking for their relatives and friends. Please come, we only ask for help ... All we wanted was to be warned and we would have been saved," yelled one resident, Nuria Chisber, with tears in her eyes. "It was known and nobody did anything to avoid it," a young man told the king, who insisted on staying to talk to people despite the turmoil, while the prime minister had quickly withdrawn. Spain is a parliamentary monarchy where the king is head of state. At one point in the visit to the stricken suburb of Paiporta, Felipe, wearing a simple dark raincoat, distinguishable from distance by his height and grey hair, held to his shoulder a man who was crying. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Online footage showed his wife, Letizia, crying as she hugged some residents. Her hair and face had traces of mud and one of her bodyguards had blood on his face, apparently from a hurled object. Bodyguards had opened umbrellas to try to protect the royals. The death toll from the country's worst flash floods in modern history edged higher to 217 on Sunday - almost all in the Valencia region and over 60 of them in Paiporta alone. Some of Sunday's protesters wore clothing with the symbols of far-right organisations which often stage protests against the leftist government. "We are not going to get sidetracked by some marginal acts," Sanchez said, referring to the incidents and the need to repair damage caused by the flood. Photos showed his official car with windows broken. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the king tried to calm the mood, he also referred to attempts by agitators to destabilise the situation. "There is a lot of toxic information going around and a lot of people interested in chaos," he told the crowd. As it started drizzling, police cars with loudspeakers drove around Valencia warning of more heavy rains coming later on Sunday. BLAME GAME The central government has said issuing alerts to the population is the responsibility of regional authorities. But the Valencia authorities have said they acted as best as they could with the information available to them. Dozens of people were still unaccounted for, while some 3,000 households had no electricity, officials said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "With a timely warning to the population, many fatalities could have been avoided," Jorge Olcina, climate expert at the University of Alicante, told Reuters, also pointing to poor coordination between national and regional authorities. He added though that the magnitude of the disaster made it "difficult to handle". Sanchez said on Saturday that any potential negligence would be investigated and called for political unity in the face of the tragedy. Valencia's regional leader Carlos Mazon, who also visited Paiporta to boos and insults from protesters, posted on X: "I understand the public anger and of course I will stay to receive it. It is my political and moral obligation. The King's attitude this morning has been exemplary." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thousands of additional troops and police joined the disaster relief effort over the weekend in the largest such peacetime operation in Spain. The floods engulfed streets and lower floors of buildings, sweeping away cars and pieces of masonry in tides of mud. The tragedy is already Europe's worst flood-related disaster in a single country since 1967, when at least some 500 people died in Portugal. Scientists say extreme weather events are becoming more frequent in Europe and elsewhere due to climate change. Meteorologists think the warming of the Mediterranean, which increases water evaporation, plays a key role in making torrential rains more severe. (Additional reporting by Ana Cantero and Eva Manez; Writing by Andrei Khalip; Editing by Frances Kerry, Christina Fincher and David Holmes) YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) People gathered at the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County on Saturday to celebrate the freedom to read. The event featured a read-in and discussion on how censorship limits the freedom to read. Books that have been banned or censored in some capacity were available as well. Having the freedom to read and to exchange ideas is one of the fundamental concepts thats enshrined in our democracy, said PLYMC Executive Director and CEO Aimee Fifarek. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said censorship hinders intellectual and personal growth. To be able to think critically and develop your individual philosophy and tolerance to defend yourself, its important to be able to engage with ideas of all sorts whether theyre challenging or within your own personal philosophy, Fifarek said. Trustee president Carol Weimer says the freedom to read depends on access to books. She believes its vital to have public libraries and free information. Because we know as a community that the more educated you are, the better decisions you make, the better contributor we are to our society. Im a former educator, and books are really important to expand your mind, Weimer said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Heather Machel and Rena Goldberg attended the librarys read-in to celebrate their freedom and support the library. Youngstown, I think, has one of the best library systems that we could possibly ever have, and for them to have this kind of event and bring attention to what they offer and what theyre bringing to society and our community its important, Machel said. Books are knowledge and with knowledge, you can make your own choices and opinions about things and not be bombarded by actual people forcing you, Goldberg said. The library is located at 305 Wick Avenue. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Russia is watching US policy like a hawk. That was Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskys message to reporters last week in Kyiv as he answered a question about Moscows willingness to negotiate. It depends on the elections in the United States, he said. If elected, Kamala Harris is expected to largely continue the policies of the Biden administration, which have been supportive of Ukraine despite some friction points, like the use of Western weapons to strike deep inside Russia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Taking a drastically different position, Donald Trump has suggested he will end support for Kyivs war effort and claimed he could settle the war in one day. Terms of a peace plan floated by his vice-presidential nominee JD Vance are strikingly similar to Putins wish list. American policy is at a crossroads, but that wont necessarily translate to a turning point in peace negotiations, analysts say. Thats because nothing suggests Russia is ready to come to the table, regardless of who ends up in the White House. What [Trump] thinks he can do, what leverage he has, is unclear at this point but I dont think its a quick process, said Thomas Graham, a Russian foreign policy expert and distinguished fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A reduction in US aid spending could very well translate to changes on the battlefield, though, experts say. With either potential president, Putin will be looking to exploit what he sees as political dysfunction in the United States, as well as cracks in Western unity, Graham told CNN. Those cracks could come in the form of a Trump administration reducing US aid and taking a lesser role in NATO, or a split US Congress, among other factors. Financial pressures on European allies also play a role, as well as rifts in NATO, with pro-Russian leaderships in member states such as Hungary and Slovakia. Absent Western unity, absent a clear demonstration that the West and Ukraine have a common vision of what theyre trying to achieve Putin has no reason to reconsider what he is doing in Ukraine at this point, Graham added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The scope of the war is also too large for a simple negotiation between Moscow and Kyiv, experts say. They argue its a much broader conflict between Russia and the West. For Putin, Ukraine is just a means to an end, and the end is to further limit US influence in international affairs, said John Lough, an associate fellow in the Russia and Eurasia Program at the London think tank Chatham House. When [Trumps] advisers explain to him whats really going on here and the fact that China has played a key role in sustaining Russias ability to continue fighting this war he may feel suddenly very strongly that hes not so well disposed to Putin, Lough said, adding that Beijing will perceive any concessions as a further indication of US weakness. That goes against Trumps tough rhetoric on the threat posed by China. Attritional war playing into Putins hands Ukraine is already outmanned, and Putin appears ready to accept a high number of casualties. More than 600,000 Russian soldiers have been killed or wounded, according to NATO. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The enemy is increasing its troops to drive the Ukrainian Armed Forces out of the Kursk region at any cost, said Oleh Shiryaev, commander of the 225th Separate Assault Battalion that is fighting in Ukraines surprise incursion across the Russian border. Russias main element in this war is the number of its troops these are meaty assaults and offensive actions. They do this in all parts of the frontline. Ukrainian servicemen prepare to fire toward Russian troops at their position on a frontline in an undisclosed location in southern Ukraine last week. - Ivan Antypenko/Reuters In Ukraines Zaporizhzhia region, another commander with the Security Service of Ukraine said, By sending a large number of personnel into battle as cannon fodder, they are trying to gain a foothold in the grey areas of the front. The officer, who asked to be named only by his call sign Bankir, which means accountant, told CNN that a complex system of fortifications in Zaporizhzhia is helping Ukraine defend the frontline. But Kyiv knows thats not enough. On Wednesday, Ukraines Parliament voted to extend martial law and the draft for an additional 90 days. There are plans to call up an additional 160,000 people, the National Security Council announced. The Ukrainian servicemen who spoke to CNN said Russia has other advantages too, like countless drones, expensive aircraft and more vehicles that enable fighting during the muddy fall and winter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraine needs support for both its infantry and its equipment coffers, servicemen said. We have ammunition, but as artillerymen say, there is never enough, said 15th Brigade National Guard Spokesman Vitaliy Milovidov, who is fighting in the eastern Donetsk region, where Russian forces continue to make incremental gains. If a potential Trump administration cuts US aid, Ukraine would become increasingly outgunned. European nations are scrambling to increase ammunition production for Ukraine to prevent backsliding, in the event that US support drops off. But even if US policy continues along the current trajectory, Kyivs Western allies dont appear willing to send the level of resources needed to make major battlefield gains. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addresses the Nordic Council In Iceland on October 29. - Micah Garen/Getty Images My hunch is that this is going to continue, at a lower intensity possibly, but for a long time, Chatham Houses Lough added. A Harris administration certainly wouldnt sell out the Ukrainians, but it would really test their Ukrainian resolve and whether they are prepared to continue to fight this attritional war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats why Putins strategy also appears aimed at demoralizing Ukraines population. Russia has repeatedly attacked civilians and civilian infrastructure. It has also hammered Ukraines energy grid, which exacerbates problems for everyday Ukrainians who will face a winter marred by lack of heating and water. Analysts say the Ukrainian population is certainly exhausted, but they too dont appear ready to settle in any way. After the mass killings of civilians in Bucha and Mariupol, the brutal treatment of Ukrainian prisoners in Russian custody, and the forcible deportation of Ukrainian children by the Russian state, they know the brutal realities of Russian occupation. Zelensky, meanwhile, continues to call for support from both parties. If Trump just wants to force Ukraine to give up everything and thus reach a deal with Russia, I dont think thats possible, he said Thursday. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin is unlikely to sit at the negotiating table to end the war in Ukraine, regardless of who wins the US election. Source: CNN Details: According to observers, American policy is at a crossroads, but this will not inevitably lead to a watershed moment in peace talks, because there has been no indication that Russia is willing to negotiate, regardless of who is in the White House. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thomas Graham, an expert on Russian foreign policy and honorary member of the Council on Foreign Relations, told CNN that under any conceivable US president, Putin would try to exploit what he regards as political dysfunction in the US, as well as "cracks in Western unity". These breaches may occur as a result of the Trump administration's diminution of US assistance and position in NATO, as well as a divide in the US Congress. Financial pressure on European allies is also a factor, as are fissures in NATO with pro-Russian authorities in countries such as Hungary and Slovakia. Quote: "Absent Western unity, absent a clear demonstration that the West and Ukraine have a common vision of what theyre trying to achieve Putin has no reason to reconsider what he is doing in Ukraine at this point," Graham added. CNN quoted analysts as saying that the scope of the war is also too enormous for simple negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv; this is a far broader confrontation between Russia and the West. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to John Lough, an associate researcher at the Chatham House think tank's Russia and Eurasia Programme, "Ukraine is just a means to an end, and the end is to further limit US influence in international affairs". "When [Trump's] advisers explain to him what's really going on here and the fact that China has played a key role in sustaining Russia's ability to continue fighting this war he may feel suddenly very strongly that he's not so well disposed to Putin," Lough said. He added that Beijing will interpret any compromises "as a further indication of US weakness". CNN notes that Ukraine is already weary, and Putin appears willing to endure a huge number of casualties. If a future Trump administration eliminates US funding, Ukraine will be more disadvantaged. Even if US policy continues on its current path, Kyiv's Western partners appear unwilling to offer the resources required to gain big battlefield victories. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Background: According to The Washington Post, Russia is quietly rooting for the victory of Donald Trump in the US elections, but his plans to end the war in Ukraine may be unacceptable for the Russian Federation. Support UP or become our patron! (The Hill) Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger addresses a video falsely depicting a Haitian immigrant voting numerous times during a Friday CNN appearance. As we checked it out, came to a conclusion real quick. So we responded very quickly, you know, on Twitter and then also with a press release, just to let people know its fake, dont fall for it, Raffensperger said. Because in effect, what people want to do, these nation state actors, is really get us fighting among ourselves. Earlier in the video, Raffensperger debunked the video by assuring voters that individuals cannot receive multiple state IDs with the same name. The leader attributed the video to bad actors who are trying to divide the nation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Weve got enough that splits us. We dont need to have the Russians or other bad actors try and split us further, he said on air. So, you know, this was a week after the Intel community had said that a phony video showing fraud in Pennsylvania was just that, was phony, and that also had come from Russia. The FBI has publicly addressed the uptick in fake videos by urging voters to be cautious of what they see on social media. The agency warned people that accounts using the names and images of candidates are being used to distribute false information. Election integrity is among our highest priorities, and the FBI is working closely with state and local law enforcement partners to respond to election threats and protect our communities as Americans exercise their right to vote, the bureau said in their statement. Attempts to deceive the public with false content about FBI operations undermines our democratic process and aims to erode trust in the electoral system. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) A Rapid City woman was convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance and faces 25 years in prison. According to a press release, Kaylonie Goff, 30, was sentenced to 25 years in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release and ordered to pay $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Goff was also ordered to pay $5,013.18 in restitution to the family of an overdose victim. Domestic assault leads to 1 death in Edgerton Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The sentencing took place on October 28. Goff was indicted for Distribution of a Controlled Substance Resulting in Death and two counts of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury in September of 2023. She pleaded guilty on August 13, 2024. The conviction stems from Goff and others distributing large quantities of fentanyl and heroin in the Rapid City area between 2021 and 2023. A pill Goff sold led to the overdose death of another person. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. In November 2012, when I was a student at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, I cast my ballot at one of the dining halls. As someone who grew up in California, I was excited to feel that my vote mattered in a swing state. The building had an elevator and could be entered relatively easily if someone had a cane or required a wheelchair. A year and a half later, in my final weeks at UNC, my polling place during the 2014 primary had changed to the local Hillel, just off campus. As I approached the building, the first thing I noticed was that it had two steps to get in, which made me think of how it might be harder for my physically disabled classmates to vote, to say nothing of my disabled Jewish classmates who wanted to freely practice their faith and meet similar people. I thought about those moments earlier this month as early voting began in swing states like Georgia and North Carolina. The difference in those structures tells a story about how religious institutions are exempt from the same rules that require other private businesses and government buildings to accommodate people with disabilities. And it might compromise those peoples ability to cast their ballot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A major reason for the discrepancy comes from the Rehabilitation Act of 1974 and the Americans with Disabilities Act. Section 504 of the ADA stipulates that any employers and organizations that receive financial assistance from the federal government cannot discriminate against people with disabilities. Most famously, in 1977, disability rights activists led by Judith Heumann, who died last year, occupied a federal building to force the federal government to implement that section. But the ADA explicitly exempts religious institutions from Title III, which bans discrimination against people with disabilities in places of public accommodation, such as businesses open to the public. Religious organizations like the Southern Baptist Convention and the Catholic League actually lobbied for protection when the law was being written. William Bentley Ball, who was called Gods litigator, specifically warned that religious freedom will be directly involved if churches and religious schools are not expressly exempted from the terms of the ADA. A new report from Rutgers University found that over 40 million eligible voters are disabled. Many of them may have to adjust their plans to avoid polling places that are difficult to access. According to Christianity Today, about 20% of polling places are in churches. And the raw number of religious institutions that serve as polling places masks the actual challenges given that religious institutions might be the only polling place in a county. Once you start to disaggregate the numbers and disaggregate the data, you see a different picture, where in particular states, it can be up to 50% so half of all polling places are located in churches or religious institutions, Jasmine Harris, a professor of law at the University of Pennsylvania, told me. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Take the battleground states of Georgia and North Carolina. On the first day of early voting in Georgia, more than 300,000 people cast their ballots. In North Carolina, more than 1 million people cast their ballots. People turning out in droves to vote is a moment for celebration in the United States. But obstacles remain to that turnout: In North Carolina, 25% of polling places are in churches. In Georgia, the share is 32%. Harris also noted that just because a polling place has an accessibility symbol does not mean it is fully accessible for people with disabilities. That only gets you so far. That only would tell you whether the outside structure has any barriers, any architectural barriers, she said. But that does not say what the training is like for poll workers or if the technology is accessible for people who are blind or low-vision. We have a really messy system thats really problematic and has the guise of accessibility, she said. And while it may not be an issue for a church to be a polling place in a city with many other options, in a place like Davidson Township, Pennsylvania, with only 549 residents, the sole polling location is a church, meaning that voters with disabilities may have few alternatives. In the 2020 election, according to Christianity Today, every polling place in Rincon, Georgia, population 11,000, was a church. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is not to say that nonreligious institutions are perfect. Far from it. Thirty-four years after the ADA was enacted, many places of public accommodation and even government buildings remain wholly inaccessible. But to have a specific carveout for religious entities creates just one more barrier for people with disabilities. And ironically, it locks them out of using their voice to change circumstances to make the world more accessible. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) On Saturday, the National Weather Service issued a Red Flag warning for the whole state after an increase in outdoor fires and 22News is Working For You on how you can protect yourself and prevent these fires from happening. Brush Fires keep burning across Massachusetts. This comes after weeks of dry weather conditions and people not properly disposing of hazardous waste. Investigators say that 100 of the fires in the past seven days were caused by human activity. As a result of this spike in outdoor fires, the National Weather Service issued another Red Flag warning for all of Massachusetts on Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Massachusetts, an average of 15 wildland fires are reported each October. This year, the total for October capped at about 200 this is an increase of about 1,200% over the average and these fires can impact the safety of those in the community. According to the state fire marshal, about 45% of Massachusetts homes are in or near wooded areas at risk for brush and wildland fires, and while local fire departments join together to put out these fires, safety officials are asking residents to: Refrain from outdoor cooking and heating as the sparks and embers from chimneys, fire pits, and grills can easily ignite dry vegetation, debris, and overhanging branches. Residents should also properly dispose of smoking materials in an ashtray with water or sand. Also, remember that open burning is prohibited statewide through January year-round. 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. During the visit, the Minister will co-chair the 6th Session of the India-Zambia Joint Permanent Commission with Mulambo Haimbe, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Zambia on November 6, to review all aspects of bilateral relations. The 5th Session of the Joint Permanent Commission was held in 2005 in New Delhi. The last visit by the Minister of State for External Affairs to Zambia was in October 2019 to inaugurate the CII Exim Bank Southern Africa Regional Conclave in Lusaka. During the visit, the Minister will also hold discussions with senior leadership of the government of Zambia. He will also participate in an India-Zambia Business Round Table Conference to promote trade and investment between the two countries. The bilateral trade between the two countries stood at USD 448.39 million in 2023-24. India is one of the leading investors in Zambia with a pledged investment of over USD 5 billion. The Minsiter will also interact with the Indian community in Lusaka. Zambia has a large and vibrant Indian community which numbers around 30,000. India and Zambia are commemorating 60 years of establishment of diplomatic relations. The visit of Minister Kirti Vardhan Singh would pave the way for further enhancing India-Zambia bilateral relations. (ANI) The remains of a beloved grizzly bear who died last month after being hit by a car in Wyoming have been returned to Grand Teton national park. In a statement released on Friday, the US Fish and Wildlife Service announced that it returned the ashes of Grizzly No 399, a 28-year-old female grizzly bear, to the Pilgrim Creek area of the national park where she spent much of her life. The bear, which was one of only 12 known grizzly bears in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem to reach the age of 28 or older, was the oldest documented grizzly bear to reproduce in the ecosystem. In 2023, Grizzly No 399 gave birth to her yearling when she was 27 years old. In total, Grizzly No 399 produced 18 offspring throughout her life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On 22 October, Grizzly No 399 was killed in an accidental vehicle collision approximately 40 miles south of Grand Teton national park. A yearling was with Grizzly No 399 when she was hit and according to the US Fish and Wildlife Service, it has not yet been located though there is no indication that it was also hit by the car. Following the accident, more than a thousand people took to Facebook to mourn Grizzly No 399s death, with some calling her a queen and others calling her an ambassador for her species. Grizzly bear #399 captivated people around the world, inspiring many to learn about the conservation of this important species, Hilary Cooley, the US Fish and Wildlife Services grizzly bear recovery coordinator said in a statement, adding: We received an outpouring of appreciation for #399 and aimed to honor these sentiments in handling her remains. Andrea Zaccardi, carnivore conservation legal director at the Center for Biological Diversity, called Grizzly No 399 a Yellowstone icon in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tragedies like this highlight why we need to maintain federal protections for bears and do more to ensure their safety from cars and other threats, she said. Between 2009 and 2023, there have been 49 grizzly bear deaths due to vehicle collisions in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. If you're seeing fewer self-checkouts at Hy-Vee stores lately, it's not your imagination. The Iowa-based grocery chain, which has dozens of locations in Minnesota and nearly 300 locations across several states, is indeed scaling back or removing the machines altogether. Why? In a statement to the Des Moines Register, a Hy-Vee spokesperson said, "we just want to provide a better customer experience in several of our stores by bringing back the face-to-face interaction with our employees that we had pre-COVID." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the paper notes, the chain is only the latest to scale back self-checkouts, with Target having limited its checkouts to 10 items or fewer back in March. Some Hy-Vee locations have taken a page from Target's playbook, with some self-checkouts being converted into express lanes with a 12-items-or-less limit, the Register reports. Improved customer service may not be the only reason behind the change. According to a December 2023 Associated Press report on the controversial machines with one shopper describing them in the piece as "frustrating" theft is also a reason retail chains are reevaluating the technology. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Theft is indeed an issue," the news service noted, with one industry analyst describing it as a "technology that... tempts even law abiding citizens to be dishonest." "Its easy to just scan every other item or punch in codes for a cheaper item," they said. "Shoppers could also make honest mistakes, leading to losses for stores." Bring Me The News has reached out to the company about which stores will be impacted in Minnesota. Hy-Vee has not yet identified any stores in which the changes have taken place. (Bloomberg) -- The several hundred people gathered inside a hall in the Moldovan village of Pirlita wore winter clothes to keep out the chill. Heating is a luxury the local mayor cant afford, even when the president visits. Most Read from Bloomberg Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The scene was a sharp reminder of the economic backdrop for Maia Sandu, the countrys leader the past four years, as she seeks re-election in a runoff vote on Sunday that has geopolitical implications beyond the tiny nation. Moldova is one of the poorest places in Europe, sandwiched between the relative riches of Romania and war-torn Ukraine. Sandu is determined to persuade her country the path toward European Union integration is the right one, but its also one Russia is keen to derail. A referendum two weeks ago on future membership unexpectedly saw Moldova split down the middle. Sandu, 52, faces Alexandr Stoianoglo, 57, a former general prosecutor who favors closer ties with Moscow, with everything to play for. Sandu secured 42% of the vote in the first round held the same day as the EU referendum versus 26% for her opponent. The gap is expected to have significantly narrowed as Stoianoglo picks up ballots from other pro-Russian candidates. While Sandu has enjoyed the support of EU leaders passing through the country in recent months, her opponent has benefited from what Western governments have called a disinformation campaign led by pro-Russian politicians. Moldovan authorities also accused Russia of bribing voters, which Moscow denies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The vote comes a week after Georgia, another former Soviet state with ambitions for Western integration, backed a Kremlin-friendly leader in an election disputed by international observers and some European leaders. Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said Moldova could be next. The fact that the referendum passed is essential for Moldovas future, but looking at what happened in Georgia were in a totally different paradigm, said Iulian Chifu, chairman of the Bucharest-based Center for Conflict Prevention and Early Warning. Maia Sandu seems to have understood that and took some good steps, but she still needs to secure more votes. Sandu is counting on the villages where she placed second and third in the first round of voting. In the cold hall in Pirlita, she was mobbed by people with bouquets of yellow chrysanthemums, a ubiquitous flower in autumn and the color of her Action and Solidarity Party. Also hailing from a village, Sandu pointed to the importance of European money in building new roads, schools and sewage systems. If a pro-Russian candidate wins the presidency, she said, this support will stop. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She told the elderly audience that for young people to return to the country one of the most quickly depopulating in the world Moldova needs to grow its economy and thats only possible with the support of the West. She acknowledged mistakes, asking them to give her more time to push through much-needed reforms, especially in the judiciary. I know that we have many problems, but we should not set fire to the country because we got angry, said Sandu. But the scale of her challenge was also evident. Many locals say they still dont feel the positive impacts of European funds. Theyre concerned about rising prices, scarce jobs and basics like a lack of drinking water. The pro-Russia message is that the EU is to blame. Some villagers asked whether Christian Orthodox church celebrations would be banned if Moldova joins the EU. They said they read on social media platform Telegram that the EU will take away their land, bring war, and even forbid keeping chickens in backyards. They applauded when Sandu reassured them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement (Sign up to our Eastern Europe Edition newsletter, delivered every Friday.) One younger man in the audience, Anatol, said he was waiting for the result of the election to decide whether or not to stay in Moldova. He said incomes are low and prices are high and the country needs the prospect of EU integration or theres no point in staying. We dont want us young people to have to leave, he said. But for that, you in government should have done more, and those who contributed to corrupting the votes should go on trial. Sandus struggle was most apparent during a debate with her opponent on Oct. 27. While she stressed her stance against Russia, Stoianoglo advocated good ties with all partners the EU, the US, Russia and China and stopped short of condemning Moscows aggression against Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Sandu branded him as Moscows Trojan horse, Stoianoglo has struck a more cautious tone than previous pro-Russian politicians in Moldova. He said he wasnt against EU integration but dismissed the referendum as a move by Sandu to boost her support. He accused her of incompetence, mismanaging the economy and leading the country into deeper divides. QuickTake: Why Russia and the West Are Sparring Over Moldova How Sandu arrived at this critical juncture goes back a decade to when she was serving as Moldovas minister of education. A Harvard-educated economist, Sandu had left the World Bank in Washington to take up the role. Her reforms merging small schools in depopulating villages were so unpopular that colleagues openly betted on how long she would last, she said. But another event that put Moldova on the map turned out to be more of a defining moment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2014, $1 billion was siphoned out of three state-owned banks, costing Moldova the equivalent of 12% of its gross domestic product. The crisis turned her into a prominent pro-European figure opposed to the oligarchs that controlled swathes of the economy. Two years later, she narrowly lost to pro-Russian President Igor Dodon, whose campaign derided her as an unmarried woman, before beating him in 2020 by promising to tackle corruption. Stoianoglo is the candidate backed by Dodons party this time around. Sandus four years in power have been turbulent as Russias war next door in Ukraine escalated the tension within Moldova while whacking the already fragile economy. Gross domestic product per capita is still less than half that of Bulgaria, the EUs poorest member. If she retains power, it will be a prelude to another fight between pro-Western and pro-Russian political forces next year when the country holds parliamentary elections. The Russia-based Pravda newspaper called the presidential vote simply a rehearsal for the main political battle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yet Sandu is popular among Moldovas large diaspora, which bolstered her support in the first round and ensured the EU referendum on enshrining membership in the constitution ended up passing by a whisker, 50.4%. Those people may again swing the vote on Sunday. Winning over voters at home remains the key challenge, especially given their disillusionment with the countrys future and their susceptibility to disinformation. Polls had shown support for the EU at 60% before the vote. One story Sandu uses is how her mother confronted two women on a trolleybus in the capital, Chisinau, who claimed the president had sent her to the US. The stakes are much higher now because the first round of the presidential elections and the referendum showed that fighting Russian disinformation isnt easy, said Chifu, who expects her to win. If before, everyone was expecting a landslide victory from her part and to crush any opponent, now well probably see a much tighter result. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. A high-ranking Iranian commander repeated threats of a new military strike against Israel but refrained from sharing details, the Tasnim news agency reported on Sunday. The news outlet, widely seen as aligned with Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, said that Ali Fadavi told reporters in Tehran on Sunday that a new operation would definitely take place. "It is not possible to comment on its details," he added. The statement followed similar warnings made on Saturday by Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Iran and Israel have been engaged in escalating hostilities since April when Iran directly attacked Israel for the first time with more than 300 drones and missiles. This had been preceded by an attack attributed to Israel on a building of the Iranian embassy in the Syrian capital Damascus, in which two Iranian generals had been killed. Iran's leadership interpreted this as an attack on Iranian territory. On Nov. 9 at 10 a.m., the City of Riverdale, Iowa, will hold a ribbon cutting and dedication for John Welch Park and a park signage Eagle Scout Project. From 1867 continuously through 2017, the Welch family resided on and farmed the land in Riverdale now known as the Woods Estates subdivision. The Welch family were among the residents who signed the original Articles of Incorporation for the City of Riverdale in 1950. Albert Welch, the familys patriarch, served on City Council for 13 years and was Fire Chief for 7 years. In 2012, the Welch Family sold the land located between the Deerbrook subdivision in Bettendorf, and the Pleasant Hills and subsequently established Woods Estates subdivisions in Riverdale, to the City. On Sept. 12, 2023, City Council approved a resolution naming John Welch Park in honor and recognition of the family that made Riverdale their home for over a century and who were instrumental in the incorporation and initial administration of the City. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the summer of 2023, Pleasant Valley High School student Adam Hupp undertook a BSA Eagle Scout project to design, build and install park entrance signs, including signs at John Welch Park. In October of 2024, with generous sponsorship from the City of Riverdale and Schebler Company (a Riverdale corporation), Mr. Hupp and a group of volunteers installed signs at John Welch Park, Peggys Park and Bicentennial Park. The installation of a sign at Van Gundy Park is scheduled for a later date. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHBF - OurQuadCities.com. PHOENIX (AP) Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a prominent proponent of debunked public health claims whom Donald Trump has promised to put in charge of health initiatives, said Saturday that Trump would push to remove fluoride from drinking water on his first day in office if elected president. Fluoride strengthens teeth and reduces cavities by replacing minerals lost during normal wear and tear, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The addition of low levels of fluoride to drinking water has long been considered one of the greatest public health achievements of the last century. Kennedy made the declaration Saturday on the social media platform X alongside a variety of claims about the heath effects of fluoride. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On January 20, the Trump White House will advise all U.S. water systems to remove fluoride from public water, Kennedy wrote. Trump and his wife, Melania Trump, want to Make America Healthy Again, he added, repeating a phrase Trump often uses and links to Kennedy. Trump told NBC News on Sunday that he had not spoken to Kennedy about fluoride yet, but it sounds OK to me. You know its possible. The former president declined to say whether he would seek a Cabinet role for Kennedy, a job that would require Senate confirmation, but added, "Hes going to have a big role in the administration. Asked whether banning certain vaccines would be on the table, Trump said he would talk to Kennedy and others about that. Trump described Kennedy as "a very talented guy and has strong views. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The sudden and unexpected weekend social media post evoked the chaotic policymaking that defined Trumps White House tenure, when he would issue policy declarations on Twitter at virtually all hours. It also underscored the concerns many experts have about Kennedy, who has long promoted debunked theories about vaccine safety, having influence over U.S. public health. In 1950, federal officials endorsed water fluoridation to prevent tooth decay, and continued to promote it even after fluoride toothpaste brands hit the market several years later. Though fluoride can come from a number of sources, drinking water is the main source for Americans, researchers say. Officials lowered their recommendation for drinking water fluoride levels in 2015 to address a tooth condition called fluorosis, that can cause splotches on teeth and was becoming more common in U.S. kids. In August, a federal agency determined with moderate confidence that there is a link between higher levels of fluoride exposure and lower IQ in kids. The National Toxicology Program based its conclusion on studies involving fluoride levels at about twice the recommended limit for drinking water. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A federal judge later cited that study in ordering the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to further regulate fluoride in drinking water. U.S. District Judge Edward Chen cautioned that its not certain that the amount of fluoride typically added to water is causing lower IQ in kids, but he concluded that mounting research points to an unreasonable risk that it could be. He ordered the EPA to take steps to lower that risk, but didnt say what those measures should be. In his X post Saturday, Kennedy tagged Michael Connett, the lead attorney representing the plaintiff in that lawsuit, the environmental advocacy group Food & Water Watch. Kennedys anti-vaccine organization has a lawsuit pending against news organizations including The Associated Press, accusing them of violating antitrust laws by taking action to identify misinformation, including about COVID-19 and COVID-19 vaccines. Kennedy is on leave from the group but is listed as one of its attorneys in the lawsuit. What role Kennedy might hold if Trump wins on Tuesday remains unclear. Kennedy recently told NewsNation that Trump asked him to reorganize agencies including the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Institutes of Health, the Food and Drug Administration and some agencies under the Department of Agriculture. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But for now, the former independent presidential candidate has become one of Trump's top surrogates. Trump frequently mentions having the support of Kennedy, a scion of a Democratic dynasty and the son of former Attorney General Robert Kennedy and nephew of President John F. Kennedy. Kennedy traveled with Trump Friday and spoke at his rallies in Michigan and Wisconsin. Trump said Saturday that he told Kennedy: You can work on food, you can work on anything you want" except oil policy. He wants health, he wants womens health, he wants mens health, he wants kids, he wants everything," Trump added. Earlier this month, Trump mentioned that RFK Jr. would have a "big role in health care" in his administration KAMIL KRZACZYNSKI/AFP via Getty; Rebecca Noble/Getty Robert F. Kennedy Jr.; Donald Trump Robert F. Kennedy Jr.; Donald Trump Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is sharing one initiative Donald Trump allegedly has if elected president. In a Saturday, Nov. 2 post to X (formerly Twitter), Kennedy, 70, wrote that Trump, 78, and his administration will remove fluoride from drinking water if he wins he 2024 presidential election, before falsely claiming that fluoride is harmful. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Jan. 20, the Trump White House will advise all U.S. water systems to remove fluoride from public water. Fluoride is an industrial waste associated with arthritis, bone fractures, bone cancer, IQ loss, neurodevelopmental disorders, and thyroid disease, Kennedy wrote. Kennedy, who endorsed Trump in August after dropping out of the presidential race, added that Trump and Melania Trump want to "Make America Healthy Again." According to Healthline, fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral used for strengthening teeth and preventing cavities. When consumed in suitable amounts, it's safe and is "added to local water supplies in many American cities." Along with water, it is also found in soil, rocks, plants and air. Roy Rochlin/Getty Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in 2024 Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in 2024 Related: What Happens If Neither Presidential Candidate Gets 270 Electoral Votes? It Would Get Messy Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fluoride is widely considered one of the biggest public health breakthroughs of the 20th century. In a statement shared in October, the American Dental Association said that they, along with other major health organizations "continue to endorse community water fluoridation at optimal levels to help prevent tooth decay." "Even in an era with widespread availability of fluoride from various sources, other studies show that community water fluoridation prevents at least 25% of tooth decay in children and adults throughout their life span." Linda J. Edgar, D.D.S., the president of the American Dental Association, said. "The scientific weight of sound evidence around the benefit of community water fluoridation is clear and compelling." Related: RFK Jr.s Siblings Call Trump Endorsement a Betrayal of Their Dads Values: A Sad Ending to a Sad Story Michael M. Santiago/Getty Donald Trump in 2024 Donald Trump in 2024 At a rally in Dearborn, Mich. on Nov. 1, Trump said that Kennedy would "have a big role in health care" as part of his administration if he wins the 2024 election. He added that RFK Jr. has some views I happen to agree with strongly and I have for a long time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As per NBC News, Trump told Tucker Carlson the day before during an event on Oct. 31 about how Kennedy can "do anything he wants" in the healthcare role. "He really wants to with the pesticides and the, you know, all the different things. I said, he can do it." "He can do anything he wants. He wants to look at the vaccines. He wants everything. I think its great. I think its great," he added, along with mentioning Kennedy's potential work "on health and womens health." Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. In the past, Kennedy has pushed baseless conspiracy theories about vaccines and COVID-19. He was previously banned from Instagram for two years for spreading misinformation about the coronavirus. Kennedy's potential role in Trump's healthcare administration could have serious consequences. Multiple large-scale studies have found that vaccines are safe. There is no scientific link between vaccines and autism, according to the Centers for Disease Control. The Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) in Balochistan said that an operation in the Musakhel district on early Sunday resulted in the deaths of three terrorists and the arrest of two others, as reported by the Dawn. According to a CTD spokesperson, the operation was initiated based on "credible information" regarding the presence of terrorists from the banned Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) in the Rarhasham area of Musakhel. "Forces [including] CTD, FC and police were deployed in the general area and late at night one of the deployed force contingents came across a group of 10-12 terrorists, moving towards the main road... The terrorists were intercepted and a heavy exchange of fire followed," the spokesperson stated, as reported by the Dawn. During the clash, three terrorists were killed and two were captured, although five to seven others managed to escape in the dark of the night, the Dawn reported. A search operation is currently underway to locate them. The operation also yielded a cache of weapons and ammunition. The deceased terrorists' bodies were sent to a hospital, and the arrested individuals are undergoing interrogation. An FIR has also been filed with the CTD, and further updates will be provided as they become available. Earlier, the Balochistan CTD had registered an FIR against unidentified terrorists involved in an improvised explosive device (IED) blast in Mastung on Friday, which resulted in the deaths of nine people, including five children, and left 29 others injured. Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti condemned the attack, highlighting the increasing targeting of innocent children and labourers by terrorists, the Dawn reproted. The region, particularly Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, has seen a notable rise in terrorism-related incidents in recent months. While there was a 24 per cent decline in terror attacks in September compared to August, there were notable increases in August and July, as per monthly security reports. In 2023, Pakistan experienced 1,524 violence-related fatalities and 1,463 injuries from 789 terror attacks and counter-terror operations, marking a record six-year high in overall fatalities, including those of outlaws. (ANI) ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) Police found the man suspected of murdering a 10-month-old baby, domestic battery, stalking, burglary, and more crimes in Atlanta, Georgia Saturday morning. According to police, Zashawntray Pickett, 28, is wanted on four outstanding warrants that also include charges of criminal trespass, criminal damage to property, and theft. The charges against him were filed in four cases dating back to August 2023 and as recent as October 2024. The victim was known to Pickett, according to the City of Rockford. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Picket was previously sentenced to 2 years in prison in 2021 for a 2019 Thanksgiving weekend crime spree that included an armed robbery at Popeyes, 3622 Auburn 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 MyStateline | WTVO News, Weather and Sports. A truly devoted veteran manager of a Northumberland bird nesting island was sacked by the RSPB over a string of unfounded allegations, leading to an exodus of volunteers and researchers. Dr Paul Morrison, 72, who worked on Coquet Island for 38 years, was shocked when he was suspended and then sacked following claims he had treated his Syrian refugee colleague Dr Ibrahim Alfarwi like a modern-day slave. Dr Alfarwi later took over from Dr Morrison as manager of the island, with a volunteer claiming the RSPB had wanted to replace a privileged old English white man because it fitted with their diversity agenda. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following a lengthy legal battle, the charity settled with Dr Morrison this month and paid him a substantial undisclosed sum. However, the fallout from the RSPBs actions has led many Coquet Island volunteers to resign in protest at his treatment. Dr Alfarwi took over management of Coquet Island after Dr Morrison Conservative peer Lord Ridley, a regular visitor to the island, also said he was shocked at the way Dr Morrison had been treated. Dr Morrison, a life member of the RSPB for 40 years, said: They embarked on investigating me for a series of what they considered unacceptable behaviours, and when one allegation was disproved, along came the next one. In the years before his sacking, the award-winning conservationist oversaw a substantial increase in the breeding population of roseate terns on Coquet Island which lies off the coast of Amble through the creation of innovative terraces and nesting boxes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Volunteers described him as truly devoted with an infectious enthusiasm that inspired his team. He was regularly asked to give talks and lectures on his methods and his work was lauded in press releases from the charity. Dr Paul Morrison had worked on Coquet Island for nearly four decades However, in September 2022 he was called to a meeting with RSPB bosses and told he had been working illegal hours, and was also accused of keeping Dr Alfarwi trapped on the island without a day off in two months. At the time, the island was battling an outbreak of avian flu, which had already left 5,000 birds dead as volunteers struggled to deal with an insurmountable workload. The weather was also challenging, making routine journeys to the mainland difficult. The RSPB accused Dr Morrison of being controlling, coercive and manipulative and said he treated his job like a hobby, making those around him do a lot of the heavy lifting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They also falsely accused him of drinking while operating heavy machinery. Claims obviously untrue Hilary Brooker-Carey, a volunteer who worked on Coquet Island for more than 30 years before Dr Morrisons sacking, said she found the accusations hard to believe. The Coquet team was strong and close and was often referred to as the Coquet family because of the time and commitment that Paul put into the team and his work on the island, she said. Thousands of nesting sea birds flock to Coquet Island annually - Liz Leyden/iStockphoto The accusations were so obviously untrue. When I heard of the investigation and the severity of it, I decided that I could no longer be a volunteer on Coquet Island. My trust in the RSPB has completely vanished. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By mid-September 2022, the charity had launched an investigation into working practices on the island with Dr Morrison saying he would be happy to make any changes that were required. However, he was suspended for failing to help Dr Alfarwi leave the island at a specified time. By the following January, the RSPB had begun a second disciplinary process against Dr Morrison, claiming he had not followed correct bird flu procedures. The charity accused Dr Morrison of allowing roseate terns to be handled without the correct personal protective equipment (PPE) in June 2022, when bird flu was taking hold on several Scottish islands. Dr Morrison argued that the handling happened before bird flu was confirmed on Coquet Island, and said he had stockpiled PPE and followed guidelines and risk assessments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also pointed out that Beccy Speight, the head of the RSPB, had visited the island in June 2022 and had been given the appropriate PPE. Nevertheless, he was sacked in March 2023, leading to many volunteers stepping down. Local researcher Dr Chris Redfern also pulled out after decades of work on the island. Dr Ibrahim Alfarwi later took over from Dr Paul Morrison on Coquet Island - Solent News and Photo Agency Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The RSPB also told Northumbria Police they were worried about Dr Morrisons mental state, pointing out that he was in possession of a gun on Coquet Island for shooting rogue gulls, which prompted armed police to visit him at his home. Dr Morrison said: They finally dismissed me on contrived allegations. Bird flu wasnt even confirmed on the island and my manager was so content that he was there the day before Beccy Speights visit with senior managers, having a picnic on the jetty, without PPE. I had every provision in place for bird flu. But they said I hadnt changed the risk assessment and it was gross misconduct and it constituted a final written warning. Wildlife fears Lord Ridley, a former member of the House of Lords, said: For us Northumbrians, the thriving bird colony on Coquet Island is a very special place: roseate terns breed nowhere else in Britain and Paul Morrison had found ways to increase their numbers fivefold, a remarkable achievement. Dr Morrison has been described as truly devoted When I was a trustee of the islands owners, I was able to visit the island annually and I am shocked by the way Paul has been treated. I hope this does not put the islands wildlife at risk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After Dr Morrison was suspended, Dr Alfarwi took over the role. However, footage later emerged of him pursuing and stepping on the tail of a Skua with suspected bird flu, before wringing its neck and bashing its skull against a rock, causing blood to splatter in front of volunteers. The incident happened in August 2022, when avian flu was rife on the island but Dr Alfarwi was not wearing PPE. Despite this, the RSPB acquitted him of any wrongdoing, insinuating that the blame lay with Dr Morrison. Dr Alfarwi said the bird was unwell and said he had been instructed by Dr Morrison to end its suffering. Dr Ibrahim Alfarwi was seen killing a bird on Coquet Island during an avian flu outbreak - Solent News and Photo Agency The incident involving Dr Ibrahim Alfarwi was filmed by a residential volunteer in August 2022 - Solent News and Photo Agency The bird was quickly and humanely dispatched and there was no widespread blood splatter as alleged. I was not wearing the correct PPE as my manager did not provide this for me, he told the Daily Express earlier this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, Dr Morrison disputed the account, saying he was not on the island at the time and had instigated a whistleblowing complaint on learning of the incident. At no time did I instruct [Dr] Alfarwi to kill this sick skua or any other bird, he said. It was grossly irresponsible for him not [to] use the PPE which was available to him. Diversity agenda A residential volunteer who filmed the incident, but did not wish to be named, said: We came across a bird looking sick which [Dr Alfarwi] said he had been following for a couple of days, and said: Im going to kill him. He took the bird and strangled it first like you would a rabbit and then smashed its head against the rocks. He wasnt wearing any particular protective clothing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Speaking about Dr Morrison, the volunteer added: Ive never really known anyone who loves his job as much as Paul. Most people loved him. He was extremely successful, even [Dr] Alfarwi was always singing his praises to me, and I think people were jealous. I think they thought Paul was getting a bit old and they wanted to replace him and they wanted to be seen as promoting a Syrian refugee rather than a privileged old English white man because it fits their diversity agenda. Paul Morrison was described by volunteers as extremely successful with an infectious attitude Roseate Terns on Coquet Island about a mile off the Northumberland coast Ms Brooker-Carey said the saga had tainted her love for birds and natural history. Natural history has been my consuming interest since I was a small child and, in those days, I considered the RSPB as the wildlife organisation to look up to, she added. I had put them on a pedestal from which they have now fallen. A spokesman for the RSPB said: It is correct that this individual no longer works for us. The RSPB takes pride in being an organisation which is committed to ensuring that all employees and volunteers are treated fairly and reasonably. We will not be making further comment on issues relating to previous members of staff. 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. Senator Marco Rubio on Face the Nation. Florida Sen. Marco Rubio on Sunday defended Donald Trump after he called for guns to be trained on rival Liz Cheneys face, claiming that the media inaccurately portrayed the remark as violent. Speaking to Face the Nation host Margaret Brennan, Rubio suggested that Trump was simply misunderstood because he doesnt use the same language as most politicians, and that the press made a concerted effort to paint him in a bad light. Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) defends Donald Trump's recent comment about former GOP Rep. Liz Cheney having guns "trained on her face," saying that the quote has been taken out of context. Rubio says that the former president "doesn't talk like someone who's been in Washington for 30 pic.twitter.com/N2OTwgoKEq Face The Nation (@FaceTheNation) November 3, 2024 Donald Trump doesnt talk like someone whos been in Washington for 30 years. He doesnt say it the way I would have said it, Rubio said after he was played a clip of Trumps comments in which the former president suggested that Cheney should stand in front of a firing squad. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The clip, from an interview with former Fox News anchor Tucker Carlson Thursday, showed Trump saying: Lets put her with a rifle standing there with nine barrels shooting at her, okay? Lets see how she feels about it. You know, when the guns are trained on her face. Rubio, however, insisted that Trump only intended to call the former Republican congresswoman from Wyoming, who endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris, a war hawk. I mean everybody knows exactly what he was saying. What he was saying is Youre so much in favor of war, Rubio said. We played a soundbite, Brennan responded to which Rubio countered, No, you played a piece of the soundbite, because in another piece of it he said he would give her a gun to go stand in conflict as well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You dont normally give a gun to someone thats going to be facing a firing squad, which is what much of the media made it sound like, he added in Trumps defense. The senator then reiterated the Trump campaigns explanation for his comments, stating that the former president was only suggesting the daughter of ex-Vice President Dick Cheney would not be such a keen supporter of foreign intervention if she had to go to war herself. And he uses language that maybe is not what we typically hear from someone that works at a think tank. Well, fine, Rubio said. But I think its truly not just unfair, its egregious, to see that reported the way that it was, along with other things that are out there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ive never seen such a concerted effort and I always believe theres bias because no ones unbiased but Ive never seen such a concerted effort like what Ive seen, especially in the last two weeks, among multiple media outlets in this country to in some cases breathlessly distort and lie about whats being said and to create and manufacture these Gotcha' moments against Donald Trump," he said. Brennan didnt seem to moved by Rubios complaints about the press. Instead, she closed the exchange by suggesting that Trumps language could further inflame the risk of political unrest. Senator, you are the ranking member on the Senate Intelligence Committee. You also know the former Commander in Chief is not just some guy off the street, and words matter. US intelligence has specifically warned about the risk of political violence in this country, she said. Russia has claimed it has destroyed 19 Ukrainian drones, 16 of which, as reported by the Russian Defence Ministry, attacked Rostov Oblast. Source: Russian Defence Ministry Details: The Russian Ministry of Defence said that its air defence forces had allegedly destroyed "19 Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles": 16 UAVs over the territory of Rostov Oblast, two over Belgorod Oblast, and one over Volgograd Oblast. Support UP or become our patron! Nov. 3 (UPI) -- Russia has decried what it called "baseless" and "malicious slander" from the U.S. intelligence community that it is interfering in the 2024 presidential election. In a joint statement Friday, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, the FBI and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency accused Russian actors of trying to raise questions about the integrity of the U.S. election and stoke divisions. "Russian influence actors manufactured a recent video that falsely depicted individuals claiming to be from Haiti and voting illegally in multiple counties in Georgia," the joint statement reads. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Russian influence actors also manufactured a video falsely accusing an individual associated with the Democratic presidential ticket of taking a bribe from a U.S. entertainer." Russia's Foreign Ministry responded in a statement on Telegram, calling the accusations "baseless" and stating that the Russian Embassy in the United States has not received proof of the claims or "any inquiries regarding the narrative being promoted by the press." "This has become an unfortunate tradition: before every election, American authorities and media descend into hysteria about 'Russian disinformation and interference,' attempting to attribute any problems to external influence," the Russian Foreign Ministry said. "When we ask our counterparts in the State Department and the White House about the presence of evidence in support of the accusations, we are only told something along the lines of 'you know everything yourself'." The Russian Foreign Ministry emphasized that it "does not interfere in the internal affairs of other countries," including the United States. Editor's Note: This is a developing story and is being updated. Russia launched its latest overnight drone strike on Ukraine, targeting the capital in an attack that lasted over five hours, city officials reported on Nov. 3. Several waves of explosions were heard in Kyiv throughout the night. Debris from intercepted drones struck multiple city districts. In the citys Holosiivskyi and Desnianskyi districts, drone debris fell in open areas causing multiple fires. The fires were quickly localized, according to Kyiv City Military administration. Authorities reported no casualties or significant damage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Air defense downed all the drones targeting Kyiv, according to Serhii Popko, head of the Kyiv City Military Administration. From 5:30 p.m. local time on Nov. 2 to the morning of Nov. 3, Russian forces launched at Ukraine a Kh-59/69 guided air missile and 96 attack drones of Shahed and other types, according to the Air Force. The missile and 66 drones were downed by Ukrainian forces, 27 drones disappeared from radars, and another drone flew to Belarus, the Air Force said on Telegram. The aerial targets were reportedly downed over Kyiv, Sumy, Zhytomyr, Mykolaiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Kharkiv, Poltava, Kirovohrad, Chernihiv, Cherkasy, Odesa, and Khmelnytskyi oblasts. In Kyiv, the debris damaged road surfaces, a lighting pole, and electrical utility wires in the Shevchenkivskyi district, Popko said. The blast wave reportedly shattered windows on the first and second floors of a dormitory and an adjacent university building, while also damaged several windows from the first to the ninth floors of a nearby office building. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Later the same day, the Institute of International Relations of the Taras Shevchenko University of Kyiv, Ukraine's largest national higher education institution, reported on Facebook that one of the institute's educational buildings and a dormitory were damaged by drone debris. Ukrainska Pravda, a Ukrainian media outlet, wrote that a building of the Institute of Journalism of the same university was also damaged by debris, citing their correspondent on the scene. The Nov. 3 attack is part of an ongoing series of drone strikes by Russian forces on Ukraine's capital, targeting both civilian and military infrastructure. A night before, a Russian drone strike on Kyiv caused a fire in a 16-story residential building and an office building, leaving an 82-year-old woman with shrapnel injuries to the head. The air raid alert in Ukraines capital lasted more than 5 hours, with explosions reported in Kyiv and surrounding areas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: Zelensky calls for tougher sanctions as Russia launched 2,000 drone attacks on Ukraine in October using foreign-made parts Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Russia is increasingly deploying unidentified gas in its latest chemical warfare tactic against Ukrainian troops, who are losing ground across the hotspots of the eastern front line. Ukraine is currently unable to identify the majority of the gas used on the battlefield, compared to previous months when it could diagnose about half of the chemicals, according to Ukrainian Colonel Artem Vlasiuk. Russian troops have used chemical agents banned in warfare as a psychological operation to sow panic among the Ukrainian forces, said Vlasiuk from the Support Forces Radiation, Chemical and Biological Protection Command, a branch of the army responsible for inspecting chemical warfare. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russian drones throw gas grenades into dugouts or trenches in a brutal tactic to force Ukrainian soldiers out into the open field, making them easy prey for drone or artillery attacks. Read also: Silent killer: Russia boosts grinding Donbas advance with chemical warfare Of the 323 recorded cases of Russia's chemical attacks in October, nearly all except 15 incidents were "unidentified," Vlasiuk told the Kyiv Independent on Oct. 28. The officer said that Ukraine struggled to identify the new types of gas because it lacked sophisticated high-end detector technology to diagnose beyond the few prototypes in its library. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is dangerous both for our troops and for Ukraine as a whole, which will not be able to prove anything at the international level, Vlasiuk said. Ukrainian servicemen take part in battlefield first aid training during a military exercise in Kharkiv Oblast on May 1, 2023. (Dimitar Dilkoff/AFP via Getty Images) More detectors needed from Kyivs Western allies Ukraine needs hundreds of complex detectors that cost $100,000 to $600,000 each to better identify what exactly is being used by Russian troops, according to the colonel. Kyiv also needs additional simpler ones already being used to identify whether there are dangerous chemicals, he said. The insufficient number of detectors to identify gas makes it harder for Ukraine to record what Russian troops are deploying, in what quantity and in which parts of the front line, Vlasiuk added. The colonel said gaining Western interest in providing these sophisticated detectors to Ukraine has proven difficult. Other resources seen as more crucial, such as ammunition, are usually considered the priority. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Discussions are held at venues such as the Ramstein format meetings, also known as the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, which are held nearly monthly, he added. The upcoming one, delayed last month, is scheduled for November in a virtual conference call format. Identifying chemical agents is very easy with the right detectors, according to Hamish de Bretton-Gordon, former commanding officer of the U.K.s Joint Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Regiment. He estimated that Ukraine might need a few hundred hand-held detectors that cost roughly $10,000 to $50,000 each. Two gas masks hanging on the wall of a shelter positioned on the Chasiv Yar axis in Donetsk Oblast on May 7, 2024. (Diego Herrera Carcedo/Anadolu via Getty Images) Detectors can help confirm war crimes and help treat troops Ukraine has recorded over 4,600 cases of Russian gas attacks on the battlefield since the beginning of the full-scale invasion in 2022, according to Support Forces. Vlasiuk said the types of gas identified thus far are CS and CS tear gas, as well as ammonia and chloropicrin. Many more could have gone unrecorded, he added. The use of chemical agents, including tear gas even if not lethal on the battlefield is a violation of the 1993 Chemical Weapons Convention, a post-Cold-War disarmament treaty that bans the use of chemical weapons in war and obliges countries to eliminate them. The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), a United Nations watchdog, says that tear gas is considered chemical weapons if used as a method of warfare. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We can detect CS, but if the enemy uses something else more complex, newer, or a mix that is similar in composition but not CS, we can't identify it, Vlasiuk said, explaining that presenting evidence to Western allies and the OPCW is difficult. A graphic representing Russia's use of chemical agents against Ukrainian soldiers on the battlefield. (Support Forces of Ukraine's General Staff) Ukraines concerns for the new types of gas found on the battlefield come as Russian troops continue to thrust forward across the hotspots of the war in eastern Ukraine, increasingly capturing villages and towns. The Ukrainian defense remains stretched across the front line, with many of its soldiers exhausted after having fought for nearly three years with little break. Gathering evidence to record such incidents is especially difficult in Russias Kursk Oblast, where Ukraine launched a bold cross-border incursion in August. A handful of soldiers deployed in the area told the Kyiv Independent that they had suffered gas attacks on their position in Kursk Oblast, including one who said he had suffered multiple a day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Colonel Vlasiuk said that he knew of one October incident in which five soldiers suffered light symptoms from a gas attack in Kursk Oblast, adding that the inspection team could not get there to gather evidence for confirmation. At least three soldiers died from Russias gas attacks, and almost 2,100 soldiers sought medical care after such incidents, according to the Support Forces. Capturing an air sample on the battlefield is difficult since gas blows away in the wind, therefore other forms of evidence, such as fragments of suspected chemical weapons or contaminated clothing, may be more useful, according to Dan Kaszeta, a chemical weapons expert at the London-based Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) think tank who served in the U.S. Army Chemical Corps. He explained that there is highly specialized equipment that could, in theory, analyze samples in the field, but this equipment is expensive and requires specialist training. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Because of the size of the area of operations, even a very dedicated effort to field specialist detection equipment is unlikely to be lucky enough to have the right equipment at the right spot, Kaszeta told the Kyiv Independent. Understanding the unidentified gas deployed by Russian troops allows Ukraine to treat the symptoms better, Vlasiuk stressed. He said the symptoms were similar to the other confirmed types used on the battlefield. Commonly cited symptoms include nausea, vomiting, eye and skin irritations, excessive coughing, chest tightness, and suffocation. Ukrainian servicemen drive their infantry fighting vehicle on a road in the Donetsk Oblast on Oct. 5, 2024. (Roman Pilipey/AFP via Getty Images) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russia not held accountable for use of chemical weapons The U.S. and the U.K. have confirmed Russias deployment of chemical weapons against Ukrainian soldiers, slapping sanctions on Russias Radiological, chemical, and biological defense troops, their chief, Russian Defense Ministry scientific centers, and companies involved. But OPCW, which Vlasiuk says has nearly impossible requirements to present evidence, has not confirmed Russias use of chemical weapons on the battlefield. OPCW said in May that Russia and Ukraine have accused each other of deploying chemical weapons, but the information provided to the Organization so far by both sides, together with the information available to the Secretariat, is insufficiently substantiated." On top of the equipment shortage that makes it difficult to gather evidence for Russias gas usage on the battlefield, Ukraine says the intensity of the fighting makes it a further challenge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the monthly count of Russias use of gas grenades has decreased for now, with 10-20 cases recorded across the front line daily. Vlasiuk added that Moscow appears to be focusing their deployment on the hottest parts of the front line, primarily in the Pokrovsk sector but also in the Chasiv Yar and Kupiansk directions. While Russias stock of Soviet-era K-51 grenades appears to be ending, more RG-Vo grenades first detected in December 2023 are being deployed, according to the officer. In what appears to be a Russian tactic to keep waging chemical warfare, Moscow continues to produce RG-Vo grenades, but the quantity is unclear, Vlasiuk said. Russian forces are using chemical weapons on an industrial scale, de Bretton-Gordon said, estimating that 30% of front-line Ukrainian troops have suffered chemical attacks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vlasiuk claimed that all sites of chemical weapon production are known and that Ukraine has located about ten factories that are either related or directly producing them. They now produce and use (RG-Vo grenades) normally, he said. What (Russia) can put inside is also unknown. So far, we dont have a way to find out. Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Russian attacks against Ukraine killed three people and wounded another 24 over the past day, regional authorities reported on Nov. 3. From 5:30 p.m. local time on Nov. 2 to the morning of Nov. 3, Russian forces launched at Ukraine a Kh-59/69 guided air missile and 96 attack drones of Shahed and other types, according to the Air Force. The missile and 66 drones were downed by Ukrainian forces, 27 drones disappeared from radars, and another drone flew to Belarus, the Air Force said on Telegram. As of 9 a.m. local time, two more drones were flying in the Ukrainian sky, with air defenses working, the Air Force added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The aerial targets were reportedly downed over the Kyiv, Sumy, Zhytomyr, Mykolaiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Kharkiv, Poltava, Kirovohrad, Chernihiv, Cherkasy, Odesa, and Khmelnytskyi regions of Ukraine. Local authorities said debris caused fires and minor damages to multiple buildings in Kyiv and Kyiv Oblast. Two people were killed in Ivanopillia, and another person suffered injuries in Myrnohrad as a result of Russian attacks against Donetsk Oblast, Governor Vadym Filashkin said on Facebook. Ten houses, two apartment buildings, an industrial building, and infrastructure were damaged, according to Filashkin. Read also: Russian drone strikes on Ukraine soared to record monthly levels during October, military says Russian attacks against Kherson and 16 other settlements in Kherson Oblast killed one person and wounded another 10, including three children, Governor Oleksandr Prokudin reported. The attacks damaged 14 houses, five apartment buildings, educational institutions, a library, a church, a post office, and shops, Prokudin added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russian troops hit infrastructure near Dnipro on Nov. 2, injuring eight people, including two children, according to Serhii Lysak, the regional governor. Russian artillery and drone strikes against other settlements in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast reportedly damaged an industrial enterprise, 11 houses, three farm buildings, a truck, a gas pipeline, and power lines. Russian forces dropped a guided aerial bomb on the front-line village of Preobrazhenka near Polohy in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, wounding a 55-year-old woman and a 45-year-old man, Governor Ivan Fedorov said on Telegram on the morning of Nov. 3. Earlier Russian attacks against Zaporizhzhia Oblast damaged six houses and infrastructure facilities, according to Fedorov. A Russian drone strike near Vovchansk on the afternoon of Nov. 2 injured two male civilians aged 33 and 60, Kharkiv Oblast Governor Oleh Syniehubov reported. Russian attacks against other regional settlements damaged a farm and an educational institution, according to Syniehubov. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Russian drone strike on Kyiv on Nov. 2, which caused a fire in a 16-story residential building and an office building, left an 82-year-old woman with shrapnel injuries to the head, local authorities reported. Read also: China was well aware of North Korean troop deployment ahead of time, expert says Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Russian forces have struck a house in the village of Preobrazhenka in the Polohy district of Zaporizhzhia Oblast, leaving two people injured. Source: Zaporizhzhia Oblast Military Administration Details: The authorities noted that a family had been inside the house at that time. A woman, 55, and a man, 45, are known to have been injured. They have been taken to hospital. Support UP or become our patron! Russia has launched a widespread disinformation campaign in Africa attacking the new game-changing British-made malaria vaccines in a bid for geopolitical gain. According to US officials, the initiative mirrors Operation Denver a Soviet-era disinformation campaign that spread early conspiracy theories about AIDS and contributed to the deaths of hundreds of thousands in Africa. The new push aims to drench Africa in an avalanche of medical disinformation with the aim of undermining Western influence on the continent, according to the US State Department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It could derail the roll out of the malaria jabs and other vaccines, risking many thousands of lives. DANGER ALERT. The RTS,S vaccine, killer of young girls, arrives in Ivory Coast, says one of the campaigns social media posts about one of the new malaria vaccines. We must ensure that the interests of African citizens come before those of American-European pharmaceutical companies, it adds. Misinformation could derail the roll out of malaria jabs and other vaccines, risking many thousands of lives - X US officials have identified African Initiative, an information agency focused on Africa-Russia relations, as the key mechanism at the heart of Russias deception campaign. It has links to Russian intelligence and the now largely defunct Wagner mercenary group and recruits African journalists, bloggers, and members of the public to spread disinformation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of African Initiatives first major campaigns is to target US and Western health initiatives in Africa with dangerous health-related disinformation, the State Departments countering disinformation unit, the Global Engagement Center, said in a statement. The two new malaria vaccines developed by the British pharmaceutical giant GSK and the University of Oxford have become a prime target, despite holding the promise of saving millions of lives. The two new malaria vaccines developed by the British pharmaceutical giant GSK and the University of Oxford in conjunction with the Serum Institute of India have become a prime target, despite holding the promise of saving millions of lives. The overall intent, diplomats say, is to spread the notion that the West is creating viruses, developing dangerous vaccines and weaponising international bodies including the World Health Organization (WHO) in a bid bolster Russias image and influence. Influential Pro-Russian African blogger Egountchi Behanzin, a Togolese activist, have embarked on a sustained disinformation campaign - X The disinformation campaign is reaching a crescendo just as the new malaria vaccines are being rolled out in Africa, a long-awaited development that could be the most significant breakthrough yet in the battle against the disease. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than 600,000 people die of malaria a year, according to the WHO, 95 percent of whom are in Africa. Children under the age of five make up three quarters of those who die the equivalent of roughly 1,000 deaths a day. But at the very moment a life-saving measure is finally within reach for African children, Russia is said to be systematically accused of planting unwarranted fears. Influential Pro-Russian African bloggers like Egountchi Behanzin, a Togolese activist, have embarked on a sustained campaign to claim that the vaccines and other programmes to combat malaria are part of a plot by Bill Gates, the founder of Microsoft, to harm Africans and enrich Western pharmaceutical companies. It is not just malaria that is the target of Russias African army of disinformation spreaders - X In a post on X (formerly Twitter) this week, Mr Behazin, who has 600,000 followers across his social media platforms, claimed that girls vaccinated under programmes funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the charity Mr Gates set up with his former wife, had a higher mortality rate than those who are not vaccinated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He went on to claim that the mosquirix vaccine developed by the British pharmaceutical giant GSK, formerly known as GlaxoSmithKline, did not have the required qualities and guarantees, despite winning WHO approval following extensive testing, adding that it was essentially a poison. It is not just malaria that is the target of Russias African army of disinformation spreaders. Last month, Mr Behazin, who frequently travels to Moscow and was part of a Russian-backed mission to observe a controversial election in Georgia this week, accused western nations of carrying out sanitary, scientific, biological and bacterial terrorism on our lands. Mr Behazin is not alone. Kemi Seba, a hugely influential Beninois activist with close links to Yevgeny Prigozhin, the late founder of the Kremlin-backed Wagner mercenary group, has also attacked deadly western vaccines, which he claimed were being deliberately tested on Africans by the pharmaceutical mafia. Kemi Seba is a hugely influential Beninois activist with close links to Yevgeny Prigozhin - X Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Seba has claimed Western vaccines were being deliberately tested on Africans - X Such tactics of planting disinformation and spreading it via non-Russian voices to disguise the source are something that come straight from the Soviet Unions Operation Denver playbook of the 1980s. One of the most sinister disinformation campaigns the KGB ever mounted, it aimed to persuade the world that AIDS was manufactured in a secret American military laboratory, a conspiracy theory so effective that millions still believe it today. Operation Denver started on Sunday 17 July, 1983 when a letter was published on the front page of an soviet-funded Indian newspaper called The Patriot. It was the year the internet was first launched and its contents were explosive. Under the headline AIDS may invade India: mystery disease caused by US experiments, the letter claimed the disease had been deliberately created by American military scientists at a germ warfare laboratory in Fort Detrick in Maryland. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Having carried out successful experiments on what the letter called a biological weapon, the US now planned to spread the disease around the world. The author of the letter had chosen to remain anonymous, but the Patriot assured its readers that he or she was a well-known American scientist and anthropologist. The story was, of course, a plant, a hoax as grandiose as the Hitler Diaries, but with far deadlier consequences. The real author of the letter sat not in America but somewhere in the KGBs 15,000-strong disinformation section, known as Department A. For two years, the KGB did nothing. Then, in 1985, it launched the main phase of Operation Denver. Yevgeny Prigozhin, the late founder of the Kremlin-backed Wagner mercenary group - HANDOUT/TELEGRAM/AFP via Getty Images It wrote memos to the intelligence agencies of Warsaw Pact allies asking them to spread claims that AIDS was deliberately manufactured in the United States, citing the letter in The Patriot as evidence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Facts have already been cited in the press of the developing countries, in particular India, that testify to the involvement of the special services of the United States and the Pentagon in the appearance and rapid spread of the AIDS disease, reads a KGB telegram in the Bulgarian state security archive. Shortly afterwards, Literaturnaya Gazeta, a Soviet newspaper, joined the fray. It claimed that the CIA had deliberately introduced the HIV virus that causes AIDS into blood banks and ensured it had been injected into the outcasts of society: drug addicts, gays, the homeless. Within months the virus hoax had gone viral, appearing in 200 news reports in 80 countries, including in Britain, where a Harley Street specialist called John Seale was so convinced by the claims that he mounted a long campaign claiming AIDS was an American concoction covered up by the British establishment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For the KGB, the operation was a staggering success. But it was ordinary Africans who paid the price. Among those who fell for Operation Denver was Thabo Mbeki, president of South Africa from 1999 to 2008. Refusing to believe that HIV caused AIDS, largely because of the KGBs disinformation, he rejected antiretroviral therapy, the lifesaving treatment that holds AIDS at bay. Research by Harvard University estimates that Mr Mbekis antiretroviral rejectionism led to at least 330,000 preventable deaths in South Africa. How many others died elsewhere in Africa because of Operation Denver is unknown. Mikhail Gorbachev, the last Soviet leader, privately apologised to the Americans for Operation Denver, but Russias institutional memory is long. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to US officials, it is once again deploying disinformation in a bid to expand its influence in resource-rich but dysfunctional parts of Africa at the Wests expense. Another social media post from a Russian-backed African activist - X According to the Africa Center For Strategic Studies, a research facility at the Pentagon, Russia has mounted disinformation campaigns in 22 African countries and is the primary factor in a quadrupling of fake news on the continent in the past three years. Disinformation has been a key factor in enabling Russias growing influence on the continent, particularly in west and central Africa. Social media platforms like X and Telegram have enabled Russia to recruit African bloggers and influencers to undermine democracy, promote military rule and attack the West. The campaign has contributed to seven military coups in the past four years, with Russian military advisers and mercenaries often emerging in the aftermath to support newly installed juntas. Russia-backed military governments in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger have ordered Western forces to leave their countries, replacing them with Russian troops. Kremlin-backed disinformation campaigns targeting Western-funded healthcare programmes are an important part of this strategy because they undermine confidence in the West and spread anxiety through society that Russia can exploit, according to Ivana Stradner, a disinformation researcher at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, a think-tank in Washington. The Kremlin knows how effective health disinformation can be, she said. During the Cold War the intention was to make HIV appear to be an ethnic weapon, targeting Africans. A very similar thing is happening today. They know it is an effective weapon because things related to disease trigger specific emotional responses that are linked to fear and uncertainty, especially after Covid and especially if there is an ethnic context. When Stasi and KGB involvement in Operation Denver was at its height in the late 1980s, Vladimir Putin, now Russias president, was a KGB spy in Dresden. It is unknown if he was involved in the campaign, but given that KGB spies had to spend a quarter of their time concocting and disseminating disinformation, according to ex-spies, it seems reasonable to conclude that he would have known of its existence. Mr Putins background in espionage certainly explains the importance of disinformation as a Russian policy strategy, some believe. This is a repeat of the 1980s, says a western diplomat who covers the West African region. It is a cynical, morally bankrupt campaign that shows no regard for the collateral damage that will be inflicted in terms of human lives and Putin must know this and approve of it. At the heart of the new operation, according to US officials, is African Initiative, whose senior Russian staffers were either employed by the FSB, the KGBs main successor, or the Wagner mercenary group, which has been active in several countries on the continent. Before Wagners founder Prigozhin moved into the mercenary business he was a key figure in Russian state disinformation, running the Internet Research Agency, a troll farm in St Petersburg that sought to interfere in elections in the United States and elsewhere. Wagner maintained a disinformation arm in Africa until Prigozhins death last year when a bomb exploded on his plane, killing all on board. African Initiative is headed by Artem Kureyev, identified in Estonian court documents as an officer in the FSB, and has been accused of running Russian influence operations in Europe for years. The groups founder and chief financier is Viktor Lukavenko, a former Wagner operative who served five years in prison for beating to death a Swiss national of Sri Lankan extraction during an ultranationalist rally in Moscow in 2009. While Russian nationals head the disinformation unit, the most important element of the spin cycle are African activists, journalists and bloggers with a large following on social media. Many reliably churn out pro-Russian and anti-Western rhetoric as well health-related disinformation. Diplomats suspect that at least some are in the pay of the Kremlin, though no evidence has so far been produced. These African influencers can be relied on to amplify disinformation, which often emanates initially from a senior Russian defence ministry official, Lt Gen Igor Kirillov, who heads the countrys anti-biological weapons unit. Gen Kirillov has claimed that the United States moved secret bioweapons laboratories from Ukraine to Nigeria after Russias invasion and is engaged in germ warfare development in Kenya, Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sierra Leone and Uganda. He also alleges that the mpox epidemic which began last year may also have been deliberately manufactured in US biolabs in Africa. Despite the fact that none of these claims has any basis, they have been readily amplified on social media, both on Kremlin-backed channels on the Telegram app and by pro-Russian African influencers. They also repeatedly claim that the United States is creating diseases to kill Africans in order to eliminate migration and keep the continent poor. Likewise, they further allege that vaccines are being manufactured not to prevent disease but to render African women infertile, again as part of a campaign to depopulate the continent. Such disinformation could not come at a worse time. Medical health experts describe the malaria vaccines as a milestone in global health. Yet, in part because Russia has targeted almost every single Western-backed malaria project on the continent, many Africans are likely to shy away from the vaccines that could save their childrens lives. Egountchi Behanzin, the Togolese activist with 600,000 social media followers, has been at the forefront of the campaign. Recently, he has set his sights on Target Malaria, a research consortium working in Burkina Faso that is releasing genetically altered mosquitoes which cannot transmit malaria in an effort to disrupt the breeding of those that do. According to Mr Behanzin, the mosquitos were designed not to protect people from malaria but to infect them with it. Togolese activist Egountchi Behanzin has been at the forefront of the disinformation campaign - X His unsubstantiated claims have been amplified by pro-Russian influencers across Africa, as well as in stories published by African Initiative, which linked a Dengue Fever outbreak that killed 600 people in Burkina Faso a year ago to Target Malarias work without providing evidence. Last December, African Initiative hosted the International Conference for Health Care and Sovereignty in Burkina Faso where participants repeatedly heard from speakers claiming that Western pharmaceutical companies were deliberately introducing illnesses to Africa. Such views that were once common on the periphery are increasingly in danger of entering the mainstream, particularly because of the acceptance of such disinformation among Evangelical Christians in Africa. Conferences, particularly Christian ones, have become an increasingly effective way of spreading disinformation and may well be a particular target for the FSB. Mr Putin is increasingly presenting himself as a champion of Christian spiritual and moral values in the belief that this is the kind of ideology that Africans and others outside liberal Western circles can rally around, notes Ms Stradner, the disinformation expert. In May Yoweri Museveni, Ugandas president, attended a gathering calling itself the African Inter-Parliamentary Conference on Family Values and Sovereignty presided over by his wife Janet, who is also a cabinet minister. Conferences and movements in Africa involving the word sovereignty are usually a sign of Russian state backing, diplomats say with the Kremlin eager to present itself as standing for African sovereignty and against Western neocolonialism. Among the speakers was Wahome Ngare, a Kenyan gynaecologist and conservative Christian activist who repeated many of the Kremlins favourite vaccine tropes as he addressed delegates. The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine does not prevent cervical cancer but causes infertility among women, he told them. The same was true for other vaccines, including the new malaria ones. Be careful, he urged his audience: At least 80 percent of pregnant African women who took the covid vaccine miscarried in their first trimester. Is it not strange, he wondered, that somehow every new vaccine introduced by the West had the effect of reducing African fertility? His audience nodded along in rapt attention. Dr Ngare denies being a conspiracy theorist, saying such terms are dreamt up by Western oppressors who have something to hide. Of course, there is no evidence to suggest that Dr Ngare is in the pay of the Kremlin. Unlike other influencers in Africa he does not have a track record of praising Russia. Yet for the architects of Russias disinformation campaign, this is exactly the end result they have hoped for. Their allegations, dreamt up somewhere in the FSBs vast global spider web, are being made by people with no links to Russia in front of an audience of African politicians, cabinet ministers, clergymen and even a sitting president himself. When an idea is first introduced, it starts as a little blip on the periphery of the conversation, says Mark Duerksen, a researcher at the African Center for Strategic Studies in Washington. But over time it can be pushed more and more to the centre of the public square where it becomes a national issue, it becomes a galvanising political issue that is polarising and evokes strong emotions. The strategy is working but just as was the case with Operation Denver, the cost for advancing Russian interests in Africa risks ultimately being paid in African lives. Protect yourself and your family by learning more about Global Health Security 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. Details revealed that authorities have registered 99,572 cases against power thieves, completed challans for 60,278 cases, and secured convictions for 8,424 individuals. In Lahore alone, 32,057 arrests were made, with 31,559 cases registered and 8,722 challans submitted. This year, a total of 53,323 individuals have been arrested, with 91,264 cases logged and 58,067 challans filed, ARY News reported. Previously, K-Electric (KE) and the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) have conducted over 13 operations aimed at combating illegal power theft in Karachi and its surrounding areas within the company's service regions in Sindh and Balochistan, as reported by ARY News. In March 2024, coordinated operations with the FIA targeted neighbourhoods such as Marora Goth, Peer Abad, Ellahi Colony Metroville, Merchant Navy Housing Society, Johar Colony, Willayatabad, and Architects Society, resulting in six FIRs filed against power theft. Additionally, four suspects were apprehended during these operations, with three remanded in custody and one released after settling their dues. To ensure governance and accountability, a total fine of PKR 44.33 million has been imposed, as reported by ARY News. In partnership with the FIA in Balochistan, KE has also executed anti-theft operations in Hub, inspecting various locations including markets, shopping plazas, and residential and commercial properties. (ANI) CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) The annual Veterans Day Parade in Charleston, hosted by the Ralph H. Johnson VA Health Care System and the City of Charleston, will be held on Sunday, November 3, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. This tradition honors the service and sacrifices of Americas veterans, with road closures planned along the parade route between Concord and Market Streets and Broad Street near Colonial Lake from 12:50 p.m. to 3 p.m. Key Times for Parade Day: 11:00 a.m.: Staging begins at Concord and Pritchard Streets (between N. Market and Hazel). 12:50 p.m.: Full route closure. 1:00 p.m.: Parade begins, including a special flyover. 2:30 p.m.: Parade concludes. 3:00 p.m.: Roads reopen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Access to the South of Broad neighborhood will be restricted during the event, with officers positioned along the route to aid traffic flow and assist residents. This years Grand Marshal, Mrs. Valerie R. Anderson, will lead the parade. A Charleston native and St. Andrews High School graduate, Mrs. Anderson has dedicated much of her life to service, both in the U.S. Air Force and in communities nationwide. Enlisting in 1982, she spent over a decade in the Air Force as a supply clerk, managing logistics vital to aircraft maintenance. Her service journey took her to bases in Texas, Colorado, Turkey, and Alaska, where she met her husband, Wayne. Following her military career, Mrs. Anderson continued her commitment to community service, working with the Alaska Housing Authority, volunteering with Big Brothers Big Sisters, and later impacting young lives as a school secretary in Lynchburg, Virginia. After relocating to Charleston, she now volunteers at the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center and is active in the hospitality and military outreach ministries at Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church. Mrs. Anderson reflects on her military experience with pride, noting the unique camaraderie shared among service members. I feel deeply humbled and honored for a chance to share in this special moment with loved ones, community, and fellow Veterans, she says. Her message to all parade participants and attendees is one of gratitude: To all our brave Veterans and very supportive community members, we stand united with our heartfelt gratitude and appreciation for your service and sacrifice. Thank you for defending our freedom, and for your unwavering commitment to our community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As an advocate for veterans, Mrs. Anderson encourages the community to engage in meaningful support, suggesting that volunteering at VA hospitals, advocating for veteran policies, and hosting awareness events are ways to make a difference. Parade Highlights: 12:30 p.m.: Speaker and National Anthem. 1:00 p.m.: Flyover and parade start. 3:00 p.m.: Estimated end time. The parade route will begin at Concord and Market Streets, travel west on Market Street to East Bay Street, then south on East Bay Street to Broad Street, and end at Colonial Lake. Charleston invites the community to come out, honor those who served, and celebrate Veterans Day with pride. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) The Salvation Army Womens Auxiliary hosted their largest fundraiser of the year. Red Kettle Run raises money to support humanitarian efforts that include the needs of the Merkle Center of Hope Shelter, the Boys & Girls Club, Angel Tree participants, assistance with holiday meals, and emergency programs/services. They help us make sure were maintaining all our equipment, all of the locations and buildings, (and) they also are putting in new programs that can be- whether its a part of our shelter, whether its our club, whether its right at the core, said Julie Allen, development director for the Salvation Army of Northwest Louisiana. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The event was at LSUS with a fun run, 5K, 10K, and a walk. Major Pierre Smith, the Corps officer for the Salvation Army of Northwest Louisiana, says this event marks the beginning of the holiday season. Salvation Army in dire need of food as colder temperatures loom Its to give us the spirit of Christmas first, and second, help to organize, to bring the community, to help the Salvation Army to deliver the most good, said Smith. Allen says the Womens Auxiliary and the communitys support are the army behind their army. Without them we cant continue doing the most good. We cant continue doing like the thanksgiving luncheon were preparing for to hopefully feed about 1,000 people, we cant continue to help the disadvantaged kids that are coming up for Christmas with angel trees, weve got over 1400 kids this year, said Allen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Allen was joined by Sherry Stuckey, co-chair for the Red Kettle Run. Stuckey says she joined the Womens Auxiliary because they helped her during a difficult time in her life. For Stuckey, the Salvation Army is the epitome of scriptures that say to help and love each other. First of all, I give it to God. But then I give it to these women that helped me. They were there, and so I just love pouring back into the Salvation Army and what it stands for, said Stuckey. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) Dozens of residents at a senior living facility in downtown San Diego are displaced after a fire broke out in a fifth floor apartment Saturday afternoon. Firefighters with the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department, along with San Diego Police officers, responded at 2:15 p.m. Saturday to calls for a fire at Potiker Family Senior Residence, a low-income senior living facility in the 500 block of 14th Street in San Diegos East Village. Fairmount Fire now 90% contained, mop-up efforts continue Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The fire-rescue department said one person was taken to the hospital for smoke inhalation after a mattress caught on fire from smoking materials in a fifth floor high-rise apartment unit, and that a few other patients were being evaluated. The Red Cross was called in and is assisting 30 residents that were displaced by the fire due to water damage from firefighting efforts. Residents that werent impacted were allowed to return to their homes Saturday evening. Good Samaritans come to the rescue in Fairmount Fire A total of 92 personnel were assigned to the fire, including 13 fire engines. The cities of National City and Coronado assisted at the scene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A fire investigator was called in as the investigation remains 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 FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News. In rural coffee shops, on farms and in meeting halls around the San Joaquin Valley, the mood over Tuesdays presidential election is one of excitement, as much as it is concern. There is a lot at stake for Valley farmers, who grow much of the nations fruits, vegetables and nuts. Can the next president provide farmers with more water for irrigation? Will they have the labor force needed to harvest their crops? Can they avoid becoming collateral damage in another trade war? Support for either candidate has been relatively quiet. But so has the attention paid to the region by both campaigns. No major rallies or visits, with the exception of a late July fundraiser by vice presidential candidate J.D. Vance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The freshman senator from Ohio appeared at a fundraiser at Harris Ranch Resort in Coalinga. The $3,300-per-plate event drew about 150 people. Longtime west Fresno County farmer Joe Del Bosque, who once gave President Barack Obama a tour of one of his ranches in 2014, isnt thrilled with either Vice President Kamala Harris or former President Donald Trump. Del Bosque says hes turned off by the rhetoric. Things have gotten so ugly and divided, he said. It used to be that every time we had a presidential election you began thinking that things were going to get better in this country. But it only looks like we are going to continue fighting, and that is not good. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another of Del Bosques concerns is about labor. He worries that Trumps calls for deporting upwards of 11 million unauthorized immigrants in the U.S. could prove disastrous for California farmers. Labor experts estimate that about half of Californias 500,000 farm workers are undocumented. Del Bosque agrees that the border between the U.S. and Mexico, where a majority of the farming industrys labor comes from, needs to be better managed. When Trump talks about mass deportation, what does that really mean? Del Bosque said. I dont know if he understands that its not just the people who came across three or four years ago. We have people who have been living in the United States for years, who have families, who harvest our crops for us to eat. I dont know if he knows that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many in agriculture were disappointed that a bipartisan bill with provisions for immigration reform and foreign aid was killed. Harris has accused Trump of blocking the bill so he could use immigration as a campaign issue. Bill Lyons, former California Department of Agriculture Secretary from 1999 to 2004, says it will take bipartisanship to accomplish change in Washington D.C. A majority of agriculturists believe in America first and party second, Lyons said. They want to elect people who will get things done. And its going to take a bipartisan effort when it comes to issues like water and immigration. Lyons believes Harris can work with Valley farmers and says other farmers agree. And while they may not be planting billboards on their farms supporting her, they are out there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He points to the recent endorsement of Harris by Ann Veneman, who served as USDA secretary under George W. Bush. Prior to that, she was the California Department of Agriculture Secretary. Her endorsement is a strong indication that there are members of the ag community that are concerned and want to see something done in Washington, he said. Sarah Woolf, who runs Water Wise, a water management company and is a partner in Clark Bros., a farming company, was part of a group of farmers who met with Harris in 2017 while she was a senator. The farmers and Harris met at Fowler Packings sprawling operation where they discussed water, immigration reform and the Farm Bill. Woolf appreciated the opportunity to share her concerns, but she feels Harris hasnt paid much attention to the Valley like previous senators, including Diane Feinstein, who died last September, and current Sen. Alex Padilla, both Democrats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They always showed interest in the Valley and made sure they understood the issues, Woolf said. One visit from Harris did not feel like there was a lot of interest there. Woolf said she hasnt heard of anyone in agriculture who supports Harris as she has for Trump. She and other farmers credit Trump for attempting to provide farmers with more water by ordering a review of the federal policy that governs the export of water through the Bay-Delta. Trump was stopped by Gov. Gavin Newsom, who sued the federal government saying the review did not adequately protect endangered fish species. He was aggressive in trying to resolve some of our ongoing water issues in California, she said. He put a focus on it and that is half the battle. The problem is big, complex and there are no easy answers. Woolf said if Harris wins, she doesnt believe her focus will be on Californias water issues. Incumbent Moldovan President Maia Sandu, who holds a pro-Ukrainian stance, is leading in the presidential election according to the early vote count. Source: European Pravda Details: As of 23:22 (Kishinev time) on 3 November, over 90% of votes had been counted at polling stations within Moldova and its Eastern diaspora. So far, Alexandr Stoianoglo, a candidate from the pro-Russian Socialist Party, has the support of around 49.54% of voters, while Maia Sandu has 50.46%. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sources from European Pravda indicate that this ratio has been consistent throughout the counting process. However, votes from the Western diaspora have not yet been counted, as polling stations in Western Europe closed one hour later. The diaspora demonstrated unprecedented turnout, with over 320,000 votes cast abroad out of a total of less than 1.7 million. In EU countries, Sandu enjoyed overwhelming support in the first round. Background: Moldovas presidential office accused Russia of extensive interference in the second round of the election. Read more: The EU, communism, and a "new perspective" on Ukraine: all about Stoianoglo, Moldovas potential new president This news has been updated since publication. Support UP or become our patron! Saudi start-up airline Riyadh Air has announced that it has placed an order for 60 Airbus aircraft to join its expanding fleet. Riyadh Air, the countrys newest airline, is set to launch its maiden flight next year and hopes to reach over 100 destinations worldwide by 2030. The deal was signed with Airbus at Saudi Arabias Future Investment Initiative conference in Riyadh, in what Airbus says is a significant milestone for Riyadh Air. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The airline said that ordering 60 Airbus A321neo aircraft was a historic deal that is bringing it closer to our vision of connecting Riyadh to over 100 global destinations in just over five years. The aircraft will have a maximum range of 7,400km and will have a wide, single-aisle cabin space, as well as 50 per cent noise reduction, making flights quieter for passengers. The A321neos will also operate with more than 20 per cent fuel savings and CO2 reduction compared to previous generation single-aisle aircraft. This investment will not only enable us to support economic growth in the aviation industry, it will ensure Riyadh Air operates one of the most fuel-efficient fleets. Itll be instrumental in helping Saudi Arabia achieve its decarbonisation goals, said Riyadh Air CEO Tony Douglas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This deal strongly reinforces the positive economic impact of Saudi Arabias newest airline on both a global and local scale to facilitate the fast-growing Saudi aviation ecosystem. Christian Scherer, CEO of commercial aircraft at Airbus said: We are proud to welcome Riyadh Air as a new Airbus customer and partner. The latest generation A321neo aircraft will bring exceptional efficiency to the airlines operations, concrete contributions to its decarbonisation goals and comfort to its passengers. We look forward to working together to support the strong ambitions of Saudi aviation." Riyadh Air is continuing to add to its growing fleet of aircraft, having already ordered 39 confirmed (with 33 to follow) Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, which have a maximum flight range of 14,140km. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Douglas told Reuters the airline now plans to start talks with Airbus and Boeing for an order of A350-1000 or 777X wide-body jets within two months. He added that the airline would be receiving its first batch of A321s in the second half of 2026, with the last jet to be delivered by 2023. The airline was created by the Saudi sovereign wealth fund in March 2023, intending to improve travel within the country as well as worldwide. For more travel news and advice, listen to Simon Calders podcast A Seattle woman says she feels unsafe at her own home after thieves carjacked her at gunpoint and threatened to kill her. Noelle Fox told KIRO 7 it happened last Saturday around 7 p.m. outside of her Lake City apartment. She said she had just parked her car with her two dogs, Gatsby and Bigfoot, in the backseat. Theres a man speaking to me with a gun pointed into me, asking me for a ride, Fox explained. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said a woman was also standing on the passengers side of her car. He said Shut up or youre gonna die and I said I have to get my aggressive dogs out of the car and the woman said Hurry up, Fox explained. Instead of driving them, Fox said she offered up her car as long as she could get her dogs out safely. I knew that once I was in the vehicle with him, I had no idea what he wouldve done to me, she added. And I knew if my safety was in danger anyways, I knew it would be a done deal and it wouldve been a lot worse if I was in the vehicle with him. Fox saw the thieves take off in her blue Subaru with everything needed to run her business as a content creator. She said thousands of dollars worth of items were in the car. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They also got my laptop with my card and everything in it. The cargo box, you know the dog crates inside of it. It has been difficult without a vehicle, she said. Fox said she feels unsafe knowing the thieves also got away with her personal information. The threats to my life were very real, which adds to the uneasiness after that happening just knowing that he has my registration, my house keys and he knows where I live, she said. Fox told KIRO 7 that Seattle police found her car about a mile away a few days later. She isnt sure what condition its in, but said shes focused on moving out of the neighborhood. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I have been having a lot of panic attacks just going to take the dogs out to go to the bathroom because this is in my own front yard and this is where it happened, so I dont really feel safe anywhere, she said. If youd like to help Fox financially recover from this traumatic incident, click here for the GoFundMe. OXFORD, Miss. (WJTV) The SEC Networks weekly, traveling pre-game show will return to Oxford when Ole Miss hosts Georgia. SEC Nation will broadcast from the Grove on Saturday, November 9 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. CT on the SEC Network. Darts 515 yards, six touchdowns lead No. 19 Ole Miss in 63-31 win over Arkansas Laura Rutledge hosts the show, and she will be joined by Paul Finebaum, Roman Harper, Jordan Rodgers and Tim Tebow. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Additionally, Marty & McGee will be live on Saturday morning from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. CT. The Grove will also be home to The Paul Finebaum Show with #FinebaumFriday live from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. CT. Ole Miss will host Georgia this Saturday at 2:30 p.m. CT. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJTV. KANSAS CITY, Mo. One Smithville man was hospitalized with serious injuries Sunday morning after crashing and overturning in a semi, the Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) reported. According to KHP, just after 5:40 a.m., a semi with no trailer was driving westbound on Interstate 670 (I-670) in Wyandotte County when another car moved into the semis lane and began driving in the opposite direction of traffic. Lenexa man charged for killing wife, son during police standoff Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The driver of the semi, 50-year-old James Grimes, swerved to avoid contact with the car but drove off the roadway. He then hit a barrier wall, overturned and came to a rest off I-670. KHP said Grimes was taken to KU Medical Center by emergency responders with suspected serious injuries. Crash logs did not provide any information about the other driver involved in the crash. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. The Gemstone Core Committee of Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan (PoGB) has expressed serious concerns about the challenges facing the local community, as reported by the Pamir Times. The committee alleged that the practices of the Gilgit-Baltistan Mineral Department are harming not only local miners and artisans but also the overall economic development of the region. Members criticised the department for operating illegally and fostering corruption since its inception. One member stated, "We urge the administration to permanently close this Mineral Department. Its actions have pushed the gemstone sector to the brink of destruction through illegal activities and restrictions, enriching a few individuals in Islamabad while neglecting the needs of the PoGB people who depend on these resources for their livelihoods. Any government institution should benefit the people, yet we feel looted." They emphasised the long-standing reliance of the region's residents on the gemstone industry, insisting that all resources belong to the people of Gilgit. "There is no factory in this area, and the administration has done nothing to support the people of PoGB. The land available for farming is minimal, and the government fails to provide suitable employment," the member noted. The committee called for an immediate end to leasing practices that allow outsiders to exploit local resources. Furthermore, they announced that if their demands are not addressed, they will resort to street protests. They also requested representation in any future discussions regarding gemstone regulations. A committee member criticised the current tax policy on mineral stones, labelling it as unjust and detrimental to local interests. Earlier reports indicate that various associations in Gilgit-Baltistan frequently mobilise to protest against governance issues, economic hardships, and demands for regional autonomy. These protests reflect the region's ongoing struggle for better governance, equitable treatment, and improved living conditions, as local groups address grievances related to resource management, regulatory challenges, political representation, infrastructure development, and environmental concerns. (ANI) 35,725 people played the daily Crossword recently. Can you solve it faster than others? 35,725 people played the daily Crossword recently. Can you solve it faster than others? SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. A wave of people with Make America Great Again hats and shirts lined up at a guns and ammunition manufacturing facility to hear Sen. JD Vances final pitch ahead of Election Day on Tuesday. In just three short days, we are going to return the White House back to the American people, Vance said to a few thousand people on Saturday afternoon in Scottsdale at Dillon Precision. Were in a very, very good spot in Arizona, but I dont want us to get lazy. During his 20-minute-long remarks, Vance said that former President Donald Trump will fix what Vice President Harris broke. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vance was joined by Donald Trump Jr., Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, Senate candidate Kari Lake, Arizona state Senate candidate Carine Werner, Arizona state Rep. Steve Montenegro and Arizona GOP chair Gina Swoboda, all of whom helped make the case for voters to support Vance and Trump. Vances wife, Usha, also accompanied him to the event, but she did not give any remarks. JD Vance: Theres a lot more joy on our side Addressing immigration, Vance spoke about the overwhelming number of migrants who came through Arizona the last few years, blaming the Biden-Harris administrations policies for perpetuating the crisis at the southern border. He also criticized the current administration for not dealing with Mexican cartels that traffic deadly drugs into the U.S. Heres my solid promise, is that when Donald J. Trump is the president of the United States, were going to go to war against the Mexican drug cartels, get that poison ... out of our country and return to basic sanity, Vance said. He went on to promise a golden age of peace and prosperity and to make the American dream more affordable again. The Republican vice presidential candidate criticized Harris for dodging unscripted media interviews and for her responses to questions in the interviews she has given. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement (The media will) say that, Well, the Kamala Harris campaign is the campaign of joy, Vance said. I think we have a hell of a lot more joy on our side right now. He called on folks to join his big tent party, adding, Youre welcome in this big tent, so long as you believe in common sense, but we have got to stop electing politicians who call half of the country garbage, who call half the country Nazis, who call half the country fascists. Donald Trump Jr. speaks prior to Republican vice presidential nominee Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, taking the stage at a campaign rally Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in Scottsdale, Ariz. | Ross D. Franklin Trump Jr. recounts trip to McDonalds, Charlie Kirk talks numbers Donald Trump Jr. introduced Vance with an anecdote about a recent father-son fishing trip he took with his 10- and 14-year-olds that included a visit to McDonalds. Lets be clear, when Donald Trump Jr. has sticker shock at McDonalds, its a serious problem. He admitted he is reasonably spoiled, being the son of a billionaire from Manhattan. But, he added, When I grew up, I did not realize that McDonalds was a luxury item, before blaming this on President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kirk repeated one number for the Arizona supporters to know. There are 400,000 Republican ballots here in Maricopa County that have yet to be returned, Kirk said. We have to find those ballots, and we have to get them into the system. On top of being one of the handful of swing counties, Maricopa County is also one of the biggest counties in the U.S. in terms of population. Kirk, whose organization is leading ballot-chasing events in Arizona, said he remembers the sickness in his stomach when Trump lost the Grand Canyon State in 2020. We are literally next to precincts that voted for Joe Biden. We are next to precincts that voted for Mark Kelly. And its not because they won the argument, he said, urging voters to exercise their right to vote and take their friends and neighbors with them to the polls. The Turning Point founder also addressed Arizona State Attorney General Kris Mayes, a Democrat, for saying she would investigate Trump over his comments about former Rep. Liz Cheney at an event in Phoenix earlier this week with conservative commentator Tucker Carlson. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump called Cheney a radical war hawk, and said her feelings about war would change if guns are trained on her face. Harris and Cheney criticized Trump over the remarks, and Mayes said she would investigate the presidential candidate. I have already asked my criminal division chief to start looking at that statement, analyzing it for whether it qualifies as a death threat under Arizonas laws, Mayes, a Democrat, said in a television appearance. Kirk pushed back, saying, Instead of our attorney general carrying out the cartels killing our kids, shes trying to investigate the speech of Donald Trump. At one point, Kirk, who grew up in Chicago, said the one thing he loves about Arizona is that there are very few native Arizonans, unless youre a (Latter-Day Saint), jokingly adding, Theyre usually fifth generation, right? He said this at least held true at the Turning Point offices. What is the attraction to Arizona for outsiders? This state is what California used to be in the 1950s, he said, adding the state has a glimmer of opportunity, hope, and a taste of the American spirit. Supporters of former Republican President Donald Trump listen to Donald Trump Jr. speak prior to Republican vice presidential nominee Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, taking the stage at a campaign event Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in Scottsdale, Ariz. | Ross D. Franklin Lake, during her spirited remarks, gave the audience a taste of the Republican plan to reform the Fake News. The Senate candidate threatened the licenses broadcast media networks get issued by the Federal Communications Commission. Were going to take a long, hard look at the FCC licenses that these people have. We give them those licenses, and they lie to us, she said. Voters tired, but resilient At one point, Lake asked how many people had already voted, and a majority of hands went up. She advised those voting in person next week to not get out of line until they cast their ballots. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I know were all sick and tired of the commercials. Were sick and tired of just the heaviness of this political season, but in three days, we save our country, we take back our country, she said. Despite having already cast their ballots, many voters say they are attempting to keep their energy high during these final days of voting. Barri Marion and Sam Odle stood in line to grab yard signs after the event. Theyve seen former President Donald Trump at a rally before. Hes here in Arizona nonstop, said Odle. Marion said she stood by Vances arguments for closing the border and bringing an end to human trafficking. Democrats are running commercials four to one against us. The money that they have raised compared to what the Republicans have raised is a whole different ball of wax. But at least the Republican Party speaks the truth, she said. Odle is tired of the ads, too. To him, Trump and Vance stand for freedom and fairness. Everybody should be treated equal. ... Thats what we need to return to. And if you look and see what Trump actually did with his policies, you know, I call it fairness. Make America fair again. He hopes Election Day brings change. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mark Hackert, retired, 69, said he feels excited for the conservative movement. This is his first rally in years. I would typically vote on Election Day ... but this is the first time I voted early, he said, pointing to the printer and voting machine failures that have hurt voters trust. Most people here voted early. My faith is ultimately in Jesus, Hackert said. And you know, it doesnt matter, who wins, Im not gonna have a riot. ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) Seneca County Sheriffs Deputy Steele recently recued a dog in distress, SCSO confirms in a Facebook post. On October 31, Deputy Steele was responding to a report of a dog in distress and found a dog with its collar caught in the porch decking unable to break free. According to SCSO, Steele used bolt cutters to safely free the dog and the family later dropped off a letter of gratitude along with a donation to the Law Enforcement Center. We cant thank you enough for the quick response and amazing officer who saved Zowies life yesterday, the letter reads. Sometimes its the smallest things that seem small that make the biggest difference in life, youve proven that very true. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The family also notes their positive experience with the 911 dispatcher who took the call. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Severe storms and reported tornadoes tore through Oklahoma on Saturday into early Sunday, injuring at least 11 people, toppling power lines and trees, and leaving a trail of destruction. Multiple suspected tornadoes and storms in central and west Oklahoma damaged at least 100 homes statewide, Gov. Kevin Stitt said at a news conference Sunday. Downed power lines blocked roads and debris was strewn across the ground in some areas, and in Tulsa County, about 100 miles northeast of Oklahoma City, lightning strikes set a house on fire. Firefighters rescued at least two people trapped in overturned mobile homes, the Oklahoma City Fire Department said in an update on social media. Firefighters also responded to individuals stranded in their vehicles due to flash flooding conditions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The fire department initially reported that five people were taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries but said in a later update that the number increased to 11. "Several others at the scene sustained minor injuries but chose not to seek medical treatment," the fire department said in an update Sunday. "At this time, there have been no reports of fatalities." The storms caused "extensive damage to residential and commercial properties," and knocked down power lines, traffic lights, and trees throughout the area, the fire department said. By Sunday night, more than 17,000 people were without power down from the nearly 82,000 people left in the dark Sunday morning, according to poweroutage.us. Damage from a tornado is seen along Pinewood Drive in Oklahoma City on Nov. 3, 2024. Tornado risk: Hurricane Helene's huge size ups a terrifying risk: Tornadoes Multiple tornadoes reported around Oklahoma City Storms that spun up in western Texas earlier in the weekend strengthened as they drifted over Oklahoma, triggering tornado and flash flood warnings across portions of the state on Saturday evening, according to AccuWeather forecasters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than 3 million people in east-central Oklahoma and stretching over the border into Texas were still under a tornado warning through 9 a.m. Sunday. By Sunday night, over 524,000 people across Oklahoma were under a tornado alert, according to USA TODAY's weather alerts tracker. Rick Smith, National Weather Service warning coordination meteorologist, said Sunday that at least five tornadoes hit the state, the Oklahoman, part of the USA TODAY Network, reported. "Were still surveying and that number will probably change, but for now that's what we got," Smith said. "Its unusual for anytime of year to get tornadoes this strong after midnight, even more so in November. We always tell people tornado season is from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31. It can happen anytime you get the right ingredients." An unconfirmed tornado significantly damaged Newcastle Elementary School, south of Oklahoma City. Videos shared with local news showed the roof torn off school buildings and the gym. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Posts to social media showed severe damage from a reported tornado in Valley Brook, southeast Oklahoma City, according to the Oklahoman. Election Day forecast:: Good weather for most of the US, but rain in some swing states Flood warnings as Oklahoma City river could crest at 18 feet Fire officials warned people in the Oklahoma City metro area on Saturday evening to prepare to seek higher ground as torrential rains put the area at risk of flash flooding. A flood warning was still in effect Sunday for part of the North Canadian River in Oklahoma City, which forecasters expect to crest at almost 18 feet on Sunday afternoon. Two Oklahoma churches canceled Sunday services in response to the severe weather, according to the Oklahoman. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The National Weather Service warned Oklahomans on Sunday not to "let your guard down too much" another round of thunderstorms, heavy rainfall and flooding will keep the storm risk elevated in the area today, forecasters said on X, formerly Twitter. Winds could reach up to 80 mph on Sunday, they warned. Storms could continue through Election Day The heaviest rainfall stretching into Sunday will target eastern and central Oklahoma, parts of northwestern Arkansas and southern Missouri, according to the weather service. AccuWeather forecasters predicted severe thunderstorms will stick around the Oklahoma City area on Sunday before shifting northeast to reach a peak on Monday. A risk of widespread, damaging winds could continue late into that night, before weakening as voters head to the polls for Election Day on Tuesday. Stitt said Sunday that one of the state's main priorities will be restoring power to polling places ahead of the election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We'll advise the public if there's any issue there with the polling stations and reroute people if we need to," Stitt said. (This story was updated to add new information.) Contributing: Dale Denwalt, Ryan Sharp, Josh Dulaney, and Jana Hayes, The Oklahoman This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Severe storms and reported tornadoes rip through Oklahoma City Halloween revellers picked up a severed head on an Edinburgh street after a pensioner was killed following a bus crash. Officers in the Scottish capital set up two forensic tents in the Cowgate area of the city on Saturday evening and later confirmed that a 74-year-old man had died after being struck by a single-decker bus. Videos posted on social media appear to show partygoers in fancy dress picking up the head, possibly thinking it was a Halloween prop, before dropping it in shock. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police Scotland said they were aware of videos and images circulating on social media and called for these not to be shared as they were causing distress to the victims family and those who inadvertently viewed them. The claims that a severed head had been discovered have not been directly confirmed by Police Scotland, although the force asked that images were not distributed out of respect for the deceaseds family. Officers were called to the incident around 7.25pm on Saturday. Police forensics investigate the serious road traffic collision - Duncan McGlynn Revellers said they had been told about the gruesome discovery, with officers shutting down pubs in the popular nighttime district, while on a night out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Katy McLaughlan, 31, said she and her friends had been told to leave Bannermans Bar on the Cowgate after reports of a head in the street outside. We were in Bannermans having a drink and there was a band playing at the back when an announcement was made, Ms McLaughlan, from Dumfries who was in Edinburgh with friends, told The Sunday Mail. We didnt hear what was said because it was so noisy but when we finished our drinks and went to leave, a member of the staff stopped us. He asked if we did not hear the announcement that police were outside and thats when he said a severed head had been found in the Cowgate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I almost laughed because its Halloween weekend and I thought it was a prank. We went to the bar where the staff said, No, its real. They said that the police had ordered them to shut the pub. I saw three police cars and five police officers and a small silver tent. The whole area is sealed off. It seems so surreal. Isolated incident Chief Inspector Trisha Clark, the local area commander, said: We are aware of videos and images circulating on social media which are causing distress to the deceaseds family and those viewing them inadvertently. We would ask members of the public not to share them out of respect for his family, and to report them to the relevant social media platform to prevent further circulation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There has been a lot of speculation, and I would like to reassure the local community that this was an isolated incident and there is no risk to the wider public. This was a tragic incident. We are investigating a crash, and our road policing officers, assisted by local officers, are continuing to carry out enquiries. Anyone with concerns or any information which could assist the investigation should contact police. 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. I live with my husband and two teens, and we've had a Costco membership since 2014. Costco has some great deals, but sometimes buying in bulk isn't worth it for our family. I've found many of the premade meals aren't a good value, and buying cold cuts in bulk is wasteful. When I moved with my husband and then-4-year-old sons from England to Texas in 2014, one of the first things we did was get a Costco membership. The concept of buying groceries in bulk wasn't common in England, so Costco shopping was a real novelty. We loved the chain's deals and how it seemed to sell everything, with products as varied as freshly baked croissants and electronics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ten years later, we still shop there and have an executive membership but I've learned that not everything is an awesome value and that it doesn't always make sense for our family of four to buy in bulk. I also try to remember that a Costco membership isn't free. Our membership recently went up to $130 a year, and though we get a 2% reward on purchases, it makes me a better shopper not to lose sight of this. Here are a few things we usually don't buy at Costco and why. We love variety too much to justify buying K-Cups at Costco. We don't like to commit to 100 K-Cups of just one flavor and brand. Jill Robbins I love my Keurig, and my husband and I both drink coffee daily. We have different taste buds and like having different styles of coffee on hand I like to change it up throughout the week, and he faithfully drinks either breakfast blends or decaf. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We like to keep several coffee varieties on hand at a time, so buying K-Cups in mass quantities at Costco would take over our pantry. The wholesale retailer usually has good prices on K-Cups, but we prioritize our space here. We skip the 100-packs and usually pay a little more per pod for smaller quantities of coffee at Walmart or our local grocery store, HEB. In my experience, many of the ready-to-eat meals aren't a great value. It's not always worth getting ready-to-eat meals at Costco. Jill Robbins I like to keep ready-to-eat meals, such as pulled pork, on hand for when I don't have time to cook but I don't think every dish at Costco is a good value. On one trip to Costco, I found a 2-pound container of Kirkland pulled pork for $14.99. That same week, I found a 1-pound container of Lloyd's pulled pork at Walmart for $5.88. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Buying two Lloyd's containers at Walmart would be cheaper and still give me enough food to feed my family with leftovers. At the same time, even HEB had a somewhat comparable deal to Costco's: A pound of house-brand pulled pork for $7.99 plus shoppers got a free loaf of bread with purchase. I don't always have time to do this level of comparison, but I often find grocery stores have better prices on convenience foods unless Costco is having a sale. The large packs of cold cuts and sliced cheese usually go bad before we can finish them. Our family doesn't go through cold cuts fast enough to justify getting them at Costco. Maria Bellos Fisher I've gotten careful about buying perishables in bulk because I hate having to throw away food before we can reasonably finish it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The large packs of cold cuts and sliced cheese at Costco are just too big for our family of four. And, even though we frequently eat sandwiches, nothing seems to make our family want them less than buying a big pack of cold cuts call it Murphy's Law of Lunchmeat! Instead, I usually buy store-brand meats and cheeses at our local grocery store in smaller quantities. If I'm willing to spend a little more, I'll get them freshly sliced at the grocery-store deli counter they taste even better. I only get breakfast cereal at Costco if there's a good sale. I like to check the prices of cereal at Costco and our local supermarkets. Jill Robbins Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In general, knowing how much items usually cost at my local grocery store can help me decide whether something's actually a good deal at Costco. I always try to compare prices for cereal. Many grocery stores sell private-label dupes of popular cereals such as Cheerios or Cinnamon Toast Crunch, which are even cheaper than buying the real deal in bulk. But Costco sometimes has great sales on cereal that make its prices the best, so knowing how much cereal costs across the board helps me decide what's a good deal. Read the original article on Business Insider DENVER (KDVR) The Gilpin County Sheriffs Office reported that shots had been fired at Catholic Cemetery. A group was visiting Catholic Cemetery west of Central City when two UTVs drove by at high speeds. Loveland man arrested, accused of murder weeks after altercation with police An altercation began between the group and the drivers of the UTVs over the speed at which they were traveling. During the altercation, it was reported that one of the drivers of the UTVs retrieved a rifle from the vehicle and fired an unknown number of shots into the air. Nobody was shot or injured during the incident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Gilpin County Sheriffs Office is investigating the incident alongside the Blackhawk Police Department and Colorado State Patrol. The agency had no suspects to share and did not report how many people were in the UTVs, other than there were multiple people involved. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. A single mother has become the latest to launch legal action against the Governments VAT raid on private schools. The woman, being represented by Sinclairs Law, argues the tax change will disproportionately impact single mothers who will be less likely to afford fee hikes. The parent, who remains anonymous in legal documents, has two children with severe educational needs who receive taxpayer-funded support through Education, Health and Care Plans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She also has a third child who does not have special educational needs and attends a private school. Lawyers claim the daughters school offers her a safe haven following a traumatic former home life with her father and respite from her current family responsibilities, which include caring for her two siblings. The girl currently receives a 3,000 bursary at her 14,000-a-year private school, which has announced it intends to increase fees by 20 per cent under Labours VAT raid. The parent argues this would translate to a 280 monthly increase in fees from January, making her daughters school unaffordable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The mother also alleges her ex-husband is now on benefits having given up work and does not pay child maintenance, making it impossible for her to cover the increased costs alone. Sinclairs Law will seek to argue that the Governments VAT policy is discriminatory against single mothers who could be forced to take their children out of private schools that are meeting their needs. The law firm claims this would breach their right to education under the European Convention on Human Rights and the Human Rights Act 1998. In a pre-action letter sent to Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor, on Friday, lawyers said single mothers would be hit especially hard by the policy owing to the well-established gender pay gap. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Women in full-time employment earned around 7 per cent less than men in April this year, according to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics. The legal bid on behalf of the mother joins a host of other cases against the Governments VAT raid, which will see private schools charged an extra 20 per cent tax from Jan 1 2025. The Independent Schools Council (ISC), which represents more than half of private schools in the UK, announced earlier this week it would also sue the Government over the policy. The group will similarly argue that Labours flagship education policy undermines some families human rights. It will focus on childrens right to education and allege the policy amounts to a discriminatory practice against independent schools. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ISC has hired Lord Pannick KC, the leading human rights barrister, to spearhead the legal challenge. The organisation, which is acting on behalf of 1,400 private schools, is preparing to send a letter-before-action in the coming weeks and must bring the High Court challenge within three months. It could link up with other legal bids, including a separate challenge launched by three independent faith schools. Emmanuel School in Derby, the Branch Christian School in Yorkshire, and the Kings School in Hampshire announced last month they will pursue a judicial review against the tax raid, with support from the Christian Legal Centre. None of the legal challenges will be able to stop the VAT policy coming into force. Claimants hope that the courts might deem it incompatible with human rights laws, which could pressure the Government into considering further exemptions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It would ultimately be up to ministers what they choose to do with this, and the Government could ignore any ruling. The Treasurys internal forecast suggested the VAT raid, plus Labours plans to remove business rates relief for private schools in England with charitable status, would raise more than 1.8 billion each year by the end of the decade. Labour has pledged to spend the money it hopes to raise on 6,500 new state school teachers and 3,000 extra nurseries in primary schools, alongside other measures to improve state education. The Treasury said it does not comment on potential litigation matters. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU) The Siouxland Cyclists participated in their 7th annual Cranksgiving Ride Saturday. 13 cyclists biked to four grocery stores around Sioux City, gathering as much food as they could carry to donate to the Food Bank of Siouxland. Cone Park closes out first season of mountain biking with send-off event With Sioux Citys many paved bike trails, the club saw this years event as a way to say thank you to Siouxland for keeping them safe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its a way for us as a bike club to give back to our community, as the city has given to us an opportunity to be safer riding our bikes, Siouxland Cyclists president Ronald Begnoche said. Its just another way for us to show our appreciation to the city and to our community that we appreciate what they have done for us, and if we can help you, then were going to try to do that. Last years Cranksgiving Ride supplied more than 3,000 meals for the Siouxland 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 SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said he was delighted to interact with members of the vibrant Indian community in Brisbane during his Australia visit. "The upcoming opening of India's 4th consulate in Australia is a step forward in our friendship," said Jaishankar in a X post, after addressing the diaspora. Notably, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his visit to Australia in May 2023 announced to opening its fourth consulate in Australia at Brisbane, the capital of Queensland state, fulfilling a long-standing demand of the Indian diaspora. Queensland has a rapidly growing Indian diaspora and is fast expanding its trade and investment relationship with India. India has a high commission in the national capital Canberra and there are currently consulates in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth. There is also an honorary consulate in Brisbane. While addressing the Indian diaspora at the University of Queensland in Brisbane, Australia, on Sunday, Jaishankar noted the presence of around 125,000 individuals of Indian origin in Australia, including approximately 15,000-16,000 students in Queensland, underscoring the significance of this vibrant community in fostering deeper ties. He pointed out that 75 per cent of Australia's exports to India originate from Brisbane and urged the stakeholders not to view the achievements of the India-Australia relationship in the last decade merely as milestones but rather as a glimpse of the potential that lies ahead. The EAM elaborated on the strategic framework established to enhance bilateral relations, stating that India had placed a framework in which this relationship would grow and foster in the future. "About 125,000 people of Indian origin live here. I'm told roughly 15,000-16,000 students are living in this state. What impressed me was that 75 per cent of Australia's exports to India come from this state... In the last 10 years, we should not treat it as an achievement but as a glimpse of what is possible. What we have done is put in place a framework in which this relationship will grow and foster in the times to come. Today, as India looks out at the world and say which are our really crucial foreign policy and platforms." He further highlighted the recent developments in educational cooperation, noting, "We have just had the visit of our Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan to Australia and I do believe that education and research will play a disproportionate role in the knowledge economy and the era of AI." Jaishankar also spoke about the strong India-Australia comprehensive strategic partnership and the efforts, vision and leadership of both countries to energise it. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is on a five-day Australia visit starting today. EAM is in Brisbane to inaugurate India's 4th consulate in Australia. EAM will also co-chair the 15th Foreign Ministers' Framework Dialogue (FMFD) with Australian Foreign Minister H.E. Ms. Penny Wong in Canberra. EAM Jaishankar will deliver the keynote address at the inaugural session of the 2nd Raisina Down Under to be held in the Australian Parliament House. EAM is also scheduled to have interactions with Australian leadership, parliamentarians, members of the Indian diaspora, business community, media and think tanks. On the second leg of the visit, EAM will travel to Singapore for an official visit on November 8, 2024, during which he will address the 8th Roundtable of ASEAN - India Network of Think Tanks. He will also meet the leadership of Singapore to review the close partnership between the two countries and explore avenues to further enhance the bilateral relationship. (ANI) GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) Amid drought conditions, scattered rain showers have moved into West Michigan. Here is everything to know about the incoming soaking rainfall. Download the free Storm Team 8 weather app HOW LONG WILL IT LAST? While it wont be raining all of today and Tuesday, but several soaking rounds are expected through both days. A widespread batch of moderate to heavy rainfall is expected Monday morning, before a potential lull in the afternoon. Rain will be most persistent and heaviest north and west of Grand Rapids. As moisture continues to roll into the Great Lakes, additional rounds of rainfall are expected from time to time through Tuesday, which will impact Election Day. WHATS THE ELECTION DAY FORECAST? Windy and occasionally rainy conditions are expected as day-of voting gets underway Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With the cold front expected to arrive late Tuesday, winds will be on the increase, with gusts potentially topping 40 mph at times locally. That will combine with occasional rain showers and perhaps a few thunderstorms, with the greatest potential for heavy amounts once again north and west of Grand Rapids. HOW MUCH RAIN IS EXPECTED? By the time the cold front fully passes through late Tuesday into early Wednesday, rainfall amounts will be significant for parts of West Michigan. Widespread 1- to 2-inch rainfall totals are anticipated with the heaviest amounts favored northwest of Grand Rapids. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement HOW MUCH DO WE NEED THE RAIN? With much of West Michigan experiencing moderate drought conditions, the rain will be welcomed. Driest start to meteorological fall since 1979 Since early September, rainfall deficits have grown to 3 to 5 inches in most of West Michigan. The exception is the Muskegon area, thanks to one day of heavy rain in September. WHEN WILL THE RAIN END? Once the cold front moves through, a return to tranquil weather will arrive for Wednesday and the remainder of the week. A few sprinkles will be possible Wednesday morning with persistent clouds hanging around. Sunshine will prevail Thursday through Saturday with more seasonal highs in the mid-to-upper 50s through next weekend. You can keep up with the latest forecast here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com. Project 2025, the conservative blueprint for a second Trump presidency, has been used as a warning by Democrats to highlight what would be in store for the country if he were to win the upcoming election. But for some Americans, much of Project 2025 isnt a distant possible future it is a current-day reality. In several states across the country, there are already extreme abortion bans that have led to the deaths of multiple pregnant women and at least one teen; restrictive voting policies that make it difficult for citizens to cast their ballots; defunding of education and censorship of books; and other such policies that have also been proposed by the authors of Project 2025. If the plan is successfully implemented, many policies that are already reshaping some states would become federal laws. Project 2025 is a fascist blueprint for governance, said Lea Campbell, the founding president of the Mississippi Rising Coalition, a grassroots organization that supports lower-income communities. But Mississippi, she said, which has an entrenched conservative majority, is already dealing with many of the proposed policies, specifically the policing and surveilling of marginalized people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Families across Mississippi are still rebuilding after the largest immigration raid in the country, which happened five years ago. In 2019, on the first day of school, scores of children returned home to find that their parents were part of 680 people who were taken into custody, some of whom were subsequently deported, after US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents raided seven poultry plants. Under Project 2025, mass deportations would be expedited, further tearing families apart. We have been sounding the alarm for more than 10 years, just around the policies in this state, enacted by conservatives that target the most vulnerable among us, Campbell said. Weve been saying about policies under this ultra-conservative legislature that we have here in Mississippi [that] the cruelty is the point, it seems, with a lot of this legislation that targets poor people and people of color, and women, and the queer and trans community. Even when voters have made it clear that they disagree with proposed conservative policies, lawmakers have found ways to maneuver around their wishes. In 2011, 58% of Mississippians rejected a personhood amendment, which, had it passed, would have defined fertilized eggs as people. Opponents warned that because of the way the amendment defined life, it would ban all abortions with no exceptions for rape or incest, and it would have complicated in vitro fertilization. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, in 2013, the state, along with Kansas, Kentucky, Wyoming, Ohio and North Dakota attempted to pass so-called fetal heartbeat bills, in which abortion is banned after as early as six weeks once cardiac activity is detected. For several years, multiple states tried to pass similar bills and other restrictions. By 2019, 15 states introduced fetal heartbeat bills; six were successful in passing them. Project 2025 aims to enforce the Comstock Act, a 151-year-old anti-obscenity law that prohibits the mailing of abortion-related materials. Doing so could lead to a de facto nationwide ban on abortion, as abortion clinics and advocates rely on the mail to send and receive abortion pills. The plan also indicates a goal of legally recognizing fetuses as people. Currently in Mississippi, drug-sniffing dogs have been used to intercept abortion pills. And in nearby Louisiana, two common abortion pills that are also often used for miscarriage management, softening the cervix during labor and other procedures have been reclassified as controlled substances, despite doctors warning that doing so will harm women. Dont miss important US election coverage. Get our free app and sign up for election alerts Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As it stands, organizers and activists in states that have proto-Project 2025 policies are able to push for change on a state and local level. If Project 2025 were implemented, however, many of those policies could become federally enshrined, drastically changing the way lawmakers and advocates can push to repeal such laws. Nsombi Lambright-Haynes, the executive director of One Voice Mississippi, a civil rights organization, said that the non-profit has been encouraging people to vote by educating them about what Project 2025 would do to the public education system and to reproductive rights. We are pointing out what we already have and then pointing out the danger that can come if something like this is fully implemented, she said. Its really like a wake-up call. A beacon to get people fervent in their racism Two years ago, Jackson, Mississippis capital and the Blackest city in the country, was without water for more than a month due to decades of the state refusing to invest in infrastructure. Danyelle Holmes, an organizer with the non-profit Poor Peoples Campaign, said that implementing Project 2025 nationwide would worsen the rest of the countrys infrastructure woes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Project 2025 supports removing clean water protection, she said. That puts marginalized communities really at a very vulnerable place and position, as were feeling the impact of not having access to clean and safe drinking water. Project 2025 would downgrade per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from being classified as hazardous to contaminants, and it would eliminate the Environmental Protection Agencys (EPA) Toxic Substances Control Act, preventing the government from adequately monitoring the cumulative effect of toxins. The plan could erode the countrys system of checks and balances, according to an analysis by Salon, increasing the presidents power over all of the federal government. But many states have already given such extreme powers to their state officials. In Texas, for instance, the Death Star bill prevents cities and counties from passing measures that are stronger than those passed at the state level across a broad range of policy areas. While in Florida, Ron DeSantis, the governor, has augmented his own power by using the states republican supermajority to cement his ideas into law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Project 2025 would eliminate Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC), an interagency law enforcement training body, increase the use of the federal death penalty, eliminate the use of consent decrees and increase the use of mandatory minimum sentences, according to an analysis by the Thurgood Marshall Institute, the research arm of the Legal Defense Fund. In Mississippi, police departments across the state have already been embroiled in controversy. Six law enforcement officers in Rankin county were convicted for torturing two Black men, while a federal investigation found that police in a majority-Black town elsewhere in the state have created a system where officers can relentlessly violate the law. Project 2025 would make it so that the rest of the country experiences the restrictive, conservative lawmaking that many southerners have been organizing against for years, said Courtney Jones, a writer and researcher with SippTalk Media, a digital media platform, said. Theres no part of this nation that is untouched by the harm that racism does. Project 2025 is more of a beacon to get people to be more fervent in their racism, he said. Instead of whispering about it or doing political loopholes, now theyre just directly saying, Were going to take these small things that weve been doing to these specific populations and now were just going to amplify them. And were going to make this happen across the entire country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jones noted that organizers in the state and region had long been trying to warn the rest of the country about what was happening and what might soon come for them. Their warnings were met with dismissal, he said, as people believed thats just Mississippi for you. The people here that are doing the work have always been doing the work, he said. A lot of people in Mississippi recognize that because weve always been overlooked, that we have to kind of look within in order to save ourselves. There is no grand agency or political candidate thats ever going to come here and suddenly fix things for us. NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) Friday night in North Charleston, the South Carolinians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty group held a vigil for Richard Moore at Cokesbury United Methodist Church. The group had previously asked South Carolina Governor McMaster to delay the execution. They said they will hold a vigil for every execution by the death penalty in South Carolina until the law is changed. Our governor reports to be a Christian which means he reports to follow Jesus with his life, and I ask this every time: Governor McMaster study the scriptures, answer this for me, let me know who Jesus would execute? said Rev. Bryan Pigford. Richard Moore was sentenced to death Friday night for the September 1999 shooting of store clerk James Mahoney in Spartanburg, where he went into the store unarmed. After an altercation with the storeowner, they were both shot, and Moore was charged and later sentenced to the states death row. Tonight, South Carolinians for alternatives to the death penalty held a prayer vigil for Richard Moore in protest of capital punishment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were not here with our heads in the sand, that violence doesnt occur in the world and there doesnt need to be a punishment, but capital punishment is not a deterrent it has no way of rehabilitating the offender the other unfortunate thing about capital punishment is if we make a mistake theres no bringing that mistake back. said Rev. Pigford. At the vigil, they spoke about Richards time in prison where he became a born-again Christian and developed a large circle of friends who say he was a positive influence. Reverand Pigford said they will continue to hold these vigils until they stop the use of the death penalty in South Carolina. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCBD News 2. Analysts at the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) report that South Korea has indicated it could be willing to increase its support for Ukraine amid reports of North Korean troops being deployed near Ukraine's border by Russia. Source: ISW Details: South Korea has indicated a possible willingness to enhance its support for Ukraine amid continued Ukrainian intelligence reports on North Korean forces near the Russian-Ukrainian border. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul mentioned on 1 November that "all possible scenarios are under consideration" when asked about the potential to send weapons to Ukraine following the deployment of North Korean forces in Russia. Cho highlighted that South Korea would monitor the involvement of North Korean troops in Russia and the "benefits" North Korea gains from Russia to decide on further actions. Defence Intelligence of Ukraine (DIU) reported on 2 November that Russian forces had relocated an additional 7,000 North Korean personnel to unspecified areas near Ukraines border in the past week, starting around 26 October. DIU stated that Russian forces have armed North Korean soldiers with 60mm mortars, AK-12 assault rifles, RPK/PKM machine guns, SVD/SVCh sniper rifles, Phoenix anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs), and RPG-7 anti-tank rocket launchers, as well as some night vision devices, thermal imagers, and other optical equipment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To quote the ISWs Key Takeaways on 2 November: Ukrainian forces have reportedly struck seven Russian radars and air defence systems since the night of 20-21 October. South Korea signalled possible readiness to increase support for Ukraine amid continued Ukrainian intelligence on the deployment of North Korean forces near the Russian border with Ukraine. Russian federal censor Roskomnadzor implemented its plan to deanonymise Russian social media accounts on 2 November. Ukrainian and Russian forces marginally advanced north of Sudzha, Kursk Oblast. Russian forces marginally advanced north of Kurakhove in Donetsk Oblast. Chechen Republic Head Ramzan Kadyrov claimed to have rescinded an order for his Akhmat Spetsnaz soldiers to not take Ukrainian service members as prisoners in the war in Ukraine. Support UP or become our patron! CLINTON, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) On Saturday, South Vermillion High School hosted the Ernie Pyle World War II USO show. The event included a dinner, followed by a rendition of a World War II era style show. Both North and South Vermillion band and choir students, as well as local talent, sang, danced, and acted in the 1940s war-time style. WTWOs own Mike Tank hosted the event. The performance is a fundraiser for veterans in the area and the Ernie Pyle Museum, as well as the soon-to-be developed Ernie Pyle and Veterans Memorial Park. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement North Vermillion Band and Choir Director Benjamin West says the performance shows the community that they are here for them. We want to push into the community and let the community know that we are here and that the music department, and the arts, are here for them. We are not just here for ourselves, and we are not just here for the school, but we are here for the community. This is a great way to show that and show veterans in the community that people dont forget about them. People know that they are here, and we appreciate them. The Ernie Pyle World War II Museum in Dana, Indiana is open from May to the second weekend in November. Friday and Saturdays it is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. The death toll after flash flooding wreaked devastation in Spain has reached 211, as the prime minister announced that 5,000 additional soldiers had been deployed to assist the rescue operation. An unknown number of people remain missing after the country suffered its deadliest natural disaster in living memory, which saw heavy rainfall wash away houses and cars in the eastern and central regions. On Saturday, rescuers were still searching for bodies in stranded cars and sodden buildings on Saturday, four days after the storm which has devastated the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Speaking after chairing a meeting of the flood crisis committee, prime minister Pedro Sanchez has announced that 5,000 more police officers were also being sent to Valencia, the worst-hit area. Firefighters wade in water as they search for victims under a bridge (REUTERS) It is the biggest operation by the Armed Forces in Spain in peacetime, Mr Sanchez said. The government is going to mobilize all the resources necessary as long as they are needed. At present, there are some 2,000 soldiers involved in the emergency work, as well as almost 2,500 Civil Guard gendarmes - who have carried out 4,500 rescues during the floods - and 1,800 national police officers. Thousands of volunteers are helping to clean up the thick mud that is covering everything in streets, houses and businesses in the hardest-hit towns. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are still dozens of people looking for their loved ones and hundreds of households mourning the loss of a relative, a friend or a neighbour, Mr Sanchez said in a televised address on Saturday morning. I want to express our deepest love to them and assure them that the government of Spain and the entire state, at all its different administrative levels, is with all of them. Vehicles pile up on the train tracks in the aftermath of flooding (Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) He stressed that the rescue operation was prioritising the recovery of the dead, and added that specialist forensic personnel and mobile morgues were already in the disaster zone and would work day and night; night and day for as long as it takes. Hopes of finding survivors were boosted when rescuers found a woman alive after three days trapped in a car park in Montcada in Valencia, with residents bursting into applause. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thousands of volunteers flocked to Valencias City of Arts and Sciences centre for the first coordinated clean-up organised by regional authorities. The venue has been turned into the nerve centre for the operation. In Valencias Picanya suburb, shop-owner Emilia, 74, said We feel abandoned, there are many people who need help. It is not only my house, is all the houses and we are throwing away furniture, we are throwing away everything. When is the help going to come to have fridges and washing machines? Because we cant even wash our clothes and we cant even have a shower. The death toll has risen to 211 (Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) Nurse Maria Jose Gilabert, 52, who also lives in Picanya, said: We are devastated because there is not much light to be seen here at the moment, not because they are not coming to help, they are coming from all over Spain, but because it will be a long time before this becomes a habitable area again. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During his speech, Mr Sanchez acknowledged the growing public anger that was mounting over the authorities handling of the flooding, saying: I know we have to do better and give it our all. Many have questioned why the Valencian government did not send out an emergency alert until after 8pm on Tuesday, with the prime minister stressing that there would be time later to assess what went wrong and if lessons could be learnt. The storm triggered a new weather alert in the Balearic Islands, Catalonia and Valencia, where rains are expected to continue during the weekend. Scientists say extreme weather events are becoming more frequent in Europe, and elsewhere, due to climate change. Meteorologists think the warming of the Mediterranean, which increases water evaporation, plays a key role in making torrential rains more severe. The death toll from catastrophic flooding in Valencia, Spain, has reached 217, officials announced Sunday, as the search for survivors -- and bodies -- continued in devastated cities and towns left caked in mud and strewn with debris. "The situation we are living in is tragic," Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said in Spanish during a televised national address on Saturday, describing the discovery of bodies in garages, homes, riverbanks and roads. "We are almost certainly talking about the most serious flooding our continent has seen so far this century. And I am aware that the response that is being given is not enough." Sanchez said the government is sending 10,000 soldiers and police to the eastern region of Valencia, about 200 miles east of Madrid, to assist local authorities. PHOTO: More Than 200 People Confirmed Dead After Flooding In Spain (Pablo Blazquez Dominguez/Getty Images) "We have activated the largest deployment, which has already carried out 4,800 rescues and has helped more than 30,000 people in flooded homes, roads and industrial estates," Sanchez said. "Unfortunately, the magnitude of the catastrophe means that they are insufficient." PHOTO: At least 211 dead, areas still isolated after Spain's worst natural disaster in recent history (Anadolu via Getty Images) Videos from volunteer-run crews showed streets in the city of Valencia caked in layers of mud and littered with smashed-up cars, broken furniture and debris. PHOTO: SPAIN-FLOOD (Manaure Quintero/AFP via Getty Images) The Civil Guardia, one of the national law enforcement agencies of Spain, shared videos and photos on social media of rescuers at night guided by lights directed by overhead drones, wading through nearly shoulder-height water and searching overturned cars. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MORE: Dozens dead, thousands trapped after flash floods in Valencia, Spain, officials say The devastating flooding began Tuesday amid heavy rain in southeast Spain, quickly overtaking streets and trapping people in cars and businesses. The Valencia region was inundated with the equivalent of a year's worth of rainfall in just eight hours, according to the State Meteorological Agency. Carlos Mazon, the president of the Valencia region, said in a statement in Spanish on Saturday that 69 municipalities across the entire region were either totally or partially affected by the flooding. PHOTO: More Than 200 People Confirmed Dead After Flooding In Spain (David Ramos/Getty Images) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We have all seen fallen bridges, collapsed roads, washed-out train tracks and the streets of our towns full of mud, cars and furniture piled up," he said. Amid questions over the government's response to the catastrophe, he added, "We are going through the worst moment in our history in our land. A moment of a magnitude that no one could imagine. We are facing the challenge of our lives and together we are going to solve it." On Sunday, while visiting a town devastated by the catastrophic flooding, Spain's King Felipe VI was confronted by many angry residents, some who pelted him with mud and could be heard chanting "murderers." Spain flooding death toll climbs to 217 as cleanup efforts in mud-soaked streets continue originally appeared on abcnews.go.com In the UN General Assembly Fourth Committee UAE reiterated its unwavering commitment to international cooperation, reflected in its significant accomplishments such as the Emirates Mission to the Asteroid Belt, the UAE's contribution to the Artemis Lunar Gateway, and the upcoming moon exploration mission. These initiatives underscore the UAE's commitment to advancing science and technology, contributing significantly to humanity's journey in space exploration and expanding scientific knowledge. During the session, the UAE also underscored the critical role of space capabilities in addressing pressing global challenges, from environmental monitoring and climate resilience to enhancing food security. The UAE has developed a program that leverages satellite data to map out the trail of destruction caused by extreme weather events around the globe and create early warning systems to limit future climate change impacts. Reaffirming its dedication to the peaceful use of outer space, the UAE underscored the need to uphold the principle of the peaceful use of outer space, ensuring that the advanced technological resources and knowledge gained through space activities are utilised for the benefit of all humankind and harnessed to promote peace and sustainable development on Earth. Additionally, the US-UAE Business Council hosted a reception honouring the UAE delegation, providing an opportunity to engage with the global space community. This event also served as a preview for the highly anticipated second Abu Dhabi Space Debate, scheduled for December 10-11, 2024. This year's debate will convene industry, government, and academic leaders to address key challenges and emerging opportunities in the evolving space industry. (ANI/WAM) (FOX40.COM) For nearly 80 years Herky T. Hornet has been the one and only mascot for Sacramento State, but that could change. On Oct. 9, Sacramento State President Luke Wood emailed students that the Associated Student Inc. (ASI) passed a resolution proposing to have a squirrel be the CSUs second spirit mascot. Sacramento States squirrels now have their own Instagram account Those familiar with the campus will know that squirrels are a common site as they make the hundreds of trees on campus their homes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the resolution, the proposal follows numerous requests from students to have a squirrel as an official mascot. A survey was created to determine if a squirrel will become Sac States second mascot, if Herky is to be kept as the sole mascot and if there should be a consideration for a different second spirit mascot. The survey closes on Friday. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40. Today was the final day for early voting in St. Johns County, and elections officials say they saw record-setting numbers in the early vote count this year. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] Elections Supervisor Vicky Oakes said almost 119,000 people voted early in her county. Action News Jax Shanila Kabir spoke to the St. Johns County Supervisor of Elections who said there was a significant voter turnout there even today. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Saturday might have been the last day for early voting, however, Vicky Oakes said voters flooded their doors just in time before pre-Election Day voting ended. Roughly 66% of all county voters turned out to cast their ballots before election day on Tuesday. Several voters we spoke with said there are controversial amendments on the ballot this election and they wanted to cast their votes on issues like abortion restrictions and legalizing recreational marijuana. We spoke to people with differing views on Amendment 4, which if passed would overturn Floridas abortion restrictions. St. Johns resident, Kennedy Troeh said although it is a very sensitive topic, she said she does not believe in late-term abortions. However, another voter said abortions are medical procedures and the decision should only be between a doctor and a patient. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement it shouldnt be a political issue. It shouldnt be politicalized because its a medical procedure at the end of the day, said Leah Yarish. A few voters told Action News Jax that early voting is essentially the only way to avoid the hassles that sometimes happen on Election Day. For me, its a convenience to do it when I can do it and without the long lines and such, said Brian Funk. Supervisor of Elections Vicky Oakes calls the 2024 election historic and monumental with topics that concern all types of voters. We have some very important constitutional amendments on our ballot that could change the face of Florida. Its very important for voters to get out and let their voices be heard, said Oakes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Early voting ended today in St. Johns and Clay counties. In Duval, the final day of early voting is tomorrow, November 3. [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live. AUSTIN (Nexstar) This week, a report from the nonprofit investigative newsroom ProPublica made public the 2021 death of Josseli Barnica, a 28-year-old mother who died of sepsis due to an untreated miscarriage. According to their reporting, her doctors told her it would be a crime to treat her until the fetus heart stopped beating, ultimately delaying her care and causing her death. The story has reinvigorated the concern that Texas abortion ban does not give doctors enough autonomy to treat pregnancy complications. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. Rep. Colin Allred, the Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate who has made abortion access a central tenant of his campaign, quickly used Barnicas story as a critique of U.S. Sen. Ted Cruzs anti-abortion stance. Josseli Barnica should be alive today but because of Ted Cruzs cruel abortion ban, Texas women have been denied the life-saving health care they need, Allred wrote on social media. Cruz called the story heartbreaking, but said Texas law is not to blame. Ive read the story here, and the facts of the case seem heartbreaking. That this woman lost her life is truly a tragedy, Cruz told reporters after a rally in Georgetown on Wednesday. The Texas law makes clear that any procedure that is necessary to save the life of a mother can be done and should be done. We dont know all the details of what happened here, but it is critical that we do everything necessary to save the lives of moms and we grieve with the family at the tragedy that occurred here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Texas law prohibits abortion in nearly all cases, without exceptions for rape or incest. Physicians may be punished for performing abortions with six-figure fines, the loss of their medical license, and prison time. But abortion is allowed if, as is written in the law, in the exercise of reasonable medical judgment, the pregnant female on whom the abortion is performed, induced, or attempted has a life-threatening physical condition aggravated by, caused by, or arising from a pregnancy that places the female at risk of death or poses a serious risk of substantial impairment of a major bodily function unless the abortion is performed or induced. Physicians have sued to argue that language is too vague, claiming the reasonable medical judgment standard is too subjective to allow them to act freely without concern for their own liability. In May, the Texas Supreme Court rejected those concerns, ruling that the abortion bans exceptions are acceptable and permit abortions before imminent emergencies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The law does not require a woman to surrender her life or to first suffer serious bodily injury before an abortion may be performed, the court wrote. According to October polling from the Texas Politics Project, 7% of Texas likely voters say abortion/womens rights is the most important issue to their vote, trailing the economy, immigration/border security, and inflation/cost of living. High stakes in local races for many Texas voters While the presidential and Senate races have taken center stage this election cycle, there are several local races across the state with high stakes as well. In Amarillo, a proposition to make the city a sanctuary for the unborn is on the ballot. Proposition A would allow citizens to sue anyone aiding an Amarillo citizen in getting an abortion. It would also make it illegal to travel through the city while seeking an abortion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After multiple iterations of that ordinance were rejected by the Amarillo City Council, its adoption has been left to local voters as a measure on the Nov. 5, 2024 ballot. U.S. House races in South Texas could determine control of Congress this year. Texas District 34 race is a rematch from 2022 when Republican Mayra Flores lost to Democratic Congressman Vicente Gonzalez. Flores held the seat for a couple of months after winning a special election in 2022 before losing to Gonzalez in November. Redistricting pushed Gonzalez into District 34; he previously represented District 15. In District 15, Republican Monica De La Cruz is facing a challenge from Democratic entrepreneur Michelle Vallejo. The district flipped red for the first time in history in 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement East Texas has seen record turnout in early voting this year, fueled in part by state House races. Democrat Cody Grace is facing an uphill battle to flip Texas House District 6, which includes the city of Tyler. Grace is running against Republican Daniel Alders in the red-leaning district. The seat is currently held by Republican Rep. Matt Schaefer, who did not run for reelection after serving 12 years in the Texas House. In Texas House District 7, Republican Jay Dean is trying to hold on to his seat. He faces a challenge from Marlena Cooper, a Democrat from Longview. The mayors race is back on the ballot in Austin after voters decided to move the election to run concurrently with the presidential race. Incumbent Mayor Kirk Watson served a half term and is now facing four challengers. Running to unseat him are former Austin City Council member Kathie Tovo and community organizers Carmen Llanes Pulido, Jeffrey Bowen and Doug Greco. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Voters in Travis County will also decide whether to approve a tax rate increase to fund affordable child care. According to county staff, the tax rate increase would generate roughly $75 million for the county in the first year. It would cost the average homeowner roughly $125 in the same time period. In Lubbock, a $103 million bond is on the ballot for street improvements throughout the city. The funding could help with a project to replace the crumbling bricks on the historic Broadway Street. Land purchase clears path for state-funded border wall segment A Texas agency has bought a ranch on the border in rural Starr County where the state plans to build more border wall. The Texas General Land Office on Tuesday announced it purchased a 1,400-acre ranch where corn and other crops were being grown and the state will build a 1.5-mile new segment of border wall on the property. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The land is near where Texas built its first, 1.7-mile segment of state-funded border wall in 2022 as part of the states Operation Lone Star border security initiative. Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham told Border Report on Tuesday that the agency had been trying to acquire the land for a while because of reports that the area is notorious for sexual assaults of migrant women and children by Mexican drug cartel and human trafficking organizations. This is a high-traffic area at the border. A lot of terrible things happening there, Buckingham said via a Zoom interview from Austin. Because the landowner was not allowing law enforcement nor the border wall to be built on her property, once the bad guys know this is a free pass zone, then they just start running through. And the stories that I was hearing as we were getting closer and closer to acquiring this property were just heartbreaking. It was story after story of abused women and children. The agency bought the land on Oct. 23 with mineral revenue and Buckingham said the purchase was approved by two independent boards. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The agency plans to give an easement of the borderland to the Texas Facilities Commission to start border wall construction in December. Its been a long fight to get here, to be able to acquire this piece of property to get this wall built, she said. As of the summer, Texas has built about 34 miles of state-funded border wall at a cost of about $25 million per mile, according to an investigation by the Texas Tribune. Border Report asked the Texas Facilities Commission, which oversees state border wall projects, how much this new section will cost, but the agency declined to comment. The newly purchased parcel of land and ranch are just west of the small town of La Grulla and the current section of the Texas-funded border wall, which was the first to be built in the state and the first state to build a border wall in the nation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Grass and weeds already are growing at the base of the 1.7-mile segment, which will not abut the new section but will be within a couple of miles, agency officials tell Border Report. Drone footage of the GLO land show fields of corn and sorghum, cotton and onion crops, which Buckingham says the agency plans to continue farming and should not be affected by the border wall construction. She said the General Land Office last week also acquired land in West Texas, in Brewster County, near the city of Marathon with a small segment on the river where the agency also plans to give the easement to the state to build border wall. Buckingham says the state is building the wall because the Biden administration isnt defending the Texas border. Texas and this entire administration has been standing in the gap left by the federal government, she said. Texas hospitals collecting citizenship data after executive order As of Friday, Texas hospitals are required to collect information regarding patients who are not legally in the country as part of an executive order from Gov. Greg Abbott. Abbott signed the order in August in an effort to collect data on the costs of caring for undocumented patients, claiming Texas absorbs a large percentage of the costs associated with medical care for individuals who are not lawfully in the United States. The order also directs hospitals to inform patients that their response will not affect patient care. Texas has the highest uninsured rate in the nation at 17% more than double the national average. Five million Texans have no insurance, the Texas Hospital Association reported. Last year, hospitals provided more than $8 billion in charity care for uninsured people, with more than $3 billion not reimbursed. Most uninsured Texans are citizens, however. While 1.6 million undocumented immigrants live in Texas, they go to the hospital at lower rates than U.S. citizens and make up a minority of the uninsured cost burden on state hospitals, the Texas Tribune reported. The American Civil Liberties Union of Texas worries the order will discourage undocumented Texans from seeking necessary medical care. They stress that patients do not need to answer the question, and cannot be denied care no matter their answer. This order should not impact anybodys access to care period, senior staff attorney with the ACLU of Texas David Donatti said. Whether you are native-born, a U.S. citizen, an immigrant, whatever your status should be, you should be able to access the healthcare that you need and the facility should not have the ability to block you from receiving that kind of care. That is crystal clear as a matter of federal law. Donatti said the ACLU is exploring possible legal action against the Governors order. The Texas Hospital Association also reassures patients that the new rule will not impact healthcare access. The bottom line for patients is that this doesnt change hospital care. Texas hospitals continue to be a safe place for needed care, Texas Hospital Association spokesperson Carrie Williams told Nexstar. On the particulars of implementation, all hospitals are different. Hospitals across the state are working on the backend to determine how to comply with the reporting guidance and meet the states deadlines. The order applies only to hospitals enrolled in Medicaid or the Childrens Health Insurance Program. Those facilities are required to report their data to the Health and Human Services Commission each quarter, with the first submission due March 1, 2025. ER crash family meets councilmember pushing for change It was an emotional embrace months in the making. Hi, can I give you a hug? Austin City Councilmember Mackenzie Kelly asked, before wrapping her arms around Levi and Nadia Bernard. Its so good to meet you. Its so good to meet you, too, Nadia Bernard said, with tears in her eyes. Eight months after a drunk driver drove through the lobby of an Austin hospital, a family badly hurt that day heard first-hand how their story could soon save lives. KXAN connected Kelly with Nadia and Levi Bernard after they all said they wanted to thank each other. On Thursday they met inside the same City Hall room where Kelly first watched their story in May and asked staff to initiate an ordinance change. Levi Bernard, left, Austin City Councilmember Mackenzie Kelly, center, and Nadia Bernard, right, pose with a signed copy of Kellys resolution asking for crash-rated bollards at new hospitals. (KXAN Photo/Matt Grant) That ordinance will now be voted on in December. If passed, it will require crash-rated security bollards at new city hospitals, stand-alone emergency rooms and urgent care clinics. Existing hospitals would be required to install them if they apply for a new permit. KXAN reached out to Kellys District 6 election opponent, Krista Laine, for comment. We asked her thoughts on the bollards ordinance but was told her campaign will not be commenting on this. Levi said he was flabbergasted at how quickly their story has inspired change. Typically, the process can be months, but I wanted to make sure this was a priority, Kelly said. It was within days from watching KXANs investigation that I had researched and fully drafted something. EXPLORE: KXANs ongoing Preventing Disaster investigation into hospital crashes That resolution was presented to the family and their attorney as a signed gift. This is amazing, Nadia said. Im going to put it on my wall. On Feb. 13, the Bernards were in the lobby of St. Davids North Austin Medical Center with their two toddlers when a vehicle crashed into them, killing the driver and injuring five people total. Their youngest, Sunny, went through the cars windshield. Surveillance video, obtained through a public records request, shows the chaotic scene as Levi frantically searched for their son. So, how are your kids doing? Kelly asked. Theyre OK. Theyre OK. Were dealing with a lot of things but overall were Nadia said before pausing. Moving in the right direction, Levi finished. Persisting? Kelly asked. Yeah, Nadia replied. Exactly. Austin City Councilmember Mackenzie Kelly, left, signs a copy of her bollard resolution for Levi and Nadia Bernard. (KXAN Photo/Matt Grant) Kelly told the family she cant imagine the trauma they experienced that day. That trauma has now been transformed into a potential new city policy that will forever be in the history of the city. Thats something that I feel is a good legacy, Kelly said. WATCH: Extremely violent and scary surveillance video shows hospital crash impact When we heard that you were on top of it and youre like right at it, it felt like we had a voice, you know? Nadia said. Like, someone who doesnt know us but cared for us I thank you for that, really. Thank you for those kind words, Kelly replied. The familys recovery has been moving one day at a time. Nadia no longer needs a wheelchair and now walks with the help of a cane. Psychologically, were still pretty messed up, Levi said. And, we still have an array of physical issues. But, were better off than we were yesterday. Its still kind of tough to accept this reality, Nadia said. After a car crashed into St. Davids North Austin Medical Center, it added security barriers near the ER entrance (Photos courtesy Howry, Breen & Herman; Diane Warmoth) A KXAN investigation found the type of crash that injured the Bernard family is not uncommon, with more than 300 incidents involving medical centers across the U.S. in the past decade. It turns out safety devices crash-tested to save lives are not required on a local, state or federal level even at critical infrastructure, like hospitals where entrances often include pedestrian and vehicle traffic. In May, the family filed a $1 million lawsuit accusing St. Davids NAMC of gross negligence for not having bollards. A dozen were installed after KXAN started asking questions. St. Davids would not comment on the lawsuit. In court records, it pointed to cases where a lack of safety bollards at commercial buildings were found to not constitute an unreasonably dangerous condition. Were in the fact-gathering stage, said the Bernards attorney, Sean Breen. And, I can tell you, there are no good answers for why this happened. It should have never happened. Their goal now is to prevent this from happening again. The Bernards story is already sparking a General Services Administration review of federal facilities in the Southwestern U.S. and State Sen. Royce West, D-Dallas, is considering a potential statewide bollard bill, which Kelly supports. Kelly said she already reached out to Wests office and offered to be a resource. Its important we do this on a broader scale, she said. So that the impact is greater. We really appreciate all her work, Nadia told KXAN after their meeting. And your work, too, Matt, thank 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 KXAN Austin. Alabama Photo ID required Alabama requires voters to present photo ID while voting. A voter can obtain a free photo ID from the Alabama Secretary of State, a county registrars office, or a mobile location, which changes daily. The mobile location schedule can be accessed here.[1][2] Link Alaska Non-photo ID required Voters in Alaska must present a valid form of identification at the polls. The identification does not have to include a photo. If an election official knows the identity of the voter, the official can waive the identification requirement unless it is a first-time voter who registered without providing identification.[3] Link Arizona Non-photo ID required In Arizona, a voter must present some form of identification at the polls. The identification does not necessarily need to include a photo. A voter can either present a photo ID that includes his or her name and registered address, or two forms of non-photo ID that include the voters name and registered address. Link Arkansas Photo ID required Arkansas has a photo ID requirement for voting purposes. The identification must include the voters name and photograph. It must be issued by the United States, the State of Arkansas, or an accredited postsecondary educational institution in the State of Arkansas.[4] Link California No ID required According to the Office of the California Secretary of State, [i]n most cases, a California voter is not required to show identification to a polling place worker before casting a ballot. A voter may be asked to provide identification at the polls if it is his or her first time voting (this requirement applies if the individual registered by mail without providing a drivers license number, state identification number, or the last four digits of a Social Security number). Acceptable forms of identification include drivers licenses, utility bills, or any document sent by a government agency.[5] Link Colorado Non-photo ID required Colorado voters must provide a valid form of identification if they choose to vote in person. The identification does not have to include a photo. Voters may also need to return a photocopy of their ID with their ballots if they are voting by mail for the first time. Link Connecticut Non-photo ID required Voters in Connecticut must present some form of identification at the polls, though a photo is not required. A voter who does not present a required ID may sign an affidavit with their name, address, and date of birth, and then election officials may determine that the voter is eligible to vote. First-time voters who registered by mail must present either valid photo ID or a current document such as a bill or check with their name and address when voting in elections with federal candidates. All other voters must present either a social security card or other ID showing either name and address, name and signature, or name and photo. Link D.C. No ID required D.C. does not require identification from most voters. The District of Columbia Board of Elections requires voters who submitted their voter registration application by mail or online without one of the following documents to present one the first time they vote: a copy of a government-issued photo ID showing name and address, a government-issued document showing name and address, or a utility bill, bank statement, government check, or paycheck showing name and address issued within the past 90 days. Link Delaware Non-photo ID required All Delaware voters are asked to provide identification at the polls. Valid identification includes a Delaware drivers license or state ID, a signed social security card, or another document that identifies the person by photo or signature. A photo is not required. Voters who do not present proof of identity can sign an affidavit of affirmation that the voter is the person listed on the election district record, according to Delaware Code.[6] Link Florida Photo ID required Voters in Florida are required to present photo and signature identification on Election Day. If a voters photo ID does not display their signature, they will need to supply a second form of identification that does.[7] Link Georgia Photo ID required Photo identification is required when voting in person or by mail/absentee in Georgia. Valid forms of ID include drivers licenses, state ID cards, tribal ID cards, United States passports, employee ID cards, military ID cards, and voter ID cards issued by county registration offices or the Georgia Department of Driver Services. Voters can obtain a free voter ID card from any county registrars office or DDS office.[8] Link Hawaii No ID required Voters in Hawaii are generally not required to present identification while voting. In 2019, the statute requiring voters to present identification if so requested by a precinct official was repealed.[9] Link Idaho Photo ID required In order to vote in Idaho, voters must present valid photo identification or sign an affidavit. Valid photo ID includes an Idaho drivers license or photo ID card, a U.S. passport or federal ID card, a tribal photo ID card, or an Idaho license to carry a concealed weapon. If a voter is unable to present an accepted ID, he or she is allowed to sign a personal identification affidavit swearing to his or her identity. After signing the affidavit, the voter is issued a regular ballot.[10] Link Illinois No ID required Illinois does not require voters to present identification while voting, in most cases. First-time voters who registered by mail and did not submit their drivers license number, state ID number, last four digits of their social security number, or other form of ID are required to present identification showing their name and address before voting.[11] Link Indiana Photo ID required Indiana law requires voters to present an Indiana or U.S. government-issued photo ID before casting a ballot at the polls on election day. The ID must either be current or have expired sometime after the date of the last general election. Certain voters can claim exemption from the law. If a voter does not have an accepted form of ID, he or she can obtain a free Indiana ID card from the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles.[12] Link Iowa Non-photo ID required Iowa requires voters to present identification while voting. Voters who do not have a photo ID can obtain one for free by mail. Voters who do not have an accepted form of photo ID may have another voter vouch for their identity or they can provide a combination of other documents to verify their identity and residence. Link Kansas Photo ID required In order to vote on Election Day in Kansas, a valid form of photo identification is required. A photo ID does not need to have an expiration date, but, if it does have an expiration date, it must not have expired at the time of voting. If the voter is over the age of 65, he or she can use an expired ID. Some voters are exempt from the photo ID requirement. Voters who do not have a photo ID can obtain one for free through the Division of Vehicles, Kansas Department of Revenue. Link Kentucky Photo ID required Voters in Kentucky are required to present identification before voting. Valid identification includes photo and non-photo identification. Election officers can also confirm the identity of a voter by personal acquaintance.[13] Link Louisiana Photo ID required A Louisiana voter must present one of the following forms of identification at the polls: a drivers license, a Louisiana special ID, or another generally recognized photo ID that contains the voters name and signature. If a photo ID is not presented, the voter must sign an affidavit. Voters who sign affidavits may be challenged. Registered voters can bring their voter information card to the Office of Motor Vehicles to receive a free Louisiana special identification card.[14] Link Maine No ID required A voter in Maine does not have to present identification at the polls unless he or she is registering on Election Day. In that case, the voter must present identification and proof of residence.[15] Link Maryland No ID required Most voters in Maryland do not have to present identification on Election Day. Only first-time voters who registered by mail and did not provide a valid form of identification, voters whose identities are challenged, and voters registering or changing their address during early voting are required to present identification at the polls on Election Day in Maryland.[16] Link Massachusetts No ID required Most voters in Massachusetts are not required to present identification at the polls. However, first-time voters in federal elections, inactive voters, voters casting provisional ballots, and voters who are asked by a poll worker to provide ID due to reasonable suspicion are required to do so. Valid forms of identification include both photo and non-photo identification.[17] Link Michigan Photo ID required Each voter in Michigan is asked to present photo identification at the polls. Voters without photo identification may sign an affidavit attesting that they are not in possession of acceptable photo identification and still cast a regular ballot.[18] Link Minnesota No ID required Identification is not required of already-registered voters in Minnesota. If they have not voted in four years or more, proof of residence is required.[19] Link Mississippi Photo ID required Mississippi voters are required to present photo identification in order to vote in person. Accepted forms include a drivers license, U.S. passport, or photo ID issued by a branch or department of the state. Voters can obtain a Mississippi Voter Identification Card for free at any circuit clerks office in the state.[20] Link Missouri Photo ID required Missouri requires voters to present photo identification (ID) while voting. Accepted forms of identification include a current Missouri drivers license or non-drivers license, a current military ID, a current U.S. passport, and another photo ID issued by the United States or the state of Missouri. Link Montana Photo ID required A voter in Montana is required to present photo identification when appearing to vote. Accepted forms of identification include a valid drivers license, a U.S. passport, and a Montana concealed-carry permit.[21] Link Nebraska Photo ID required Nebraska requires voters to present identification while voting. Initiative 432, approved by Nebraska voters in November 2022, amended Article I of the state constitution to require voters to present valid photo identification in order to vote. Governor Jim Pillen (R) signed Legislative Bill 514 into law on June 1, 2023, in order to implement this policy change. Due to this legislation, Nebraskas voter ID requirement went into effect on April 1, 2024, in time for the states 2024 primary.[22][23] Link Nevada No ID required Nevada does not require voters to present identification while voting in most cases. A voter in Nevada must sign his or her name in the election board register at his or her polling place. The signature is compared with the signature on the voters original application to vote or another form of identification, such as a drivers license, a state identification card, military identification, or another government-issued ID.[24][25] Link New Hampshire Photo ID required Voters in New Hampshire must present photo identification at the polls. If a voter is unable to present a valid form of identification, a poll worker will take a photo of the voter and attach it to an affidavit, which must be signed by the voter. Exceptions are provided for those who object to being photographed for religious reasons. Additionally, a poll worker may verify the voters identity.[26][27][28] Link New Jersey No ID required If a New Jersey voter does not provide valid identification at the time of registration, he or she must show identification at the polling place. Identification includes any valid photo ID or bank statement, car registration, government check, or another document.[29] Link New Mexico No ID required New Mexico law states that a voter must show identification at the polls only if he or she mailed his or her registration application and did not provide verification of his or her identity at that time. Valid forms of identification include photo and non-photo forms. Some municipalities require identification when voting in local elections.[30] Link New York No ID required In New York, a voter does not have to present identification at the polls. However, if a voter does not provide valid identification at the time of registration, he or she must show identification at the polling place when voting for the first time.[31][32] Link North Carolina Photo ID required According to the Board of Elections website, On April 28, 2023, the North Carolina Supreme Court reversed an injunction against implementation of photo ID legislation. As a result, photo ID laws enacted in 2018 and 2019 are being implemented, starting with the municipal elections in September, October, and Nov. 2023. A separate federal case challenging the same laws is pending, but no injunction against the laws exists in that case. The injunction was issued on Dec. 16, 2022. Link North Dakota Nonphoto ID required North Dakota requires voters to present identification while voting. Identification must include the voters name, current North Dakota residential address, and date of birth. If a voter does not have a form of identification that includes his or her current North Dakota residential address or date of birth, the voter can present accepted supplemental documents. Voters who cast absentee/mail-in ballots must include a valid form of identification with their ballot. Link Ohio Photo ID required On election day at the polling place, Ohio law requires voters to provide photo identification. If voters are unable to present a valid form of identification, they can cast a provisional ballot.[33] Link Oklahoma Photo ID required Oklahoma requires voters to present identification while voting. Valid forms of identification include government-issued photo IDs and county election board voter identification cards (which do not include photographs). Voters can present a document issued by the United States government, the State of Oklahoma, or a federally recognized tribal government that includes their name, photo, and an expiration date after the election date. A voter may provide a voter identification card issued by the appropriate county election board in lieu of photo ID. Link Oregon No ID required Oregon is an all-mail voting state. When registering to vote, voters must provide their drivers license number or state ID card number. If voters can not provide this information, they can print and sign a online voter registration form and mail it to their county election office to complete their registration.[34] Link Pennsylvania No ID required Pennsylvania does not require voters to present identification while voting in most cases. However, first-time voters must show identification. Accepted forms include both photo and non-photo ID. Link Rhode Island Photo ID required Photo identification is required at the polls in Rhode Island. Accepted IDs include a Rhode Island drivers license or permit, a U.S. passport, cards issued by any federally recognized tribal government, and cards issued by U.S. educational institutions. Voters without a photo ID can obtain one for free from the Rhode Island Department of State.[35] Link South Carolina Photo ID required All voters are required to present photo identification at the polls in South Carolina. Acceptable forms of ID include a valid SC drivers license or ID card, a photo voter registration card, a U.S. passport, or a U.S. military or veterans ID. Voters can get a free photo ID from their county voter registration office by providing their name, date of birth and the last four digits of their Social Security number.[36] Link South Dakota Photo ID required All voters in South Dakota must present photo identification at the polls. Approved forms of photo identification include the following: South Dakota drivers license or nondriver ID card, U.S. government photo ID, U.S. military ID, student photo ID from a South Dakota high school or accredited institution of higher education, or tribal photo ID. If a voter does not have a photo ID, he or she can sign a personal identification affidavit.[37] Link Tennessee Photo ID required In Tennessee, voters must present government-issued photo identification at the polls. Some voters are exempt from ID requirements. Voters can obtain a free photo ID from the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security at any participating driver service center. In order to receive an ID, a voter must bring proof of citizenship (such as a birth certificate) and two proofs of Tennessee residency.[38] Link Texas Photo ID required Texas requires voters to present a form of photo identification at the polls. If a voter does not possess the required form of identification, poll workers must ask the voter whether he or she cannot obtain an acceptable form of photo ID. If the voter answers yes to this question, he or she can present a non-photo form of identification and complete a Reasonable Impediment Declaration. Upon doing so, the voter may cast a regular ballot. Some voters are exempt from the ID requirement. Voters who do not have a photo ID can obtain a Texas Election Identification Certificate (EIC) at any Texas drivers license office. Link Utah Nonphoto ID required Utah is an all-mail voting state that offers vote centers for voters that choose to vote in person. A voter who wishes to vote in-person must present some form of identification at the polls. The identification does not necessarily need to include a photo. A voter can either present a photo ID that includes his or her name and registered address; a tribal identification card, Bureau of Indian Affairs card, or tribal treaty card; or two forms of non-photo ID that include the voters name and provide evidence that the voter resides in the voting precinct.[39] Link Vermont No ID required Only first-time voters who registered by mail are required to present identification at the polls.[40] Link Virginia Nonphoto ID required Voters in Virginia must present non-photo identification at the polls. Valid identification includes the following: voter registration confirmation documents; valid Virginia drivers license; valid United States passport; any other identification issued by the Commonwealth, one of its political subdivisions, or the United States; any valid student identification card issued by any institution of higher education located in the Commonwealth or any private school located in the Commonwealth; any valid student identification card issued by any institution of higher education located in any other state or territory of the United States; any valid employee identification card containing a photograph of the voter and issued by an employer of the voter in the ordinary course of the employers business; a copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or other government document that shows the name and address of the voter. Voters without acceptable identification may also sign an ID confirmation statement at the polls and vote a regular ballot. Link Washington No ID required Washington is an all-mail voting state and does not require voters to present photo identification (ID). Voters may choose to vote in person at a local voting center. According to state law, The county auditor shall require any person desiring to vote at a voting center to either sign a ballot declaration or provide identification.[41] Link West Virginia Nonphoto ID required A voter in West Virginia is required to present identification at the polls. Acceptable forms of identification include government-issued IDs (both those with and without photographs), bank cards, bank statements, and insurance cards. The voter may also be identified by a poll worker or other adult they have known for at least six months. Voters can obtain a free voter ID card at their county clerks office.[42][43] Link Wisconsin Photo ID required Voters in Wisconsin are required to present photo identification at the polls. Accepted forms include Wisconsin Department of Transportation-issued drivers licenses, identification cards, and receipts, as well as military IDs and U.S. passports. Certain voters are exempt from ID requirements. Voters can obtain a free Wisconsin State ID Card at a Wisconsin Division of Motor Vehicles office.[44] Link (NewsNation) Would you like to save 20% on your purchase today by signing up for a store credit card? the memorized line clerks ask buyers at the check out register. From makeup stores like Sephora to department stores like Kohls and even pharmacies like Walgreens have their own store credit cards. Its easy to rack up debt on these cards, and some may have trouble making payments. So, can store credit card debt be forgiven? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Things to consider before racking up new debt this holiday Debt relief on retail credit cards The short answer: Its possible. Like other credit cards, store-specific ones can qualify for debt settlement. If a creditor doesnt think youll be able to pay back your debt, then they may agree to let you pay off your credit card for less than the outstanding balance, thus settling your debt. There are a few ways you can do that. First, you can call your lender directly and explain your situation. Depending on how much you owe and your payment history, they may be willing to negotiate a deal. What happens to a persons debt when they die? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But its important to remember that an account marked as settled is not the same as paid in full and can hurt your credit score. The business that issued the credit card may not accept settlements. People in debt can also consider reaching out to a nonprofit credit counseling firm. To check whether a credit counseling agency is legit, make sure they are certified by the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC). Consumers should first consider whether they can afford payments when signing up for a new credit card and whether the card is beneficial to their financial situation. NewsNations Andrew Dorn contributed to this article. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation. AUSTIN (KXAN) A recent study found that 615,000 people moved to The Lone Star State from the other 49 states. SmartAsset, a financial technology company, looked at 2021-2022 IRS data to find where transplants to Texas came from. A key finding from the study was that Texas gained the most people and money from California. The study found that 106,882 Californians came to Texas, which made up 54,136 households. The influx also came with the wealthiest transplants, with an average household gross income of $145,960. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, California was also the most popular destination for Texans to move to, with 23,316 households moving to The Golden State. Such population shifts have the potential to alter local dynamics in the job market, housing market, small business demand and even elections, SmartAsset said. According to the study, Florida and Texas had the second largest exchange of households, with 22,277 Floridian households coming to Texas (38,873 people) and 21,221 households leaving for Florida (37,777 people). Louisiana placed third by adding a net of 6,677 households to Texas. Breakdown: Top 5 states people are moving to Texas from No. 1 California Households moved into Texas: 54,136 Individuals moved into Texas: 106,882 Households that left Texas for California: 23,316 Individuals that left Texas for California: 39,032 Net households moved into Texas: 30,820 Net individuals moved into Texas: 67,850 No. 2 Florida Households moved into Texas: 22,277 Individuals moved into Texas: 38,873 Households that left Texas for Florida: 21,221 Individuals that left Texas for Florida: 37,777 Net households moved into Texas: 1,056 Net individuals moved into Texas: 1,096 No. 3 Louisiana Households moved into Texas: 16,310 Individuals moved into Texas: 30,399 Households that left Texas for Louisiana: 9,633 Individuals that left Texas for Louisiana: 18,095 Net households moved into Texas: 6,677 Net individuals moved into Texas: 12,304 No. 4 New York Households moved into Texas: 13,947 Individuals moved into Texas: 24,451 Households that left Texas for New York: 8,094 Individuals that left Texas for New York: 12,180 Net households moved into Texas: 5,853 Net individuals moved into Texas: 12,271 No. 5 Colorado Households moved into Texas: 13,576 Individuals moved into Texas: 25,101 Households that left Texas for Colorado: 14,499 Individuals that left Texas for Colorado: 25,224 Net households moved into Texas: -923 Net individuals moved into Texas: -123 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. A recent study revealed shockingly high levels of toxic air pollutants known as plasticizers present in Southern California, according to a University of California, Riverside report posted by SciTechDaily. What's happening? Researchers distributed silicone wristbands designed specifically to collect data on airborne chemicals to students at UC Riverside. The first group of undergrads wore them for five days in 2019, and the second group wore two different bands, each for a five-day period, in 2020. The students wore them continuously, including during their differing commutes to school. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After each testing period, scientists cut up the wristbands to study the chemicals each student encountered, including airborne plasticizers. The results were alarming. Plasticizers are chemical compounds in many commonly used products like lunchboxes, cosmetics, and shower curtains. Previously, research has focused on a type of plasticizer called ortho-phthalates. Due to health and environmental issues, some ortho-phthalates were phased out and replaced with non-ortho-phthalates, which have not been studied nearly as much. This new research showed that both types of plasticizers are present in the air in Southern California. "The levels of these compounds are through the roof. We weren't expecting that. As a result, we felt it was important for people to learn about this study," said David Volz, one of the corresponding authors of the paper about the study and an environmental sciences professor at UC Riverside, per the SciTechDaily post. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In every gram of wristband material, the research team found between 100,000 and 1 million nanograms of three phthalates: DiNP, DEHP, and DEHT. Why are plasticizers important? Some plasticizers are linked to serious health issues like cancer and reproductive problems. DiNP and DEHP are included on the list under Proposition 65 California's Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act. Do you worry about air pollution in and around your home? Click your choice to see results and speak your mind The list includes chemicals known to cause cancer, reproductive harm, and birth defects, as the university report detailed. Unrelated studies conducted on the East Coast showed similar results to those found by Volz and his team. "No matter who you are, or where you are, your daily level of exposure to these plasticizer chemicals is high and persistent," said Volz. "They are ubiquitous." What's being done about plasticizers? According to Volz, the most impactful way to decrease plasticizers in the air is to cut down on our use of plastic products. New laws, like those banning plastic bags and straws, are already working to reduce the use of plastics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Important research is also being done to decrease plastics in our food and water. In our daily lives, we can each cut down on plastic products by switching to items like reusable water bottles and bags. Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. A 61-year-old man surfing at Waiehu Beach Park in Maui was bitten in the early hours of Nov. 1, Maui fire and rescue officials said Getty Waiehu Beach Park in Maui Waiehu Beach Park in Maui A 61-year-old man in Hawaii is recovering after he was bitten by a shark while surfing. On Friday, Nov. 1, Maui police and fire officials announced in a press release that a man was bitten on the leg while surfing at the "Sand Piles" on Waiehu Beach Park. First responders were called to the location around 7:00 a.m. local time, and police immediately used a tourniquet to stop the bleeding. However, EMTs later confirmed that the man's leg had been completely severed "just below the knee." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Maui Department of Fire and Public Safety (MFD) Assistant Chief Jeff Giesea said in the press release that the victim was conscious while being treated on land. He was later taken to Maui Memorial Medical Center in critical condition. A GoFundMe page established by the man's friends and family identified him only as Kenji. "I would like to commend the patient for his strength and wherewithal, getting himself to shore. I mean, thats extraordinary. Whatever Good Samaritans offered assistance, Id like to commend them as well," Giesea told local outlet Hawaii News Now. According to the GoFundMe page which has a $100,000 goal to cover medical and other expenses Kenji has been an avid surfer on the island for over 30 years and is known as a regular at many of its beaches. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "If youve ever been out there with him, youve likely gotten to experience his incredible froth and yee-haws as hes cruising down the waves with the biggest smile on his face," the GoFundPage page says of the man. Getty A photo of a tiger shark offshore The Bahamas. Maui authorities have not said what species of shark attacked the 61-year-old. A photo of a tiger shark offshore The Bahamas. Maui authorities have not said what species of shark attacked the 61-year-old. The fundraiser's organizers wrote that Kenji had been surfing with friends the morning of the attack, and they helped to pull him to shore. "In true Kenji style, immediately out of surgery, he sagely said, 'I still love the ocean!' and we want to support him in getting back to what he loves," the page states. Organizers also shared an update on Saturday, writing that Kenji was out of the ICU. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This accident hasnt lessened his stoke one bit, but he still has a long journey of healing ahead of him so please continue to spread the word and a huge thank you to those who have donated," they said. "Kenji is staying positive and strong for his recovery, and in his own wise words, he says 'tomorrow mo betta!' " Related: Fla. Man Bitten by Shark on Same Beach He Was Attacked 11 Years Earlier: 'It's Freaky' Giesea said that MFD protocol required people to stay out of the water within the one-mile radius of the attack for the first 24 hours after. Maui Fire Department personnel have also been patrolling the water by boat and drone for shark activity. According to the state's Department of Land and Natural Resources, over 40 species of sharks frequent its waters, and 8 of those are spotted near the coasts, including the whitetip reef, sandbar, scalloped hammerhead and tiger sharks. 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. Although Maui officials have not indicated what kind of shark bit Kenji, the department said that tiger sharks are considered the most dangerous sharks in Hawaiian waters. However, shark bites remain extremely rare overall. The International Shark Attack File, run by the Florida Museum of Natural History, reported 36 bites in the U.S. last year, including eight in Hawai'i and one fatal bite. Officers arrested a man suspected of killing his roommate at a nursing home in Ventura County, authorities announced on Saturday. Thousand Oaks police responded to a 4:40 a.m. call for service on Friday, Nov. 1, regarding an agitated resident at a long-term care facility on Warwick Avenue. The Ventura County Star reported the facility is called Silverado Memory Care. The caller said the suspect had broken a window and was possibly injured, and that he was preventing staff from the treatment center from approaching him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deputies arrived and detained the man in a common area of the nursing home. The suspect resident was identified as Thomas Buckley, 58, of Thousand Oaks. During Buckleys detainment, Silverado staff members went to check on his roommate, Michael Patterson, 72, also from Thousand Oaks. They found Patterson in the room he shared with Buckley and noticed he had severe injuries caused by a suspected assault. The police report did not expand further on the specificities of the injuries or where they were located on Patterson. First responders were called to the scene and ultimately pronounced the roommate deceased. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigators later arrived and discovered that before law enforcement arrived, Buckley had reportedly assaulted a staff member, causing minor injuries. The Ventura County Sheriffs Office said the incident is currently under investigation as a homicide, and that an autopsy is pending to determine the official cause and manner of death. Officers arrested and booked Buckley for murder, assault with a deadly weapon and vandalism. Hes being held on $2 million bail as he awaits his arraignment scheduled for Nov. 5 in Ventura. As the case remains an active and ongoing homicide investigation, detectives encouraged anyone with information regarding the incident to contact Detective Gerardo Cruz at 805-384-4726 or Detective Erik Hernandez at 805-384-4729. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Foreign affairs expert Sushant Sareen expressed concerns regarding Canada's audio and video surveillance of Indian diplomats, condemning it as a breach of diplomatic traditions. He also highlighted the deteriorating relationship between Canada and India and asserted that "there is no scope for improvement." While speaking with ANI, Sareen said, "The action being taken by Canadian authorities against the Indian High Commission, is against diplomatic traditions... So far, we have been saying that Canada is not an issue for India, but the Canadian government is. But we are increasingly realising that relations between Canada's political system and India are deteriorating. And there is no scope for improvement." Sareen further said that the Indian government must think about its approach, as mere protests and warnings of severe consequences are ineffective. He said, "The traditional diplomacy that we were trying to do with Canada will not work now. The Indian government should now think about it. Just saying that we strongly protest this or there will be severe consequences will not work. If there are serious consequences, then show them. The conditions will deteriorate and will not become better. Our situation was not as bad with Pakistan as it is with Canada. Canada is taking all this action under the influence of America..." Meanwhile, former diplomat Yash Sinha expressed his disappointment at the surveillance of consular agents from a country with representation in Canada, calling it a breach of diplomatic and councillor conventions. He told ANI, "This is truly astonishing and it is quite bizarre. For consular agents of a country with representation in another country, to be subjective to this sort of surveillance is in contravention of the relevant conventions, diplomatic and councillor conventions. I can't imagine a civilised democratic country like Canada would adopt such measures." He added, "This sort of behaviour is in contravention of all diplomatic norms. This Canadian government shelters terrorists." The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced on Saturday that India has lodged a formal protest with the Canadian government after revelations that its consular officials in Canada were subjected to audio and video surveillance. The MEA condemned these actions as "flagrant violations" of diplomatic and consular conventions. During a press briefing, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that some Indian consular officials were recently informed by the Canadian government about the ongoing surveillance. He criticised Canada for attempting to justify its actions by citing technicalities, arguing that such justifications cannot excuse what he described as harassment and intimidation of Indian diplomatic personnel. Tensions between India and Canada escalated after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged in Parliament last year that there were "credible allegations" of India's involvement in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. India has firmly denied all such allegations, labelling them as "absurd" and "motivated," while accusing Canada of providing a haven for extremist and anti-India elements. (ANI) Vancouver Police have arrested a suspect in the Halloween night shooting at the Vancouver Mall. On November 2, 2024, Vancouver PD shared that detectives had received information that the suspect, 22-year-old Travis L. Ward, was inside a residence in Vancouver. Alongside SWAT, detectives arrived at the residence where Ward reportedly surrendered and was taken into custody. Ward was booked into the Clark County Jail for one count of murder and two counts of assault. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vancouver PD detectives thanked everyone who submitted information and tips that assisted with this case, noting that most of the tips came through Facebook. Detectives say they have identified the two women who were pictured in the Crime Stopper release and said they were cooperative with detectives regarding this investigation. Neither are considered suspects or persons of interest in the crime. According to Vancouver PD, the investigation is continuing and no further information is being released at this time. FREDERICKSBURG, Va. (DC News Now) The Spotsylvania County Sheriffs Office and Virginia State Police are investigating after a suspect and a bystander were shot by deputies during a traffic stop in Fredericksburg on Saturday. At about 8:50 p.m., deputies from the Spotsylvania County Street Crimes Task Force said they were trying to arrest a wanted person during a traffic stop at a gas station in the 3000 block of Plank Road. As they approached the suspects vehicle, the suspect attempted to leave and backed into a deputys cruiser. The suspect then pointed a gun at a deputy, to which deputies responded by discharging their weapons. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The suspect and a bystander, who was standing outside the gas station at the time of the incident, were shot. Statewide burn ban implemented in Maryland The bystander, a man, was treated at the hospital for minor injuries. He has since been released. Responders took the suspect to the hospital, where he is being treated for life-threatening injuries. Police identified him as Lawrence D. Toler II, 37, of Woodford, Va. He is wanted out of Chesterfield on multiple felony warrants. Police located a gun inside his vehicle. Deputies have reported no other injuries from the shooting. The investigation is ongoing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Once the investigation is completed, this incident will be given to the Fredericksburg Commonwealths Attorney for review. Police encourage anyone with information to contact 540-829-7400 or bci.culpeper@vsp.virginia.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 DC News Now | Washington, DC. CHICAGO Chicago police are searching for a suspect who targeted four businesses in Little Italy and the South Loop Friday evening. Its obviously scary, but Ive never had any problems as far as armed robberies, said Howard Blair, owner of Sids Clothing and Hats. Blair acknowledged that while its alarming that two armed robberies happened near his shop on Friday evening, such incidents are rare in the 65 years hes been in business. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other employees in the area shared that sentiment. Weve definitely heard of other criminal activity here and there, not something as serious as an armed robbery, Vitamin Shoppe employee Alex Gonzalez said. $15K reward offered as FBI searches for group responsible for multi-state armed robbery string Chicago police said four businesses in Little Italy and South Loop were targeted between 6:23 p.m. and 7:02 p.m. Friday. The first incident happened in the 1100 block of West Taylor Street where a Subway employee said his coworkers were impacted. About 25 minutes later, another business in the 600 block of West Roosevelt Road was hit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Eight minutes after that, a robbery happened in the 1400 block of West Taylor followed by the suspects final stop in the 500 block of West Roosevelt Road just four minutes later. CPD believes all incidents are connected. Police said the suspect entered the businesses, announced the robbery and showed a weapon. In three of the four incidents, the suspect handed the employees a not indicating he was robbing the store. We are open here we always have the doors open, so something like that can be concerningeven the customers who come inside, Gonzalez said. Blair meanwhile said hes concerned the incidents happened while the sun was still up. While hes been lucky to avoid any incidents like this, he said hes taken a proactive approach by closing his store earlier. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines Started doing that a few years ago just because I dont want to go when its dark. Try to get out of here and be safe, Blair said. Gonzalez said his managers at the Vitamin Shoppe have established procedures to follow if he or his coworkers feel their safety is compromised. He sincerely hopes no one working in the area will have to face any armed robberies again. Its a lot of please keep the doors locked or only open, but even then when do we know? Gonzalez said. Police said the suspect managed to steal money from two businesses. No arrests have been made. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. GREENSBORO, North Carolina Nowhere is Trump spending more time in his final three days on the campaign trail than North Carolina, the only of the seven battleground states that he won four years ago. His rally here Saturday night was the second of four that Trump is holding in the state during the last weekend of his campaign, one event more than what he has booked in the all-important Pennsylvania. When youre winning by a lot, you can still lose by a little, Trump said, back at the same event complex where he held a rally just last week although in a larger, albeit half-empty, arena this time. And we can't take a chance of losing the great state of North Carolina. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Holding four events here is a decision that has raised eyebrows among political operatives on both sides of the aisle, and prompted jeers from Democrats about what they claim must be Trumps weakened status in North Carolina. Even well-connected Republican operatives here, including those working alongside the Trump campaign, have privately said the decision is slightly puzzling despite welcoming the extra attention believing that Trump is in a strong position here. Trumps advisers maintain that they are ahead in the Sun Belt states, among other battlegrounds, but that theres no reason to take a risk here, citing lingering uncertainty surrounding turnout in the hurricane-ravaged western part of the state, among other reasons to quadruple down. If one state could bite us in the ass, its North Carolina, said one Trump campaign official, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss the strategy. And the Trump campaigns decisions on where to go are driven by data on how they can strategically maximize their supporters turnout, the official said, a notion echoed by campaign aides throughout the race on how they determine rally locations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another reason? North Carolina is a place where Trumps campaign has been able to consistently pack venues an important optics consideration in the final 72 hours before Election Day, the Trump official added. Their bet on booking the bigger building at the Greensboro Complex appeared to be short-sighted, however, with the entire upper level of seating covered by black curtains and the back of the arena remaining empty throughout the rally. She thinks shes coming for our country, and she thinks she is coming through North Carolina to do it, but we are not going to let that happen, said Sen. Ted Budd (R-N.C.). North Carolina is the last line of defense for Donald J. Trump and for our whole country. And absent from all of Trumps rallies here the last two months has been North Carolina Republicans top statewide nominee, Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, who is running for governor. Trump, who endorsed Robinson in the primary and previously praised him as Martin Luther King on steroids, now all but pretends he doesn't exist, after reports in September about lewd posts Robinson allegedly made on online pornography forums. This is the only swing state where you have a statewide candidate doing so poorly, mused one North Carolina Republican operative, referring to Robinson and speculating on a possible reason the Trump campaign is particularly concerned about his odds here. Public polling has consistently shown Robinson lagging behind Democratic nominee Josh Stein by as much as 15 percentage points. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the GOP has plenty of other data points on its side to give it confidence that Republicans have the upper hand. Theyve been buoyed by early voting results showing continued Democratic underperformance, particularly in the heavily Democratic Charlotte area. There, the party has seen lagging turnout in recent elections among voters, a trend that has not shown strong signs of improving this year. Republicans are well-positioned coming out of early vote and doing something historical, having more votes banked than Democrats, said Jason Simmons, chair of the North Carolina Republican Party, in an interview. As you look at every county across North Carolina, Democrats do not have more votes than they did in 20, out of each and every one of these counties. The crowd here erupted in cheers as Rep. Dan Bishop (R-N.C.) announced that early voting, which concluded here Saturday afternoon, has resulted in a 50,000- ballot margin over the Democrats. Rep. Richard Hudson (R-N.C.), chair of the National Republican Congressional Committee, urged everyone in the venue to take 10 friends to vote Tuesday and put them on the board to elect Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And Michael Whatley, chair of the Republican National Committee and former chair of the North Carolina GOP, spoke in a serious tone when he asked the crowd to commit right here and right now to 50 minutes, in which they call 10 people and speak to them for five minutes each about the importance of voting for Trump. A senior Harris campaign official on Friday told reporters, on condition of anonymity, that theres a lot of signs that suggest to me that theyre pretty worried about the state, citing the Trump campaigns decision to spend so much time in North Carolina. Harris on Saturday held her own rally in Charlotte. Very clearly, North Carolina is a state that Donald Trump needs to win, said Doug Heye, a former spokesperson for the Republican National Committee and a native of the Tar Heel state. If he loses it, that path becomes very difficult for him, and I think hes going to win. But its been close both times. Trump won North Carolina in 2020 by 1.5 points, a closer margin than his nearly 4-point win here in 2016. The last Democrat to win the state in a presidential contest was Barack Obama in 2008. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Donning a Women for Trump hat, Faye Roberts, 74, of Whitsett, said she believes Trumps win here will be a landslide but she said she thinks some, possibly including Trump, are still worried about turnout in the state. If you listen to the news, he's losing, Roberts said. But if you listen to my heart, he's winning. She said she personally doesnt know anyone who is voting for Harris. He feels like a lot of people are not voting, Roberts continued, speculating why the former president is spending so much time here before the election, and because he hears the polls, or he hears the news, and he still had that feeling. North Carolina law prohibits abortion after 12 weeks. Why? A fetal heartbeat can be heard at six weeks, and brain waves can be detected at 15-20 weeks. A baby born around 24 weeks can usually survive. A pregnancy of less than 20 weeks can be terminated if it is the result of rape. The definition of a baby is often defined by the religious background of the speaker. But in the case of rape, it is the mothers plight that allows the termination at 20 weeks. If I am Catholic or evangelical, a fetus is considered human at conception. If I am Jewish, it is at first breath. If I was raped, the law has different boundaries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is a mess. Can we please go back to the 24 weeks of Roe v. Wade? And if your religious background is more restrictive, attend to that out of your preference. Janice Woychik, Chapel Hill Hitler remarks While President, Donald Trump is reported to have stated: I need the kind of generals that Hitler had people who were totally loyal to him, that follow orders. The orders that German generals followed led to the extermination of six million Jews and an untold number of Allied POWs. Those generals also took a loyalty oath to Hitler. In America, officers swear loyalty to the Constitution. Im sure that Trump would prefer, like Hitler, such a personal commitment, but that is not the American way. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump further believes that Americans who served in the military are suckers and losers, and once told a cabinet official, Only suckers went to Vietnam. As an Air Force Academy graduate who served 23 years, I find Trumps assessment of the American military abhorrent. Mark Clodfelter, Lt Col, USAF (Ret.), Chapel Hill Graffiti squad Raleigh once managed graffiti effectively, but the current approach seems to rely on businesses to clean up their own properties. Its time for the city to establish its own graffiti squad. Modern methods offer efficient solutions without damaging surfaces. Prompt removal of unauthorized graffiti is crucial to prevent escalation, particularly with gang signs and tagging. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While artistic expressions can enhance our city, we must distinguish them from vandalism. Its time for proactive measures to ensure our city remains clean and safe for everyone. Jarles Alberg, Raleigh Positive polling I spent two days this week as a poll observer in both Wake and Durham counties. What I saw in both locations has reinforced my belief in the fairness of our election process. I saw chief judges and poll workers clearly dedicated to ensuring the sanctity of our election process, and poll greeters from all parties supporting their candidates, doing it with enthusiasm while treating the opposing greeters with dignity and respect. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I saw an electorate having no issues with the new voter ID law, and in fact, for the most part, having no issues whatsoever with the voting process. What I saw this week has reinforced that our country knows how to conduct a free and fair election! Jay Copan, Raleigh Fracking Harris The writer is the retired deputy operations director of the NC Utilities Commission. Vice President Kamala Harris promised to ban fracking. With Pennsylvania in play, she reversed her position. Once elected, if she changes back, Pennsylvania energy workers are not the only people who will be harmed. The Transco natural gas pipeline crosses our state. Over the decades, our utilities contracted with Transco to move fuel from the Gulf Coast to our state. Federal regulators allowed Transco to reverse its south-to-north flow, delivering fracked gas from states like Pennsylvania down to us and more southern states. We now depend heavily on fracked gas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On a cold winter night, gas-fired combustion turbines are a critical part of the electric generation mix keeping our lights and heath on. Without fracked gas, we will be dark and cold. Before we vote, we need Harris to state clearly and unequivocally that she will take no steps to limit fracked gas. Bill Gilmore, Raleigh Hakan Fidan, Turkish Foreign Minister, believes that a "new situation" on the frontline in Ukraine next year is feasible due to both sides' fatigue in the fighting. Source: Hurriyet, as reported by European Pravda Details: Fidan stated that the search for contact points between Russia and Ukraine continues, and that neither party wants to appear defeated in this process. He stated that the Russian-Ukrainian war should be settled through a just approach that respects Ukraine's territorial integrity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the same time, Fidan reiterated his conviction that exhaustion on both sides could result in a "new situation" by 2025. "We will assess the situation", the minister stated. Fidan also stated that Turkiye has a "special relationship with both sides", and therefore it would "not hesitate" to listen to them both. From the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Turkiye has criticised Russia's military actions and provided Kyiv with military and humanitarian aid. At the same time, Ankara has not suspended economic cooperation with Moscow or joined international sanctions against it, although in response to US pressure it is gradually closing loopholes to circumvent restrictions on its own. In September, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated that his country's relations with Russia are multidimensional and will continue to grow. Support UP or become our patron! JERUSALEM (AP) One of the most startling aspects of Israels campaign against Hamas in Gaza has been the destruction wreaked on the territorys health sector. Over the past 13 months, the Israeli military has besieged and raided at least 10 hospitals, saying the attacks are a military necessity because Hamas uses the facilities as command and control bases. The Associated Press examined the raids late last year on three hospitals in northern Gaza al-Awda, Indonesian and Kamal Adwan hospitals interviewing more than three dozen patients, witnesses and medical and humanitarian workers as well as Israeli officials. Israel has presented little or even no evidence of a significant Hamas presence at the three. The AP presented a dossier listing the incidents reported by those it interviewed to the Israeli military spokesmans office. The office said it could not comment on specific events. All three hospitals have come under fire or been raided again in recent weeks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Today there are no fully functional hospitals in all of Gaza just 16 out of 39 hospitals are partly operational, according to the World Health Organization, most offering little more than first aid. Israeli attacks in and around medical sites have killed 765 Palestinians and wounded 990 others, WHO says. That number doesnt include patients who doctors say died for lack of treatment or oxygen during Israeli sieges, whose number is not known. Here is some of what the AP found: AL-AWDA HOSPITAL: The Israeli military has never made any claims of a Hamas presence at al-Awda Hospital. When asked what intelligence led troops to besiege and raid the hospital last year, the military spokesmans office did not reply. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As fighting raged around the hospital, a shell blasted its operating room on Nov. 21, killing three doctors and a relative of a patient, according to international charity Doctors Without Borders. After troops surrounded the facility, staff said approaching the hospital could be deadly because of Israeli sniper fire. Three hospital administrators said two pregnant women walking to the facility to give birth were shot on Dec. 12 and bled to death in the street. Medics told of recovering their bodies later. Mohammed Salha, an administrator at the time who is now the hospitals acting director, said that the next day he watched gunfire kill his cousin and her 6-year-old son as she brought the boy for treatment of wounds. Another pregnant woman, Shaza al-Shuraim, described walking to the hospital while in labor, accompanied by her mother-in-law and brother-in-law. Even as they waved white flags, a burst of gunfire killed her mother-in-law. The hospitals director, Ahmed Muhanna, was seized by Israeli troops after they stormed the facility. His whereabouts remain unknown. One of Gazas leading doctors, orthopedist Adnan al-Bursh, was also detained during the raid and died in Israeli custody in May. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement INDONESIAN HOSPITAL: The Indonesian Hospital is the largest hospital north of Gaza City. Before raiding the site, Israel claimed an underground Hamas command-and-control center lay underneath it. It released blurry satellite images of what it said was a tunnel entrance in the yard and a rocket launchpad nearby, outside the hospital compound. After its raid late last year, the military did not mention or show any evidence of an underground facility or tunnels. Asked if any tunnels were found, the military spokesmans office did not reply. The military released images of two vehicles found in the compound a pickup truck with military vests and a bloodstained car belonging to an abducted Israeli, suggesting he had been brought to the hospital on Oct. 7. Hamas has said it brought wounded hostages to hospitals for treatment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite continued Israeli suggestions that hospitals are linked to Hamas tunnel networks, the military has shown only a single tunnel from all hospitals it raided one accessing Shifa Hospital in Gaza City. The Israeli assault in November and December left Indonesians top floors charred, its walls pockmarked by shrapnel, its gates strewn with piled-up rubble. As Israeli troops surrounded the hospital, shelling hit its second floor on Nov. 20, killing 12 people and wounding dozens, according to staff. Israel said troops responded to enemy fire from the hospital but denied using shells. During the siege, doctors and medics estimated a fifth of incoming patients died. At least 60 corpses lay in the courtyard. With few supplies, doctors said they performed dozens of amputations on infected limbs that could not be treated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement KAMAL ADWAN HOSPITAL: While Israeli troops surrounded Kamal Adwan in November, at least 10 patients died for lack of water, oxygen and medicine, according to Hossam Abu Safiya, a pediatrician who after the siege became the hospitals director. As they stormed the hospital on Dec 12, troops allowed police dogs to attack staff, patients and others, multiple witnesses said. Ahmed Atbail, a 36-year-old sheltering at the hospital, said he saw a dog bite off one mans finger. The Israeli military said it was unaware of the incident. Witnesses said the troops ordered boys and men from their mid-teens to 60 to line up outside crouched in the cold, blindfolded and nearly naked for hours of interrogation. After releasing some, it opened fire on them as they walked back into the hospital, wounding five, three witnesses said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Three witnesses said an Israeli military bulldozer plowed into buildings in the hospital compound and crushed tents that had been sheltering displaced people. Most had evacuated, but Abu Safiya said he found the bodies of four people who had been crushed. Asked about the incident, the Israeli military spokesmans office said bodies were discovered that had been buried previously, unrelated to the militarys activities. The military said Hamas used the hospital as a command center but produced no evidence. It said soldiers uncovered weapons but showed footage only of a single pistol. The military said it arrested dozens of suspected militants, including the hospital director Dr. Ahmed al-Kahlout. The military released footage of him under interrogation saying he was a Hamas agent and that militants were based in the hospital. His colleagues said he spoke under duress. PICKERINGTON, Ohio (WCMH) Fairfield County deputies are investigating a shooting in Violet Township after a man was struck by a bullet Thursday night. According to the Fairfield County Sheriffs Office, a call was received in which gunshots were reported in the 7000 block of Optimara Drive, east of Pickerington. Deputies arrived about 5 p.m. and found an adult male victim who had been shot in the leg. Violet Township medics supplied emergency aid to the victim and took him to a hospital for treatment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deputies eventually identified the location from where the shots came and contacted a man, who admitted he had been target shooting when the victim had been shot. The sheriffs office said it was then determined there was no additional threat to area residents and the shooting appeared to be an isolated incident. The sheriffs office continues to investigate the incident and conferring with the Fairfield County Prosecutors Office on whether to file charges. Anyone with additional information on this case can call 740-652-7911. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Education choice If Cynthia M. Allen were as committed to religious freedom as she contends that Vice President Kamala Harris is not, she would not be want my tax dollars to be rerouted from public education to the Catholic (and other) institutions she supports to indoctrinate kids in a religion I do not agree with. (Oct. 30, 13A, Harris is all in on abortion but spurns religious freedom) And, no, dont say that parents would just have the option to send their kids to a school of their choice with their tax dollars. I have no children in school, but I still pay for public education. My taxes would be distributed into a system supporting the religions of others. - J.B. Edenfield, Fort Worth Violent reality Headline from The Wall Street Journal: Police snipers and drone patrols: the new reality for US election workers. This horrible reality has been foisted on us illegitimately by Donald Trump and his stop the steal sycophants. Its been proved time and again the 2020 election was free and fair. Trump lost. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When U.S. citizens experience any fear voting , our democracy is indeed under attack. - Graham Donathan, Benbrook Abortion ban Those who wish to deny Sen. Ted Cruzs part in Texas abortion ban are disingenuous. Cruz was instrumental in laying the groundwork that permitted our states ban. In 2016, Republicans on the Senate Judiciary Committee, including Cruz, signed a letter to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell saying they would oppose any Supreme Court nomination from President Barack Obama. During Donald Trumps term, Cruz voted to confirm the appointments of justices Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett. Barretts confirmation came just eight days before the 2020 presidential election. Justices Gorsuch, Kavanaugh and Barrett all voted to overturn Roe v. Wade. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The above actions proved Cruz not only is a partisan opponent to reproductive freedom but a hypocrite as well. - Bettye Parker, Trophy Club Allred wrong Campaign ads need to be fact-checked. Colin Allreds ads are full of distortions. Either he does not know the Constitution or he is using George Soros staff to write his ads. A U.S. senator does not make laws just for Texans, as he accused Sen. Ted Cruz of doing. The state abortion law can be changed if that is the will of the people of Texas. - Lance Bachran, Waxahachie Cruz reliable As Texans prepare for crucial elections, we must rally behind strong conservative leadership. Sen. Ted Cruz embodies the values that Texans hold dear defending the Constitution, protecting the unborn and promoting economic growth. He is a champion of tax cuts that fuel job creation, a constant advocate of a strong, secure border and a firm opponent of government overreach. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In contrast, Colin Allred supports liberal policies that would harm our energy sector, increase taxes and weaken border security. Allreds stances on gun control and lenient immigration rules threaten the freedoms we cherish. Cruz fights for Texas jobs, energy independence and the constitutional rights of every citizen. Its time for voters to stand with leaders who prioritize smaller government and personal liberty. - Diane Hill, Garland Allred for justice Im voting for Colin Allred because I want a senator who will protect womens reproductive rights instead of one who would force a 10-year-old child to give birth to her rapists baby. Im voting for Allred because he would support gun-safety legislation so parents wouldnt have to worry that their childs entire class might be massacred by someone with an assault rifle. Allred would strengthen our power grid, unlike Sen. Ted Cruz, who fled to sunny Cancun during the worst winter storm in Texas history. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But most important, Im voting for Allred because he wants to preserve our 248-year-old democracy, while Cruz supports a lying, immigrant-hating dictator wannabe in Donald Trump. - Sharon Austry, Fort Worth After nearly 26 years, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation continues to piece together the clues to find out who killed a taxicab driver. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] It happened on November 2, 1998. According to the GBI, John McKinnon left his home in his taxicab to pick up an unknown passenger. Officials said McKinnons body was later found in a rural area nine miles west of Douglas in Coffee County. TRENDING STORIES: The GBI said McKinnon was shot and his keys, wallet, and taxi were stolen. The GBI is urging anyone with information to give them a call at 1-800-597-8477. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Former diplomat Ashok Sajjanhar slammed the Canadian government on Sunday following reports on the Indian consular officials in Canada subjected to audio and video surveillance by the Trudeau administration, calling it a "flagrant violation of the duties." Sajjanhar echoed the Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson's statement on the issue, emphasising that host nations are obligated to ensure the safety and security of diplomatic staff. The former diplomat highlighted that instead of safeguarding Indian officials, Canada appears to be subjecting them to undue pressure and threats of Khalistani violence, underscoring that the Canadian authorities should prioritise the protection of diplomats rather than contribute to an environment of intimidation. "I consider this action by Canadian authorities; as the MEA spokesperson has said, this is a flagrant violation of the duties. They are supposed to provide all the facilities and amenities to the diplomatic communities accredited to their countries so that they can carry on their task and duty without any fear," Sajjanhar said. "On the other hand, what Canadian authorities are doing is, these officials are under the threat of Khalistani violence...so rather than protecting them, they (Canada) are further harassing them," he added. This came following the MEA's announcement on Saturday that India has lodged a formal protest with the Canadian government after revelations that its consular officials in Canada were subjected to audio and video surveillance. The MEA condemned these actions as "flagrant violations" of diplomatic and consular conventions. During a press briefing, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that some Indian consular officials were recently informed by the Canadian government about the ongoing surveillance. He criticised Canada for attempting to justify its actions by citing technicalities, arguing that such justifications cannot excuse what he described as harassment and intimidation of Indian diplomatic personnel. Jaiswal emphasised the extremist and violent environment in which the diplomatic and consular personnel were operating, noting that these actions by the Canadian government exacerbate the situation and are incompatible with established diplomatic norms and practices. "Some of our Consular officials were recently informed by the Canadian Government that they have been and continue to be under audio and video surveillance. Their communications have also been intercepted. We have formally protested to the Canadian Government, as we deem these actions to be a flagrant violation of relevant diplomatic and consular conventions," the MEA Spokesperson said. "By citing technicalities, the Canadian government cannot justify the fact that it is indulging in harassment and intimidation. Our diplomatic and consular personnel are already functioning in an environment of extremism and violence. This action of the Canadian Government aggravates the situation and is incompatible with established diplomatic norms and practices," he added. Tensions between India and Canada escalated after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged in Parliament last year that there were "credible allegations" of India's involvement in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. India has firmly denied all such allegations, labeling them as "absurd" and "motivated," while accusing Canada of providing a haven for extremist and anti-India elements. (ANI) Candidates seeking to lead the Oakland Unified School District faced a barrage of tough questions one recent evening an interrogation led by an enthusiastic group of new voters suddenly endowed with political power: 16- and 17-year-old high school students. In a first for California, teens in two Alameda County school districts, Berkeley and Oakland, were granted suffrage in school board races for the first time this November. About 1,000 Oakland students had registered as of Oct. 22. And to court their newest and youngest constituents, several Oakland candidates assembled before a packed auditorium in East Oakland for a grilling. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What ideas do you bring to the table to improve school safety for the schools in your district? Ojiugo Egeonu, 16, a junior at Oakland Technical High School, asked the candidates. There had already been several school shootings in the last year on high school campuses, she added. Fremont High School, the site of the Oct. 22 candidate forum, was placed on lockdown in 2023 after two people were shot near campus. The school board candidates tried to reassure the students, saying they were committed to improving safety, while also protecting students' rights. The districts newest voters listened carefully. In a district facing a massive budget crisis and often abysmal test scores, students also had questions about school funding, campus safety, mental health, and college and career preparation support. Read more: This red California county roiled by a far-right insurgency braces for more trouble as election nears Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many students said it was about time school board candidates played more heed to them. Were not at the kids' table anymore, Maximus Simmons, a junior at Oakland High, said. This is the first time young people have had a real voice in school board elections in a major city. This is only the beginning. Across the country, a few small cities have made it possible for young people to cast votes in local elections. The first place in California to authorize youth suffrage was Berkeley, where in 2016 more than 70% of voters approved a measure allowing students to have a voice in school board races. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Voters in Oakland followed suit in 2020 with Measure QQ. But because it took several years to work out the mechanics, officials said, youth voting will happen for the first time in both cities this month. This has never been done before in California, and we had to make sure that it was done properly, Alameda County Registrar of Voters Tim Dupuis said in a statement. The push is expanding to more cities. In the Bay Area, voters in Albany will vote Tuesday on a measure to grant suffrage to 16- and 17-year-olds. In Southern California, Culver City voters narrowly defeated a similar measure in 2022, while San Francisco voters also shot down such measures in 2016 and 2020. Sixteen- and 17- year-olds must register to vote and are sent a ballot with only the school board candidates in their district, preventing them from voting in other races. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the candidates' forum at Fremont High, school board candidates took notice of their newest constituency. Seven of the eight candidates running for four open seats in Oakland attended. Im here to listen to all of you, because that is what you deserve, Ben Salop, 20, a 2022 graduate of Oakland Technical High School, told the students. Lets make Oakland a truly student-led district. Read more: These special interests are spending big to influence which Democrats win L.A. seats in the Legislature It's a big deal that 16- and 17-year-olds can vote in Oakland and Berkeley school board elections, as they now influence who represents their interests, said Laura Wray-Lake, a professor of social welfare at UCLA, who has conducted research on youth civic engagement. She emphasized that these students see school inequities firsthand and will likely vote for candidates prioritizing equity and student support, and who will listen to their views." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Oakland and Berkeley could set an example for other cities, she said, by showing young people can vote responsibly. As the largest, most diverse city with a lower voting age, she says that Oakland may inspire similar movements in other cities like Newark, N.J., and a youth-led movement in Minnesota aiming to lower the voting age for school board elections. The Oakland district, which enrolls about 34,000 students, many of whom live in poverty, has been plagued by troubles in recent years. It faces a $95-million budget gap, shrinking enrollment, and has closed campuses amid allegations that it is failing students. It has also struggled with low test scores, particularly among Black and Latino students. We started this movement because we saw our school board directors making decisions without considering student perspectives, said Natalie Gallegos Chavez, a sophomore at UC Berkeley who was a student at Oakland High School when she first became involved in the Oakland Youth Vote Coalition at its inception in 2019. Gallegos said that the movement to implement Measure QQ was inspired by the school program closures, which she viewed as against the interests of students. In 2019, the Oakland School Board cut $20.2 million from its budget, including 100 jobs and several schools. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many students said the chance to vote on school board races has made them more engaged in politics in general. I became more interested once I knew we actually might have an opportunity to have our voices be heard, said Anne Diby, 16, a junior at Skyline High School in Oakland. Its opened my eyes to how government decisions are being viewed by youth. Dibys classmate Autumn Weems, 16, added that the ability to vote has motivated her to become more informed about the issues affecting her school. We basically are now put in a position to control our education, which is something we should have been able to do in the first place, she said. Tommy Lemasney, center, and other students celebrate their ability to vote in school board elections. (Meg Tanaka / For The Times) Tommy Lemasney, 17, a senior at Skyline, said voting has made him more aware of the need for youth voices to be heard in politics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I want students to have more of a say, not just adults who think they know everything, Lemasney said. Youth voices should be heard, especially when it comes to who represents us. At the event at Fremont High, many candidates rushed to agree with the students on the value of youth voting. Candidate Dwayne Aikens Jr. told the students he had grown up in poverty and as a victim of gun violence in Oakland. He was running to improve schools, he said, and also to put hope and aspiration on the ballot. Read more: Prop. 6 supporters ask voters to end slavery in California. Isn't it already illegal? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement VanCedric Williams, who is running for reelection against Aikens, encouraged students to remain vocal and continue to push for student involvement in budgeting decisions. Were gonna need to hear your voice, he said. In response, the students showered him with loud snaps of approval and applause. Tanaka is a special correspondent. Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) The results are in for Tennessees mock general election, that is. Mock elections were launched in 2016 and were designed as a non-partisan, educational experience for all of Tennessees Pre-K through 12th grade students, according to the Secretary of States office. How many people voted early in Tennessee for the 2024 general election? Over 43,000 students from 168 schools voted for the President and the U.S. Senate in the Tennessee Secretary of States mock election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Public, private and homeschooled students were able to participate and participating schools received I Voted stickers and a mock ballot. FBI setting up election command post ahead of Election Day in Tennessee Through their participation, these future leaders experienced how registered Tennessee voters select their elected officials, Secretary of State, Tre Hargett, said in a Friday press release. We are excited about the enthusiasm we saw from this years participants, and we hope this experience has inspired them to become future voters. News 2 will have all the latest election information on Election Day. Follow along online and on-air. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Voters in Moldova are deciding on the presidency as they cast their ballots in a run-off vote on Sunday, with the outcome unclear in the nation divided between pro-European President Maia Sandu and her pro-Russian rival. All polling stations opened without delay, the election commission said. Tens of thousands of people had already cast their votes in Chisinau and other locations early in the morning, in sunny autumnal weather. Sandu is running for a second term, but failed to secure an absolute majority in the first round of voting last month. Also called to the polls in the second round of voting are hundreds of thousands of Moldovans living abroad mainly in the EU as well as those within the breakaway Russian-controlled region of Transnistria. A test for one of the highest positions in the Hialeah Fire Department is under scrutiny, prompting an internal affairs investigation after one of the candidates who failed the exam complained that another candidate cheated. The complaint arose after the exam which anyone seeking promotion to battalion chief or assistant chief of operations needs to pass to be eligible was administered in August 2023. District Fire Chief Robert Ortega filed a complaint with the Hialeah Police Departments Professional Compliance Bureau two months later. Ortega, one of six candidates who took the test, was one of the three who failed it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The exam consists of written and oral components, each requiring a minimum score of 70 out of 100 to pass. In a sworn statement to the police departments internal affairs unit, Ortega said that a particular employee was given the answers to the oral exam in order to score exceptionally well. Although Ortega didnt mention the candidate by name, in his original complaint he identified the person he believed was given an unfair advantage was the one who scored a 100 percent on the test. The only candidate who got a perfect score on the exam is Edward Altidor, chief of the departments Professional Standards division. An unfair advantage was given to Altidor by someone else over the other candidates, and that is not ethical, Ortega told the Miami Herald. He said division chiefs like Altidor have an unfair edge in promotions. They have palanca, he said, using the Spanish word for lever, a slang term for high-placed benefactors. In his statement to internal affairs, Ortega also complained that the oral test questions did not align with the study material outlined in the Hialeah Fire Department Professional Standards Manual. District Fire Chief Vladimir Kanarev, another candidate who failed the exam, confirmed Ortegas claims in his own statement to internal affairs, saying the study material was not consistent with the oral portion of the exam. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ortega told the Herald the fire departments leadership created a Frankenstein test that favored certain candidates, noting that 50% of the candidates failed. He complained that theres a cultural thing at the department in which top ranking officials are helped when they take promotion exams. They dont open a book and they got a perfect score, he added. Hialeah District Fire Chief Robert Ortega, who filed a complaint with the Hialeah Police Departments Professional Compliance Bureau regarding the battalion chief exam, spoke, in from of the citys personnel board to request a redo exam. Altidor declined to comment for this story, referring a reporter to his lawyer, Naomi Levi Garcia. He did not cheat, and he did not have an unfair advantage, Garcia told the Herald in a statement. After internal affairs closed out its investigation on Aug. 27, Hialeahs Human Resources Director, Elsa Jaramillo-Velez, asked members of the citys personnel board to throw out the eligibility list from the results of the 2023 exam. Edward Altidor, (right) chief of the Professional Standards division in the Hialeah Fire Department The personnel board is considering at least three options: discarding the eligibility list and redoing the oral examination; discarding the results of the entire exam, or maintaining the current eligibility list, which would allow candidates who passed the controversial exam to be eligible for the position when a vacancy arises. The board has yet to make a decision, saying it is awaiting input from Fire Chief Willians Guerra. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Altidors attorney argued that there is no legitimate reason to invalidate the promotional list. The list of people who have passed the exam is important, especially at this time, because several vacancies could lead to the position of battalion chief coming open. Guerra himself plans to retire in May, which will open other leadership positions at the top. The battalion-chief exams were created by Deputy Fire Chief Raymond Malin, Guerra told the internal affairs investigators. Malin retired shortly after he was interviewed by internal affairs about the cheating allegation. He did not respond to a Herald request for comment. According to the internal affairs investigation, a third candidate who failed the test, Division Chief Emmanuel Louis, had been given a copy of the oral exam from previous years before the test. Hialeahs Human Resources department told city officials they had given Louis the copy of the old test because he was the designated contact for the Fire Department regarding exams. While the exam Louis received was not identical to the one later taken by the six candidates, Human Resources Director Jaramillo-Velez described it as very similar. Hialeah Mayor Esteban Bovo Jr. and Hialeah Fire Department Fire Chief William Guerra talk outside Hialeah Fire Station 1 on 83 E. Fifth St., in Hialeah on Oct. 29, 2024. Jaramillo-Velez discovered emails indicating that Louis had forwarded a copy of the oral examination to Altidor before they took the test, according to the internal affairs investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At a personnel board meeting last month, Louis denied any wrongdoing. I failed the oral portion of that examination, so to insinuate that there were some types of cheating, he said, is absurd and disrespectful. Guerra, the fire chief, told the Herald he will make a decision soon but did not say whether the exam will be redone. The city firefighters union told the Herald that the investigation showed there was an unfair advantage in the administration of the exam, and that the chief needs to take disciplinary steps, which could include terminating staffers and removing candidates from the promotion list. Some members of the department, including some ranking officers who asked not to be named, told the Herald they feel the chief has shown favoritism toward Altidor in the past, including taking him off day-to-day firefighting duties and appointing him chief of the division of professional standards. Guerra denied that he has shown Altidor favoritism. How can anybody say that? the chief said. Its not true. Seven years ago almost to the day, Alaina Hampton sent a private letter to then-House Speaker Michael Madigan about sexual harassment from a co-worker that became a turning point in Madigans record-setting reign. I do not want to hurt any of you I care very deeply about people involved, she wrote in the letter, which she later made public. I only needed to tell you because it has been very painful to experience alone. The letter set off a chain reaction that weakened Madigans grip on the House Democratic caucus, which began to question how he handled sexual harassment issues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Madigan himself was not accused of sexual misconduct, the lingering fallout combined with federal prosecutors naming him Public Official A in their burgeoning investigation ultimately cost him caucus support for the speakership and led to his resignation in early 2021. As soon as Monday, Hampton, a campaign worker once considered a rising star on Madigans team, could come face to face with the dethroned speaker if she testifies in his landmark trial, where his organizations struggle with #MeToo scandals has become front and center for the jury. While Hamptons testimony will be limited and the jury will not hear evidence of her specific allegations of sexual harassment, she can offer nitty-gritty insights of how the speaker controlled his political and government operations, including how he distributed campaign funds to select candidates. In facing off with her ultimate boss, Hamptons story will come full circle, adding a layer of high drama into a trial where the ending has yet to be written. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hamptons testimony will also be a reminder of one of the wilder aspects of Madigans downfall: that after decades of meticulous control, the speakers #MeToo moment unfolded while the FBI had wiretapped the cellphone of his closest confidant, Michael McClain, allowing them to record all the frustration, paranoia and political implosion in real time. This is too constant, McClain lamented about the seemingly never-ending accusations on one wiretapped call played for the jury last week, saying its just gonna keep goin. Madigan, 82, of Chicago, who served for decades as speaker of the Illinois House and the head of the state Democratic Party, faces racketeering charges alleging he ran his state and political operations like a criminal enterprise, scheming with utility giants ComEd and AT&T to put his cronies on contracts requiring little or no work and using his public position to drum up business for his private law firm. Both Madigan and McClain, 77, a former ComEd contract lobbyist from downstate Quincy who is also charged with racketeering, have pleaded not guilty and denied wrongdoing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Show Caption1 of 26 Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan leaves the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse on Oct. 31, 2024. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune) Expand Among the schemes alleged by prosecutors was a 2018 plan arranged by McClain to send money to Kevin Quinn, the Madigan lieutenant who had been forced out for harassing Hampton. A trusted circle would send Quinn payments as he sought other work, according to prosecutors, with Madigans knowledge. But to avoid prejudicing the jury, the judge has barred mention of the specific reason Quinn was cut loose. Instead, when the topic of testimony turned to Quinn last week, Assistant U.S. Attorney Julia Schwartz read a carefully sanitized stipulation that didnt even mention Hamptons involvement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In November 2017, Michael Madigan was informed of allegations of misconduct against Kevin Quinn, she read. As a result of these allegations, Kevin Quinn was terminated from his position in February 2018. Now 35, Hampton works as a political consultant, including for Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi, Cook County Commissioner Bridget Degnen and current school board candidate Ellen Rosenfeld. With her court appearance pending, Hampton declined comment for this story. Swiss Army knife? Its perhaps a twist of irony that the woman who helped defuse Madigans power will testify at his trial but not about the accusations that undercut him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The fact that prosecutors wanted to call Hampton as a witness at all was not publicly revealed until the first day of trial last month, when Madigans attorneys raised an alarm over what she might say and accused prosecutors of trying to do an end run around the judges previous ruling limiting testimony about sexual harassment. As recently as last week, defense attorneys again launched unsuccessful last-ditch efforts to get testimony about Quinn thrown out of the case. Hampton would be a Swiss Army knife of a witness, Madigan attorney Todd Pugh told the judge Wednesday, in that prosecutors want her to testify about many different aspects of the speakers operation. The next day, Pugh argued that concealing payments to someone accused of misconduct is completely different from hiding bribes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Assistant U.S. Attorney Amarjeet Bhachu pointed out, however, that the indictment specifically accuses McClain of abetting the criminal enterprise by concealing the true nature of payments to Madigan allies. This is dead bang within the allegations of Count 1. No question about it, Bhachu said, adding that he had a problem with the lateness of the objection since prosecutors had disclosed their intentions back in March. U.S. District Judge John Robert Blakey agreed, finding that the Quinn matter was essentially a reward to help associates of the enterprise who ran into trouble, which is squarely within the racketeering allegations. How much Hampton is able to tell jurors about Madigans operations will be the focus of political intrigue, but clearly Madigans team is wary of her testimony. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She knows what it was like to work occasionally inside Madigans 13th Ward Southwest Side headquarters and how the speakers team deployed campaign workers to knock on doors for long hours. She also could recap how she was assigned to be an aide to then-Rep. Silvana Tabares, who now is the 23rd Ward alderman, but still reported weekly to Marty Quinn, the Madigan field general. If asked, she could tell jurors how the Madigan team helped her get a job at a Chicago Heights economic development organization that was run by political allies who made it easy for her to be available for campaign work whenever she was needed. Another area ripe for prosecutors to explore would be Hamptons time as a campaign manager for Juliana Stratton in a successful 2016 primary challenge against incumbent South Side Democratic Rep. Ken Dunkin, who had aligned himself on key votes with Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner, Madigans political nemesis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The primary race became a proxy fight between Madigan and Rauner, setting an eye-popping Illinois House primary spending record of more than $6 million. Even though the entire political world viewed them as the main players, both Madigan and Rauner subtly played down the zeitgeist of a major showdown between the two partisan enemies. Madigans troops fell in line: Rather than pouring money into Madigans hefty campaign war chests to move around, 11 House Democratic incumbents sent most of a $560,000 chunk of cash directly to Stratton. Madigan allies in labor also poured in support for Stratton. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two years later, Stratton moved on to be JB Pritzkers running mate in his 2018 bid for governor, and Hampton made a pitch to run the House Democratic campaign for Strattons potential House successor. When Hampton was frozen out, she alleged Madigans camp retaliated for her calling out Kevin Quinn. I basically lost everything I worked for because some guy could not control himself, Hampton said when the Tribune first told her story. New direction for trial The trial, which began with jury selection on Oct. 8, is entering its third week of testimony and has gathered steam after a sluggish start. While much of the testimony has been a rehash of the related ComEd Four bribery trial last year, where McClain and three others were convicted in the plot to bribe Madigan, prosecutors last week began playing several never-before-heard recorded calls dealing specifically with the sexual harassment scandal. Prosecutors are presenting the fallout within the speakers political organization as evidence of the lengths that Madigans soldiers would go to protect the boss, and to show Madigan had the willingness and power to provide a soft landing for someone close to him who was in trouble. While it eventually became a public spectacle, the controversy began privately. In February 2017, Hampton reported to 13th Ward Ald. Marty Quinn, a handpicked Madigan acolyte, that his younger brother Kevin had been harassing her for months. The badgering included a relentless string of texts in which Quinn asked Hampton to go out with him, including one saying he saw a Facebook picture of her in a bikini and describing her as smoking hot. She repeatedly turned down Quinns advances, trying to laugh him off at first but also later sent him a blunt message: I need you to stop. Im not interested. I just want to do my work. The alderman talked to his brother and the messages stopped. But when Marty Quinn asked Hampton if she wanted to join Madigans elite crew of precinct captains, she did not want to risk going to meetings where she might be in contact with Kevin Quinn again. I was terrified, Hampton has recounted previously. In April 2017, she abruptly left Madigans organization and joined the campaign of Marie Newman, who was running in the Democratic primary against U.S. Rep. Dan Lipinski, whose father, BIll, was a longtime congressman, ward boss and Madigan ally. It wasnt until seven months later, when she was looking to rejoin the speakers political team, that Hampton decided to write to Madigan, sending a handwritten letter to his home to make sure hed see it, and explaining in vivid detail the reasons she left. With Hamptons November 2017 letter hitting his mailbox at the height of the national #MeToo movement, Madigan assigned one of his trusted lawyers, Heather Wier Vaught, to investigate her allegations. The two met at a Loop coffee shop and hugged at the end of their discussion but came away with different views of the next steps. By February 2018, Hampton was unsatisfied with the progress. It wasnt until she prepared to come forward publicly that Kevin Quinn was quietly pushed out. On Feb. 12, the day after shed sat down for an exclusive interview with the Tribune, Madigans office blasted out a press release about the allegations and Quinns ouster, but it did not name Hampton. Though the move had the makings of Madigan attempting to get ahead of a story, aides said they were unaware of the Tribune interview. In November, Madigans statement said, a courageous woman made me aware that a high-ranking individual within my political operation had previously made unwanted advances and sent her inappropriate text messages. Madigan said Wier Vaughts investigation had concluded Quinn engaged in inappropriate conduct and failed to exercise the professional judgment I expect of those affiliated with my political organizations and the office of the speaker. As Tribune headlines detailed her story, Hampton called a news conference the next day. She later filed a federal lawsuit claiming she was unjustly blackballed and reached a $275,000 settlement with four of Madigans political committees. Most of the money went to pay for lawyers and other expenses. The scandal spirals If Madigan thought hed done successful damage control, it quickly became clear the issues within his organization went far beyond Kevin Quinn. Criticism immediately emerged about the speakers ability to stop sexual harassment among a number of notoriously misbehaving aides and close allies. The constant drip of allegations wore down his standing with House Democrats, especially among women, leading to once-unthinkable calls for him to step down from his role as speaker. By far the biggest blow to Madigans organization came in June 2018 with the toppling of his longtime chief of staff, Tim Mapes, who was accused by a female staffer of sexual harassment over several years and of fostering a culture of sexism, harassment and bullying that creates an extremely difficult working environment. Mapes, who also served as House clerk and executive director of the state Democratic Party, denied the allegations. But within hours, Madigan announced at a Chicago news conference hed cut Mapes loose from all three positions. On a recorded call the day Mapes resigned, lobbyist Will Cousineau, a former political point man for Madigan in the House, sighed heavily several times as he talked with McClain about hiring a crisis management team to try to stop the bleeding. Have you talked to Tim? Cousineau asked McClain at one point. McClain responded that so far, hed only texted back and forth with Mapes. Ive got calls of course into Madigan, but, uh, hes on lockdown at home, and I figured that if he wants to talk, hell call me, McClain said. Meanwhile, the jury has not heard that Kevin Quinn was accused of sexual harassment just that he was fired because of an allegation of wrongdoing. Last week, prosecutors began playing a series of wiretapped recordings showing that despite the Madigan teams public statements, there was a behind-the-scenes effort going on to kick Quinn some money in his time of need. But they wanted to keep it quiet. The plan, as McClain put it to Cousineau on one August 2018 call, was to recruit a few trusted people to pay Quinn $1,000 a month each for six months, or until he was able to find another job. And as far as Im concerned, except for the people signing on, no one else even knows about it except for our friend, McClain said, using his ubiquitous code words for the speaker. Prosecutors next week plan to play another call from later that month in which McClain allegedly gave a progress report directly to Madigan. According to court records that quote the call, McClain told the speaker he had put four or five people together that are willing to contribute to, uh, help with monthly things for the next six months like I mentioned to ya for (Quinn). McClain asked Madigan if he wanted to mention it to Quinns brother, Ald. Marty Quinn, or stay out of it. I think I oughta stay out of it, Madigan allegedly responded. Minutes after hanging up with the speaker, McClain allegedly called the alderman, who also said he would rather stay in the dark, according to court records. The Tribune has reported that bank records show more than $30,000 in checks were sent to Quinn starting in 2018 from Madigan allies or entities they were associated with, including McClain, Cousineau and three other utility lobbyists: former Democratic Rep. John Bradley, former Madigan staff political director Tom Cullen and Mike Alvarez, a former member of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District. In a call played for jurors last week, McClain told Cousineau that it wasnt just Quinn: Every so often, he said, Madigan would ask him to quietly take care of people. At one point in time I had uh, maybe five consultants working for me, McClain said. And, and all they ever really did is give me pieces of paper. That, prosecutors have said, was partially a reference to McClain helping funnel payments from ComEd to a different Madigan ally an allegation at the heart of the racketeering case. The pieces of paper were for tax purposes, something to show the IRS in case of an audit, according to prosecutors. In that same call, McClain told Cousineau that Michael Kasper, a longtime attorney for Madigans organization, had told him the draft is done on an internal investigation into Quinns misdeeds, and it doesnt look too bad. So um, so I decided until that investigation comes out, its gonna be real hard to find the guy a job, McClain said, laughing. Agreed, agreed, Cousineau responded. Texas Republicans are making a preemptive push to paint the 2024 election as illegitimate and rife with fraud, a move that comes as Sen. Ted Cruz (R) fights for his political life. That rhetorical and legal campaign which has seen longtime GOP claims of illegal voting by Democrats blossom into allegations of a massive conspiracy comes amid efforts by the Democratic Party to make inroads in the increasingly purple state. And they build on a decades-long campaign by the state GOP to respond to Texass changing demographics to raise barriers to voting by Democrats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those claims come as part of a national Republican commitment to establishing the idea of election fraud, Cal Jillson, a professor of political science at Dallass Southern Methodist University, told The Hill. Allegations of cheating, Jillson said, are being made not just on behalf of former President Trump, whose supporters are already preparing lawsuits to overturn his possible defeat, but also to allow legal challenges of any other very close elections that might take place. And they come as Cruz finds himself locked in a competitive reelection battle with Democratic rival Rep. Colin Allred. Though The Hill/Decision Desk HQs forecast gives the Republican a 75 percent chance of winning, multiple polls in recent weeks have shown a tightening race. Jillson said that if Allred should catch him on Election Day, [Republicans] want to establish the idea that election fraud is a real, legitimate concern. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These claims have emanated from the top of the ticket and have gone well beyond Texas. Trump has for more than a decade claimed that his losses were the result of widespread voter fraud by immigrants lacking permanent legal status. Trump as recently as Thursday was alleging widespread cheating in Pennsylvania and described voting Machines as that beautiful, often corrupt, machine. And in a Thursday appearance on The Hills Rising, Trump press secretary Karoline Leavitt conflated the long lines at polling stations in the hotly contested Philadelphia exurb the subject of a successful campaign lawsuit to keep polls open late with illegal voter suppression. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Texas and its statewide elected officials have been particularly ardent advocates of the false idea of widespread illegal voting. Cruz has repeatedly accused Vice President Harris, Trumps opponent, of wanting more illegal aliens to invade America because she views every single illegal alien as a future Democrat voter. During his debate last month, Cruz accused Harris and Allred, without evidence, of an alleged plot by Democrats to import foreign voters and ensure that every statewide elected official in Texas would be defeated in the next election. Other statewide elected officials claim, despite evidence to the contrary, that such widespread and coordinated illegal voting is already here. In August, Gov. Greg Abbott (R) purged more than a million voters from Texas rolls, while claiming that his office had found thousands of undocumented immigrant voters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Illegal voting in Texas will NEVER be tolerated, Abbott wrote on social platform X at the time, adding that his office would refer alleged illegal voters to Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton (R) for prosecution. Investigations by The Texas Tribune and ProPublica have found these numbers to be inflated, if not invented. On Tuesday, ProPublica published a profile of a Trump voter, Mary Howard-Elley, who was incorrectly marked as a noncitizen after she asked to be exempted from jury duty because of guardianship duties for three of her grandchildren. In an interview with the news outlet, Howard-Elley expressed disbelief that this could happen to someone with the whitest name you could have. Who is allowing people to do this to United States citizens? she asked. I understand we have a problem with immigration, but come on now. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The most ardent warrior on the voter fraud front has been Paxton, who has repeatedly and without evidence alleged that Democrats are conspiring with Mexican drug cartels to illegally import voters. In August, Paxton announced an investigation into voter registration organizations that he says were illegally registering noncitizens to vote in our election a claim that appears to be based on a debunked friend-of-a-friend story posted by Fox News host Maria Bartiromo. In the story, Bartiromos source appears to assume, without further investigation, that a line of Latinos waiting to register were immigrants. Around the same time, Paxtons officers executed search warrants against Democratic organizers and a candidate in a key South Texas race and sued the states biggest urban counties over their voter registration drives. Paxton also sued Democratic small-dollar fundraiser ActBlue over allegedly letting bad actors illegally interfere in American elections; went after the federal government for not creating a new process to verify that voters on Texas rolls are in fact citizens; and filed amicus briefs in support of a recent, successful challenge by Virginias Republican government to purge about 1,600 voters from state rolls. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While reporting by The Associated Press shows many of these voters were citizens who, like Howard-Elley, the Trump voter in Texas, were removed in error, Paxton on Wednesday characterized the Biden-Harris position as an attempt to force [Virginia] to put noncitizens back on the voter rolls while the Election is already under way. There is, Jillson noted, an immediate practical benefit to Republicans, should they lose, in creating a widespread atmosphere of suspicion around election results: It will make those results easier to challenge. Paxton, like Cruz, was an early and ardent supporter of the lie that Trump won the 2020 election claims that the attorney general took to the Supreme Court, and for which the State Bar of Texas is seeking to censure him. That comes amid a streamlined GOP operation ready to prove fraud, Michael Waldman, president of the Brennan Center for Justice, told the AP earlier this month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2020, the election deniers were improvisational, Waldman said. Now that same election denialist impulse is far more organized, far more strategic and far better funded. For both sides, that funding, too, is in part based on claims and counterclaims of fraud, election law professor Derek Muller of University of Notre Dame told the AP. Both parties, Mueller said, are fundraising on how theyre able to protect democracy, how theyre able to preserve the integrity of the election. But recent history and current rhetoric offers one clear difference between the parties. Should Trump lose in 2024, Jillson said, almost five years of evidence suggests that Republican elected officials in Congress and across the states will generally back him up on his claims of a stolen election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What is newer, he said, is that those claims are now being made around other elected officials even in races where theyre very, very likely to win. But in Texas, a state that did not allow its Black residents to vote until 1965, Jillson noted that these claims are part of a much older lineage. From the days when conservative Democrats ruled the state, he said, the idea of controlling the unpredictable and untrustworthy masses has been an important part of Texas policy. Texas conservatives have always been nervous about voters they do not know and trust to behave properly, he said. But GOP allegations of fraud have steadily picked up steam since 2000, the year then-Texas Gov. George W. Bush (R) won the presidency after the Supreme Court stopped the Florida recount in that years disputed election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the decades that followed, Texas Republicans used allegations of widespread voter fraud first by Black voters, then by Latinos to justify increasingly strict limits on the voting process, which have helped make Texas the hardest state to vote in nationwide. (That distinction has helped place Texas among the three bottom states for voter registration.) Republicans passed a series of restrictive voter ID laws in the 2010s that a federal judge repeatedly found to be intentionally discriminatory, though Paxton eventually won a case defending a softened version of those laws one that allows voters to submit photo IDs preferred by Republicans, like hunting and gun licenses, but not student IDs, whose holders skew Democrat. And in 2021, in tandem with their widespread claims of voter fraud in the 2020 election, Texas Republicans passed Senate Bill 1, a law that included provisions making it far harder for elderly, disabled or non-English-speaking voters to get help with their ballots. That legislation really slammed the door shut on community outreach toward elderly Latino voters who needed help either seeing the ballot, reading it or understanding the ballot, Nina Perales, vice president of litigation for the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF.) Perales argued that in addition to blocking actual votes, laws like SB1 serve to keep less confident voters home. And in late September, after a challenge from MALDEF, federal Judge Xavier Rodriguez agreed, knocking down the bills criminal provisions but only after the election on Nov. 5. Perales said that such restrictions are part of a Republican campaign to slow the erosion of their power amid a changing electorate. Such election-season challenges to measures like voter ID, Republican strategist Brendan Steinhauser countered, hurt Democrats by adding fuel to GOP claims that the party isnt concerned about what its spokespeople now call election integrity. At its core, Steinhauser said, Republicans claiming fraud are mostly due to the fact that their guy didnt win. Those claims, however, are becoming self-sustaining in a way that is in danger of outrunning their practical utility for Republicans, Joshua Blank of the Texas Politics Project (TPP) at The University of Texas at Austin told The Hill. A September TPP poll found that, after two decades of what the TPP team called call and response on voter fraud by Republican elected officials, only 7 percent of party members were very confident in the 2024 election results, and two-thirds believed that voting restrictions needed to be tighter. There is almost nothing that Republicans in the state could do at this point to convince their own voters that the system isnt rigged even though Republicans have had control of the system for the better part of the last few decades and have won all the elections. That rhetoric has helped back a wave of legal challenges by the Texas GOP that lay the groundwork for attempts to overturn the 2024 election, experts told The Hill. There are darker currents too. On conservative social media, Steinhauser said, claims of widespread voter fraud are being used to justify once-fringe claims that liberals engaged in a great replacement to get rid of white voters and put minorities in their places. Those who believe the presidential election was stolen and the other side is basically pulled off a coup of sorts, Steinhauser told The Hill, then its going to motivate you to do, motivate a small number of people to do terrible things. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 group of 111 OB-GYNs in Texas released a letter to elected state leaders Sunday urging them to change abortion laws they say have prevented them from providing lifesaving care to pregnant women. The doctors pointed to recent reporting by ProPublica on two Texas pregnant women who died after medical staff delayed emergency care. Josseli Barnica, 28, died of an infection in 2021 three days after she began to miscarry. More than a dozen medical experts said Barnicas death was preventable. However, the states abortion laws kept doctors from intervening until they couldnt detect a fetal heartbeat, which didnt happen until about 40 hours after the miscarriage started. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nevaeh Crain, 18, died last year after developing a dangerous complication of sepsis that doctors refused to treat while her six-month-old fetus still had a heartbeat. Two emergency rooms didnt treat her and a third delayed care, moving Crain to the intensive care unit only after she was experiencing organ failure. Medical experts said if the hospital staff had treated her early, they either could have helped Crain with an early delivery or saved her life by ending the pregnancy if the infection had gone too far. Josseli Barnica and Nevaeh Crain should be alive today, the doctors wrote in their letter. As OB-GYNs in Texas, we know firsthand how much these laws restrict our ability to provide our patients with quality, evidence-based care. In 2021, Texas lawmakers passed a law prohibiting doctors from performing an abortion after six weeks. The law allows members of the public to sue doctors or anyone who helps perform an abortion for $10,000. After the Dobbs v. Jackson ruling overturned Roe v. Wade, Texas banned almost all abortions including in cases of rape and incest. The law does create an exception for a doctor to perform an abortion when they believe it is necessary to save the life of the pregnant patient. Doctors who violate the states abortion law risk losing their medical license and potentially spending life in prison. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Doctors have said that confusion about what constitutes a life-threatening condition has changed the way they treat pregnant patients with complications. The Texas Medical Board has offered guidance on how to interpret the laws medical exception, and the Texas Supreme Court has ruled that doctors dont need to wait until theres an imminent risk to the patient to intervene. But some physicians say the guidance is vague and that hospitals are navigating each situation on a case-by-case basis. ProPublicas reporting about Crain and Barnica comes as U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz and U.S. Rep. Colin Allred of Dallas face off in a heated bid for one of Texas' two seats in the U.S. Senate. Their divergent views on abortion have been a central issue in the race, and both candidates have weighed in on Crain and Barnicas deaths. Texas doctors cant do their jobs because of Ted Cruzs cruel abortion ban, Allred wrote on X, linking to the story about Crain. Cruz even lobbied SCOTUS to allow states to ban life-saving emergency abortions. In 2021, Cruz sponsored a 20-week federal abortion ban. He also co-introduced a bill that would allow states to exclude medical providers that perform abortions from receiving Medicaid funding. After the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, Cruz celebrated the decision as a massive victory. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cruz has previously said he thought Texas exception to save the life of the pregnant mother was working. This week he reiterated that stance. He called Crain and Barnicas deaths heartbreaking in an interview with The Houston Chronicle and said procedures necessary to save the life of the pregnant mother are legal in Texas. Dozens of women have come forward saying that, after the states abortion ban went into effect, they were unable to get the health care they needed for their medically complex pregnancies. Last year, state lawmakers passed a law allowing abortions for people with ectopic pregnancies, a nonviable type of pregnancy in which the embryo implants outside the uterus, as well as when a patients water breaks before the fetus is viable. The doctors who signed the letter said they want to see a change in state law. Texas needs a change. A change in laws. A change in how we legislate medical decisions that should be between a patient, their family, and their doctor. The badge of the sheriff of Ventura County, where resident Thomas Buckley, 58, was arrested on suspicion of killing his roommate. (Ventura County Sheriff) A resident of a Thousand Oaks nursing home has been arrested on suspicion of killing his roommate, the Ventura County Sheriffs Office said. Deputies responded at 4:40 a.m. Friday to a call from the Silverado memory care facility on Warwick Avenue about a resident who was agitated and had broken a window, according to a Sheriff's Department news release . The deputies found the resident Thomas Buckley, 58, in a common area of the facility and detained him, authorities said. The nursing homes staff then checked on his roommate, Michael Patterson, 72. The workers found that Patterson had severe injuries, which appeared to be caused by an assault. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Paramedics were called to the scene and Patterson was pronounced dead a short time later, authorities said. Investigators said that before deputies arrived, Buckley had assaulted one of the facilitys workers, causing minor injuries. Patterson's death is being investigated as a homicide. The Ventura County Medical Examiners Office will conduct an autopsy to determine the official cause and manner of death. Buckley was booked on suspicion of murder, assault with a deadly weapon and vandalism, the Sheriff's Department said. He remains in custody and his bail was set at $2 million. His arraignment hearing is scheduled for Tuesday at 1:30 p.m. in Ventura County Superior Court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Silverado issued a statement about the incident on Sunday. Our thoughts are with the families and all those impacted by this tragedy, said Jeff Frum, a spokesperson for Silverado. The safety and well being of our residents and staff is our top priority, and we are cooperating fully with law enforcement in their investigation. Anyone with information regarding this incident should contact Det. Gerardo Cruz at (805) 384-4726 or Det. Erik Hernandez at (805) 384-4729. Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made a strong statement during his visit to the Lebanese border on Sunday, emphasising Israel's commitment to pushing Hezbollah beyond the Litani River, approximately 30 kilometres from the Israeli border. Notably, Netanyahu's visit to the Lebanese border included an assessment with the commanders regarding the operational picture and defensive and offensive plans for the continuity of activity in the sector, Israel's Prime Minister's Office said in a statement. Netanyahu visited the Lebanese border together with the Head of Northern Command, Maj.-Gen. Ori Gordin, 91st Division Commander Brig.-Gen. Shai Kalfer and brigade commanders. "The Prime Minister also met with reserve commanders of the Northern NAHAL Brigade (#228) and spoke with them about their combat to date," the statement added. During his visit, Netanyahu said, "I am here on the northern border. From here, one can see and hear the changed reality - aircraft overhead and our heroic fighters on the ground, beyond the borderline, eliminating the entire underground terrorist network that Hezbollah had prepared to raid the Galilee and carry out an even bigger massacre than occurred in Gaza. This has not happened." Netanyahu further stressed the importance for restoring calm and security in northern Israel and ensuring the safe return of residents to their homes. "We are striking all areas in Lebanon. I would like to make it clear: With or without an agreement, the key to restoring the calm and security in the north, the key to returning our residents in the north safely to their homes, is - first of all - to push Hezbollah beyond the Litani. Second is to strike at any attempt to rearm itself. Third is to respond vigorously to any action against us. Simply put, enforcement, enforcement, enforcement - and cutting off Hezbollah's pipeline from Iran through Syria. To all of this we are committed," Netanyahu said. Meanwhile, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) destroyed a Hezbollah terrorist compound and claimed that the compound was utilised to "plan and execute" strikes on Israeli troops. Sharing a post on X, IDF said, "During a targeted IDF operation, our troops dismantled a Hezbollah terrorist compound. Hezbollah intended to use this compound to plan and execute an infilitration into Israeli territory and attacks on IDF troops." "Within the compound, the soldiers located underground infrastructure and hideouts equipped with logistical and medical supplies for prolonged stays, military tents, and pits stocked with weapons," the post added. https://x.com/IDF/status/1853099975116288042 The IDF further said that they dismantled rocket launchers, high-powered explosives, mortar shells, and AK-47 rifles during the operation. "The troops also located and destroyed rocket launchers, high-powered explosives ready to be activated, anti-tank missiles, mortar shells, AK-47 rifles, surface-to-air missiles, and a launcher concealed in a mountain on a several-meter track aimed directly at civilian communities in northern Israel," the IDF said. (ANI) Three people were killed this weekend and another person was hospitalized following three separate crashes in the same Lowcountry county, according to the South Carolina Highway Patrol. The fatal collisions happened over a 19-hour span in Jasper County, said Master Trooper Gary Miller. The most recent wreck happened just after midnight Sunday, according to Miller. The single-vehicle collision occurred on Purrysburg Road near Church Road, Miller said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A 2013 Nissan Altima was driving east on Purrysburg Road when it ran off the right side of the road and crashed into a ditch before hitting a tree, according to Miller. The driver was the only person in the Nissan and died, Miller said. There was no word if the driver was wearing a seat belt and information about what caused the Nissan to veer off the road was not available. There was another deadly wreck in Jasper County about 5 hours earlier. It happened about 1 mile from Sundays crash. At about 7 p.m. Saturday, a 2001 Chevrolet Silverado was driving south on Church Road when it collided with a southbound bicycle near Seabreeze Drive, killing the bike rider, according to Miller. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Chevy driver, who was the only person in the pickup truck, was not hurt, Miller said. There were no lights or reflectors on the bicycle, according to Miller. It was dark out when the other crash happened at about 5:15 a.m. Saturday, Miller reported. That two-vehicle collision happened on S.C. 462 near Bolan Hall Road, according to Miller. A 2002 Ford Ranger pickup was driving west on S.C. 462 when it crossed left of the center line and crashed head-on with an eastbound 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis, Miller said. The car driver died, while the pickup driver was taken to an area hospital, according to Miller. Further information on the surviving drivers condition was not available. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Miller said the drivers were the only people in their respective vehicles, and no other injuries were reported. There was no word if either driver was wearing a seat belt. Information about what caused the Ford pickup to veer into oncoming traffic was not available, but Miller said this crash continued to be investigated by the Highway Patrol. The Jasper County Coroners Office has not publicly identified any of the victims who died in the unrelated crashes. Through Oct. 27, at least 806 people had died on South Carolina roads in 2024, according to the state Department of Public Safety. Last year, 1,030 people died in crashes in South Carolina, DPS reported. At least 17 people have died in Jasper County crashes in 2024, according to DPS data. (NEXSTAR) A tie in the Electoral College, while very unlikely, is still very much possible thanks to the even number of electoral votes (538) up for grabs in the upcoming presidential election. If neither candidate obtains the 270 votes needed to win i.e., each candidate gets 269 votes apiece then the elected members of Congress would decide the winner of the presidency and vice presidency in whats called a contingent election. That process, in and of itself, would be disruptive and problematic, Derek Muller, a law professor at the University of Notre Dame, previously told The Hill. But it could also result in a scenario that the American public hasnt seen in over 200 years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Which states have the highest and lowest voter turnout in presidential elections? In a contingent election, the House of Representatives would meet to determine the president, with each states delegation allowed to cast one vote for the candidate of their choice. (Washington, D.C. would not participate.) The first candidate to receive 26 votes would then become president. But the Senate would be tasked with electing the vice president, with each Senator allowed to cast a single vote. (Again, D.C. would not participate in contingent elections.) The first candidate with 51 votes is then declared the winner. In a contingent election, therefore, its possible that the House selects a president from the majoritys preferred party, while the Senate chooses a vice president from the other. Such a scenario would be more likely if the House and Senate are controlled by different parties after the election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For example, a tie in the electoral college after the 2024 election could theoretically result in a Trump-Walz administration, if the Republicans and Democrats manage to retain their current majorities in the House and the Senate, respectively. Signs showing support for both Democratic presidential candidate Vice President Kamala Harris and Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump sit along a rural highway on September 26, 2024 near Traverse City, Michigan. (Scott Olson/Getty Images) Corey Brettschneider, a professor of political science at Brown University and the author of The Presidents and the People: Five Leaders Who Threatened Democracy and the Citizens Who Fought to Defend It, believes the chance of this happening in 2024 is low. But thats largely because he believes there are vulnerabilities in the Electoral College system that could allow one candidate Trump, he named specifically to unethically manipulate the electoral votes before a contingent election would ever need to take place. The system as a whole is very precarious, Brettschneider said. Its not as stable as it should be. If indeed a contingent election were held, and a president and vice president from different parties were chosen to serve in the same administration, there would be constant undermining of the others objectives, Brettschneider believes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The last time that two politicians from different political parties somewhat reluctantly served in the same administration was between 1797-1801, when President John Adams (a Federalist) and Vice President Thomas Jefferson (a Democratic-Republican) held the offices. [With] the Adams Administration, you had a president who was intent in shutting down the opposition, and a vice president who was the leader of that opposition, said Brettschneider, adding that the administration was a microcosm of the instability of the country as a whole. But Adams and Jefferson didnt end up together because of a contingent election: At the time, the candidate with the most electoral votes became president, and the runner-up became vice president. The 12th Amendment, ratified in 1804, aimed to prevent this by overhauling the process to create a distinction between votes for the offices of president and vice president. Theres still nothing in the Constitution that would forbid a two-party presidential ticket. Abraham Lincoln and Andrew Johnson had belonged to different parties (Republican and Democratic) before they successfully ran for the nations highest offices in 1864 though, technically, they had both aligned prior to the election under the newly created National Union party. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) had also revealed in his 2018 memoir that he nearly selected Sen. Joe Lieberman (D-Conn.) as his running mate in the 2008 election, and even expressed regret that he hadnt. McCains advisers, he said, steered him toward Republican Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, fearing that Liebermans pro-choice stance on abortion would hurt his chances. It was sound advice that I could reason for myself, McCain wrote. But my gut told me to ignore it and I wish I had. Why doesnt the popular vote determine the president? But even a potential McCain-Lieberman ticket would have been spearheaded by politicians who willingly chose to be running mates. A Trump-Walz administration, on the other hand, would not be built on as stable a foundation and could result in both men trying to undermine each other, or oust the other from power. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont see it as a good thing, said Brettschneider. I dont see a world where this is a good thing for American democracy. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. US Senator Tim Scott found himself in a familiar spot on Sunday: dodging questions about the conduct and statements of Donald Trump as he tried to provide the policy-based counter to Democrats that the Republican frontrunner refuses to do. Scott was on CNNs State of the Union, where he was interviewed by Dana Bash as the final weekend of the 2024 presidential campaign played out across America. Trump and Harris are completing last-minute swing state blitzes as polls show the race very close. The South Carolina lawmaker pushed back on questions about recent statements from Trump and RFK Jr and offered a response about misinformation regarding election fraud that earned a derisive remark from Bash. He refused to directly engage with Bashs question whether it was right for the Trump campaign to be spreading misinformation about supposed voter fraud in Pennsylvania and instead accused the liberal media of being the ones spreading misinformation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Scott refused to offer any examples that would back that claim up; notably, the only media outlets that were credibly accused of making false statements about the 2020 election cycle were both conservative stations, Newsmax and Fox News. Both settled lawsuits filed against them by voting software companies over those false claims, with Fox in particular paying out nearly $800m. Rupert Murdoch said his companys anchors said things on television about the 2020 election they knew to be untrue, and that assertion was backed up by text messages and other communications obtained as part of the legal process in that lawsuit. Scott would go on to lie and say that CNN had not covered the assassination attempts against Donald Trump; one in Butler, Pennsylvania, and one in Florida. An exasperated Bash pointed out that this was untrue and that the network had provided wall-to-wall coverage of both incidents. The South Carolina senator was an unsuccessful contender for Donald Trumps running mate earlier this year, after publicly declaring onstage that he loved the former president who was forcing him, at the time, to bad-mouth Nikki Haley Trumps rival in the Republican primary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Haley was the governor who appointed Scott to the US Senate, although he refused to endorse her against Trump in the Republican primary. In 2020, the former presidents lies about voter fraud and widespread election shenanigans led to a failed months-long bid to turn around his defeat in courts across the country. After exhausting those options, Trumps supporters engaged in a deadly riot at the US Capitol aimed at halting the certification of the election. The ex-president and his team had encouraged the crowds to descend upon DC that day, even though they were warned that the likelihood of violence was high. The ex-president, meanwhile, is charging into Election Day faced with a slew of new polling showing the campaign possibly turning in Kamala Harriss favor in the final days. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A new Iowa poll from J. Ann Selzer, long considered the gold standard of Iowa polling, was released on Saturday and showed the ex-presidents support collapsing there; other surveys have suggested that the race is now tied or very close in North Carolina as well. Harris appeared Saturday evening on Saturday Night Live and will continue her tour of every major battleground state ahead of Tuesday. Nearly 30 years after Minnesota-raised TV anchor Jodi Huisentruit disappeared in Mason City, Iowa, there may be a break in the cold case. According to FindJodi, a website dedicated to the Huisentruit case, Mason City police have confirmed that investigators recently conducted a search in Winsted while following up on a tip: MCPD recently worked with Minnesota law enforcement officials to follow up on a lead in Winsted. MCPD continues to receive, evaluate, and follow up on information it receives related to Jodi Huisentruits disappearance on a regular basis. Information gleaned from this effort will be used in the ongoing investigation. At this time, there is no additional information for public release. We do want to encourage anyone with information about Jodis disappearance to contact the MCPD or the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation. Mason City Police Chief Jeff Brinkley Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The website says a "heavy Iowa and Minnesota police presence" at an apartment construction site in Winstead drew heavy local attention about two weeks ago, with the city's newspaper covering the activity. At the time, the Winsted Police Department confirmed that they had assisted Iowa investigators in the search, FindJodi notes, but did not comment on specifics. While Mason City authorities did not provide details on the tip they received or the results of the search itself, Mason City Police Chief Jeff Brinkley said that "information gleaned from this effort will be used in the ongoing investigation." Meanwhile, Winsted Police Chief Justin Heldt told FindJodi via email that department is not investigating the case you mentioned. The disappearance On the early morning of June 27, 1995, Huisentruit, a 27-year-old originally from Long Prairie, Minnesota, failed to show up to work at KIMT-TV, where she anchored the morning news program. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When the station's producer called her apartment and woke her up, Huisentruit said she would be at work soon but never arrived. Several hours later, concerned KIMT staff called police asking for a welfare check on the reporter. Responding offers found no sign of Huisentruit, but there was evidence of a struggle outside the apartment building with Huisentruit's red high heels, blow dryer and earrings "scattered by her car," according to a timeline of the case. A partial palm print was found on the car, and neighbors reported hearing a scream around 4:30 a.m. There were few other details to go on, however, and the case soon grew cold, with Huisentruit declared legally dead in 2001. In 2022, ABC's 20/20 interviewed Tony Jackson, who is in prison in Minnesota after being convicted of rape, kidnapping and burglary in the Minneapolis area a few years after Huisentruit went missing. He has been associated with the case since 1998 but has denied any involvement and has been cleared by police. As we kick off a new week, let's take a look back at the week that was. Top stories this past week included: The Narrows Center for the Arts is hosting a different kind of rock show: Check out these amazing mosaics. Swansea voters have approved the $16 million project that seeks to preserve the historic Town Hall Annex. Things To Do took a look at upcoming events, including a dog adoption event at Sakonnet Vineyard. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Did you remember to turn back time and set the clocks back? Fall River Eats highlighted a special shoutout for a local restaurant: Mr. Chen got recognition from Phantom Gourmet. A newly-released book by UMass Dartmouths Tagus Press provides a window into how the lives of Portuguese immigrants and Portuguese-Americans were shaped by the textile mills economy. More apartments could be coming to Fall River's Flint Neighborhood. The historic Greany Building built in 1891 spanning 1270-1288 Pleasant St. and 1616-1622 Pleasant St., built in 1922, will head to the next round as candidate properties applying for Community Preservation Act funding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Borden Flats Lighthouse the 143-year-old lighthouse located in the Taunton River on Mount Hope Bay, between Fall River and Somerset is on the market. These were the most read stories of the week on HeraldNews.com: Fall River bishop: 'Father Jay' Mello admitted to 'serious misconduct' in investigation Bishop Edgar da Cunha said Thursday that the Rev. Jay Mello recently admitted to serious misconduct while on leave and under investigation. Da Cunha revealed the information in a letter dated Oct. 31 released to parishioners and provided to The Herald News. Mello was placed on administrative leave in June after the diocese began an investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct with an adult. He initially denied the allegations. The Rev. Jay Mello, chaplain of the Fall River Police Department, gives the benediction at Fall River's inauguration of municipal officers Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2024 at B.M.C. Durfee High School in Fall River. The investigation is continuing. This is what we know, as of this writing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fall River bishop: 'Father Jay' Mello admitted to 'serious misconduct' in investigation Man accused of killing Arruda family in Somerset Christmas car crash offered plea deal Adam Gauthier of Manhattan, formerly of Somerset, who is accused of killing a family of three during a head-on car crash on the Veterans Memorial Bridge on Christmas night, may be considering a plea deal. Gauthier faces three counts of manslaughter while under the influence and two counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, all felonies. He is accused of driving a Range Rover SUV drunk the wrong way on Veterans Memorial on Christmas night in 2023 and crashing into a vehicle carrying three members of a Seekonk family. Adam Gauthier of New York appears in Bristol County Superior Court on Oct. 28, 2024. He appeared in Bristol County Superior Court last week; this is what we know, as of this writing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Court news: Man accused of killing Arruda family in Somerset Christmas car crash offered plea deal UMass Dartmouth will be free for low-income students The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth is joining the trend of offering debt-free college degrees. Starting with the fall 2025 semester, the UMass Dartmouth Deal will give free tuition to in-state undergraduate students with an annual household income of $75,000 or less. Learn about the program, here. Debt-free college: UMass Dartmouth will be free for low-income students. How to get a free 4-year degree Visitors roam Fall River's Interlachen and ice house ruins: See inside this protected area Fall River's Sewer and Water Department recently opened the usually off-limits Interlachen and ice house ruins for visitors to tour. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since tours are rare, hundreds of visitors packed the site last Saturday to get a glimpse of what's left of Interlachen, a mansion once belonging to Spencer Borden and abandoned in the 1930s. A photo of Interlachen, the demolished mansion of Spencer Borden, stands near the mansion's front steps, seen during a tour in Fall River on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. Don't worry if you missed it: explore it here with Herald News Senior Digital Producer Dan Medeiros. See inside a protected area: Visitors roam Fall River's Interlachen and ice house ruins Herald News photos of the week from around Fall River, Somerset and Swansea Herald News Photographer and Photo Editor Colin Furze has a lens on the local community. Jackson and Logan Andrade pick out pumpkins at Almeida's Vegetable Patch in Swansea Friday, Oct. 25, 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here are his picks for the latest Herald News photos of the week. Lens on community: Herald News photos of the week from around Fall River, Somerset and Swansea This article originally appeared on The Herald News: Top stories: Bishop says Mello admitted to 'serious misconduct' DELPHI, Ind. (AP) The trial of a man accused of killing two teenage girls in a small Indiana community has passed its midway point following more than two weeks of testimony about the 2017 killings. Prosecutors rested their case Thursday against Richard Allen after jurors heard recorded phone calls in which he told his wife that he killed Abigail Williams, 13, and Liberty German, 14. Allen's trial began Oct. 18 at the Carroll County Courthouse in Delphi, the girls hometown. Jurors have been sequestered since the begining of the trial, which is scheduled to run through Nov. 15. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The defense began calling its first witnesses Thursday. A psychologist for the Indiana Department of Correction told jurors Friday that Allen was seriously mentally ill when he began confessing to the killings while housed at the Westville Correctional Facility. Allen, 52, faces up to 130 years in prison if he is convicted on two counts of murder and two additional counts of murder while committing or attempting to commit kidnapping. Here are some key moments in the trial so far: Opening statements Carroll County Prosecutor Nicholas McLeland opened the trial by telling jurors they would see and hear evidence, including incriminating statements Allen has made, that will convince them he forced the girls off a hiking trail into a secluded area while armed with a gun and cut their throats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Allen was the person seen on cellphone video German recorded on the day the girls disappeared and an unspent bullet found between their bodies came from Allen's gun, McLeland said. Defense attorney Andrew Baldwin told jurors Allen is innocent. Baldwin said the jury would hear witness statements and forensic evidence that would raise reasonable doubt that Allen is not the killer and said the state's timeline does not match the evidence in the case. Someone else may have kidnapped the teens and returned them early the next day to the scene where they were found dead, Baldwin said. Jurors see photos and video from the murder scene Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the first full week of the trial, jurors were shown photographs of the area where the teens' bodies were found in a wooded area off the hiking trail. The girls, known as Abby and Libby, had crossed an abandoned railroad trestle called the Monon High Bridge during their hike. Some jurors and others in the courtroom gasped or turned away when gruesome images of their bloody bodies were shown, and the girls' mothers wept. Jurors also viewed cellphone video that German recorded just before the youths vanished showing a man wearing a blue jacket and jeans following Williams as she crosses the Monon High Bridge. In an enhanced version of the video shown to jurors, one of the girls says, Theres no path so we have to go down here. Just before the video ends, prosecutors said, the man seen in the video tells the teens, Down the hill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement How Allen became a suspect Investigators said in an affidavit released about a month after Allen's October 2022 arrest that he became a suspect after they went back and reviewed prior tips and found that he had been interviewed by an officer in 2017. Trial testimony has revealed more details about how they zeroed in on the former pharmacy worker. A retired state government worker who volunteered in March 2017 to help police with the investigation told jurors that in September 2022 she found paperwork that caught her eye. Kathy Shank testified she found a lead sheet saying that two days after German and Williams bodies were found, a man contacted authorities and said he had been on the trail the afternoon the girls went missing. His name was listed incorrectly as Richard Allen Whiteman and marked cleared, Shank said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She determined the mans name was actually Richard Allen and recalled that a young girl had been on the trail at the same location and time and had seen a man. I thought there could be a correlation, Shank testified, adding that she notified officers of her find. What Allen told investigators in 2017 The girls' bodies were found Feb. 14, 2017, the day after they went missing. Two days later, Allen contacted authorities and told them he was on the hiking trail the afternoon of Feb. 13, during the time period when the girls disappeared, according to testimony. Dan Dulin, an Indiana Department of Natural Resources captain, told the court he spoke to Allen, who said he was on the hiking trail between 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. and remembered seeing three girls. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What Allen told investigators in 2022 After Shank brought Allen to investigators attention, they interviewed him in October 2022. Allen told investigators he arrived at the trail around noon and left no later than 2 p.m., not 3:30 p.m. as he told Dulin in 2017. Steve Mullin, who was Delphi's police chief when the girls were killed and later became an investigator at the county prosecutors office, said Allen told him and another officer that he was wearing a blue or black Carhartt jacket, jeans and a beanie on the day the teens vanished. Mullin said he asked Allen if he was the similarly dressed person seen in Germans cellphone video. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His response was if the picture was taken with the girls camera, there was no way it was him, Mullin testified. Prosecutors also showed jurors police interviews with Allen videotaped before his arrest in which he repeatedly professed his innocence. Allen's alleged confessions On Thursday the jury heard several recorded phone calls of Allen speaking with his wife from prison in which he told her that he killed German and Williams. In one of the calls, he said, I did it. I killed Abby and Libby. The jury heard testimony earlier from the former warden of the Westville Correctional Facility, where Allen was previously held, who said Allen claimed to have killed the girls with a box cutter that he later discarded. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dr. Monica Wala, Allens prison psychologist during his time at Westville, testified Allen began confessing to killing the girls in early 2023 during his sessions with her. She said he provided details of the crime in some of the confessions, including telling her he slashed the girls throats and put tree branches over their bodies. A report written by Wala and presented to the jury as an exhibit states Allen also told her he had planned to rape the teens but did not do so after he saw a van traveling nearby. A state trooper testified Thursday that Allen's remark corroborated a statement by a man whose driveway passes under the Monon High Bridge and who said he was driving home in his van around that time. Allen's attorneys have said their client made the incriminating statements while under the pressure and mental stress of being locked up and watched 24 hours a day and being taunted by people incarcerated with him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During cross-examination, Wala acknowledged she followed Allens case with interest during her personal time even while she was treating him and that she was a fan of the true crime genre. An unspent bullet and Allen's gun Court documents released weeks after Allens arrest state that testing determined an unspent bullet found between the girls' bodies had been cycled through a pistol Allen owned. Melissa Oberg, an Indiana State Police firearms expert, told the jury her analysis tied the round to Allens Sig Sauer, a .40-caliber handgun. Allens attorney tried to cast doubt on the accuracy of firearms testing during cross-examination. Oberg said she is not aware of making any identification mistakes in her more than 17 years of analyzing firearms. Former President Trump is ahead of Vice President Harris by 10 points in Iowa, according to a new poll released Saturday. The new survey, from Emerson College Polling/RealClearDefense, found the Republican nominee leading by 10 points, with 53 percent support to 43 percent, among Iowas likely voters with just three days to go before Election Day. Some 3 percent of respondents were undecided while 1 percent said they were planning to vote third party. Trump had the upper hand among male and female likely Iowa voters. He led by 5 points, 51 percent to 46 percent, among women. The gap was greater among men, among whom he was ahead by 17 points, 56 percent to 37 percent, according to the survey. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The GOP nominee garnered a 17-point lead among independents in Iowa, getting 53 percent support to Harriss 36 percent. Harris had the advantage among the younger electorate, beating Trump by 8 points, 54 percent to 46 percent, among voters under the age of 30. The former president was ahead among all other age groups. The vice president amassed a 7-point lead with voters with postgraduate degrees, getting 52 percent support to Trumps 45, according to the poll. The Emerson College Poll came out the same day as a new Des Moines Register/Mediacom survey that found Harris leading Trump by 3 points among Iowas likely voters. Harris was ahead of Trump by 28 points, 57 percent to 29 percent, among female independent voters. Trump had a 10-point lead, 47 percent to 37 percent, with independent male voters. The Trump campaign said that the Des Moines Register survey is an outlier poll and referenced the Emerson College survey. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The former president won Iowa in both 2016 and 2020, by 9 points and 8 points, respectively. Former President Obama was the last Democratic nominee to win Iowa, carrying the Hawkeye State in 2012. The Emerson College Polling/RealClearDefense poll was conducted Nov. 1-2 among 800 likely Iowa voters. It had a margin of error of 3.4 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. A savvy camera operator fact-checked Donald Trump live. During his rally in Greensboro, North Carolina, on Saturday night, Trump bragged, We have had the biggest rallies in the history of any country, and every rally is full. You do not have any seats that are empty. You did not have anything. But immediately after that comment, a cameraman for NTD.com smartly panned the stadium, zooming in on sections of empty seats and people exiting the arena, although its unclear whether those attendees are leaving the venue entirely. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement News Nation reporter Libbey Dean also captured dozens of empty seats in a post on her X (formerly Twitter) account, including seats that Trump likely would have been able to see from his position at the podium. Greensboro, NC An hour into Trumps remarks, heres a look at the arena tonight. pic.twitter.com/QCa4W9WYwp Libbey Dean (@LibbeyDean_) November 3, 2024 Even the X account for the Kamala Harris-Tim Walz campaign got in on the action, posting a side-by-side of Trumps remarks and a photo of completely empty sections of seats. He is speaking to multiple sections that are entirely empty, the campaign said on its X account. Trump: Every rally is full. You do not have any seats that are empty (He is speaking to multiple sections that are entirely empty) pic.twitter.com/HK56tla5eK Kamala HQ (@KamalaHQ) November 3, 2024 Trump has previously addressed reports that people are leaving his rallies early, claiming it never happens. But two weeks ago, The Guardian interviewed Trump supporters who made an early exit from his Marietta, Georgia, rally. We had to wait a while, like to get him onstage, Haley Lummus, of Jasper, Georgia, told the publication. Trump took the stage an hour and a half late. Everyone was doing the wave, and there was a lot of people very excited to see him cheering. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But, Lummus said, I worked, and Im tired. The Guardian reported that by the time Lummus left, around 50 other people had also departed. Less than 30 minutes later, the paper reported, a consistent stream of people hit the exits. More from Rolling Stone Best of Rolling Stone Sign up for RollingStone's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Shortly before former President Donald Trump's unlikely return to the Democratic stronghold of Albuquerque, New Mexico, on Thursday -- just five days ahead of Election Day, Albuquerque's Democratic Mayor Tim Keller sent a special welcome message for the former president. "Still waiting for Trump to pay the half million he owes. Maybe he's making a special Halloween delivery to the Duke City? We won't hold our breath," Keller posted on his social media, with a photo of a skeleton sitting at a desk. Thursday was Trump's first visit to Albuquerque in five years, after officials say he left an unpaid bill of $211,176 in public safety costs from his 2019 rally at the Santa Ana Star Center in Rio Rancho, which is a part of the Albuquerque metropolitan area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fast forward five years, the bill has now snowballed into $444,986 including interest over the years, according to the city of Albuquerque. PHOTO: Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump arrives at a campaign rally, Oct. 31, 2024, in Albuquerque, N.M. (Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP) Albuquerque is just one of many cities where Trump's campaign -- over his three tries for the White House -- has accrued hundreds of thousands of dollars in unpaid bills after holding campaign events, often leaving local governments with hefty sums of unexpected expenses that cause them to go over their budget. ABC News has spoken with officials from more than a dozen cities and municipalities he has campaigned in over the last few years, where his rallies and events have cost the cities between tens of thousands of dollars to hundreds of thousands of dollars in unreimbursed expenses, including overtime payments for local police officers, fire fighters, EMS and other first responders deployed to guide and protect the crowds Trump's campaign events attract. The Trump campaigns lack of payment for such costs continues even as the former president touts his support for law enforcement officers and promises better benefits and work conditions for them, while attacking Vice President Kamala Harris once supporting the Defund the Police movement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Trump isnt the only political figure whose campaign events produce extra public safety costs for local governments, his visits which bring thousands to tens of thousands of people to small towns have often required more public resources than other recent presidential candidates. That, coupled with his unique and long political career of running as a presidential nominee for three consecutive presidential election cycles, has led to the bills piling up. PHOTO: Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally, Oct. 31, 2024, in Albuquerque, N.M. (Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP) Trumps massive rally at the Santa Ana Star Center in the Albuquerque metropolitan area in 2019, for example, caused an extreme strain on resources for the city by forcing the city to shut down the downtown area, including the city hall. Police officers, first responders and other city employees who assisted with the rally worked a combined overtime of 1,500 hours that night, according to the mayors office. His office told ABC News it has sent the bills to Trump's residences in New York and to Mar-a-Lago and that a collection agency is currently working to recover the debt. Some cities opt to not bill the campaign at all, like Rio Rancho, which ended up with nearly $240,000 in expenses after assisting with Trump's 2019 visit to the Albuquerque metropolitan area. The city's spokesperson said it chose not to seek reimbursement from the Trump campaign because it determined these costs "necessary to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of its citizens." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Similarly, in September, Nassau County opted not to bill the Trump campaign after his massive rally in Long Island cost $1 million in police overtime alone, according to the countys Minority Office of Budget review, prompting Democratic legislators to file a Federal Election Commission complaint against Republican Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman claiming improper use of taxpayer resources for a presidential campaign. Campaign Legal Centers senior legal counsel Shanna Ports told ABC News that a state or municipal government can deploy official resources like police officers to a presidential campaign event without being reimbursed by the campaign if those resources are used solely to ensure the safety of attendees consistent with how it would respond to any non-campaign event. PHOTO: Donald Trump gestures after speaking at a campaign rally at Resch Center, Oct. 30, 2024, in Green Bay, Wis. (Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP) Tens of thousands bills from recent campaign events leave cities in critical battleground states But numerous other local governments like Green Bay, Wisconsin, and Erie, Pennsylvania, where Trump visited to court key battleground voters, have sought to get reimbursement from the Trump campaign with little success. On Wednesday, Trump campaigned in Green Bay, Wisconsin, where his rally in April earlier this year had left the city with more than $33,000 in public safety costs, including roughly $24,100 in police overtime, the city told ABC News. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This was after the Trump campaign in 2016 left the city without more than $9,000 in unpaid bills after a campaign event. Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's campaign also has nearly $12,000 in unpaid bills from her rally there in 2016, the city said. The city is still determining total costs incurred from Trump's recent visit. Vice President Kamala Harris' visit in July cost Green Bay $635 for police deployment, which the Harris campaign had not yet paid as of October, the city's spokesperson told ABC News. In another battleground state of Pennsylvania, the city of Erie has recently sent an invoice of $63,190 to the Trump campaign for his rally in September but the campaign has yet to respond to the city's request for payment, according to the city's Communications Director Robert Lee. The campaign already had unpaid bills of more than $35,000 in Erie prior to his September visit, including $5,200 from his rally in July last year and $32,000 from his rally in 2018. Erie's spokesperson also said the city plans to bill the Harris campaign "for still-to-be-determined costs incurred by city police and other departments in relation to her rally last month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Asked about unpaid bills to local agencies, a Trump campaign official directed questions related to local law enforcement and first responder costs to the U.S. Secret Service. A spokesperson for the Secret Service in a statement to ABC News acknowledged the lack of mechanism to reimburse local governments for costs incurred from supporting the Secret Service despite a "crucial" role local law enforcement agencies play in the operation. "In recent discussions with Congressional leaders, we identified this as a critical need, given the essential role our police and public safety partners play," the statement reads. "We are grateful for the additional funding provided in the continuing resolution, and we will continue to work with Congress to advocate for the necessary resources to support the city, county, and state law enforcement agencies that assist us every day." How cities are finding new ways to ensure payment from campaigns Like Albuquerque, the city council of El Paso, Texas, has hired a law firm to collect more than half a million dollars in unpaid bills from Trump's rally in 2019, including roughly $470,000 in public safety costs and nearly $99,000 in one-time late fee. The city is still seeking a payment from he campaign, a spokesperson told ABC News. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Tucson, Arizona, the city decided not to pursue roughly $80,000 in public safety costs incurred from a Trump rally in 2016, nor did it with roughly $40,000 incurred from Bernie Sanders' rally there in that year, as the city determined a legal action could be more costly, the city's spokesperson told ABC News. Instead, when Trump returned to Tucson in September, the city required the campaign to pay estimated public safety costs in advance along with the facility rental cost ensuring the campaign's total payment of $145,222 up front, including nearly $116,000 in police department costs. In Eau Claire, a small town in Wisconsin, Trump's visit in 2016 left the city with more than $47,000 in unpaid bills and Clinton's visit the same year with $6,800 in unpaid bills, contributing to the city's operating budget going over by nearly $62,000 that year. Eau Claire's budget analyst Corey Lee told ABC News, "Overall, it is a low expense in the grand scheme of things" but added that "ideally, we would want to recover costs for circumstances that are unforeseen or outside of normal city operations." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "But we also have the responsibility of protecting the community regardless of the circumstances," he said. More recently, Eau Claire has been billing public safety costs through venues instead of directly sending invoices up front to campaigns, to ensure payments from campaigns -- including $4,000 from Sen. JD Vance's visit in September and roughly $16,000 from Harris' visit in August. PHOTO: Republican presidential nominee former U.S. President Donald Trump attends a campaign rally at McCamish Pavilion, in Atlanta, October 28, 2024. (Brendan Mcdermid/Reuters) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wisconsin mayor: 'We expect to be reimbursed. Or we'd say, 'Don't come' In Prairie Du Chien, a small town in Wisconsin of just over 5,000 population, Trump's campaign remarks focused on border security and immigration. The event, held at the local high school's arts center in September, left the city with $17,000 in public safety costs. The campaign paid the local school district ahead of the event for renting out the arts center but didn't have an answer when Prairie du Chien's Mayor Dave Hemmer asked about reimbursements for public safety costs in advance of the event. "He basically said we typically don't do that. And I said, well, I think that's in polite language I think that's a bunch of BS," Hemmer said of his conversation with the campaign staffer before the event. Hemmer said he also asked the staffer about reimbursements on the day of the event. Prairie du Chien's Police Chief Kyle Treynor, who spoke on stage as one of the pre-programming speakers during Trump's visit, told ABC News that the Secret Service advised him to bill the expenses to the campaign if they wanted reimbursement as the service does not reimburse the local police department for these costs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Treynor said police chiefs of other cities in the Southwest region of Wisconsin that have similarly hosted Trump events have told him they have not gotten reimbursed from the campaign either. "So I have a lack of anticipation of being paid as well. So we will invoice them and hope that they do the right thing and pay. And if they don't, we'll consider options at that point," he said. Hemmer, the mayor, said $17,000 is "not going to bankrupt us" but that it's "not a small amount" to Prairie du Chien. "Honestly, I don't expect to get 100% reimbursement, but I would be happy to get 50% reimbursement. I think that would probably make it a difference," Hemmer said. "And I've had, we've had a couple of people, local residents, calling, saying, demanding, 'I want to know how much it's cost, and are we going to get reimbursed for that?' And I don't have an answer either way right now, because I don't know what the final cost is," the mayor said. Hemmer said candidates are welcome to campaign in Prairie du Chien -- but not if they don't pay their bills. "He's welcome here, but we need to have our bills paid, any expenses incurred by us for him being here, or we don't really want him here," Hemmer said. "And I would say that about, you know about Trump or vice president here, Harris, the same thing, because, like, we are a smaller city and if we incurred expenses like that, we expect to be reimbursed. Or we'd say, 'Don't come.'" Trump campaign leaving some cities with hundreds of thousands in unpaid bills after rallies originally appeared on abcnews.go.com 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. Veena Sikri, former High Commissioner of India to Bangladesh, has strongly condemned Canada's alleged audio and video surveillance of Indian diplomats, calling it "completely unacceptable" and a clear case of Canada's escalating aggression against India without any evidence. While speaking with ANI, Sikri said, "They are talking about maintaining audio and video surveillance on the few diplomats of the Indian High Commission that are left there. This audio and video surveillance is completely unacceptable. This is clearly a case of mounting aggressiveness by the Canadian government against India and based on no evidence." She added, "In the early months on claims made against India on Nijjar (Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar), the local authorities described it as a gang war... They never accused India, they never blamed India for the killing of Nijjar. But we saw that PM Justin Trudeau not only blamed India but has stepped up the belligerence and aggression against India." The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced on Saturday that India has lodged a formal protest with the Canadian government after revelations that its consular officials in Canada were subjected to audio and video surveillance. The MEA condemned these actions as "flagrant violations" of diplomatic and consular conventions. During a press briefing, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that some Indian consular officials were recently informed by the Canadian government about the ongoing surveillance. He criticised Canada for attempting to justify its actions by citing technicalities, arguing that such justifications cannot excuse what he described as harassment and intimidation of Indian diplomatic personnel. Sikar also spoke on Canada's admission of leaking details about India's foreign interference to The Washington Post. She condemned the Canadian government's actions as "totally bizarre, totally out of context, and totally unacceptable." On October 30, top Canadian officials reportedly admitted to leaking details about India's foreign interference to The Washington Post. According to the report, Prime Minister's national security and intelligence adviser Nathalie Drouin confirmed that she leaked sensitive information about the Indian government's alleged role in murder, extortion and coercion to The Washington Post that was not shared with the Canadian public. Speaking with ANI, Sikri said, "The efforts of the Canadian government have been totally bizarre, totally out of context and totally unacceptable. The way they are trying to now manoeuvre global opinion against India and it all started more than a year ago when they made accusations in the killing of the Khalistani terrorist Nijjar." She added, "At that time, PM Trudeau made an allegation in the Parliament that they have credible allegations... India said that show us the evidence but they have never shown any evidence. Because this is a political issue for PM Trudeau in Canada, he is becoming more and more belligerent about it and more and more aggressive against India and as his popularity is going down, he is becoming more and more anti-Indian. She further said that Canada's allegations that India's Home Minister is involved in actions against Khalistani separatists are "completely unacceptable." "Now they are trying to accuse India in more and more areas. They are including India as a cyber threat adversary. They have involved the honourable home minister of India, saying that he is involved in action against Khalistani. This is completely unacceptable... The Indian government will continue to take strong action. We will not allow the Canadian government to make these false, unacceptable allegations, allegations outside of the Vienna Convention responsibilities that are with the Canadian government to look after the Indian diplomats posted there." Tensions between India and Canada escalated after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged in Parliament last year that there were "credible allegations" of India's involvement in the killing of Nijjar. India has firmly denied all such allegations, labelling them as "absurd" and "motivated," while accusing Canada of providing a haven for extremist and anti-India elements. (ANI) Former President Trump and his surrogates in the Arab and Muslim communitiesare doubling down on their efforts to win over the traditionally Democratic constituency amid widespread anger over the Israel-Gaza conflict. Polls over the last month have shown that Trump holds a lead among this demographic voting bloc, erasing the traditional 2-to-1 Democratic advantage. That could have a particularly significant impact in the swing state of Michigan, home to hundreds of thousands of Muslim voters and Arab voters. President Biden won the state by close to 150,000 votes. On Friday, Trump became the first major party nominee to visit Dearborn, Mich., which is majority Arab, building on his momentum in the community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It helps when Trump has his family camped out in Dearborn campaigning for votes and Trump himself keeps crashing events, said Jim Zogby, the founding director of the Arab American Institute and a former adviser to Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.). Trumps efforts come as surrogates for Vice President Harris say she hasnt made enough of an effort to personally engage with those voters. You cant just say at one rally that you welcome Arab voters and then not make any effort to engage with them or follow through, Zogby said. That doesnt send the same message as having the father-in-law of your daughter practically camped out with the community, and having one of your top foreign policy advisers there meeting with people and preparing the ground for him to come to town. Trump has put Massad Boulos, a Lebanese American businessman and Tiffany Trumps father-in-law, in charge of Arab and Muslim outreach alongside Richard Grinnell, Trumps former director of national intelligence, who has been floated as a potential secretary of State. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Boulouss campaigning has paid off in Michigan. Trump has won the endorsements of Dearborn Heights Mayor Bill Bazzi (D), Hamtrack Mayor Amer Ghalib (D), and a group of notable imams and other religious leaders in the state. Dearborns mayor, a Democrat, has announced that he will not endorse either candidate. Trump has capitalized on Muslim voters being ignored by Democrats and by the Harris campaign, said Nazita Lajevardi, an associate political science professor at Michigan State University. Hes been endorsed by some mayors and imams from Michigan, which is representative of the fact that Democrats have done absolutely nothing to not even discuss Gaza, but even acknowledge the severity of what is happening in Gaza I mean, theres just almost an insane pact among Democrats to just not give voice to it. Its unfortunate that the Harris campaign could not be more sincere in their engagement with Muslim electorate, she added. Wael Alzayat, the CEO of Emgage, which is the nations largest Muslim advocacy group and has endorsed Harris, dismissed the endorsements of Trump, saying that the leaders do not represent the majority of Muslims. Emgage has endorsed Harris. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alzayat also pointed to meetings in recent weeks between Harris campaign leaders and advisers, including her senior national security adviser, Phil Gordon, in recent weeks and Arab and Muslim leaders as evidence of the campaigns outreach with voters. Harris also met with Muslim and Arab leaders in early October in Flint. They have been engaging a lot in Michigan with community leaders, Alzayat said. She has relied also Attorney General Keith Ellison for engagement with the Muslim community, including in Michigan Theres, theres been 10s and 10s of other engagements behind the scene with various campaign and policy officials. Another Democrat on the ground, Ismael Ahmed, who served in the states cabinet and as a state party vice chair, also criticized the Harris campaign for making tactical decisions, including not inviting a Palestinian to speak at the DNC. I think they could have done more in the communitythey are doing a lot, but they can do more, Ahmed said. The decision not to have a Palestinian speak at the Democratic convention was a really bad decision, and there have been other decisions that were made that were tactical but undermined their ability to bring our community together. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democrats also criticized the campaigns decision to bring Rep. Ritchie Torres and former President Bill Clinton to campaign in Michigan. In the last year, Torres has made a name for himself by criticizing pro-Palestinian activists. During a campaign event on WednesdayOct.30, Clinton defended Israels killing of civilians, saying Hamas has been using them as human shields. Robert S. McCaw, director of the Center for American Islamic Relations Government Affairs, Director Robert. S. McCaw slammed Clintons remarks in a written statement, calling them callous and dishonest, and said that it was unacceptable to dismissively reference Islam and falsely claim that every Palestinian man, woman and child killed by Israel was a human shield. Alzayat agreed. I say this as the head of an organization that endorsed Harriswe find Ritchie Torres offensive and not becoming of the Democratic Party and we have a serious problem with people like him and you know, thats something that needs to be addressed after the election, Alzayat said. And, I also think Bill Clinton needs to just stay in retirement because hes really not helping the cause with these statementshes just out of touch. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On the Republican side, Boulos and Trump have capitalized on these divisions to push their message. According to Boulous, he first approached Trump about winning support in the community earlier this year, and he has worked with the campaign to target both Muslim and Christian Arab voters. Arab Christians are not talked about a lot, but the majority of Middle Easterners in the United States are Christians, not Muslims, close to 70 percent, but most people dont look at it from that point of view, Boulos told The Hill. Weve done a lot of work with that community as well, especially the Caldean community in Michigan, which is about 200,000, and the Lebanese Christianso weve been doing a lot of outreach and the president has been posting in recent days about some of these communities. Trump also recently wrote a letter to the Lebanese American community asking for its support, and he has also made posts calling on other Arab Christian groups to cast their ballots for him. Earlier this month, Trump also sat down for an interview with Al Arabiya, the largest Arab news network in the U.S., and also sat with the largest Lebanese TV station for an interview. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In its outreach to the community, his campaign has focused both on the conflict in Gaza and on conservative social values, since many older Muslims skew socially conservative. The outreach has had some success with a group of imams, including Husham Al-Husainy, an Iraqi sheik who leads the Karbaala Education Center in Dearborn. I am supporting Donald Trump because he opposes gay marriage and he is the most Christian person in the election, Al-Husainy said. He will return us to conservative values, and I am a Muslim and I will stand with whoever opposes gay marriage. Trump has not explicitly said he supports a federal ban on gay marriage, which has been a constitutional right since 2014 and which Congress statutorily protected in 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Samraa Luqman, a progressive activist who wrote in Sen. Bernie Sanderss (I-Vt.) name in the 2020 presidential election but is now backing Trump, told The Hill that Trumps appeals to conservative values have begun to move the needle for older, more conservative voters in the community. Trump and Boulos have also made repeated claims that they will solve the Middle East crisis. which Democrats have questioned, saying they are not genuine. Boulos did not provide any additional information about potential Trump peace plans in Gaza, saying Trump was not in office, so it was not appropriate to share plans. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. On Oct. 5, 2024, Mayor Amer Ghalib convened a modest crowd in Hamtramck, Michigan, a densely populated enclave of metro Detroit, known as the only Muslim-majority city in America and home to a large Yemeni community. In footage live-streamed on YouTube, around 40 people gathered, some snapping selfies, others standing and chatting. Children sat with signs reading, Yemeni Americans are with Donald Trump. Wearing a red tie to match Trumps a nod to their alliance Ghalib rallied the crowd, urging everyone to bring another person or two. If we get enough people, I will go live and show President Trump how many people have shown up to the opening of his campaign office! On a large screen, they watched the Republican nominees rally in Pennsylvania. Trumps speech played on and by minute 38, he mentioned Yemen, claiming the country is sending known terrorists to America. Theyre coming out of Yemen. A lot of people are coming out of Yemen, he said. Well stop it immediately Were going to deport these people. Were going to get them out of our country, or we wont have a country. Yet the largely Yemeni crowds enthusiasm barely wavered, attendees say, showing just how deep and surreal this new alliance had become. Or perhaps what Trump said wasnt strange at all; perhaps it was a rhetoric that, by now, felt all too familiar. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During his 2016 presidential campaign, Trump labeled Muslims terrorists and described refugees as Trojan horses sent to sabotage the country. Once elected, he enacted a travel ban, blocking entry from several predominantly Muslim countries, including Yemen. The impact wasnt confined to visa rejections or borders; it shook the Muslim community here at home. According to a report by the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), anti-Muslim hate incidents surged by 57 percent from 2015 to 2016, marking a sharp rise in bias across the nation. Mosque windows were shattered, racial slurs appeared on community walls overnight, and Muslim Americans found themselves marked as outsiders in the only country they called home. In the days following Trumps Oct. 5 speech, as anger simmered within the broader Yemeni community, Mayor Ghalib was quick to step in. On Facebook, he wrote that Trump had privately apologized to him though he admitted he couldnt secure a public apology and promised never to label Yemenis as terrorists again. Later that week, Ghalib doubled down on what he framed as a diplomatic success, posting that Trump had since only mentioned threats from South America when discussing terrorism, omitting Yemen. He reiterated that Trump was the right candidate for their community, someone who aligned with their values. And most importantly, hed listened to them. In the 2020 election, Michigans Arab American voters were pivotal; President Joe Bidens narrow victory by roughly 154,000 votes leaned heavily on support from areas like Dearborn and Hamtramck. Back then, many Arab and Muslim voters saw their support for Biden as a stand against Trumps rhetoric and policies that they felt perpetuated anti-Muslim sentiment. Today, the dynamic appears to be shifting, and many Arab Americans are re-evaluating their loyalty to a party they feel has taken their support for granted while sidelining issues close to them. For the 2024 election, their ballots whether filled or left blank represent a voice of frustration with the Biden-Harris Administrations financial support of Israel during the war on Gaza, a silence that feels like betrayal. The real twist, perhaps unfathomable just a few years ago, is that these communities are now actively turning toward Trump. A split over LGBTQ+ issues In the small city of Hamtrack, divisions between conservative Muslim residents and progressive voices had been simmering well before Oct. 7, 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2021, then-Mayor Karen Majewski had cast the decisive vote to fly a pride flag outside city hall. Later that year, Amer Ghalib, a 45-year-old Yemeni American medical office worker, unknown in the local power circles, announced his bid for mayor. In a mayoral debate, Ghalib explained that he decided to run after observing a deep chasm between the citys leadership and its residents, whom he described as feeling disconnected, ignored, and misunderstood. That November, Ghalib unseated Majewski, ending her 16-year tenure and making national headlines as Hamtramck elected its first Yemeni-American mayor and Americas first all-Muslim city councill. However, by June 2023, this newly celebrated council stirred controversy, voting to ban the display of Pride flags on city property, a decision they said reflected the cultural and moral beliefs of the citys Muslim residents. In a video of the meeting later uploaded to YouTube, a transgender person approached the podium to speak against the ban. As soon as they began, their identity becoming apparent through their voice, a man in the audience quickly covered the ears of a child standing beside him. It was a small moment, but it captured something larger: a belief that LGBTQ+ symbols were not simply expressions of identity but, as someone had remarked earlier in the same meeting, invasive and unnatural forces from which children needed to be protected. The decision to ban the Pride flag from city property was not the end of the backlash. Security footage, shared with Rolling Stone and captured by cameras installed at the entrance of a private residence, show kids pass by casually, seemingly indifferent until a Pride flag catches their eye. Then, in a sudden gesture, they tear it down. Other clips show a more organized approach: Cars pull up for only a few moments, just enough time for a teenager to jump out, tear down a flag, and speed away. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite growing concerns, some in the community dismiss the vandalism as harmless childs play even meaningless. They are just kids, says Habeb Al-Jawfi, a Yemeni journalist based in Hamtramck who regularly provides commentary on local issues. But the footage tells a different story. In one video, a mother walks beside a child, slowing her pace to give him time to tear down the flag. In another, an older man approaches the children after theyve dismantled what the resident described as complicated knots used to secure the flag, shaking their hands. These were not random acts of play; they were deliberate acts encouraged by adults. This sense of cultural threat has not been isolated to Hamtramck. Across the U.S., communities were, and still are, wrestling with similar fears as a conservative campaign to demonize LGBTQ+ Americans hums on across the country, down to the local level. On Aug. 4, 2023, Grace Christian Church in Sterling Heights, Michigan, organized an event titled Protect Our Children, Protect Our Future. This gathering brought together muslim community leaders, local activists, and conservative voices from across the country. In attendance was Mayor Ghalib, as well as Michael Flynn, Trumps former national security advisor and a Christian nationalist who had once compared Islam to a vicious cancer. When asked later about their first meeting, Ghalib described it as a constructive dialogue focused on shared concerns about family values. The following month, Flynn who had admitted to lying to the FBI but was later pardoned by Trump traveled to Hamtramck to meet with community leaders, a visit Ghalib described as the fruit of our communication. The event aimed to build bridges between Republican leaders and Muslim community members, emphasizing shared values. As attendees sat shoulder-to-shoulder, Flynn took the podium and recalled his first impression of Ghalib. I saw something in this young man, Flynn told the crowd. Hes sharp. He is a leader. Flynn then spoke for over an hour, emphasizing that the purpose of his visit was to foster unity between Republicans and Muslim community leaders. He railed against woke culture and claimed, without evidence, that schools were providing hormone blockers to children without parental consent. Protesters demonstrate at city hall last June against the City of Hamtramcks recent resolution banning the flying of LGBTQ+ flags, political flags, and flags symbolizing any race or religion on city property. During the Q&A, when a community member asked him how this alliance could be trusted how they could bridge the gap after years of being labeled as threats? Flynn was ready. We live and breathe for our families, he told them, saying that whatever disagreements they had in the past should be put aside. We need to focus on what unites us. We dont want to see our children mutilated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In many Muslim communities, homosexuality is traditionally viewed as incompatible with Islamic teachings, though interpretations and acceptance vary widely. Some groups have adopted a more nuanced approach in recent years. However, for more conservative communities, the threat of American attitudes around gender and sexuality seeping into their community felt serious enough to team up with people who had staked their careers on Islamophobia. Theres a level of coercion when were expected to align with ideas imposed by people outside the fold of Islam, explains Imran Salha, the Imam of Islamic Center of Detroit. Its not just about differing views; it feels like a challenge to the integrity of our cultural and religious identity. This clash between maintaining tradition and confronting modern social issues is one Yaffa, a queer and trans Palestinian poet and the executive director of the Muslim Alliance for Sexual and Gender Diversity, understands well. Addressing homophobia within conservative Muslim communities is thorny, they explain, not just because it risks feeding Islamophobic stereotypes, but also because it is extremely painful to navigate. Working with trans Muslims across the nation, Yaffa sees firsthand how, for many queer Muslims who remain tied to conservative communities, confronting homophobia feels like splitting themselves in two. To address the issue almost feels like killing one side of yourself, like you cant be both queer and Muslim, Yaffa says, yet, they emphasize the importance of speaking openly about hostility toward LGBTQ+ identities within Muslim communities. These are realities within our communities, Yafa insists. And its not about raising them to create division; its so we can find ways to work together long-term. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yaffa emphasizes that homophobia among Muslim conservatives shouldnt be seen as an isolated issue but rather as a dynamic the Christian nationalist movement has seized upon, exploiting anxieties within Muslim communities to build political alliances. With these deep-rooted fears and cultural anxieties, all compounded by the misinformation spread by right-wing media, Its the entry point, they say. Oct. 7 changes the conversation A cohort of progressive representatives, notably members of the Squad Jamaal Bowman, Ilhan Omar, Summer Lee, and Cori Bush have emerged as rare voices in Congress calling for an end to Israels offensive in Gaza. Their calls for a cease-fire and push to halt U.S. military aid to Israel have placed them squarely against the Democratic establishment. In response, pro-Israel lobbying groups like AIPAC have made clear the costs of dissent. Millions of dollars have been funneled into defeating progressive representatives in Democratic primaries, and Bowman and Bush both lost their reelection bids this year. But for each statement of defiance, the silence from the Biden administration grows more pronounced. This silence, though, is calculated. For two decades, Republicans have weaponized the notion of Democrats sympathizing with Americas enemies, especially in the context of Palestine. Since 9/11 and well into the Obama era, any expression of support for Palestinian rights became political quicksand. In Washington, to speak too openly was to risk alienating middle-ground voters, an easy mark for attack ads framing Democrats as soft on terrorism. For Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, stepping forward on this issue now would mean handing ammunition to their opponents in an election year. For them, the stakes are higher than one crisis abroad; the stakes are the presidency itself. For many Americans, the conflict in the Middle East may feel distant. But in Michigan with its large Arab population, it feels as if the entire state is cloaked in mourning. Since Oct. 7, when Hamas killed 1,200 Israelis and took 251 hostages, Israel has led a brutal siege on Gaza, killing more than 42,000 Palestinians. The Israeli war has now spread to Lebanon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Countless Michigan residents have lost friends, family members, properties, and childhood homes in the Middle East. Places of worship have turned into spaces of condolence, hosting endless lines of mourners. Here, calls for a cease-fire or to get aid into Gaza arent simply items on a political agenda; they are pleas for lifelines for loved ones family members struggling to survive, in desperate need of help. In 2020, Bidens campaign offered a glimmer of hope that the issues facing Muslim and Arab communities would finally be addressed, especially after years of feeling marginalized by Trumps inflammatory policies. But now, in 2024, the hope that led them to the polls has soured. As Gaza faces a worsening humanitarian crisis, these communities feel that the Democratic Party has turned a deaf ear. To them, Bidens administration has done little to rein in military aid to Israel, and the silence from Democratic leaders on the mounting casualties has felt like a profound betrayal. Campaigns like the Uncommitted Movement and Abandon Harris are gaining momentum. Their message is clear: If Democratic leaders dont take serious steps to address the suffering in Gaza, many voters will withhold their support or redirect it entirely. Day after day, as the death toll climbed and requests as basic as asking a Palestinian American state representative to address the Democratic National Committee were denied, many in the Muslim community felt dismissed, as if these voices were unworthy of the partys platform. Then came the administrations statement following Israels assassination of Hassan Nasrallah, Hezbollahs leader, in Lebanon. The statement, which called the Israeli airstrike a measure of justice for his many victims, didnt even mention the civilians who had died alongside him. For those with family still overseas, it was as if their lives were irrelevant, written out of the story entirely. If Israels war in the Middle East had given conservative Muslims the final push to abandon the party altogether, it also offered non-conservatives an opening a reason to start questioning their loyalty. And as frustrations with the Democrats mounted, Trump was observing every misstep, looking to fill the void they left behind. Trumps move into Muslim communities Trump has always had a few Arabs on his team, but Massad Boulos was different. Two years ago, Michael Boulos, Massads son, married Tiffany Trump, establishing a family link Trump could leverage. Massad Boulos, a Lebanese-born businessman who moved to Texas and earned a degree in jurisprudence from the University of Houston, brought with him deep ties to Arab American communities connections Trump hoped to activate to sway disenchanted voters in Michigan and beyond. Arab and Muslim Americans wait in line at Hamtramck City Hall polling station during Michigan primary early voting election on Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024. Unlike Trumps previous Middle Eastern surrogates, Boulos brought sharp wit, seasoned eloquence, and native fluency that made him a regular on Arabic media channels, where he reshaped Trumps policies for an Arab American audience positioning them not as xenophobic but as security-minded. The Muslim ban? Boulos labeled it a misrepresentation by anti-Trump media. These werent bans, he argued on air, but restrictions on visas from war-torn countries where thorough background checks were nearly impossible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When asked about Trumps history of racist remarks against Muslims, Boulos would dismiss it: Right, Trump is so racist his daughter married one of us. Boulos positioned himself as a bridge, speaking directly to Arab Americans in their own language and addressing their frustrations with the current administration. As figures like Boulos worked to reframe Trumps blunt approach within the Arab American community, some Arab and Muslim leaders found an appeal in Trumps unfiltered approach, contrasting it with what they saw as insincere promises from the Democratic Party. For leaders like Imran Salha, a Detroit-based imam who recently endorsed Trump, the appeal lay in this bluntness, however unsettling it might be. For our survival, if we can find the nuance to engage with a genocidal administration, why hesitate to work with one that, yes, is bigoted and racist, but at least doesnt pretend otherwise? Salha asks. To him, Trumps brutal honesty was almost a relief, however uncomfortable. He felt deceived by the Democrats, whose promises on Palestine were endless but empty, leaving the community caught in a cycle of hope and betrayal. Id rather deal with the wolf than the fox, Salha says, his words heavy with irony. Democrats keep offering us access, trying to rebuild bridges they burned long ago. But what good is this access if the access and relationships we already have with them cant stop a single bullet in Palestine or deliver a water bottle to Gaza? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When pressed on Trumps praise of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Salha shrugs. The worst is already happening, he said, Harris wont change her approach. At least with Trump, he might offer something different. We have nothing left to lose. Wael Al-Zayat, director of Emgage, a prominent Muslim advocacy organization, remains a strong advocate for Kamala Harris, urging Muslim and Arab American communities to continue supporting her despite mounting frustrations. Harris is the only one of the two who supports a ceasefire, Al-Zayat said in a recent interview. I understand the pain and anguish with the Democratic Party, but supporting a third-party candidate in a place like Michigan is essentially a vote for Donald Trump, which will be bad for everyone. Al-Zayat warns that a Trump victory could have serious repercussions, not only for the people of Palestine but also for anyone who has advocated, marched, or protested for Palestine within the United States. If Trump wins, he believes they will be fighting to defend their communities both domestically and overseas. In September 2024, Hamtramck made the news again. After a decades-long history of being a Democratic stronghold, Mayor Amer Ghalib endorsed Trump, calling him a man of principles and the right choice. In return, Trump did what he does best: He created the illusion of intimacy. He praised Ghalib as greatest mayor in the whole world and shared the mayors posts on his Truth Social platform. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For many Yemeni immigrants in Hamtramck, this moment was not just about party politics; it was about belonging. In a community that often feels sidelined, Trumps recognition of one of their own a man who shared their roots and culture felt like a direct line to power, a validation that their voices might finally be heard. I bet everyone in Hamtramck is saying, Bro, we will be rolling with Trump. weve got an in, joked Salha. And I cant blame them. Trump has a way of making people feel theyre in his inner circle, even if they arent. In mid-October, in an interview on Al Arabiya, Trump struggled to outline any specific plans for the Middle East, resorting to the broad and ambiguous promise that he would make peace. The lack of clear policies seemed almost beside the point, as the appearance itself held symbolic weight for viewers. To appear on a widely watched Arabic-speaking news channel, despite the lack of concrete messaging, suggested a recognition of the Arab communitys growing political voice in the U.S. For those who have long felt overlooked by the Democratic establishment, Trumps approach offered something that felt unexpectedly inclusive. His outreach cultivated an aura of accessibility he seemed to understand the forgotten segments of the population. He wasnt just speaking to them; he was appearing on their channels, interacting with their social media posts. It was a strategy that worked well enough that when Trump referred to Yemeni people as terrorists during the Pennsylvania rally on Oct. 5, it barely rippled the loyalty of his supporters in Hamtramck. By the time I arrived days later, his popularity was palpable. Locals, many of them Yemeni, lit up at the mention of Trumps campaign office, insisting he might even make a personal stop in town. They spoke of his visit like fans anticipating a celebrity sighting, as though discussing Taylor Swift rather than a divisive politician. And their excitement wasnt misplaced. Trump delivered on his promise, visiting Hamtramck. At the end of his stop there, those who had emigrated from a country Trump recently labeled as a source of known terrorists now stood beside him, presenting a certificate of appreciation, as if welcoming back a long-lost friend. Harris loses ground Meanwhile, the Harris campaign seems to have resigned themselves to losing segments of the Muslim vote. Harris recent alignment with former Rep. Liz Cheney a conservative Republican whose father, former Vice President Dick Cheney, helped orchestrate the U.S. invasion of Iraq spoke volumes to many Arab Americans. To them, this connection was more than just a bid to sway moderate Republicans; it felt like a calculated distancing from a community that has long questioned American foreign policy in the Middle East. On Oct. 21, Ahmed Ghanim, an activist and former congressional candidate from Michigan, was escorted out of a campaign event featuring Harris and Liz Cheney. Outside the venue, he went live on Facebook, with a police car visible behind him. I was escorted out without any explanation. I was threatened with detention if I didnt leave immediately. He continued, recalling how in 2016, we used to get kicked out of Trump rallies because we were Muslims. Now, we are being kicked out of Kamalas rallies because we are Muslims. The video was later shared by Mayor Ghalib, with nothing in the caption but a few exclamation marks. Chris Wyant, Michigans senior adviser for the Harris campaign, acknowledged the incident, stating that the vice presidents team regrets this action and its impact on Dr. Ghanim and the community, and adding that Ghanim remains welcome at future events. Despite the apology, Ghanim said in an interview that he felt deeply unsettled by the incident, which only reinforced his feeling that there is not much respect or appreciation for the Muslim community within the party. While Ghanim remained open to supporting Harris and rallying for her despite his concerns over the administrations stance on Palestine, this event made him question his place within the Democratic Party. On Democracy Now, Ghanim revealed that Trumps campaign had approached him to record an ad against Harris, promising extensive visibility, including on networks like CNN. They told me this ad would be everywhere, he said. But I told them, no, I cant do that. Days later, Trump invited Muslim leaders to his stage in Michigan, calling them great people. He gave a shout-out to Mayor Ghalib, the man who, as Trump said, got the movement of Muslim endorsements for Trump rolling. For those prioritizing cultural and religious values, the choice is challenging. On one side is a party seen as deaf to their voices, and on the other, a party with a history of viewing Muslims with suspicion a party that now appears willing to listen to their concerns. This shift underscores that voting blocs are not monolithic, and alliances are moving in ways that cut across typical lines. Its a moment that highlights the fluid, nuanced nature of American political identity, especially among marginalized groups finding a voice in unexpected places. Imam Salha views aligning with Trump, despite the former presidents past anti-Muslim rhetoric, as a necessary compromise. With both parties increasingly aware of the influence of the Arab and Muslim vote, Salha sees an opportunity if Trump wins. If Muslim leaders help him clinch Michigan a pivotal swing state it could mean having his attention for the next four years, he says. Wed be remembered as the ones who shifted the tide. More from Rolling Stone Best of Rolling Stone Sign up for RollingStone's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. During Donald Trumps second of three rallies on Saturday (with six total planned on the last weekend before Election Day), he told the audience in Salem, Virginia his pick for leading up health in his administration should he return to the White House would be Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Meanwhile, RFK Jr. was tweeting how the administration would plan to remove fluoride from the public water system on Day One should Trump win the election. On January 20, the Trump White House will advise all U.S. water systems to remove fluoride from public water. Fluoride is an industrial waste associated with arthritis, bone fractures, bone cancer, IQ loss, neurodevelopmental disorders, and thyroid disease. President Robert F. Kennedy Jr (@RobertKennedyJr) November 2, 2024 On January 20, the Trump White House will advise all U.S. water systems to remove fluoride from public water, RFK Jr. posted on X, formerly Twitter. Fluoride is an industrial waste associated with arthritis, bone fractures, bone cancer, IQ loss, neurodevelopmental disorders, and thyroid disease. President @realDonaldTrump and First Lady @MELANIATRUMP want to Make America Healthy Again. Trump on RFK Jr's duties in his administration: "He wants women's health" pic.twitter.com/2yqAq5cA0U Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) November 2, 2024 Fluoride is added to water to help protect the enamel on teeth, and prevents cavities, helping them become stronger and to fend off decay, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. While the CDC does not mandate water fluoridation, the U.S. Public Health Service provides a recommended fluoridation level, and most water already has naturally-occurring fluoride. And some communities choose to supplement to the recommended 0.7 mg/L, though it is not required. While the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends that drinking water contain less than 2.0 mg/L of fluoride with the intention of preventing dental fluorosis (a condition that can affect children under age eight while their teeth are still developing), less than one percent of the U.S. population is exposed to that level of fluoride. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement RFK Jr.s tweet linked to a video from a lawyer involved in a long-running lawsuit, which did recently find some concern over fluoride, though more research has been recommended. In September, a federal court in California ruled against the EPA, ordering it to take action over potential health risks from its current fluoride level recommendations. The ruling came following a nearly decade-long court battle with anti-fluoride groups, which include the Fluoride Action Network. The judge cited a review by the National Institute of Healths (NIH) recent toxicology report, which concluded that higher levels of fluoride is now linked to lowered IQ in children, though the report also said more research is needed. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) questioned the NIH report, given other reviews have produced different conclusions. The AAP, along with other expert groups, continue to recommend the use of fluoride toothpaste combined with fluoridated water to protect teeth from cavities. Fluoride has been added to some water systems in the U.S. since as early as 1945. Despite RFK touting numerous other health-related conspiracy theories such as vaccines being linked to autism, RFKs fluoride comment came around when the GOP presidential nominee was discussing the role he planned for Bobby if he were to win the election. Bobby is going to be working on the food and the pesticides and all of the things [in health], Trump said. He added that they were on a plane yesterday where they discussed RFK Jr.s role. I told him, Bobby, look, heres the story. You can work on food. You can work on anything you want. He wants health. He wants womens health. He wants mens health. He wants kids he wants everything. Trump then explained that RFK Jr. cant handle our liquid gold, Im handling that. He quipped: Bobby, so have fun with the pesticides, but the liquid gold youll have to leave with me. Well do very well. More from Rolling Stone Best of Rolling Stone Sign up for RollingStone's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Donald Trump made a last-ditch play to save his campaigns flagging numbers in Pennsylvania but instead spent part of a rally telling his supporters he did not mind if journalists were shot. The ex-president was in Lititz for an outdoor rally on Sunday. Bolstered by her opponents flagging poll numbers across the board, Kamala Harris is going for the jugular with a final push of campaigning alongside an all-star lineup aimed at pushing herself over the top in several key swing states. Pennsylvania, which Trump won in 2016 and then lost to Biden (along with the presidency) in 2020, is one of them. The vice presidents campaign is spread across the state, too, ahead of Election Day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At his rally on Sunday, Trump appeared to be tiring to some degree, and in a quieter tone than he has at other events described at one point how a would-be assassin would have to fire through a nearby riser of journalists to reach him. One of two assassination attempts against the ex-presidents life was carried out in Pennsylvania this summer. I have a piece of glass here...But all we have really over here is the fake news. And to get me, somebody would have to shoot through the fake news. And I dont mind that so much. I dont mind that. His campaign put out a statement in response claiming that Trump was actually talking about his concerns for the safety of journalists at the rally an obviously false statement, as Trump himself had said he didnt mind that horrifying scenario playing out. Twice. President Trump was brilliantly talking about the two assassination attempts on his own life, including one that came within 1/4 of an inch from killing him, something that the Media constantly talks and jokes about. The Presidents statement about protective glass placement has nothing to do with the Media being harmed, or anything else, argued Steven Cheung, a Trump campaign spokesman. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cheung added of Trumps remarks: It was about threats against him that were spurred on by dangerous rhetoric from Democrats. In fact, President Trump was stating that the Media was in danger, in that they were protecting him and, therefore, were in great danger themselves, and should have had a glass protective shield, also. There can be no other interpretation of what was said. He was actually looking out for their welfare, far more than his own!" It isnt the first time even in the past week that Donald Trump has vocalized one of his apparently violent fantasies while his campaign and various allies have tried to paper over it and pretend like his remarks dont exist. Of his Republican critic Liz Cheney, he said on Thursday: Shes a radical war hawk. Lets put her with the rifle standing there with nine barrels shooting at her. OK, lets see how she feels about it. You know, when the guns are trained on her face. Donald Trump inspects a pane of bulletproof glass at his rally in Lititz, Pennsylvania, on Sunday (Getty Images) Trump has also expressed a desire to see protesters beaten up at his rallies several protesters have since been beaten up at his rallies as they were carried out by security. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His anger at his political enemies has only grown in the weeks leading up to Election Day, though his language aimed at Democrats and virtually anyone who opposes him from a political standpoint crossed the boundary into dehumanization months ago. He has, this year, called Democrats not people in some cases as well as the enemies within in the latter case, naming several Democrats specifically, including Nancy Pelosi, to whom he said that phrase applied. The ex-president also threatened to call out the military against protesters in the United States. On Sunday, he called the entire party demonic, told voters he shouldnt have left office in 2021 after the assault on the US Capitol and his election defeat, while vowing a new personal grudge against Michelle Obama: I think we're gonna start having a little fun with Michelle." Voters are set to decide if he will have the keys to the White House in less than 48 hours. This article was originally published in Chalkbeat. When immigration agents raided chicken processing plants in central Mississippi in 2019, they arrested nearly 700 undocumented workers many of them parents of children enrolled in local schools. Teens got frantic texts to leave class and find their younger siblings. Unfamiliar faces whose names werent on the pick-up list showed up to take children home. School staff scrambled to make sure no child went home to an empty house, while the owner of a local gym threw together a temporary shelter for kids with nowhere else to go. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the Scott County School District, a quarter of the districts Latino students, around 150 children, were absent from school the next day. When dozens of kids continued to miss school, staff packed onto school buses and went door to door with food, trying to reassure families that it was safe for their children to return. Academics were on hold for weeks, said Tony McGee, the districts superintendent at the time. Get stories like these delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for The 74 Newsletter We went into kind of a Mom and Dad mode and just cared for kids, McGee said. While some children bounced back quickly, others were shaken for months. You could tell there was still some worry on kids hearts. Massive workplace raids have occurred in the past, with enforcement also targeting employers in an effort to deter unauthorized immigration. If former President Donald Trump wins a second term and enacts his hardline immigration policies, what happened in Mississippi could become a much more common occurrence affecting millions of children and their schools. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If reelected, Trump has pledged to carry out the largest deportation operation in U.S. history, tapping every resource at his disposal from local police to the National Guard and the military. Trump and his running mate, Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance, have repeatedly refused to answer questions about whether they would deport the parents of U.S. citizen children. But any such plan inevitably would sweep up parents of school-age children, leaving educators with the responsibility of providing food, clothing, counseling, and more to affected students. Educators who have been through it before say schools that serve immigrant communities should prepare now. Its estimated some 4.4 million U.S.-born children have at least one undocumented parent. On top of that, its unclear if Trump would seek to undermine the sanctuary school policies that some districts enacted during his last presidency in an attempt to protect immigrant students and their families on school grounds. Trump has shown willingness to target immigrant children Trump frequently aims his rhetoric and policy proposals at the children of immigrants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last year, he said he would seek to end automatic citizenship rights for children born in the U.S. to undocumented parents, and he has defended his policy that separated immigrant children from their families at the U.S.-Mexico border. He has not ruled out deporting women and children as part of his mass deportation plan. Were gonna look at it very closely, he said in an interview last month, even as he acknowledged that images of families being loaded on buses would make it a lot harder. Both Trump and Vance have characterized immigrant children as being burdens on schools who are overcrowding classrooms and taxing teachers with their language needs. Top aides to Trump tried for months during his first administration to give states the power to block undocumented children from attending public school, Bloomberg News reported, and an influential conservative think tank is seeking to revive that idea if Trump wins a second term. Immigrant rights advocates worry that Trump would seek to end a decades-old federal policy that has treated schools as sensitive or protected areas where immigration agents are not supposed to surveil families or make arrests, except in extraordinary circumstances, so as not to deter children from going to school. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Enforcement actions undertaken in these locations have a ripple effect, said Heidi Altman, the director of federal advocacy at the National Immigration Law Center. Its very frightening for communities when we think about the possibility of a Trump administration, both in terms of enforcement at and near protected areas, like schools, but also the impact on schools and access to education. The Trump campaign did not respond to questions about whether the former president would seek to carry out immigration enforcement activities at or near schools as part of his mass deportation plan. But Project 2025, a policy playbook written by several former Trump White House officials, calls for rescinding any memos that identify sensitive zones where immigration action should be limited. And even when immigration enforcement happens off campus, it can still have far-reaching effects on children and schools. Kheri Martinez was just 13 when her mother was swept up in the 2019 Mississippi raids. She was one of around 1,000 children whose parents were arrested that day. A family friend picked Martinez up early from school, and she later learned from her dad who was working out of state on a construction job that her mother had been detained. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The seventh grader bottled up her own fears and told her two little sisters, who were a toddler and early elementary schooler at the time, that their mom was working overtime. For dinner, they ate pizza dropped off by worried family friends. That night, Martinez climbed into her parents bed with her sisters, hoping the blankets that smelled like their mom would comfort her. Even though I dont know if Mom is going to come home today, she told herself, at least Id have something closer to me, Ill feel like shes here. Her mom came home crying at 4 in the morning immigration officials had released some parents of small children on humanitarian grounds while their cases proceeded and Martinez finally felt like she could breathe. At school the next day, there were whispers that the school would be targeted for violence and that the government was going to come back and take kids away. It felt like everyone at school was on alert. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Hispanic kids, we were just kind of out of it, Martinez said. We werent us for a little bit. Immigration raids take heavy emotional toll on kids What Martinez experienced is not uncommon among children whose parents have been caught up in immigration raids. Multiple studies have documented the sweeping psychological, emotional, and financial toll that such operations have on children and their families. Researchers from the nonprofit Center for Law and Social Policy found that the Mississippi raids were especially traumatic for the children whose schools were located within sight of a poultry plant. Many saw their parents handcuffed and shoved into white vans on their way home from school, prompting screams and uncontrollable crying. Children continued to suffer emotionally for weeks and months, the research team wrote, and even kids whod been reunited with their parents showed signs of post-traumatic stress and separation anxiety. Some kindergartners started wetting the bed again, and toddlers regressed in their speech. It was common for kids to come home from school, drop their backpacks, and spend the rest of the day sleeping. Older kids often took on more housework, child care, and paying jobs so they could contribute to their households. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Similarly, researchers for The Urban Institute documented how earlier immigration raids in three states affected some 500 children whose parents were arrested. Those children were most likely to experience emotional distress, but fear also spread to children who worried their parents would be taken next. Story time often turned to talk of the raids and got emotional, teachers said. Some kids internalized their parents disappearance as an abandonment. Some children ate less and lost weight, while others started acting out or had trouble sleeping. Some parents said that, months after the raids, their children still cried in the morning when getting dropped off at school or day care, something that they rarely used to do, the report found. Children were said to obsess over whether their parents were going to pick them up from school. With breadwinners in detention, many families fell behind on rent. Three-quarters of the parents said they struggled to buy enough food after the raids. Housing instability forced some kids to change schools multiple times. The experience sapped the attention of some children and affected their academic performance, researchers found. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For Martinez, it took a year for school to feel normal again. She often felt like she was on edge, on the lookout for another raid. It hurt me for a while, Martinez said. How schools and families can offer support to kids School leaders say its difficult to plan for an immigration raid. Agents usually do not give schools any prior warning. But schools that serve immigrant communities can take certain steps in advance. We practice for fire drills and tornado drills, bus evacuations, and sad to say nowadays we practice for active shooters. Theres not many drills for ICE raids, McGee, the former Scott County superintendent, said. When families are separated, and youre responsible for how do these kids get home and who takes care of them, it helps to have a little insight that: Hey, you need to be prepared. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement School staff whove experienced raids in their communities say its especially important to develop an emergency protocol for how children should be signed out at school if their approved caretaker is not available to pick them up. Identifying a potential temporary shelter for students whether at a school, a local church, or a community center is also helpful. McGee and his team met daily with the principals of schools where many children were affected by the raids to ask how teachers and students were doing. The district also provided materials to help teachers talk about the raids in class and explain to kids who werent affected how their classmates may be feeling. We didnt get into the political struggle of why this happened, or why that happened, should it happen, should it not happen? McGee said. Our job is to care for kids. For Martinez, the care two teachers showed her was especially helpful. They each pulled her aside to talk about what happened, and told her to let them know if she needed more time to complete assignments. I was very appreciative of that, Martinez said. It made me feel like: Oh, they understood. Her family also came up with a plan for exactly what they would do and where they would go if another immigration raid happened, which helped to ease some of the anxiety. Martinez knows, for example, that if her family has to sell their belongings and move back to Mexico that she would stay in the U.S. to finish her college degree. Youre going to carry something that is not yours, but we dont have any option, Gabriela Uribe Mejia said she told her daughter. She said: Dont worry, I understand, I know what to do. But shes a young girl. Still, immigrant rights advocates worry about the long-term effects on children and families. Lorena Quiroz, who directs the Mississippi-based Immigrant Alliance for Justice and Equity, was among the community organizers who went door to door asking families if they needed food, legal assistance, or other support in the wake of the Mississippi raids. Quiroz knows affected families who were torn apart by drinking and fighting, and teens who dropped out of school. Mothers still feel ashamed of the weeks they spent wearing an ankle monitor, visible for everyone to see under their traditional Maya skirts. Adults still tear up when they drive past the poultry plants. People talk about it like its yesterday, Quiroz said. Imagine that happening everywhere. This story was originally published by Chalkbeat. Chalkbeat is a nonprofit news site covering educational change in public schools. (NewsNation) Former President Donald Trumps nephew Fred Trump III in an interview on NewsNation Prime warned of what another presidency under his uncle would look like. Fred Trump also said that the former president reportedly told him to let his disabled son die. Fred Trump said his uncle had never met his son, William, now 25, who has complex disabilities. When he called Donald Trump to discuss his sons condition, the former president responded: Your son doesnt recognize you. Let him die and move down to Florida. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I just simply said Donald, he does recognize me, and he is to me the most courageous and inspirational person I know,' the younger Trump recalled during the Saturday interview. Harris takes lead over Trump in Iowa: Poll Fred Trump was promoting his new book, All in the Family: The Trumps and How We Got This Way, which features never-before-told stories about the Trump family and Fred Trumps complex relationship with the former president. He said similar comments about disabled people were made by Donald Trump in the Oval Office in 2020. The former presidents nephew also warned about a potential second Trump term, saying there would be no guardrails to check his power. He criticized his uncles handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, noting that tens of thousands were dying daily during his administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fred Trump said he decided to publish the book after the Jan. 6 Capitol Riots, which he called an absolute turning point, and after his son moved into a group home, ensuring his safety from potential harassment. Trump says its tough for Republicans to win the popular vote Fred Trump and his sister, Mary, have been vocal critics of their uncle. Trump communications director Steven Cheung denied Fred Trumps claims in a statement to NewsNation partner The Hill. This is completely fabricated and total fake news of the highest order, he said. It is appalling a lie so blatantly disgusting can be printed in media. Anyone who knows President Trump knows he would never use such language, and false stories like this have been thoroughly debunked. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is nothing more than a cheap shot to sell copies of a book that belongs in the bargain bin of the fiction section, he added. NewsNation partner The Hill 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. At the Republican National Convention, speakers explained that a second Donald Trump administration would carry out the largest deportation in history, NPR reported. Trump has said that, if reelected, he would deport up to 20 million undocumented immigrants. (In 2021, Pew Research Center estimated there were about 10 million undocumented immigrants in the U.S.) If that came to pass, Idaho would acutely feel the effects, experts say. Foreign-born workers, including unauthorized or undocumented workers, play a critical role in the states dairy industry, says Phil Watson, an economist at the University of Idahos College of Agricultural and Life Sciences. Cows at a Boise-area dairy farm. Idahos dairy industry depends heavily on immigrant labor, experts say. Milk prices nationwide have been stagnant for years, The New York Times reported in October, leaving difficult, dangerous industry jobs low-paying and unappealing to many Americans. Foreign-born workers wind up filling jobs that Americans are not taking, according to a February study conducted by the University of Idahos McClure Center for Public Policy Research. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In dairy and other industries, businesses employ unauthorized workers to meet their labor needs because authorized workers cannot be found, the studys executive summary says. Without this labor, businesses adapt by foregoing business growth opportunities, cutting back production or even closing. How many of Idahos dairy workers are undocumented? In a departure from national trends, Idahos population of unauthorized immigrants remained stable at about 35,000 people between 2005 and 2021, the University of Idaho reported in June. There are about 4,400 on-site dairy workers in Idaho, nearly 90% of whom are foreign-born, according to the Idaho Dairymens Association. Its hard to know how many of those workers are in the U.S. illegally, Watson told the Idaho Statesman by phone. Industry leaders are adamant that nobody (they) hire is undocumented, he said, but whether or not those documents are legitimate or not they would say, Thats not up to us. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The industry doesnt want to be in the business of checking documents, he said. In a 2012 study, Watson and his colleague, Hernan Tejeda, found that the foreign-born labor force was much larger than census and other government population data suggest, though precise numbers were hard to come by. Rick Naerebout, the CEO of the Idaho Dairymens Association, estimated that unauthorized workers fill up to 30,000 jobs in Idaho. Watson and Tejedas research found that if Idaho cut its supply of foreign-born, less-educated workers by 50%, the states GDP would fall by over $900 million. By 2024, that number would only have grown, he told the Statesman. Consequences of deporting dairy workers Without foreign-born workers in Idahos dairy industry, Pete Wiersma, the president of the Idaho Dairymens Association, told the Times that he didnt think there would be milk. I just dont think we could get it done, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Watson said that claim might be a bit bombastic, but the states economy would take a serious hit without these workers. Dairy cows must be milked at least daily. If other states had more lenient immigration-related policies than Idaho, youre certainly going to see herds move, he said. People dont stop milking cows, but they change hands, for sure, he said. But given the abruptness of the policies proposed, Naerebout said the effects may be more widespread. Idaho is the third-largest dairy state in the country, he said, so what happens here would impact the entire industry. There are simply not enough workers in Idaho to backfill the foreign-born workers in dairy jobs, he said. And if cows cant be milked on time, they can quickly develop illnesses or stop lactating entirely. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Idaho could feel the effect beyond the 4,000 or so workers at dairy farms. The industry brings billions of dollars of revenue into the state, Watson has found, creating jobs for both milk producers and processors. Even residents with no obvious connection to the industry may feel the effects. Dairymen and movie theaters are connected, he said. Milking cows pays employees. Employees go to movies Theres a lot of those jobs that, they dont realize it, but they are working for dairy indirectly. Rural Idaho, where dairy farms are most prevalent, would absolutely see an outsized impact from the loss of these workers, Naerebout said. Politicians who advocate for hard-line policies barring unauthorized workers know there could be negative effects, Watson said, but they may believe their approach is valid regardless that the state or the country needs to enforce the rule of law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He drew a comparison to a Washington state tax on carbon emissions that, The Washington Post reported, has driven up gasoline prices in an effort to require large emitters of greenhouse gases to pay for their pollution. Politicians in the state understand that theyre hurting Washingtons economy ... but theyre doing it because they think its the right thing to do, Watson said. Idahos dairy industry has long advocated for immigration reform, vying for changes to the countrys guest-worker visa program to create a skilled, reliable workforce and provide security to farmers and their employees, according to talking points the Idaho Farm Bureau Federation shared with the Statesman. The association backs legal status for existing agricultural workers and their immediate families and access to a worker visa program for year-round agricultural employers. Its website says verification of workers legal status is the responsibility of the U.S. government, not employers. The Idaho dairy industry has been especially outspoken about this topic because it faces particular difficulty accessing foreign-born workers. The industry is barred from the using countrys H-2A visa program, which brings workers into the country on a temporary basis and is designed to address seasonal spikes in labor needs, rather than the year-round work dairy farms require. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But make no mistake, Naerebout said. Every reasonable estimate is that 50% of the workforce in agriculture is unauthorized. So this is much bigger than just a dairy issue, especially for a state like Idaho, where agriculture is the backbone of our economy. Bird flu has infected Idaho dairy farms. Is the state prepared for an outbreak? Health department investigates illnesses tied to raw milk from Idaho farm. What to know Our backs are against the wall: The solar development that divided a rural community Former U.S. President Donald Trump, the Republican presidential nominee, walks off stage after speaking during a campaign rally at Lancaster Airport on November 3, 2024 in Lititz, Pennsylvania. Trump at the rally complained about polls and said he should not have left the White House despite being defeated in the 2020 presidential election. (Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images) This story originally appeared on Pennsylvania Capital-Star. During a campaign rally in Lititz on Sunday morning, former President Donald Trump, the GOP nominee for president, complained about the protective glass surrounding him on stage and pointed to an area where there was an opening, suggesting members of the news media were in the line of fire if someone took aim at him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I have this piece of glass here, but all we have really over here is the fake news, Trump said, using his usual pejorative for reporters who cover his events. And to get me, somebody would have to shoot through the fake news, and I dont mind that so much. He went on to complain that with the glass ostensibly in place to protect the former president from another assassination attempt I dont look great on television when you have a four inch piece of glass that a howitzer cant go through. Trump, whose voice sounded hoarse, did not have the usual energy he does at large rallies, most of which take place in the evening. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Trump campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung offered an interpretation of Trumps remarks in a statement after the rally. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Trump was brilliantly talking about the two assassination attempts on his own life, including one that came within 1/4 of an inch from killing him, something that the Media constantly talks and jokes about, Cheung said, without citing the jokes he referenced. The Presidents statement about protective glass placement has nothing to do with the Media being harmed, or anything else. It was about threats against him that were spurred on by dangerous rhetoric from Democrats. In fact, President Trump was stating that the Media was in danger, in that they were protecting him and, therefore, were in great danger themselves, and should have had a glass protective shield, also. There can be no other interpretation of what was said. He was actually looking out for their welfare, far more than his own! Democratic nominee and Vice President Kamala Harris campaign did not immediately comment on the remarks on Sunday. Trump frequently complains about media coverage he perceives as unfair to him, often calling members of the media at his rallies enemy of the people and fake news, and encouraging audiences to boo them. On Sunday he referred to reporters as bloodsuckers, as well. He referred to Democrats as demonic at the rally and told the audience he was going off the teleprompter to speak truth. Trump arrived at the rally in Lititz an hour later than scheduled, and spoke for more than 90 minutes. He repeated several past grievances and false claims about election machines being hacked, and said that he preferred elections when they were called by 11 p.m. on election night. And even though the Trump campaign sued Bucks County this past week to extend its hours to allow more people to apply for mail ballots, he suggested extending hours so more people could vote was suspicious. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They are fighting so hard to steal this damn thing. Look at whats going on. Look at whats going on in your state every day, talking about extending hours and stuff, Trump said. Whoever heard of this stuff? We should have one day voting and paper ballots. Trump also remarked that he shouldnt have left the White House after losing the election in 2020. He complained about several recent polls, including a new one from the Des Moines Register that showed Harris leading him by four points in Iowa. The appearance in Lititz was the first of three rallies on Trumps schedule for the penultimate day before the election. On Monday, he has rallies planned in Reading and Pittsburgh and will apparently be in Pittsburgh at the same time as Harris, who has events in Allentown, Pittsburgh and Philadelphia for the final day of campaigning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump and Harris have campaigned relentlessly in Pennsylvania, the key battleground state with 19 electoral votes that both need in order to have a path to the White House. Pennsylvania Capital-Star is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Pennsylvania Capital-Star maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Kim Lyons for questions: info@penncapital-star.com. Follow Pennsylvania Capital-Star on Facebook and X. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Republican presidential nominee, former U.S. President Donald Trump walks off stage after speaking during a campaign rally at Lancaster Airport on November 03, 2024 in Lititz, Pennsylvania. Trump begins his day campaigning in battleground state of Pennsylvania, where 19 electoral votes up for grabs, where a recent New York Times and Siena College polls show a tie with Democratic presidential nominee, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris. Trump will head to North Carolina and Georgia where Harris continues to lead in the polls. | Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images During a campaign rally in Lititz, Pa., on Sunday morning, former President Donald Trump, the GOP nominee for president, complained about the protective glass surrounding him on stage and pointed to an area where there was an opening, suggesting members of the news media were in the line of fire if someone took aim at him. I have this piece of glass here, but all we have really over here is the fake news, Trump said, using his usual pejorative for reporters who cover his events. And to get me, somebody would have to shoot through the fake news, and I dont mind that so much. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement [2024 Voter Guide: All the information about candidates you need to cast your vote.] He went on to complain that with the glass ostensibly in place to protect the former president from another assassination attempt I dont look great on television when you have a four inch piece of glass that a howitzer cant go through. Trump, whose voice sounded hoarse, did not have the usual energy he does at large rallies, most of which take place in the evening. Trump campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung offered an interpretation of Trumps remarks in a statement after the rally. President Trump was brilliantly talking about the two assassination attempts on his own life, including one that came within 1/4 of an inch from killing him, something that the Media constantly talks and jokes about, Cheung said, without citing the jokes he referenced. The Presidents statement about protective glass placement has nothing to do with the Media being harmed, or anything else. It was about threats against him that were spurred on by dangerous rhetoric from Democrats. In fact, President Trump was stating that the Media was in danger, in that they were protecting him and, therefore, were in great danger themselves, and should have had a glass protective shield, also. There can be no other interpretation of what was said. He was actually looking out for their welfare, far more than his own! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The campaign of Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee for president criticized Trumps remarks. As Vice President Harris spent today at church in Detroit, talking to voters about her vision to lift up all Americans, Donald Trump was busy violating the Ninth Commandment, Harris campaign spokesperson Ammar Moussa said in the statement. The ninth commandment warns against bearing false witness against ones neighbor, or lying. Trump is spending the closing days of his campaign angry and unhinged, lying about the election being stolen because hes worried he will lose, Moussa said. The American people deserve a leader who tells the truth and will walk into the Oval Office focused on them thats Vice President Harris. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump frequently complains about media coverage he perceives as unfair to him, often calling members of the media at his rallies enemy of the people and fake news, and encouraging audiences to boo them. On Sunday he referred to reporters as bloodsuckers, as well. He referred to Democrats as demonic at the rally and told the audience he was going off the teleprompter to speak truth. Trump arrived at the rally in Lititz an hour later than scheduled, and spoke for more than 90 minutes. He repeated several past grievances and false claims about election machines being hacked, and said that he preferred elections when they were called by 11 p.m. on election night. And even though the Trump campaign sued Bucks County this past week to extend its hours to allow more people to apply for mail ballots, he suggested extending hours so more people could vote was suspicious. Iowa They are fighting so hard to steal this damn thing. Look at whats going on. Look at whats going on in your state every day, talking about extending hours and stuff, Trump said. Whoever heard of this stuff? We should have one day voting and paper ballots. Trump also remarked that he shouldnt have left the White House after losing the election in 2020. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He complained about several recent polls, including a new one from the Des Moines Register that showed Harris leading him by four points. The appearance in Lititz was the first of three rallies on Trumps schedule for the penultimate day before the election. On Monday, he has rallies planned in Reading and Pittsburgh and will apparently be in Pittsburgh at the same time as Harris, who has events in Allentown, Pittsburgh and Philadelphia for the final day of campaigning. Trump and Harris have campaigned relentlessly in Pennsylvania, the key battleground state with 19 electoral votes that both need in order to have a path to the White House. Pennsylvania Capital-Star is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Pennsylvania Capital-Star maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Kim Lyons for questions: info@penncapital-star.com. Follow Pennsylvania Capital-Star on Facebook and X. Donald Trump has passionately disputed a shock Iowa poll that found Kamala Harris leading the former president in the state 47% to 44%. No President has done more for FARMERS, and the Great State of Iowa, than Donald J. Trump, Trump said in a post on his Truth Social network on Sunday morning. In fact, its not even close! All polls, except for one heavily skewed toward the Democrats by a Trump hater who called it totally wrong the last time, have me up, BY A LOT. Trump continued, in all caps: I love the farmers, and they love me. And they trust me. More than 85% of Iowas land is used for farming and it produces more corn, pigs, eggs, ethanol and biodiesel than any other state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Saturday, the Selzer poll carried out for the Des Moines Register newspaper showed the vice-president ahead of her Republican rival by three points. Selzer is a widely respected polling organisation with a good record in Iowa; she shot to polling fame in 2008 when she predicted that a virtually unknown senator, Barack Obama, would beat frontrunner Hillary Clinton in the Iowa caucuses. Iowa has not generally been considered a swing state in this election, due to the fact that Trump won it convincingly in both 2016 and 2020. But if Harris were to claim it back Barack Obama won it the two elections before it could radically reshape the race. The pollster told MSNBC on Sunday that Harris was leading in early voting in Iowa because of her strength with women generally, even stronger with women aged 65 and older. Her margin is more than 2-to-1 and this is an age group that shows up to vote or votes early in disproportionately large numbers. Earlier on Sunday, Trumps campaign released a memo from its chief pollster and its chief data consultant calling the Des Moines Register poll a clear outlier and saying that an Emerson College poll also released Saturday more closely reflected the state of the Iowa electorate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dont miss important US election coverage. Get our free app and sign up for election alerts The Emerson poll found 53% of likely voters support Trump and 43% support Harris, with 3% undecided and 1% planning to vote for a third-party candidate. The Trump campaign, which many Democrats believe is setting the stage for a series of legal challenges to poll results, also said in an email that the Des Moines Register poll and a subsequent New York Times swing state poll that found Harris ahead in four of the seven states, is being used to drive a voter suppression narrative against President Trumps supporters. Some in the media are choosing to amplify a mad dash to dampen and diminish voter enthusiasm, the statement added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last week, Trump said: Pennsylvania is cheating, and getting caught, at large scale levels rarely seen before but did not provide evidence for the claim. A Harris campaign official said that the cheating claim was an example of how Trump was trying to sow doubt in the electoral system because he was afraid he would lose. The claims come as a federal judge plans to rule on whether Iowa officials can continuing trying to remove hundreds of potential noncitizens from its voting rolls despite critics saying the effort could keep recently naturalized citizens from voting. North Dakota governor Doug Burgum, a Republican, told NBCs Meet the Press on Sunday that he is confident that Trump is going to confidently win Iowa. Asked if Trump has a problem winning over women voters, Burgum said: Id be surprised, completely shocked if that comes anywhere close to being the fact in Iowa. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related: 2024 US presidential polls tracker: Trump v Harris latest national averages Burgum pointed to national polling which shows Harris and Trump tied. I think thats the feeling that I get on the ground. Its a very tight race. Its going to be decided on Tuesday, Burgum added. But speaking to MSNBC, Maryland governor Wes Moore, a Democrat, said the Des Moines Register poll putting Harris ahead Iowa, but still within margins of error, lines up with what were seeing on the ground, particularly among women voters. Moore continued: Were watching an energy that I think has not been there for a while, where we continue to see where women understand firsthand, what is at stake, that they understand the dynamics and the distinctions between these two candidates literally could not be more stark about when youre talking about a future vision for the country. This article was amended on 4 November 2024. An earlier version referred to Iowa as a typically red state. Further text has been added to clarify that Barack Obama won the state in 2008 and 2012, before Donald Trumps two victories in 2016 and 2020. After Khalistani extremists attacked Hindu-Canadian devotees within the Hindu Sabha temple premises in Brampton, Canadian Member of Parliament Chandra Arya condemned the violence and said that a "red line has been crossed" by Khalistani extremists, highlighting the rise of brazen violent extremism in Canada. Arya shared a video of the attack on X and wrote, "A red line has been crossed by Canadian Khalistani extremists today. The attack by Khalistanis on the Hindu-Canadian devotees inside the premises of the Hindu Sabha temple in Brampton shows how deep and brazen has Khalistani violent extremism has become in Canada." He added, "I begin to feel that there is a small grain of truth in the reports that in addition to Canadian political apparatus, Khalistanis have effectively infiltrated into our law enforcement agencies." The Canadian Member of Parliament further expressed concerns that Khalistani extremists are taking advantage of Canada's freedom of expression laws, and are receiving a "free pass." "No wonder that under the 'freedom of expression' Khalistani extremists are getting a free pass in Canada. As I have been saying for long, Hindu-Canadians, for the security and safety of our community, need to step up and assert their rights and hold politicians accountable," Arya wrote. https://x.com/AryaCanada/status/1853159545016659994 The recent attack adds to a string of similar incidents documented in recent years, underscoring a distressing trend of religious intolerance. In July, Arya had voiced deep concern over the violence directed at Hindu-Canadian communities. In a post on Z, he wrote, "The Hindu temple BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in Edmonton is vandalised again. During the last few years, Hindu temples in the Greater Toronto Area, British Columbia, and other places in Canada are being vandalised with hateful graffiti." Notably, last year, a Hindu temple in Windsor suffered defacement with anti-India graffiti, sparking widespread condemnation and calls for action from both Canadian and Indian officials. Earlier incidents in Mississauga and Brampton saw temples similarly targeted, drawing strong reactions from the Indian community in Canada. (ANI) LITITZ, Pennsylvania Donald Trump barreled through Sunday in a state of seeming rage from which nothing and no one appeared safe. He said he shouldnt have left the White House in January of 2020, a remarkable admission from a former president whose attempts to cling to power led to a deadly riot at the Capitol. He suggested he wouldnt mind if someone had to shoot through the fake news to get to him, an escalation of violent rhetoric that his team quickly sought to clean up. He further worked to stoke fears about a rigged election in a county where some voter-registration applications remain under review for potential fraud. And he railed against crooked polls that showed warning signs for his campaign. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And that was all in just one rally, on his penultimate day on the trail. It was Trump at his most aggrieved and discursive he marveled at several points here that he had veered quite far off his teleprompter script a window into the former presidents psyche in the final hours of his two-year campaign to retake the White House that he still, as he indicated Sunday, falsely believes was stolen from him. Trump traded his blunt anger for a toned-down but still rambling campaign speech at his next stop in North Carolina. But his comments from Lititz were still circulating widely online. It is everything a Republican does not want to hear and everything that Donald Trump and his base wants to hear, said Matthew Bartlett, a Republican strategist and former Trump administration appointee. Part of the reason why hes running is his grievances, and it should be no surprise that thats almost becoming his closing statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If recent days are any indication, it is his closing argument and his closing strategy. Trump diverged almost immediately from his prepared remarks when he took the stage over an hour late Sunday morning at the Lancaster Airport in central Pennsylvania. He started by suggesting that taking days to tabulate ballots would open up avenues for fraud, in a retread of his unfounded claims from 2020 that were not upheld in court. He accused his opponents, without evidence, of orchestrating ways to cheat in this election. He called Democrats demonic and said his rival, Vice President Kamala Harris, was nothing more than a vessel for her party. Then, as he began discussing the enhanced security measures at his rallies following two apparent assassination attempts, Trump pointed out the panes of ballistic glass surrounding him at the outdoor venue and said: To get me, somebody would have to shoot through the fake news. He added: I dont mind that so much. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His campaign soon issued a statement denying Trump was wishing harm on the media. Spokesperson Steven Cheung said Trump was brilliantly talking about the two assassination attempts on his own life ... something that the Media constantly talks and jokes about and that his remark about protective glass placement has nothing to do with the Media being harmed, or anything else. Cheung claimed that the former president was implying the media was in danger and should have had a glass protective shield, also. Later, as Trump criticized Democrats over border security, he lamented leaving the White House in 2021, in a seeming continuation of his false claims that he won the 2020 election. We had the safest border in the history of our country the day that I left. I shouldnt have left, Trump said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The former president also promoted falsehoods about election issues that have cropped up in Pennsylvania as he and his allies continue to lay the groundwork for challenging the results of this election. Trump claimed there were fraudulent ballots found in Lancaster County, where election officials said they were investigating potentially fraudulent voter-registration forms. He accused Democrats of looking for ways to cheat. He complained that were in court all the time in Pennsylvania but that judges arent particularly friendly to the challenges his campaign and allies are filing. And he lamented that those raising alarms about real or perceived process issues, including himself, are being cast as conspiracy theorists. Its a damn shame, Trump said at one point. By the time he hit North Carolina, Trump seemed at times to lose track of both which state he was in and what he was talking about. Speaking to supporters on an air strip in Kinston taking the stage two hours late Trump mistakenly suggested that Pennsylvania Senate candidate David McCormick was in the crowd. We have great Republicans running, and you have one of the best of all right here, David McCormick, Trump said. David is here around some place, you know, we just left him. Hes a great guy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also told a fictional story about the deceased Al Capone and MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell having dinner together, and Lindell offering Capone pillows. If he didnt sleep well because he didnt like Mikes pillows, Mike had almost no chance of living, Trump said. He would dispose of Mike somewhere in a foundation of a building or something. You would never see Mike again. Mike does not want to have dinner with Scarface. Even the crowd in Kinston seemed confused at a number of Trumps remarks mainly drawing applause only when he returned to his scripted speech about his policy goals. And Trumps voice seemed to be giving out throughout his remarks, after giving hours worth of speeches a day in the final stretch. Trumps rants came on the heels of a spate of polls released over the past 24 hours that have carried contradictory messages for the former president. The final Des Moines Register poll by the much-venerated pollster J. Ann Selzer showed Trump 3 percentage points behind his rival in Iowa, a state that did not look to be competitive this year. It also found Harris leading by wide margins among women a group Trump has long struggled with and holding an advantage with seniors, a group that typically breaks for Republicans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The last slate of New York Times/Siena College battleground surveys, meanwhile, found Trump leading in Arizona and Michigan and tied with Harris in Pennsylvania, but trailing in Nevada, Georgia and North Carolina a state he is sinking more effort into in this final weekend than all-important Pennsylvania. Trumps campaign dismissed the Iowa poll as an outlier and accused the New York Times of driving a voter suppression narrative against the former presidents supporters. Trump slammed one of my enemies for putting out the Iowa poll and declared hes not down in the state. He cast polling more broadly as corrupt. His supporters in the crowd in Pennsylvania broadly said in interviews that they did not believe polls that show him tied with Harris here. They claimed, based on crowd sizes at his rallies, that Trump would win the state and that the empty spaces at his event were because the mid-morning rally conflicted with church. Trump repeatedly acknowledged and seemed to relish how widely he had veered off script in his Pennsylvania rally. I love being off these stupid teleprompters, because the truth comes out, he said at one point. At another, he attempted to preempt media reports of his rambling by urging his supporters to say his speech was brilliant. He added: please. LITITZ, Pennsylvania Donald Trump said Sunday that he wouldnt "mind if someone had to shoot through the fake news to get to him, a further escalation of his violent rhetoric. The former president, speaking at a rally here about the efforts the Secret Service has taken to protect him after two apparent assassination attempts against him, began pointing out the panes of ballistic glass surrounding him at the outdoor venue. All we really have over here is the fake news, right? And to get me somebody would have to shoot through the fake news, Trump said. And I dont mind that so much. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The comment, which drew laughter from the crowd, was one of several broadsides Trump launched against the press in his rally here. He has long used the media as a foil in his appeals to his base. In a statement, campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung denied that Trump was wishing harm upon the media. President Trump was brilliantly talking about the two assassination attempts on his own life, including one that came within 1/4 of an inch from killing him, something that the Media constantly talks and jokes about," Cheung said. "The Presidents statement about protective glass placement has nothing to do with the Media being harmed, or anything else." Cheung claimed that the former president was really implying the media was in danger and "should have had a glass protective shield, also." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But his remarks Sunday came as Trump has been escalating both his attacks on the press and his use of violent rhetoric in the closing days of his third presidential campaign. The former president last week suggested Republican former Rep. Liz Cheney, who is supporting his rival, Vice President Kamala Harris, should face nine barrels shooting at her in an apparent attack on her hawkish views. Trump also said during his speech that he should never have left the White House following his loss to President Joe Biden in 2020, continuing his false claim that he won that race. We had the safest border in the history of our country the day that I left. I shouldnt have left, Trump said. I mean honestly, because we did so, we did so well, we had such a great, so now, I mean every, every polling booth has hundreds of lawyers standing there. Its all about the lawyers. Trump has adamantly claimed falsely that he beat Biden since his loss. His supporters stormed the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, during the certification of Bidens victory, fueled by claims of fraud and the false belief that Trump won the election. Lisa Kashinsky reported from Lititz, Pennsylvania. Andrew Howard reported from Washington. Former US president Donald Trump spoke about his difficult relationship with Germany during an election campaign appearance on Sunday. "They didn't love me, and I have heritage there," said the Republican presidential candidate during a stop in Lititz, Pennsylvania. Trump's paternal ancestors hail from Kallstadt in the south-western German state of Rhineland-Palatinate. He noted that the Germans had loved his predecessor in the White House, president Democrat Barack Obama. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "You know why? Because they ate our lunch," said the Republican presidential candidate for the election on Tuesday, referring to his notion that Germany has allegedly been successful at the expense of the United States. Trump then spoke about then-German Chancellor Angela Merkel: "They didn't love me because I said you gotta pay. You gotta pay. I said to Angela. Angela, you haven't paid." Trump was presumably referring to Germany's defence spending in view of its NATO obligations. Mimicking a German accent, the Republican said that "Angela" had told him that "[Germany] will start [paying] by 2035." "They think we are stupid people," he added. Former president Donald Trump expressed willingness to follow through with an anti-fluoridation proposal put forward by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., despite the universal recognition by health groups of the safety and benefits of adding fluoride to drinking water. In a social media post Saturday, Kennedy, widely known for his anti-vaccination views and his now-defunct White House run, said a new Trump administration would push to ban the practice by cities quickly. On Jan. 20, the Trump White House will advise all U.S. water systems to remove fluoride from public water, Kennedy said, before asserting, without evidence, it caused various ailments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NBC News on Sunday reported that Trump, who has said Kennedy would play a big role in health care policy if he wins the presidential election, appeared to have no qualms with Kennedys post. Well, I havent talked to him about it yet, but it sounds OK to me, Trump said when asked about that plan. You know, its possible. Fluoridation has been shown to help prevent tooth disease. The American Dental Association calls fluoridation a safe and effective way to prevent tooth decay and has played a major role in in [sic] improving the publics dental health for more than 70 years. Other health care groups supporting fluoridation include the American Medical Association, the World Health Organization and the Centers on Disease Control, which called it one of the major achievements in public health in the 20th century. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump also told NBC he was open to banning some vaccines, a stance long taken by Kennedy, who has blamed them for rising autism, a linkage dismissed by medical community. Well Im going to talk to [Kennedy] and talk to other people, and Ill make a decision, but hes a very talented guy and has strong views, Trump said. Mitt Romney wants a voice in the Republican Party after Donald Trump is gone. The retiring Utah Senator and 2012 presidential nominee has declined to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris, even in the face of his clear disdain for the former president. But he might not be the only one looking to lead the party - whether its in a week or four years. While Trump is in charge of the party now, his position as the undisputed GOP leader will likely soon come to an end. Future Republican presidential hopefuls are already positioning themselves to be the heir apparent. But which direction the party takes next remains up in the air and depends heavily on the results after Tuesdays showdown. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In early October, Romney said that officially backing Harris may damage his ability to play a significant role in the rebuilding of the party, which may become necessary following a possible election loss. Donald Trump has an iron grip on the Republican Party - for now (Getty Images) Speaking at the Hinckley Institute of Politics at the University of Utah, Romney said: I want to continue to have a voice in the Republican Party following this election. I think theres a good chance that the Republican Party is going to need to be rebuilt or reoriented. But the former standard-bearer of the GOP may be too late. Since he was the leader of the party, it has been remade in the image of Trump and MAGA. That includes the partys base. Duncan Braid, the coalition director at the conservative think tank American Compass, tells The Independent that the voters and the coalition that backs the party have changed, and the policies the party will support are developing in accordance with the base. No way back to the old way of doing things I dont really see a way forward to go back to the old way of doing things where its just low taxes, Braid said during a phone call. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The director of strategy at the group Republican Voters Against Trump, John Conway, notes that theres a large divide in the party between the Trump-loving base and the mostly college-educated suburbanites who have historically always voted for the Republican nominee for president, but since 2016 have been slowly realigning with the Democratic Party because of Donald Trumps extremism and behavior after the 2020 election. The base of the party has moved significantly from when Mitt Romney was its leader in 2012 (Getty Images) While Romney has yet to abandon his party, many of those who voted for him in 2012 have. Conway adds that many in the base of the party now despise him as much as Democrat and former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi. Political science professor at the University of South Carolina David Darmofal argues that there may be a push for a non-Trump-like nominee in the party if the former president loses by a landslide to Kamala Harris next week. Polling, however, indicates that the country is in for a historically close race. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Darmofal suggests that someone such as Republican Vice Presidential nominee JD Vance could rise to the top of the GOP ticket in 2028 if Trump narrowly loses. That is, of course, unless Trump chooses to run for an unprecedented fourth time - an idea he has scoffed at already. A fourth Trump campaign? It seems unlikely that Trump would run again in 2028 if he loses this year given that he would be 82. If he does run, however, he likely will be the nominee in 2028, Darmofal told The Independent in an email. The realignment happening between the parties was on display during the 2022 midterms, when candidates such as Josh Shapiro in Pennsylvania, Tony Evers in Wisconsin and Katie Hobbs in Arizona, ran against what Conway described as extreme Maga Republicans. These voters are up for grabs for Harris, Conway noted, and she has been making significant outreach efforts, including campaigning alongside former Republican Representative Liz Cheney. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the base is not going back to Romneys version of the Republican Party. These voters are anti-establishment. They dont like even Republicans who they deem as establishment Republicans, and that can be a shorthand for Republicans who existed before the rise of Donald Trump, Republicans that arent made in the image and likeness of Donald Trump, Conway adds. This year, a small portion of Republican primary voters backed former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley in protest against Trump during the primary season. The rest of the base views the ex-South Carolina governor as the establishment and part of the problem, according to Conway. Ramaswamy or Haley? Vivek Ramaswamy speaks before Republican presidential nominee, former U.S. President Donald Trump takes the stage at the campaign rally at Madison Square Garden in New York City. He could try to become the face of the party after Trump (Getty Images) Someone such as entrepreneur and MAGA enthusiast Vivek Ramaswamy, another 2024 primary candidate, has a better chance of becoming a future Republican presidential nominee than Haley will ever have, the strategy director argues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The base cares much more about grievances and attacking their enemies than actually proposing policies, he says. But the party also has to take on the changing policies of the Trumpified GOP. I think that whoever does end up being GOP nominee will have to strongly contend with the policies that he has promoted, Baird says. I think the GOP has almost entirely changed its tune on their relation to trade policy, and that is all President Trump and his influence. So whoever the nominee would be in 2028 will likely be far from the old GOP on that issue. Asked about possible successors to Trump, Baird points to the populist wing of the Senate GOP, mentioning Vance, Senator Marco Rubio of Florida and Senator Josh Hawley of Missouri. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The great thing about this is there are more people all the time, more people who are sort of rising to prominence, who reckoned with where the old GOP wasnt working, and are developing new policies and ideas, he says. However, the party may choose a different route, if Trump and Vance lose by a large margin, according to Darmofal. The most likely successor at this point seems to be JD Vance, he says. If Trump and Vance were to lose by a large margin, that would increase the likelihood that the party would turn to someone like Nikki Haley in 2028. Haley, unlike Romney, has endorsed Trump, despite campaigning against him during the primary, and she has offered to hit the campaign trail for the former president. Trump has a unique charisma and connection to his base Regardless of who manages to take over the leadership of the party, theyre unlikely to be able to replicate what Trump has created. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has a unique charisma and connection to his base that even JD Vance does not have, Darmofal said. The Republican Party is not going back to the pre-Trump days, simply because the voters wont let them, Conway noted. Trump arrives at a campaign rally at Albuquerque International Sunport on Halloween. His connection to his base remains strong (Getty Images) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Similarly to Darmofal, he argues that the only way that the Republican Party is going to change is through sustained electoral defeat. We need to make sure that Donald Trump loses in 2024 not only because its a threat to our democracy, but because we need to try and change the incentive structures within the Republican Party, Conway added. Conway hoped that losing elections would also remove any candidates in the MAGA mold from the party, such as Kari Lake whos running for Senate in Arizona and Doug Mastriano, who lost the 2022 race for the Pennsylvania governors mansion. But at the same time, the core base of the Republican Party doesnt want to change, Conway said. They want to continue nominating candidates like Donald Trump or Kari Lake or Doug Mastriano, and until that fever breaks when they realize that if they keep doing that, theyre going to lose elections, I think the Republican Party is going to continue to be in the image and likeness of Donald Trump. Wielding power is always healthy for political parties Meanwhile, Baird at the conservative American Compass, said that victory is always better for the long-term health of a party. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wielding power is always healthy for political parties, it disciplines the policy messaging by putting you in touch with the basic reality of actually governing, he stated. When Trump took power in early 2017, the Republicans controlled the White House, the Senate, and the House. By the time he left office in January 2021, they had lost all three. Since the start of popular elections for the Senate, only one other president has lost all three bodies or offices in a single term Herbert Hoover, who served between 1929 and 1933. With moderate GOP voters fleeing the party, Conway said whats going to be left of the Republican party is a party thats solely devoted to the MAGA movement. Changing that is going to take a long time, and its not going to happen overnight, he added. The main issue, according to Conway, is changing the GOP from an anti-democracy party to a pro-democracy one. Even if Trump loses, the 2028 nominee is likely to be someone whos fully supportive of the MAGA agenda, the strategy director argued. The party is not going to nominate Mike Pence or Nikki Haley or Jeb Bush or Marco Rubio, he said. Theyre going to nominate somebody thats like Donald Trump, both in temperament, in the way that he attacks the media and the way that he taps into grievance, in the way that he or she would be divisive in order to gain attention, but also the policy preferences that they hold. The GOP is in the middle of a reckoning with the new coalition of voters that support the party, Baird said, adding the party is set to change from policies that emphasize the elite perspective to one that emphasizes the working class perspective. Past GOP policies have been discredited The policies of the Republican Partys past have been discredited, Baird contended. The free trade, maximalist approach has been discredited by the rise of China and the neocon, hyper-interventionist perspective has been discredited by our experience in Afghanistan and Iraq. I think theres a lot of disenchantment with that sort of policy mix, he said, adding theres still some place for Bush and Romney Republicans in the party, if theyre able to actually recognize theyre part of a coalition. Meanwhile, Conway noted that the Republican voices critical of the former president are a dying breed, such as the retiring Romney, and that the party now belongs to people such as representatives Marjorie Taylor Greene and Matt Gaetz. Republican voices critical of the former president are a dying breed, and the party now belongs to the likes of Marjorie Taylor Greene, one expert said (Getty Images) He added that the realignment of Republicans leaving the party for the Democrats is likely to continue and that the GOP base will shrink. The strategy director argued that theres a pernicious triangle of the rightwing media ecosystem, the voters and the elected officials and theyre all reinforcing each other, a dynamic that will be incredibly hard to break. Whats going to be left is going to be diehard MAGA supporters, both at the voter level, but also at the institutional level, he said. Former president Donald Trump suggested Sunday that he is open to banning some vaccines, in line with the deranged views of his conspiracy theorist and reporter-sexting surrogate, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Im going to talk to him and talk to other people, and Ill make a decision, but hes a very talented guy and has strong views, Trump told NBC News, when asked about the former independent presidential candidates anti-vaxxer views and whether he would ban any inoculations. On RFK Jr. and vaccines: DASHA: Do you think banning certain vaccines might be on the table? TRUMP: Well I'm going to talk to him and talk to other people, and I'll make a decision, but he's a very talented guy and has strong views. Dasha Burns (@DashaBurns) November 3, 2024 Kennedy has a long track record of making false medical claims, including linking vaccines to autism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the Covid-19 pandemic, Kennedy railed against state and federal restrictions and later made the bewildering false claim that the virus was ethnically targeted to exempt Ashkenazi Jews and Chinese people. The University of Pennsylvanias Annenberg Public Policy Center noted that he and his nonprofit were responsible for spreading disinformation about measles vaccines in American Samoa, contributing to one of the worst measles outbreaks in recent memory that sickened over 5,700 and killed 83 people in 2019." Speaking to NBC on Friday, Trump called RFK Jr. a great guy who wants to make people healthy. RFK Jr. dropped out of the race and endorsed Trump in August. He has since adopted the cringe MAGA-lite slogan Make American Healthy Again, sticking it on t-shirts and merch in an effort to pay off the debt for his broke campaign. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hes also inserted himself as something like the Trump campaigns resident non-expert health guru, which has been increasingly embraced by the candidate and his team, despite RFK Jrs whacko views on a number of subjects. On Saturday, Kennedy suggested a future Trump administration would remove fluoride, which helps dental health, from drinking water another questionable move that Trump didnt rule out. I havent talked to him about it yet, but it sounds okay to me, he told NBC News. At a MAGA event with Tucker Carlsonno stranger to crazed beliefs, like his recent disclosure that he was allegedly attacked by a demonon Thursday, Trump suggested Kennedy could be charged with reviewing vaccine and pesticides policies if he were elected. He can do anything he wants, he told Carlson. He wants to look at the vaccines. He wants everything. I think its great. Donald Trump supporters are livid after noticing that Kamala Harriss new appearance on Saturday Night Live was very similar to a skit he did in 2015 with Jimmy Fallon. The Democrat nominee and current vice president made a surprise appearance on the popular sketch show, making a cameo in the cold open just days before Americans go to the polls on 5 November. The episode was hosted by John Mulaney and musical guest Chappell Roan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Harris starred opposite Maya Rudolphs version of her as the actor looked into a mirror and said she wished she could talk to someone who has been in my shoes. The camera then panned to the reflection in the mirror, where the vice president sat, receiving a huge cheer from the studio audience. You and me both sister, Harris told Rudolph. It is nice to see you Kamala, Harris added. I am just here to remind you that you have got this. You can do something your opponent cannot do like open doors. Harris then asked Rudolph if she really laughed like the actress portrayed on the show. Eeeeeh, a little bit, Rudolph told her before saying that she was going to vote for us. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Any chance you are registered in Pennsylvania? Harris replied of the swing state that will play a pivotal role in deciding who takes the White House. Harriss appearance has since gone viral and has been viewed more than 2 million times on X/Twitter, at the time of writing. Understandably, Trump supporters are furious that Harris managed to pull off a stunt of this magnitude, just days before the election, and are finding ways to criticise her. Aside from the usual criticism that his fans aim at Harris, many have pointed to a near-identical sketch that Trump did with Jimmy Fallon when he appeared on The Tonight Show in 2015. Donald Trump appears in a mirror sketch with Jimmy Fallon in 2015 (NBC/ The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon) Much like in Harriss sketch, Fallon was dressed as Trump before speaking to the former president on the other side of the mirror with the talk show host asking the real estate mogul for advice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It should be noted that Trump wasnt the first person to do the mirror skit, which has been performed numerous times on SNL with stars such as Mick Jagger and Ariana Grande. Fallon also did the skit with Mitt Romney. Meanwhile, a shocking new poll out of Iowa, a state in which neither candidate has campaigned, has put the Democratic candidate three points ahead of Donald Trump a 12-point swing against the Republican since the 2020 election. The Des Moines Register observes that much of the shift to Harris from the former president comes from women and independents. Approximately 20 per cent of the voters in the Republican Iowa caucus backed Nikki Haley over Trump. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said in a radio interview on Nov. 3, as cited by Hungarian news outlet Telex, that if Donald Trump wins the U.S. presidency, "Europe cannot remain pro-war," supposedly referring to EU's defense assistance to Ukraine, which Orban has repeatedly criticized. According to Telex, Orban also said that Europe can not bear the burden of Russia's war against Ukraine alone, into which Europe was "irresponsibly dragged", and Europeans will also have to "adapt to the situation." Under Orban's leadership, Hungary has repeatedly blocked aid to Kyiv, pushed for negotiations with Moscow, and spouted Kremlin talking points. Orban is a long-standing ally of Trump, whose potential presidency of the U.S. has raised concerns about the fate of Washington's further defense assistance to Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Orban recently dismissed President Volodymyr Zelensky's victory plan, which calls for more long-range weapons and the permission to use them against Russian targets, as "dangerous" and said that the EU must "switch to a peace strategy instead of a war strategy." In July, Orban embarked on a "peace tour" and met with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese leader Xi Jinping, and Trump. Meanwhile, Trump has repeatedly claimed he could end Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 24 hours but failed to explain how he would do so. Orban is also preparing to deliver a significant policy concession to Trump, potentially allowing him to evade a $50 billion loan intended to support Ukraine amid its ongoing war with Russia, Politico reported on Oct. 14. Should Trump win the presidency in November, this move would enable him to reassure Republican voters that he would not provide additional financial assistance to Ukraine, according to Politico. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: Trump fundamentally doesnt care about Ukraine Michael McFaul on US elections Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Nov. 3 (UPI) -- Former President Donald Trump said Sunday during a Pennsylvania campaign rally that he "shouldn't have left" the White House after being defeated by Joe Biden in 2020, described Democrats as "demonic," and complained about new poll in Iowa that shows him trailing in that state to Kamala Harris, a state Trump has won twice before. Trump is ending his campaign much the same way he started it, hurling insults Sunday at people who don't agree with him, making sweeping claims about immigration, the economy, even the size of his campaign rallies that have no basis in truth, and impugning the character, racial makeup and record of his contender. He continued in the same vein during a Sunday campaign rally in Lititz, Pennsylvania. He spent a chunk of time in the Sunday speech complaining, without any basis in fact, about election interference in this year's election, potentially setting the stage for a repeat of 2020 when he lost to Biden and claimed the election had been "stolen," setting off a claim of election fraud among his supporters across the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump veered from his prepared remarks in Pennsylvania Sunday, in a county he won by 15 points in 2020. "Isn't this better than my speech?" Trump said. "Because honestly, somebody's got to talk about it." Former President Donald Trump addresses the crowd as private security walks the aisle during his rally at the Butler Farm Show grounds on October 5 in Butler, Pennsylvania. This was the site of an assassination attempt on Trump some month's earlier. He held a lastminute rally in the state on Sunday. Photo by Archie Carpenter/UPI. Trump's remarks, while historically combative and derogatory, have become increasingly caustic and vengeful in recent weeks, as the race has tightened between him and Vice President Kamala Harris. Trump, who has been the target of at least two assassination attempts, one in Pennsylvania, even went so far as to say that he "wouldn't mind" if a gunman aiming at him also shot through the "the fake news." "I have this piece of glass here," Trump said during the rally. "But all we have really over here is the fake news, right? And to get me, somebody would have to shoot through the fake news, and I don't mind that so much. I don't mind." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A campaign spokesperson later said that Trump was merely musing about how the press was protecting him. "President Trump was stating that the Media was in danger, in that they were protecting him and, therefore, were in great danger themselves, and should have had a glass protective shield, also. There can be no other interpretation of what was said. He was actually looking out for their welfare, far more than his own!" Steven Cheung said in a statement, CNN reported Trump's off-the-cuff remarks Sunday were the latest in a series of increasingly dark and threatening statements and actions in recent weeks, making disparaging remarks about Harris. Trump has doubled down on his pledge to use the military to combat the civilian "enemy within," and wondered aloud how Rep. Liz Cheney, one his loudest conservative Republican critics, would fare with guns "trained on her face" in a warzone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While on the campaign trail in Michigan, Harris was asked about her last-minute message to Arab American voters in Michigan - many of whom have been dismayed by the Biden administration's approach to the war in Gaza. "I have been very clear the level of death of innocent Palestinians is unconscionable," the vice president said Sunday. "We need to end the war, and we need to get the hostages out. And as president of the United States, I will do everything in my power to achieve that end." Harris worshiped at a Black church in Detroit Sunday, outlining the choice between her vision and Trump's by urging her listeners to reject the politics of chaos, fear and division. "In just two days, we have the power to decide the fate of our nation for generations to come," Harris said, invoking a passage from scripture in which the prophet Jeremiah wrote of God's plans for his followers - "plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope." The most recent polls say the race is too close to call in the several swing states that could decide it, but recent numbers show Harris has been gaining ground with young, female voters in recent weeks, which have made the overall contest closer. Russia is quietly rooting for the victory of Donald Trump in the US elections, but his plans to end the war in Ukraine may be unacceptable for the Russian Federation. Source: The Washington Post Details: According to the WP, Russia is pretending to be unconcerned about the US elections while secretly supporting Donald Trump. At the same time, while Trump's worldwide agenda is more in line with the Kremlin's preferences, his plans to end the war in Ukraine may not be acceptable to Russian leader Vladimir Putin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to claims made by US authorities and data obtained by The Washington Post, the Kremlin and Russian military intelligence have conducted numerous disinformation efforts against Harris and her running mate Tim Walz, and have also questioned the validity of the election results. The publication argues that the Kremlin is attempting to weaken western support for Ukraine, and Trump's candidature aligns with Moscow's strategy, as he has consistently criticised American aid to Ukraine. However, in Moscow, the tone remains "more muted and pointedly nonchalant than in past election years". The publication recalls that in 2016, the Russian Duma erupted in applause after Trump was declared the winner of the election, conservative activists organised election parties in Moscow, and Russian propagandists declared Trump's victory a new era for US-Russian relations, while Putin congratulated Trump on his victory, expressing hope that he would cooperate with him to help "lead Russian-American relations out of their current state of crisis". However, ties have deteriorated over the last eight years, particularly after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, according to the WP. Few in Moscow believe Trump can make a complete turn in relations, especially after how little changed during his first term. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Of course they want Trump thats clear but the result of this election will not be a game changer for Russia. The situation has become truly terrible. US-Russian relations are in deadlock. And everyone is a hostage of it even Putin," said a former Kremlin official who still works in government circles and spoke on condition of anonymity. Nonetheless, there is a growing hope among the Russian elite that Trump will win, and if he does, that there will be an opportunity to finish the war in Ukraine on Moscow's terms, potentially redrawing the map of global security. Sergei Markov, a Kremlin-linked political expert, stated that he not only expected Trump to win, but that "on 7 November, I expect Trump to call Putin and Zelenskyy and propose an end to the military action". At the same time, the publication cautions that Trump's triumph may represent a risk to Russia, as it is unknown whether Putin will accept any compromise suggested by Trump to stop the war, potentially leading to antagonism between the two. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "There could be a window of opportunity, but it is very narrow and very fragile," said Tatyana Stanovaya, a senior researcher at the Carnegie Russia-Eurasia Center. JD Vance, the Republican nominee for vice president, has offered a plan in which Russia would keep the land it has occupied while establishing a demilitarised buffer zone along the current front line. He also stated that Ukraine would have to accept neutrality. Two former Trump advisers, Fred Fleitz and retired Lieutenant General Keith Kellogg, have also offered a strategy that includes a temporary ceasefire along the current line of contact, with Ukraine receiving additional Western weapons only if it engages in peace talks with Russia. Though these ideas have received considerable criticism for turning over Ukrainian territory to Russia, observers say it is unclear whether Russia will accept those terms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "For Putin, this is a very bad scenario. Putin doesnt want territory. He wants Ukraine," Stanovaya said. She predicts a series of meetings and discussions between Russia and the United States on Ukraine that will eventually come to a standstill. "Trump is never going to propose to Putin what he wants in Ukraine", she said. Support UP or become our patron! WARWICK, Mass. (WWLP) Police in New Hampshire are asking anyone with information to come forward after a woman was found dead in Franklin County. Juvenile taken to hospital with serious injuries following shooting Justina Steffy, 31, was last heard from in early October in Keene, New Hampshire, according to the Keene Police Department. Investigators said that human remains discovered Thursday in Warwick were identified as Steffy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The investigation into her death is ongoing. If anyone has information about Steffy or knows where she might have been before her death, call the Keene Police Department at 603-357-9820. 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. It's all led up to this, Iowa. In just one day, voters will head to the polls to make their voices heard on Election Day. Thousands more already have voted early or absentee. Polls open at 7 a.m. Tuesday. Iowans also have one more time to vote on candidates for president, Congress, the Legislature and county seats before then. Learn more: Your 2024 Iowa Voter Guide Do I still have time to vote early? Yes. Voters still can vote early on Monday. Check with your auditor's office for times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Polk County's elections office, 120 Second Ave. in Des Moines, is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday for early voting. In Dallas County, the auditor's office is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 210 N. 10th St. in Adel. I voted early. How can I be sure my vote was counted? Absentee and early voters can track their ballots on the Secretary of State website. If you haven't yet mailed in your absentee ballot, you should hand deliver it to your auditor's office by 8 p.m. Tuesday. In a recent change, ballots must be received not postmarked by Election Day. When are polls open on Election Day in Iowa? Polls are open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Nov. 5 If you're in line when polls close, you may still cast a ballot. Where do I vote in Iowa for the 2024 election? To find your polling place, visit the Iowa Secretary of States website at https://sos.iowa.gov/elections/voterreg/pollingplace/search.aspx. There, you will be able to find your precinct number and voting location. What should I bring with me to vote? Registered voters must have their identification when they go to the polls. You may present a drivers license, a non-operator ID, a U.S. passport, a military ID, a veterans ID, a tribal ID or an Iowa voter identification card. I'm not registered. Can I still vote? Yes. You can register at your polling place on Election Day. Find out if you're registered to vote on the Iowa Secretary of State website. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you're not registered, bring an ID and proof of residency, such as a lease, utility bill, paycheck or property tax bill. How do I know who's on my ballot? Once you've found your precinct and voting location, your county auditor should have corresponding sample ballots on their website. You also can find comprehensive coverage of the federal, state and local elections at www.desmoinesregister.com/news/elections/voter-guide/. Where can I see results of the 2024 election in Iowa? The Des Moines Register will have dozens of journalists and photographers covering the election and providing real-time results Tuesday night. Check desmoinesregister.com for frequent updates and download the app to get alerted of major developments. I had an issue voting. Where should I go? Des Moines Register investigative reporters Tyler Jett and Lee Rood are keeping an eye out Nov. 5 for any voting problems. Reach out to Jett from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. at tjett@registermedia.com, (515) 284-8215, or on X: @LetsJett. He also accepts encrypted messages at tjett@proton.me. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Or contact Rood from 3-11 p.m. at lrood@registermedia.com, at (515) 284-8549, on X: @leerood or on Facebook at Facebook.com/readerswatchdog. Be sure to include your name and contact information so they can get back to you. The Iowa Secretary of State also has an election security tip line on its website or by calling 1-888-SOS-VOTE. Your subscription makes work like this possible. Subscribe today at DesMoinesRegister.com/Deal. This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: More on early voting or how to vote on Election Day 2024 in Iowa UPDATE: The children have been found. ******** MEMPHIS, Tenn. Two children have been reported missing/endangered in Wynne, Arkansas, Arkansas State Police announced. Emily Brown, 11, and Tayten Smith, 12, were last seen at Wynne Skateland, located at 2013 Falls Blvd around 6:00 p.m. on Saturday. Emily Brown and Tayten Smith. (Arkansas State Police) The two were overheard by other children talking about walking to the Village Creek State Park. Emily Brown has been described as a girl with straight brown hair. She was seen wearing a black hoodie and blue jeans with pink patches. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tayten Smith has been described as a boy with strawberry-blonde hair. He was seen wearing a Wynne Yellowjackets hoodie and blue jeans. If you see or know of the whereabouts of Emily or Tayten, please contact the Wynne Police Department at (870) 238-5700. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. Two Ohio police officers were charged with reckless homicide in the death of a Black man who pleaded I cant breathe during a police encounter, authorities announced Saturday. Canton officers Camden Burch and Beau Schoenegge have been charged with reckless homicide in the April 18 death of Frank E. Tyson during a confrontation with police, Stark County Prosecuting Attorney Kyle L. Stone announced at a news conference Saturday. Burch and Schoenegge, both 24, were booked into jail Friday and remained in custody Saturday, NBC affiliate WKYC of Cleveland reported, citing cited inmate records. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stone said he presented a grand jury with the results of an Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation probe into Tysons death, which the agency completed in August. The grand jury approved the charges as part of an indictment. The reckless homicide charge, a third-degree felony, could carry a three-year sentence and a $10,000 fine for each defendant, if convicted, Stone said. Representatives for state and local police organizations did not immediately respond to efforts seeking to reach the officers or their legal counsel for comment. In a statement to the Canton Repository, Craig M. Riley, president of Fraternal Order of Police Ohio Labor Council Gold Unit, accused prosecutors of playing politics with the case just a few days from Tuesdays election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement True progress, he said, comes from collaboration, investment, and open communication not from using our officers as well-timed scapegoats to score political points. The union represents Canton police supervisors, according to the Repository. The Canton Police Department released Schoenegges body camera footage of the encounter a week later. The officers had responded to a vehicle crash with a downed utility pole, and a witness directed them down the road at an AMVETS lodge, where they made contact with Tyson, police said. In the video, Tyson is seen knocking over a barstool, shouting a request to call the sheriff, and saying, Theyre trying to kill me, as the officers try to get him into custody. Hes taken to the ground and handcuffed before one officer then appears to put a knee on Tysons upper body for roughly 30 seconds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tyson says multiple times, I cant breathe. An officer tells him to cooperate and calm down. Tyson says again, I cant breathe. I cant breathe, before adding, Youre on my neck. After the officer lifts his knee, Tyson is left without aid and appears motionless for roughly five minutes, according to the video. An officer asks if Tyson has calmed down and whether hes breathing, at which point his pulse is checked and officers perform chest compressions. Tyson was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead, police said. The preliminary autopsy report lists causes of death as cardiopulmonary arrest in association with physical altercation and prone restraint, as well as acute intoxication by cocaine and ethanol. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Schoenegge and Burch, both of whom joined the department in 2022 and are assigned to the traffic bureau, were placed on paid administrative leave pending an investigation. The death echoed the murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis police officers in the spring of 2020 when an officer pressed a knee to Floyds neck as he repeated, I cant breathe. Before that, Eric Garner died after a July 17, 2014, confrontation with New York City police officers who stopped him to investigate the possible sale of loose, untaxed cigarettes on the street. He also pleaded I cant breathe as an officer held him in a chokehold. Bobby DiCello, an attorney for Tysons family, said at a news conference after Stone addressed the news media that the charges mark progress toward justice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The prosecutor for Stark County acted with courage to bring charges to the grand jury, he said. This is how justice works through acts of courage. John Tyson, brother of the victim, characterized the days news as an incremental move forward. Its not the win we were looking for, but we will take this small win and build upon it, he said. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Montgomery police are investigating what they describe as a fatal industrial accident. At about 10:13 a.m. Friday, police and fire medics went to the 1400 block of Hunter Loop Road in reference to an industrial accident, said Lt. David Wise, a spokesman for the Montgomery Police Department. They found an adult male victim who sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead. Another victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment where he was pronounced dead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The identities of the victims have not been released. More: Montgomery police investigate Friday afternoon shooting death Police said the investigation is ongoing, and no other information was immediately released. Contact Montgomery Advertiser reporter Marty Roney at mroney@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: Two people die in Montgomery industrial accident, police say When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Credit: Getty Images The U.K. government is hitting back at Russian groups authorities allege are responsible for the online conspiracy theories surrounding Kate Middleton's cancer diagnosis and treatment. On Monday, Oct. 28, the U.K. government released a press release announcing sanctions against three Russian agencies and three senior figures for their role in disseminating conspiracy theories and lies about the Princess of Wales and her cancer diagnosis and treatment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Todays sanctions send a clear message: we will not tolerate your lies and interference, and we are coming after you," the government said in the same press release. "Putin's desperate attempts to divide us will fail. We will constrain the Kremlin, and stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes." Back in March, Martin Innesdirector of the Security, Crime and Intelligence Innovation Institute at Cardiff University in Walestold both NBC News and The New York Times that his team uncovered at least 45 online accounts affiliated with Doppelganger, a Russian disinformation operation, had posted conspiracy theories and calls for more transparency from Kensington Palace regarding Middleton, her health, and her whereabouts. Kate Middleton wears a blue dress to match her sapphire engagement ring while posing next to Prince William who is wearing a suit, Kate Middleton wears a red polka dot shirt with a green blazer while showing her eternity ring "Its not as though these Russia-linked accounts were driving the story; they were jumping on it," Innes told NBC News at the time. "It was already being framed in conspiracy terms, so foreign actors dont need to set that framethats already there to exploit." After the royal family announced that both King Charles and Princess Kate were hospitalized in early 2024, conspiracy theories surrounding the Princess of Wales dominated the internet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Absent from the public eye following her abdominal surgery, theories about the princess started circulating the internet, including everything from the claim that the Princess of Wales was actually filming some reality TV show , dating Pete Davidson , had "Freaky Friday-ed" with the King , and had been found in an internet-famous house . According to Innesand now the U.K. governmentthe Russian disinformation campaign was and is "about destabilization" in the wake of the country's ongoing war in Ukraine. "It's about undermining trust in institutions: government, monarchy, mediaeverything," Innes told NBC in the same interview. "These kinds of stories are ideal vehicles by which they do that." In a previous interview with Marie Claire, Karen Douglas , a professor of social psychology at the University of Kent in the U.K., said that "the situation" surrounding Kate Middleton, her hospitalization and her cancer diagnosis was the "perfect storm for conspiracy theories." "A famous person who seems to have gone missing creating uncertainty and the feeling that something terrible has happened...(People) clearly (thought) that something isn't right and the truth (was) being hidden from them," she said at the time. Kyiv urged Moscow on Nov. 3 to provide a list of Ukrainian prisoners of war (POWs) prepared for an exchange, following Russias accusation that Ukraine was obstructing the process. Ukrainian human rights commissioner Dmytro Lubinets reached out to his Russian counterpart: "We are always ready to exchange prisoners of war!" he wrote on his official Telegram channel. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova on Nov. 2 accused Ukraine of effectively sabotaging the exchange process and refusing to accept its own citizens. Zakharova claimed that Russias defense ministry had offered to release 935 Ukrainian prisoners of war, but Ukraine had accepted only 279. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, both countries have frequently exchanged prisoners. The most recent swap occurred in mid-October, with each side bringin back 95 prisoners. Lubinets countered that Ukraine remains willing to receive its citizens and blamed Russia for slowing down the exchanges. Russia's Commissioner for Human Rights Tatyana Moskalkova also commented on Nov. 2 alleging that Ukraine has "politicized" the matter. On Oct. 18, Lubinets said that Russian forces have executed at least 102 Ukrainian prisoners of war since 2022, citing data from the Prosecutor General's Office. Lubinets said that Ukrainian authorities document the cases as much as possible and pass the evidence to the Commissioner for Human Rights in the Russian Federation. There have been multiple reports of executions of Ukrainian POWs by Russian soldiers over this year. Videos and photos resurfaced on social media with evidence of the crimes, including drone footage showing the shooting of the POWs as they surrendered to Russian troops, as well as videos and photos with bodies of Ukrainian soldiers suggesting torture and violent death in captivity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: Russia has summarily executed at least 93 Ukrainian POWs on battlefield, top prosecutor says Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Ukraines army chief has warned that his forces are facing one of the most powerful Russian offensives since the start of the war as Russia claimed it captured more settlements on the eastern frontline. Russia has steadily been making gains in the eastern Donbas region, which Russias President Vladimir Putin aims to capture in full. Reuters, citing open source data, reported that Russia has been advancing at its fastest pace in at least a year. Ukraines Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi said the situation on the front line remains difficult and certain areas require constant renewal of resources of Ukrainian units in a statement on Telegram Saturday morning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kyivs forces, he said, are holding back one of the most powerful Russian offensives since the beginning of the full-scale invasion. Over the weekend, Russia claimed the capture of two settlements in the Donetsk region - Kurakhivka and Vyshneve. Ukrainian officials have not confirmed either claim. Vyshneve is close to Pokrovsk, a key logistics hub in the east and a major target of the Russian offensive. Meanwhile Russian drone attacks continue, with Ukraine bracing for what could be a difficult winter with energy infrastructure already badly hit. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russia launched over 50 drone attacks at Ukraine overnight into Sunday. Over the past week, Russia has dropped more than 900 bombs on Ukraine, and launched about 30 missiles and nearly 500 Shahed drones in various regions of Ukraine, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most of the strikes were directed against civilian objects and critical infrastructure, the statement said. Zelensky spent recent weeks trying to drum up additional support but has so far been unable to secure consent to fire deeper into Russia. He repeated his plea for Western aid, adding in the statement that all of these strikes would not have been possible if we had sufficient support from the world. Zelensky warned that Russia is gradually increasing this activity and added that Moscow still has the ability to use Western components for this purpose. All this is supplied to Russia from abroad, Zelensky continued. And unfortunately, it comes from companies in China, Europe, and America - a lot of micro-contributions to the constant Russian terror. Smoke rises from the debris of a residential building in the town of Lyman, Donetsk region, on October 24. - Genya Savilov/AFP/Getty Images The developments come at a precarious time for Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The US presidential election next week will determine Americas policy on Ukraine, which currently stands at a crossroads. If elected, Kamala Harris is expected to largely continue the supportive policies of the Biden administration. Taking a drastically different position, Donald Trump has suggested he will end support for Kyivs war effort and claimed he could settle the war in one day. Meanwhile, Russia is understood to be bolstering its manpower with North Korean troops. As many as 8,000 North Korean troops are in Russias Kursk region and are expected to enter combat against Ukraine in the coming days, top US officials announced this week. CNNs Lauren Kent contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com (Reuters) - Ukrainian forces are restraining one of Russia's most powerful offensives since the start of Moscow's full-scale invasion on its smaller neighbour, the top commander of Kyiv's forces said on Saturday. Russian troops advanced in September at their fastest rate since March 2022, the month after President Vladimir Putin ordered the invasion, according to open-source data. Ukraine in August took part of Russia's Kursk region. "The Armed Forces of Ukraine are holding back one of the most powerful Russian offensives from launching a full-scale invasion," General Oleksandr Syrskyi wrote on the Telegram messaging app. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After failing to capture the capital Kyiv early in the war and win a decisive victory, Putin scaled back his war ambitions to taking the Donbas industrial heartland in Ukraine's east, which covers the Luhansk and Donetsk regions. Donbas has since become the war's main theatre, where some of biggest battles in Europe for generations have taken place and where thousands of troops on each side have died. On Saturday, Moscow said it has taken two more settlements along the Donbas frontline. In the week of Oct. 20-27 alone, Russia captured nearly 200 square km (80 square miles) of Ukrainian territory, according to the Russian media group Agentstvo, which analysed Ukrainian open-source maps. The war is entering what Russian analysts say is its most dangerous phase as Moscow's forces advance, North Korea sends troops to Russia and the West ponders how the conflict will end. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has been travelling the world lobbying NATO countries to allow Kyiv the use of the long-range missiles they have provided to strike targets deep inside Russia. Ukraine is bracing for what could be the toughest winter of the war after long-range Russian airstrikes destroyed what officials say is about half of its power generating capacity. (Reporting by Lidia Kelly in Melbourne; Editing by William Mallard) Ukraine on Sunday rejected claims by the Russian Foreign Ministry that it did not want to take back hundreds of prisoners of war proposed for an exchange. "We are ready to carry out an exchange of prisoners of war at any time! We adhere to the Geneva Conventions and international humanitarian law!" Ukrainian human rights commissioner Dmytro Lubinez wrote on Telegram. "As a rule, these processes are slowed down by the Russian Federation. And it uses this as a method to influence Ukrainian society!" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Saturday afternoon, Maria Zakharova, the spokeswoman for the Russian Foreign Ministry, said during a hastily convened video conference with correspondents from several countries that Russia had recently proposed 935 Ukrainian prisoners of war for exchange. However, she claimed Kiev had only wanted 279 of the prisoners back, most of whom were ultranationalist fighters. Zakharova claimed that the remaining 650-plus men were not considered "worthy" by Kiev or were even described as "traitors." Zakharova accused Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha of "political tourism" because he repeatedly uses the issue of prisoners of war as an opportunity to travel abroad to stir up sentiment against Moscow. She said Russia had always implemented the exchange of prisoners through the mediation of other states and was still willing to do so. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Such exchanges are the last forum in which Moscow and Kiev still have contact. After the more than two and a half years of Russia's war on Ukraine, thousands of families are waiting for their relatives to return from captivity. Both warring parties have already exchanged prisoners several times a total of thousands so far. It is unclear how many prisoners both sides currently hold. Key developments on Nov.2-3: Ukraine facing one of Russia's 'most powerful' offensives since start of all-out war, Syrskyi says North Korean soldiers sent to Ukrainian border equipped with standard infantry weapons, military intelligence says Locations of Ukrainian weapons systems revealed on Google Maps, official says Russia launched around 900 bombs, 500 Shahed drones and 30 missiles at Ukraine over past week, Zelensky says Ukraine to produce anti-drone missiles with Belgian manufacturer Ukrainian troops are holding back one of Russia's "most powerful" offensives since the start of Moscow's full-scale war, Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi said on Nov. 2. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Throughout 2024, Ukraine has faced a challenging situation in its defense of the front line, particularly in Donetsk Oblast, where Russia has consistently concentrated its offensive potential. After a meeting with a delegation of the Czech Armed Forces, Syrskyi described the situation on the battlefield as difficult. "Active hostilities that continue in certain areas require constant renewal of the resources of Ukrainian units," he said. Since the beginning of the day, 126 clashes between Ukrainian and Russian forces have taken place along the front line, Ukraine's General Staff said in its latest update on Nov. 2. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russia continues to press forward on its offensives across the eastern front, primarily on the Toretsk, Kurakhove, and Pokrovsk axes in Donetsk Oblast, where outnumbered and outgunned Ukrainian soldiers are forced to withdraw little by little. In recent weeks, the Ukrainian military warned that Russia is escalating its operations in southern Zaporizhzhia Oblast. In Kharkiv Oblast, Ukrainian forces liberated and "cleared out" in mid-October the village of Kruhliakivka, which Ukraine's military intelligence (HUR) described as important for the defense of Kupiansk. In the meantime, Russian troops are reportedly attempting to establish crossings near the Oskil River to advance toward the city of Kupiansk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The reports came as Russia is planning to involve North Korean troops to aid its war effort, with more than 7,000 soldiers deployed near the Ukrainian border. In a recent interview, President Volodymyr Zelensky blasted Ukraine's partners "zero" response to deployment of North Korean troops for the war in Ukraine. He said that if Kyiv had permission to use Western long-range weapons on Russian territory, it could preemptively target "every camp" where North Korean troops are gathering. Read also: Russia seizes more territory over past week than at any point in 2024, Bloomberg reports North Korean soldiers sent to Ukrainian border equipped with standard infantry weapons, military intelligence says Russia has armed North Korean troops deployed near the border with Ukraine with infantry weapons, Ukraine's military intelligence agency (HUR) reported on Nov. 2. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to HUR, North Korean soldiers received 60-mm mortars, AK-12 rifles, machine guns, sniper rifles, Feniks anti-tank guided missiles, and hand-held anti-tank grenade launchers. They also reportedly received some night vision devices, thermal imagers, collimator sights, and binoculars. According to the Financial Times, Ukrainian intelligence officials are skeptical regarding the combat effectiveness of the North Korean troops, citing communication issues with their Russian counterparts as the main hurdle Moscow and Pyongyang will have to bridge. Russia deployed more than 7,000 North Korean troops from Russia's Primorsky Krai to the Ukrainian border, the agency said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These numbers almost coincide with those of Washington's announced earlier this week. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that some 8,000 North Korean troops are amassed in Russia's Kursk Oblast, where Ukraine began a cross-border incursion in August and still holds significant swathes of territory. North Korea has sent nearly 12,000 troops to Russia, including 500 officers and three generals, HUR reported. Soldiers are reportedly currently undergoing training at five military camps in the Russian Far East. North Korea's entry into the war comes when Russia's long and grinding campaign in Ukraine's eastern Donetsk Oblast has dramatically gained pace in recent days. Analysts say Russian forces are advancing at a pace not seen since the early months of the war. Read also: China was well aware of North Korean troop deployment ahead of time, expert says Locations of Ukrainian weapons systems revealed on Google Maps, official says Locations of Ukrainian weapons systems were shown in recently updated images on Google's free online map, Google Maps, Andrii Kovalenko, the head of the counter-disinformation department at Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council, reported on Nov. 3. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After "a public reaction," Google representatives contacted the Ukrainian side, and the company is already working on fixing the issue, Kovalenko said in a later update on social media. The official previously complained that his department had been trying to reach the U.S.-based corporation Google to fix the problem quickly but did not receive an immediate response. "In the future, we will also talk about how to solve any (similar) problems quickly," Kovalenko added in the later post. He also said that "the Russians are already actively sharing these pictures" without revealing any further details about the images' content. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: Poland offers to provide Ukraine with weapons on defense loan, Sikorski says Russia launched around 900 bombs, 500 Shahed drones and 30 missiles at Ukraine over past week, Zelensky says Russia attacked Ukraine with over 900 bombs, almost 500 Shahed drones, and around 30 missiles over the past week, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on the morning of Nov. 3. Most of these strikes targeted civilian facilities and critical infrastructure, according to Zelensky. Zelensky said via his Telegram channel that such attacks would be "impossible" if allies provided Ukraine with sufficient long-range striking capabilities, imposed "truly effective sanctions" against Russia that would prevent it from importing critical components for the production of drones and missiles, and make political decisions "that can destroy Russia's will to fight." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Ukraine deserves the same reliable security as all our other partners in the free world," the Ukrainian president concluded. Russian attacks against Ukraine killed three people and wounded another 24, as well as destroyed and damaged multiple homes and infrastructure facilities in the past day, regional authorities reported on Nov. 3. Read also: Zelensky calls for tougher sanctions as Russia launched 2,000 drone attacks on Ukraine in October using foreign-made parts Ukraine to produce anti-drone missiles with Belgian manufacturer The Thales Belgium manufacturer agreed with the Ukrainian defense industry on a joint production of missiles to counter drones, Strategic Industries Minister Herman Smetanin said on Nov. 2. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This cooperation will strengthen the Ukrainian defense industry and the protection of critical infrastructure from enemy drones," Smetanin said. In recent months, Russia has ramped up drone strikes, while reducing its use of more powerful and harder-to-intercept cruise and ballistic missiles. More than 2,000 strike drones were launched against Ukraine during October, the General Staff reported on Nov. 1, which breaks the previous record set in September by nearly 700. The two companies signed a memorandum of cooperation. The work between Kyiv and Brussels is expected to expand to technology transfer and production of missile components in the future, the minister added. Thales is reportedly the only company worldwide developing, manufacturing and supplying a complete rocket system, including fire control systems, weapons and ammunition. It is specialized in the field of air-to-ground 70mm rocket systems. Read also: At least 7 countries resisting Ukraines NATO membership invitation, Politico reports Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. After two years of negotiations, the United Kingdom and the Republic of Mauritius announced an agreement on Oct. 3 that would grant the small Indian Ocean island nation sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago, which includes the island of Diego Garcia. That island, the largest in the archipelago, is home to a major military base that supports both British and American naval and air operations. The joint operational use of the island dates back to a 50-year agreement that Washington and London signed in 1966, which provided for a 20-year extension to 2036 as long as neither party gave notice of termination for two years beginning in December 2014. Needless to say, neither the U.S. nor the U.K. had any interest in terminating the agreement. The new agreement between Britain and Mauritius brought an end to their decades-long dispute regarding sovereignty over the archipelago. Beginning in the 1980s, the Mauritians had staked a claim to the archipelago, arguing that Britain had illegally hived it off and renamed it the British Indian Ocean Territory when Mauritius became fully independent from Britain in 1968. A 2019 ruling by the International Court of Justice upheld Mauritiuss claim. That same year, the United Nations General Assembly supported Mauritius in an overwhelming (though nonbinding) vote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The International Court of Justice ruling threatened to jeopardize not only Britains future military presence on Diego Garcia but that of the U.S. as well. Initially, Britain did not yield to the courts ruling, arguing that it was not legally binding, and it ignored the U.N. General Assembly vote. Washington likewise did not recognize the court ruling and ignored the vote. Instead, both the U.S. and the U.K. continued to operate their forces from the island. Despite Britains refusal to accept the court decision, there was a growing international consensus, which included American experts, that London ultimately would have to negotiate an arrangement yielding to Mauritian claims. However, when Mauritian officials first stated in 2020 that they would not object to ongoing American operations on Diego Garcia once their country obtained sovereignty over the archipelago, it became clear that a compromise arrangement regarding its status that included a special arrangement for Diego Garcia was now possible. The October agreement, which anticipates a treaty that would extend for an initial period of 99 years, has done just that. It states that the United Kingdom will be authorised to exercise with respect to Diego Garcia the sovereign rights and authorities of Mauritius required to ensure the continued operation of the base well into the next century. These rights include those of the U.S. As Londons Foreign Office made clear in announcing the agreement, for the first time in more than 50 years, the status of the base will be undisputed and legally secure and therefore, the deal ensures long term secure operation of the UK-US military base on Diego Garcia, a vital facility for maintaining international security. As a result of American upgrades in the1970s, the base at Diego Garcia includes two 12,000-foot runways, designed to support long-range heavy bomber operations. The B-2 bomber attack this month in Yemen, on what Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin called five Houthi hardened underground weapons storage locations, was launched from Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri; the bomber has far more than half again the range to enable it to hit any target in Iran if it takes off from Diego Garcia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement B-2 bombers have previously operated in both the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars. Their return to the Middle East this month, coupled with the resolution at long last of the sovereignty dispute between Britain and Mauritius, should send an unambiguous and strong deterrent signal to the Iranian ayatollahs, who already are reeling from Israels widespread attacks on their underground facilities. Indeed, the 99-year term of the agreement, and of the treaty that will enshrine it, should be especially worrying to Tehran. The ayatollahs have been in power for the past 45 years, but the new agreement enables B-2 bombers and their successor aircraft to strike at Iran for more than twice as long; ultimately and hopefully the deal could well outlast the tyrants of Tehran. Dov S. Zakheim is a senior adviser at the Center for Strategic and International Studies and vice chairman of the board for the Foreign Policy Research Institute. He was undersecretary of Defense (comptroller) and chief financial officer for the Department of Defense from 2001 to 2004 and a deputy undersecretary of Defense from 1985 to 1987. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Dmytro Lubinets, the Ukrainian Parliamentary Commissioner for Human Rights, has said that he wants to receive from his Russian counterpart all the lists of Ukrainian prisoners of war (POWs) whom Russia is ready to return immediately. Source: Lubinets on Telegram Quote: "As the Ombudsman of Ukraine, I would like to receive from the Russian Ombudsman all the lists of Ukrainian prisoners of war whom Russia is urgently ready to return!" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: The Ombudsman added that the Russian side recently stated that Ukraine "is not giving its consent" to the return of some of its POWs. Quote: "That is why I am appealing to the Russian Ombudsman to provide me with these lists of Ukrainian citizens! After all, Ukraine is always ready to accept all the lists and all our citizens! We are always ready to exchange prisoners of war! We adhere to the Geneva Conventions and international humanitarian law!" Details: Lubinets noted that the exchange process is usually hampered by Russia, which uses it as a method of influencing Ukrainian society. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Background: The Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War conducted the 58th exchange of prisoners of war as 95 more Ukrainian defenders returned home in October. Support UP or become our patron! The United Nations says the humanitarian situation in Lebanon is now even worse than during the last war against Israel 18 years ago. "The humanitarian situation in Lebanon has reached levels that exceed the severity of the 2006 war," the UN emergency aid office OCHA said on Sunday. "The situation has escalated anew in recent days, with the Israeli army issuing displacement orders for residents of Baalbek and Nabatieh, shortly before airstrikes targeted these locations." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The office said the toll on the population has been "exacerbated by the destruction of critical infrastructure including healthcare, with many hospitals overwhelmed and reportedly urgently requesting blood donations to address the critical influx of casualties." The current war between Israel and Hezbollah began on October 8 last year with rocket attacks by the Lebanese Shiite militia in support of the Islamist Hamas movement in the Gaza Strip, which had launched the Gaza war with its terrorist attack on Israel the previous day. Almost 3,000 people have been killed in Lebanon since then and a further 13,300 injured, according to official reports. The Ministry of Health does not distinguish between civilians and members of Hezbollah in its lists. Among the dead are also about 180 minors and 600 women. In its latest report, OCHA emphasized that more than 11,000 pregnant women have been affected by the war, including 1,300 who had to give birth in a health system on the verge of collapse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon, Imran Riza, condemned attacks on civilians and infrastructure, calling for "an immediate cessation of hostilities to protect vulnerable populations." Less than a week out to Election Day, both former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris are barnstorming battleground states, trying to reach and persuade undecided voters -- including independents -- to support them. Independents are often swing voters, who may switch their allegiance from election to election. Statistically, they are a big enough group to make a difference in the results. In a recent ABC News/Ipsos poll, 13% of independents said they were initially undecided. The poll also found Trump running essentially even with Harris among independents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ABC News spoke with some of those independent voters who responded to the poll, as well as some undecided or formerly undecided voters who have been in touch with ABC News throughout the year, to get a sense of why they still feel undecided -- or what their decision was in the end. Some brought up themes and issues that have been salient throughout the election, including the border and abortion. PHOTO: Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris speaks at rally in Harrisburg, Pa., Oct.30, 2024, and former President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks at a rally in Allentown, Pa., Oct. 29, 2024. (Angela Weiss/AFP via Getty Images) Phyllis Allen, an independent voter who lives near Mobile, Alabama, and responded to the ABC News/Ipsos poll, told ABC News on Thursday that she is still unsure who she will vote for or if she will cast a vote for president at all. She is leaning towards Trump, she said, because "when he was in office, the last time, things were better for me and my family -- we've been struggling. it's hard, but since Biden has been in office, it seems like we've been struggling just to pay bills and just to buy groceries." She said she also appreciated how she felt people were prouder to be American when he was president. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But how Trump has often spoken about Christianity has concerned her. Trump has often framed his potential presidency around being better for Christians than a Harris presidency, although he has also reached out towards other religious groups. "There's so many religions in the United States, that's what the United States was built on it's not fair to just push one religion," Allen said. PHOTO: Citizens participate in early voting at a Dekalb County advance polling location in Atlanta, Georgia, Oct. 30, 2024. (Erik S Lesser/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock) Allen added that she disagrees with Harris on border issues, feeling that if she is struggling to afford groceries or qualify for food stamps, it is unfair for undocumented immigrants to have any government support. MORE: How to watch ABC News live coverage of 2024 election results Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More broadly, she said she feels Harris could have already accomplished her policy proposals: "Kamala Harris has been in there, and she's saying she's gonna do all this stuff, but yet she was already in office. Why didn't she go ahead... Why not now? Why wait until she gets to be president?" But Allen aligns more with Harris on abortion issues. "Roe versus Wade -- they need to reinstate [it]," she said, referring to the U.S. Supreme Court overruling the decision granting a constitutional right to abortion in the United States. "I mean, I don't personally believe in abortion, but it's not my decision to tell someone else what they could do," Allen said, later bringing up (albeit not by name) the story of Kate Cox, a woman who had to leave her home state of Texas to get an abortion to protect her health. MORE: Election infrastructure has 'never been more secure,' CISA chief says Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "A lot of Christian churches and stuff like that, they all say it's wrong, it's wrong, it's wrong -- but it's not their place to tell a woman what's wrong or right." Benjamin, an independent voter from Texas who also responded to the ABC News/Ipsos poll, said that he is leaning towards Trump but still trying to come to a final decision. (He asked that ABC News not publish his last name for privacy reasons.) "I care a little bit more about my financial situation. And so, back when Trump was president, I remember that things were a lot cheaper for me than compared to when Biden was, but then at the same time, I don't agree with a lot of I don't agree with a lot of the way Trump thinks," he said, adding he agrees a bit more with how Harris thinks, although not on every issue. Benjamin plans to try to vote early, although as a student who works part-time at a department store, he does not know if he'll be able to get to the polls before Election Day. PHOTO: A voting sign is displayed near the entrance of the Millennium Youth Complex, Oct. 21, 2024, in Austin, Texas. (Brandon Bell/Getty Images) He said he tries to ignore the news, and feels news outlets are often biased, so he prefers to do his own research. He does not plan to vote down the ballot in Texas, which is also home to a hotly contested U.S. Senate race. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What could sway him to Trump or Harris? For Trump, he said, he'd have to find something positive that "really sways me toward him in that way," while for Harris, he is looking for her not to be "too extreme" on issues such as immigration and abortion. (He said he believes in restricting illegal immigration but does want the border "to be more open and make it easier for people to come over.") Separately from the independents who responded to the ABC News/Ipsos poll, some of the undecided voters who have been in touch with ABC News throughout the presidential election season said that they've made a decision while others still feel conflicted. Rebecca Bakker, a registered nursing professor who lives near Grand Rapids, Michigan, had already decided against voting for Trump but has not felt compelled yet towards Harris or any third-party candidates. She told ABC News on Wednesday, "I'm leaning libertarian, but I don't know by casting a libertarian vote is going to hurt or help either one of them." (Libertarian presidential candidate Chase Oliver is on the ballot in Michigan. Bakker said she is compelled by the party's platform but not by its ticket specifically. ) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MORE: What would happen if Harris and Trump tie in the Electoral College? MORE: Expert previews potential Election Day 'mirages' we might see as votes are counted She is still unhappy with Harris' position on the border. "I think she's got to demonstrate that she's willing to work with both sides and maybe choke on the wall a little bit to avoid getting another influx of illegal immigrants. But she doesn't seem willing to even bend on that issue or willing to work with the other side," Bakker said. Bakker acknowledged Harris is walking "a fine line" on how she can differentiate herself from Biden. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I think she's struggling with separating herself from Joe Biden and making a name for Kamala Harris I think that's what's going to drive a lot of people away from her." Conversely, on the Israel-Hamas war, Bakker indicated that her views are to the left of Harris' support of continued military funding to Israel. "I understand Israel has a right to defend itself, but I'm really concerned that they continue to supply them with money and weapons when all the Israelis are doing are killing Palestinians in the hopes of finding one bad Hamas guy... So I don't understand this impetus to continue to fund that particular war because they're not making any progress," Bakker said. Bakker said she may try to vote early, but may be more available on Election Day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Her closing arguments haven't quite pushed me over the edge," Bakker said of Harris. "I'm not going to vote for Donald Trump. It's not going to happen, but a vote for Harris I'll probably be forced to do it. I'm going to do it under duress, and hopefully we can dig out later. But she hasn't done anything to actually convince me that that's the best option." Matthew Labkovski, a Republican voter from Florida who supported former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley during the Republican presidential primaries, was still undecided as of early October. By now, he told ABC News in a phone interview on Wednesday, he's voted -- but "just felt that I couldn't personally come to either candidate," and wrote in Haley. Asked what Harris or Trump could have done differently to reach out to voters like him, Labkovski said he wished Harris had chosen Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro as her running mate. Shapiro was among the final rumored contenders before Harris chose Walz. PHOTO: People vote at the Government Center on Florida's first early voting day for the 2024 US presidential election in Miami, Florida, Oct. 21, 2024. (Cristobal Herrera-ulashkevich/ep/CRISTOBAL HERRERA-ULASHKEVICH/EP) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As for Trump -- who he had previously decided not to vote for -- Labkovski said he was looking for Trump to acknowledge shortcomings. "Maybe an apology, or some sense of remorse for anything -- not anything in particular, just that he was, he's human things happen because things happen as a president, and I don't want someone who thinks that it's not their fault." Labkovski did vote down the ballot for the Democratic Senate candidate, former Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell, which he said was more as a "wake-up call" vote to incumbent Republican Sen. Rick Scott, and voted yes on Amendment 4, the proposition that would enshrine abortion access in the state's constitution. That would effectively overturn the state's 6-week abortion ban. "I believe that it provides choice," he said, adding that as someone who plans to work in medicine, "I think that there needs to be an opportunity for choice and for discussion." Editor's note: This story has been updated. Some voters still say they're undecided in the 2024 election. Here's why. originally appeared on abcnews.go.com In 1863 my great, great-grandfather, Curtis McKenzie, couldnt vote. As an enslaved person he was not considered a citizen or even a full human being. Despite that, he voluntarily joined the Union army along with nearly 200,000 other people set free by the Emancipation Proclamation. He fought to save the union and free our people. In 1870 the 15th Amendment was ratified. He was allowed to vote. For a few years there was a brief period of reconstruction and socially progressive development. But, that was followed by 60 years of racial oppression, Jim Crow discrimination. Down South, where most lived, Black people lost the right to vote. When the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor in 1941, my father, along with thousands of other folks of color, joined the Army to defend our country. They fought for democracy abroad and at home. When they returned from the battlefields of Europe and the Pacific, the laws and practices of America still treated them as second-class citizens. Dad was still not allowed to vote in Mississippi, so he never returned to his birthplace. He found a new home in the U.S. Army, serving honorably in three wars, World War II, Korea and Vietnam. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The struggle for freedom and equality continued. In 1948 the government desegregated the U.S. Army. In 1954 the Supreme Court officially desegregated public schools. In 1963 a quarter of a million people marched in Washington for jobs and freedom and the right to vote. Three weeks after that gathering white supremacists bombed the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, killing four little girls attending Sunday School. The tragedy did not kill the freedom movement. A few months later in the summer of 1964, I did what my father could not do. I returned to Mississippi along with a thousand other students, Black and white, to restart the period of reform that had begun a hundred years before. Less than 1% of the eligible Black folks in the state were registered to vote. Trying to stop the movement, the KKK lynched three of our volunteers, two white and one Black. We kept our hands on the plow and stayed the course. In 1965, John Lewis had his head cracked open by police when he and others tried to march across the Edmund Pettus bridge in Selma. Some were killed. Churches were bombed by racists. Months later President Lyndon Johnson signed the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The job is not done and will not be done until every child born in America believes that they have the opportunity to become president. Even though that was never the intention of the founders and framers, we as people have grown beyond them. We are on the brink of the most consequential presidential election of our lifetimes. We can elect the first woman of color to become President of the United States. To be honest, I never thought I would see it. But Shyamala Gopalan Harris, Kamalas mother, did. She wheeled her baby daughter to picket lines in Oakland to teach her that with hard work and faith, immigrant dreams can blossom into political possibilities. As an election worker in our local precinct I promise, Sisters and Brothers, that my fellow workers and I will safeguard each and every one of your votes. Your voices will be heard. It is our sacred duty. Standing on the shoulders of martyrs and people who would not give up, we are guided by Shyamalas dreams for her daughter, for all our dreams for all our daughters and sons, and grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Entrusted with the sacred idea of our republic we know when it is time to stand up for it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its time. Vote! Charles Dumas is a lifetime political activist, a professor emeritus from Penn State, and was the Democratic Partys nominee for U.S. Congress in 2012. He was the 2022 Lions Paw Awardee and Living Legend honoree of the National Black Theatre Festival. He lives with his partner and wife of 50 years in State College. An old adage says that a monkey randomly clicking away at the keyboard would eventually type the complete works of William Shakespeare after being at it long enough. However, a new study by two Australian mathematicians challenges this thought, calling it 'potentially misleading'. The research conducted by Professor Stephen Woodcock and Jay Falletta of the University of Technology Sydney has concluded that the universe would have ended long before the monkey could type almost 900,000 words which make up the works of the renowned playwright. Woodcock and Falletta argue that even if all the monkeys in the world had all the time in the universe they could never pen Shakespeare. Professor Woodcock noted that the odds were astronomically lownot even 'one in a million'. He added that even if every atom in the universe represented a separate universe, a monkey still couldnt randomly type Shakespeare. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The study, which was published in the peer-reviewed journal Franklin Open, is based on the 'heat death' hypothesis. This theory suggests that the universe will eventually expand to a point where it can no longer sustain life. The sheer improbability of it all The researchers' calculations are based on a scenario involving a single monkey typing one key per second for 30 years on a keyboard with 30 keys. This included the English alphabet and basic punctuation. Scaling this setup, they determined it would take longer than the universe's lifespan for a monkey to randomly type all of Shakespearea mind-boggling vast amount of time. As per Professor Woodcock, the older theory would consider an infinite limit. It would include either an infinite number of monkeys or an infinite time period of monkey labor. "We decided to look at the probability of a given string of letters being typed by a finite number of monkeys within a finite time period consistent with estimates for the lifespan of our universe," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The researchers also estimated the universe's 'heat death' could occur in roughly one googol years1 followed by 100 zeros. They disregarded practical questions like feeding the monkeys or surviving the Sun's eventual expansion, which would consume Earth in a few billion years. Their study in Franklin Open found that a single monkey would have only a 5% chance of typing the word 'bananas' randomly in its lifetime. Additionally, the website Open Source Shakespeare, which compiles all of Shakespeares plays, poems, and sonnets, reports a total of 884,421 words in his complete works. Interestingly, Shakespeare is credited with coining over 1,700 words in English, 'banana' not being one of them. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5FaqZaP_8u4 Limits of 'monkey labor' The authors also suggested that adding more, faster-typing chimps wouldnt make 'monkey labor' a viable tool for creating meaningful written works. They referenced a past experiment where six macaque monkeys, given four weeks with a computer, generated five pages filled mainly with the letter 'S'. Woodcock expressed his surprise regarding the fact that nobody had debunked the former theory before. In a statement to NBC, Martin Hairer, professor of mathematics at Imperial College London, opined that everyone had known the adage was improbable and it didn't need any debunking. In the past, experts had also conceded that even the most intelligent gorillas could not produce the works of Shakespeare. The election that will shape the future of America is now just hours away. Donald Trump faces Kamala Harris in the 2024 race for the White House after Joe Biden pulled out of the race following his disastrous first debate with Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since then, the Democrats and Republicans have traded blows and barbs. But the wait is almost over. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Trump in Georgia on the weekend - Chip Somodevilla/Getty Florida and Ohio, once considered marginal, have been safe Republican territory in recent elections. However, nothing is set in stone. 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 do polls open? The times vary from state to state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But, generally, they all open between 6am and 7am. 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. On the night, polls will close at different times across the United States, usually on the hour. As soon as this happens, a state can be called by the US news networks for either Kamala Harris or Donald Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This will take place only when the networks are confident that a candidate will win the state. For those states that traditionally vote solidly Republican (such as Wyoming and Oklahoma) or Democrat (California and New York), it is likely to happen almost the moment the polls close, before a single vote has been officially counted. But where the race is expected to be close, in so-called swing states such as Arizona, Georgia or Pennsylvania, the networks will want to wait until most votes are actually counted and reported before making a projection. Because of this, some states might not be called for Ms Harris or Mr Trump for hours, possibly days. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2020, Pennsylvania was the state that gave Joe Biden enough votes to guarantee he would be president, but it was not called for Mr Biden by most of the US networks until the Saturday after the election - a wait of four days. A total of 270 electoral votes are needed to win the US presidential election. Each state is allotted a fixed number of electoral votes (EVs), based roughly on the size of its population. Whoever wins the popular vote in a state also wins all of that states EVs (with two exceptions, Maine and Nebraska, which are explained below). Your hour-by-hour guide In all cases, the time given is when the last polls close in each state, according to the AP news agency, and all times are GMT. Nov 6, 12am Donald Trump should be off the mark when polls close in three traditional Republican strongholds: Indiana (which is worth 11 electoral votes), Kentucky (eight) and South Carolina (nine). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kamala Harris will pick up the safe Democratic states of Vermont (three EVs) and Virginia (13). Polls also close in the first of the swing states: Georgia (16 EVs). Joe Biden won this state narrowly in 2020, but the result was confirmed only after several days of counting and recounting. If the outcome in Georgia is close again, as is likely, it could take a similar wait before the winner becomes clear. Kamala Harris in Georgia over the weekend 12.30am West Virginia (four EVs), a safe Republican state, should be called quickly for Trump. Ohio (17 EVs) used to be a swing state - Barack Obama won close contests here in 2008 and 2012 - but since 2016 it has trended towards safe Republican territory and should be called for Mr Trump reasonably promptly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By contrast, North Carolina (16 EVs) has become a swing state at this election, with opinion polls suggesting either candidate has a chance of victory. As such, the winner might not become clear for some time. 1am A flurry of projections is likely when polls close in more than a dozen safe states. Ms Harris should pick up the Democrat-leaning states of Connecticut (seven EVs), Delaware (three), Illinois (19), Maryland (10), Massachusetts (11), New Hampshire (four), New Jersey (14) and Rhode Island (four), along with the District of Columbia (three). Mr Trump ought to see Alabama (nine), Florida (30), Mississippi (six), Missouri (10), Oklahoma (seven) and Tennessee (11) added to his tally. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Maine does not have a winner-take-all policy for its four electoral votes; rather, it allocates two votes to the winner within each of its two Congressional districts and two to the winner of the overall state-wide popular vote. In 2020, Joe Biden won the two state-wide votes and one of the district votes, giving him three of the four votes up for grabs, while Donald Trump won the other district vote. Polls are also due to close in another of the swing states, Pennsylvania (19 EVs). The state was solidly Democrat until Mr Trump won it narrowly in 2016, before Mr Biden took it back in 2020. Due to the huge number of postal and early votes cast, which will need to be sorted and counted, the outcome in Pennsylvania is not likely to be known for some considerable time. 1.30am Polls close in Arkansas (six EVs), another strongly Republican state. 2am A rush of safe states should deliver a sizeable number of electoral votes for both candidates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kansas (six EVs), Iowa (six), Louisiana (eight), North Dakota (three), South Dakota (three), Texas (40) and Wyoming (three) are all likely to be called fairly quickly for Mr Trump. Ms Harris ought to collect Colorado (10 EVs), Minnesota (10), New Mexico (five) and New York (28). Nebraska, like Maine, does not have a winner-take-all policy and instead splits its electoral votes - in this case, allocating three votes to the winner within each of its three Congressional districts and two to the winner of the overall state-wide popular vote. In 2020, Joe Biden won one of the three district votes, while Donald Trump won the other two plus the two state-wide votes, giving him four of the five votes up for grabs. Polls also close in three swing states: Arizona (11 EVs), Michigan (15) and Wisconsin (10), all of which - if the outcome is close - could take days to be decided. Barack Obama visited Milwaukee, Wisconsin on Saturday - Spencer Platt/Getty Mr Biden won all three of these states in 2020, while Mr Trump picked up all three in 2016. 3am Mr Trump will add two more states to his tally when polls close in the safe Republican states of Montana (four EVs) and Utah (six). Polls also close in the last of the swing states, Nevada, where six EVs are up for grabs - though as with the other battlegrounds, it could be hours, if not days, before the winner is known. Nevada has been won repeatedly by Democrats in recent decades, but opinion polls suggest the result this year is on a knifes edge. 4am Ms Harriss numbers will get a boost when polls close in three very safe Democratic states: California (54 EVs), Oregon (eight) and Washington (12). Idaho (four EVs) should be called for Mr Trump. 5am Polls close in another safe Democratic state, Hawaii (four EVs). 6am Alaska is the last state to conclude voting, and its three electoral votes should be called for Mr Trump. But there is every likelihood that the overall winner of the election still wont be known, given the time it will take to count all the ballots in all the swing states. If there has been a landslide for either Ms Harris or Mr Trump, then some news networks might be tempted to name a winner by now. If it is shaping up to be a close contest, get ready to wait days, if not weeks, for the identity of the next president to be confirmed. 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. In 2020, the result was called for Joe Biden four days after the November 3 ballot, after Pennsylvanias result was confirmed. The state provided Biden with 20 electoral college votes, taking him over the 270 required to win. In 2016, Hillary Clinton conceded to Trump the morning after the election. 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. SEOUL, South Korea (AP) The United States flew a long-range bomber in a trilateral drill with South Korea and Japan on Sunday in response to North Koreas recent test-firing of a new intercontinental ballistic missile designed to strike the U.S. mainland, South Koreas military said. North Korea on Thursday tested the newly developed Hwasong-19 ICBM, which flew higher and stayed in the air longer than any other missile it has fired. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un called it an appropriate military action to cope with external security threats posed by its rivals. On Sunday, the U.S. flew the B-1B bomber to train with South Korean and Japanese fighter jets near the Korean Peninsula, demonstrating the three countries firm resolve and readiness to respond to North Koreas advancing nuclear and missile programs, South Koreas Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The trilateral aerial training was the second by South Korea, the U.S. and Japan this year, the statement said. The U.S. often responds to major North Korean missile tests with temporary deployments of some of its powerful military assets such as long-range bombers, aircraft carriers and nuclear-powered submarines to and near the Korean Peninsula. North Korea typically responds angrily to such U.S. actions, calling them part of a U.S.-led plot to invade the North and performing additional weapons tests. The U.S. has flown the B-1B bomber over or near the Korean Peninsula four times this year, according to South Koreas military. A B-1B is capable of carrying a large conventional weapons payload. Thursday's Hwasong-19 test, North Korea's first ICBM test-firing in almost a year, showed progress in North Koreas missile program. But many experts say North Korea still has some technological issues to master to acquire functioning ICBMs that can deliver nuclear strikes on the U.S. mainland. The experts say the Hwasong-19 shown in North Koreas state media photos and videos looked too big to be useful in a war. The ICBM test was seen as an effort to grab American attention ahead of the U.S. presidential election this week and respond to international condemnation of North Korea's reported dispatch of thousands of troops to Russia to support its war against Ukraine, observers say. Two years ago, Republican Stephanie Reed was the top vote-getter in the at-large elections for Lynchburg City Council. Following the resounding victory by the GOP roster of candidates for the three at-large seats, Reed, a political newcomer, was elected mayor in early January 2023 by the seven-member council. The Republican sweep in the at-large elections in 2022 was the first time that Lynchburg had held its local elections in the fall. The Virginia General Assembly had passed legislation mandating that city and town elections move from May to November, beginning in 2022. Looking back to the 2022 at-large council elections, Reed recalls that public safety, education and the economy were major issues during the campaign season, as they are again in this falls ward races. But one of the biggest differences in the 2024 ward elections is the focus on how the candidates plan to work on restoring civility to city council. Civility seems to be a big topic, Reed said in an interview with The News & Advance. That wasnt a topic when I was running. The four Democrats running together under the Lynchburg Better Together banner for the four wards, according to Reed, seem to be more in step with their messaging than the ward candidates for the Republican Party. We dont see that cohesiveness among the four Republicans, Reed said. They dont seem to be running as a ticket. In 2022, Reed said she and the two other Republican at-large candidates ran as a united group. Earlier this fall, Peter Alexander, who lost the Ward IV Republican primary to Vice Mayor and Ward IV Councilman Chris Faraldi, announced he was relinquishing his Republican Party membership and running a write-in campaign for the ward. Alexander also has indicated that he would not be troubled if his write-in campaign leads to April Watson, the Democratic candidate, winning the Ward IV election. What Alexander is doing and has done is unacceptable, Reed said. Reed said she is even more concerned that the Lynchburg Republican City Committee appears to be supporting Alexanders efforts. Why is nothing being done about this. Where are the comments from the unit about this, she said. Ive been accused of election interference by a fellow councilmember for postponing the joint school board meeting. This sounds like election interference to me. LRCC Chairwoman Veronica Bratton said in response to Reeds comments that Faraldi, as the Republican nominee, is featured on party-funded sample ballots distributed daily by volunteers during early voting even though he continues to attack fellow Republicans and his campaign declined my support and that of local GOP volunteers. Reeds comments disrespect our dedicated volunteers working hard to elect President Trump and all Republican nominees, Bratton said. Just as Congressman Good helped Misjuns, Reed and Taylor win in 2022, strong turnout for President Trump is essential to our down-ballot races, she said. While all other elected Republicans in local and state offices are actively involved in voter outreach for President Trump, Mayor Reed has been notably absent. Instead of creating division, I urge the mayor to join us in our critical task: supporting President Trump, the most important name on the ballot, Bratton added. As for Reed's reference to election interference, Bratton said the law does not allow her to "prohibit anyone from running as a write-in; therefore, I have no authority in this situation." After the general election, Reed and Faraldi will be facing a vote on their future in the LRCC. A meeting to vote on a petition signed by members of the LRCC to censure and remove them from the party is scheduled for Nov. 23. At this point, nothing would surprise me. It seems that this unit has its own sets of rules, Reed said about her possible removal from the party. As for her involvement in the campaigns of the four Republicans running this fall, Reed said Faraldi is the only candidate who has asked for her endorsement. The others have not approached me or had any contact with me regarding that, she said. Reed said she has instead focused on her role as mayor, spending time at city schools and helping citizens. Ive spent most of my efforts there and letting the candidates campaign, which is what theyre supposed to be doing, she said. Reed grew up in Virginia and earned a bachelors degree in broadcast journalism from the University of Arkansas. After her husbands retirement from the U.S. Air Force, Reed and her family, including their four children, moved to Lynchburg. Along with serving as mayor, Reed operates a real estate investment company in Lynchburg. Reeds current term as mayor ends Dec. 31. At the start of 2025, after new members are sworn in, an election will be held among councilmembers where Reed could be re-elected as mayor, or a new councilmember could take over the role. During her tenure as mayor, with Republicans holding a 5-2 majority, Reed said she has been disappointed with how people on council have behaved, how Ive been treated, and how others have been treated. Its been unfair to the citizens of our city, she said. I certainly could have done some things better and can only control my words and actions. I certainly hope for the sake of the city that whoever is elected on Tuesday has the desire to be professional and consider the example that is being set for all the children out there watching. Reed said she takes serving as mayor of Lynchburg one day at a time. I am trusting that God will let me know what Im supposed to do, she said. I have loved serving the people of this city. The local level is wonderful because you really do get to know your citizens, know those who you represent, and thats the closest you ever get to be to them. Thats really wonderful. Since the beginning of the year, the US has financed the formation of 800 mobile fire groups in Ukraine's National Guard and State Border Service, who have shot down more than 200 Russian drones. Source: US Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink, quoted by the Embassy Quote: "The National Guard of Ukraine and State Border Guard Services Mobile Fire Teams are saving lives with their successful work protecting people and critical infrastructure being attacked by Russia. Proud that the State Department's Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement has funded 800 of these teams which have shot down over 200 drones since 1 January, 2024." Support UP or become our patron! The US considered invading Japanese-occupied Taiwan in World War II. Top US commanders decided it would be a high-casualty nightmare. Chinese invaders today could face similar challenges. The US once planned an invasion and seizure of Taiwan that would have been as big as D-Day. Operation Causeway would send hundreds of thousands of troops, supported by thousands of ships and aircraft, to storm the beaches of the Japanese-occupied territory in 1945. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Almost certainly, the invasion would have been a horrific spectacle and nightmarish ordeal," said Ian Easton, an analyst who authored a new study on the invasion for the China Maritime Studies Institute. "Far worse than any battle that was actually fought in the Pacific. The campaign would have been protracted and might have taken six months or even a year." The CMSI study makes clear that a US invasion of Taiwan in 1945 or a Chinese invasion today would be difficult and risky. Like many years ago, today's Taiwan would likely wield Japanese fortifications and tactics to defeat a large Chinese amphibious assault illustrating the risks and dangers of any attempt to seize the island that Beijing views as a breakaway province. Battleship USS Tennessee bombards Okinawa while tracked landing vehicles carry troops to the invasion beaches. An invasion force for Taiwan would likely have had to be much larger. HUM Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images 'A long, drawn-out fight' The genesis of the planned American invasion eventually codenamed Operation Causeway began in the late 1920s as the US Navy and Army crafted a strategy for a potential war with Japan. War Plan Orange envisaged an advance across the Pacific that would culminate with an assault on Taiwan then called Formosa which the Japanese Empire annexed from China in 1895 after the First Sino-Japanese War. The plan called for 90,000 Army and Marine personnel to capture Taiwan, which would turn the island into a staging point for an invasion of Japan. By the 1930s, Taiwan was discarded in favor of seizing Okinawa, a smaller objective closer to the four largest Japanese islands. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 1944, with Japan crumbling and an invasion of the Japanese mainland appearing likely, American planners again eyed Taiwan as an amphibious staging point and a base for B-29 Superfortress strategic bombers. Navy Chief Adm. Ernest King favored the Taiwan option, while Gen. Douglas MacArthur lobbied for an invasion of the Philippines. For a time, "General MacArthur's return to the Philippines was viewed as a secondary and supporting campaign," the CMSI study said. Initial plans called for a 12-division assault in early 1945. But with the European theater receiving priority for American forces, this was scaled down to six divisions (about the size of the initial assault force in the Normandy invasion). The objective would be to occupy southern Taiwan and the mainland Chinese port of Xiamen across the Taiwan Strait. But this meant subduing a heavily defended island of 14,000 square miles studded with cities, mountains, and forests. The more they studied the challenges, the more worried some senior officers became. Just finding sufficient forces would be a nightmare. "In total, it was believed that a force of 776,913 would be needed for Causeway, including all six divisions of the US Marine Corps, 20 B-29 bomber groups, 41 miscellaneous bomber squadrons, 40 fighter squadrons, and large numbers of naval engineers and logistics support units," explained the CMSI report. The biggest flaw in Operation Causeway was an underestimation of Japanese defenses. Intelligence assessments expected a garrison of 90,000 to 170,000 troops. In fact, the Japanese had 275,000 troops, including conscripted Taiwanese natives. They were backed by 20 squadrons of kamikaze aircraft and 600 suicide boats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Japanese had anticipated the landings would be in southern Taiwan. They planted 10,000 sea mines, including 5,200 in the Taiwan Strait alone. Mindful of overwhelming American firepower, they built elaborate systems of trenches, bunkers, and tunnels above the beaches and across the island. "Imperial Japanese and Formosan troops would have conducted a long, drawn-out fight in the cities and mountains," said Easton. "A guerilla warfare campaign was planned for after the conventional fighting came to an end. Taiwan's defenders were determined to fight to the bitter end, and the defensive geography, stockpiles, and underground bunkers they had were extraordinary." How would a US invasion of Taiwan fare? Other Pacific War battles offer grim clues. When American troops landed in the Philippines in October 1944, they slogged through jungles and mountains in a campaign that still hadn't ended when Japan surrendered in August 1945. In the April 1945 invasion of the island of Okinawa, US forces suffered 50,000 casualties in two months, as they confronted dense fortifications in hilly terrain, as well as 2,000 kamikaze aircraft attacks that sunk or damaged hundreds of Navy ships. In the end, the Taiwan idea was abandoned. "From the military view, it was absolutely the right decision," Easton said. "Professional war planners detested the idea of having to fight on Taiwan, and with good reason." US troops suffered 50,000 casualties in two months of hard fighting in the Okinawa invasion. AFP via Getty Images Lessons for China Even eight decades after the Japanese occupation ended, Taiwan's military is still influenced by Japanese doctrine, such as the importance of hardening airbases, and how to confront an amphibious invader armed with massive air and naval firepower. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Taiwanese forces still use Japanese-built facilities, including some bunker complexes. Some Taiwanese officers advocate renovating old beach defenses, and preparing for protracted guerilla war as the Japanese did. China would face these challenges and more in trying to seize Taiwan today. "Taiwanese military officers pay close attention to history, and especially the history of island warfare, urban warfare, and amphibious warfare," said Easton. "They have all the defensive benefits that the Imperial Japanese enjoyed and more, thanks to modern weaponry and strong American support." Michael Peck is a defense writer whose work has appeared in Forbes, Defense News, Foreign Policy magazine, and other publications. He holds an MA in political science from Rutgers Univ. Follow him on Twitter and LinkedIn. Read the original article on Business Insider DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) An Iranian-American journalist who once worked for a U.S. government-funded broadcaster is believed to have been detained by Iran for months now, authorities said Sunday, further raising the stakes as Tehran threatens to retaliate over an Israeli attack on the country. The imprisonment of Reza Valizadeh was confirmed to The Associated Press by the U.S. State Department as Iran marked the 45th anniversary of the takeover of the American Embassy and hostage crisis on Sunday. It also followed a threat by Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei a day earlier to provide "a crushing response to Israel and the U.S. as long-range B-52 bombers reached the Middle East in an attempt to deter Tehran. Valizadeh had worked for Radio Farda, an outlet under Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty that's overseen by the U.S. Agency for Global Media. In February, he wrote on the social platform X that his family members had been detained in an effort to make him return to Iran. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In August, Valizadeh apparently posted two messages suggesting he had returned to Iran despite Radio Farda being viewed by Iran's theocracy as a hostile outlet. I arrived in Tehran on March 6, 2024. Before that, I had unfinished negotiations with the (Revolutionary Guard's) intelligence department, the message read in part. Eventually I came back to my country after 13 years without any security guarantee, even a verbal one. Valizadeh added the name of a man who he claimed belonged to Iran's Intelligence Ministry. The AP could not verify if the person worked for the ministry. Rumors have been circulating for weeks that Valizadeh had been detained. The Human Rights Activists News Agency, which monitors cases in Iran, said that he had been detained on arrival to the country earlier this year but later released. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was then rearrested and sent to Evin prison, where he now faces a case in Iran's Revolutionary Court, which routinely holds closed-door hearings in which defendants face secret evidence, the agency reported. Valizadeh had faced arrest in 2007 as well, it said. The State Department told the AP that it was aware of reports that this dual U.S.-Iranian citizen has been arrested in Iran" when asked about Valizadeh. We are working with our Swiss partners who serve as the protecting power for the United States in Iran to gather more information about this case, the State Department said. Iran routinely imprisons U.S. citizens and other countries citizens unjustly for political purposes. This practice is cruel and contrary to international law. Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty separately said that Valizadeh has been detained in Iran. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have had no official confirmation of the charges against him, it said in a statement. "Reza, a U.S.-Iranian national, left RFE/RL in November 2022. We are profoundly concerned about the continued arrest, harassment and threats against media professionals by the Iranian regime. Iran has not acknowledged detaining Valizadeh. Iran's mission to the United Nations did not respond to a request for comment. The Voice of America, another U.S. government-funded media outlet overseen by the Agency for Global Media, first reported that the State Department was acknowledging Valizadeh's detention in Iran. Since the 1979 U.S. Embassy crisis, in which dozens of hostages were released after 444 days in captivity, Iran has used prisoners with Western ties as bargaining chips in negotiations with the world. In September 2023, five Americans detained for years in Iran were freed in exchange for five Iranians in U.S. custody and for $6 billion in frozen Iranian assets to be released by South Korea. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Valizadeh is the first American known to be detained by Iran since then. Meanwhile, Iranian state television broadcast video Sunday of different cities across the country marking the anniversary of the embassy takeover. Gen. Hossein Salami, the head of the Guard, also spoke in Tehran, where he repeated a pledge made the day before by Khamenei. The resistance front and Iran will equip itself with whatever necessary to confront and defeat the enemy, he said, referring to militant groups like Hamas and Lebanons Hezbollah backed by Tehran. In Tehran, thousands of people at the gate of the former U.S. Embassy chanted Death to America and Death to Israel. Some burned flags of the countries and effigies of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They also carried images of killed top figures of Irans allied militant groups, including Lebanese Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and Palestinian Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar. The crowd in the state-organized rallies chanted that they were ready to defend the Palestinians. ___ Associated Press writers Nasser Karimi in Tehran, Iran, and Michael Weissenstein in New York contributed to this report. The US has deployed additional warships and B52 bombers as threats from Iran continue to mount against Israel. Despite being urged by the US to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East, Irans Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) has authorised a new military strike against Israel. The decision comes days after Ayatollah Ali Khameini, Irans supreme leader, warned of a crushing retaliation to Israels recent air assault on Iran last week, breaking down huge swathes of the Islamic Republics air defences. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Amid the war of attrition between the two regional enemies, Esmail Kowsari, a member of Irans parliament and a former general of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), said that the response would be much harsher than the Oct 1 attack that saw Iran launch nearly 200 ballistic missiles at targets in Israel. Mr Kowsari says all member of the SNSC have agreed on a military response by Iran to Israel While certain government officials may believe we should not retaliate, these individuals, whether within or outside the government, do not make the decisions This decision for a military response to the Zionist regime was made by the SNSC, said Mr Kowsari in an interview with a Tehran website on Saturday. Almost unanimously, or rather all members of the SNSC, have agreed on a military response by Iran to Israel. It is believed that Irans retaliatory attacks will be launched imminently from multiple fronts including by its proxies in Iraq and Yemen in a bid to overwhelm Israels defence systems. Israels recent strikes on Iran broke down huge swathes of Tehrans air defences - Amir Cohen/Reuters According to Axios, the US has been warning Iran to back down amid the tit-for-tat strikes which began in April when Iran launched its inaugural direct attack on Israel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Iran launched a barrage of 350 drones, rockets and missiles in retaliation for an alleged Israeli bombing of the Iranian consulate in Damascus, killing a senior Quds Force commander and multiple high-level IRGC officials. We told the Iranians: We wont be able to hold Israel back, and we wont be able to make sure that the next attack will be as calibrated and targeted as the previous one, a US official told Axios as the announcement of the additional deployment was made public. The US has deployed additional warships and B52 bombers amid mounting threats from Iran against Israel - Saul Loeb/AFP The deployment comes on the eve of the US election, with speculation that the Iranian attack could come either before or after the polls. Earlier this month, the US sent its THAAD air defence system to Israel along with 100 troops, expecting a strong retaliation from Israels four-hour bombardment across Iran. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the time, Pat Ryder, the Pentagon spokesman, said: This action underscores the United States ironclad commitment to the defence of Israel, and to defend Americans in Israel, from any further ballistic missile attacks by Iran. 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. Marshall, Minn. (USF) The USF Cougars (12-10, 7-7 NSIC) faced off against the #7 Southwest Minnesota State Mustangs (19-4, 10-4 NSIC) in Marshall, MN. Despite a competitive start, the Cougars fell short, losing to SMSU in four sets with scores of 25-16, 22-25, 22-25, and 22-25. MATCH DETAILS Final Score: USF 1, #7 SMSU 3 (25-16, 22-25, 22-25, 22-25) Team Records: USF 12-10, #7 SMSU 19-4 Match Recap USF came out strong, taking the first set 25-16 with solid plays and control on both sides of the ball. However, SMSU quickly regrouped and found their rhythm, bouncing back to narrowly edge out the Cougars in the next three sets. The final three sets stayed tight, with both teams trading points and momentum shifting frequently. But SMSUs efficient attack and consistent blocking made the difference in key moments, allowing them to take each of those sets by slim margins and secure the match. Key Coo Sadie Voss finished with 19 kills, a .341 hitting percentage, and 10 digs. Jordan Kuper contributed with 6 kills, 7 blocks, and a service ace. Elise Gillen supported the offense with 26 assists and added 9 digs. Faith Van Eck anchored the defense with 19 digs. Abby Haus also provided 5 blocks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a team, Sioux Falls recorded 52 kills, 7 service aces, and 13 blocks, but they couldnt overcome SMSUs 10 total blocks and solid attacking. The Cougars also tallied 69 digs in a hard-fought defensive effort. Up Next USF will aim to bounce back Friday, November 8th as they take on #21 Northern State at home in the Stewart Center at 6pm. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. After a rollover crash on Tallant Road, Pelham police have arrested the driver for driving under the influence. The incident occurred early Friday, November 1, morning when Pelham police and fire responded to a 911 call for a vehicle rollover on Tallant Road. Once crews arrived, they found a 2016 black Mercedes sedan flipped over 30 feet into a field. The driver, 27-year-old Patrick Gallo of Salem, N.H. was treated for minor injuries and transported to Southern NH Regional Medical Center for further medical treatment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Upon further investigation of the crash, police determined that Gallo was impaired while driving and arrested Gallo for driving under the influence. Gallo was released on personal recognizance bail from the hospital and will await his November 18 arraignment at Salem District Court. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty. 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 Massachusetts State Police and Chelsea Police Department have released the identity of a victim of a fatal stabbing at a Chelsea Park on Friday morning, November 1. Juan Osorio, 40, has been identified as the victim of the stabbing. The incident occurred Friday morning, November 1, after officers responded to calls of an unresponsive man on one of the pathways in Voke Park. Thats when officers found Osorio with numerous stab wounds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No arrests have been made yet, as police are still investigating the incident. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Suffolk County DA State Police Unit at 617-727-8817. 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 DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) Members of the Riverside community gathered on Saturday night to remember a beloved resident who tragically lost his life earlier this week. Kenneth Young died Oct. 30 in a house fire on Rondowa Avenue. Now, community members are coming together to remember the Riverside resident with a candlelight vigil. It is clear that Youngs legacy will live on in the hearts of those who knew him. The vigil began around 6 p.m., with a great sense of community as Youngs friends and family gathered to honor him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 2 NEWS spoke with Youngs daughter, April Young, who described her father as funny and loving. My dad was a loving, fun and free spirited soul who truly lived every moment to the fullest. He was known for being the life of every gathering. He had a remarkable way of making everyone feel special and valued, said April Young. April, affectionally called Nicky by her father, says everyone knew her dad by his trademark style. He wore a bandana everywhere, said Young. At my wedding, I bought him new bandanas and he still walked down the aisle with his old dirty skull bandana in his back pocket. Yeah. He was a rock star. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the fondest memories she has of her dad is from a recent vacation together. He had never been on a vacation, and we took him to Ocean City, Maryland for his birthday, Labor Day. And he had a blast, said Young. He fed the seagulls. He played at the beach. Ive been to the beach a million times, and that is my most favorite day at the beach ever. Many gathered to show their love for Kenneth Young, and his daughter says the biggest lesson she learned from her dad was to live her life to be happy. Thats what he did. He lived his life, said Young. He was unapologetically himself. He loved life, and he lived it for himself. And he was always happy and never in a bad mood. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement April says her dads death was a preventable tragedy which she hopes will come as a wake-up call to those in the community. This home that he rented had known electrical issues that went unfixed for a while. We hope that his passing will be a reminder of the importance of holding landlords accountable so that no other family has to feel such a loss, said Young. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. By George Oshogwe Ogbolu The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 elections, Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has revealed what he would have done differently if he had emerged victorious. Naija News reports that he disclosed what his administration would have done to help Nigerians in a statement he personally signed on Sunday. Atiku said he has been inundated with inquiries of what he would have done differently if he were at the helm of affairs of the country. He, however, said Tinubu is President and the focus should be on him and not on any other person. The former Vice President said he believes that such inquiries distract from the critical questions of what President Bola Tinubu needs to do to save Nigerians from the excruciating pains arising from his trial-and-error economic policies. Atiku said he hopes Tinubu and members of his administration are humble enough to borrow one or two things from his teams ideas in the interest of the Nigerian people. Read what Atiku would have done if he was President below: IN GENERAL We would have planned better and more robustly: My journey of reforms would have benefited from more adequate preparations; more sufficient diagnostic assessment of the countrys conditions; more consultations with key stakeholders; and better ideas for the final destination. We would have been guided by my robust reform agenda as encapsulated in My Covenant With Nigerians, my policy document that sought to, among others, protect our fragile economy against much deeper crisis by preventing business collapse; our document had spelt out policies that were consistent and coherent. We would have sequenced my reforms to achieve fiscal and monetary congruence. Unleashing reforms to determine an appropriate exchange rate, cost-reflective electricity tariff, and PMS price at one and the same time is certainly an overkill. Add CBNs bullish money tightening spree. As importer of PMS and other petroleum products, removing subsidy on these products without a stable exchange rate would be counterproductive. We would have been more strategic in our response to reform fallout. We would not over-estimate the efficacy of the reform measures or underestimate the potential costs of reforms. I would recognise that reforms could sometimes fail. I would not underestimate the numerous delivery challenges, including the weaknesses of our institutions, and would work assiduously to correct the same. I would, as a responsible leader, pause, reflect, and where necessary, review implementation. I would have led by example. Any fiscal reform to improve liquidity and the management of our fiscal resources must first eliminate revenue leakages arising from governance, including the cost of running the government and the government procurement process. I (and members of my team) would not have lived in luxury while the citizens wallow in misery. We would have communicated more effectively with the people, with civility, tact, and diplomacy. Transparent communication with the public is essential to build public trust, which in turn is important to ensure that the public understands what the government is doing. We would have consulted more with all stakeholders to learn, negotiate, adapt, and modify, among other policy goals. We would have demonstrated more empathy. My Reforms would wear a human face. We would have been more strategic in the design and implementation of reform fallout mitigating measures. I would not run a palliative economy yet, we would have a robust social protection programme that will offer genuine support to the poor and vulnerable and provide immediate comfort and security to enable them to navigate the stormy seas. SPECIFIC MEASURES We would have undertaken extensive reforms of the public sector institutions to maximize reform impact. We would have placed special focus on security viz Commenced on day one, the reform of security institutions with improved funding, and enhanced welfare. My Policy Document had spelt out a Special Presidential Welfare Initiative for security personnel that we would implement Adopted alternative approaches to conflict resolution such as diplomacy, intelligence, improved border control, deploying traditional institutions, and good neighbourliness. We would have launched an Economic Stimulus Fund (ESF), with an initial investment capacity of approximately US$10 billion to support MSMEs across all economic sectors. How would this have been funded? Details are in my Policy Document. Alongside the ESF, we would have launched a uniquely designed skills-to-job programme that targets all categories of youth, including graduates, early school leavers as well as the massive numbers of uneducated youth who are currently not in education, employment, or training. To underscore our commitment to the development of infrastructure, an Infrastructure Development Unit (IDU) directly under the Presidents watch would have come into operation. The IDU will have a coordinating function and a specific mandate of working with the MDAs to fast track the implementation of the infrastructure reform agenda within the framework provided herein. The IDU will hit the ground running in putting the building blocks for our private sector driven Infrastructure Development Fund (IDF) of approximately US$25 billion. To engender fiscal efficiency and promote accountability and transparency in public financial management, we would have committed to a review of the current fiscal support to ailing State-Owned enterprises. We wouldve also begun a process review of government procurement processes to ensure value-for-money and eliminate all leakages. We would have initiated a review of the current utilization of all borrowed funds and ensured that they were deployed more judiciously. SUBSIDY REMOVAL Yes, I have always advocated for the removal of subsidy on PMS because its administration has been mildly put, opaque with so much scope for arbitrariness and corruption. Mind boggling rent profit from oil subsidy accrued to the cabals in public institutions and the private sector. I would have prioritized the following: First, tackling corruption. Fighting corruption should have commenced with the repositioning of the NNPCL, which is a huge beneficiary of the status quo. Its commitment to reform and capacity to implement and enforce reforms is suspect. The subsidy regime has provided an avenue for rent seeking, and the NNPCL and its guardians will be threatened by reforms. Second, paying particular attention to Nigerias poor refining infrastructure. We are by far the most inefficient OPEC member country in terms of both the percentage of installed refining capacity that works and the percentage of crude refined. We wouldve commenced the privatization of all state-owned refineries and ensure that Nigeria starts to refine at least 50% of its current crude oil output. Nigeria should aspire to export 50% of that capacity to ECOWAS member states. Third, adopt a gradualist approach in the implementation of the subsidy reforms. Subsidies would not have been removed suddenly and completely. It is instructive that when I was Vice President, we adopted a gradualist approach and had completed phases 1 and 2 of the reform before our tenure ended. The incoming administration in 2007 abandoned the reforms, unfortunately. The majority of the countries that review or rationalize subsidy payments adopt a gradualist approach by phasing price increases or shifting from universal to targeted approach (Malaysia, 2022 and Indonesia, 2022 -2023). In many EU economies, complete withdrawal often takes 5 years to effect. The gradualist approach allows for adjustments, adaptation and minimizes disruptions and vulnerability. Fourth, implement a robust social protection programme that will support the poor in navigating the cost-of-living challenges arising largely from reform implementation. We wouldve invested the savings from subsidy withdrawal to strengthen the productive base of the economy through infrastructure maintenance and development; to improve outcomes in education and healthcare delivery; to improve rural infrastructure and support livelihood expansion in agriculture; and develop the skills and entrepreneurial capacity of our youth in order to enhance their access to better economic opportunities. ON FOREIGN EXCHANGE REFORMS I also made a commitment to reform the operation of the foreign exchange market. Specifically, there was a commitment to eliminate multiple exchange rate windows. The system only served to enrich opportunists, rent-seekers, middlemen, arbitrageurs, and fraudsters. What would I have done? A fixed exchange rate system was out of the question because it would not be in line with our philosophy of running an open, private sector friendly economy. On the other hand, given Nigerias underlying economic conditions, adopting a floating exchange rate system would be an overkill. We would have encouraged our Central Bank to adopt a gradualist approach to FX management. A managed-floating system would have been a preferred option. COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) Election Day is almost here, and NBC4 is calling on the central Ohio community to celebrate taking charge of their civic duty and sharing their I Voted selfies. Since Ohio law prohibits taking pictures inside a polling place or near voting machines, voters can submit photos of themselves proudly wearing their stickers outside voting locations using the form at the bottom of this story. (Photo Courtesy/ Ohio Secretary of State) The design of Ohios unique I Voted stickers comes from a contest held by Secretary of State Frank LaRose in 2019. The competition encouraged young Ohioans to participate in the democratic process by overhauling the stickers look. Over 2,000 students from grades 6 through 12 submitted designs, with Emily Legg, a senior at Teays Valley High School in Pickaway County, emerging as the winner after more than 15,000 public votes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Early in-person voting wraps up on Sunday, Nov. 3, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. With strong turnout already reported at the Franklin County Board of Elections, voters are showing up with enthusiasm, ready to make their voices heard. Important election dates to remember: Nov. 3: Last day for early in-person voting, 1 p.m. 5 p.m. Nov. 4: Mailed absentee ballots must be postmarked. Nov. 5: Election Day, polls open from 6:30 a.m. 7:30 p.m. Nov. 5: Absentee ballots returned by hand must be received by 7:30 p.m. Special Election Day coverage: NBC4, Your Local Election Headquarters, will provide extensive Election Day coverage on-air and online. Here is what viewers can expect: Starting at 7 p.m., join anchors Kerry Charles and Colleen Marshall for a special one-hour Election Day newscast. NBC4 reporters will bring live team coverage from across central Ohio and the state, with insights on key races, including the presidential race, important issues like school levies and the redistricting amendment and election updates from candidates campaign events. At 8 p.m., NBC4i.com will stream live with Digital Anchor Rachel Ramsey hosting an election night special, featuring expert analysis and special guests. Victory and concession speeches will be live and voting results will be continuously updated. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV. A Union County voter of Arab descent said a poll worker at an early voting site asked if she knew the Constitution and the consequences of illegal voting. I was shaking, Waxhaw resident Genevieve Hadid told The Charlotte Observer by phone Saturday morning. I was so upset. As she approached the precinct at Wesley Chapel Fire Department on New Town Road Thursday, Hadid said a precinct worker, an older white woman, asked for her identification. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The worker was on the sidewalk outside the department guiding people where to vote, Hadid said. The worker let every other voter proceed without asking for an identification card, she said. Do you know the Constitution? Hadid said the woman asked her before requesting to see her ID. The woman then asked if Hadid knew it was illegal for noncitizens to vote and if she realized the consequences, she said. The county Board of Elections hasnt received a direct complaint from Hadid, Elections Director Kristin Jacumin told the Observer on Saturday. We take such allegations seriously, Jacumin said in a statement. In response to an inquiry from the Observer, she said, The County Board of Elections contacted officials at the early voting site and they said they were unaware of any such incident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If additional information comes to light, we will review it and take additional steps if necessary, Jacumin said. Hadid said she is a 44-year-old Syrian Palestinian Christian mom whos been a U.S. citizen since the 1990s. Fed up with both major political parties, she voted for the first time on Thursday, she said. She cast her ballot in the presidential race for environmental health advocate Dr. Jill Stein, she said. After voting, Hadid said she returned to her car angry and shaken by the encounter with the poll worker. Back home that day, Hadid contacted Jibril Hough, spokesman for the Islamic Center of Charlotte, even though she is not Muslim. She knew the centers longstanding efforts to call out and investigate cases of religious and ethnic intimidation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hough said he plans to help Hadid file a formal complaint on Sunday with the Union County Board of Elections. She needs help with filing the complaint, he said. This is new to her. I feel this is all an effect of the genocide in Gaza thats been supported by both major parties, coupled with a strong conspiracy theory by Republicans saying that non-U.S. citizens are voting, Hough said. Theres anti-Palestinian and anti-Muslim movements thriving in both major political parties, and its fueling a very dangerous climate both here and abroad, he said. And this lady isnt even Muslim, Hough said. But shes Arab and looks the part for those who are fueled by their hate and ignorance. Hadid said shes also endured threats on Instagram, and her 11-year-old son has been called racist names at school. This has got to stop, she said. This is a developing story that will be updated. It will be warm and breezy today, with a few isolated showers possible. Temperatures will remain above average, with afternoon highs expected to reach the low to mid-80s. In the tropics, Subtropical Storm Patty will continue to bring tropical storm conditions to the Azores today before it weakens and heads to the coast of Portugal. Read: Police ID victims killed in Halloween mass shooting in downtown Orlando Closer to home invest 97-L in the southwestern Caribbean will continue to develop slowly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It will likely become a tropical depression or tropical storm early this week. The next storms name would be Rafael. Hurricane hunters are scheduled to sample this area later today. Residents of Jamaica and Cuba should monitor the system closely. By the end of the week, many models will have this system in the Gulf of Mexico, so residents along the Gulf Coast will need to monitor this as well. Follow our Severe Weather team on X for live updates: Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Washington State Patrol (WSP) has requested dash camera footage from anyone who traveled on State Route 410 between Enumclaw and Greenwater, specifically between October 28 - October 31, 2024. WSP detectives are investigating a homicide just east of Enumclaw after a man was found dead on October 31. According to WSP, the man was found near a 2006 Honda Pilot with Pennsylvania plates. Detectives are also seeking anyone with information on the car. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trooper Rick Johnson with the Washington State Patrol shared the request publicly, adding a QR code that links to a video submission page, which you can also find here. Anyone with information can also reach Detective Ford with the Washington State Patrol by email at Brody.Ford@wsp.wa.gov. @wastatepatrol detectives need dashcam and info on a homicide investigation. pic.twitter.com/0F8y1fUUwv Trooper Rick Johnson (@wspd2pio) November 3, 2024 Update 4:50 p.m. There are thousands without power, and crews are out working to restore service as soon as possible. The Harrah tornado has been confirmed as an EF-3 according to Chief Meteorologist Mike Morgan. Update: 4: 22 p.m. Officials say that at least 39 structures were destroyed. There are now 11 reported injuries. The Governor spoke earlier and said at least 100 homes have been damaged statewide. Stitt did declare a state of emergency for 6 Oklahoma counties. Update: 3:40 p.m. Governor Stitt says be mindful of storms headed your way. Take precautions and have more than one way to receive severe weather notifications. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Report any damage to Damage.ok.gov The Governor is touring parts of the damage area Sunday evening. Stitt also said he is hopeful crews will restore power before Tuesdays General Elections. Original Story: OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) After overnight storms produced multiple tornadoes throughout Central Oklahoma, Governor Kevin Stitt spoke on the damage that was left behind. Reports from Oklahoma City Emergency Management say more than 10 homes and structures were damaged near SE 89th and Sooner Road, including 44th and Triple X Road. The Oklahoma Heart Hospital South was also damaged with powerlines down in the area. Four homes and several barns were also damaged by the storms, including numerous power poles and trees, according to the Garvin County Emergency Management. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Multiple power poles were down with debris blocking the roadways in Stephens County. Emergency Management says at least one home had roof damage and an RV was overturned. Other areas of damage include Lincoln County with multiple damaged structures in the southwest part of the county. Power lines were down in Tulsa County, including a house fire that was caused by a lightning strike. Damage assessment is ongoing as Oklahoma prepares for another day of severe weather. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City. A Ukrainian immunologist and junior sergeant, Andrii "Fish" Rybakov, has been killed in action. He volunteered to defend Ukraine in the ranks of the 207th Territorial Defence Battalion of Ukraine's Armed Forces in the spring of 2022. Source: Oleksandr Koval, Rybakov's friend, on Facebook Details: "Andrii was a doctor who joined the military to be closer to the people in the trenches to the end. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement [We share] An incredible number of mutual friends and stories. He was a super energetic and versatile person. Music, travel, medicine, war it was all about him. It's very painful," Oleksandr said. In a comment to Ukrainska Pravda. Zhyttia, Oleksandr mentioned that he had first met Andrii at a student event while studying at Bohomolets National Medical University in Kyiv. He said that during those years, Andrii distinguished himself with his musical knowledge and strong command of English. "He was constantly humming some songs by bands unknown to me and would wonder how come I didn't know them. He truly was a whirlwind of enthusiasm," he recalled. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After completing his education, Andrii Rybakov worked in the pharmaceutical industry and organised public events for the scientific community. Koval stated that Andrii voluntarily enlisted in Ukraine's Armed Forces in the spring of 2022. Despite holding a medical degree, he chose to serve as a sergeant because he "wanted to be closer to his brothers-in-arms". Fish defended Ukraine in the ranks of the 207th Territorial Defence Battalion on the Kurakhove front in Donetsk Oblast. "There were tough moments at the front, but Andrii always insisted he wouldnt give up. He was deeply responsible and cared a lot about his comrades," his friend recalls. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On 10 October, Andrii Rybakov celebrated his birthday at the front. He shared his story about his time in the military and initiated a fundraiser for his battalion's needs. "This is my third birthday at war. Over these two and a half years, I've had a lot more birthdays. Over these two and a half years, many people have also had their second birthdays. The 207th is in hellish positions, but we're holding strong. We've lost many, but we've killed more," he said at the time. Previously: On 28 October, Andrii "Vorobei" (Russian for "sparrow") Romaniuk was killed on the front. He took part in the 201314 Revolution of Dignity when he was 16 and had later volunteered to defend Ukraine. Support UP or become our patron! Gov. Gretchen Whitmer speaks at a Democratic campaign event in East Lansing, Nov. 2, 2024 | Abdelafatah Mukhtar Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said Saturday that shes feeling good about the Michigan House races, with control of the chamber for the next two years on the line on Tuesday. Its competitive, and thats what fairly drawn districts give you, competitive races. Its a good thing, frankly, in the overarching scheme of things, but weve got better candidates. Weve got receipts on the issues that matter to Michiganders, and weve got a great ground game. So Im feeling good, but I think its gonna be close, Whitmer told the Michigan Advance during a brief stop in Brighton Saturday to fire up volunteers for the final push to election day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Joining Whitmer at the Livingston County Democratic Party headquarters for the campaign stop was former state Sen. Curtis Hertel Jr. (D-East Lansing), who is battling former state Sen. Tom Barrett (R-Charlotte) for the 7th Congressional District seat, and state Rep. Jennifer Conlin (D-Ann Arbor Twp.), who is seeking reelection to her 48th District seat against Republican challenger, Brian Ignatowski. Currently, Democrats have a slim 56-54 majority in the House, with all 110 districts on the ballot Tuesday. Even just the loss of one seat could potentially set up roadblocks to continuing the priority list of progressive legislation Democrats have achieved since taking the majority in 2022, including repealing Right to Work, expanding civil liberty protections and instituting firearm safety measures. While Whitmer is confident Democrats will prevail and retain control, she says shell remain focused on leading the state forward, regardless, during her final two years in office. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer fires up volunteers at the Livingston County Democratic Party headquarters in Brighton. Nov. 2, 2024. Photo by Jon King. I worked with an overwhelmingly Republican, Trumpian legislature my first term, and still got some good stuff done. But certainly, as we think about the work yet to do, I would love to have more allies in the Legislature. No one wants government that works against one another, that demonizes one another, that just breaks down and doesnt actually make peoples lives better. So Im hopeful that at the conclusion of this election that Ive got a lot of allies and a lot of people thatll work with me from the Legislature. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I got two years left. I got a lot I want to get done, said Whitmer. Conlin echoed that sentiment, telling volunteers that she represents a truly swing district that encompasses progressive areas around Ann Arbor up to super-conservative Howell. I am knocking mostly in Livingston, getting all these Republicans telling me they are Never Trumpers. They are coming over, and I really see it every single day. So well get anyone that hasnt voted to vote and have the conversations. Although now were just trying to get out the vote, and make sure everybody has a plan, said Conlin. Hertel said he understood that Democrats, especially in a conservative area like Livingston County, might be somewhat nervous about what the election would bring, but he saw every indication that they would get the results that they were all working so hard for. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is what I will tell you. In close elections, ground game wins; enthusiasm wins; hard work wins, he said. At the end of the day thats what actually wins elections. And what I see is people across this district voting in record numbers. Women voting in record numbers, because they know whats at stake. We know that we are in a fight for our future and our kids future. Approximately 75 volunteers were crowded into the small meeting space and Whitmer encouraged them to keep up the pace until the job was done. Thank you for putting everything out there on the line in this cycle. We know that the whole worlds watching Michigan because we are one of our handful of states that is going to decide the outcome of this election, said Whitmer. I mean, this is a big deal for our country. So I thank you for everything that youve done. The governor said there are conversations to be had, even with households that have voted Republican for 40 years, noting recent comments by U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) that if the GOP retains its majority in Congress they would try and repeal the CHIPS Act. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Do you know how many jobs in Michigan rely on us on-shoring the supply chains? I mean, this is a big deal for our country. So I thank you for everything that youve done. I ask that in the next few days, you stay caffeinated. You stay motivated. If you happen to run into a vegetable, eat it, said Whitmer to laughter from the volunteers. She then closed on a more somber note. You will recognize that the kids are gonna be OK if they eat pizza every meal between now and the election. They wont be OK if we come up short, said Whitmer. The Advance asked Whitmer if she was taking her own advice and getting in some vegetables while campaigning across the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yes! I drink green smoothies every morning, and then I eat cupcakes all day, Whitmer smiled as she prepared to get to her next stop. Im feeling good. I really am. I think theres nothing more exhausting, but also more energizing for me, than the campaign trail. So its a lot, but Im having some fun along the way. State Rep. Jennifer Conlin (D-Ann Arbor Twp.), speaks to volunteers at the Livingston County Democratic Party headquarters in Brighton, along with U.S. House candidate, former state Sen. Curtis Hertel Jr. (D-East Lansing). Nov. 2, 2024. Photo by Jon King. Whitmer fires up educators in East Lansing Whitmer headlined a canvassing launch for Democrats Saturday morning at the Michigan Education Association (MEA) in East Lansing. The event also featured Hertel and University of Michigan professor Kimberly Ann Thomas, whos running for the Michigan Supreme Court against state Rep. Andrew Fink (R-Hillsdale). MEA Vice President Brett Smith spoke about the importance of educators getting involved in politics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I cant think of another profession where who is elected to office matters more than education, Smith said. Most decisions about public education, big, small are made by elected officials. Were all here today because we understand the future of our students, our families, our state, and yes, our nation, hang in the balance of this election, Smith added. Hertel talked about his familys history of being educators in Detroit, contrasting his background with that of Barrett. He was one of the most anti-education members in the state House and the state Senate, voting against every single education budget and record funding for schools, Hertel said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Michigan Advance asked Hertel about the Cook Political Report shifting the 7th District race to Lean Republican in the final days. Signs for Democratic candidates outside the MEA office in East Lansing, Nov. 2, 2024 | Abdelafatah Mukhtar Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's Fight Like Hell PAC campaign bus rolls up in East Lansing, Nov. 2, 2024 | Abdelafatah Mukhtar Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's Fight Like Hell PAC campaign bus rolls up in East Lansing, Nov. 2, 2024 | Abdelafatah Mukhtar Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's Fight Like Hell PAC campaign bus rolls up in East Lansing, Nov. 2, 2024 | Abdelafatah Mukhtar Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and former Sen. Curtis Hertel arrive for a Democratic campaign event in East Lansing, Nov. 2, 2024 | Abdelafatah Mukhtar Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and former Sen. Curtis Hertel arrive for a Democratic campaign event in East Lansing, Nov. 2, 2024 | Abdelafatah Mukhtar Gov. Gretchen Whitmer at a Democratic campaign event in East Lansing, Nov. 2, 2024 | Abdelafatah Mukhtar Gov. Gretchen Whitmer hugs Doug Pratt of the MEA at a Democratic campaign event in East Lansing, Nov. 2, 2024 | Abdelafatah Mukhtar Gov. Gretchen Whitmer at a Democratic campaign event in East Lansing, Nov. 2, 2024 | Abdelafatah Mukhtar Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, former Sen. Curtis Hertel and Supreme Court candidate Kimberly Ann Thomas at a Democratic campaign event in East Lansing, Nov. 2, 2024 | Abdelafatah Mukhtar Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and former Sen. Curtis Hertel at a Democratic campaign event in East Lansing, Nov. 2, 2024 | Abdelafatah Mukhtar MEA Vice President Brett Smith speaks at a Democratic campaign event in East Lansing, Nov. 2, 2024 | Abdelafatah Mukhtar Former Sen. Curtis Hertel speaks at a Democratic campaign event in East Lansing, Nov. 2, 2024 | Abdelafatah Mukhtar Former Sen. Curtis Hertel speaks at a Democratic campaign event in East Lansing, Nov. 2, 2024 | Abdelafatah Mukhtar Supreme Court candidate Kimberly Ann Thomas speaks at a Democratic campaign event in East Lansing, Nov. 2, 2024 | Abdelafatah Mukhtar Gov. Gretchen Whitmer fires up volunteers at the Livingston County Democratic Party headquarters in Brighton. Nov. 2, 2024. Photo by Jon King. Supreme Court candidate Kimberly Ann Thomas speaks at a Democratic campaign event in East Lansing, Nov. 2, 2024 | Abdelafatah Mukhtar U.S. House candidate, former state Sen. Curtis Hertel Jr. (D-East Lansing), speaks to volunteers at the Livingston County Democratic Party headquarters in Brighton, along with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and State Rep. Jennifer Conlin (D-Ann Arbor Twp.). Nov. 2, 2024. Photo by Jon King. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer speaks at a Democratic campaign event in East Lansing, Nov. 2, 2024 | Abdelafatah Mukhtar Gov. Gretchen Whitmer fires up volunteers at the Livingston County Democratic Party headquarters in Brighton. Nov. 2, 2024. Photo by Jon King. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer speaks at a Democratic campaign event in East Lansing, Nov. 2, 2024 | Abdelafatah Mukhtar Gov. Gretchen Whitmer fires up volunteers at the Livingston County Democratic Party headquarters in Brighton. Nov. 2, 2024. Photo by Jon King. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer speaks at a Democratic campaign event in East Lansing, Nov. 2, 2024 | Abdelafatah Mukhtar Gov. Gretchen Whitmer speaks at a Democratic campaign event in East Lansing, Nov. 2, 2024 | Abdelafatah Mukhtar Gov. Gretchen Whitmer speaks at a Democratic campaign event in East Lansing, Nov. 2, 2024 | Abdelafatah Mukhtar Gov. Gretchen Whitmer fires up volunteers at the Livingston County Democratic Party headquarters in Brighton. Nov. 2, 2024. Photo by Jon King. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer speaks at a Democratic campaign event in East Lansing, Nov. 2, 2024 | Abdelafatah Mukhtar Gov. Gretchen Whitmer speaks at a Democratic campaign event in East Lansing, Nov. 2, 2024 | Abdelafatah Mukhtar Gov. Gretchen Whitmer speaks at a Democratic campaign event in East Lansing, Nov. 2, 2024 | Abdelafatah Mukhtar Attendees sign Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's bus at a Democratic campaign event in East Lansing, Nov. 2, 2024 | Abdelafatah Mukhtar U.S. House candidate, former state Sen. Curtis Hertel Jr. (D-East Lansing), speaks to volunteers at the Livingston County Democratic Party headquarters in Brighton, along with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. Nov. 2, 2024. Photo by Jon King. Rep. Julie Brixie at a Democratic campaign event in East Lansing, Nov. 2, 2024 | Abdelafatah Mukhtar Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, left, poses with a volunteer in front of the Livingston County Democratic Party headquarters in Brighton, along with state Rep. Jennifer Conlin (D-Ann Arbor Twp.), and U.S. House candidate, former state Sen. Curtis Hertel Jr. (D-East Lansing). Nov. 2, 2024. Photo by Jon King. A truck caring a pro-Vice President Kamala Harris billboard in East Lansing, Nov. 2, 2024 | Abdelafatah Mukhtar Gov. Gretchen Whitmer greets volunteers at the Livingston County Democratic Party headquarters in Brighton. Nov. 2, 2024. Photo by Jon King. We know this is going to be a tight race, Hertel said. When you look at the boots on the ground that we have, you look at the early voting, you look at the energy thats actually happening across we have a better [chance] in a close election thats what wins races. When asked about voter registration and early vote turnout among students at Michigan State University students, which is in the 7th District, Hertel said that the MSU Dems are now the largest college Democrats of America Chapter in the country. We are working every day on the ground to get students out to the polls, he said. Whitmer said the election is close, but Michiganders are used to having tight races. And she said shes confident Michigan is going to show the world that we are a strong part of the blue wall. We have a better ground game than the other guys do. Yeah because Im talking about you, she said to the MEA members in the crowd. So we gotta pull out all the stops. The Advance asked Whitmer about comments from former President Donald Trump and Speaker Johnson about repealing the CHIPS Act and what impact that could have on Michigan. Itd be devastating, Whitmer said. You know, its really irresponsible for Donald Trump and his running mate [J.D. Vance] to undermine the Michigan economy because it undermines the American economy. It would undermine not just those auto jobs, but all the suppliers, the communities that are, depending on this growth, this transformation thats happening. The event ended with MEA members lining up to sign Whitmers bus and take photos with the governor before they headed out to canvas. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX By Rachel Okporu Fadoju Naija News reports that the demise of the filmmaker behind the Shanty Town series, was made known in an Instagram post by actor, Bolanle Ninalowo. He wrote, I love you brother and I will miss you @dimejiajibola May God heal your family and loved ones. Till we meet again dido vox. Rest on Champ. Nollywood actor, Samuel Olatunji, also confirmed Ajibolas demise to Tribune. Olatunji said the producer died today after battling an undisclosed illness. Ajibola was celebrated as a creative force and a visionary in the Nollywood industry, blending traditional and digital art forms in groundbreaking ways. His work spanned film, animation, VFX, virtual worlds, and interactive media. He held a diverse educational background, having studied filmmaking and cinematography at the New York Film Academy in Universal Studios, advanced character animation at Animation Mentor in San Francisco, and visual effects at VFXLearning. As the CEO and Technical Director of Flipsyde Studios Ltd., Ajibola built a reputation for excellence and innovation. His work on Hoodrush in 2012 marked Nigerias first urban musical film, showcasing his ability to bridge narrative storytelling with rich musical elements. The film won multiple awards, including Best Movie at the 2012 Green Me Film Festival in Germany, Best Actor and Soundtrack at the Nollywood Movies Awards, and Best Supporting Actor at the AMAA Awards. A long time ago in a Congress far, far away, an important antitrust law was passed to address extreme concentration in the United States meat industry. The Packers and Stockyards Act of 1921 was created to assure fair competition and fair trade practices, to safeguard farmers and ranchers ... to protect consumers and to protect members of the livestock, meat, and poultry industries from unfair, deceptive, unjustly discriminatory and monopolistic practices. This fundamental law has not been enforced or strengthened to address the reality of todays marketplace, specifically since the 1980s. Its been nearly three years since the largest corporate meatpackers were called before Congress to testify about excessive business consolidation in the meat industry, increased prices for consumers, low prices for livestock producers and record profits for themselves. However, thats where it stopped and our elected representatives have done nothing to address multinational and foreign control of our cattle and beef markets. So the United States Department of Agriculture had to do it itself. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Oct. 8, the USDA announced it wanted public input on upcoming new rules to restore fairness in cattle markets in an advanced notice of proposed rulemaking to address price discovery and competition in markets for fed cattle. This proposed rule is aiming to strengthen the enforcement of the Packers and Stockyards Act and is an important and necessary step to help save independent family farm cattle producers from the fate of independent hog producers. In one generation, nearly all independent hog producers were put out of business (upwards of 90%) because of a severe lack of antitrust enforcement, and resulting in more corporate control, extreme consolidation and concentration in U.S. hog markets. Another consequence: Four corporations control 70% of the U.S. pork industry, and 50% is controlled by two foreign meatpackers, Chinas Smithfield and Brazils JBS. Here are just a few examples of what you get when just a few multinational billion-dollar corporations control almost all the beef in the U.S.: America is a net importer of beef. In 2023 alone, the United States imported 3.7 billion pounds of boxed beef, and 2 million head of live cattle. We dont have the ability to know where our meat comes from. Mandatory country of origin labeling for meat was passed in the 2008 farm bill, and its implementation along with widespread drought led to a steady increase in prices paid to cow and calf producers, culminating in the record profit of $518 per calf in 2014. At the behest of multinational corporate meatpackers and lobbyists, Mexico and Canada filed a complaint to the World Trade Organization arguing that our country of origin law letting consumers know where their meat came from was an illegal trade barrier. The unelected, bureaucratic and pro-corporate World Trade Organization agreed. In 2015, Congress repealed that law and our right to know and choose U.S. beef. According to the 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture, the U.S. lost 150,000 cattle operations, and Missouri lost 10,000 cattle operations in just those five years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For decades, cattle producers across Missouri and the United States have been organizing and advocating for open, fair and competitive commodity markets, ensuring a fair price for producers and consumers, resiliency in our food system and economic viability of independent family farms, rural communities and workers. Just in the past two years, we went to Washington, D.C., three times with the Missouri Rural Crisis Center and other Midwestern livestock producers to talk with our elected representatives and governmental agencies about the issue of captive supply and meatpackers use of alternative marketing arrangements, or AMAs. Over the last two decades, meatpackers significantly increased their use of AMAs. These are contracts that keep fed cattle off the spot or cash market, and allow the four meatpackers that control more than 80% of the U.S. beef market to suppress prices paid to fed cattle operations. These lower prices work through the system and also lower prices to small and medium-sized cow/calf operations. In the last decade, upward of 80% to 100% of cattle sales in some regions of the country are procured through AMAs. However, cash markets and in particular, regional cash negotiated live markets continue to serve as the primary price discovery vehicle for all cattle traded, feeding into the prices set by formula contracts. Therefore, it benefits meatpackers to keep cash market prices low intentionally, lowering the prices they pay through formula contracts and depressing prices paid to Missouri cattle farmers. Importing billions of pounds of boxed beef, taking away country of origin labeling, utilizing unfair pricing formulas, creating trade deficits and increasing concentration in processing its the multinational meatpackers playbook. With these problems, it is no surprise that from 2017 to 2022, we lost so many cattle operations and consumer prices are at historic highs. Cattle production is the largest part of the U.S. agriculture industry, and for independent cattle producers to continue to exist, prosper and pass our operations down to the next generation, we need strengthened and enforced antitrust laws, an open and competitive marketplace, fair protections and safety nets. We also need a livestock title in the farm bill, but thats for another day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The USDA is inviting stakeholders to submit comments on several options for increasing competition in fed cattle markets. The deadline to submit comments is Dec. 10. Join us in helping the force be with independent American cattle producers by submitting comments and demanding this important update to the Packers and Stockyards Act crosses the finish line and starts the arduous process of restoring competition in U.S. cattle markets. Darvin Bentlage is a fourth generation Missouri cattle producer and member of the Missouri Rural Crisis Center, a statewide farm and rural membership organization that advocates for policies that support independent family farm operations. He co-authored this with Tim Gibbons, MRCC communications director. The wife of a Detroit Lakes man killed while on a missionary trip to Angola, Africa, has been arrested in connection with her husbands death, according to the lead pastor of the Lakes Area Vineyard Church. In a Friday letter, Pastor Troy Easton stated that Jackie Shroyer had been arrested in connection with the death of husband Beau, who Easton said was killed in an act of violence on Oct. 25 while on a missionary trip abroad. Today, our grief and sadness has deepened immeasurably as weve learned that his wife has been arrested in connection with his death, Easton wrote on Friday. Photo courtesy of Lakes Area Vineyard Church. The Shroyers have five children together. The family was among the first missionaries to begin service with North Carolina-based missions organization SIM USA after COVID restrictions were eased. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a 2020 interview with the Detroit Lakes Tribune, Beau Shroyer said that the family planned to become long-term missionaries in a community he described as a "remote bush village" without electricity or sewer and water systems. Easton wrote that the couple's children are being well cared for following news of the arrest. This is unimaginable, and yet it is very real. As a community we must cry out to the Lord for his grace, mercy and comforting presence for the Shroyer children and family, Easton wrote. We must honor God and love each other by how we communicate about this, and we must continue to stand together, asking God to do in and through all of this what only He can. TAYLORSVILLE, Utah (ABC4) A woman was killed and two others injured in a crash in Taylorsville overnight, according to Taylorsville Police. Shortly after 11:45 p.m. on Nov. 2, a female driver was heading northbound on Redwood Road with two passengers one male and one female, according to Sgt. Ryan Carver, Taylorsville Police. The woman reportedly lost control of the vehicle, causing it to roll, and crashed into a cement wall at the south end of the Taylorsville Cemetery. LIST: Winter storm to affect these Utah roads Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The female driver died as a result of her injuries. Both passengers were ejected in the crash and later taken to the hospital with potentially life-threatening injuries. The cause of the incident is under investigation at this time. No further information is available at this time. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. A Jonesboro woman has been convicted and sentenced to prison for trafficking a 17-year-old girl in Fulton County. The victim, who had been reported missing from Kansas City, Missouri, was recovered from a hotel in 2020. Natasha Bridges, 35, offered the victim for commercial sex. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Attorney General Chris Carrs Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit has prosecuted 12 people for trafficking this girl. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When we created Georgias first statewide Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit, we promised to go after anyone involved in the trafficking of a child, and thats exactly what were doing, Carr said. We have convicted 12 traffickers in this case so far, but our work doesnt stop here. Were committed to securing maximum justice for the victim, and we will continue fighting to combat human trafficking in every corner of our state. Bridges pleaded guilty to two counts of trafficking of persons for sexual servitude. She was sentenced to 25 years with the first seven years to be served in prison and the rest to be served on probation. Bridges will be registered as a sex offender. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of Bridges 11 co-defendants, Denorris Hutchinson, was sentenced to 40 years in prison. TRENDING STORIES: [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] A woman at an Iranian university stripped down to her underwear in an apparent act of protest after university security forces reportedly violently stopped her for not wearing a headscarf. Video of the incident on Saturday shows an undressed woman sitting by a staircase in an outdoor area of a branch of Tehran's Islamic Azad University. It later shows the woman walking on the sidewalk and crossing the street before being surrounded by security forces and seemingly pushed into a car. Not wearing a hijab is an offense punishable based on the Iranian regime's Sharia-based law. The law is supervised by a task force known as the morality police, which patrols around cities. In universities, students are monitored for the mandatory hijab by security forces based inside colleges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The woman was initially taken to a police station and then transferred to a psychiatric center, according to the Telegram channel for the Iranian newspaper Farhikhtegan. A spokesperson for the university said the "real motive" of the act is still under investigation, Farhikhtegan reported. PHOTO: This still from a video shows a woman protesting in her underwear sitting by the staircases in a branch of the Islamic Azad University in Tehran, Iran, Nov. 3, 2024. (Reuters) MORE: Iran arrests women's rights activists ahead of 'Woman, Life, Freedom' anniversary The Islamic Republic of Iran has a history of taking protesters to psychiatric centers, claiming their acts of resistance are due to their unstable mental health. The video of the woman, who has not officially been identified, has circulated widely on social media as of Sunday, with people calling for answers about what happened to the woman. Many people and activists are praising her for her "courage" and "resistance," sharing the video with the hashtag "Woman, Life, Freedom," a slogan for women's rights in Iran. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Objecting to the regime's decision to take the woman to a psychiatric clinic, one account on X posted that the woman "is not insane," writing: "The girl is not insane. She had no weapon to resist except for her body." MORE: Iran resumes infamous 'morality police' to enforce mandatory hijab law Amnesty International has called on authorities to immediately release the woman, and in a post on X urged that "pending her release, authorities must protect her from torture and other ill-treatment" and ensure she is able to contact her family and a lawyer. "Allegations of beatings and sexual violence against her during arrest need independent and impartial investigations," the human rights nongovernmental organization added. "Those responsible must held to account." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mai Sato, United Nations special rapporteur on the Islamic Republic of Iran, posted on her X account that she will be monitoring the incident closely, including how authorities respond to it. MORE: 1 year after Mahsa Amini's death, Iranian activists still fighting for freedom despite regime's cruelty A growing number of Iranian women have been pushing back against laws requiring headscarves since the deadly nationwide protests in September 2022. The protests followed the tragic death of Mahsa Amini, a young Iranian Kurdish woman who was taken into morality police custody for allegedly not fully complying with hijab rules. The 22-year-old Kurdish woman's death in police custody triggered Iran's longest anti-government protests since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Human rights groups say more than 500 people were killed in those demonstrations and, according to the Islamic Republic News Agency, over 20,000 people were arrested. Amini became a symbol of resistance that sparked the "Woman, Life, Freedom" movement, prompting protests and rallying all generations and sexes to the streets fighting to be free from a violent regime. Iran detains woman who stripped to her underwear at university in apparent protest originally appeared on abcnews.go.com BECKLEY, WV (WVNS) West Virginia Navigator kicked off their open enrollment on November 1st. West Virginia Navigator is a federally funded nonprofit program. They help people navigate the Affordable Care Act and find health insurance plans that is right for them. Adam Short is the outreach coordinator for West Virginia Navigator. Affordable Care Act open enrollment starts Short was helping with the health insurance enrollment event. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some people do not feel comfortable doing it online or on the phone. So this way, it gives them a chance to meet the Navigators face-to-face and also get an opportunity to look at the plans and be able to make those choices, said Short. They were set up at Work Force West Virginias Beckley location from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Short said that the Navigators do not tell you what to sign up for. Instead, they inform you of what all different health care options you can sign up for. Enrollment will be open until January 15th. If you would like to contact them, call (304) 356-5834 or visit their website. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. One of five yard signs abortion provider Traci Nauser displays in support of Vice President Kamala Harris. (Grace Hills/Kansas Reflector) OVERLAND PARK An influx of Democrat yard signs could signal a shift toward a bluer Johnson County, even if the signs dont align with party affiliation. The potential shift is evident in a seven-block stretch of Overland Park represented by Republican Rep. Carl Turner where more than half of the 90 political yard signs favor Democrats.. Only 29% of registered voters in the district are Democrats, compared to 46% Republicans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democrat Ace Allen is challenging Turner again this year after losing to Turner by just 60 votes in 2022. Allen said requests for his yard sign have doubled from his campaign two years ago. The encouraging thing about a yard sign, as opposed to signs on the street, is that they actually indicate a voter, Allen said. Turner did not respond to requests for an interview. A Columbia University study from 2015 found that the candidate with more yard signs out has an advantage, and yard signs can contribute 1-2% of votes. The study found that yard signs may be the deciding factor in local races. Its not necessarily counting that yard signs equal votes. But, they can impact voters who see them and potentially help candidates, said Bob Beatty, a political science professor at Washburn University. They will have positive associations with that name, and if they dont know that much when they go in the voting booth, they may end up voting for that candidate just because they knew that name. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Turner and Allen donate their signs to display. Former President Donald Trump sells yard signs for $24 and Vice President Kamala Harris for $20. Of the houses where political signs were displayed in Turners district, it was far more common to see Harris signs than Trump signs. Beatty credits this to a new energy and excitement Harris brought to the campaign. Traci Nauser, who displayed five Harris signs in her yard, is among the residents of Turners district. She is also an abortion provider whose lawsuit led to the Kansas Supreme Court ruling in 2019 that determined the state constitutions right to bodily autonomy includes the right to terminate a pregnancy. Nausers signs include one from the Harris campaign and some from other sources, like Etsy, with phrases like Whos the better role model for your child? on them. Nauser said she never has had a negative interaction with a neighbor because of her signs and that she has received compliments on them, mostly for the role model sign. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nauser said she has noticed there are fewer signs in her neighborhood compared to the 2016 and 2020 elections. She noticed more Trump than Clinton or Biden signs in the past, but sees mostly Democratic signs now. She says the shift is because of Trump. Hes a pathological liar and a fascist, and hes taken away womens reproductive rights, Nauser said. I think thats a huge issue. Nobody answered the door at houses where Trump signs were displayed. Beatty finds the decrease in Trump signs more difficult to explain. He said that for the last eight years, Trump supporters have been proud to display their support. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Arguably, maybe for the first time since 2016, the Democrats are not shy about doing the same thing, Beatty said. It may not be that theres so much fewer Trump signs its just that for the first time since 16, the battle has been joined. Beatty thinks theres a very high probability that Johnson County goes bluer this election. Clinton lost the county by 2.5 percentage points in 2016, and Biden won it by 8.2 points in 2020. Beatty said abortion rights are a large reason why Johnson County may go blue again. Signs reading Love your neighbor, Do unto others, Unity and Kindness are peppered into the political signs. These are from the Church of the Resurrection the largest church in Kansas. Church founder and senior pastor Adam Hamilton has never publicly endorsed a political candidate. Hes been a longtime advocate for LGBTQ+ inclusivity in the church, and declared himself pro-life with a heavy heart in 2022. In 2020 he supported the Black Lives Matter movement and used his churches as a vaccination site. The churchs signs exclusively were paired with Allen and Harris signs. By Hakeem Gbadamosi The Federal Government at the weekend flagged off distribution of palliatives worth millions of naira to support persons affected by the recent flood disaster in all nine Niger Delta regions. The nine Niger Delta region states include: Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Imo, Ondo, and Rivers. The Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, who flagged off the distribution of the palliatives in Akure, the Ondo State capital, said the palliatives were approved by President Bola Tinubu as part his effort to alleviate the challenges that came with the flood. He listed the items approved for distribution include; Rice, spaghetti, beans, sewing machines, grinding machines, motorcycles, cooking stoves among others. He said; President Bola Tinubu asked me to visit Akure, Ondo to unveil his message to you people. You will recall that there was a time there was flood in this part of Nigeria, the entire Niger Delta region and recently too there was another flood. So, President Tinubu gave an approval and we have started the symbolic presentation here in Ondo State which would also go to the entire 9 States of the Niger Delta region. A lot of decisions, policies had been taken by this government and the decision being taken are painful but that is the only way by which we can address the problem that have been facing this country and in a very short time we will begin to see the effects of the decision.So let us continue to pray for our President because he means very well for Nigeria All the items we have here in Ondo, we will have it in every State of Niger Delta region. Today is a symbolic presentation because Im here and I may not be able to visit all the nine states, otherwise the job will be suffering. Maybe if I do one to two states, I will hand over the remaining one to the Permanent Secretaries and staffs of the Ministry for them to hand over the items to the people. The livelihoods items include; Rice, spaghetti, beans, sewing machine, grinding machine, motorcycles, cooking stoves among others. Now, it is the duty of the stakeholders to identify the vulnerable in the society, particularly the people that were affected by the flood, and after distributing to them, other people can also benefit. We are going to monitor the distribution of the items, and it would be well handled. We are not here to give it to one person, everybody will benefit and Im sure that any person who takes any of these items must be ready if it is one vote you wanted to cast for our Governor you will cast two votes. he said The Special Adviser on Women Affairs to Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Seun Bosede Osamaye, while speaking at the flag-off of the distribution of the palliatives said the items will reduce the burden on the people. She lauded the Federal Government for providing the palliatives to flood impacted victims and the vulnerable in the nine Niger Delta region. Osamaye however, urged the beneficiaries in Ondo State to be orderly as they collected the items and to effectively utilize the items to boost their economic well-being. NEW YORK (PIX11) Dia de Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a Mexican holiday on which families welcome back the souls of their deceased relatives for a brief reunion. The biggest celebration outside of Mexico occurred in Times Square at the second annual Dia de Muertos. More Local News Its a celebration of a Mexican tradition gone Global. This Day of the Dead is a time to remember loved ones no longer with us through music, dancing, costumes, and speeches. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mayor Adams asked everyone to name a deceased loved one they remember. I am thinking of my mother Dorothy Adams, the mayor told the crowd. What is the name of the person you are thinking of? he asked. This Times Square celebration, started by New York City Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez, honors immigrants and encourages open streets. It is important when the nation is having a discussion of who we are, Ydanis Rodriguez, the commissioner, told PIX11 News, that New York City celebrates our immigrants. We are all immigrants, whether it was 300 years ago or today, he added. The NYC Mayors commissioner of Immigrant Affairs, Manuel Castro, added that this is the largest Dia De Muertos celebration outside of Mexico, right here in Times Square. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its estimated that more than one million people have seen these three statues installed last week in the heart of Times Square. Four altars were also built, including one by Arturo Ortega, the owner of the popular Mexican restaurant La Fortaleza. We try to offer fruit and bread to friends and family that have gone before us, Ortega said. Oscar Perea from the Bronx was there with his wife and daughter and thinking of his grandfather, who passed away two years ago. When PIX11 News asked if this was a joyous or sad day, Perea replied, Its a little bit of both. Its sad but also happy that they are in a better place, with relatives who have already died. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Republicans are heading to the polls in New York and nationwide to vote early in record numbers, but party honchos say theres no time for slacking with the White House and control of the House of Representatives on the line. For the first time, since President Reagan, New York is possibly in play for the presidential race and will certainly determine the House Majority, upstate New York Rep. Elise Stefanik told The Post Saturday. Republicans across New York and the country are voting early in historic numbers, but we must not get complacent and must keep up the momentum and continue working to turn voters out, added the House Republican conference chairperson. New Yorkers voting early in the Bronx on Nov. 1, 2024. Photo by DAVID DEE DELGADO/AFP via Getty Images People lined up on the sidewalk for early voting at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on Oct. 26, 2024. Robert Miller Im calling on all Republicans to ensure their family, friends, and neighbors get out to vote early in person or on Election Day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Through Thursday, 1,964,393 votes were cast in the Empire State including 701,402 in NYC, according to the state Board of Elections. This puts the state on pace to exceed early-voting totals during the last presidential election, when 2,507,345 New Yorkers voted early over nine days. New York state is on pace to surpass the early-voting total in the 2020 election, according to the state Board of Elections. Paul Martinka People voting early in York College in Queens on Oct. 26, 2024. Brigitte Stelzer Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A line of people waiting to vote early at Frank McCourt High School on the Upper West Side on Oct. 26, 2024. Robert Miller In the states battleground congressional districts, many more Republicans are voting early than in 2022, when the GOP flipped four New York seats on its way to score a slim 220-212 seat edge in the House, according to data provided to The Post by New York Republicans Saturday. Early voting results as of Thursday show state Dems led by Kathy Hochul are in total free fall, and no amount of spin can hide that, said Alex DeGrasse, executive director of Stefaniks campaign. NY Republicans are turning out in record numbers for early in-person voting, vastly outperforming our 2022 margins in every seat, some by 50%, he said. Long Island looks great, as does the Hudson Valley and upstate. As of Thursday, there were 9.24% more Republicans voting than Dems in Suffolk Countys 1st Congressional District, where Republican incumbent Nick LaLota is positioned to beat Democrat John Avlon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the states six other swing districts, which include two other Long Island seats, Dems were outvoting Republicans by anywhere from 3.04% to 16.35%. The GOP needs every single voter who is concerned with the direction our country is headed in under the failed leadership of Democrats in Washington and Albany to get to the polls and help Republicans over the finish line in tight races like mine that will decide control of Congress, said Rep. Anthony DEsposito, a Long Island Republican. Unlike the 2020 election when Republican Donald Trump lost the presidency to Joe Biden after telling supporters not to trust the early-voting process, the ex-president is all in this time around and urging Republicans to vote early and back his bid to return to the White House. More than 73 million Americans had already voted as of Saturday, including in person or via mail ballots, according to data collected by the University of Florida Election Lab. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the 26 states that provided party registration records which didnt include New York 38.2% of early votes cast were by Democrats, 36% by Republicans and 25.8% by independents and members of other political parties. The early turnout has led to Republicans breaking early voting records in swing states such as Georgia and North Carolina. The editorial board of The New York Times just eviscerated Donald Trump in a single paragraph. The piece, published on Saturday, was only the Times latest attack on the former president in the run-up to the election, but the searing indictment was all the more brutal for its brevity. Rhetorically matter-of-fact, the piece succinctly lays out many of the reasons Trumps critics think his second term would be disastrous for the countrythe implicit point being that nobody really needs a lengthy review of all Trumps actions; everyone already knows what hes about. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here it is in full, with its original links to other Times coverage of Trump preserved: You already know Donald Trump. He is unfit to lead. Watch him . Listen to those who know him best . He tried to subvert an election and remains a threat to democracy. He helped overturn Roe, with terrible consequences . Mr. Trumps corruption and lawlessness go beyond elections : Its his whole ethos . He lies without limit . If hes re-elected, the G.O.P. wont restrain him. Mr. Trump will use the government to go after opponents . He will pursue a cruel policy of mass deportations . He will wreak havoc on the poor , the middle class and employers . Another Trump term will damage the climate , shatter alliances and strengthen autocrats . Americans should demand better . Vote. Last week, the Times editorial board published a longer, only slightly less scathing article urging voters not to elect Trump. Donald Trump has described at length the dangerous and disturbing actions he says he will take if he wins the presidency, the piece reads . We have two words for American voters: Believe him. Many major publications have endorsed Harris in the upcoming presidential election. Another even lengthier editorial called Kamala Harris, Trumps Democratic opponent, the only patriotic choice for president, citing Harris vow to unite the country and describing Trump as morally unfit for an office that asks its occupant to put the good of the nation above self-interest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Presidential endorsements from newspapers have been a point of debate in recent political discourse after The Washington Posts owner, billionaire Jeff Bezos, blocked the papers planned endorsement of Kamala Harris. The decision prompted multiple resignations from the Posts editorial board, and significant criticism from across the world of journalism. The billionaire owner of The Los Angeles Times, Patrick Soon-Shiong, also controversially ordered its editorial board not to endorse a presidential candidate. Joining The New York Times in endorsing Harris are other major publications such as The Boston Globe, The Atlantic, and The New Yorker. The New York Post endorsed Trump. Recreational marijuana use was on the ballot in three states this election year: Florida, North Dakota and South Dakota. Voters in Florida and North Dakota ultimately rejected those measures, while the Associated Press hasn't officially made a call in South Dakota as of Wednesday morning. While Florida's measure received a majority of votes, the measure failed because it didn't meet the 60% supermajority requirement to pass. Regarding medical marijuana initiatives, two measures were passed in Nebraska. This means the recreational use of marijuana remains legal in 24 states and Washington, D.C., and 39 states and D.C. have legalized its use for medical purposes, now including Nebraska. Two states Oregon and Colorado have legalized specific use of psychedelic drugs and natural plant medicines. Massachusetts had a similar measure on the ballot, but voters rejected it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here are the status of the ballot measures related to marijuana and psychedelic drugs: In Arkansas, a proposal to expand access to medical marijuana was technically on the Nov. 5 ballot, but the Arkansas Supreme Court ordered that votes for and against Issue 3 should not count. Visit our live blog for the latest updates on the election. Florida: Adult Personal Use of Marijuana Status: Did not pass. What citizen-led Amendment 3 would have done: Amend the state constitution to legalize marijuana use for non-medical purposes for adults 21 years and older. Individuals would have been able to possess up to 3 ounces of marijuana, with up to 5 grams in the form of concentrate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What the current law says: It is illegal to possess or use marijuana recreationally. Medical marijuana is currently legal for people who have a medical marijuana ID card. Needed to pass: Supermajority vote of 60%. Massachusetts: Natural Psychedelics Substances Act Status: Did not pass. What citizen-led Question 4 would have done: Amend state statute to allow residents ages 21 and older to possess and consume specific psychedelic substances in their homes or for therapeutic purposes at licensed facilities under supervision. Psychedelics would have included psilocybin and psilocin, two substances found in mushrooms, as well as dimethyltryptamine, mescaline and ibogaine found in plants. The measure would have also established a commission to oversee the therapeutic facilitators, centers, regulation and taxation of certain substances. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What the current law says: Psychedelic drugs or natural plant medicines are considered illegal in the state. Though some communities, including Amherst, Cambridge, Easthampton, Medford, Northampton, Provincetown, Salem and Somerville, have told police not to prioritize investigations into the use and possession of psychedelics or natural plant medicines. Needed to pass: A simple majority had to be in favor of the ballot measure, and 30% or more of the voters casting ballots must have voted yes. Nebraska: Medical cannabis initiatives Status: Passed, but there's a chance they might not take effect due to ongoing legal challenges over signatures collected to get the measures on the ballot. What the citizen-led measures will do: Initiative 437 will adopt a state statute to legalize the use of a certain amount of medical marijuana for qualified patients. Initiative 438 will establish a commission to regulate the medical marijuana program. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What the current law says: Its currently illegal to use marijuana for medical or recreational purposes in Nebraska. Needed to pass: Simple majority in favor of the measure and must be greater than 35% of the total votes cast in the election. North Dakota: Marijuana legalization initiative Status: Not passed. What citizen-led Measure 5 would have done: Amend state statute to legalize recreational use with possession limits and would have allowed some individuals to grow a certain amount of marijuana plants. What the current law says: Recreational use of marijuana is illegal in the state. Medical marijuana is legal for certain medical conditions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Needed to pass: More than 50% of the vote. South Dakota: Marijuana legalization initiative Status: Too early to call. What citizen-led Measure 29 would do: The state statute would be amended to legalize recreational marijuana use for adults 21 years and older, with limits on the amount a person can possess. It would also allow people to own personal marijuana plants, with restrictions. What the current law says: Marijuana use for medical purposes is legal, but it is not legal for recreational purposes in South Dakota. Needed to pass: More than 50% of the vote. When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Image credit: Pixabay. | Credit: Pixabay Anyone whos been in a customer facing role in the last five years or so should be in some way familiar with General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and how it shapes the way organizations handle customer information. Well, from 2026, new EU regulation - the AI Act will come into force, and its making some firms anxious. But it shouldn't. Or at least, thats what this data privacy expert said. Speaking at the recent ISACA conference in Dublin, Dr Valerie Lyons - author of The Privacy Leader, shared her thoughts on the new regulations and the changes they might bring. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I don't really see that much additional in the AI act to what GDPR already provides. The principles are exactly the same, principles of transparency, security, and consent she said. It's the thought that counts Theres a significant overlap between the two pieces of legislation, mostly due to the extensive amount of data that AI systems store and process, and because the AI Act uses a very broad definition of Artificial Intelligence. GDPR compliance is not an exact science, she explains, and its likely the AI Act will use similar principles of necessity and proportionality, Lyons says. Its important to understand the context and intentions behind the regulations, noting, If I look back to GDPR, Giovanni Buttarelli, who's kind of father of GDPR, he said that you can adhere to the spirit of the law, or the letter of the law. If we adhere to the letter of the law of GDPR, it will never work. You must adhere to the spirit of the law Speakers at ISACA conference Who's paying? We hear a lot about firms being handed giant fines for non-compliance of the GDPR, but were not getting the full story, Lyons suggests. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You know, the fines, they're not working because actually no one's paying them, so the exchequer isn't even getting the money," she says. "I mean, it looks to everybody in Europe, like, Ireland should have a whole host of money, but 1% of fines [have been collected] Although Irelands Data Protection Commission has famously handed out billions of euros worth of fines, less than 1% of these have actually been collected thanks to appeals processes. Even then, these fines arent hurting the companies the way the statistics would suggest, and its usually the taxpayer who ends up out of pocket. Who pays for the DPC to go to these courts- the exchequer," says Lyons. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "So essentially the tax man keeps on paying. Tusla, for example, the Irish child protection agency was fined 75k four years ago - they paid the fine and the exchequer ultimately paid that fine out too - as its a government agency funded by the taxpayer, she told TechRadar Pro. Its looking likely the AI Act will be regulated by the same organization, the Data Protection Commission, which Lyons describes as having no teeth - suggesting the lack of follow through could continue with the new regulations. So what does the AI Act mean for companies in the coming months as the new regulations come in? For smaller businesses, most are deployers of AI (I.e. providing AI systems for users), as opposed to distributors or developers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Their next step is simple. Do a gap analysis. Using standards like ISO or NIST will be really helpful in this regard and can provide a robust structured roadmap to next steps. Often smaller companies complain about the cost however NIST standards are freely available. Lyons told us. Adhering to GDPR is already a good first step, so develop on AI policy and implement it - and make sure to conduct AI literacy training before February 2025. Make sure to update all ROPA notices, policies, and DPIAs with the AI system. After that its a matter of ensuring there is a robust process in place to monitor the introduction of AI systems into the organization," Lyons reassured. OnePlus is an excellent brand that offers powerful flagship phones at a great value compared to some of its competitors. We followed every rumor about the OnePlus 13 for months, but now its here and its everything we hoped for. It might not be available in the Western market yet, but it will be soon. So, what makes the OnePlus 13 so special? Heres everything you need to know about OnePlus latest flagship. When is the OnePlus 13 being released? Tushar Mehta / Digital Trends The OnePlus 13 has already been released in China, but it could be several months before it reaches the rest of the globe. OnePlus is a Chinese company, so it comes as no surprise that the OnePlus 13 would release there first. This has been the typical schedule for OnePlus for the past three releases. For context: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement OnePlus 10 Pro: January 11, 2022 (China release) / March 31, 2022 (global release) OnePlus 11: January 9, 2023 (China release) / February 7, 2023 (global release) OnePlus 12: December 5, 2023 (China release) / January 23, 2024 (global release) As you can see, China always gets OnePlus releases first. And if you look at those dates, OnePlus has been releasing its flagship phone earlier each year. This year, OnePlus continued that pattern with the Chinese release of the OnePlus 13 on October 31. The time between the Chinese release and the global launch has dropped steadily over the past three devices, and rumors point to late 2024 or early 2025 for the OnePlus 13s global release. One user on Reddit said theyd been informed that the OnePlus 13 would be available in Singapore from January forward. Though we dont have a specific release window for the rest of the world, based on past trends, the OnePlus 13 could be released outside of China as early as November 2024, or theres a chance we may have to wait until January 2025. For now, well have to wait and see. How much does the OnePlus 13 cost? OnePlus The OnePlus 13 starts at CNY 4,799, which is roughly $675, give or take a few dollars. The OnePlus 12 launched at CNY 4,299, so were already seeing a 500 CNY increase in price this generation but that doesnt necessarily mean the cost will translate to the global market. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Regarding flagship phones, OnePlus has always offered one of the better values on the market. Just look at its last two releases. The OnePlus 11 launched at $700, and the OnePlus 12 was $800. Thats a steady price increase over the past two generations, and the increased launch price in China could spell bad news for affordability on a global scale. This is backed by a recent report about the OnePlus 13s price. If that price increase is true, the OnePlus 13 may start at $900 in the U.S. Still, with most pro-level flagships from competitors starting at $1,000 or more, the OnePlus 13 may still undercut them by a tiny bit especially when it comes to flagships like the Galaxy S25. However, that price gap seems to be getting smaller each year. OnePlus 13 specs Dimensions 162.9 x 76.5 x 8.5 mm Weight 210 or 213 g (7.41 oz) Display 6.82 inch AMOLED display, 2550 x 3168 pixels, 120Hz refresh rate, 4,500 nits peak Durability Crystal Shield super-ceramic glass Processor Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite RAM Up to 24GB Storage Up to 1TB Selfie Camera 32MP, f/2.4 Main Camera 50 MP, f/1.6 wide 50 MP, f/2.6 telephoto 50 MP, f/2.0 ultrawide Battery 6,000mAh OnePlus might not be as well-known as Apple or Samsung, but the company cranks out some truly killer phones. The 1TB storage/24GB RAM configuration far outpaces even my laptop in terms of power, and the triple camera setup on the rear provides ridiculous photographic potential. A word of warning, though: a few rumors have said the top-end config might be a Chinese-only option. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The battery is also worth noting. At 6,000mAh, this thing has quite a bit of capacity. It also supports 100W charging, 50W wireless charging, and can quick charge up to 100% in just 36 minutes. The camera setup looks astounding, but you might notice the telephoto lens is a lower megapixel count than the OnePlus 12. Dont worry with its upgraded sensor, overall image quality should be superior. Note that these specs might change for the global version of the phone. OnePlus 13 design and colors Digital Chat Station / Wiebo There was much speculation about the OnePlus 13 before its launch, but now we know exactly what it looks like. The phone is available in black, blue, and white, although the names are a bit more out of pocket than that. Black is called Obsidian Secret Realm, blue is called Blues Hour, and white is called White Dew Dawn. Each of the colors has its own texture, too. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Obsidian Secret Realm has an ebony wood grain on the glass that gives it not only a textured feel but also quite an aesthetic look. Blues Hour is leather, and White Dew Dawn has a smooth glass backing. The design of the camera housing has also changed. OnePlus has used the same toilet-like module (a circle within half a pill shape) since the OnePlus 11, but OnePlus is getting rid of the excess half-pill housing and just going with the circle that houses the three cameras and LED flash. A thin metal band also goes from the center-right of the camera module and extends into the frame. There is also an H above the line for the Hasselblad camera tuning partnership. Official OnePlus 13 product render in black. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Official OnePlus 13 product render in white. Official OnePlus 13 product render in blue. Its reminiscent of what you have on the OnePlus Open but in a square formation rather than a diamond with one side missing. This is a small and subtle change but a welcome one. The OnePlus 13 has narrow bezels and rounded corners that give it a streamlined appearance. The phone has a volume rocker on one side and a three-stage alert switch on the other. The flat display has a punch-hole camera for the selfie cam. Another upgrade is the inclusion of glove touch technology, which allows users to manipulate their phone even while wearing gloves, as well as the Rain Touch 2.0 tech that prevents rainfall from interfering with the touch sensors. How does the OnePlus 13 compare to the OnePlus 12? OnePlus The OnePlus 13 and OnePlus 12 share many similarities, but the OnePlus 13 is an upgrade in practically every way. How so? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The OnePlus 13 is thinner and lighter, has a higher average brightness, and has a much larger battery. The biggest upgrade is the new Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, which replaces the Snapdragon Gen 3 in the OnePlus 12. Comparing the two spec-by-spec is pretty straightforward, but there are subtle changes not reflected in the spec sheet that could have a major impact on how the phone is received and things we wont know for sure until we use the OnePlus 13 for ourselves. How does the new design feel? Is the phone comfortable to hold? Are the new cameras good? We fully expect that the OnePlus 13 will be an objectively better phone than the OnePlus 12, but by how much remains to be seen until we get hands-on time with it. Should you buy the OnePlus 13? OnePlus Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lets get the bad news out of the way first: the OnePlus 13 isnt available for purchase in America, at least not yet. Right now, its only available in China (or for someone who wants to import a Chinese version of the phone.) As we stated before, its anticipated to be released worldwide within a few months. If youre in the market for a new handset, the OnePlus 13 is definitely worth keeping an eye on. While we arent sure about its price, the phone has specs that compete with flagships from bigger names and will likely be a lot less expensive than the Samsung Galaxy S25. If you need an upgrade, you could do much worse than the OnePlus 13. While still a flagship model, this phone looks like a great pick for those who want a powerful Android device without the $1,000+ cost. Keep an eye on this one. A group of international biologists has analyzed a method to phase out toxic pesticides in favor of an unconventional but sustainable way to create resilient crops. The team's review, published in Frontiers in Science and shared by Phys.org, identified a phenomenon called induced resistance, which targets the immune system of plants and amplifies innate defense mechanisms to protect against insect pests and microbial pathogens. "While induced resistance has been studied for decades, its exploitation in crop protection has only recently begun to gain momentum," Brigitte Mauch-Mani, a professor at the University of Neuchatel and lead author of the article, told Phys.org. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We argue in favor of a holistic approach to crop protection, which combines multiple strategies to deliver tailored solutions. Induced resistance sits in the heart of such an integrated approach." The researchers identified a type of induced resistance known as defense priming, which functions similarly to a vaccination. The plant displays an enhanced response to an attack after previous exposure, and the immunological stress memory can be long-term and even transgenerational. This behavior is more versatile than the tactics currently used by the agricultural industry, like pesticides and breeding for resistance genes. The former can keep plants one step ahead of pest evolution while offering broader protection against several predators and harmful microbes. However, plants can divert too many resources to defend themselves from a specific threat, leaving them vulnerable to other stresses or compromising their growth potential. Therefore, induced resistance is best used with additional strategies since it alone isn't enough for full immunity, according to the report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nonetheless, the benefits of this process are multifaceted, reducing the need for pesticides that can increase the risk of stillbirths and other health complications while potentially improving the health benefits and nutrition of crops. Other alternative measures to pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides include using goats to graze on invasive weeds infiltrating farmland and a robot that uses radiation to kill fungus and mildew. The Environmental Protection Agency has also announced that it would expedite its review of pesticide spray drift to protect farmers, consumers, and wildlife. The scientists need to conduct more research and require more governmental support to implement induced resistance on a commercial scale, but they believe they could use it to "cut pesticides to a bare minimum [and] also secure much longer-lasting crop protection." "We strongly believe that fundamental research into induced resistance will be critical for the transition towards a truly sustainable food supply," Mauch-Mani said. 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. State lawmakers are considering making it a traffic violation to operate a vehicle in Arizona with an animal on the drivers lap. The violation would come with a fine. Do you agree? You voted: Bhai Dooj, a beloved Hindu festival, celebrates the special bond between brothers and sisters. Known by different names in various parts of Indiasuch as Bhai Tika in Nepal, Bhau Beej in Maharashtra, and Bhai Phonta in West Bengalthis festival signifies familial love, blessings, and rituals that strengthen sibling relationships. In 2024, Bhai Dooj is set to be celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion, marking the conclusion of the festive period that begins with Diwali. Significance of Bhai Dooj 2024 According to legend, Bhai Dooj is associated with the tale of Yamraj, the God of Death, and his sister Yami (or Yamuna). On this day, Yamraj visited his sister after a long time, and she welcomed him with an elaborate feast and prayers for his well-being. Touched by her devotion, Yamraj blessed her and declared that any brother who receives a similar welcome on this day would be blessed with long life and prosperity. This is why Bhai Dooj is also seen as a day that protects brothers from untimely death and brings them good fortune. Subh Muhurat for Bhai Dooj 2024 The most auspicious time for performing the Bhai Dooj rituals is during the Aparahna Kaal, which falls in the afternoon. This period is considered especially favorable for the ceremonial tilak application and other prayers performed by sisters for their brothers. Subh Muhurat Timing Dwitiya Tithi Begins - 10:51 AM on November 02, 2024 Dwitiya Tithi Ends - 11:35 AM on November 03, 2024 Bhai Dooj Aparahna Time - 01:56 PM to 04:02 PM on November 02, 2024 Bhai Dooj Rituals and Traditions On Bhai Dooj, sisters invite their brothers to their homes and perform a traditional tilak ceremony by applying a mark of vermilion and rice paste on their brother's forehead. The ritual is accompanied by an aarti and the offering of sweets and fruits. Sisters also pray for the well-being, prosperity, and protection of their brothers, while brothers give gifts as a token of love and appreciation. Bhai Dooj Celebrations Across India Maharashtra: Known as Bhau Beej, the festival is celebrated with a festive meal that includes popular local dishes. West Bengal: Here, the occasion is called Bhai Phonta, and sisters perform a special prayer and mark their brother's forehead with sandalwood paste. Nepal: Known as Bhai Tika, it is part of the larger Tihar festival, where sisters apply a multi-colored tika on their brother's forehead, symbolizing protection and blessings. Bhai Dooj 2024 is an opportunity to celebrate and cherish the enduring love and bond between brothers and sisters. By performing the rituals during the auspicious Subh Muhurat, siblings reaffirm their mutual respect, love, and care, strengthening their familial ties for the years to come. This day not only highlights the traditional values of Indian culture but also reminds families of the importance of connection and love amidst the celebrations. (This article is intended for your general information only. Zee News does not vouch for its accuracy or reliability.) Bhai Dooj, also known as Bhau Beej, Bhai Tika, or Bhai Phonta in various parts of India, is a significant festival celebrated by Hindus to honor the cherished bond between brothers and sisters. Falling on the second day after Diwali, it marks a beautiful culmination of the festival season. In 2024, Bhai Dooj will be observed on November 3rd, and it continues to hold great cultural and religious value. Historical Background of Bhai Dooj The history of Bhai Dooj is steeped in ancient tales and legends that emphasize sibling love and protection. One of the most popular stories is that of Yamraj, the god of death, and his sister Yamuna. It is believed that on this day, Yamuna invited her brother to her home and treated him to a sumptuous meal. Touched by her love and hospitality, Yamraj blessed Yamuna and declared that any brother who visits his sister on this day and receives a ceremonial tilak on his forehead will be protected from untimely death. Since then, the day has been observed as Bhai Dooj, symbolizing the sister's prayers for her brother's long life and well-being. Another legend associated with Bhai Dooj relates to Lord Krishna. After defeating the demon Narakasura, Krishna visited his sister Subhadra. She welcomed him with sweets and applied a ceremonial tilak on his forehead, further reinforcing the festival's emphasis on sibling bonds. Cultural Celebrations of Bhai Dooj Bhai Dooj is celebrated with enthusiasm across India, though the customs and traditions can vary by region: North India: In northern states, sisters prepare special dishes and sweets for their brothers. After applying the sacred tilak, they perform an aarti and pray for their brothers prosperity and safety. The brothers, in turn, present their sisters with gifts as a token of love. Maharashtra and Goa (Bhau Beej): The day is marked with a special ritual where sisters draw a square on the floor for their brothers to sit in before applying the tilak. The festival is also known for the special dishes prepared, such as puran poli or basundi. West Bengal (Bhai Phonta): In Bengal, Bhai Dooj is celebrated as Bhai Phonta. Sisters fast until they apply the tilak and chant specific mantras for their brothers' health and well-being. This is followed by a lavish feast shared by the family. Nepal (Bhai Tika): Bhai Tika is an essential part of the five-day Tihar festival in Nepal. Sisters apply a seven-colored tilak on their brothers' foreheads and perform rituals involving a garland of marigold flowers and offerings of sweets and fruits. Religious Significance of Bhai Dooj Bhai Dooj is much more than a festival; it is a deep-rooted expression of love, prayer, and protection between siblings. The tilak applied by sisters is believed to be a symbol of blessings that shield brothers from evil and misfortune. The ritual is also an expression of gratitude and the wish for a prosperous future. Religiously, the day reinforces the idea of the sacredness of family bonds. The Yamraj-Yamuna story signifies that even divine beings acknowledge the power of sibling love. Bhai Dooj also aligns with the essence of the broader Diwali festival, which celebrates light, goodness, and familial harmony. The Symbolic Significance The festival serves as a reminder of the special role that siblings play in each other's lives. Bhai Dooj is a celebration of: Love and Protection: Sisters pray for their brothers' safety, while brothers pledge to safeguard and support their sisters. Family Unity: The occasion strengthens family bonds and provides an opportunity for siblings to reconnect and celebrate together. Spiritual Gratitude: The prayers and rituals carry spiritual undertones, fostering a sense of gratitude and appreciation for the bond shared between siblings. Traditional Customs and Rituals The rituals performed during Bhai Dooj include: Tilak Ceremony: The central ritual involves sisters applying a ceremonial tilak made of vermilion, sandalwood paste, and rice on their brother's forehead. Aarti: Sisters wave a small oil lamp or aarti plate around their brother to protect him from negative energies. Feasting: Special dishes and desserts are prepared, such as kheer, barfi, and laddoos, adding to the festivity. Gift Exchange: Brothers express their affection by presenting their sisters with gifts or money, symbolizing their appreciation and responsibility. (This article is intended for your general information only. Zee News does not vouch for its accuracy or reliability.) New Delhi: In a perfect example of growing rural consumption, Amazon India on Saturday said it witnessed the highest-ever 140 crore customer visits during its month-long festive sales, with more than 85 per cent of them coming from non-metro cities. Almost 70 per cent of participating sellers hailed from tier 2 and beyond cities, and the e-commerce giant also witnessed the highest-ever number of sellers (from tier 2 and 3 cities) receiving a sale compared to the festive season last year. The online marketplace said it delivered over three crore products to Prime members across the country during; Amazons Great Indian Festival 2024 within the same or the next day - a 26 per cent increase from the previous year. We are committed to creating more opportunities that unlock greater value for our entire ecosystem of customers, sellers, and partners, said Saurabh Srivastava, Vice PresidentCategories, Amazon India. The festive sales saw over 70 per cent increase in sellers surpassing Rs 1 crore in sales compared to last year. Small and medium businesses, including women entrepreneurs, weavers, and artisans sold over 1,000 units every minute during the event, according to the company. Over 4,500 sellers experienced a 10x spike, over 7,000 sellers saw a 5x spike, and over 13,000 enjoyed a 2x spike in sales as compared to last years event, said Amazon India. EMIs fuelled big-ticket purchases. One in four electronics sales, from mobiles to large appliances, leveraged EMI options. A staggering four out of five of these were No Cost EMIs, registering 45 per cent YoY growth. Overall EMI adoption surged 25 per cent compared to 2023, said the e-commerce giant. The premium smartphone segment (Rs 30,000 and above) saw the highest YoY growth (among all price segments, in volume) driven by wide range of selection, great deals and payment options. Tier 2 and beyond cities contributed to more than 70 per cent of the premium smartphone sales. More than 50 per cent of TV purchases came from tier 2 and 3 cities and demand for large appliances from tier 2 cities grew by 25 per cent with customers preferring air conditioners and refrigerators. AP TET Result 2024: The Department of School Education, Andhra Pradesh, will release the Andhra Pradesh Teacher Eligibility Test (AP TET) 2024 results on Monday, November 4. Candidates who appeared for the exam can download their scores from the official website at aptet.apcfss.in. To access the results, candidates will need to enter their roll number and date of birth as login credentials. The AP TET exam was held from October 3 to 21, 2024, with two shifts each day: the first from 9:30 am to 12 pm, and the second from 2:30 pm to 5 pm. Out of 4,27,300 applicants statewide, 3,68,661 candidates appeared for the exam. The AP TET exam took place on October 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, and 21 in two shifts: 9:30 am to 12 pm and 2:30 pm to 5 pm. Initially, the exam was scheduled for August 5 to 20 but was later postponed. The AP TET 2024 scorecards will include details such as the candidate's name, roll number, hall ticket number, qualifying status, marks obtained, and percentage scored. To qualify, general category candidates must secure at least 60% marks, while candidates from backward classes need a minimum of 50%. For SC and ST candidates, the qualifying threshold is also set at 50%. AP TET Result 2024: Steps to download here Go to the official website at aptet.apcfss.in. On the homepage, click on the link for AP TET Results 2024. Enter your credentials to log in and click submit. Your AP TET Results 2024 will appear on the screen. Verify the information and download the results. Print a copy for future reference. The School Education Department has announced that TET scores will contribute 20 percent to the teacher recruitment process for the state government, while the remaining 80 percent will come from the Teacher Recruitment Test (TRT). It is important to note that merely qualifying in the TET does not guarantee recruitment or employment, as it is only one of the eligibility criteria for teacher appointments. In addition to the results, the School Education Department will provide details on the total number of candidates who took the exam, the pass percentage, and the paper-wise distribution of results for papers 1A, 1B, 2A, and 2B. J&K Grenade Attack: At least 12 people sustained injuries after terrorists threw a grenade in a crowded flea market in the heart of the city in Srinagar on Sunday, according to Zee News TV. The attack took place near the heavily guarded Tourist Reception Centre (TRC). It came a day after a top Pakistani commander of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) was eliminated by security forces in the Khanyar locality of downtown Srinagar. VIDEO | Five people injured in grenade attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Srinagar. Visuals from city's Dalgate area. #JammuKashmir (Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvqRQz) pic.twitter.com/N5TAiU6cQm Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) November 3, 2024 According to the officials, police and paramilitary forces have been rushed to the spot to evacuate the injured and launch a search operation to track the terrorists, news agency PTI reported. #WATCH | Militants hurled grenade at TRC, Sunday market in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir More Details Awaited. pic.twitter.com/BS2YRaF933 November 3, 2024 The explosion caused panic in the area and sent shoppers scrambling for cover. On Saturday, Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kashmir Zone, Vidhi Kumar Birdi, said that a Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) commander was killed in an encounter in the Khanyar area of Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir. "Now this operation has been completed. Security forces have killed a terrorist who has been identified as Usman; he was the commander of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), and 4 security personnel have been injured. He is a foreign terrorist, and his role and involvement in the murder of Inspector Masroor have come to light, and further investigation is being done in this regard," IGP Birdi told news agency ANI. Two terrorists were killed by security forces during an encounter in Jammu and Kashmir's Anantnag district on Saturday, officials said. The encounter broke out after security forces initiated an anti-terrorist operation in the Halkan Gali area. "Based on specific input, a joint operation was launched by the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and Srinagar Sector CRPF in gen area Halkan Gali, Anantnag. On November 2, 2024, suspicious movement near Halkan Gali was observed and challenged by vigilant troops; as a result, terrorists opened indiscriminate fire on their own column. Own troops effectively retaliated, resulting in the elimination of two terrorists. Operation is in progress," Chinar Corps, Indian Army said on X. (With agencies inputs) Mumbai police have arrested a 24-year-old woman, Fatima Khan, for allegedly issuing a death threat against Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday. Khan, who hails from the Ulhasnagar area in Thane, Maharashtra, holds a Bachelor's degree in Information Technology but has been described by police as mentally unstable, according to reports from news agency PTI. The Mumbai Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), in coordination with Ulhasnagar police, arrested Khan after finding that she had sent the threatening message. During the investigation, authorities were able to trace her location and apprehend her, according to officials cited by PTI. Mumbai cops on Saturday evening received an death threat against the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. The cops allegedly got an anonymous call asking the CM to resign if he wants to stay alive. The Mumbai Police Traffic Control Cell has launched an investigation following the call regarding Adityanath. According to media reports, the unknown caller warned that Adityanath would be killed within ten days if he did not resign, drawing a comparison to the recent murder of NCP leader Baba Siddique. Former Maharashtra minister Baba Siddique was shot dead in Mumbai's Bandra area on October 12. Delhi Fire Incident: The firefighting operations to douse the flames in the Alipur area of the national capital continued for the second day on Sunday, fire department officials said. As per the officials, the fire was spread across the area due to the intensity of the flames. The fire was reported on Saturday evening at a warehouse in Delhi's Alipur neighbourhood, near Shivam Dharam Kanta. Speaking to ANI, Chief Fire Officer Rajeev Shukla said, "The fire was spreading in every direction. When the wall collapsed, it travelled in this direction. The intensity of the fire was such that you would not have been able to stand even at the opposite side of the road." Earlier, Chief Fire Officer Virender Singh said that 35 fire tenders and around 200 fire personnel, including officers, are involved in the firefighting operations. He added that the fire erupted in three buildings of the godown, and as of now, all three buildings have collapsed. "We received information about the fire at around 4 pm. 35 fire tenders and around 200 fire personnel, including officers, are involved in the firefighting operations. Three buildings of godown were involved in the incident, and all three buildings have collapsed," Singh said. He also underlined that the godowns had not taken any precautionary measures for firefighting. "We are bringing the water from 500 meters away as the vehicles cannot enter the streets. The area is more than 8000 sq yards. They have no system for firefighting," he added. A massive fire broke out in a factory located in outer Delhi's Alipur area on Saturday evening, and 34 fire tenders were pressed into service, an official said. A call regarding the fire at the factory in the Firni area of Alipur was received around 4 pm, the official said. Delhi Chief Minister Atishi said in a post on X that the incident was worrisome and she was personally monitoring it. The chief minister said she was in touch with the district magistrate concerned, and all possible official help was being provided. No one was reported to be injured in the incident, she added. Fire officials said the warehouse was suspected to be used for storage of paper and chemicals, but the exact details are not yet available. (With agencies inputs) In strong disapproval, former Indian diplomats have termed Canadian authorities' surveillance of Indian diplomats posted there as atrocious, adding that they violated international law such as the Vienna Convention. JK Tripathi, a former diplomat, told ANI, that, "No country has the power to do it...but the Canadian government has done it and this is the rarest of rare cases of violation of international law according to the Vienna Convention. They have even gone up to the extent of accusing the Union Home Minister of being the mastermind behind that and now they have put India among the list of 4 countries who are cyber threats to Canada...." The Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (1961) is established to define fundamental principles and terms governing how countries must treat each other's diplomatic representatives. A key principle of the Convention is diplomatic immunity. It grants diplomats exemption from certain laws and taxes in the host country where they are posted. It ensures that diplomats can fulfill their duties without fear, threat, or intimidation. "...so in a way, India has been declared as an enemy state by Canada, which is very disturbing and serious," said Tripathi. Virendra Gupta, another former diplomat, said this action of Canada merited an extremely strong reaction from the Indian government. "Merely criticising Canada is not enough...Canada has crossed all the limits of decency and normal diplomatic behaviour...," Gupta told ANI. According to Article 29 of the Convention, diplomats are not subject to arrest or detention. The host country must accord the diplomatic agent the appropriate level of respect and is responsible for undertaking all necessary measures to prevent any form of harm or violation to the diplomat's person, liberty, or dignity. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced on Saturday that India has lodged a formal protest with the Canadian government after revelations that its consular officials in Canada were subjected to audio and video surveillance. The MEA condemned these actions as "flagrant violations" of diplomatic and consular conventions. During a press briefing, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that some Indian consular officials were recently informed by the Canadian government about the ongoing surveillance. Jaiswal criticized Canada for attempting to justify its actions by citing technicalities, arguing that such justifications cannot excuse what he described as harassment and intimidation of Indian diplomatic personnel. Also, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) strongly protested against recent allegations made by the Canadian government against Union Home Minister Amit Shah's purported involvement in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. The MEA described these allegations as "absurd and baseless" and lodged a formal protest against Canada. MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that a "diplomatic note" was handed to a representative of the Canadian High Commission on Friday, conveying India's strong objections. Tensions between India and Canada escalated after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged in Parliament last year that there were "credible allegations" of India's involvement in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. India has firmly denied all such allegations, labelling them as "absurd" and "motivated," while accusing Canada of providing a haven for extremist and anti-India elements. Srinagar experienced a shocking act of violence on Sunday when a grenade was hurled at a CRPF mobile post, resulting in an explosion in the Sunday Market and injuring at least 11 civilians. The attack occurred near the Tourist Reception Centre (TRC) in Central Kashmir's Srinagar district, where a large crowd had gathered for the market. According to a senior police officer speaking to Zee News, unidentified terrorists targeted the CRPF picket in the busy market area. Fortunately, the injuries sustained by the victims were reported to be minor splinter wounds, and all injured individuals were swiftly transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. Security forces attribute the attack to the desperation of terrorists following the recent encounter in which a top LeT commander was killed. Medical personnel have confirmed that all the injured are in stable condition. This grenade attack in Lal Chowk marks the first incident of its kind in four years. In the aftermath of the attack, the Jammu and Kashmir Police, along with paramilitary forces, cordoned off the area to conduct a thorough search for the attackers. Eyewitnesses described a scene of chaos as shoppers and vendors scrambled for safety following the explosion. Authorities have condemned the attack, emphasizing that such acts of violence will not deter efforts to maintain peace and security in the region. The police are investigating the incident and have urged anyone with information to come forward. A search operation has also been launched in the area and nearby locations to track the terrorists responsible. Out of the 11 civilians injured in today's grenade attack at the Sunday Market near Radio Kashmir in Srinagar, the following 10 individuals have been treated at SMHS Hospital. Jharkhand Assembly Elections: A day ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Jharkhand, Union Home Minister Amit Shah will release the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) manifesto and address three rallies in the poll-bound state on Sunday. Union Minister Shah arrived in Jharkhand's capital Ranchi on Saturday night. "Union Home Minister Amit Shah will release the "Sankalp Patra" for Jharkhand Assembly elections in Ranchi on Sunday. He will also address three rallies at Ghatshila, Barkatha, and Simaria Assembly constituencies during the day," the BJP said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Jharkhand on November 4 and address two rallies. Prime Minister Modi's visit will be followed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who is scheduled to hold a public meeting in Jamshedpur on November 5. Shah is likely to release 25 key points of the party's manifesto to underline 25 years of Jharkhand's formation and a 150-point document, marking the 150th birth anniversary of Birsa Munda, BJP leaders said. Amit Shah will release the party's "Sankalp Patra," said BJP's Jharkhand election in-charge and Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Saturday. Announcing that PM Modi and Home Minister Shah will launch the BJP's Jharkhand campaign, Union Minister Chouhan made a call for a "double-engine" government in the state, claiming the "development work came to a standstill" under the Chief Minister Hemant Soren-led Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM)-Congress government. Jharkhand will vote in the Assembly polls across two phases on November 13 and November 20, with counting on November 23. The BJP will be looking to reverse its 2019 Assembly and 2024 Lok Sabha results. The party fell from 37 Assembly seats in 2014 to just 25 in 2019, losing out in tribal-dominated seats in particular. In the recent Lok Sabha polls, the NDA fell from 11 seats to eight but lost all Scheduled Tribe-reserved seats to the JMM and Congress. Recently, the BJP has been raking up the issue of conversions of tribals, besides attacking the ruling JMM government's record on development and corruption to swing the polls back in its favour. With Amit Shah and PM Modi visiting the state in quick succession, the party's campaign is likely to gain momentum. The JMM and the Congress, in the hopes of countering anti-incumbency, have been touting its welfare schemes, including the Maiyya Samman Yojna to grant women aged 18 to 50 Rs 1,000 per month in assistance. Kerala Lottery Results Sunday 03-11-2024 LIVE: The Kerala Lottery Department, on behalf of the Keralan government, announces the "AKSHAYA AK-675" Lucky Draw Result today Akshaya AK-675, November 03, 2024. The draw will be held at Gorky Bhavan near Bakery Junction in Thiruvananthapuram. The Kerala Lottery Result 2024 for "Akshaya AK-675" will feature 12 series, with changes in series possible each week. A total of 108 lakh tickets are available for purchase weekly. The ticket prices may vary. Check the Akshaya AK-675 results right here to see if youre the first-place winner of 70 Lakhs. Stay tuned to this website for the live update of Kerala Lottery Akshaya AK-675 results today. Kerala Lottery Result 03-11-2024 November: FULL LIST OF WINNING NUMBERS FOR AKSHAYA AK-675 Draw LUCKY NUMBER FOR 1ST PRIZE OF RS 70 LAKHS IS:AC 507742 LUCKY NUMBER FOR 2ND PRIZE OF RS 5 LAKHS IS:AC 550384 LUCKY NUMBERS FOR 3RD PRIZE OF RS 1 Lakh ARE: AA 586556 AB 234782 AC 130416 AD 551211 AE 973191 AF 738537 AG 189480 AH 249783 AJ 504677 AK 675000 AL 492492 AM 883519 LUCKY NUMBERS FOR CONSOLATION PRIZE OF RS 8,000 ARE: AA 507742 AB 507742 AD 507742 AE 507742 AF 507742 AG 507742 AH 507742 AJ 507742 AK 507742 AL 507742 AM 507742 (For The Tickets Ending with The Following Numbers below) LUCKY NUMBERS FOR 4TH PRIZE OF RS 5,000 ARE: 0221 0448 1152 1174 2917 3524 3826 4388 4472 5739 6124 6160 6390 6636 7181 7182 7231 8779 LUCKY NUMBERS FOR 5TH PRIZE OF RS 2,000 ARE: 1612 2177 2204 2641 3715 6379 8905 LUCKY NUMBERS FOR 6TH PRIZE OF RS 1,000 ARE: 0079 0355 1217 1422 1470 2956 3197 3313 3325 3375 3442 3967 4352 4873 5305 5412 6138 6247 6513 6843 7002 7825 8764 9187 9232 9472 LUCKY NUMBERS FOR 7TH PRIZE OF RS 500 ARE: 0210 0257 0457 0541 0575 0784 0816 0948 1115 1342 1440 1618 2028 2091 2426 2547 2831 3421 3422 3445 3580 3801 3868 3890 3925 4308 4316 4323 4563 4856 4915 4925 4978 4993 5092 5624 5629 6114 6350 6450 6476 6714 6828 6905 6950 6998 7107 7116 7131 7267 7281 7619 7623 7793 7806 7851 7900 7946 8101 8177 8383 8393 8563 8693 8939 9008 9203 9276 9388 9438 9599 9675 LUCKY NUMBERS FOR 8TH PRIZE OF RS 100 ARE: 0018 0231 0316 0381 0404 0554 0570 0607 0868 0912 1050 1060 1074 1181 1230 1303 1679 1752 2000 2004 2033 2099 2112 2164 2189 2329 2540 2581 2926 2937 3011 3073 3104 3166 3229 3298 3570 3655 3776 3971 4037 4091 4165 4192 4450 4564 4598 4836 5028 5090 5180 5181 5269 5275 5346 5397 5457 5484 5510 5674 5696 5935 6048 6204 6308 6319 6370 6427 6599 6670 6672 6743 6804 6859 6914 6951 6965 7080 7176 7227 7263 7327 7368 7447 7484 7521 7573 7582 7669 7742 7756 7823 7844 8102 8136 8241 8286 8297 8352 8389 8416 8429 8441 8498 8507 8577 8738 8836 8931 9042 9058 9102 9213 9264 9366 9410 9440 9535 9668 9794 9836 9913 9954 KERALA LOTTERY RESULT 03-11-2024 October TODAY: AKSHAYA AK-675 LOTTERY PRIZE DETAILS 1st Prize: Rs 70 Lakhs 2nd Prize: Rs. 5 lakhs 3rd Prize: Rs. 1 Lakh 4th Prize: Rs. 5,000 5th Prize: Rs. 2,000 6th Prize: Rs. 1,000 7th Prize: Rs. 500 8th Prize: Rs. 100 Consolation Prize: Rs. 8,000 (NOTE: Lottery can be addictive and should be played responsibly. The data provided on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as advice or encouragement. Zee News does not promote lottery in anyway.) Union Home Minister Amit Shah unveiled the Bharatiya Janata Party's manifesto for the upcoming Jharkhand elections in Ranchi today. Shah arrived in the state capital last night. He introduced the sankalp patra, which details 25 pledges symbolising 25 years since Jharkhands formation. At the launch of the BJPs manifesto in Jharkhand, Shah launched a scathing attack at Chief Minister Hemant Soren, saying that women and tribal communities are unsafe under the ruling JMMs regime. Amit Shah blamed Hemant Soren for infiltrators surge in Jharkhand, saying, During Hemant Soren's government, the tribals of Jharkhand are not safe. The number of tribals in Santhal Pargana is decreasing at an alarming rate. Infiltrators are coming here and luring our daughters into marrying them and occupying their land. He further emphasised that the BJP is moving forward with the slogan "Roti, Beti, Maati" to ensure the security of Jharkhands pride and identity that the Hemant Soren-led government has failed to do. The union minister credited former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee for creating the identity of state and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for driving its growth. He claimed that Chief Minister Hemant Sorens government, which took over five years ago, stalled many initiatives started by Modi's administration. "Our former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee created Jharkhand," Shah stated, "and Prime Minister Modi focused on developing it." The Congress party was not spared from Home Minister's sharp attacks, "Whenever I speak about the 'Sankalp Patra,' it's clear that the BJP stands apart from other political parties. The BJP is the only party in the country that truly delivers on its promises. Every time we've come to power, whether at the Centre or in the states, we've made good on our commitments, Amit Shah added. Jharkhand BJP's Poll Manifesto Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced that if the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is elected to power in Jharkhand, it will generate 500,000 job opportunities, including 287,000 government positions. The party presented 25 resolutions to commemorate 25 years since the state's establishment. Notably, the "Gogo Didi" scheme is set to provide women with a monthly allowance of 2,100. "Our government will introduce UCC in Jharkhand but tribals will be kept out of its ambit. The JMM government is making false propaganda that UCC will impact tribal rights and culture, which is totally baseless as they will be kept out of its ambit," Shah said in Ranchi. The states 81-member Assembly election will be held in two phases, scheduled for November 13 and 20, with the vote counting and results set for November 23. Maharashtra Assembly Elections: With the Maharashtra Assembly elections inching closer, all the political parties have begun to hit the ground running with the poll campaign in the state. In a bid to boost the Mahayuti alliances campaign ahead of the polls slated for November 20, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to address a series of rallies in Maharashtra. BJP leaders said that PM Modi is likely to address 11 rallies between November 8 and 14. Speaking to news agency ANI on PM Modis campaign schedule, Maharashtra BJP chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule said that he is expected to address election meetings in Dhule and Nashik on November 8, Akola and Nanded on November 9, Chandrapur, Chimur, Solapur, and Pune on November 12, and Sambhajinagar, Navi Mumbai, and Mumbai on November 14. The leaders of the saffron party have also said that Home Minister Amit Shah is expected to address around 20 rallies, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath around 22, and Union Health Minister and BJP chief JP Nadda about 13. Union Road, Transport, and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari, who hails from Maharashtra, is slated to address about 50 rallies and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis around 55 rallies. Besides the top brass of the Saffron Party, Bawankule will also campaign extensively. There will be rallies by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who are the key faces in the state. According to BJP leaders, the focus during the poll campaign will be on the Mahayuti government's welfare schemes for people . "We will highlight the government's welfare schemes and achievements, including the Ladli Behna Yojana, an electricity waiver for 44 lakh farmers, and 58 initiatives personally benefiting the public. The Mahayuti alliance aims to showcase its commitment to Maharashtra's development. A double-engine government will again be formed in the state," a BJP leader said. Both the ruling Mahayuti alliance and the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), comprising the Shiv Sena (UBT), NCP (Sharad Pawar faction), and Congress, have intensified their preparations for the elections to the 288-member Maharashtra assembly. The BJP is part of the ruling Mahayuti alliance alongside the Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction) and Ajit Pawar-led NCP. (With ANI Inputs) The Nagpur Police took Jagdish Uikey, 35, into custody on charges of sending 354 hoax emails targeting the Prime Ministers Office (PMO), flights, and trains across India, as reported by the Times of India. Nagpur DCP for cybercrime Lohit Matani said on Saturday that Uikey, who is a resident of Gondia district in Maharashtra, had sent emails to PMO and other officials around 100 times since January, seeking endorsement for his book on terrorism, Atankwad-Ek Tufaani Rakshash (Terrorism: A Demonic Storm).' Prima facie, he seemed to be pursuing PMO and others to get his book published with repeated emails, but later he switched to sending hoax mail in frustration, police commissioner Ravinder Singal told the TOI. According to Nagpurs additional CP Sanjay Patil, Uikeys book seems like a rudimentary compilation of terrorist theories widely available on the internet. This is, however, not his first brush with law enforcement. According to Singal, Uikey had been interrogated twice earlier for sending inappropriate emails and filing a complaint claiming connections between job aspirants and PMO. Once he was interrogated for sending objectionable emails, and on another occasion, he was questioned over his complaint of job aspirants being close to PMO. The crime branch thoroughly probed, but no offence was registered, Singal told The Times of India. As far as the recently sent emails are concerned, the suspect allegedly issued warnings of sleeper cell activity within India. He quite often aligns his threats closely with similar threats circulating from US sources. Police have said that they are looking into the possibility that the suspect may have borrowed language from these US sources, as per the TOI report. Investigations are underway into Uikeys patterns of digital activity and communication. Police are examining his devices and any cybercafe terminals he may have used to send the emails. Speaking to TOI, Singhal said, We are scanning his call details records and laptops. His bank accounts and monetary trails are also being checked, Singal said. Authorities have flagged 354 emails in the sent folder of Uikeys Gmail accounts. Reportedly, police have found a distinct pattern in his email activity. It also includes an email sent to Maharashtra deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis in October. In the mail, he falsely claimed knowledge of a secret terror code. The special cell of the Delhi Police has joined the ongoing investigation. The officers are on site in Nagpur to question Uikey. On Thursday, a Nagpur police special branch team led by DCP Shweta Khedkar rounded up Uikey at Nagpur railway station. He is currently in police custody, with officials likely to extend his remand. In a bid to gather more insights into his activities and likely motive, the police plan to carry out psychological evaluations on Uikey. Molly Smith covers City Hall and government for the Express-News. She can be reached at molly.smith@express-news.net. Molly joined the Express-News in January 2023. Previously, she wrote for El Paso Matters, El Paso Times and The (McAllen) Monitor. Wayanad: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Sunday emphasised that the primary struggle in the country today is to protect and preserve the Constitution. He said the Constitution of the country was not written with hatred, but with humility and love. The main fight in the country today, that is taking place, is the fight for the Constitution of our country. The protection that we get, the greatness of our country, all emerged from the Constitution, the Lok Sabha MP said while addressing a corner meeting in Mananthavady here as part of the campaign for his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. Priyanka is the Congress candidate for the Wayanad Lok Sabha bypoll. The Constitution was not written with anger or with hatred. It was written by the people who fought the British, the people who had suffered, who spent years and years and years in jail. And they wrote the Constitution with humility, with love and with affection, he said. The Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha pointed out that this is a fight between love and hatred. "A fight between confidence and insecurity. And if you truly want to win this fight, then you must help by removing anger from your heart, by removing hatred from your heart, and replacing them with love, humility and compassion," he added. Rahul Gandhi highlighted the qualities of her sister and shared nostalgic memories of their childhood. She is the person who went and hugged the girl who was implicated in my father's (Rajiv Gandhi) assassination. She said to me after she came back after meeting Nalini, she went emotional and then she said to me that I'm feeling bad for her," Rahul Gandhi recalled. That is the training that she has received. And to me, this is the type of politics that needs to be done in India. Not the politics of hatred, but politics of love and affection," he further said. During her campaign, Priyanka continued her attack against the union government alleging that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has done everything for his business friends. Modi ji's government works only for his big businessmen friends. His objective, is not to give you a better life. It is not to find new jobs for your young one who are educated. It is not to provide better health, or education, she alleged. Priyanka Gandhi resumed her campaign from Sunday by holding public and corner meetings in the hill constituency with her brother Rahul Gandhi. The Congress general secretary, who is making her electoral debut, will be in Kerala till November 7, according to her itinerary released by the party. New Delhi: Arjun Kapoor is basking in acclaim for his recent performance in the action-packed film Singham Again, which hit theaters earlier this weekend. Both audiences and critics have hailed his portrayal, with many dubbing it a transformative role that presents a new, invigorated version of the actoraffectionately referred to as Arjun Kapoor 2.0. Among the myriad of compliments flooding social media, one notable message came from actor Bobby Deol, who made waves last year with his role in Animal. Deol took to Instagram to express his admiration for Kapoor, commenting with a series of enthusiastic emojis on the actors post celebrating Singham Again. In a heartfelt reply, Arjun responded, Thank u Abrar with love, Danger Lanka, referencing Bobbys character from Animal. This exchange has caught the attention of fans, showcasing the camaraderie between the two stars as they support each others cinematic endeavors. As Singham Again continues to garner attention, its clear that Arjun Kapoors evolution as an actor is being celebrated not just by fans, but by his peers in the industry as well. New Delhi: Friends and admirers of Rohit Bal gathered alongside his family to pay their final respects to the designer who played a pivotal role in bringing Indian fashion to the global stage. Bal, one of Indias most celebrated fashion designers, died on Friday night at a south Delhi hospital following a heart attack at the age of 63. He was cremated at the Lodhi Road crematorium here on Saturday. His funeral was attended by Sunil Sethi, the president of Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI), actor-model Arjun Rampal, designers JJ Valaya, Varun Bahl and Rohit Gandhi. The designer's mortal remains were kept at his Defence Colony residence, where many prominent personalities paid their last respects. Earlier, renowned names from the fashion world as well as those from Bollywood paid tributes to Bal on social media. Manish Malhotra remembered Bal as a "true pioneer", praising his unique ability to blend Indian craftsmanship with modern fashion. Rohit Bal was a true pioneer, merging Indian craftsmanship with modern fashion in a way only he could. I remember meeting him in the 90s, just as 'Rangeela' had released. It was my first Indian fashion show I watched live, held at the Imperial Hotel in Delhi. "Rohit welcomed me with that familiar warmth and invited me to his after-party. From his opulent shows to his unforgettable after parties, there was always joy and grandeur," Malhotra said on X. After he started his own label, Malhotra said he would often cross paths with Bal at fashion weeks. "Though time and the industry led us down different roads, my admiration for him never faded. Rest in peace, Gudda. Your legacy will always inspire us," he added. Rohit Bal was a true pioneer, merging Indian craftsmanship with modern fashion in a way only he could. I remember meeting him in the '90s, just as Rangeela had released. It was Rohit's fashion show which was my first Indian fashion show I watched live, held at the Imperial Hotel pic.twitter.com/pwCNGnYfqY Manish Malhotra (@ManishMalhotra) November 2, 2024 Bal was fondly called Gudda by his friends and contemporaries as well as many top stars in Bollywood. Designer duo Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla said Bal was a "true visionary who will always be remembered and loved". "Rest in Peace, Rohit Bal," read the message on Khosla's Instagram page. Anamika Khanna shared a picture with Bal and called him a "friend, mentor and guide". "Someone who I cherished, respected and loved. You will be missed deeply. Moments like these made it worth their while. May your soul be in design forever," she added. Sabyasachi Mukherjee said on Instagram, Rest in Peace Rohit Bal. You were much loved and admired by all of us at Sabyasachi. Valaya bid adieu to his friend and said, Goodbye my friend Gaurav Gupta posted a picture with Bal and wrote, "Forever Gudda." Designers Rahul Mishra and Bibhu Mohapatra praised Bal as a mentor and legendary figure, saying his magic will live forever. A great mentor and a beautiful human. Gone too soon, Mishra said. Masaba Gupta and designer Shane Peacock of label Falguni Shane Peacock remembered Bal as well. In October this year, Bal presented his collection at the Lakme Fashion Week X FDCI 2024 grand finale, where Ananya Panday was the show-stopper. Panday posted a picture from the show and said, Gudda, Om Shanti. Sushmita Sen posted a photograph of the two of them walking the runway together. What an indomitable spirit & what a pioneer!! Rest in peace #rohitbal, she captioned it. Gone too young. Rest peacefully #RohitBal, Priyanka Chopra Jonas said on her Instagram Stories. Filmmaker Karan Johar wrote on Instagram that he wore an outfit designed by Bal for the Diwali festivities at his residence. The director said he saw Bal's recent show and marvelled at what a "stunning artist, craftsmen, fashion legend he is". "I say this with a heavy heart and in the present tense because his art and irreplaceable contribution to the fashion industry will remain forever I told myself that I wanted to wear his latest collection on Diwali.. and requested for some of his stunning pieces "unknowingly last night I wore him and clicked some images and got into my car and then read the heartbreaking news of his passing he is a pioneer and a bonafide legend and will be missed by everyones lives he touched . Rest in peace Gudda," he posted. Anil Kapoor said Bal was a "true artist and visionary". "He crafted iconic costumes for a song in Nayak and brought unmatched creativity to Indian fashion always. His legacy will live on. Rest in peace," he said. Sonam Kapoor penned a heartfelt tribute to Bal. "Dear gudda, I hear about your passing on my way to celebrate Diwali in your gorgeous creation that you generously lent to me for the second time. I've been blessed to have known you and worn you and walked for you multiple times. I hope you are at peace. Always your biggest fan (sic), the actor said. Samantha Ruth Prabhu paid tribute to Rohit Bal by sharing a post by the FDCI in her Instagram Stories. Rampal fondly remembered his brother Bal, who he called Ratty. My dearest brother Ratty, I am stunned that you left us so soon. This is devastating for all the hearts you touched and there were so many. I know you loved life so much, right now your biggest concern would be your wonderful boys and Komal. Will always have their backs my friend. You bring the heavens down. RIP @rattysood, the actor wrote. Kareena Kapoor Khan shared the designer's picture from his young days when he would also work as a model and added heart emojis on the post. Aditi Rao Hydari said, "Rest in style, Rest in beauty". Actor Sidharth Malhotra paid tribute to Rohit Bal on Instagram. He wrote, "Deeply saddened by the loss. May his soul rest in peace. Om Shanti." New Delhi: The sudden demise of renowned fashion designer Rohit Bal left a void in the hearts of his friends, colleagues, and fans. Salman Khan has joined the list to pay tribute to "Gudda". Taking to X on Saturday, Salman mourned the demise of the fashion designer. Rest in peace Rohit #RohitBal Salman Khan (@BeingSalmanKhan) November 2, 2024 "Rest in peace Rohit #RohitBal," his post read. Rohit Bal had been battling a heart ailment for a while. On November 1, he was rushed to the hospital but didn't make it. He left for his heavenly abode at the age of 63. Many celebs also took to their social media handles to pay tributes to Rohit Bal. Former Miss Universe Sushmita Sen honoured the late designer, sharing a nostalgic photo from one of their collaborative fashion shows. She reflected, "An indomitable spirit and what a pioneer. Rest in peace #RohitBal." Actor Anil Kapoor expressed his heartbreak over the loss, stating, "Heartbroken to hear about Rohit Bal's passing. A true artist and visionary, he crafted iconic costumes for a song in Nayak and brought unmatched creativity to Indian fashion always. His legacy will live on. Rest in peace." The Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) also honoured Rohit Bal, acknowledging him as a founding member who brought a unique fusion of traditional and modern aesthetics to Indian fashion. Their tribute emphasised the lasting impact of his artistry. "We mourn the passing of Legendary designer Rohit Bal. A founding member of the FDCI, Bal was known for his unique blend of traditional patterns with modern sensibilities. His legacy of artistry and innovation will live on in the fashion world. Rest in peace, GUDDA," the post read. Rohit Bal had recently returned to the runway, showcasing his collection "Kaaynaat: A Bloom in the Universe" at Lakme Fashion Week in October 2024, following a year marked by health challenges. In 2023, he was admitted to Medanta Hospital in Delhi due to heart ailments, and later expressed gratitude to his supporters for their love during his recovery, saying, "Your support has been a beacon of hope and strength." Bal's demise has left a void in the Indian fashion landscape. On Sunday, Lebanon's health ministry reported that an Israeli airstrike near the southern city of Sidon resulted in the deaths of three individuals on Sunday. Meanwhile, additional bombings occurred in eastern Lebanon after Israel indicated it would resume targeting Hezbollah positions in that region. In response, the Israeli military announced that it successfully intercepted multiple projectiles launched from Lebanon into Israel, with some landing in uninhabited areas.The hostilities have intensified since September 23, when Israel ramped up airstrikes in response to ongoing cross-border gunfire. Fatalities from Israeli Airstrikes Lebanon's health ministry has reported casualties from an Israeli raid in Haret Saida, a densely populated area near Sidon. This attack resulted in three deaths and nine injuries, with a notable incident involving the rescue of a child from the debris of a collapsed residential building. Israeli strikes also targeted a location near a hospital in Tebnine, within the Bint Jbeil district of southern Lebanon. Notably, there were no evacuation warnings issued to residents prior to these strikes. Rising Casualty Count Since the escalation of hostilities on September 23, more than 1,930 people have died in Lebanon, according to an AFP count based on local health ministry data. The Israeli military has reported that 38 of its soldiers have lost their lives during operations in Lebanon since ground troops were deployed for targeted raids. The conflict has seen an alarming escalation of direct attacks between Iran and Israel, raising fears of a larger regional conflict. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian indicated that a potential ceasefire with allied forces could impact Irans military response. This suggests a strategic pause in hostilities might be on the table. Meanwhile, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned that both Israel and the United States would face a "tooth-breaking response." With Inputs From AFP The Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) in Balochistan said that an operation in the Musakhel district on early Sunday resulted in the deaths of three terrorists and the arrest of two others, as reported by the Dawn. According to a CTD spokesperson, the operation was initiated based on "credible information" regarding the presence of terrorists from the banned Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) in the Rarhasham area of Musakhel. "Forces [including] CTD, FC and police were deployed in the general area and late at night one of the deployed force contingents came across a group of 10-12 terrorists, moving towards the main road... The terrorists were intercepted and a heavy exchange of fire followed," the spokesperson stated, as reported by the Dawn. During the clash, three terrorists were killed and two were captured, although five to seven others managed to escape in the dark of the night, the Dawn reported. A search operation is currently underway to locate them. The operation also yielded a cache of weapons and ammunition. The deceased terrorists' bodies were sent to a hospital, and the arrested individuals are undergoing interrogation. An FIR has also been filed with the CTD, and further updates will be provided as they become available. Earlier, the Balochistan CTD had registered an FIR against unidentified terrorists involved in an improvised explosive device (IED) blast in Mastung on Friday, which resulted in the deaths of nine people, including five children, and left 29 others injured. Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti condemned the attack, highlighting the increasing targeting of innocent children and labourers by terrorists, the Dawn reproted. The region, particularly Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, has seen a notable rise in terrorism-related incidents in recent months. While there was a 24 per cent decline in terror attacks in September compared to August, there were notable increases in August and July, as per monthly security reports In 2023, Pakistan experienced 1,524 violence-related fatalities and 1,463 injuries from 789 terror attacks and counter-terror operations, marking a record six-year high in overall fatalities, including those of outlaws. New Delhi: India and Canada are seeing a fresh wave of diplomatic fallout after Ottawa levelled allegations against Union Home Minister Amit Shah. According to MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, India Summoned a representative from the Canadian High Commission and formally expressed protest against the claims made by Canadian Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister David Morrison during a committee session. Amid the deteriorating relationship, Defence Expert KP Fabian highlights how Canadas handling of the situation shows it has no interest in de-escalation,' just now. In an interview with news agency ANI, KP Fabian pointed out the pathways both nations chose to deliver their sentiments regarding the issue, he said, You may note that the MEA spokesperson said Canadian High Commission representative. Conventionally, you summon the High Commission, the Ambassador or the CDA. The defence expert said that the reference to summon a countrys representative holds significance it this case. Then he went to draw the pattern Justin Trudeau-led Canadian government is following, Fabian said, Let us assume, that Canada had good reason to conclude that there was some reason to believe in the likely involvement of the Home Minister of India. If that was the case, the correct thing would have been to talk to India through diplomatic channels rather than rush to the media. The defence expert remarked that this indicates "The current government of Canada is not looking for de-escalation and it is not a good idea." Defence Expert KP Fabian further criticised Canadas approach to the ongoing diplomatic tensions with India, stating, I do not see any sign of any interest in de-escalation. He reiterated MEAs claim that some Indian consular officials in Canada had been placed under audio-video surveillance, which he condemned as a breach of diplomatic protocol. It is for Canada to deal with it diplomatically, not subject them to surveillance, he said, adding that Canada is acting contrary to diplomatic norms. #WATCH | On India-Canada relations, Defence Expert KP Fabian says, "... You may note that the MEA spokesperson said Canadian High Commission representative. Conventionally, you summon the High Commission, the Ambassador or the CDA. In this case, the reference to the pic.twitter.com/ff2RFwMCdC ANI (@ANI) November 3, 2024 According to a Reuters report, Canada alleged that Union Home Minister Amit Shah was involved in "plots to target Sikh separatists on Canadian soil." Canadian Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister David Morrison, speaking to a parliamentary panel, claimed he informed the Washington Post that Shah was behind the plots. The Israel Defence Forces on late Saturday said that it had successfully eliminated Jaafar Khader Faour, a top Hezbollah commander from Naseer Brigade unit in Southern Lebanons Jouaiyya. The Israeli army claimed that Faour was responsible for numerous attacks on Israel since October, last year. However, Hezbollah have not yet commented on or confirmed Faours death. "Faour was responsible for multiple rocket attacks toward the Golan, including an attack that resulted in the deaths of Israeli civilians from Kibbutz Ortal, an attack on Majdal Shams which killed 12 children and injured many and the rocket attack on Metula last Thursday, which resulted in the deaths of 5 civilians," the Israeli Defence Force said in a statement posted on X. The IDF has confirmed that the Hezbollah unit responsible for launching rockets toward Israel on October 8 was under the command of Faour, who oversaw operations in eastern Lebanon. According to the IDF, it was him who directed the attacks that marked the first rocket strikes on Israeli territory from that region on October 8. The Commander of the Hezbollah Nasser Units Missiles and Rockets Array, Jaafar Khader Faour, was eliminated in the area of Jouaiyya in southern Lebanon. Faour was responsible for multiple rocket attacks toward the Golan, including an attack that resulted in the deaths of pic.twitter.com/rfXtG6qlBw Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) November 2, 2024 A missile strike in Israel's Sharon region injured 19 people, according to an AFP report citing police early Saturday. The Israeli army reported that three missiles had been launched from Lebanon into central Israel. Police confirmed that all 19 wounded, including four in moderate condition, were transported to hospitals for treatment. Videos shared by Israel's Foreign Ministry on social media captured scenes of fire and smoke pouring from a building onto the street, with emergency responders quickly arriving at the location. This is the result of a direct hit of a Hezbollah rocket on a building in the Israeli Arab town of Tira, injuring 19 civilians, the ministry stated in the post. We cannot and will not rest until Hezbollah is dismantled, it added. The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Morocco within the British Parliament was reconstituted on Wednesday in London with the aim of giving strong impetus to parliamentary action to strengthen relations between Morocco and the United Kingdom. The reconstitution of the group in the wake of the UKs July general election, which returned the Labour Party to power, reflects the UK Parliaments strong commitment to strengthening dialogue and cooperation with Morocco on a range of crucial issues. Speaking at the inaugural meeting of the group, co-chaired by opposition Conservative MP Andrew Murrison and ruling Labour MP Fabian Hamilton, Moroccos ambassador to the UK, Hakim Hajoui, gave an exhaustive account of the political, economic, and security issues that Morocco and the UK share as part of their privileged bilateral relationship. Recalling the Kingdoms national priorities, with the Moroccan Sahara issue as a cornerstone, the ambassador highlighted Moroccos strategic role in the Atlantic and Sahel regions, detailing in particular the Royal vision for the Atlantic and ongoing cooperation in the fields of green energy, counter-terrorism, trade agreements, and regional stability. Highlighting the progress made in these areas, Mr. Hajoui underlined the complementarities between the two Kingdoms and the central role Morocco can play in the UKs regional and global strategic objectives. The reconstitution of the APPG-Morocco comes at an important time in Moroccan-British relations, the diplomat observed, adding that it reflects a shared resolve to further strengthen ties between our two kingdoms, address national priorities, and foster parliamentary exchanges and collaboration between our two countries, in line with the speech delivered by HM King Mohammed VI, may God assist Him, on the occasion of the opening of the parliamentary session last October. For his part, Mr. Hamilton said he was honored by his election as co-chairman of the parliamentary group for Morocco. He expressed his determination to work with co-chair Mr. Murrison to strengthen the historic relationship with Morocco, one of the UKs oldest allies. Mr. Murrison welcomed the reconstitution of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Morocco, underlining that the already strong relationship between Morocco and the UK will be taken to a new level. The All-Party Parliamentary Group on Morocco includes over 20 high-profile MPs from across the political spectrum in both Houses of Parliament in Westminster and fulfills its primary vocation of contributing to efforts aimed at further enhancing the level of relations between Morocco and the UK. The group also aims to strengthen strategic parliamentary diplomacy. Its re-establishment reflects a strong desire to develop this diplomacy in the service of relations between the Kingdom of Morocco and the United Kingdom. It is also a renewed commitment to strengthening dialogue on crucial regional and global issues, paving the way for even more fertile and solid bilateral relations between two countries bound by a long history of friendship. Besides Murrison, former Minister for the Middle East and North Africa, Northern Ireland, and Defense, and Hamilton, former Minister for Peace and Disarmament and member of the Foreign Affairs Committee in the former shadow government, the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Morocco comprises parliamentarians with extensive experience in key foreign affairs, trade, and security issues. Notable members include Afzal Khan, a Labour member of the House of Commons (lower house) and former shadow government Minister for Immigration with an active voice on international affairs and human rights issues; Lord Bellingham, a Conservative member of the House of Lords (upper house) and former Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Africa; and Mark Garnier, a Conservative member of the House of Commons and former Minister for International Trade. The group also includes Bambos Charalambous, a Labour member of the House of Commons and former Minister for the Middle East and North Africa in the former Shadow Government; Lord Udny-Lister, a Conservative member of the House of Lords and former Chief of Staff of Downing Street from 2019 to 2021; and Bill Esterson, a Labour member of the House of Commons and Chairman of the Energy and Net Zero Committee. Moroccan Kings Advisor and Founding President of Essaouira-Mogador Association, Andre Azoulay, highlighted earlier this week in Essaouira, the specificity and coherence of Moroccos strategy in the Mediterranean and among nations, during a working session with the management team of the Washington Institute for Near East Policy (WINEP). Gathered at Bayt Dakira, more than thirty directors and managers of WINEP, one of the most prestigious and influential think-tanks in the U.S. capital, had the opportunity to take the measure of the Kingdoms unique and far-sighted contribution to the Mediterranean today. The session, chaired by Azoulay, focused on the pioneering relevance of Moroccos strategic choices, which now make our country a respected and listened-to stakeholder. A stakeholder whose fundamental choices are not dictated by the vagaries of the moment or by the temptation of current opportunities, the Kings Advisor said. We must take into account Moroccos long history to understand its construction of a project for society that reconciles the achievements of our countrys sustained momentum and the pioneering choices that inspire the roadmap laid out by His Majesty the King, making the Kingdom one of the nation-states whose voice is heard and is authoritative in the face of the challenges we are collectively facing, emphasized Azoulay, stressing the historical depth that underpins the Moroccan exception in the history of American diplomacy. After a debate reviewing the current issues in the region and on the international scene, Robert Satloff, WINEPs Executive Director and a leading American expert on the Middle East and North Africa, pointed out that Morocco, under the enlightened leadership of HM King Mohammed VI, has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to peace and security, adding that the Kingdoms diplomatic initiatives, notably its active role in Arab and African issues, bear witness to its strategic position and growing influence on the international scene. Moroccos cultural diversity is an important asset that must be celebrated and used as a model to follow in the entire world. We have much to learn from the Moroccan approach in interfaith dialogue and peace promotion, he told the press. Morocco and the U.S. share a deep historical relationship, founded on solid common interests and shared values. As we look to the future, I am convinced that our partnership will only grow stronger. Through mutual understanding and increased collaboration, we can bring our two countries even closer together, to the benefit of both our peoples, Satloff said. The Permanent Representative of Morocco to the United Nations, Omar Hilale, stressed in New York that the Algerian proposal for the partition of the Moroccan Sahara is a usual outlet for its diplomatic setbacks. During a press briefing following the adoption by the Security Council of the resolution on the Sahara, Hilale reacted to the debate sparked by the Algerian proposal for partition, presented by the Personal Envoy, Staffan de Mistura, to the members of the Council during the closed consultations of October 16, 2024. Omar Hilale presented three elements to better understand Moroccos position and thus close the debate on a stillborn Algerian proposal. Regarding the political paternity of this proposal, the ambassador revealed that neither the former Personal Envoy, James Baker, nor the current one, Staffan de Mistura, were at the origin of this idea of partition. They were only messengers of Algeria. The Moroccan diplomat recalled that this idea, far from being new, had initially been presented by the late former Algerian president Abdelaziz Bouteflika on November 2, 2001, during his meeting with Baker in Houston. This proposal was reaffirmed by the former Algerian Permanent Representative in New York, Abdellah Baali, in a letter to the President of the Security Council, dated 22 July 2002. And twenty-two years later, this same proposal was suggested to de Mistura during his latest visit to Algiers at the beginning of the year, Hilale said. Regarding the reasons that led Algeria to submit its partition proposal in 2001 and 2024, Ambassador Hilale linked them to the regional and international context surrounding the evolution of the Moroccan Sahara issue, explaining that Algeria uses partition as an outlet whenever it finds itself on the diplomatic defensive, seeking to evade international pressure as the main stakeholder in this regional dispute. Thus, in 2001, the presentation of the partition followed the report of the UN Secretary-General of February 17, 2000, declaring the inapplicability of the settlement plan and definitively burying the referendum option, dear to Algeria, and its rejection of the framework agreement presented, in June 2001, by Baker, noted Hilale, specifying that the objective of the Algerian scheme was to mitigate the negative impact of both its rejection of Bakers plan, and the frustration caused by the burial of the settlement plan. The ambassador noted that in 2024, Algeria found itself again on the defensive following its diplomatic setbacks in recent years. Algeria has been subjected to pressure from successive Security Council resolutions, calling on it to resume its place at the round tables, as well as the diplomatic impact of the recognition of the Moroccanness of the Sahara by the United States and France, and the broad international support for the Moroccan Autonomy Initiative, notably by half of the member countries of the European Union, reinforced by the opening of some thirty consulates in Laayoune and Dakhla. Algeria has therefore sought to find a way out of its isolation by updating its partition proposal submitted to de Mistura. Regarding Moroccos reaction to the Algerian proposal, Hilale recalled the clear, firm and unambiguous response of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nasser Bourita: Moroccos sovereignty over its Sahara and its territorial integrity have never been on the negotiating table. In this regard, he stressed that the return of the Sahara to its motherland is irreversible, calling on Algeria and the Personal Envoy to never forget that 35 million Moroccans swore loyalty to the Green March before the late King Hassan II, and that the Sahrawi tribal leaders expressed their allegiance, like their ancestors, to the Moroccan Sovereigns, the late King Hassan II and King Mohammed VI. The Moroccan diplomat reminded those who call for partition of the blood shed and the sacrifices made by the Royal Armed Forces in the defense and preservation of the Sahara within the motherland. For all these reasons, the Kingdom rejects any partition, even of a single grain of sand of the Moroccan Sahara. In the press briefing, Omar Hilale stressed that the new Security Council resolution on the Sahara issue positions the Moroccan autonomy initiative as the one and only basis for the negotiation of a political solution to this regional dispute within the framework of the Kingdoms sovereignty and territorial integrity. Hilale affirmed that this new resolution enshrines for the 17th consecutive year the pre-eminence of the Moroccan autonomy initiative, deeming it a serious and credible effort and positioning it as the one and only basis for the negotiation of a political solution to the regional dispute within the framework of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Kingdom. Musk at his America PAC event in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, on October 26. Photo: Samuel Corum/Getty Images Marshall Miller has been canvassing in the crucial and vote-rich regions of eastern Pennsylvania for years. A leader in the local Democratic Party in his hometown of Lancaster, Miller is used to crossing paths with his Republican opponents while out knocking doors. Both sides keep it polite maintaining a respectful distance if they both happen to arrive at the same house at the same time. This year, though, it has been lonelier on the sidewalks of the Keystone State. Miller says that there has been scarcely a Republican door knocker in sight lately and that remains true with just hours to go before the polls close. Honestly, it feels kind of bizarre, Miller said when he was on his way to Delaware County for another afternoon of canvassing. Usually, I would see them and nod or say hi or something, but I have knocked on a fair number of doors at this point and havent seen them around at all. The lack of evidence of a Republican ground operation in Pennsylvania and in many of the swing states comes as the Trump campaign has attempted a novel approach to its get-out-the-vote strategy: relying almost entirely on America PAC, a super-PAC that is largely funded by Elon Musk, who has donated more than $120 million to elect Donald Trump this year. That effort has been plagued by a seemingly endless series of stories attesting to its mismanagement and lack of focus. Wired reported that canvassers in Michigan affiliated with America PAC were hired from out of state without being told their job was to knock on doors on behalf of Trump; once they arrived, they would be driven around in the back of a seatless U-Haul van, where they were told that unless they met their canvassing quotas, they would have to pay for their own lodgings and airfare without compensation for their work. Last month, The Guardian reported that a quarter of the door-knocks Musks canvassers said they had completed were flagged by an auditor as fraudulent, as the PACs foot soldiers were found to be not near the location of the homes they were supposed to have visited; one was even logging door-knocks while sitting at a nearby restaurant. America PAC has been run by a political-consulting firm managed by Phil Cox, a prominent Republican operative who was involved in a similar super-PAC-run canvassing effort on behalf of Florida governor Ron DeSantis in the Republican primaries before DeSantis flamed out in the Iowa caucuses. After Cox was brought in over the summer, the super-PAC terminated its relationship with the vendors who had been working with the PAC previously and brought in vendors that are affiliated with Cox. I think it is just an absolute joke, said one former DeSantis campaign official. There is so much dysfunction to it. There are like three new articles every day on how awful it is, and it seems like just a cash cow for the people that are running it. If Trump wins, it wont be because of anything these guys are doing. In October, Musk hijacked the X handle @America from its previous owner in order to promote his latest project. Pinned to the top of @Americas profile, just below its mission statement (PAC Founded by @ElonMusk to support candidates who champion Secure Borders, Sensible Spending, Safe Cities, Fair Justice System, Free Speech and Self-Protection), are options to submit an application to be a paid canvasser at $29 to $30 an hour. Experienced canvassers, who are usually volunteers, say that is a much higher wage than usual for the work. Those are not the only ways that Musk has been willing to spend his money. In October, he announced he would give $47 to everyone who convinced even one registered swing-state voter to sign a petition saying they supported the First and Second Amendment to the Constitution. The project was a way both to get potential voters to register without violating the federal law that forbids paying people to register outright and to identify potential Trump voters. A few weeks later, Musk upped the giveaway to $100 for voters in Pennsylvania. Then Musk went even further, announcing that he would award $1 million every day to one random petition-signer. This caught the attention of Philadelphia district attorney Larry Krasner, who sued, arguing that it amounted to running an illegal lottery. Musks lawyers pushed to have the case moved to federal court, and on Thursday, a federal judge put the case on hold before remanding it back to state court a day later. While canvassing operations tend to be pretty open about their work, since they are often volunteer-driven and involve face-to-face communication out in the open, America PAC has been buttoned up about its approach. The group has no real physical presence in the communities in which it operates, and a spokesperson would only say that its pushing mail, text messages, digital outreach, and door-to-door canvassing in its effort to elect Trump. The spokesperson admitted that the secrecy was unusual but added, You pointing that out is not going to change our approach. Musks initial foray into electioneering may have been chaotic, but high-ranking Republican operatives and Trump campaign officials say that his utility to them has been significant nonetheless. It has been just over two years since Musk bought Twitter and renamed it X, and in that time, a social-media site known for being the meeting space for liberals and the media and a place where elite narratives could take hold has taken on a more right-wing character, while still remaining the digital campfire for beltway journalists and the people they cover. He is definitely trying to have an impact on the election; there is no doubt about that, said Joe Trippi, a longtime Democratic operative who is building his own social network, called Sez Us, to act as a counter to X. He just said that CNN should be called the Disinformation News Network and he has 200 million followers. How could that not have an effect? Trippi pointed out not only that Musk has enormous personal reach, which he uses to amplify positive messages about Trump and spread negative ones (including some falsehoods) about Democrats but also that the X platform itself now compounds those effects. Anyone who clicks on the algorithmically controlled For You tab on the site is likely to see multiple posts from Musk himself, accompanied by viral posts that skew Trumpian (for instance, clips depicting a country overrun by migrants and criminals). Trump-campaign officials have looked on with amazement as messages that they struggled to call attention to, such as J.D. Vances visit to the border, suddenly go megaviral online thanks to Musks boost. The help is even more appreciated, they say, since under the previous regime of the website, many conservatives felt that their voices were being censored or suppressed. Its amazing, said one Republican operative close to Trump. Hes engaging in politics in a way that no one in that kind of position has really done before, and he is hitting all of the pro-Trump and anti-Kamala notes you could ask for and making things go viral left and right. Its not even that he is the owner of the site; its the fact that he is engaging in a way he never did. Twitter, or X, or whatever you call it, is still the place where media narratives are created on both sides of the aisle. Twelve percent of the U.S. population is on Twitter, and that includes top Republican and Democratic operatives. Musk has been holding town halls across Pennsylvania that, if nothing else, earn the campaign publicity on local-news outlets, which campaign officials say counts for far more than coverage on cable TV and in the national press. When Musk appeared at a town hall in the central Pennsylvania city of Lancaster last week, the headline for the story on the local CBS News affiliate read, Harris Is a Puppet: Elon Musk Returns to Pa. for Town Hall, Promotes Early Voting. A few days earlier, a local TV affiliate in Harrisburg quoted Musk telling town-hall attendees that safe cities, secure borders, sensible spending were his reasons for supporting Trump. To protect the Constitution, especially the right to free speech. These are all things that seem very obvious and frankly normal and theyre in severe danger if the Kamala machine wins, Musk continued, according to the story on ABC27News in Harrisburg. One Trump campaign official described Musk as being like Mike Lindell, the MyPillow magnate who was a relentless promotor of Trump in 2020 except that Musk is someone with real money. We just stand back and marvel. He is moving the needle for us with the young and unmotivated male vote that we need in a state like Pennsylvania. said this official. Politics is a game of inches. Elon brings a foot. Vincent T. Davis covers the people and life stories of San Antonio. He can be reached at vtdavis@express-news.net. An Air Force veteran, he started at the San Antonio Express-News in 1999 as a part-time editorial assistant working nights and weekends while attending San Antonio College and working on the staff of the campus newspaper, The Ranger. He completed a 3-month fellowship from the Freedom Forum Diversity Institute at Vanderbilt University in 2003 and holds a bachelor's degree in communication design from Texas State University in 2006. Charles Sanchez, 33, is wanted on a charge of continous sexual abuse of a child. Bexar County Sheriff's Office The Bexax County Sheriff's office on Saturday was asking the public for help locating a 33-year-old man who is on the run, charged with sexual abuse of a child. The Sheriff's office said a warrant was issued for Charles Francisco Sanchez in 2022 on a charge of continuous sexual abuse of a child. After the report of abuse was filed, Sanchez fled. He took the family vehicle and abandoned it in Kansas. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Sanchez has no ties to family or friends in Kansas, so he may be in another state or back in Bexar County. "Sanchez has been on the run and we need the publics help in locating him," Sheriff's officials said in a news release. Sanchez is 6-feet-tall and has brown hair and brown eyes. Officials cautioned that the photo of Sanchez that has been released to the public is dated, and he may have altered his appearance. If you have any information regarding Sanchez, call BCSO at 210-335-6000. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: In this photo released by Xinhua News Agency, astronaut Li Guangsu waves as he is carried out of the re-entry capsule of the Shenzhou-18 manned space mission after it landed successfully at the Dongfeng landing site in northern China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, early Monday, Nov. 4, 2024. Credit: Li Xin/Xinhua via AP Three Chinese astronauts returned to Earth on Monday after a six-month stay on the Tiangong space station, part of China's effort to be a global leader in space exploration. A parachute slowed their capsule's nighttime descent to a remote landing area in China's Inner Mongolia region. The crew emerged after touching down at 1:24 a.m. A Chinese national flag stuck in the ground near the capsule flapped in the wind. In recent years, the country's space program has brought back rocks from the moon and landed a rover on Mars. It aims to put a person on the moon by 2030, which would make China the second nation after the United States to do so. The space station astronauts returned after welcoming a replacement three-person crew last week for the latest six-month mission. The new team of one woman and two men will conduct experiments, carry out spacewalks and install equipment to protect the station from space debris. A space agency official said in April that Tiangong had maneuvered several times to avoid debris and had partially lost power when the solar wing's power cables were hit by debris, according to a report from the official Xinhua News Agency. China is among the countries that have created space debris, including the reported break-up of a rocket stage in August during the launch of the first 18 satellites for a global internet service similar to Starlink, the still-growing constellation of satellites operated by Elon Musk's SpaceX. Chinese astronauts for the Shenzhou-18 mission, from right, Ye Guangfu, Li Cong, and Li Guangsu wave as they attend a send-off ceremony for their manned space mission at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwestern China, April 25, 2024. Credit: AP Photo/Andy Wong, File In this photo released by Xinhua News Agency, astronaut Li Cong waves as he is carried out of the re-entry capsule of the Shenzhou-18 manned space mission after it landed successfully at the Dongfeng landing site in northern China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region in the early Monday, Nov. 4, 2024. Credit: Lian Zhen/Xinhua via AP Tiangong, which means Heavenly Palace, was completed two years ago and orbits the earth. Only Chinese astronauts have gone to the space station so far, but a space agency spokesperson said last week that China is in discussions to select and train astronauts from other nations to join the missions, Xinhua reported. Astronauts from several nations have traveled to the International Space Station, but China is blocked from that program mainly because of U.S. concerns over the military's involvement in China's space program. China laid out an ambitious plan last month to become a leader in space science research by 2050 in conjunction with its advances in space exploration. 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: A diagram shows one way the curtains could prevent warm seawater from reaching the terminus of the glacier. Credit: Nature (2024). DOI: 10.1038/d41586-024-00119-3 New studies about the Thwaites Glacier, also called the "Doomsday Glacier," have sparked a conversation about geoengineering as a climate change solution. One study published in May and led by University of California Irvine and University of Waterloo scientists found that warming tidal currents are accelerating the Thwaites' melting and leading to quicker retreat than models have predicted, while another study published in August and led by researchers at Dartmouth College and University of Edinburgh found that the Thwaites may be less vulnerable to instability and collapse than previously thought. With the fate of the Thwaites still uncertain, some scientists and engineers are turning to controversial ideas on how to alter the environment to slow glacier melt. Understanding accelerated melt from warm tidal currents The Thwaites Glacier is one of a line of glaciers sitting along the marine-facing rim of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet (WAIS)a massive bowl of ice nearly three times the size of Texas sitting in a basin below sea level in Western Antarctica. The only bulwarks that prevent the ocean from filling the basin and melting or dislodging the ice are the glaciers. This situation has led scientists and the media to term the Thwaitesa glacier larger than the entire state of Floridathe "Doomsday Glacier" because its breach would allow warmer ocean waters to melt the WAIS and raise sea levels by nearly 11 feet. This would put many large coastal cities and small island nations at extreme risk. The Thwaites is retreating rapidly due to climate change, and already accounts for 4% of sea level rise on Earth, losing 50 billion tons of ice each year. Due to the catastrophic sea level rise that would occur, the breaching of the Thwaites and subsequent dislodgement of the WAIS are what's known as a tipping point in climate science. A tipping point is when crossing a critical thresholdin this case, atmospheric and oceanic warmingleads to large, accelerating, and irreversible changes in the climate system. The melting of the Thwaites Glacier would lead to the collapse of the WAIS which would in turn cause irreversible sea level rise that could endanger millions of people and accelerate warming of other ice. The PNAS study led by UC Irvine and University of Waterloo researchers used high-resolution satellite images and hydrological data to identify areas where warm tidal currents were flowing under the ice and causing faster melt. Understanding the melt rate is critical for predicting sea level rise according to Christine Dow. Dow, an associate professor of glaciology at the University of Waterloo and a co-author of the study, said in an interview with Scientific American, "We were hoping it would take a hundred, 500 years to lose that ice. A big concern right now is if it happens much faster than that." However, there is some hope for the WAIS. The study by Dartmouth College and University of Edinburgh researchers found that the Thwaites is not as susceptible to a process called marine ice cliff instability (MICI) as previously thought. The MICI hypothesis suggests that tall ice cliffs formed by retreating glaciers are unstable and collapse more easily, but this study showed that thinning of the Thwaites could actually reduce the calving rate and stabilize ice cliffs, highlighting the need for better models when making predictions about the WAIS. Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. Debate over geoengineering as a solution Faced with uncertainty and the potential of rapid and extreme sea level rise if the Thwaites melts faster than expected, some scientists are turning to glacial geoengineeringthe process of using technology and infrastructure to slow or stop glacier retreat even as global temperatures increaseas a potential solution. A group of glaciologists affiliated with the Climate Systems Engineering Initiative at the University of Chicago released a report in July of this year calling for more research into glacier geoengineering in response to the threats posed by rapidly retreating glaciers. John Moore, a professor with the Arctic Center at the University of Lapland and co-author of the report, explained the necessity of starting this work now to UChicago News, saying, "it will take 15 to 30 years for us to understand enough to recommend or rule out any [glacier geoengineering] interventions," meaning they must start immediately to be prepared. Some of the ideas for protecting the Thwaites and other marine-terminating glaciers like it are considered radical, including creating giant submarine curtains that would at least partially prevent warm tidal currents from reaching the glacier ice. The curtains could be made of fabric or even bubbles if a pipe with holes drilled into it and air pumped through it could be placed between the Thwaites and the warm water. Glacial geoengineering interventions like these could be extremely useful if implemented correctly, according to Gernot Wagner, a climate economist in the Columbia Climate School. In an interview with GlacierHub, Wagner said, "for some polar tipping points like Arctic sea ice and the WAIS, glacial geoengineering seems to be the only way for us to more or less guarantee that we can address these tipping points." However, many of these ideas have faced opposition from glaciologists and climate scientists who claim that they would be difficult or impossible to achieve and draw focus away from the more necessary conversation of reducing carbon emissions. By relying too much on strategies like geoengineering, these scientists argue we may fail to act to curb emissions. Wagner takes a nuanced approach. His initial reaction to the idea of installing curtains was "that it seems crazy. Geoengineering options like these curtains could detract from the need to cut emissions." On the flipside, he said, "you can use it as a push to say, 'wait, if serious people are talking about [using curtains] as a solution, maybe we should be taking it more seriously and cutting emissions much more.'" As we creep closer to climate tipping points like the melting of the Thwaites Glacier, many believe geoengineering has the potential to be a powerful tool so long as it is not treated as a silver bullet. As Wagner stated, "When we talk about glacial geoengineering, we need to tell the truth, which is that it's not a solution to climate changeat best, it's a painkiller. It allows us to get out of bed and do what is necessary to address the underlying illness while taking the edge off the worst of the pain. "[But] geoengineering doesn't solve anything, so we need to use the time it gives us to address emissions." This story is republished courtesy of Earth Institute, Columbia University http://blogs.ei.columbia.edu. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: This 2014 image provided by NASA shows a Taurid fireball recorded at the NASA All Sky Fireball Network station in Tullahoma, Tenn. Credit: NASA via AP Two sister meteor showers are already flashing across night skiesand will peak a week apart. The Southern Taurids will reach their zenith early Tuesday morning and the Northern Taurids on Nov. 12. While the two showers only produce around five visible meteors per hour under ideal viewing conditions, they are often very bright fireballs, said Sally Brummel, planetarium manager at the University of Minnesota's Bell Museum. "What's notable is that they're likely to produce brighter and longer-lasting meteors than some other showers, even if there aren't as many" at a time, she said. The Southern Taurids will peak on an evening with only a slim crescent moon just 11% full. The Northern Taurids may be more obstructed by moonlight since the moon will be 79% full. Viewing of both showers will last into December. Here's what to know about the Taurids and other meteor showers. What is a meteor shower? Multiple meteor showers occur annually and you don't need special equipment to see them. Most meteor showers originate from the debris of comets. Both showers share the same parent sourceoriginating from the debris of comet Encke. When rocks from space enter Earth's atmosphere, the resistance from the air makes them very hot. This causes the air to glow around them and briefly leaves a fiery tail behind themthe end of a "shooting star." The glowing pockets of air around fast-moving space rocks, ranging from the size of a dust particle to a boulder, may be visible in the night sky. The two showers share similar names because, when seen in the night sky, they appear to originate from different points in the constellation Taurus. How to view a meteor shower Meteor showers are usually most visible between midnight and predawn hours. It's easier to see shooting stars under dark skies, away from city lights. Meteor showers also appear brightest on cloudless nights when the moon wanes smallest. And your eyes will better adapted to seeing meteors if you aren't checking your phone. When is the next meteor shower? Not long after the Taurids, the next big meteor shower, the Leonids, will peak on the early morning of Nov. 17. 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. A man, who appeared intoxicated, was "pulling front door handles" at an apartment complex before police detained him and took him to a "city facility" for health care. A man who appeared to be impaired by intoxicants died in police custody while receiving health care at a "city facility" Saturday morning, San Antonio police said. Officers arrived around 11:15 a.m. in the 1100 block of Bandera Road for a disturbance call. Police found a man who appeared to be under the influence "pulling front door handles'' at an apartment complex, according to the preliminary police report. After detaining the man, 40, police transported him to a "city facility" in the 600 block of North Frio Street to receive health care. The man became unresponsive at the facility, and emergency personnel were called. The medics pronounced the man dead. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The Bexar County Medical Examiner declined to release the man's name because his family has not been notified. The medical examiner has not yet determined the cause of death. Ill admit it: election coverage? Not really my thing. Personally, I am on Team Nice, Hard Shovel Whack. Thats why Im thrilled to announce that todays Slate crossword has done the impossible. It has seen into the future and determined with 100 percent accuracy the name of our 47th president. Yes! Its true! Go ahead and see for yourself! Ill give you a moment to solve the puzzle while I slowly drink from a coffee mug filled with pollsters tears. (Spoilers below.) OK, OK, Ill admit itthe puzzle is hedging its bets. Youll note that four of the clues in this grid are just vague enough that they have two valid answers that differ by one letter. For instance, both a LEAK and a LEAD are accurately described by the clue [One might help a journalist break a big story]. The end result of this strategic vagueness is that whether you plunked DONALD or KAMALA in the middle of the grid, your answer is valid. Devoted solvers of the Slate crossword will note that a similar gimmick was used in our Sept. 24 puzzle (a West Wing tribute which purported to have the right spelling of Muammar [G/Q]addafis name), as well as the July 19 puzzle (a game where you might check with queens can be solved as either CHESS or POKER). Crossword constructors call grids like these Schrodinger puzzles, and todays Slate crossword is part of a long lineage of not just Schrodinger puzzles, but Schrodinger puzzles that purport to call the presidential race. The story begins in 1980 with a man named Jeremiah Farrell. Farrell was a math professor at Butler University who constructed crosswords on the side, and he had just made a doozy of a grid. Clued as the winner of that years election, 1-Across could be either CARTER or REAGAN. He submitted the puzzle to the New York Times, where it was rejected by then-editor Eugene Maleska (who apparently really thought that John Anderson, the RFK Jr. of the the 1980 race, had a shot at the presidency). Farrell then sent his puzzle to Games Magazine, where it caught the eye of a young associate editor named Will Shortz. Shortz loved the grid, but he had received it too late; Farrells CARTER/REAGAN grid was dead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sixteen years later, Farrell retooled his concept, crafting another presidential Schrodinger puzzle that cemented his name in cruciverbal history. On Election Day 1996, the New York Times crossword made national news when a clue claimed to predict the [Lead story in tomorrows newspaper (!)]. This was, as you can surmise, a diabolical ruse. Farrell (with an assist from Shortz, who had by then taken the reins as the Times puzzle editor) had written a puzzle where the middle of the grid could read both BOB DOLE ELECTED and CLINTON ELECTED. Among the solvers vexed by this puzzle were Dole and Clinton themselves, as they recounted in the 2006 documentary Wordplay. Advertisement Advertisement Farrells Election Day 96 puzzle is, by pretty much any standard, the most famous individual crossword puzzle of all time (as well as Shortzs personal favorite!). As such, its inspired its share of tributes and parodies. The funniest of these, in my estimation, is the puzzle my AVCX colleague Francis Heaney made for Election Day 2016, which takes Farrells grid layout and repurposes it for a Schrodinger puzzle about a different Clinton eyeing the White House. Todays Slate crossword is more of a loose homage to Farrell than a parody, but I did make some attempt to mimic his puzzles layout, with its grid-spanning entries at the puzzles top and bottom. (I also threw in a little Easter egg for our eagle-eyed solversdid you spot it?) Advertisement The Schrodinger puzzle is a versatile format, and every couple of years a grid with a similar conceit goes viral. In 2016, Ben Tausig made headlines with a GENDERFLUID grid in which squares could be filled with either an M or an F; a 2022 Sunday Times puzzle by Steve McCarthy politely trolled sci-fi fans when it weighed in on whether STAR TREK was better than STAR WARS. Puzzles like this are tricky to pull off, and I find myself awed by the handful of constructors who are able to make it look effortless. I dont have a crystal ball, and I dont actually know who our next president will be. But I feel confident predicting that this wont be the last time the Slate crossword runs a grid like this. Shyla Carter was recently beefing with a classmate. The 13-year-old set down her math homework as she described the issue to her former teacher, JP Peralta. The miscommunication began in person, she clarified, but quickly trickled online. Carter, frustrated with the way it was handled on social media, decided to delete her Instagram and TikTok. Too many things are baiting her rage right now: interpersonally, politically, internationally. She heaved a sigh. I see so many things that be making me want to scream, she said. I dont know, chat. Carter likes using the word chat to address people. It can be used to address her friends all together, her friends individually, and sometimes her family members. Its both singular and plural. Its both second and third person. Everybody, regardless of the size of the intended audience, is chat. I say it all day long, she said. In any situation. The terms chat and chat is this real have exploded in popularity over the past few years. The term, originally used in contexts like chat, this real? to chat, am I cooked? stems from the world of Twitch and Discord, as streamers ask their audience for clarification, support, and answersall within the confines of the streams chat window, where viewers can communicate with the streamer through text. But now, its become adopted as IRL slang, used in any context, for any reason at all. Popularized by gamers like iShowSpeed in 2023, the term originally began as creators ironically asked their followers to identify obviously doctored or A.I.-generated content presented to them during their live streams (Chat is this real?). As it moved through TikTok and Instagram, the term focused solely on the plural possessive, as people jokingly addressed their intangible audiences. In spaces like r/Teachers on Reddit, educators have shared hundreds of stories about the moniker taking over classrooms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My friends around me watch a lot of Twitch and livestream, so they get it from Kai Cenat and Duke Dennis, people like that, Carter said. I use it for people around me. Like, Yo chat, come here. Advertisement I think it shows that young people value inclusivity in group interactions, and I love that about this generation. Peralta, who teaches drama to students in kindergarten through sixth grade, said that its not uncommon nowadays to see the structures of social mediacomment etiquette bleed into interpersonal interactions among his students. Chat is one of the most common, used frequently between students and even between Peralta and his class. He said it often begins around late elementary to early middle school, dovetailing with the nascent stages of puberty. I cant say Im from Ohio, he said, referencing the popular, post-ironic replacement slang term for cringe that quickly became oversaturated as more mainstream attention was brought to it, or Ill just lose the class. Of course, among older people, anything involving children and the internet is primed to inspire concern. Much hand-wringing has already been written about Gen Alpha being illiterate iPad babies who are doomed to a society of our own making, but Carter doesnt think the rise of chat is any more special than the popularization of any other slang term. She wouldnt use chat in a context like school, particularly concerning unfamiliar peers or authority figures. Its simply derived from their pop culture, and adds a bit more humor and energy to the conversation. Advertisement Advertisement Darlene Intlekofer, a sociolinguistics instructor at CUNY Graduate Center, told me that slang often helps develop a communal sense of identity and social code among peers. Terms like chat also speak to the cultural norms being shaped among young peoplenotably, the desire to cope with the natural stress or anxiety of growing up with humor and lightheartedness. I think it shows that young people value inclusivity in group interactions, and I love that about this generation, Intlekofer said. Advertisement The language does offer contextual distinctions from other monikers used to address a group of people. Intlekofer notes that her 11-year-old daughter and her friends have all expressed feelings of social anxiety to her. For them, using chat can often function as an icebreaker when addressing people in the second person. One friend said that Gen Alpha has grown up witnessing confrontationsthink Karen memes, where people aggressively confront others in public, Intlekofer said. They said theyve learned to avoid these kinds of confrontations by using softer, less direct communication, and chat is a perfect example of that. It keeps things casual and nonthreatening, which can help ease the social pressures they face. But Peralta emphasizes that many of these concernsa desire to be seen as funny, popular, and in the know by your peersare often normal of any child entering puberty. The difference, he said, is that now children can see directly who is at the top of the likable pecking order, simply by swiping up and seeing whose comments and posts got the most likes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its the same stuff weve been seeing, but we can point a finger more specifically at what were looking at, he said. They see these videos and think, I see a quantitative measure of how funny this is. So if I mimic it, I can be funny, too. Or If I see something crazy or out of pocket, I can be funny, too. Peralta has said he and his colleagues have noticed an issue among students where ideas of wit, humor, and aspirational personality are conflated with whoever has the top-liked comment. The roast battles among students at school could be ripped right out of a TikTok comments section. And while its not new for preteens to say outrageous things to one another in the hopes of currying popularity, Peralta has noticed a direct trickle-down from the internet in terms of how things are said. Advertisement Its one of those things we constantly have to defuse, he said. Its usually the kids who want to be funny who will repeat things that they hear or say that performed well online. The language of getting ratioed and owned are through lines of this, Peralta added. TikTok comment trends get traded back and forth on the daily, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Sometimes, the language and words they use from the internet are much more problematic. He references a phrase that was said in school that stemmed from a phrase that often crops up under womens posts online, where users leave scourges of comments on female creators videos, saying its bubblegum pink, referencing the creators Its not [the students] trying to make a sexual remark, Peralta explained. Its repeating something that you understand enough to know its inflammatory but not enough to know how harmful and unsafe it is. Its a reality that will inevitably happen as the internet becomes an all-encompassing space for young people navigating the world. Industries catering to preteens have crumbled as social media has become the epicenter of cultural dissemination, with tween fashion and beauty largely being folded into brands that cater to adults. Related From Slate A Family Is Suing a School Over a Bad Grade. How Did We Get Here? Read More Children and adults are consuming the same content, and that content will inevitably inform their socialization. And while the question of responsibility and blame gets shifted from creators to parents to governments to tech companies, Peralta said its less about punishing students and more about being honest with them, as well as giving them the fundamental instruction and perspective on how to navigate their reality. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im perhaps not giving enough credit to the fact that there are so many kids who are really well-socialized and have a great handle on this thing, he said. This crazy antisocial behavior stands out more than it ever has because you can point to all these different causes, but there are so many kids who have more tools in their tool bag than Ive ever seen. Advertisement Carter thinks its simply a result of not knowing when to keep online things online and offline things off. The problem with this very beef was the way that things trickled online, where miscommunication became even more frayed with subtweets and shade. And shes not alone. Peralta said that many students have expressed the desire to live in an age where they didnt have to deal with the complications and sensationalism of social media. But theyre the only ones who really understand each others problems. If I can just delete it, I wont have to be mad, Carter reasoned. Who wants to be mad? Not me. She gathered her books, math homework completed. She showed Peralta and me the finished sheet before heading out for the evening. Later, chat, she said. https://sputnikglobe.com/20241103/harris-trump-campaigns-raised-almost-14bln-in-total-spent-over-12bln-1120759904.html Harris, Trump Campaigns Raised Almost $1.4Bln in Total, Spent Over $1.2Bln Harris, Trump Campaigns Raised Almost $1.4Bln in Total, Spent Over $1.2Bln Sputnik International The campaign to elect Democrat Kamala Harris as US president has raised almost a billion dollars, while her Republican rival Donald Trump has raised just under $400 million, according to open data and calculations by US media based on statistics from the Federal Election Commission. 2024-11-03T05:42+0000 2024-11-03T05:42+0000 2024-11-03T05:42+0000 americas 2024 us presidential election donald trump kamala harris joe biden trump campaign republican democrats https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/0a/1b/1120688902_0:0:3066:1725_1920x0_80_0_0_d1671b8e34a3a70602da608b4fdd04c0.jpg According to the Federal Election Commission as of mid-October, almost all of the funds raised have been spent: Harris has $118 million left, while Trump has $36.2 million. Thus, the candidates have spent more than $1.2 billion in total. In the final stage of the race, Harris was outraising Trump almost five-fold, having added $97.2 million in early October against $16.2 million for the Republican. Harris outpaced the politicians nominated in the previous election cycle in terms of the speed of fundraising, since she became a candidate only a few months before the election. Harris set a record for the speed of fundraising, having accumulated more than $1 billion in three months. In the last election cycle, two candidates raised $1.85 billion: $785 million for Trump, $1.06 billion for Joe Biden. US media report that Trump's smaller spending may be related to a strategy in which salaries and rent of rally sites are paid by structures associated with the Republicans. Trump's most generous donor was billionaire Timothy Mellon, who donated $150 million, while entrepreneur Elon Musk contributed $120 million. About 50 billionaires provided financial support to the politician. Harris is backed by 76 wealthy Americans. The US presidential election will be held on November 5. https://sputnikglobe.com/20241101/tricks-of-the-trade-how-the-white-house-and-legacy-media-concoct-pro-democrat-narratives-1120748951.html americas Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International 2024 us presidential elections, 2024 trump vs harris, trump funding, harris funding, campaign funds, trump finance, trump harris race, us elections LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JUNE 29: TikTok food reviewer Keith Lee is interviewed after attending a game between the New York Liberty and the Las Vegas Aces at Michelob ULTRA Arena on June 29, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Aces defeated the Liberty 98-81. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Ethan Miller/Getty Images TikTok food critic Keith Lee (right) and his wife Ronnie Lee (left) visited The Puddery on Nov. 28 after trying its signature banana pudding and other dessert iterms. Owner Janel Prator (center) received a $2,000 tip from Lee following the review. Courtesy of Janel Prator TikToker Keith Lee, best known for his restaurant reviews, announced he has moved to Texas. Unique Nicole/Getty Images Keith Lee, the famous food critic with more than 16 million followers on TikTok, announced he has moved to Texas. In a video posted Saturday, Lee shared that after living in Las Vegas for a decade, he made the move with his wife and two kids. "I moved to Vegas when I was 18," he said in the video, which had amassed more than 339,000 likes by Sunday morning. "I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life." Advertisement Article continues below this ad Lee's announcement quickly sparked a guessing game as to where the social media influencer has bought a home in the Lone Star State, especially when he ranked Houston as the second best food city in the nation even after visits to Dallas. The former mixed martial arts fighter has become world-renowned for his honest and entertaining restaurant reviews, often traveling across the country to highlight small or family-owned businesses. With such a large following, Lee's reviews carry weight. A positive review can lead to booming business for some restaurants and even save a struggling business. But any negative comment from Lee could elicit repercussions for restaurant owners. The critic, who has built up a following filming his his direct-but-not-too-harsh reviews in a car, panned a number of Atlanta restaurants, which garnered national attention. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In his recent video, Lee lamented the downside of having such a large following. Specifically, he expressed frustration that his positive acts often are overshadowed by negativity from viewers and the media. "The Internet can quickly shift from something that's fun and beyond enjoyable to quickly reaching an audience that would never see your point of view or understand where you're coming from, and that's what I feel like we reached," he said. "It was to a point where it was really affecting me." TIKTOK CRITICS H-TOWN TOUR: Every Houston restaurant TikTok critic Keith Lee has reviewed so far, including the Breakfast Klub The generous tips, which Lee regularly drops at restaurants he visits, often go viral on social media. He's given money to servers and people working a cash register, regardless of whether the food receives a positive review. Advertisement Article continues below this ad For the Puddery, a dessert shop specializing in banana pudding, the surge of business for a woman-owned restaurant on the brink of shuttering was overwhelming. Prator temporarily closed the shop after Houstonians lined out the door when Lee raved about her Oreo "Craffle," a croissant-waffle mashup, which generated more than 20 million views on TikTok. The Puddery reopened after Prator hired more employees and caught up on making more desserts. Her success even lured Houston rapper Slim Thug to pay a visit. On Instagram, the Puddery welcomed Lee to Texas: "Lets show Keith Lee and his famiLEE some love in the comments. We cant wait to watch as he continues to change lives here in Texas and around the world." While he did not mention the Texas town he moved to, Lee said he has a busy month ahead, with lots of "huge things" in store, including his continued food tour. Advertisement Article continues below this ad https://sputnikglobe.com/20241103/only-half-of-101-israeli-hostages-held-in-gaza-strip-still-alive---reports-1120763406.html Only Half of 101 Israeli Hostages Held in Gaza Strip Still Alive - Reports Only Half of 101 Israeli Hostages Held in Gaza Strip Still Alive - Reports Sputnik International About half of 101 Israelis who have been held hostage by Palestinian movement Hamas in the Gaza Strip for over a year now are still alive, Israeli daily reported on Sunday, citing intelligence assessments and open source data. 2024-11-03T13:10+0000 2024-11-03T13:10+0000 2024-11-03T13:10+0000 world middle east israel gaza strip hamas palestine palestine-israel conflict israeli-palestinian conflict palestinians https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/0a/12/1120596900_0:0:3072:1728_1920x0_80_0_0_2c28b4fc9d2115d3fee8d0746d9951f7.jpg The Israeli authorities estimate that 101 hostages remain in Hamas captivity, while 154 others, including the bodies of the deceased, have been returned. Hamas is estimated to be still holding 51 living hostages. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was cited as saying at a parliamentary commission meeting on foreign affairs and security in September that only half of the hostages were believed to be alive. Only 37 hostages were officially declared dead, and their bodies are still being held in the Gaza Strip. The information comes from open data sources and intelligence assessments, but it does not allow the Israeli government to make official statements on the matter, the daily reported. In late October, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Sisi proposed a two-day ceasefire to ensure the release of four Israeli hostages in exchange for several Palestinians held in Israeli custody. The Doha-hosted talks on a hostages-for-ceasefire deal have been deadlocked for months. After the Israeli military killed Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar in October many in Israel saw this as a window of opportunity to negotiate a deal that would bring the remaining hostages back from Gaza. https://sputnikglobe.com/20241028/us-played-critical-support-role-in-israels-strike-on-iran--analyst-1120708837.html israel gaza strip palestine Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International hamas, yahya sinwar, israel, gaza strip, middle east crisis, israeli hostages, gaza war, gaza conflict, israel-hamas conflict https://sputnikglobe.com/20241103/pakistan-imposes-new-tax-on-transit-goods-for-afghanistan---reports-1120762660.html Pakistan Imposes New Tax on Transit Goods for Afghanistan - Reports Pakistan Imposes New Tax on Transit Goods for Afghanistan - Reports Sputnik International Pakistan has imposed an extra 2% tariff on transit goods bound for Afghanistan, making the transit drop by nearly 75%, Tolo News broadcaster reported, citing Afghan traders. 2024-11-03T12:57+0000 2024-11-03T12:57+0000 2024-11-03T12:57+0000 afghanistan pakistan kabul economy https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/107034/54/1070345436_0:67:1280:787_1920x0_80_0_0_e4212358ca4185e3b7e6aeaea8b94cc3.jpg Khan Jan Alokozay, a board member of the Afghan Chamber of Commerce and Investment, was reported to say that Pakistan's move to impose additional duties on all transit goods coming from around the world was unprecedented and warned that trade could decline further. Some Afghan traders see Pakistani tariffs as a violation of international trade rules, Alokozay said. He urged Afghanistan to negotiate a solution with Pakistani authorities. Abdul Ghafoor Naseri, head of the Kabul Fruit and Vegetable Union, told Tolo News that Pakistan charged Afghanistan $519 per shipment. Trader Ramazan Mansouri called the tariffs a severe blow to Afghan traders and farmers. Pakistan reportedly detained more than 4,000 containers carrying Afghanistan-bound transit goods at the Karachi port last year, causing Afghan traders millions of dollars in losses. https://sputnikglobe.com/20241005/russias-afghan-realpolitik-why-moscow-wants-world-to-give-taliban-a-fresh-start-1120431566.html afghanistan pakistan kabul Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International afghanistan taxes pakistan, afghan-pakistan relation, pakistan kabul ties, afghanistan economy, kabul economy https://sputnikglobe.com/20241103/piranha-5-russia-rolls-out-pocket-drone-for-combat-missions-1120763254.html Piranha 5: Russia Rolls Out Pocket Drone for Combat Missions Piranha 5: Russia Rolls Out Pocket Drone for Combat Missions Sputnik International Thousands of Piranha drones of various modifications have been delivered to the special military operation zone since the unveiling of this unmanned aerial vehicle in March 2023. 2024-11-03T13:52+0000 2024-11-03T13:52+0000 2024-11-03T13:52+0000 military russia special operation drone mission object speed servicemen pocket surveillance https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/0b/03/1120763093_0:0:3071:1728_1920x0_80_0_0_0d87d56c3c851dafaea8f6187e23495c.jpg Engineers from the Russian special design bureau, Piranha, created an advanced combat training mini-drone, which has already been mass produced. What should you know about the Piranha 5 unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), and how does it help Russian servicemen?Small and fast: The 12-centimeter drone, which weighs just 300 grams and has a payload mass of 1 kilogram, is capable of flying at a speed of 200 kilometers per hour. The range is up to 3 kilometers.Sharky: Thanks to its light weight and high-load capacity, the Piranha 5 can also be used to storm objects with limited space, the spokesperson said, adding that this "pocket drone" is best suited for performing tasks within a radius of 1-3 km.Notably, the UAV pertains to the Piranha drone family, which was used by Russian forces to destroy Ukraines first US-made M1 Abrams tank in the special operation zone. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240601/russia-creates-worlds-first-ground-based-fpv-kamikaze-drone-1118729684.html russia Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Oleg Burunov https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e4/09/0b/1080424846_0:0:2048:2048_100x100_80_0_0_3d7b461f8a98586fa3fe739930816aea.jpg Oleg Burunov https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e4/09/0b/1080424846_0:0:2048:2048_100x100_80_0_0_3d7b461f8a98586fa3fe739930816aea.jpg News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Oleg Burunov https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e4/09/0b/1080424846_0:0:2048:2048_100x100_80_0_0_3d7b461f8a98586fa3fe739930816aea.jpg russian special design bureau piranha, piranha 5 fpv drone, mini-drone, special operation zone, unmanned aerial vehicle, advanced combat training mini-drone, piranha 5's light weight https://sputnikglobe.com/20241103/russia-sees-benins-interest-in-cooperation-on-army-modernization---ambassador-1120758251.html Russia Sees Benin's Interest in Cooperation on Army Modernization - Ambassador Russia Sees Benin's Interest in Cooperation on Army Modernization - Ambassador Sputnik International Russia sees Cotonou's interest in cooperation with Moscow on modernizing the Beninese armed forces, Russian Ambassador to Benin and Togo Igor Evdokimov said in an interview with Sputnik. 2024-11-03T04:53+0000 2024-11-03T04:53+0000 2024-11-03T04:53+0000 world benin russia niger us africa command (africom) pentagon neustrashimy military & intelligence us hegemony military cooperation https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/0b/03/1120756951_0:188:3218:1998_1920x0_80_0_0_ee6fda7bb738b3a9909800ec22c790eb.jpg "For our part, we are ready to provide the Beninese with every possible assistance in modernizing their armed forces. We see corresponding interest from Cotonou," Evdokimov said. He added that an example of such cooperation was the business visits of the Smolny and Neustrashimy ships of the Baltic Fleet of the Russian Navy to the port of Cotonou this fall. The Russian diplomatic mission in Cotonou is monitoring reports on the redeployment of US troops from Niger to Benin, Evdokimov highlighted.Earlier, the head of the US Africa Command (AFRICOM), Gen. Michael Langley, said that the US was negotiating with West African countries, in particular with Cote d'Ivoire, Benin and Ghana, about the possible deployment of US troops withdrawn from Niger.Earlier, the United States faced the problem of ending military cooperation with Chad and Niger at the initiative of these countries. Former Pentagon analyst and retired US Air Force Lt. Col. Karen Kwiatkowski, commenting on these events, told Sputnik that such steps marked the end and failure of the US neocolonial policy toward Africa. The authorities of Niger and the United States agreed to complete the withdrawal of US troops from this African country no later than September 15. Later, the Pentagon announced that part of the American contingent (approximately 75 people) would be withdrawn from Chad.In total, according to available data, the number of US troops in Niger was about 1,100, and about 100 in Chad. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240430/us-losing-footprint-across-africa-as-niger-chad-demand-military-forces-pullouts-1118186233.html benin russia niger Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International benin, russia-benin ties, russia-benin talks, russia-benin relations, russia-benin cooperation, multipolar world, global south, global east, multipolar world, unipolar world, chad, us base, us military bases, us troops, us military grip, us hegemony, us soldiers, expel us soldiers, get rid of american bases, american base, americans go away, americans get out https://sputnikglobe.com/20241103/ukraine-loses-over-150-troops-in-kursk-region-in-1-day---russian-defense-ministry-1120762364.html Ukraine Loses Over 150 Troops in Kursk Region in 1 Day - Russian Defense Ministry Ukraine Loses Over 150 Troops in Kursk Region in 1 Day - Russian Defense Ministry Sputnik International The Ukrainian armed forces lost more than 150 servicemen over the past day in the western Russian region of Kursk, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Sunday. 2024-11-03T10:46+0000 2024-11-03T10:46+0000 2024-11-03T10:46+0000 russia's special operation in ukraine russian army russian armed forces kursk ukraine russian defense ministry ukrainian crisis https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/08/10/1119787516_0:30:3362:1921_1920x0_80_0_0_1e26ebe0c3d0464447b45ffc7aed9472.jpg "Over the past day, Ukraine lost over 150 soldiers and had an infantry fighting vehicle, an electronic warfare station and five vehicles destroyed," the statement read. The ministry put the total losses of the Ukrainian armed forces in the Kursk direction at more than 29,250 troops. https://sputnikglobe.com/20241031/russia-forces-carrying-out-cascade-offensive-strategy-on-battlefield---experts-1120737637.html ukraine Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International ukrainian armed forces, kursk incursion, ukraine losses, ukrainian crisis, ukraine crisis, ukraine losses kursk, kursk conflict, kursk attack https://sputnikglobe.com/20241103/us-bombers-arrive-in-middle-east---centcom-1120758945.html US Bombers Arrive in Middle East - CENTCOM US Bombers Arrive in Middle East - CENTCOM Sputnik International US bombers B-52 have arrived in the Middle East, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) said 2024-11-03T05:08+0000 2024-11-03T05:08+0000 2024-11-03T05:08+0000 military us us central command (centcom) iran islamic revolutionary guard corps (irgc) iran-israel row israel b-52 boeing b-52 stratofortress https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/06/17/1119069040_0:69:2000:1194_1920x0_80_0_0_6b125728ebcc3de2195476b8dba929b8.jpg Earlier, the Pentagon said that the US had additionally sent a destroyer, bombers and fighters to the Middle East. These forces will begin arriving in the region in the coming months, while the carrier strike group led by aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln prepares to depart, it said. On Saturday, the media reported citing sources that the United States had warned Iran that it would not be able to keep Israel from responding in the event of a strike from Tehran. Earlier, a spokesman for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC, the elite units of the Iranian Armed Forces) Gen. Ali-Mohammad Naini said that Tehran would give a decisive response "beyond the understanding" of Israel to the recent attack on Iranian territory. In addition, Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei said that Tel Aviv and Washington would definitely receive a response to their actions against Iran and the resistance front. https://sputnikglobe.com/20241030/hezbollah-declares-readiness-to-continue-war-against-israel-rejects-ceasefire-requests-1120730616.html iran israel Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International us bombers mideast, stratofortress middle east, us b-52 iran, us israel airforce, us mideast escalation, us middle east b-52, us conflict iran, anti-iran stance A sub-1:48 mile in the month of November in Canada? That's not a result of global warming, that's Ervin Hanover in the best shape of his career. With temperatures just above freezing in Campbellville, Ont. on Saturday night, four-year-old Ervin Hanover heated up the seventh-eighths mile oval with a dazzling career best 1:47.4 performance. In Saturday's $28,000 feature at Mohawk, the public showed some fondness for 8/5 second choice Ervin Hanover but preferred pylon starter Taurasi and driver Doug McNair. Next week, if those two face off again, there's a good chance those roles will be (at least) reversed. As the wings of the gate folded in Saturday's main event, four horses vied for early command with post 10 starter Sometime Somewhere (Trevor henry) paying the price to the tune of :26.2 to reach the top. Dale Spence wasn't happy in the pocket behind that 20-1 shot, so he right-lined American History to clear just before the :54 half. Louis-Philippe Roy angled from fifth at this point to begin his first-over assault, pressing through the 1:21.3 third panel and eventually taking command once the field straightened. Roy asked once he passed American History, but then allowed Ervin Hanover to pace home under his own volition. Ervin Hanover sprinted home in :26.1 for the 1:47.4 jaw-dropper to win by more than six lengths over Jack Panic (Jonathan Drury). Taurasi closed even better pacing home in :25.3 to rally for show dough. The 1:47.4 mile time stands as a Canadian season's record for older pacing horses, and is tied for the second fastest mile time of 2024 on Canadian soil. Linedrive Hanover paced in 1:47.2 in June, while Blue Hunt and Larry Karry posted 1:47.4 miles in May and June, respectively. Ervin Hanover (Captaintreacherous - Eloquent Grace) is owned my Pollack Racing LLC of Venetia, Pa. and trained by David Menary. That's the fifth win this season and 13th lifetime for Ervin Hanover, who pushed his earnings over the $450,000 mark. For the results from Saturday's card of harness racing in Campbellville, click the following link: Saturday Results - Woodbine Mohawk Park. (Standardbred Canada) Jim Doherty Memorial and New Jersey Sire Stakes champion Champagne Problems set herself up well for next weeks Kindergarten Classic final by taking the first of two divisions of the series final preliminary for rookie filly trotters Saturday, Nov. 2 at The Meadowlands. The card saw seven $27,778 divisions of the fifth leg of the Kindergarten for two-year-olds of each sex and gait as horses raced in an effort to get enough points to qualify for next week, when four finals go for total estimated purses of $850,000 on Saturday, Nov. 9. A Nancy Takter trainee, Champagne Problems (pictured above) worked out a four-hole trip to the five-eighths, made up ground gradually while racing on the rim first-over from there, before powering to the top and going on to an easy three-length victory in 1:54. Myonlylove (David Miller) was second with Sonmar Pond (Yannick Gingras) third. She's obviously a really lovely filly, and obviously wasn't on her game last week [when ninth in the Breeders Crown final] shame for the connections but she was back to good form tonight, said winning driver Dexter Dunn. She was nice and relaxed and hit the line well. A daughter of Tactical Landing-Miss Caviar who is owned by Rojan Stables, Family Business, Patrick J. Hoopes and Caviart Farms, Champagne Problems returned $3.60 to her backers as the 4-5 favourite. Shes now won six of 10 lifetime outings, good for earnings of $517,539. A HALF-DOZEN MORE: Here are the other six Kindergarten winners, with division, horse (sire-dam), driver, trainer, winning time and win payout: two-year-old filly trot (Division two): Voguish (Gimpanzee-Jolene Jolene), Todd McCarthy, Andrew Harris, 1:54.4, $2.80 as the 2-5 favourite. two-year-old colt and gelding trot (Division one): Cheers Hanover (Bar Hopping-Chez Lucie), Dave Miller, Ron Burke, 1:55.2, $3.40 as the 3-5 favourite. two-year-old colt and gelding pace (Division one): Papis Pistol (Papi Rob Hanover-Bang Bang), Andy Miller, Sam De Pinto, lifetime best 1:49.3, $5.40 as the 8-5 second choice. two-year-old filly pace (Lone division): Champagne Room (Papi Rob Hanover-See You At Peelers), Andrew McCarthy, Noel Daley, lifetime best 1:51.1, $9.80 as the 7-2 third choice. two-year-old colt and gelding pace (Division two): Seaworthy Hanover (Captaintreacherous-Shortstory Hanover), Dunn, Jake Leamon, lifetime best 1:52, $39.20 as the 18-1 fourth choice. two-year-old colt and gelding trot (Division two): Monserrate (Chapter Seven-Guinevere Hall), Miller, Harris, lifetime best 1:54.2, $7.60 as the 5-2 third choice. A LITTLE MORE: Scott Zeron led the driver colony with four victories on the card. There were no winning tickets sold on the 20-cent Pick-6, creating a carryover of $7,689 for Fridays program. Those with five winning selections cashed in for $76.28. One shrewd handicapper took down the 20-cent Survivor Pick-7 all by themselves. After a sequence that saw winners odds of 2-5, 3-5, 3-2, 8-5, 4-5, 7-2 and 8-1, the lone ticket was exchanged for $6,439.62. All-source handle on the 14-race card totaled $3,015,599, the 45th time this year from 71 programs that betting busted the $3-million barrier at The Big M. Racing resumes Friday at 6:20 p.m. (Meadowlands) Alberta's Challenge Of Champions Night was a showcase of the stars of the 2024 Alberta Sires Stakes season with the top performers taking their divisional Super Final titles on Saturday, Nov. 2 at Century Mile. Trainer Jamie Gray's homebred Custard Dolce has dominated the two-year-old pacing fillies in stakes action all season long and she extended her win streak to eight in the evening's first of four $80,000 Super Finals. After letting the dust settle through a :28 opening quarter with a potential threat on his helmet, driver Phil Giesbrecht made his move down the backstretch with 1-9 favourite Custard Dolce and swept from fourth to first by the half in :58.2. Mademechangemymind (Nathan Sobey), the 9-1 second choice, was towed up into contention and offered up a challenge to three-quarters in 1:27.1, but Custard Dolce gave her the cold shoulder and drew off down the stretch to win by 5-3/4 lengths in 1:55 over the 'good' track rated one second off. Imashipwreck (Brandon Campbell) won the race for place, rallying off Mademechangemymind's cover. "I wanted to let the dust settle a little bit," said Giesbrecht of the winning move down the backstretch. "We were going fairly slow at that point, and I had probably the one that I was more worried about on my back. So I said, I'm going to take my shot and see if we can stretch her legs out down the backside, and she just did the rest. She's an absolute treat to drive." Custard Dolce's earnings soared past the $100,000 mark, reaching $139,437 after a near-perfect rookie season. Gray shares ownership of the standout Custard The Dragon-Blue Star West filly with Alberta partners Jackson Wittup of Calgary, Max Gibb of Millarville and Derek Wilson of Heritage Pointe. "She's been pretty special, really, really special," said Wilson. "Best horse I've ever been associated with, and eight wins in a row is pretty darn sweet. Phil gave her a great drive. Jamie's done a great job with her all year." Custard Dolce won every stakes race she competed in, with her only loss being a fourth-place finish when she debuted in a maiden race on July 12. In addition to sweeping all three Alberta Sires Stakes legs, her highlights included winning the ASHA Filly Pace in a 1:54 divisional track record at Century Downs. Custard Dolce paid $2.20 to win as overwhelming bettors' choice. Driver Phil Giesbrecht swept the two-year-old divisions with the Marie Brooking-trained streaking colt Custers Stand bringing him right back to the winner's circle. Custers Stand entered the Super Final with some winning momentum of his own, but it was a fight to the finish to deliver the special victory for his connections. Momas Work Of Art (Serge Masse) got the first call leaving from the inside post with even-money favourite Outlawminutbyminut (Logan Gillis) firing across from post seven alongside in the first turn and taking over command through the :28 opening quarter. Outlawminutbyminut continued to lead the field through a half in :57.3 before Giesbrecht sent Custers Stand first-over from fifth and battled with the favoured pacesetter past three-quarters in 1:27.1. Custers Stand won that duel but had to contend with the re-emerging Momas Work Of Art, who was gaining to his outside. Custers Stand stood his ground through the stretch and was a game 1:55.4 winner by a neck. Westcoast Mccoy (Kelly Hoerdt) trailed most of the mile but closed well to complete the top three more than half a dozen lengths behind. Bred by James Rhodes of High River, Alta., the Custard The Dragon-China Art colt was a $47,000 yearling purchase at the Alberta Standardbred Horse Association Sale by Dianne and William (Willie) Neish of High River, and Len Denham of Westerose, Alta. Custers Stand has been a bright spot for the Neish family and it was an emotional victory for his connections as they were able to watch and celebrate trackside after a year of dealing with health issues. "There's just a lot more to this whole story than just this horse," said Giesbrecht after the race. "It's been a trying year for every person in this family, and our family, with Willie, the way everything's going with him. I'm just so, so happy with this horse. He fought. He fought every inch of that mile today, and it was all him. They did a fantastic job. I'm just so glad I could get the job done for these people." Custers Stand earned his third (consecutive) win from 10 starts and nearly doubled his bankroll, which now stands at $82,383. Sent postward as the 2-1 second choice, Custers Stand paid $6.30 to win. A relentless Outlawguns N Roses continued her wild winning ways in the Super Final for sophomore pacing fillies with regular reinsman Dave Kelly keeping her to task. Parked from post six early on before landing in the three-hole, Kelly waited until the top of the stretch to make his move with Outlawguns N Roses from behind the duelling leaders, drifting out as usual but making steady gains down the lane to prevail by 3-3/4 lengths in 1:54.3. Defending Super Final champion Byby Baby Byby (Mike Hennessy) bested the pocket-popping Over Ice (Brandon Campbell) for second after setting fractions of :27.3, :56.4 and 1:25.2. "She's settled so nicely the last little while that I kind of wanted to be off the pace," said Kelly of his winning trip. "We left out of there trying to get situated half close. And then we landed in the three-hole, and it worked out really well. Because, I mean, when she comes off a helmet, she always kicks and, like I say, she's just relentless. She just comes down the lane and she just tries harder and harder." Extending her current win streak to five, Outlawguns N Roses paid $2.20 as the 1-9 favourite. Bred by Outlaw Stable, the Captive Audience-Gunslingin Gal filly is now 11-for-13 with $285,270 in earnings on the year for trainer Rod Starkeweski, who co-owns with Clauzette Byckal of Onoway, Alta. A runner-up in last year's Super Final, she collected her crown following wins in the Alberta Diamond and Princess legs. Outlawguns N Roses improved her lifetime record to 15-4-0 from 22 starts and increased her bankroll to $380,810. Glamour boy Grey Horizon asserted his divisional dominence and completed the Alberta Sires Stakes season a Super Final champion for trainer/driver Brandon Campbell. Campbell set up Grey Horizon for the colt's seventh straight stakes victory when they retook the lead through a :28.3 opening quarter from his stablemate, 74-1 longshot leaver One Hot Minute, driven by Mike Hennessy. The 1-4 favourite remained confident on the lead through a :58.2 half with YYC On The Horizon (Dave Kelly) making progress first-over from the backfield, but Grey Horizon was getting away, up by three lengths at three-quarters in 1:27. Building an insurmountable lead in the stretch, Campbell let the star sophomore coast to the wire while YYC On The Horizon chased in second, finishing 1-1/4 lengths behind the 1:55 winner at the wire. Rum N Custard (Kelly Hoerdt) finished third. "Once he went by the stablemate going to the half, I thought he was in control, and that was okay. I didn't want him in traffic, didn't want him in trouble," commented George Rogers, who co-owns the roan colt with his Calgary partners Jodi Loftus and Raymond Henry. A Super Final runner-up as a freshman, Grey Horizon has been a dominant force in the glamour boy division this year, winning nine of his 14 starts, including a last-out victory three weeks ago in the Western Canada Pacing Derby, and earning more than a quarter-million dollars. "We're thrilled to death to get a win. He's won six in a row coming into this, you never know in a stakes race. You never know in a horse race, period. He's been racing great, at his best. He is the best here, and I think he just proved it tonight. He may not have been at his best tonight, I don't know, but he was good enough to get it done. We're thrilled." Bred by Gigi Van Ostrand of Okotoks, Alta., the son of Vertical Horizon out of Panagler has amassed $340,725 with 14 wins and six seconds from 22 lifetime starts. Rogers noted that Grey Horizon will face a new challenge on the horizon. "I think he's a Meadowlands horse. So that's where he's going. Soon, not for us. We're going to sell." Grey Horizon paid $2.70 to win. Saturday's undercard included $15,000 consolations for each division. Trainer/driver Nathan Sobey's two-year-old pacing filly Captains Hideway ($19.90) had the edge in tight photo finish for place and inherited the consolation victory when the disqualified winner, Hazels Hazelnut, was placed fifth for causing confusion while racing on the lead into the first turn. Her maiden-breaking victory was clocked in 2:02.4. Two-year-old pacing gelding Carving Credit ($26) cut a 1:58.1 mile to score his first career win in the colt and gelding consolation for trainer/driver Logan Gillis and owner Nicole Hudak. Trainer Jacques Lambert and Jim Wilson's three-year-old pacing filly Kellys Chase ($6.60) prevailed between a pair of rivals on the line in 1:58 with Phil Giesbrecht in the sulky. Three-year-old pacing colt Rememberthecustard ($3.40) was a repeat consolation winner, scoring in 1:57.1 with Brandon Campbell picking up the catch-drive for trainer Rod Hennessy and owner/breeder Lorne Duffield. His stablemate, Outlaw Game On, got the nod in a place photo 1-1/2 lengths behind with Mike Hennessy driving. To view Saturday's harness racing results, click the following link: Saturday Results - Century Mile. (Standardbred Canada; Photo, clockwise from top left, of Alberta Super Final winners Custard Dolce, Custers Stand, Grey Horizon and Outlawguns N Roses) U.S. Senate candidate Colin Allred speaks at a Vice President Kamala Harris rally Friday, Oct. 25, 2024 at Shell Energy Stadium in Houston. Yi-Chin Lee/Staff photographer Democratic Rep. Colin Allred speaks at a campaign rally for Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris in Houston, Friday, Oct. 25, 2024. Susan Walsh/AP DALLAS U.S. Rep. Colin Allred returned to a familiar theme in a closing message to voters in his hometown on Saturday. Speaking to hundreds of supporters just miles from where he went to high school, the Democrat blasted U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz for celebrating the overturning of Roe v Wade in 2022, which he said has put women in Texas in jeopardy as doctors struggle to navigate when they are able to help a woman having complications with their pregnancies. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Ted Cruz is responsible for this abortion ban here in Texas, Allred said during the speech at the Kessler Theater in the Oak Cliff neighborhood, citing Cruz's help in seating conservative Supreme Court judges and celebrating the end of federal abortion protections. This is his lifes work. Since Roe was overturned, Texas has banned nearly all abortions, including in cases of rape and incest. While the law has a provision for protecting the life of a mother, recent reporting on the deaths of women in Houston and Beaumont has put a spotlight again on doctors who say the law makes it unclear when exactly they can intervene. Allred talked at length about those cases. As you would expect he really hammered home the issue of abortion rights. Heres a clip I was able to get of a key part of his speech pic.twitter.com/QL0eiUSpJ3 Jeremy Wallace (@JeremySWallace) November 2, 2024 Earlier in the week, Cruz, who has largely avoided talking about abortion rights during the campaign, called the stories heartbreaking during a campaign stop in Georgetown. "The Texas law makes clear, that any procedure thats necessary to save the life of a mother can be done and should be done, Cruz said. We dont know all the details of what happened here but it is critical that we do everything necessary to save the lives of moms and we grieve with the family at the tragedy that occurred here. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Abortion access has become a rallying cry for Democrats nationally during this election cycle, and Allred on Saturday echoed comments earlier in the week from Michelle Obama that touched on how the post-Roe restrictions are not just harming women. This is a mans issue too, Allred said, noting that as a father of two young children, he couldn't imagine watching his wife be in pain as doctors hesitated to help her. Can you imagine losing the person you love most in the world because some politician thinks they know better than your doctors, Allred said, speaking to the men in the room. Allred vowed to fight in the Senate to restore federal abortion protections. However, even if Democrats were to hold the majority of the Senate and win back control of the House, passing legislation on abortion would be nearly impossible without Republican support, given the current U.S. Senate filibuster rules. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Allred's comments came moments after his wife, Aly Eber, pushed the crowd to call on their friends and neighbors to get out to vote on Tuesday. More than 8.8 million Texans had voted early and by mail as of Saturday morning, according to state data. That is nearly 1 million fewer early voters than four years ago, though the state opened early voting for an extra week in 2020 because of the pandemic. Chris Weiss helps repair a neighbor's generator after Hurricane Beryl, Wednesday, July 10, 2024, in Kingwood. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer Adrian Noria, 52, brings back gallons of gas for the generators powering his family home on Sunday, July 14, 2024 in Houston, seven days after Hurricane Beryl caused major power outages. Raquel Natalicchio/Staff photographer Doris Brown has installed solar panels and battery banks to make her home a hub house, which means she opens her home to neighbors during outages so they can have access to power, water and other supplies. Raquel Natalicchio/Staff photographer Battery banks connected to charge controllers are visible at the apartment complex at 2410 Waugh Drive Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024. Kirk Sides/Staff photographer The double-punch of the surprise May derecho and Hurricane Beryl spurred many Houstonians to consider backup power options. Even before this years natural disasters, one in four households in the Houston area reported losing power at least once, according to a 2023 survey by the U.S. Census Bureau. Backup power options can keep the lights on during blackouts, which could become more common as aging power grids struggle against extreme weather worsened by climate change. But how do you select the right system for your situation, and how much does it all cost? Advertisement Article continues below this ad The Chronicle spoke to Paul Hope, a deputy content editor at Consumer Reports knowledgeable about traditional generators, and America Garcia, Texas program director at Solar United Neighbors, a nonprofit that advocates for solar adoption, to help consumers choose the best path. Here are their main takeaways: Choosing a technology The choice between investing in a traditional generator versus a home solar and battery system may come down to a simple calculus: cost. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Portable generators, which require the homeowner to refuel and maintain them, start around $400 and go up to $5,000, Hope said. Most people would be well-served by a generator in the $800 to $1,200 range, he said. They can provide power as long as there's fuel to run them. Whole-home or home standby, meanwhile, are often fed by the homes natural gas connection and kick on automatically when theres an outage. Theres a steep price for that convenience: The equipment itself costs between $3,000 to $10,000, but labor and permitting can more than double the total cost. Its not uncommon for someone to pay $20,000 to $25,000 for a whole-home generator, Hope said. Rooftop solar panels and battery storage are similarly expensive. In Texas, costs to install a 5 kilowatt solar system range from $11,400 to $15,500, according to Home Depot. Adding battery storage units to your home to store excess electricity generated by the panels tacks on another $10,000 to $20,000, Garcia said. A Tesla Powerwall, which has a capacity of 13.5 kilowatt-hours, can run essentials such as a refrigerator, WiFi, phone and some lights for approximately 24 hours during a blackout on a single charge, according to Energy Sage, which connects consumers with clean energy suppliers and installers. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Another consideration is what you want from your system. If all youre looking for is backup power, a traditional generator might be a good fit. If you have other goals, solar panels and battery storage, which provide power without climate-warming emissions, may help you accomplish them. Homeowners save approximately 20% on their electricity bill on average by adding solar, according to Home Depot. Though the upfront cost is high, solar panels typically pay for themselves in six to 12 years thanks to those energy savings. Traditional generators Types of generators A whole-home or home standby generator is permanently installed to give your home blackout protection. Theyre typically fed by natural gas but can also be fueled by propane, which customers can get delivered to their homes. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Portable generators, which range in size from a small suitcase to a 3-by-3 foot box on wheels, are often stored in garages or sheds and rolled out when there is an outage, Hope said. They require the homeowner to feed it approximately 10 to 20 gallons of gasoline per day to power a households entire electricity needs, he said. Buying a generator Homeowners typically buy a whole-home generator through a contractor. A 7- to 10-kilowatt system is usually enough to power the essentials during a blackout, Hope said. He suggested making a list of things you need to power during an outage and adding up their electricity consumption. (Appliances have tags that list how much electricity they use.) Portable generators can be purchased at Lowes, Home Depot or a local hardware store. Hope recommended finding an electrician to install a transfer switch, which helps reduce the need for extension cords and allows the homeowner to power items that dont have a plug. This typically costs $500 to $1,500, he said. Homeowners can store gasoline for the generators in red containers also commonly found at hardware stores. Hope suggested adding fuel stabilizer to the gasoline, which increases its useful life from 30 days to up to two years. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Generator safety Portable generators emit carbon monoxide, an odorless, colorless gas that can be fatal if inhaled. In fact, a generator can produce far more carbon monoxide than a full-size car and kill someone in as little as five minutes if its run indoors, Hope said. A portable generator should always be run outdoors at least 20 feet away from not only your home but also anybody elses home. The exhaust should be directed away from windows and doors. Ongoing maintenance Most whole-home generators turn on once a week for 10 to 15 minutes to ensure everything is working properly, Hope said. If maintenance is needed, whole-home generators are typically serviced by a technician referred by the contractor who sold or installed the unit, he said. Portable generators may require periodic oil changes. Homeowners should also change out the gasoline when it expires and drain excess gasoline left in the generator after use, Hope said. Solar and battery storage Before going solar Those interested in solar panels and battery storage need to consider how much they want to power with their system. The average home needs 17 to 30 panels to totally offset its electricity consumption, according to Energy Sage, but most homeowners may find it worthwhile to use solar panels to serve only part of their consumption. Homeowners should also consider the condition of their roof, which may need upgrades before solar panels can be installed, Solar United Neighbors Garcia said. The nonprofit offers a free roof review to assess if a home is well-suited for solar. Choosing a system Garcia recommended getting multiple proposals from solar installers and taking the time to evaluate them. Solar United Neighbors will review proposals at no cost. Solar Help Desk also offers free 15-minute phone consultations for those with solar questions. Dont let a salesperson pressure you into moving quicker than you feel comfortable. If somebody is telling you something that sounds too good to be true, it probably is, Garcia said. The chosen installer will work to secure the necessary permits in your area. Installation takes a few days, and then the local utility must allow for the system to connect to the grid. Financial considerations Many homeowners finance their solar panels with a loan rather than pay the full cost all at once. Homeowners that install a residential solar system are also eligible for a 30% federal tax credit. To achieve energy savings, homeowners with solar need the right energy plan. Texas Power Guide offers a free report analyzing various electricity plans for solar owners. Other options Battery-powered portable power stations can be a good option for renters who cant buy a generator or install solar panels, though they are much more limited in how many appliances they can run and for how long, Hope said. Some come with small solar panel set-ups to charge them. The 44th Nutcracker Ballet Market opens Thursday, November 14, featuring vendors, booths, and seasonal events. Melissa Taylor With the holiday season fast approaching, Houstons festive markets provide an ideal chance to find unique gifts and support local businesses. From the popular Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market to seasonal festivals across the city, these events offer something for every shopper on the hunt for the perfect holiday find. Discovery Green Flea by Night Flea by Night at Discovery Green. Katya Horner Discovery Greens open-air market brings together local artisans and small businesses, showcasing vintage, handmade, recycled, and repurposed goods. Visitors can enjoy a rotating lineup of food trucks and festive holiday music along Avenida de las Americas. Advertisement Article continues below this ad When: 6-10 p.m. every Saturday until Dec. 21 Where: Discovery Green, 1500 McKinney Steel Magnolia Moms Holiday Market Steel Magnolia Moms will host their fifth annual holiday market this season. Steel Magnolia Moms Holiday Market Steel Magnolia Moms, a community of over 2,000 mothers of children with special needs, will host its fifth annual holiday market, featuring over 50 local vendors, raffle prizes, artisan food, and a signature cocktail. Funds raised support mental health services for moms and camp scholarships for their children. Families can also enjoy a visit from Santa from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Advertisement Article continues below this ad When: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Nov. 7 Where: Powder Keg, 1300 Brittmoore Houston Markets for Makers POST Houston hosts Houston Markets for Makers. POST Houston Markets for Makers returns to Houston this fall at POST Market, featuring over 100 makers, photo walls, a DIY station and food and drink options. General admission includes a free tote bag, entry during a selected time slot, and free admission for kids. VIP tickets offer early access on Saturday from 10-11 a.m., a special tote, and weekend-long entry. Advertisement Article continues below this ad When: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Nov. 9-10 Where: POST Houston, 2nd floor X Atrium, 401 Franklin Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market The 44th Nutcracker Ballet Market opens Thursday, November 14, featuring vendors, booths, and seasonal events.. Melissa Taylor The 44th annual Nutcracker Market, one of Texas' premier holiday shopping events, showcases hundreds of merchants offering unique items including home decor, gifts, food, apparel, toys, and accessories. This popular event is the primary fundraiser for the Houston Ballet, with proceeds benefiting the ballet, its academy, and scholarship programs. Advertisement Article continues below this ad When: Nov. 14-17. General admission opens at 10 a.m. Early bird admission is 8:30 a.m. Nov. 14 and 15. Where: NRG Center, One NRG Park Details: $20 and up; available at H-E-B and Tickemaster; houstonballet.org. Great Wolf Lodge Nutcracker Market People mingle in the main lobby at Great Wolf Lodge Gulf Coast on Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2024 in Webster. The adventure park and hotel, featuring a 92,000 square foot water park, is the first of its kind to open in the Houston area. Brett Coomer/Staff photographer The Great Wolf Lodge in Webster will host a new Nutcracker Market, organized by Southern Style Event, offering Houstonians an additional option for Christmas decorations, holiday gifts and seasonal goods. Advertisement Article continues below this ad When: 3-7 p.m. Nov. 22 and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 23 Where: 1000 Great Wolf Way, Webster Home for the Holidays The Home for the Holidays market will take over the Merrell Center in Katy from Nov. 19 to Nov. 21, 2021. Courtesy photo The annual Home for the Holidays Market is Katy's biggest gift market, featuring over 130 merchants offering Thanksgiving decor, Christmas goods, crafts, gifts and more. When: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Nov. 22-23 and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 24 Where: Katy Merrell Center, 6301 S Stadium Lane, Katy Black Friday Holiday Flea Shoppers at the Black Friday Holiday Flea. Flea at Silver Street Inside the 20,000-square-foot, air-conditioned Silver Street Studios, visitors can explore a curated market showcasing unique collectibles, jewelry, vintage items, art, mid-century modern furniture, original designs, and various artisan products. The venue also features local food vendors, food trucks, a pet adoption event, live music and a bar. When: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Nov. 29- Dec. 1 Where: Silver Street Studios, 2000 Edwards Levy Park Holiday Festival Levy Park hosts it's annual Holiday Festival. Levy Park Houston The 7th annual Levy Park Holiday Festival offers a free, family-friendly experience with a holiday market, kids craft station, live music, a River Oaks Dance performance and a photo booth with Santa for family photos, including pets. When: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 7-8 Where: Levy Park, 3801 Eastside Mistletoe Market in Midtown Houston Vendors at the Mistletoe Market. Midtown Houston The holiday market returns with 40-50 artisans showcasing handmade goods. This years theme, "Home for the Holidays," celebrates family traditions with festive gatherings, seasonal games, unique home decor and gift options. When: Noon-9 p.m. Dec. 14 and noon-6 p.m. Dec 15 Where: Midtown Park, 2811 Travis Tomball German Fest Christmas Market Tomball's Annual German Christmas Market. Jerry Baker/Contributor Tomball honors its German heritage annually with a festive event featuring street vendors and live music. You can experience free entry, family-friendly activities, contests and a taste of German traditions and treats there. When: 6-10 p.m. Dec. 13; 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Dec 14; and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Dec. 15 The Nigerian army killed at least 187 people and captured another 262 during an anti-terrorist operation that began a week ago, Azernews reports according to Major General Edward Buba, the official representative of the Nigerian Armed Forces. Experts note that the Nigerian armed forces are primarily focused on combating the terrorist organization Boko Haram, which emerged in northern Nigeria in 2002. In 2015, the Nigerian army dealt a significant blow to Boko Haram, greatly reducing the territory under its control. Ben Taub pharmacy supervisor, Prakesh Varkey, holds a leech in a container. John Martinez/Harris Health Ben Taub hospital workers holds container of leeches. John Martinez/Harris Health Using leeches to suck the blood out of a person might sound medieval, but its actually a medicinal practice still used today at many trauma hospitals. Though only used in a handful of cases, the blood-sucking critters can save lives when all else fails. At Harris Health Ben Taub hospital, leeches are an important player in the post surgical ICU unit to help doctors and nurses get blocked blood out of tissue so it can be healthy, especially when traditional routes fail. The similar goal in the past was bloodletting. Its the same reason we use them today," said Dr. Angela Haskins, an ENT specialist at Ben Taub. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Sometimes, no matter what I do with medicine, and no matter what I try in my surgery, blood flow wont get better. Ill try leeches then, Haskins said. And its not just blood-sucking the critters offer for medicine. Leeches secrete a substance through their saliva and mucus that actually thins blood, similar to the effect of blood-thinning medications, Haskins explained. 12 patients were given treatment with leeches last year at Ben Taub, according to Susan Andrews, the nurse manager for the unit. Although used in just a handful of cases, leeches can help with everything from coagulating blood after skin graft surgeries, cancer surgery reconstruction and helping to reattach severed fingers, Haskins said. Many level-one trauma hospitals have leeches, Haskins said, but at the same time, theyre not available everywhere when patients need them. The leeches at Ben Taub have pulled in patients from affiliate hospitals for transfer when their skin grafts were in need of saving, Haskins said. The leeches can be pricey, though, running up to $200 a critter, said Prakash Varkey. And the critters require some special care, needing to be stored in distilled water with special salt twice a week to keep them alive. Once the leeches are cleaned with the solution, theyre kept in a medicinal fridge separate from medicines. The temperature in the fridge keeps the leeches dormant in hibernation. Its only once the leeches are placed in a room temperature environment that they activate and begin to squirm with activity. Advertisement Article continues below this ad While the site of leeches sucking on severed fingers might make many peoples skin crawl, Haskins said for the most part, her patients can handle it. It is kind of scary to think about (leeches) as your medical treatment, but the people getting those leeches have already had to go through pretty aggressive surgical treatment. These patients are primed to roll with punches. Tilman Fertitta, from left, Laura Ward and Mayor John Whitmire at the True Blue fundraiser benefiting Houston Police Foundation Gary Fountain/Contributor Margot and Zach Davis at the True Blue gala Gary Fountain/Contributor Brett Sanders, left, with Laura and Don Sanders Gary Fountain/Contributor Blake Fertitta, Paige Fertitta and Michael Fertitta at the 2024 True Blue Gala. Alexanders Portraits HPD officers give a demonstration at Tilman Fertitta's True Blue fundraiser Gary Fountain/Contributor Tilman Fertitta's True Blue gala was catered by Landry's. Gary Fountain/Contributor Rusty and Tissy Hardin, from left, with Fire Chief Thomas Munoz Gary Fountain/Contributor Tilman Fertitta hosts his True Blue fundraiser in his River Oaks backyard. Gary Fountain/Contributor The True Blue gala had half a dozen cocktail bars. Gary Fountain/Contributor Friday night in River Oaks, Tilman Fertitta's annual True Blue Gala caused quite a commotion. The evening's fireworks display was visible for miles, and drones and a helicopter or two buzzed about. This year's "Salsa: A Fiesta Fantastico" made the event extra festive. Neighbors may have heard the mariachi band. Or the sound of endless margaritas being shaken from one of the party's half-dozen cocktail bars. But who's complaining? The Texas-sized shindig raised $1.1 million for the Houston Police Foundation; Fertitta co-chaired with new HPD Chief J. Noe Diaz. Mayor John Whitmire, Houston Fire Chief Thomas Munoz and Astros owner Jim Crane were among the many guests. Michael Fertitta, Patrick Fertitta and Blake Fertitta were all in attendance, too. Advertisement Article continues below this ad This year's dress code dictated denim and blue. If it felt like the lawn party was bigger than ever this year, that's because it definitely was. Shuttles buses transported valet overflow from the River Oaks Baptist Church across Willowick. The guest list was 600-people long. Blake Fertitta, from left, Paige Fertitta and Michael Fertitta at the True Blue fundraiser Gary Fountain/Contributor Organizers changed up the format this year. In addition to towering tequila bars, the program's always over-the-top demonstration took place in the front yard. Advertisement Article continues below this ad That's where HPD Special Weapons and Tactics showed off their new toys, such as fully armored 1-ton trucks and a crime-fighting robotic dog, in a short skit. The 2016 True Blue Gala had funded the vehicle's purchase. An HPD spokesperson said those assets are deployed at least once a day in Houston. HPD demonstration at Tilman Fertittas True Blue gala Gary Fountain/Contributor After the live show, a Landry's-catered feast followed in the backyard. Dinner chair Laura Ward, who recently raised more than $6 million during the 2024 Houston Children's Charity gala, was in charge of that. Alas, there was no Corner Store pop-up on the premises. Fertitta's mega-hit restaurant in SoHo is currently the most difficult reservation in New York, thanks to repeat diners such as Taylor Swift, Blake Lively and Leonardo DiCaprio. Maybe next year True Blue Gala-goers will be sipping on sour cream and onion martinis or snacking on pizza rolls under the fireworks-filled sky. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Jenny Demeris, Kris Del Prete, Lauren Fertitta Amber Howard, and Shane Scruggs at the 2024 True Blue Gala. Alexanders Portraits Houston Police Chief Noe Diaz and Sheila Diaz at the True Blue gala Gary Fountain/Contributor Mark Grace and Alex Blair Gary Fountain/Contributor Keith and Alice Mosing Gary Fountain/Contributor Ellie Francisco, from left, Jim Crane, Leisa Holland-Neilson and Denise Monteleone Gary Fountain/Contributor Brian White, from left, Giles Kibbe and Patrick Fertitta Gary Fountain/Contributor Ethan Osborne, takes the role of "Carpenter Jesus," for this year's Bethlehem City. After "Bethlehem City" ended in December 2023, the church has announced a new Christmas experience, "Discover Christmas." Gustavo Huerta, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer Mason Welch moves props during a rehearsal for "Bethlehem City" at West Conroe Baptist Church, Wednesday, Dec. 1 2021, in Conroe. After "Bethlehem City" ended in December 2023, the church has announced a new Christmas experience, "Discover Christmas." Jason Fochtman, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer After West Conroe Baptist Church hosted the last year of its drive-through Christmas experience "Bethlehem City" in December 2023, church leaders are planning for a new event this holiday season. "Bethlehem City" told the life of Jesus Christ in a 15-minute drive-through experience with more than 100 re-enactors and animals. The event took place for 17 years at the church and drew visitors from across the North Houston region. NEW PHONE SCAM: New phone scam uses detailed personal data to target Montgomery County residents Advertisement Article continues below this ad More than 100 actors reenactment scenes from Jesus' life at "Bethlehem City, the drive-thru event at West Conroe Baptist Church, Wednesday, Dec. 1 2021, in Conroe. After "Bethlehem City" ended in December 2023, the church has announced a new Christmas experience, "Discover Christmas." Jason Fochtman, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer 'Discover Christmas' marks new holiday tradition Now moving into a new era, the church will host "Discover Christmas" from 6 to 9 p.m. Dec. 6-7 on the church grounds. "We're taking some of the good things about 'Bethlehem City' and changing them a little bit. Rather than it being a drive through, 'Discover Christmas' will be a two-night event. It's family friendly and the idea is three fold," said Kay Robinson, Missions Minister at the church. "We're calling it 'Discover Christmas' because we want people to discover Christ, discover church and discover connections with people." While "Bethlehem City" had an annual following, what church leaders discovered was they wanted to have more one-on-one connections made through their Christmas event. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Making stronger connections "This will allow us to be able to talk to people one-on-one and make stronger connections," she said. REQUIRED BACK UP POWER: Conroe to require gas stations, assisted living centers to have alternate power sources Those participating will enter the church parking lot from Longmire Road and park in the church's upper lots. They will enter the church to register for the event and Discover Christmas will take place in the lower parking lot along North Loop 336. Several scenes from "Bethlehem City" will be present at this new event. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Robinson said visitors will be met with snow, music, lights, food, games, an ice-skating rink, sledding and other holiday activities. Twice during the night at 7:15 p.m. and 8:45 p.m. there will be a 10-minute message about the true meaning of Christmas from senior pastor Jesse Payne Hudson Davis, center, gets help from Jose Olivarez, left, and Brayan Davis with his Roman guard attire during a rehearsal for "Bethlehem City" at West Conroe Baptist Church, Wednesday, Dec. 1 2021, in Conroe. After "Bethlehem City" ended in December 2023, the church has announced a new Christmas experience, "Discover Christmas." Jason Fochtman, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer Hands on and family friendly She described the new event as a free hands on, family friendly experience. "In a way its bittersweet because it's the end of an era," Robinson said. "But I'm very excited about the new event and our church is very excited." Advertisement Article continues below this ad Senior pastor Jesse Payne came to the church in April, following pastor Jay Gross who was in the role for 25 years. "It's going to be a fun celebration those two nights," he said. "We're excited and its open to the whole community and we'd love people to come hang out those nights. The message of 'Bethlehem City' will continue but we're changing up the presentation a little bit. We thought having people get out and walk around our campus was a good way to connect with them so we're looking forward to that." (TBTCO) - Sau cuoc hop voi Thu tuong tai hoi nghi Thuong truc Chinh phu cung cac ngan hang thuong mai, hang loat ngan hang a tung ra cac goi vay mua nha cho nguoi tre voi lai suat sieu thap va thoi han vay dai. Tuy nhien, voi gia nha cao nhu hien tai, viec vay e so huu ngoi nha au tien co the khien nguoi tre oi mat voi bai toan tai chinh ay thach thuc. Tubacex Group, a global leader in advanced industrial solutions for the energy and mobility sectors based in Spain, has announced the closing of a strategic partnership with Mubadala Investment Company (Mubadala), an Abu Dhabi sovereign Investor, in its oil country tubular goods (OCTG) business for $200 million. Mubadalas strategic investment aligns with the UAEs national programme 'Make it in the Emirates', which invites investors and innovators to contribute to the countrys industry and advanced technology strategy. This partnership significantly bolsters local manufacturing capabilities, aligning seamlessly with Tubacex's contract with Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc). This hub of innovation is designed to set new standards in the OCTG sector, said the Spanish group in a statement. It also positions Mubadala as a pivotal player in securing the supply of CRA OCTG (corrosion-resistant alloy tubular solutions) tubular solutions for gas E&P, a key transitional fuel in the global energy transition, it stated. Through long-term agreements with its strategic customers, Tubacex said it has become a global leader in the CRA OCTG segment for exploration and production activities. This leadership will be further strengthened with the launch of its new CRA OCTG finishing and threading plant in Abu Dhabi, the first of its kind in the region, it added. Dr Alyazia Al Kuwaiti, the Executive Director of UAE Industries at Mubadala's Investment Platform, said: "We are pleased to partner with Tubacex, a company with unparalleled expertise and an innovative position in the OCTG sector. Our investment philosophy is deeply rooted in partnerships and a strong commitment to our sustainable investment principles." "This collaboration aligns seamlessly with our efforts to support the UAEs industrial vision which aims to accelerate the nations development of non-oil based growth," stated Al Kuwaiti.-TradeArabia News Service Qatar Navigation (Milaha) has announced that its subsidiary, Halul Offshore Services Company, has secured a substantial EPCIC (Engineering, Procurement, Construction, Installation, and Commissioning) contract award for the New Fibre Link Project with North Oil Company (NOC). Valued at over QAR262 million ($70 million), the project will significantly enhance connectivity and data transmission capabilities within the country's energy sector, said Milaha in its filing to Qatar Stock Exchange. Under the terms of the agreement, Halul Offshore Services, a trusted leader in EPCIC services, will undertake the construction of a new fiber cable system from Al Kabaan to Ras Laffan and the Al-Shaheen oil field, it stated. The 140-km cable will be installed using specialised equipment and subsea bridges. After installation, the cable will be buried and protected before being integrated with existing platform assets, it stated. On the contract win, Group CEO Fahad bin Saad Al Qahtani said: "We are honored to have been selected by North Oil Company for this critical project. This contract aligns perfectly with our strategic objectives of expanding our services portfolio and contributing to Qatar's sustainable development." "By delivering a state-of-the-art fiber optic cable system, we will support the digital transformation of the energy sector and enhance operational efficiency," stated Al Qahtani. "This project will be supported by a team of skilled professionals and technical experts, furthering Milaha's commitment to local employment and skills development in several fields," he added. Bahrain's leading telecom and technology group Beyon today (November 3) unveiled plans for launching its ambitious 380,000 sq m Digital City project at Hamala in partnership with Bahrain Real Estate Investment Company (Edamah), the real estate arm of Bahrain sovereign wealth fund Mumtalakat Holding Company. An agreement was inked by the duo on the opening day of the Gateway Gulf Investor Forum 2024 organized at the Four Seasons Hotel in Bahrain. Through the signing, Beyon has named Edamah as the development manager for its signature project, for which construction is expected to begin in 2025. Present at the signing ceremony were Shaikh Abdulla bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, the CEO of Mumtalakat and Chairman of Beyon and Edamah, as well as Andrew Kvalseth, the CEO of Beyon, and Christopher Calvert, the CEO of Edamah. Unveiling the project, Beyon said its Digital City is anchored by the organizations strategic intent to deliver digital transformation that tallies closely with Bahrains national digitalisation drives. The project is designed to seamlessly integrate the facets of connectivity, technology, and real estate establishing a new standard for mixed-use developments in Bahrain and meeting the requirements of advanced digital lifestyles as well as international standards and frameworks for smart cities. Additionally, projects such as these have proven to be strategic enablers of both local and foreign direct investment and a means of economic stimulus, job creation and economic convergence across sectors, it stated. On the new venture, CEO Andrew Kvalseth said: "Beyons Digital City is more than just a project, it is a vision and benchmark for the future of urban living built upon the core tenets of Bahrains Vision 2030 that prioritize livability, sustainability, inclusivity and digitalization." "We ourselves hold these values at the core of our business in Beyon, and believe in supporting this vision, and Bahrains position as a symbol of a modern, connected nation. We believe that this project will provide promising investment opportunities, especially for investors interested in sustainable growth and return on investment," he added. Kvalseth further explained the main elements of the Digital City, Beyons Digital City development, centers around three core pillars that mirror the organizations brand principles and identity: People, Nature, and Technology. Stemming from these are plans for the projects prioritization of life and livability, fostering of green spaces, and embracing innovation and digital integration. Functionally, the dynamic mixed-use environment will include Beyons main headquarters, as well as R&D centers, healthcare facilities, fitness and recreation centers, and educational premises. In addition, there will be contemporary office spaces, retail and dining areas, as well as hospitality and serviced apartments. At the heart of the development lies a 1.2 km green, vehicle-free, boulevard that seamlessly unites these spaces, promoting a harmonious lifestyle. The projects backbone is its advanced telecommunications infrastructure, which will power IoT and AI systems, enabling real-time, data-driven urban management for optimal operational efficiency. Residents and visitors will benefit from enhanced user experiences through seamless digital services and the flexibility to integrate future smart technologies. In line with Beyons commitment to sustainability, the Digital City aims for LEED certification for its buildings, utilizing renewable energy sources and implementing efficient resource management practices. Additionally, smart transportation solutions, including electric and autonomous vehicles and IoT-enabled traffic systems, will be integrated to optimize mobility and minimize environmental impact. To bring this vision to life, Beyon has partnered with Edamah who have been appointed to handle the projects development management. The decision is driven by Edamah's ability to consistently, effectively and competently, deliver projects on time, in accordance with the highest international standards. "We are excited to collaborate with Beyon on such a pioneering project. Our expertise in real estate development and construction will ensure that the Digital City is grounded in industry best practices while leveraging Beyons technological leadership to set new standards in smart, sustainable urban development," remarked Edamah CEO Christopher Calvert. "This partnership allows for a seamless fusion of real estate and technology, ensuring the project not only meets but sets new standards in smart, sustainable urban development," he added.-TradeArabia News Service Global technology major Siemens said it has secured a major contract from Emirates Smart Solutions (ESS), a unit of Abu Dhabi-based Etimad Holding for the renovation of the Esna Barrage and Lock in Luxor region of Egypt. This project has been assigned to Egyptian company ESS by the Egyptian Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation. Under the contract, Siemens will be responsible for supply, design, installation, testing and operation of a Scada system to control the movement of the Esna Barrage's gates, in addition to providing a monitoring system for water levels, which will be integrated into the Distributed Control System (DCS) for the Esna Hydroelectric Power Station. This project holds strategic significance for Egypt as Siemens delivers integrated solutions for monitoring and controlling critical barrages along the Nile, aligning with the Egyptian government's efforts to maximise water utilization efficiency in the country. The contract also includes Siemens supplying a gate movement control system that utilizes a new motor and variable speed drives, alongside fiber optic networks. Siemens' Scada system effectively controls and monitors industrial processes in real-time, collecting data from sensors and devices and presenting it through a user-friendly interface. This software enables operators to manage equipment and machinery remotely and make data-driven decisions. Scada also enhances operations, increases efficiency, and ensures safety across various sectors, including manufacturing, energy, and utilities. On the key project, Mostafa El Bagoury, the CEO of Siemens Egypt, said: "We are excited about our partnership with ESS, tasked with executing the renovation project for the Esna Barrage and Lock on behalf of the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation." "This project will enhance Egypt's water resource infrastructure and contribute to improved water resource management, a key focus for the Egyptian government at this time," noted El Bagoury. "Siemens' advanced solutions, particularly the Scada monitoring and control system, will play a crucial role in enhancing the barrage's performance, increasing its efficiency, and reducing the need for frequent maintenance and repairs, thereby achieving substantial long-term cost savings. Together, these benefits will improve the operational capabilities of the Esna Barrage and extend its productive lifespan," he added. ESS Chairman and Managing Director Dr Mohamed Al Naqbi said the company has been operating in Egypt and many African countries for years in the fields of infrastructure, vital utilities, information technology, and systems and technological programme, including artificial intelligence. "This project is part of our collaboration with the Ministry following our provision of the optimal solution for monitoring, control, and management systems for the Esna Barrage and Lock through advanced technological solutions offered by Siemens," he stated. "This project marks the beginning of a series of initiatives to integrate the operational processes of all dams, reservoirs, and barrages along the Nile, providing decision-makers and operators with real-time key performance indicators and allowing for significant improvements in the operational efficiency of Egypt's water resources," he added. Siemens' scope of work will include the supply and installation of necessary equipment and systems, encompassing assembly and installation of equipment, engineering services, detailed design and planning, and oversight of the installation to ensure compliance with required standards and specifications. Additionally, operational tests will be conducted on the installed systems to verify their effectiveness, ensuring they operate at full capacity and meet project requirements, it added.-TradeArabia News Service Resilience, innovation, and future-ready strategies took centre stage today (November 3) at Gateway Gulf 2024, as 250 distinguished attendees, including government ministers and business leaders from around the world, convened for the first day of the investment forum. The two-day event hosted in Manama by the Bahrain Economic Development Board (Bahrain EDB) has brought together regional and global leaders to explore strategies for future-proofing industries and economies while highlighting some of the Gulf Cooperation Councils (GCC) most exciting high-growth opportunities. Held under the theme of Investing for Resilience in a Fast-Changing Global Reality, day one saw opening remarks delivered by Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, the Minister of Finance and National Economy for the Kingdom of Bahrain. This was followed by high-level discussions focused on addressing challenges in todays economy, such as inflation and geopolitical tensions, alongside opportunities in digital transformation and the energy transition. Emphasizing the importance of long-term resilience and sustainable growth, the days agenda addressed pressing topics such as investing for resilience, adapting to a shifting global trade landscape, readying the workforce for a future economy, and decarbonising industry. Key sessions included the opening panel discussion Investing for Resilience in a Fast-Changing Global Reality. Attended by Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Minister of Finance and National Economy, Kingdom of Bahrain, alongside Engineer Khalid bin Abdulaziz Al Falih, Minister of Investment, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and Lord Gerry Grimstone, Former UK Minister for Investment at the Departments for International Trade and Business Energy and Industrial Strategy, the opening session underscored the necessity for growing regional integration, as well as technological innovation to leverage opportunities in the global economy, as well as mitigating current and future risks. In line with the theme of navigating a rapidly shifting global economy, the panel discussion Adapting to a Shifting Global Trade Landscape, spotlighted strategies for nearshore manufacturing, particularly within highgrowth, technology-dependent sectors, and examined implications for major trading hubs and global supply chains. Featuring Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro, the Minister of Industry and Commerce, Kingdom of Bahrain, alongside Henadi Al Saleh, Chair of the Board of Agility, and Keith Svendsen, CEO of APM Terminals, the panellists stressed the need to modernise infrastructure and advance digitization efforts to minimize the bureaucracy related to global trade. The need to diversify trade routes and drive partnerships was also underscored as critical to overcoming potential disruption to global supply chains, it stated. Additional highlights from day one of Gateway Gulf 2024 include the fireside chat Towards a Future-Ready Workforce, featuring Noor bint Ali AlKhulaif, Minister of Sustainable Development, Chief Executive of Bahrain Economic Development Board. In the session, AlKhulaif highlighted the importance of public and private partnerships for its efforts, the criticality of investing in upskilling for a digitized economy, and the advantages of collaboration across the GCC to enable talent mobility. Providing a critical platform for governments and industries to explore solutions and strategies for sustainable growth in an uncertain world, Gateway Gulf 2024 not only addresses immediate economic challenges but also uncovers long-term opportunities across Bahrain and the GCC, said the organisers. By fostering collaboration and highlighting the regions unique advantages - from technological advancements to progressive economic policies - Gateway Gulf reinforces Bahrains position as a leading investment destination and underscores the GCCs pivotal role in the global economy, they added.-TradeArabia News Service Boeier, the Kemp's ridley sea turtle, undergoes a health exam before release back into the Gulf of Mexico. Courtesy of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services Boeier, the Kemp's ridley sea turtle is waiting to see the vets at the Houston Zoo after a long flight home from the Netherlands. Courtesy of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services One sea turtle's exciting journey will conclude on a Galveston beach this week, as it makes its way back to the Gulf of Mexico after traveling thousands of miles to the Netherlands. The juvenile Kemps ridley sea turtle, later named Boeier, was discovered by commercial fishermen last year after she became tangled in their fishing gear off the southwestern coast of the Netherlands. She was transported to the Rotterdam Zoo to receive treatment for minor injuries and remained there for a year to undergo rehabilitation. Now, Boeier has traveled across the Atlantic Ocean and will be released onto a Galveston beach Monday so she can return to her native waters in the Gulf of Mexico. To ensure she is cleared for release, Boeier will be evaluated by veterinary staff at the Houston Zoo and given a tracking device by the Texas A&M University at Galvestons Gulf Center for Sea Turtle Research to monitor her future movements. Advertisement Article continues below this ad We are so happy that Boeier was rescued, rehabilitated and deemed healthy enough to release so that she can rejoin the reproductive population and potentially contribute to the recovery of the species, Mary Kay Skoruppa, the Services Sea Turtle Coordinator for Texas, said in a statement. An added benefit is the opportunity to increase the services and NOAA Fisheries knowledge about survival and movements of juvenile Kemps ridley sea turtles that strand in areas far outside of their normal migration routes. Mainly found in the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic coastal waters along eastern North America, Kemps ridley sea turtles are the smallest and one of the most endangered sea turtle species in the world, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services. Rarely, a juvenile sea turtle will be caught up in the powerful Gulf Stream and end up crossing the Atlantic. In recent years, scientists have observed an uptick in cold-stunned turtles in New England as the hook shape of Cape Cod can trap the turtles within the bay, where waters are too cold for them. We are starting to see more juvenile Kemps ridleys off the East Coast, and due to climate change the warmer water is pulling them into the Atlantic, Fish and Wildlife Biologist Cynthia Rubio said in a statement. I would bet that Boeier is probably one of those juveniles that was trapped there and drifted across the Atlantic. Advertisement Article continues below this ad As cold-stunning cases continue to increase, more sea turtles need to be transported to rehabilitation facilities around the country, requiring serious coordination among the staff and volunteers of various organizations. In addition to cold-stunning, sea turtles face increasing threats from fishing gear and marine debris. JP Morgan Payments, a leading provider of commerce, receivables, cross-border payments, trade & working capital as well as blockchain and liquidity optimization services, has announced plans to hire software engineers and other technologists in Bahrain to serve its global payments business. This news is the next step in the continued strategic investment the business is making in technology talent globally, said a statement from Bahrain Economic Development Board. JPMorganChase is one of the worlds largest technology-driven companies with a demonstrated dedication to improving the design, analytics, development, coding, and application programming that goes into creating high-quality software and products. Expressing delight at the JP Morgan announcement, Noor bint Ali Alkhulaif, the Minister of Sustainable Development and CEO of Bahrain Economic Development Board, said: "Known for its ease of doing business, Bahrain has cemented its reputation as a fast-growing financial and technology center for the region, driven by a digitally empowered financial services sector that continues to underpin Bahrains growth and diversification story." "This milestone marks a strong endorsement of the trust international investors place in Bahrains first-rate offerings and future-ready workforce," stated Ali Alkhulaif. "We take pride in the fact that as an island nation, we have one of the highest ratios of FDI stock to GDP globally - almost double the global average - a stamp of approval of our recognised global competitiveness and the depth and diversity of services we can offer the world," she added. A global financial giant, JP Morgan Payments combines treasury services, trade & working capital, card and merchant services capabilities to help clients pay customers or employees, in different currencies, around the world. It processes nearly $10 trillion payments daily, operating in over 160 countries and over 120 currencies. Last year, JP Morgan Payments had reported $18.3 billion in revenue across the firm, up from approximately $14 billion in 2022, representing a 31 percent increase, excluding the impact of equity investments. Mike Blandina, Global Head of Payments Technology at JP Morgan Payments, said: "We are looking to Bahrain as a strategic partner to grow the pool of technology talent and continue to drive business value both for the region and globally." "Bahrain's financial services sector has shown remarkable progress earning its position as the Middle East's most established financial centre with a diversified portfolio of local, regional and international financial services institutions," stated Blandina. The sector, comprising 365 financial institutions and employing over 14,300 people, contributed 17% to GDP in 2023, with a year-on-year growth of 2.4%. Last year, the sector attracted record foreign direct investment (FDI) flows worth BD10.7 billion ($26.3 billion), accounting for 65.8% of total FDI inflows, marking an impressive increase of 33.4% from 2022. -TradeArabia News Service Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company, the sovereign wealth fund of the Kingdom of Bahrain, today (November 3) entered into an agreement with the Ministry of Finance and National Economy to fully transfer Bahrain Agriculture Development Company (Gheras) to Mumtalakats wholly-owned subsidiary, Bahrain Food Holding Company (BFHC). Announcing this during the 2nd edition of the Gateway Gulf Forum, a key event organised by the Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB), Mumtalakat said the transfer aims to accelerate growth and innovation in the Bahraini agri-food sector to further support the Kingdom of Bahrains commitment to improve national food security. Founded in 2021 by a royal decree, BADC (Gheras) is a pioneering entity focused on advancing Bahrains agricultural capabilities through sustainable practices, such as hydroponic farming, to support local crop production. Earlier this year, BADC inaugurated a landmark hydroponics project in Hoorat Aali underscoring Gheras role in meeting local demand for fresh produce. Bahrain Food Holding Company was established earlier this year to serve as Mumtalakats central entity for consolidating food-related assets. Todays announcement marks BFHCs first major initiative since its inception and aims to broaden its portfolio, which already comprises Bahrain Flour Mills, General Poultry Company and Delmon Poultry Company, to include sustainable farming technologies aligning with Mumtalakats vision to increase sustainable local food production and enhance food security. Wael bin Nasser Al Mubarak, the Minister of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture, and Chairman of Gheras, stressed the kingdoms commitment to supporting programmes and initiatives aimed at developing the agricultural sector. This transfer will further support the sustainability of local produce, in line with the set national goals in the field of food security, he stated. Basim Mohamed AlSaie, the Chairman of BFHC, said: "The integration of BADC within BFHCs existing portfolio strengthens our position across the food value chain, directly aligning with our strategy to support Bahrains economic and sustainability objectives." "By enhancing domestic agricultural production and reducing reliance on imports, we are committed to fostering high-quality local output that contributes to Bahrains food security and sustainable growth," he stated. By combining resources, expertise, and a shared commitment to sustainable practices, BFHC and BADC are poised to set a new standard for local food production, reducing reliance on imports and contributing to Bahrains long-term economic resilience, said AlSaie. "The transaction further aligns with Mumtalakats strategy to optimize, enhance, and grow its portfolio to achieve sustainable, long-term financial returns and support Bahrains enhanced economic dynamism," he added.-TradeArabia News Service Baker Hughes, an energy technology company that provides solutions to energy and industrial customers worldwide, has announced the official inauguration of its new purpose-built surface pressure control (SPC) headquarters and manufacturing centre in Abu Dhabi. A 46,000-sqm facility, the new Abu Dhabi SPC solutions unit will provide a full range of wellhead and subsea tree equipment and services to customers in the Middle East and around the world. Set up in collaboration with Al Ghaith Energy, the UAEs strategic location will facilitate local supply of this essential equipment, leading to shorter shipping times, streamlined delivery schedules and enhanced supply chain logistics for customers. The opening ceremony was held under the patronage of Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Group MD & CEO of Abu Dhabi National Oil Company. "The UAE is a strategic energy hub, and Abu Dhabi offers an ideal location to support our customers operations around the globe," said Baker Hughes Chairman and CEO Lorenzo Simonelli. "By meeting our customers where they are, Baker Hughes can help deliver energy more efficiently to produce the shortest-cycle, lowest-carbon barrel," he added. This opening marks the latest milestone in Baker Hughes 60-year commitment to the UAE and underscores the companys dedication to localization. Headquartered in Texas, US, the global energy major currently employees 1,700 people in the UAE across nearly a dozen facilities focused on manufacturing, services, remote monitoring and training. Its expanded operations will create more than 100 additional local jobs, and the establishment of an on-site training centre will further strengthen the talent pipeline in the emirates and across the region. The new facility builds on SPCs global footprint, which includes primary manufacturing facilities in Dammam (Saudi Arabia) and Suzhou (China). The solutions center features state-of-the-art cladding capabilities, as well as assembly and testing, repair, inventory management and field services. It will produce a range of conventional and unconventional wellhead systems and surface trees capable of operating in high-pressure environments, along with accompanying valves and wellhead accessories. The facility is expected to deliver its first product by the year-end. SPCs operations are supported by a worldwide network of service workshops in Algeria, Angola, India, Iraq, Kuwait, Mexico, Norway, Qatar, Thailand and the UK. "We are proud of our collaboration with Baker Hughes to achieve this milestone," remarked Atif Arikat, the CEO of Al Ghaith Energy. "Todays inauguration is a testament to the UAEs leading role in the energy industry and to our joint support to increase in-country manufacturing," he added.-TradeArabia News Service Beautyworld Middle East 2024, the regions largest international trade show for the beauty and wellness industries, will see the participation of 2,000 exhibitors and more than 70,000 visitors when it gets underway at Dubai World Trade Centre from October 28-30. This years show that was inaugurated by Hessa Bu Humaid, UAEs Minister of Community Development, will feature international and local brands, in addition to all new innovations and products across 16 halls. Bu Humaid said: It is an honour to open Beautyworld Middle East which has become a highlight of the calendar in the region and provides an educational, inspirational and community-led meeting point for beauty, fragrance and wellness professionals. I am delighted to see so many new international exhibitors here which is a testament not only to the growth of the exhibition, but also to Dubais commitment to bringing innovation and cross-industry collaborations to the world, said the minister, who visited various areas of the show, notably the Nazih Group stand, the Armaf stand, and the Emovation Lab. The 28th edition of Beautyworld Middle East is set to attract representatives from 68 countries. The three-day programme at Dubai World Trade Centre offers beauty lovers and insiders access to nine of the industrys fastest-growing segments: fragrance; cosmetics and skincare; hair, nails and salon supplies; personal care and hygiene; beauty tech; supply chain and services; Clean + Conscious; Prestige Pack; and the newest category Beauty Beginnings a dynamic zone designed exclusively for emerging startups and SMEs in the beauty sector entering the MENA region for the first time. Attendees can look forward to show favourites including Front Row by Nazih a series of high energy live demonstrations and expert presentations; the much-loved nail artistry competition Nail It! By Nazih Group; Signature Scent where international fragrance houses come together to create their own interpretations of the essence of Beautyworld Middle East; and Quintessence an exclusive stage dedicated to niche fragrances. Delving into the current state of the beauty industry and analysing its future growth, the Next in Beauty Conference promises to bring together great minds and thought leaders from the industry to discuss trending topics, insights and challenges. On October 28, Next in Beauty keynote speaker TV star, beauty entrepreneur, makeup artist and brand ambassador, Joelle Mardinian, delivered the address. With over 21 million followers on Instagram and named as one of the worlds 500 most influential Arabs by Forbes, Mardinian was in conversation with Nezha Alaoui, CEO of Women Choice. Amongst the discovery zones will be the all-new Beauty Beginnings experience which focuses on introducing 18 new brands into the MENA region, and the debut of beautyLIVE a stage dedicated to live hair and make-up demonstrations and home of the Arabian Colour Fiesta by Goldwell. the largest hair colour competition in the GCC. The prestigious Beautyworld Middle East Awards is taking place on October 29. TradeArabia News Service Saudi-based Al Watania Poultry, a leader in poultry production, has announced plans to set up a mega cooling plant, with a 17,700 kW capacity within its facility in Riyadh. It has signed up leading engineering group GEA for the procurement, and construction of the plants systems, furthering Watania's dedication to a modern, safe, and efficient work environment. The initiative underscores Al Watanias commitment to advancing food security and supporting Saudi Arabias economic growth by leveraging advanced technology and enhancing the productivity of its facilities and workforce. Ranked 24th globally in the poultry industry and providing 30% of Saudi Arabias poultry supply, Al Watania Poultry continues to establish itself as a cornerstone of national food security. The new cooling plant will service multiple biothermal loads, including a high-capacity automated slaughterhouse that processes 36,000 birds per hour, alongside cooling all the cold storages and three box freezers linked to the facility. Acting CEO Mohammed bin Hamad Alshaya said: "At Watania Poultry, we are deeply committed to serving our community by adhering to the highest environmental standards and ensuring safe, sustainable practices that protect natural resources and uphold our principles of sustainable development." Al Watania Poultrys new cooling project, he stated, aims to enhance the cooling and freezing capabilities of Slaughterhouse No. 3, adding significant freezing capacity with modern energy-efficient systems that replace older setups to reduce power usage. Equipped with advanced control systems, the plant operates automatically, adjusting cooling or freezing levels based on the slaughterhouses needs. Temperature is continuously monitored to ensure product quality, and engineers can fully manage the plant remotely, receiving real-time reports on operating conditions and temperatures, he added. In line with its environmental commitments, Al Watania Poultry said it is actively working to reduce harmful emissions from its water treatment plants by partnering with Azzuro, a leading Dutch company in gas purification solutions, to implement biofiltration technology, capable of purifying 15,000 cubic meters of gas emissions per hour. Additionally, the company is partnering with Tadweem Power Company and others to explore renewable energy sources and minimize diesel emissions, stated Alshaya. It is also collaborating with the Ministry of Energy and the Saudi Electricity Company, to integrate into the national grid, with an aim to substitute liquid fuels with cleaner energy sources, he added.-TradeArabia News Service Red Sea Global, the developer of regenerative tourism hubs, The Red Sea and Amaala, is likely to spend another $27 billion over the next six years to push ahead with developments that are designed to draw more tourists to the kingdom, reported Bloomberg, citing its top official. RSG has already spent around that amount to complete a third of the Red Sea project, which includes 24 resorts that are expected to be fully operational by the end of 2025, said its CEO John Pagano. The rest of the funding will come from a combination of equity and debt, he said in an interview with Bloomberg at the Future Investment Initiative conference in Riyadh. RSG had borrowed SAR14.1 billion in 2021 to help fund construction for the first phase. First announced in 2017, the Red Sea project covers 28,000 sq km and is expected to eventually bring in hundreds of thousands of luxury travellers a year. The Red Sea coast includes an archipelago of 90 islands and the government is building new resorts in the region, as well as on the green mountains in the south near Yemen, said the report. The project, fully owned by the states $930 billion sovereign wealth fund PIF, is securing about SAR14 billion ($3.7 billion) in financing next year to support the construction of Amaala, a wellness-focused destination featuring 29 hotels. The Saudi wealth fund had announced plans on Tuesday to increase its domestic investments, aiming to reduce its global investments from 30% to 18% of its portfolio. "We werent told to slowdown," stated Pagano. "Within a year, there will be 24 hotels operating," he added. The director general of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) Francesco La Camera says transitioning to renewable energy is critical globally, adding that the circumstances of small island developing states (SIDS), such as those in the Caribbean, make it especially urgent. First of all, it is critical for all the world. But here, the conditions are even more critical because the small islands are mainly coastal zones; they are all in the middle of the ocean and here, there is also the confluence of the Gulf where the water is becoming warmer. So, we have the capacity to enhance the power of every storm that is coming to this area when we talk about the Caribbean, La Camera told the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC). WHITE candles were yesterday placed on the side of the road in Sennon Village Number Three, Siparia, where the severed head of 59-year-old Joanne Estick was found in a bag on Thursday. Estick, a mother of one and grandmother of three, was last seen in the village earlier this week. A senior police officer of the South Western Police Division said they are yet to officially confirm that the head is that of Estick without the rest of the human remains. I imagine by the time readers get through todays column, the Peoples National Movement (PNM) will have completed its processes and revealed its full slate of candidates minus Dr Keith Rowley, who, as far as I can translate what is happening, will not be prime minister but will remain political leader of the party. Yeah, I know: Ive just burdened you with a long-winded sentence; bear in mind that the narrative reflects what is actually happening on the ground. So, if people are confused by what is happening, hopefully they will not be confused by my writing. Q: Do you recommend any of the new technologies for home building? A: There are many new and exciting products in the home building industry. We have watched two homes being built using new systems. One was a 3D-printed home, and the other was a pre-cut steel home. Both turned out great. Getting permits for new technology was a challenge. Here are their stories. A homeowners story Ty and his wife, Wendy, were looking for a lower-cost alternative to a conventional stick-built home. Manufactured homes were a consideration. However, they did not meet the requirements for their family. Ty researched and discovered a steel home kit that fit their needs. The company producing the steel home had all the pieces precut and ready to be assembled on-site. Plans for assembly were supplied, and Ty was going to do the work with the aid of friends and relatives. They were off to a good start. Permitting Ty brought the plans to his local building department to obtain the required building permit. The plans provided by the manufacturer needed more information for the department to issue a building permit. The department rejected the plans, requesting greater details. They suggested that Ty engage the services of a structural engineer to provide the necessary calculations and details requested. Steel home kits are not mainstream. They are also not directly addressed in the International Residential Code that governs most of our building jurisdictions. Building jurisdictions rely on the expertise of engineers to ensure that a structure is safe. That is their responsibility, after all. Once the building departments requirements were met, a permit was issued, and assembly began. Changes made the process even longer Early in the assembly process, Ty and Wendy decided they wanted a vaulted ceiling throughout the living area. The building inspector said they would need further engineering before approving the changes. OK, they went back to the drawing board. The first engineer could not help them, so Ty sought a second engineer to provide the county with the necessary details. That was a long process. It turned out that the steel home was not the simple alternative they had hoped for. The house was finished, but only after several starts and stops. Overall, the process took a year and a half 18 months to complete. An architects story Central Arizona Habitat for Humanity reached out to architect and Habitat board member Mark Candelaria to assist them with getting a 3D-printed house completed in Tempe. This promising technology is far from mainstream. As an architect, Mark is very familiar with residential codes and building department requirements and his approach differed from Tys. Permitting Mark tells us that he anticipated the challenges of permitting the 3D house. He assembled a team of representatives from Habitat for Humanity, a structural engineer and a German firm supplying the equipment for the 3D printer. They met with building department officials weekly to discuss the departments requirements. Working with all parties in what Mark describes as a collaborative team effort still took about a year. When this project was being built, COVID-19 was also in full swing. The team meetings were held via Zoom. Anyone who has participated in Zoom meetings knows that they work well but do not replace the synergy that occurs with in-person meetings. The team There was incredible effort applied in developing new design and structural details. The education process of how to construct the 3D home and the inspection process of the building were ongoing components of the build. Q: Is using new building materials worth the permitting hassle? A: Yes, if you are willing to vet the product. When introducing a new construction technology, be prepared for challenges. You will need to understand how the tech works and be ready to demonstrate its soundness to industry players. These players include clients, architects, engineers, workers, suppliers, associated trades and building officials (including plan checkers and field inspectors). It is very important to investigate the pros and cons of any product you plan to use. Do your homework and know that the newer it is, the longer it will likely take to complete the permitting process. Mark believes that 3D-printed housing is a viable option for future housing needs. Ty likes the house they built but learned that it would have been easier had he not chosen a steel kit made in Texas. The more familiar the materials are to the building department, the easier it will be to permit. Tucson is now home to Arizonas largest outdoor mural and its as beautiful as you could have guessed. The mural, painted by local artist Jessica Gonzales, spans 26,000 square feet and was confirmed by the Southern Arizona Arts and Cultural Alliance (SAACA) to be the largest outdoor mural in the state. The vibrant desert-themed mural, dubbed Sonoran Skylines, was painted at Park Place Mall, 5870 E. Broadway, on the west side of the movie theater. Gonzales was selected to create the mural after Park Place Mall launched a call-to-artists, asking local muralists to submit their designs. I wanted the artwork to convey the impact of standing before a majestic saguaro, Gonzales said in a press release. Tucson is a renowned destination for mural art and Im honored to contribute a piece that showcases our deserts beauty on such a large scale. Art has always been part of Gonzales life, from drawing as a kid to taking advanced art classes in high school to studying art at the University of Arizona. She started her mural journey in 2016 and became a full-time muralist in 2019. Its very likely that youve seen her work splashed across The Loft Cinema, The Tuxon, Antigone Books and many other buildings across our favorite desert city. Register for more free articles. Log in Sign up The challenge of creating something small a design in a small format and then getting that image up on a large wall there's a sort of problem-solving to that with such a big payoff, Gonzales told #ThisIsTucson in 2021. I kinda like the technical side of it. I like figuring out how to create something that fits well with its environment. The mural was officially unveiled on Saturday, Nov. 2 during SAACAs inaugural Park Place Street Art Festival that included a community ofrenda, face painting, live music and interactive chalk art installations. Were excited to support our local art community in a meaningful way and enhance the beauty of our center with this incredible piece, Brighid Dawson, Park Places general manager, said in the press release. This mural is a testament to the talent and creativity of our community and will be a wonderful addition to Tucsons cultural landscape. 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Co-hosted by Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV) and Imex Pan Pacific Group (IPPG), the event will bring together airports, brands, and concessionaires, alongside their business partners in the travel retail sector, according to the events website. It will draw more than 400 speakers, senior officials, and representatives of more than 80 businesses and organizations engaged in aviation and travel retail from more than 30 countries around the world. It is expected that major brands such as L'Oreal, Qatar Airways, Mondelez, Diageo, Nestle, China Duty Free Group, and Lagardere Travel Retail will discuss their investment plans in aviation and travel retail at the Trinity Forum 2024. Representatives from major corporations such as IPPG, Fraport Group and Vantage Airport Group will take part in discussion sessions on sustainable development, customer experience improvement, and commercial space optimization. Particularly, the forums second day will focus on the development of Vietnam's aviation and travel retail industries, highlighting brands such as SASCO, Noi Bai, Tan Son Nhat and IPP Travel Retail. Johnathan Hanh Nguyen, chairman of IPPG, emphasized that the event will present a significant opportunity for Vietnam to exchange experiences in developing the tourism and aviation sectors. The event is not only an international playground in aviation and travel retail but also serves as a platform for Ho Chi Minh City to raise its position on the international tourism and shopping map, he commented. Founded in 2003 by The Moodie Davitt Report, which is published by MA Travel Retail, The Trinity Forum has flourished over time to become a key annual gathering to help shape and improve airport and travel retail services and revenues. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! More than 2,000 students attended a startup-focused workshop organized by the Faculty of Public Relations and Communications at Van Lang University in Ho Chi Minh City on Sunday to equip students with the skills needed for entrepreneurship. Titled Local Beginning, Global Thinking, the workshop also addressed the challenges that, according to some research, cause over 95 percent of startups globally to fail within their first five years. The event, held at Van Lang Universitys Trinh Cong Son Hall in Binh Thanh District, showcased insights from notable entrepreneurs, including Le Dinh Luc, founder and CEO of DOL English; Tran Huu Duc, co-founder of BCC and Better Living; and Nguyen Trung Dung, chairman of Dh Foods. Over 2,000 students attended a startup-focused workshop organized by the Faculty of Public Relations and Communications at Van Lang University in Ho Chi Minh City, November 3, 2024. Through these sessions, the students had the chance to engage directly with the accomplished experts and business leaders, gaining in-depth knowledge, valuable experience, and practical insights to support them on their entrepreneurial journeys. Luc, one of the event's keynote speakers and founder of DOL English, which operates a major English language center chain in the city, shared his journey in creating Linearthinking, a language-learning methodology that merges first-language influence analysis, memory techniques, and mathematical logic. Developed as a way to improve Lucs own English skills as a high school student, Linearthinking has since earned intellectual property certification from Vietnams Intellectual Property Office in 2019. Le Dinh Luc, founder and CEO of DOL English, speaks at the Local Beginning, Global Thinking workshop at Van Lang University in Ho Chi Minh City, November 3, 2024. Initially, Luc began teaching English while pursuing higher education, using Linearthinking to help learners overcome challenges in mastering grammar, vocabulary, and conversational skills. His approach emphasizes mapping and simplifying grammar rules, which he found particularly beneficial to students coming from non-English backgrounds. After turning down a PhD scholarship in Australia, Luc went all in to establish DOL English as an edtech startup in 2017, a decision that helped the company weather the COVID-19 pandemic and expand to 18 centers across Vietnam. As DOL English grows, Luc and his team are researching international market opportunities to bring Linearthinking to global learners. In tandem, the company is advancing its DOL Super LMS, a tech platform supporting its unique language-learning method. Discussing the steps he and his startup have taken to turn the dream of conquering the global market into reality, Luc spotlighted the essential competitive advantages Vietnamese edtech startups must cultivate. To succeed internationally, these startups need a strong product advantage, he said. In education, a product's success hinges on its effectiveness in enhancing user learning. Therefore, edtech startups must deeply invest in content and develop distinctive, impactful teaching methods. What is more, they need a qualified teaching team capable of delivering these methods optimally. This team might include Vietnamese instructors fluent in English or local educators from target international markets. This is crucial: startups must not only create a unique and effective learning approach but also ensure a teaching team tailored to each market. Developing a strategy for hiring local teachers in specific countries also enhances cultural connection and teaching efficacy." The second critical factor is technology, Luc continued. As Vietnamese edtech products enter foreign markets, their tech must stand out with innovation that sets them apart from international competitors. The challenges of marketing, communication, sales, legal requirements, and operations abroad can be substantial. However, with advantages in product quality especially in teaching methodology, skilled instructors, and technology features that support learners Vietnamese edtech startups can significantly improve their competitive edge as they expand globally, the CEO further explained. The workshop, titled 'Local Beginning, Global Thinking,' cited research as showing that over 95 percent of startups globally fail within their first five years. Among the language center chains alumni are professionals like psychiatrist Nguyen Trung Nghia, a former president of the Ho Chi Minh City University of Medicine and Pharmacys student association, who attained an IELTS score of 7.5 with the method. His younger brother, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon who diagnoses and treats diseases, injuries, and conditions affecting the face, mouth, and jaws, reached an IELTS score of 8.0, achieving perfect scores in listening and reading, despite a demanding work and research schedule. For Nghia, Linearthinking has been especially effective thanks to its logical framework, which resonates with his scientific training. "Thats a pretty high score, considering my background in the sciences and my busy schedule with specialized studies, work, and research," said the doctor. "For someone like me, who comes from a scientific field, the logic of this method is convincing it saves a lot of time and effort." He has even applied its principles to learning Chinese, experiencing significant improvements. Like us on Facebook or follow us on X to get the latest news about Vietnam! President of the National Assembly of Peoples Power of Cuba Esteban Lazo Hernandez said Cuba hoped to receive Vietnams support in developing renewable energy during talks with chairman of Vietnam's lawmaking National Assembly Tran Thanh Man in Hanoi on Saturday. The top Cuban legislator is paying a visit to Vietnam through Sunday. During the talks, the Vietnamese NA chairman said regular visits by the two countries senior officials helped strengthen and develop their special solidarity. Man extended his condolences and sympathy to the Party, state, and people of Cuba following the devastation caused by typhoon Oscar which hit the country last month, as well as its difficulties triggered by the ongoing energy and food crises. He also congratulated Cuba as the the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution, urging the U.S. to end its economic, commercial and financial embargo against Cuba. The Vietnamese NA wanted to enhance the cooperation with the Cuban legislature in an extensive manner, Man noted. He suggested the two sides coordinate at multilateral international forums, such as the Inter-Parliamentary Union and other multilateral parliamentary organizations of which the two sides are members, and support each other's stances on regional and international issues of shared concern. For his part, president of the National Assembly of Peoples Power of Cuba Esteban Lazo Hernandez expressed his joy to return to visit Vietnam and meet Vietnamese NA chairman Man again. He thanked the Party, state and people of Vietnam for presenting 10,000 metric tons of rice to Cuba, emphasizing this is the timely sharing in the context that Cuba is facing a food and energy crisis. According to Hernandez, the two countries special relationship has seen many positive developments after the state visit to Cuba by Vietnamese Party General Secretary and State President To Lam in September. During the visit, the two sides issued a joint statement with the determination to continue developing their bilateral ties to a new height which is more comprehensive, practical, effective and sustainable. Hernandez suggested that Vietnam share its law-making experiences, especially in the context that Cuba is building its business law. He said the two countries should promote exchanges between localities and friendly parliamentarian groups, coordinate to prepare for the second session of the Vietnam - Cuba Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation Committee, and promote bilateral cooperation in the fields of economy, finance, investment, energy, science and technology. They also agreed to hold the second session of the Vietnam - Cuba Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation Committee in Vietnam next year. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! What you need to know today in Vietnam: Politics -- Chairman of Vietnam's lawmaking National Assembly Tran Thanh Man held talks with President of the National Assembly of Peoples Power of Cuba Esteban Lazo Hernandez in Hanoi on Saturday. The top Cuban legislator is paying a visit to Vietnam through Sunday. Society -- The Phan Rang-Thap Cham city sub-project part of the Coastal Cities Sustainable Environment Project, which carries a price tag of US$97.9 million funded by the World Bank Group, was inaugurated in the south-central province of Ninh Thuan on Saturday with improved infrastructure works that can benefit 69,000 local residents, according to the Vietnam News Agency. -- Doctors at Children's Hospital 2 in Ho Chi Minh City have performed a surgery to remove more than 100 roundworms whose scientific name is Ascaris lumbricoides from the small intestine of a 2.5-year-old boy. -- A heavy rain, paired with high tides, inundated the majority of Bac Lieu City in the namesake southern province on Saturday. -- Vietnam is currently the frontrunner in Southeast Asia for organ transplants, with over 1,000 procedures per year, Nguyen Thi Kim Tien, chairwoman of the Vietnam Tissue and Organ Donation Advocacy Association, said at a conference in Ho Chi Minh City on Saturday. -- Hundreds of residents were evacuated to safety as a fire broke out at an apartment building in District 7, Ho Chi Minh City on Saturday evening. The incident caused no human casualties. Lifestyle -- The administration in Dak Lak Province, located in Vietnams Central Highlands, held an exhibition of 120 photos featuring the daily life and culture of people in the region, attracting many local residents and tourists, especially foreigners. World News -- A 5.48 metre (18 ft) Australian crocodile that held the world record as the largest crocodile in captivity has died, Reuters reported, citing a wildlife sanctuary. He was thought to be more than 110 years old. -- The deadliest flash floods in Spain's modern history have killed at least 211 people and dozens were still unaccounted for, four days after torrential rains swept the eastern region of Valencia, Reuters quoted Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez as saying. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Vietnams southern hub Ho Chi Minh City welcomed 4.66 million foreign travelers during the January-October period this year, up 12.9 percent year on year, the municipal Department of Tourism announced on Thursday. This figure of international arrivals accounted for 77.7 percent of the years plan, the department reported. The city also received nearly 31 million domestic tourists in the period, up 1.3 percent from a year earlier. In October alone, 647,000 foreign travelers and 3.5 million domestic tourists visited the city, representing an increase of 16.6 percent and 1.2 percent from the same month last year, respectively. With these encouraging growths, the citys tourism sector earned VND16.25 trillion ($642.71 million) in revenue in October, marking a year-on-year rise of 11.4 percent and bringing the total earnings over the past 10 months to VND156.6 trillion ($6.19 billion), or an 11.9 percent surge. Such high tourism revenue was partly attributed to strong performances of key markets such as South Korea, Japan, and Europe, coupled with improved tourism service quality and promotion programs in the city, according to the department. Ho Chi Minh City has promoted its image through various international events and fairs, including the Asia International Travel Trade Show (ITB Asia) 2024 in Singapore from October 23-25. The tourism department is currently developing preferential policies to attract more international MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) groups to the southern largest economic hub. To attract more visitors in the rest of the year, the department will coordinate with concerned agencies to prepare for the fourth annual Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Week from December 1-8. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! A mentally-ill man brandishing a gun-shaped object stopped vehicles and threatened commuters, causing mayhem on a street in Binh Tan District, Ho Chi Minh City on Saturday afternoon. A video showing the allegedly aggressive behavior surfaced on Vietnamese social media on Sunday. In the short video, the man was riding his motorcycle on a local street when he pointed the gun-shaped object at commuters and stopped several vehicles, panicking residents. Many road users felt too scared to stop their vehicles or turn around and flee. An official from the Peoples Committee of An Lac Ward in Binh Tan District told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper that the incident happened at 4:50 pm on Saturday. After being notified of the case, some police officers in the ward quickly approached the scene on Kinh Duong Vuong Street to overpower the man and seize the allegedly dangerous object. The man was captured at Gate 2 of Mien Tay (Western) Bus Station on the street. The object resembling a gun was identified as a broken toy gun. A family member of the man, identified as N.T.P., who lives in Binh Tri Dong Ward in the district, said that the 31-year-old man has been receiving treatment for mental illness for four years. He tested negative for drugs, so the police permitted his family to take him home for care and supervision. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Vietnam is taking the lead in Southeast Asia in organ transplants, performing more than 1,000 procedures each year, according to Nguyen Thi Kim Tien, chairwoman of the Vietnam Tissue and Organ Donation Advocacy Association. Associate Professor Tien, who formerly served as Minister of Health, highlighted that Vietnam also mastered all essential transplant techniques while addressing a geriatric conference hosted by Thong Nhat Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City on Saturday. The country has recorded a twofold rise in the number of organs donated by brain-dead individuals since the beginning of this year. The healthcare sector is actively working to increase donations from brain-dead donors by implementing various measures. Among these measures, she underscored the importance of establishing advocacy groups for organ and tissue donations within hospitals. Nguyen Thi Kim Tien, chairwoman of the Vietnam Tissue and Organ Donation Advocacy Association, addresses a geriatric conference hosted by Thong Nhat Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City on November 2, 2024. Photo: P.T. Dong Van He, director of the Vietnam National Coordinating Center for Human Organ Transplantation, added that 29 hospitals across the country are now capable of performing organ transplants, contributing to over 1,000 procedures annually, placing Vietnam at the forefront of Southeast Asia in this field. By 2024, organs from brain-dead donors made up 10 percent of total donations. However, this figure remains low, as awareness about brain-dead organ donations within the medical community is limited. Only around 10 percent of doctors and nurses fully understand the importance of donations from brain-dead individuals. He elaborated that the worlds oldest cornea donor was 107 years old and the oldest organ donor was 92. In 2023, up to 40 percent of organ donors in the U.S. were over 50 years old. Globally, one in four organ transplant recipients is aged 65, indicating that age is not a barrier to donating or receiving an organ. He also underlined the need for coordination efforts among multiple hospitals and medical facilities to perform transplants from deceased donors. Currently, brain-dead organ donations in Vietnam are still modest. Last year, 94 percent of organ donations came from living donors, while brain-dead donations accounted for only six percent, far below the international range of 50-90 percent. For instance, Spain took the lead globally with 50 brain-dead organ donors per one million people, saving countless lives. In the U.S., organ donations successfully save around 42,000 lives each year, Tien said. Speaking at the conference, Associate Professor Le Dinh Thanh, director at Thong Nhat Hospital, revealed that the hospital has successfully conducted 15 kidney transplants with technical support from Cho Ray Hospital specialists, giving new hope to many patients. The hospital is preparing for liver transplants with the support and technology transfer from 108 Military Central Hospital, Thanh added. On Saturday, Thong Nhat Hospital also launched an Organ Donation Advocacy Group, an essential initiative aimed at advancing organ transplantation and creating more life-saving opportunities for patients in need. Like us on Facebook or follow us on X to get the latest news about Vietnam! Doctors at Children's Hospital 2 in Ho Chi Minh City have performed a surgery to remove more than 100 roundworms whose scientific name is Ascaris lumbricoides from the small intestine of a 2.5-year-old boy. The hospital reported that the patient is a Mong ethnic minority child who came to live in Binh Duong Province, a neighbor of Ho Chi Minh City, from northern Ha Giang Province a month earlier. He suffered fever and diarrhea, so he was treated at the Binh Duong General Hospital but showed no improvement. He was later transferred to Children's Hospital 2 in Ho Chi Minh City in a state of severe shock and respiratory failure and received endotracheal intubation. After a checkup, doctors there decided to perform a surgery for him. During the over-two-hour surgery, doctors discovered the entire small intestine of the boy contained more than 100 roundworms of all sizes. They also found necrosis in a 70-centimeter small intestine section, which was later removed. Doctor Pham Nguyen Hien Nhan, who directly performed the surgery, said surgeons had to open the patients small intestine at many spots to remove the roundworms. The patient has recovered four days after the surgery. Doctors have instructed his family to deworm their child. Doctor Pham Ngoc Thach, deputy director of Children's Hospital 2, said children, especially those aged between two and 10, are at high risk for roundworm infection if they live in an unclean environment. Children have the habit of eating and drinking without washing their hands and holding soil or sand which often contains worm eggs. These eggs will develop into worms after entering human bodies. A high number of worms may cause intestinal blockages, which result in severe stomachache, vomiting, bloating, and fever. The late detection of intestinal blockages will cause necrosis in small intestines, sepsis and septic shock, posing significant life-threatening risks to patients. Thach stressed that children should be dewormed every six months. Families and schools should instruct children to wash their hands with soap before meals and after playing. Food for children must be cooked thoroughly and drinking water must be clean, doctor Thach added. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! A village along railway tracks in Phu Nhuan District, Ho Chi Minh City becomes a peaceful world amidst the bustling southern metropolis except for when trains pass by. Lying along both sides of the 20-kilometer-long track street, small decades-old houses form a unique village with simple lifestyle. Sometimes, residents are startled awake by the sound of train horns at midnight. However, the overall picture is lit up by a serene life in the trackside village in contrast to the busy city rhythm. In spite of narrow roads, the village seldom suffers traffic jams and ear-piercing vehicle horns, said some locals. The trackside village is home to barbershops, eateries, tailor shops and motorcycle repair stores, making the life of residents there convenient and cozy. Phan Thi Kim Lan, a 75-year-old local of the village in Phu Nhuan District, said that all the residents in the trackside village cherish each other as they have lived near each other for tens of years, with a deep and long lasting neighborship. Over 150 students from Nguyen Tat Thanh University visited the trackside village on Friday and Saturday, as part of their cooperative training course launched by Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper. Through the visits, these students not only had a chance to explore the simple but happy trackside life, but also captured beautiful moments on camera. Two old men in the trackside village are pictured chatting and reading Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper. Photo: Vo Le Tuong Vi An elderly woman picks star fruit in front of her house in the trackside village in Phu Nhuan District, Ho Chi Minh City. Her family has lived in the village for over 70 years. Photo: Thanh Thoang After picking star fruit, the elderly woman and her husband sell them to a customer. Photo: Huynh Thi Tuyet Linh Suong is happy to have her hair cut and styled at a hair salon in the trackside village in Phu Nhuan District for the first time. Photo: Le Phuc Hung Tai and Van Anh donates boxes of rice to disadvantaged people on a street near the trackside village in Phu Nhuan District, Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Vo Tran Ngoc Tram A motorcycle repair shop on Chien Thang Street in the trackside village in Phu Nhuan District, Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Vo Tran Ngoc Tran Locals of the trackside village in Phu Nhuan District have breakfast on Do Tan Phong Street. Photo: Thai Dang Khanh Hoa, 64, collects plastic bottles and paper in the trackside village in Phu Nhuan District, Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Ngo Thi Thanh Ngan The owner of an eatery at a market on Tran Khac Chan Street in the trackside village in Phu Nhuan District looks at the camera and smiles. Photo: Nguyen Quach Phuong Thao Ho Thi Thom, a 59-year-old local of the trackside village in Phu Nhuan District, has worked as a seamstress for 30 years. Photo: Pham Hong Yen Nhi Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! When Baby Reindeer became an international hit it was no surprise that addicted viewers would soon become couch detectives in their quest to uncover the real Martha, the stalker brilliantly depicted by Jessica Gunning. New SBS documentary The Jury is also based on real-life events where names dates, locations and images have been changed to protect identities in the original trial. But it took me less than a minute to find press articles on the actual case, given it was so high-profile in NSW a decaade ago. Thats because there were no less than three trials involved. No wonder its disputed result makes it a contestable case for this 5 part experiement, based on a UK series. The premise is intriguingly simple: actors re-enact courtroom scenes based on transcripts of a manslaughter trial before 12 everyday Australians who will assess all the evidence. As cameras watch the way juries work, will they arrive at the same outcome? For this to succeed, it presumably means Episode 5 will detail the original outcome (or at least all 3 trial outcomes). SBS has only supplied 1 for preview. There are 12 jurors who meet as strangers in a juror room, adjacent to the disused courtroom used for filming purposes. They range in age, ethnic background, life experience. Being SBS, this is quite varied. They include funeral home director Monique, logistics manager Audrey, music graduate Tahi, childrens entertainer Van, sex therapist Anya, SCG groundskeeper Michael, ex-prison officer Craig, mensa expert Guy and the most outspoken of the bunch, Mishelle, who brought everybody a knitted emotional support potato. First task is to appoint a spokesperson which they decide to do after some greetings, candidates and anonymous votes. But already they group is forming allegiances, cliques, leaders and followers. Just how will these rudimentary societal structures influence the arguments and outcomes to come? The crime centres around an elderly Italian gay man found dead at the bottom of a staircase following an argument with his partner, a younger Asian man. Producers will re-enact scenes of the fatal day which involve a juicer, operatic singing, paramedics, police and a bloodied staircase banister. Further scenes will restage police interrogation. Actors also assume the roles of judge, prosecutor, defence as well as first witnesses: forensics, paramedics, police and detectives. All their dialogue can be drawn from police and court records. Another actor will sit throughout the trial as the accused whom the jury scrutinise throughout for his reactions to court evidence and testimony. Question: do courtroom records take note of an accuseds reactions too? Not so sure The unscripted factor takes place in the jury room as our 12 are left to their own devices to react to what they have heard. Without giving too much away its safe to say there is a fair bit of division. There are conspiracy theorists, and there are those more guarded and reserved as the trial proceeds. Others still are practically Jessica Fletcher attempting to solve it all in record time. What the doco demonstrates is how even amongst a group as small as 12, people receive the same information, yet can arrive at different conclusions. Television also condenses the experiment for viewing purposes. Im pretty sure the trial/s took a lot longer than the 5 hours of viewing offered here. But youd hope producers staged it all for the jury before retiring to the edit suite. If The Twelve is a drama equivalent of jury duty, then this goes into more detail than other TV juries: Survivor, Jury Duty, We the Jury, After the Verdict and Judge Judy (where she is judge and jury!). Its a fascinating, if somewhat dry, TV experiment which avoids a Menendez Brothers, The Staircase or Jon-Benet Ramsay dramatisation. Those also ask the audience to become jurors, but this dissects the deliberation experience. If the legal system is one that intrigues, this will be one for you. The Jury 8:30pm Wednesday on SBS. HA NOI Politburo member of the Communist Party of Cuba and President of the National Assembly of Peoples Power Esteban Lazo Hernandez and the Cuban delegation successfully concluded their visit to Viet Nam on Sunday. Chairman of the National Assembly's Committee for External Relations Vu Hai Ha and Cuban Ambassdor to Viet Nam Orlando Nicolas Hernandez Guillen sent off the Cuban top legislator and his entourage at the Noi Bai International Airport in Ha Noi. Esteban Lazo Hernandez started his Viet Nam visit on Saturday. Vietnamese NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man hosted a red-carpet welcoming ceremony for the guest the same day, which was followed by their talks. Party General Secretary To Lam and State President Luong Cuong separatedly hosted the Cuban top legislator on the same day. The visit had a significant meaning, helping continue reinforcing and promoting cooperation between the two parliaments, and contributing to further deepening the special solidarity and brotherhood between Viet Nam and Cuba. During the Cuban leader's visit, leaders of the two countries agreed that 64 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, the solidarity and close relationship between Viet Nam and Cuba, nurtured by late President Ho Chi Minh and leader Fidel Castro, have continuously developed, becoming a model in international relations. The Party, State, and people of Viet Nam treasure and are determined to further deepen the special, exemplary, and faithful relationship between Viet Nam and Cuba through channels and across all fields, while working together with the Cuban people to maintain, develop, and pass on to next generations. The special traditional friendship between Viet Nam and Cuba has been constantly consolidated and enhanced through all channels of the Party, State, parliamentary cooperation, and people-to-people exchange, while becoming increasingly deep and substantive in all fields of politics, economics - trade, security - defence, and science - technology. The two countries special relationship has seen many positive developments after the State visit to Cuba by Party General Secretary and State President To Lam in September. During this visit, the two sides issued a Joint Statement with the determination to continue strongly developing bilateral ties to a new height that is more comprehensive, substantive, effective, and sustainable, in the spirit of cooperation, development for the cause of socialism development and building, for the benefit of the two peoples, and for peace, cooperation, and development in each region and the world over. Viet Nam affirms that the country stands in solidarity with Cuba. Viet Nam has called for the lifting of unilateral blockade and embargo against Cuba and the removal of Cuba from the list of state sponsors of terrorism. Viet Nam wishes to further deepen and enhance the effectiveness of ties with Cuba in all fields, making the most of the strengths of both sides in the context that the two countries are to celebrate the 65th anniversary of their bilateral of diplomatic relations in 2025 (December 2, 1960 - 2025), which has been named the Viet Nam - Cuba Friendship Year by the two countries' high-ranking leaders. The top legislator of Cuba thanked the Party, State, and people of Viet Nam for presenting 10,000 tonnes of rice to Cuba, emphasising this is a timely sharing in the context that Cuba is facing a food and energy crisis. The two sides showed their delight at the development of the two countries parliaments with high-level visits and important cooperative activities, deepening the relationship between the two legislatures, and contributing to consolidating and strengthening the special, exemplary and faithful relationship between Viet Nam and Cuba. To realise the cooperation protocol signed between the two legislative bodies in April last year, the first session of the Viet Nam - Cuba Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation Committee, co-chaired by President Esteban Lazo Hernandez and Vice NA Chairman Nguyen uc Hai, took place in September, with results recognised by both countries' high-ranking leaders and included in the Viet Nam-Cuba Joint Statement. This reaffirmed the two legislatures determination in further deepening relations between the two countries through parliamentary cooperation channels. Specifically, the two NAs continue to exchange their all-level delegations, committees, and deputies, and parliamentary friendship groups to share professional experiences in law-making, supervision and decision-making on important matters of the country, while enhancing information exchange and experience sharing in direct or online formats on holding parliament activities, building, and perfecting institutions and legal systems in areas of mutual interest. The two sides agreed to actively and effectively implement the high-level commitments and agreements reached during the State visit to Cuba by Party General Secretary and State President To Lam in September as well as the results of the first session of the Viet Nam - Cuba Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation Committee, while continuing to closely coordinate with and support each other at international organisations and multilateral forums. VNS HA NOI Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh will lead a high-level delegation to the 8th Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) Summit in Kunming, Chinas Yunnan province, from November 5 to 8, at the invitation of Chinese Premier Li Qiang. On this occasion, the PM will also attend the 10th Ayeyawady - Chao Phraya - Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy (ACMECS) Summit and the 11th Cambodia-Laos-Myanmar-Viet Nam Cooperation Summit. He will also engage in working sessions in China. VNS BINH THUAN A cultural exchange event connecting Lao and Cambodian students studying in HCM City and Vietnamese families hosting them have been held in the southern province of Binh Thuan, aiming to strengthen the friendship and comprehensive and sustainable cooperation between Viet Nam and its two neighbouring countries. Taking place over the weekend, the annual event saw approximately 160 students visiting local scenic spots and historical sites, and engaging in cultural exchanges with their Vietnamese peers and host families. They paid tribute to President Ho Chi Minh at a local museum dedicated to the late Vietnamese leader and toured the uc Thanh school, where he once taught before leaving the country to seek a way for national salvation. Additionally, the participants engaged in a series of exchange activities, including a knowledge contest about the life, career, and legacy of President Ho Chi Minh as well as the historical and cultural ties between Viet Nam, Laos, and Cambodia. In his remarks, Vice President of the HCM City Federation of Labour Phung Thai Quang said that the friendship among the three peoples was forged through challenging times, especially during their struggles for independence and freedom. He highlighted that the homestay programme not only offers material and emotional support for Lao and Cambodian students far from home but also serves as a strong bridge between them and their Vietnamese host parents. Its impact goes beyond familial bonds, resonating broadly as a vivid testament to international solidarity and cross-border friendship, Quang noted. Xaiyavong Duangmany, a Lao student at the Nguyen Tat Thanh University who has lived in Viet Nam since 2019, said he and his friends learn about culture and knowledge at school as well as life skills, daily routines, and the customs of Vietnamese families which they consider their beloved second home. VNS Swiss-headquartered Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) is eyeing investments in Vietnamese ports. MSC Group president Diego Aponte expressed this intention during a meeting in Switzerland with Vietnams Commission for the Management of State Capital at Enterprises in early October. Foreign groups are interested in deepwater container ports and more, photo Le Toan Aponte said MSC is working closely with Vietnam Maritime Corporation (VIMC) to develop the Can Gio international container transshipment port in Ho Chi Minh City. This large-scale project promises significant benefits for Vietnam. In 2023, Terminal Investment Limited, part of MSC, and Saigon Port JSC, under VIMC, submitted a proposal to the Ministry of Planning and Investment to implement the transshipment port with an estimated capital of $5.5 billion. Construction is slated to begin in 2026. In addition, MSC and VIMC have established a joint venture to operate two container terminals at Haiphong International Gateway Port in Lach Huyen. The group is considering expanding investments in Vietnam, including a proposal to invest in Danangs Lien Chieu port. MSC is also exploring opportunities to invest in other southern ports and develop modern logistics centres. Alongside expanding the port network, we hope to partner with Vietnamese firms to build integrated logistics services to optimise supply chains and reduce transportation costs, Aponte said. Similarly, Danish conglomerate AP Moller Holding is exploring opportunities to invest in deepwater ports and logistics infrastructure across Vietnam, with a view to solidifying the country as a key hub in Southeast Asias supply chain network. During a meeting with Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh in September, Robert Maersk Uggla, chairman of AP Moller Holding and Maersk, said, We see vast potential in Vietnam, and we are eager to contribute further to its development. Uggla expressed particular interest in deepwater container ports and logistics projects. In March, APM Terminals, part of AP Moller, signed an MoU with Hateco Haiphong International Container Terminal, a subsidiary of Hateco Group, for further terminal development in Haiphong. The two sides are investing in two berths with a combined capacity of 1.8 million TEU per year, expected to be completed in 2025. Following this partnership, the joint venture submitted an expression of interest for Lien Chieu Port construction and investment in Danang, at a cost of up to $1.9 billion. A recent report from FiinRatings highlighted the potential of Vietnams port sector. The compound annual growth rate of seaport throughput reached 10.3 per cent from 1998 to 2023, driven by import-export demand from foreign direct investment companies, along with the diversification of manufacturing chains away from China. Annual growth in seaport throughput has been consistently positive over the past 25 years, with only two periods of slowdown due to the global recession in 2010-2012 and then the 2020 pandemic. However, barriers to entry in the seaport industry remain high due to geographic constraints, reliance on national planning, the need for significant upfront capital investment, and the requirement to establish strategic relationships with shipping lines for a successful port project launch. Nguyen Nhat Hoang, head of the Corporate Credit Rating Division at FiinRatings, noted that Vietnams seaport industry was highly concentrated, with the three largest enterprises accounting for nearly 75 per cent of the market share. Container throughput market share is dominated by four major companies: Saigon New Port (47 per cent), VIMC (20 per cent), Gemadept (15 per cent), and Viconship (7 per cent). We have seen a gradual decline since 2017 in the financial leverage of seaport companies, as major port ventures were completed and operating cash flows improved due to steady growth in import-export activities. Owning ports in multiple regions allows companies to expand their services within the value chain and optimise costs, depending on the nature of the cargo or target markets to align with customer needs, Hoang said. Transport sector faces mixed outlook for 2024 With a mixed outlook for 2024, transportation businesses are bracing for potential cost increases, while others are expecting stability. Ports poised for more growth amid ferocious competition Marine transportation is currently navigating turbulent times. Patrick Lenain, senior associate at the Council on Economic Policies, notes how Vietnams ports are ready for progress amid the fierce competition. What is the potential of Vietnams logistics industry currently? Over the past few years, Vietnams logistics industry has experienced rapid growth with an impressive annual growth rate of 14-16 per cent, reflecting an increasing domestic demand and the countrys strong integration into the global economy. Dao Trong Khoa, chairman of the Vietnam Logistics Business Association Vietnam has joined many free trade agreements, and has created a favourable ecosystem for local logistics enterprises to expand their operations and improve their position in the global supply chain. The logistics service industrys contribution to national GDP could reach 12-15 per cent by 2050. To achieve this, Vietnamese logistics enterprises need to constantly invest in technology, expand their connection networks, and develop high-quality personnel to raise their competitiveness in the international market. Based on these goals, what are the challenges for Vietnamese companies amidst the challenging global economic environment? Vietnamese logistics businesses are inevitably facing many challenges. Besides objective factors such as high fuel prices and disruptions in international supply chains, Vietnamese logistics companies also face internal hurdles such as high logistics costs and a lack of a modern and synchronous logistics infrastructure. It is time for companies to optimise their operation processes, accelerate the application of digital technology, and improve management capacity to raise competitiveness. Furthermore, most Vietnamese logistics companies are small or medium in size, so they often encounter financial difficulties and quality human resource shortages. Logistics companies are urged to remove these barriers, change their business models, and catch up with development trends such as green logistics and other changes in the industry. What are your recommendations to remove bottlenecks in logistics infrastructure connectivity? Vietnams logistics industry is facing some major obstacles, such as unsynchronised traffic and road systems, as well as a lack of connectivity between seaports and industrial parks. To solve this, it requires close coordination between businesses and the government. The government should formulate a more strategic investment policy in infrastructure, especially the transport network connecting regions, industrial areas, and international gateways. It is vital to develop integrated logistics centres to facilitate businesses transporting goods from industrial areas to seaports and airports more efficiently. How do you evaluate the competitiveness of Vietnamese logistics companies in the current ecosystem? Vietnamese logistics companies have made great strides, especially over the past decade. From the humble beginning of agents, they have actively integrated into the international networks, applied modern technology, and participated in global value chains. The Vietnam Logistics Business Association and its member companies have taken a proactive approach to greening the logistics industry. Efforts have been made to develop tools to measure and calculate carbon footprints. The Haiphong Logistics Association has created new carbon credits to support their members achieve carbon neutrality across the supply chain. We will join forces to host the International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations World Congress in Hanoi in October 2025. However, compared with international companies, domestic enterprises need to scale up their operation as well as improve service quality and ability to apply technology. It is important that we focus on investing in digital technology for automation to optimise the operation processes. At the same time, it is also vital to improve the skills and management level of workers so that Vietnamese logistics businesses can compete in the global environment. Collaboration remains one of the weaknesses identified in logistics development. What should be done to improve collaboration among companies? Strengthening ties between local logistics companies not only raises their competitiveness but also fosters the growth of seamless, synchronised supply chains. The cooperation between large enterprises such as Saigon Newport Corporation and Cai Mep International Terminal in Cai Mep-Thi Vai aims to optimise the port infrastructure. To promote the effectiveness of these models, it is necessary to build logistics alliances across the value chain. Among them, large enterprises will play a leading role and support smaller businesses in terms of technology, management systems, and services. The government should also encourage public-private partnership models in the logistics sector to enhance infrastructure investment and international connectivity. Investing in new tech, improving operational processes, and strengthening links in the logistics ecosystem are decisive factors for businesses to create a breakthrough. In addition, the government needs to play an important role in creating a favourable business environment by accelerating the digitalisation process in logistics management, reforming administrative procedures, and improving the quality of infrastructure. This will lay the solid foundation for domestic logistics businesses to develop stronger. Logistics supply chain efficiency on the rise The expanding consumer market, with abundant supply and a favourable geographical location for penetration and network expansion, is pushing Vietnams logistics supply chain to increase efficiency. Connectivity a factor in positive results of logistics companies Port operators and shipping lines continue to record a robust performance in 2024, reflecting the vibrant potential of Vietnams logistics market. Dang Huy Hoang, research analyst at VNDirect Securities, shared with VIRs Vy Bui the current performance data of Vietnamese logistics companies. Long-term funds to address logistics cost Vietnams logistics industry is rapidly developing, but high costs remain a barrier to unlocking the full potential of the countrys digital economy and e-commerce market. At the 2024 Cross-Border E-commerce Conference held earlier in October in Hanoi, Amazon Global Selling Vietnam recognised the efforts of five standout Vietnamese sales partners: Thyoi, Greenvibe, Carve Vietnam Tech, HT Trading Group, and Vinalink. These partners were honoured for their exceptional growth, innovative spirit, and strong adaptability in global markets. Cross-border e-commerce is growing over twice as fast as traditional e-commerce, photo Le Toan Over the past five years, thousands of Vietnamese businesses have entered the global marketplace through Amazon. The number of products sold by Vietnamese sales partners has surged by over 300 per cent, and the number of Vietnamese companies achieving annual sales of $1 million on Amazon has increased 10-fold. Meanwhile, home appliance manufacturer Sunhouse is expanding into international markets with the aim of becoming a global brand. Sunhouse has successfully launched eight key products in the houseware category. Expanding into international markets is a strategic move for Sunhouse to elevate the standing of Vietnamese enterprises and brands on the global stage, said its chief marketing officer Le Tung. We not only improved our cost structure but also exceeded growth expectations, with total year-to-date revenue growth of 30 per cent by the end of September 2024, with some months seeing increases of 50-100 per cent. According to Amazon Global Selling Vietnam, cross-border e-commerce is expected to grow 2.3 times faster than traditional e-commerce from 2022 to 2025, with annual growth rates of 28 per cent projected through 2027. In 2023, global retail e-commerce sales reached $5.8 trillion, with expectations of a 39 per cent increase to more than $8 trillion by 2027, presenting vast opportunities for Vietnamese businesses to engage in cross-border trade. The Vietnamese government has shown strong support for cross-border online trading, including it in the 2021-2025 National E-commerce Development Master Plan. The country is ranked among the top 10 nations with the highest e-commerce growth globally, and leads Southeast Asia in this regard. A report by Access Partnership showed that in 2023, business-to-consumer e-commerce exports from Vietnam reached $3.6 billion, with micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises contributing one-quarter of that total. Notably, 93 per cent of surveyed companies said they would not be able to export without e-commerce. Despite Amazons relatively short official presence in Vietnam, it has rapidly attracted thousands of businesses to its platform. When I first visited Vietnam in 2017, I saw many online sellers eager to do business, said Gijae Seong, CEO of Amazon Global Selling Vietnam. Looking back over those years, the growth in scale and quality in this country is impressive. However, the rapid development of e-commerce also brings challenges. Seong highlighted two key issues for smaller businesses: selecting the right products to sell and managing costs, particularly logistics. Product selection requires an understanding of market demand, regulations, and product compliance, allowing sellers to make informed decisions. Flexibility is essential to incorporate customer preferences into product development, Seong said. The second challenge is cost, especially in logistics and inventory management. Selling products from Vietnam to the United States, for example, requires significant investment. According to e-commerce data provider Cube Asia, Southeast Asias e-commerce landscape faces obstacles, particularly in logistics and infrastructure. Despite ongoing investments, inconsistencies in infrastructure quality across the region make reliable, cost-effective delivery challenging, affecting both shipping costs and timelines. A raft of regulatory complexities further complicate matters. Diverse legal, regulatory, and tax frameworks, particularly in customs clearance, create various barriers, with varying duties, taxes, and, in some cases, corruption impeding smooth trade, Cube Asia added. Vietnam e-commerce market shows robust performance Vietnam's e-commerce recorded impressive growth in the first nine months of the year, but faces challenges as Chinese platforms enter the market. According to a report released by Cushman & Wakefield Vietnam on October 22, the average primary price of apartments in Hanoi during the third quarter was around $2,700 per square metre, marking a 3 per cent increase on-quarter and a 26 per cent rise on-year. On an annual basis, this increase has been further propelled by the growing supply of high-end and luxury segments, while the supply of affordable apartments remains limited, said Bui Trang, country head of Cushman & Wakefield Vietnam. The average price increase was driven by high-end and luxury projects, with a continued rise in new apartment supply from integrated townships across all segments. In the landed housing segment, prices surged to $12,000 per sq.m in the third quarter, a 19 per cent on-quarter rise and 120 per cent on-year increase. This significant surge was attributed to the launch of a new integrated township project by Vinhomes in Dong Anh district. Hanois average primary prices have also witnessed a notable increase from the lower levels recorded in 2023. Funding flows to second-tier localities, photo VNA In addition to Hanoi, neighbouring provinces have seen substantial real estate price increases in the first three quarters of 2024. These areas have benefitted from the development of transportation and economic infrastructure, particularly through traffic routes directly connected to industrial parks and economic centres. Le Dinh Chung, CEO of SGO Homes, noted that buyers with under $40,000 now have limited opportunities to invest in landed houses in Hanois prime locations. Investors are increasingly shifting their focus to Hanois suburban localitie, such as Bac Ninh, Bac Giang, Hung Yen, Hai Duong, and Haiphong, where they can purchase detached houses within this price range, Chung told VIR. Many investors are now seeking land in the suburbs of major cities and localities with strong infrastructure development and high urbanisation rates. These areas have experienced a sharp rise in land transactions, particularly in subdivided plots. Investors can still find products priced around $40,000, which are more accessible for their financial plans. In the final months of the year, cash flow has also surged into provinces on Hanois outskirts. The real estate markets in these provinces are showing positive signs of recovery, Chung said. Investors are targeting areas along two key economic axes: the Bac Ninh, Bac Giang, and Vinh Phuc axis as well as the Hung Yen, Hai Duong, Haiphong, and Quang Ninh axis. These areas hold substantial development potential, with robust transport infrastructure closely tied to industrial parks. Nguyen Tho Tuyen, chairman of BHS Group, highlighted that after the recent surge in Hanois real estate prices, the market is now expanding into other provinces. He pointed out that provinces such as Haiphong, Bac Giang, Quang Ninh, Thai Binh, and Bac Ninh are experiencing strong industrial growth, further boosting the demand for housing. Beyond urban development, these provinces also present significant potential for resort projects. Dam Quang Hoan, general director of AZ Green Land, said that the recently revised laws on land, housing, and real estate business will create a more favourable environment for the recovery of the resort property market. From mid-2025 onwards, we expect the resort market to recover strongly, as it is closely linked to tourism and will benefit from the spillover effects once other segments recover. Over the next couple of years, this will be an ideal time for resort villa projects to launch, Hoan said. In Quang Ninh, the Beverly Hills Halong project was launched in September. Located on Hai Quan hill in Halong city, this project will offer 138 villas, including 22 townhouses, 160 hotel apartments, and 90 apartment buildings. In the same month, Sun Group introduced the Sun Symphony Residence complex along the banks of the Han River, while in Thanh Hoa province, the market welcomed The Pathway, a new resort real estate project that is part of the Sun Grand Boulevard development located at Sam Son beach square. The Pathway includes nine 20-storey apartment buildings offering a wide variety of apartment types. Real estate prices in Hanoi suburbs trending upwards After a long time in the doldrums due to the global pandemic, land and property development in the outskirts of Hanoi is once again blossoming, with prices skyrocketing. Industrial zone sub-areas attracting attention of buyers Amid a slowly but steadily materialising recovery from social restrictions, real estate prices in the vicinity of Vietnams industrial zones are beginning to climb, heavily pushed by low supply. Materials costs forcing developers to reduce offerings The wave of rising real estate prices is unlikely to subside anytime soon, with input costs continuing to grow. How do you evaluate the development of Vietnams logistics infrastructure over the past few years? Infrastructure is a critical enabler of the logistics industrys potential. With the support of the Party and government, we have seen an increase in large-scale projects. Notably, for the first time, the private sector has invested in airports. Additionally, Vietnam now has three seaports ranked among the top 50 largest container seaports globally, and many new highways have been built. Looking ahead, there are policies in place for investment in high-speed railway systems. Beyond transport infrastructure, there has been significant development in warehouses and logistics centres. In recent years, the number of warehouses in Vietnam has surged, with many modern facilities incorporating automation technology to enhance handling capacity. These are examples of hard infrastructure. In terms of soft infrastructure, IT, workforce development, and the legal environment are essential factors. Logistics companies are making significant strides in these areas to enhance their business activities. Tran Thanh Hai, deputy director of the Agency of Foreign Trade under the Ministry of Industry and Trade Could you shed some light on inland waterway infrastructure? Inland waterways play a crucial role in enhancing connectivity, particularly between the north-south regions and the Mekong Delta. Development has been stronger in the south, although the infrastructure, including ports, remains basic and far behind that of seaports. Challenges include narrow passages, sedimentation, and hydrological issues. In the north, some progress has been made following the opening of the Nghia Hung Canal last year, which links waterways from Haiphong to the north-central region, including Ninh Binh and Thanh Hoa. This has boosted the inland waterway sector and supported the logistics services industry. From the perspective of a state management agency, what is your view on the lack of synchronisation in logistics infrastructure connectivity? Several factors contribute to high logistics costs, including infrastructure, administrative procedures, and the capabilities of businesses. A significant issue is the lack of synchronisation in logistics infrastructure. Infrastructure investment in the logistics and transportation sectors has been limited, though recent efforts towards modernisation are aligning with global trends. Vietnam is currently building the Long Thanh airport, which is expected to handle 100 million passengers annually. However, its potential as an international transshipment hub has not yet been fully realised. In terms of seaport investments, we are expanding Lach Huyen and developing new facilities like the Can Gio international transshipment port. These projects create vast opportunities in the seaport sector, positioning it as a bright spot in infrastructure development and supporting Vietnams integration. For inland waterways, investments are increasing after years of decline. The growth of expressways is also notable, though the standards for expressways, such as the minimum number of lanes, are still being refined to ensure efficiency. Many businesses have expressed frustration with lengthy procedures for logistics infrastructure investment. What is your view on this, and what are the solutions to remove issues? We understand the challenges investors face. One company said that after selecting a construction site, they encountered time-consuming and costly processes to change land use purposes and complete procedures to build a logistics centre or inland clearance port. This can dampen their enthusiasm and hinder project progress. The Ministry of Industry and Trade is studying these issues for inclusion in the draft development strategy for Vietnams logistics industry, which will be submitted to the government. We have identified several factors to help the industry gain momentum and develop more rapidly. The strategy will focus on removing institutional bottlenecks to ensure smooth investment and business operations. By completing the legal framework, we can clear obstacles to the development and investment in logistics infrastructure. Logistics supply chain efficiency on the rise The expanding consumer market, with abundant supply and a favourable geographical location for penetration and network expansion, is pushing Vietnams logistics supply chain to increase efficiency. Connectivity a factor in positive results of logistics companies Port operators and shipping lines continue to record a robust performance in 2024, reflecting the vibrant potential of Vietnams logistics market. Dang Huy Hoang, research analyst at VNDirect Securities, shared with VIRs Vy Bui the current performance data of Vietnamese logistics companies. In early October, Chinese online giant Temu launched in Vietnam with two logistics players, Ninja Van and Best Express, plugged in. According to Temus Vietnam site, shipping will take 47 days, much faster than 520 days to Malaysia and the Philippines due to the advantage of a land border. Temu is also talking to local e-commerce platforms in Vietnam for a potential acquisition to optimise logistics and scale up its presence in Vietnam. The expansion of Temu sends a warning to local companies, as the Chinese e-commerce platform offers low-cost products with lower delivery costs. Similar budget platforms from China, like Shein, are already present in Vietnam. Nguyen Ngoc Trung Huy, strategic sourcing manager at Ericsson Vietnam, said Vietnam faced intense competition, particularly from China, in cross-border e-commerce, and its advantages in pricing, automation, and workforce efficiency give them a significant edge. Vietnams current logistics costs hinder its digital economy by making local e-commerce less competitive. The domestic market needs stronger support to counteract these challenges, and relying solely on cultural pride and customer loyalty is insufficient, he added. Some logistics costs are hampering efforts in the digital economy and local e-commerce According to Statista, revenue in the e-commerce market is projected to reach $13.9 billion in 2024. Revenue is expected to show an annual growth rate of 11.21 per cent from 2024-2029, resulting in a projected market volume of $23.65 billion. While GDP is strong compared to other regional markets, and government support for digital transformation is on the rise, infrastructure gaps, high costs, and other inefficiencies still exist. Thomas Harris, global vice president for Supply Chain at Brandpath Group, said high logistics costs in Vietnam, particularly for domestic shipments, presented a significant barrier to e-commerce growth. While cross-border shipping from Hong Kong is cheaper due to economies of scale and removing the need for distribution centres in separate countries, these expenses hinder local businesses ability to compete with foreign sellers, slowing down the growth of Vietnams digital economy, Harris said. As competitors like Thailand and Indonesia improve logistics, Vietnam must accelerate investment in technology, streamline processes, and enhance last-mile delivery solutions to remain competitive, he added. According to the Vietnam Logistics Service Business Association, the average logistics cost in Vietnam is about 17 per cent, still higher than the global average of 10.6 per cent. Many companies are stepping up investments in logistics and warehouse facilities to reduce such costs. Last week, Mitsubishi Estate held a groundbreaking ceremony for the Logicross Nam Thuan project in the Mekong Delta province of Long An. This warehouse ensures optimal storage conditions for a diverse range of goods, making it an ideal choice for various industries, including third-party logistics, express delivery, e-commerce, and fast-moving consumer goods. Likewise, BW Industrial Development also held the groundbreaking of its latest project in the southern province of Dong Nai last week. The first phase of BW Tan Hiep Logistics Park offers a total leasable area of over 95,000 square metres. In addition to the park, BW established Ho Chi Minh Citys first and largest e-commerce logistics hub, serving leading e-commerce and last-mile players since 2019. The hub is home to Shopees largest integrated logistics facility in Vietnam, a built-to-suit sorting centre for J&T Express, and a tailored warehouse for Giaohangtietkiem, among others. To enhance logistics competitiveness and reduce costs, Harris from Brandpath suggests Vietnam can adopt several strategies. Firstly, the government has made strong inroads, and should continue to create favourable policies that promote public-private partnerships to upgrade infrastructure, especially in transportation and warehousing. Secondly, heavy investment in digitalisation, such as adopting AI and the Internet of Things technologies for real-time tracking and automation, will improve efficiency. Thirdly, fostering stronger regional cooperation and integrating with global supply chains will enhance cross-border logistics. By reducing regulatory barriers and increasing transparency, Vietnam can make its logistics sector more agile and cost-effective, he said. In the same vein, Huy from Ericsson Vietnam noted that Vietnam must focus on productivity, reducing costs through mass production, and employing innovative marketing strategies to engage consumers. While improving policies and infrastructure is crucial, simply following competitors strategies wont guarantee success, he said. Vietnam should focus on innovation with unique selling points that competitors lack. Prioritising the product itself, along with securing the fastest time-to-market, is key. Vietnam's logistics sector confronts new challenges Experts and business leaders looked at how Vietnam can overcome challenges and unlock the potential of its logistics sector at the Vietnam Logistics Summit 2024 on October 31. Digital transformation to compete in challenging logistics market Digital transformation is revolutionising logistics, as technologies like AI, Blockchain, and IoT unlock new levels of efficiency, adaptability, and innovation in supply chain management. Logistics supply chain efficiency on the rise The expanding consumer market, with abundant supply and a favourable geographical location for penetration and network expansion, is pushing Vietnams logistics supply chain to increase efficiency. Airlines want to use sustainable fuel more often, but price and other factors must be addressed first, photo Le Toan On October 17, Vietjet became the second airline in Vietnam to use sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), operating flights from Vietnam to Melbourne and Seoul. Dinh Viet Phuong, CEO of Vietjet, emphasised the importance of these flights, describing them as green flights that contribute to the greening of the aviation sector. As a pioneer in the research, development, and use of SAF, Vietjet is committed to reducing carbon emissions and supporting the sustainable development of the aviation industry, he said. SAF, produced from renewable and sustainably sourced raw materials such as used cooking oil, agricultural by-products, wood biomass, and urban waste, offers significant environmental benefits. It can reduce carbon emissions by up to 80 per cent compared to traditional jet fuels. SAF meets strict international aviation standards and is safe for use in commercial operations. Despite its higher costs, Vietnamese airlines are making strides in adopting SAF. In May, Vietnam Airlines became the first carrier in the country to use it, deploying on a flight from Singapore to Hanoi. Bamboo Airways is also exploring SAF adoption. SAF in Vietnam is currently supplied by Petrolimex, while international companies such as Boeing are exploring the potential for broader supply in the country. Pham Van Thanh, chairman of Petrolimex, hailed the use of SAF for Vietjets international flights as an important step forward. This milestone is not just for Petrolimex Aviation but for the entire group as we move towards becoming a green, clean, and environmentally friendly energy group by 2030, Thanh said. Petrolimex Aviation, Vietjet, and Vietnam Airlines are also collaborating with international partners to advance the use of SAF in Vietnam, aligning with the countrys commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions. For example, Vietnam Airlines SAF refuelling in May was handled by oil refining company Neste. Carrie Song, senior vice president of commercial operations at Neste, expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership with Vietnam Airlines. The aviation industry is committed to ambitious climate targets, and SAF plays a crucial role in reaching those goals. We are excited to support Vietnam Airlines on its decarbonisation journey, Song said. Boeing is also looking to scale up SAF production globally and has been working with local partners and governments to research raw material sources that can support SAF production. Sharmine Tan, Boeings regional sustainability lead for Southeast Asia, highlighted the potential in the region. With regional governments and industries working together, Southeast Asia has an exciting opportunity to shape a more sustainable future of flight while protecting the environment and growing the economy, Tan said. The adoption of SAF by Vietjet and Vietnam Airlines comes as the EU intensifies its push for carbon neutrality by 2050. It mandates that in 2025, 2 per cent of the aviation fuel used at EU airports must be SAF, increasing to 70 per cent by 2050. According to the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam, these regulations will significantly impact airlines operating between the EU and ASEAN. The cost of SAF is currently 2-3 times higher than traditional fossil fuels, and in some cases, it has been as much as six times higher. This price disparity presents a challenge for airlines, which will likely face increased operational costs and ticket prices. Recognising these challenges, the Vietnamese government has tasked the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Industry and Trade with studying the potential impacts of the EU regulations. The aim is to develop solutions that will enhance the competitiveness of Vietnamese airlines while ensuring compliance with international sustainability standards. Aviation expert Ngo Nguyen stressed the importance of a strategic approach to SAF. Airlines need to ensure operational efficiency while managing rising costs, and they also need government support to adapt to new regulations. Developing local SAF production could be a crucial step in reducing fuel prices, Ngo said. Vietnam is considered to have significant potential for SAF production, with raw materials such as rice husks and rice straw being viable options. It is estimated that the country generates around 7.5 million tonnes of rice husks annually, of which only three million tonnes are currently used, mainly for animal feed and fertiliser. Globally, many airlines are advancing their efforts. British airline Virgin Atlantic successfully completed the worlds first 100 per cent SAF flight last year, while Air France uses a 50 per cent blend of SAF on its flights. Singapore has been using SAF since 2017 and continues to incorporate it into its aviation fuel mix. According to the International Air Transport Association, which represents 320 airlines accounting for over 80 per cent of global air traffic, the aviation industry is firmly committed to reducing emissions to zero. However, despite this commitment, SAF still accounts for only 0.2 per cent of total aviation fuel consumption due to supply limitations and high production costs. Vietnam Airlines ready for National Day with an extra half million seats Vietnam Airlines is offering extra flights to cope with increased travel demand during the peak National Day break from August 30 to September 4. Plans of Phu Quoc airport capacity expansion by 2050 proposed The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) has recently submitted a proposal to the Ministry of Transport on the expansion of the Phu Quoc International Airport in the Mekong Delta province of Kien Giang to accommodate 18 million passengers per year by 2050. The new development will boast ready-made warehouses meeting LEED Gold standards, photo Le Toan KCN Vietnam on October 25 launched its newest project in Nhon Trach VI Industrial Park in Dong Nai province, marking its third venture there so far. This 14.5-hectare development will add nearly 100,000 square metres of high-quality, ready-built warehouses designed to meet LEED Gold standards. Scheduled for completion in 2025, this project marks a step forward in Vietnams logistics and foreign investment landscape. KCN Vietnams commitment to meeting LEED Gold standards aligns with the rising demand for eco-friendly industrial infrastructure in the southeast, which is a key logistics hub for Vietnam. Despite handling around half of the countrys goods and 60 per cent of its container traffic, logistics infrastructure investment in the region has lagged, meeting only 25-27 per cent of actual demand. KCN Vietnams green practices are set to bridge this gap, attracting both domestic and international investors with a focus on sustainable development. Dong Nai province, a strategic location due to its proximity to Ho Chi Minh City, aims to expand its logistics industry significantly. By 2030, the province targets an annual growth rate of 30-35 per cent for logistics, with the sector contributing 20-25 per cent to its GDP. Investments like KCN Vietnams new warehouse facilities are essential to achieving these goals, addressing the growing demand for logistics services, and bolstering the regions overall economic development. The groups new investment in Nhon Trach VI offers convenient access to major transportation networks. The future Long Thanh International Airport is only 20km away, and major ports such as Cat Lai and Cai Mep are within 40km. This connectivity will attract more foreign investors and strengthen Dong Nais position as a key player in Vietnams logistics industry. Hardy Diec, COO of KCN Vietnam, said, We are committed to creating environmentally friendly buildings that reduce energy consumption and meet the growing expectations of international investors. This project underlines our dedication to sustainable development and our role in supporting the regions logistics and economic growth. The new warehouse project is part of KCN Vietnams broader expansion strategy. In 2024, the company has launched four major industrial real estate projects across northern and southern Vietnam, offering nearly 400,000sq.m of industrial space. These developments include ready-built warehouses, factories, and hybrid factory spaces, catering to diverse business needs. KCN Vietnams focus on sustainable, high-quality facilities has helped it gain a competitive edge in the rapidly growing industrial real estate market. By focusing on sustainability, high-quality infrastructure, and strategic locations, the company is addressing the increasing demand for logistics facilities while contributing to the long-term economic development of Dong Nai and the broader southeast region. These projects also play a crucial role in strengthening Vietnams position in the global logistics and supply chain industries. KCN Vietnam takes up green mission Industrial property developer KCN Vietnam Group has unveiled its commitment to green building development, with a focus on achieving sustainability standards and certifications. KCN Vietnam kicks-off second phase of KCN Deep C in Haiphong KCN Vietnam Group broke ground for the second phase of KCN Deep C Haiphong on August 2, supporting the northern port city to draw more foreign investment for the logistics sector. In its Q3 financial results report released on October 22, SeABanks total mobilisation from domestic and international financial institutions and individuals as of the end of September reached nearly $7.45 billion, an increase of almost 2 per cent compared to 2023. SeABank builds on strong risk management formula Current account savings account deposits showed impressive growth, reaching $861.54 million, up 24 per cent compared to the end of last year, accounting for 13.46 per cent of total customer deposits. Alongside that, SeABank continued its upward momentum, with pre-tax profit reaching $187.83 million, a net rise of $56.33 million, up 43 per cent on-year compared to last year. Specifically, total operating income reached $382.92 million, up 39.56 per cent on-year; non-interest income amounted to $68.75 million; and net interest income, accounting for the majority, stood at $314.21 million. The net interest margin remained stable and ascended to 3.94 per cent, an on-year climb of nearly 1 per cent despite a reduction in average lending rates, which only began to show signs of rising at the end of July. Focusing on sustainable development goals, with an emphasis on digital technology and product and service diversification, SeABanks performance indicators showed strong growth compared to the same period, with Return On Equity at 14.96 per cent and Return on Assets at 1.73 per cent, stated the Q3 report. By the end of the first nine months, SeABanks total customer loan balance reached $8.204 billion; total assets increased by $933.17 million compared to 2023, hitting $12.02 billion. Additionally, the bank is in the process of completing regulatory procedures to raise its charter capital to $1.18 billion following the successful issuance of 329 million shares as dividend payments for 2023 and an additional issuance of 10.3 million shares to increase equity capital from retained earnings. In the first nine months of this year, SeABank saw significant customer base growth due to its strong investments in technology and enhanced user experience, coupled with various attractive products and incentives. As a result, SeABank recorded nearly 430,000 new customers, a 92 per cent increase compared to the results over the past eight months, raising its total customer base to nearly 3.6 million. The expansion of our customer base is a key driver for SeABank to enhance business efficiency and broaden operations with the goal of becoming the most preferred retail bank. This achievement demonstrates that the bank is on the right path by prioritising digital transformation as a critical mission, providing innovative, tailored products along with a range of utilities, thus creating a distinct position in the market, said a representative from SeABank. Along with the expansion of its customer base, digital transformation has also helped the bank improve operational efficiency and optimise operating costs, with the cost-to-income ratio for the first nine months significantly reduced, maintaining at 32.54 per cent. The bank maintains a solid and comprehensive risk management system, with a capital adequacy ratio at 12.85 per cent, higher than the Basel III minimum requirement at 10.5 per cent. What is more, the bank consistently enhances its credit appraisal, asset valuation, loan utilisation monitoring, particularly for high-risk sectors, while strengthening control and handling of non-performing loans, ensuring operational safety with a non-performing loan ratio of 1.87 per cent. A key priority for the institution is the prevention of technology security risks and the protection of customer information in the digital transformation era. Significant investments have been made in data loss prevention systems, risk management projects, and enhanced card security measures, including the Digital Authentication Framework and Mastercard Proactive Scanning. Additionally, the organisation has upgraded its e-verification technology by integrating the national population database and chip-based ID verification to bolster transaction security. Maintaining a solid risk management foundation with efficient and stable operations, SeABank continued to receive a Ba3 credit rating from Moodys for several key categories, with a Stable development outlook as of September. Moodys also commended SeABank for its improvements in asset quality management, high capital safety ratios, stable lending activities, and liquidity, while expressing confidence in the banks stable credit capabilities. To strengthen its risk management foundation and drive business growth, SeABank consistently accelerates the implementation of its Digital Convergence strategy, focusing on investing in advanced systems and technologies to enhance control, prevention, and early risk detection, thereby ensuring safe and uninterrupted operations. SeABank and AEON Financial ink transfer contract for PTF The transfer of SeABanks entire capital contribution in Post and Telecommunications Finance Co., Ltd. (PTF) is part of its roadmap to strengthen its financial capacity. SeABank broadens horizons with deal The transfer of SeABanks entire capital contribution in Post and Telecommunications Finance Co., Ltd. (PTF) is part of its roadmap to strengthen its financial capacity. Wrexham care worker celebrating after securing national social care award This article is old - Published: Sunday, Nov 3rd, 2024 A Wrexham care worker who was recently diagnosed with autism at the age of 29 is celebrating after scooping a national social care award. Henry Greenwood, who works as a senior support worker at Llanerchrugog Hall Residential Care Home in Rhosllanerchrugog,, part of LifeLongLearning4Living Ltd, was presented with a bronze award in the final of the Wales Care Awards 2024, dubbed as the Oscars of the social care industry. Supported by lead sponsor Ontex Healthcare, and organised by care industry champions Care Forum Wales, the awards recognise the outstanding dedication and talents of those in the care sector. Henry, who grew up in Portsmouth and moved to Wales 10 years ago, had been nominated for the Residential Care Practitioner Award. He received his prize at a ceremony at Holland House Hotel in Cardiff, hosted by radio and TV presenter Jason Mohammad. Henry had always felt he was different, but it wasnt until earlier this year, at the age of 29, that he began his search for answers, undergoing a series of tests and assessments with psychologists before being told he had autism. The dad-of-two, who lives in Rhos, said the diagnosis had been a blessing, helping him to understand himself better and explain why he had always been drawn to supporting vulnerable people to give them a stronger voice. Speaking of his award nomination, Henry said: I was a bit taken aback to be honest. I just do my job I dont do it for any praise or recognition. Im genuinely happy that the residents always have a smile on their faces by the time I go home. Thats all that matters, making sure people have a good day so I can go home knowing Ive maybe made a difference. There are lots of challenges for people in social care, Ive seen them myself over the years. I just want to use my experience to be able to help the residents overcome these challenges as someone who can see it from their perspective. I firmly believe people should be able to live their lives to the fullness of their ability and if I can help them do that I will, to the best of my ability. People should be able to live a normal life. Henry, who lives with his partner and has two sons aged one and three, left school and embarked on an engineering course at Havant and South Downs College in Hampshire, but it wasnt long before he felt a familiar pull towards the care sector. Both his dad and two older brothers are employed at Llanerchrugog Hall, his dad as manager. Henry secured his first job as a support worker there 12 years ago. As a senior support worker, Henry now cares for a diverse group of individuals aged from 18 to 85 with a wide range of needs including Dementia, Autism, Down Syndrome, Korsakoffs Syndrome, and post-stroke recovery. He was nominated by his dad, the homes manager, Peter Greenwood, who said he shines brightest in his direct interactions with the people he supports. I was recently diagnosed as being autistic myself, said Henry. For me, the diagnosis came late. Personally, Id always known there was something there but having that diagnosis helped me to have more understanding about who I am and why I am the way I am. My family were a great support in helping me to get diagnosed. I have two young boys and one of them is possibly starting to show signs of autism so me being diagnosed will help. Now Im aware of it myself, I can probably identify a bit more easily. In one of many heart-warming examples of his determination to go above and beyond, Henry helped a resident to fulfil his lifelong ambition to own a sit-on lawnmower. He also helped a young man in his care attain an extraordinary level of independence from learning to drive through to completing a university degree and helped to locate the grave of a residents mother in his own time. Its a greatly rewarding job but its also quite a demanding job. Even so, the rewards far outweigh the demands, he said. Sparks officials are asking for your help finding a missing 22-year old woman who was last seen on October 28. At around 1:40 p.m. on October 31, a report was made to the Sparks Police Department for a missing autistic woman. 22-year old Veronica Genovese was last seen leaving a parking lot near the intersection of N. McCarran Blvd and Victorian Avenue on October 28, around 9:00 p.m. Veronica was last seen wearing white sandals, a grey t-shirt, blue shorts and carrying a black and white polka-dotted blanket - she appeared to be walking towards the I-80 freeway. Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Veronica is encouraged to call the Sparks Police Department at (775) 353-2231. The Washoe County coroner has identified the man who died after a shooting on El Rancho Drive in Sparks late Saturday night. The medical examiner says 45-year-old Ervin Barton of Sparks died shortly after arriving at Renown Regional Medical Center. Police say Barton and another man got into an argument and that's when shots were fired. Police say the other man left the scene but called 911 to report it. Authorities say he's cooperating with the investigation. ORIGINAL STORY: Around 10:30 p.m. Saturday night, Sparks Police were called to an apartment at 1000 El Rancho Drive for reports of several shots and individuals screaming. When officers got there, they found an adult man who had been shot. After REMSA and the Sparks Fire Department provided medical aid on scene, the man later died from his injuries at the hospital. After investigating, Sparks Police detectives learned that shots were fired during an altercation between two adult men. The other man involved left the scene but called 911 to report it. Police say that man is now cooperating with the investigation and there are no outstanding suspects. At this time, Sparks Police are not releasing the names of the people involved or any other details surrounding the incident. Anyone who may have more information about what happened are asked to call the Sparks Police Department at (775) 353-2231 or Secret Witness at (775) 322-4900. Currently, when California cities, counties and regional authorities send a bond to voters for approval, at least two-thirds nearly 67% must vote yes. Proposition 5 would reduce that requirement to 55%. Yalonda M. James/The Chronicle In November, California voters could make it easier for local governments to pay for infrastructure and affordable housing likely through raising property taxes. That proposition could result in billions of dollars in additional spending, a Chronicle analysis indicates. Proposition 5 would amend the California Constitution to lower the vote threshold for certain local bond proposals funding affordable housing or infrastructure. Currently, when cities, counties and regional authorities send a bond to voters for approval, at least two-thirds nearly 67% must vote yes. Prop 5 would reduce that requirement to 55%, while adding more oversight for approved bond spending. Live Results + Maps: California Proposition Election Results Advertisement Article continues below this ad The California Legislative Analysts Office estimated that another 20% to 50% of local bond proposals would have passed in 2020 and 2022 if Prop 5 had been in effect. And data from about two decades of California elections indicates Prop 5 could have a substantial effect on the amount of money spent on affordable housing, roads, hospitals and other public projects. An approval threshold of 55% would have allowed more than $4 billion of failed Bay Area bond proposals to pass, including multi-county measures, records from the State Treasurers Office show. About two dozen more bonds would have been approved. Bonds relating to school infrastructure, which have needed only 55% support since 2000, were not included in the analysis. All in all, the looser requirements would have meant that 99% of all proposed borrowing and 94% of all bonds proposed in the Bay Area would have passed including every bond in San Francisco. The above figures, based on the outcomes of nearly 100 bond proposals from 2001 to 2022, reflect rough estimates, and come with caveats. Some of the proposals may not have qualified for Prop 5, which includes some carve-outs. Notably, local governments wouldnt be able to use bond money to buy and convert single-family homes into affordable housing, a stipulation included to satisfy the politically powerful California Association of Realtors. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Its also possible that if Prop 5 was in place two decades ago, voters would still reject some measures out of tax fatigue, a reluctance to repeatedly approve additional debt. One 2019 study pointed out that voters in Marin County, which has historically supported increasing taxes to fund schools, soured on tax hikes as their school districts returned to the ballot to ask for more money. Because bonds require so much support to pass, local governments usually dont place them on the ballot unless theyre confident voters will approve them. Sometimes theyre wrong. One 2022 ballot measure would have allowed San Francisco to borrow up to $400 million to improve public transit and city streets. About 65.1% of voters supported it, just shy of the two-thirds requirement. The high threshold also means some bonds never even make it to the ballot. A $20 billion affordable housing bond that was supposed to go to Bay Area voters in November was pulled after polling indicated it wouldnt receive the sufficient level of support. Reaching the two-thirds requirement is nearly impossible, said Amie Fishman, executive director of the Non-Profit Housing Association of Northern California. She argued the current threshold allows a minority of voters to block otherwise popular measures Advertisement Article continues below this ad Prop 5 doesnt impact anyone immediately, Fishman said. Its a rule change that allows local communities to make these local decisions. But Susan Shelley, spokesperson for the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association, insists that raising taxes on owned property the usual method of repaying bonds requires such caution that it should only be done with strong backing. If Prop 5 passes, she added, some homeowners could find themselves unable to pay for the increased taxes, while landlords will likely pass on their increases to tenants. Shelley also argued that passing Prop 5 will likely encourage local officials to put more bonds on the ballot. Some cities, including San Francisco, Santa Clara and San Bruno, already have bond measures on their ballots that specifically point to Prop 5. If voters approve the proposition, the threshold for those bonds will immediately drop to 55%. I can see that on every ballot for the rest of time, there will be one or two of these (bond measures) in every local jurisdiction if Prop 5 is approved, Shelley said. Researchers at Brown University found that Prop 39, which lowered the approval threshold to 55% for bonds funding school improvements, resulted in a doubling of per-resident bond spending. Advertisement Article continues below this ad If Kamala Harris wins Tuesdays election, Alabama will have a champion in the White House for policies that matter in a state plagued by poverty, limited access to medical care, and chronic health problems, Democratic leaders working to elect the vice president say. A Harris administration would promote solutions needed for a state that relies on federal dollars more than most, the Democrats say. I think its unfortunate at times that some Alabamians end up voting against their own interests, said state Sen. Merika Coleman of Pleasant Grove, chair of Alabamas Legislative Black Caucus. And thats just because of the partisanship. See also: What would a Trump presidency mean for Alabama? Alabama, when you look at us nationally, we are considered a poorer state. We are a receiver state, not a donor state. So we get lots of money from the federal government. The ratio of federal spending vs. federal taxes paid per person in Alabama is about two-to-one, one of the highest in the nation, according to the Rockefeller Institute. According to the Alabama Kids Count Data Book 2023, published by VOICES for Alabama Children and the Annie E. Casey Foundation, more than one-fifth of Alabama children live in poverty. Harris is advocating for policies that Democrats say will help families, like an expanded child tax credit, down payment assistance for first-time homebuyers, increased tax benefits for new businesses, and incentives for states to expand Medicaid. Shes articulating actual policies that will make a difference to Alabamians, like having an opportunity economy that works for everyone, said Congresswoman Terri Sewell of Birmingham, the only Democrat and only Black member of Alabamas congressional delegation. That doesnt leave folks behind. Its not about surviving but thriving. Medicaid expansion? Alabama is one of 10 states that have not expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, a move that would extend health care coverage to several hundred thousand people. It would be up to the governor and the Legislature to approve expansion. But advocates in the White House and Congress can make that more likely, Coleman said. Any type of incentive that could be help us to be able to expand Medicaid in the state of Alabama would be helpful, said Coleman, who has campaigned for Harris in Georgia and Pennsylvania, two of the swing states that will help decide the election. Weve got some places in our state that dont have access to maternity wards at all, and other emergency services. A report released last year showed Alabama had the nations highest rate of maternal mortality, or mothers dying from pregnancy-related causes. Alabamas rate was almost double the national rate, and the rate for Black women was substantially higher. (Harris) is focusing on improving access to healthcare to women of color and poor communities, Coleman said. Expanded Medicaid and maternal healthcare and mortality rates, they go hand-in-hand. Twenty-five Alabama counties do not offer obstetric care, according to the Kids Count Data Book. More than one-fourth of women in Alabama do not live within 30 minutes of a birthing hospital. Alabamas infant mortality rate is well above the national rate and higher for Black babies. Life expectancy in Alabama ranked 48th among states in 2020, according to the National Center for Health Statistics. A divided Congress Coleman says other Harris policies that would help Alabama families include an increase in the minimum wage, tax credits for small businesses, more federal support for HBCUs and public colleges, and a bill to strengthen the Voting Rights Act, Coleman said. A key factor in enacting federal policies that will help Alabama, Coleman said, is whether Democrats can maintain a majority in the Senate and win control of the House, where Republicans hold a slim majority. I think it has to be more than just a Harris presidency, Coleman said. I think we also have to ensure, and of course, Im speaking as a partisan, that the Democrats keep the U.S. Senate and also flip the House of Representatives. Then you give her a Congress that will pass legislation that will benefit a state like Alabama. Going into Tuesdays election, Democrats narrowly control the Senate, 51-49, while Republicans hold a slim majority in the House, 220-212. Jess Brown, retired political science professor from Athens State University, said he believes control of the two houses of Congress will have more effect on Alabama than who wins the White House. When you move outside the realm of what a president can do via executive orders or can do via appointments, I think the next president, be it Trump or Harris, is going to once again encounter a bitterly divided and narrowly divided Congress, Brown said. Its going to be extremely difficult to really even get anything through the House. I think that potentially is going to be a problem. I think if the Democrats get it, theyll have a majority by a token number of seats. And if Republicans get it theyll have a majority by a token number. Brown sees Harris as the candidate who would be more likely to seek ways to navigate through the Congressional logjam on, for example, issues like promoting Medicaid expansion. Harris is more likely to try to at least initially build some bipartisan bridges, Brown said. Find some Republicans who might vote for bill A or bill B that she would support. I cant see Trump nurturing Medicaid expansion, Brown said. Whereas her administration would be more sympathetic to doing that. Lifting folks out of poverty Sewell said Harris has ideas that will resonate in households in her district in west Alabama and across the state. Harris proposes a tax credit for families of up to $3,600 per child, reinstating an idea adopted temporarily during the pandemic. We only were able to do it for one year, said Sewell, who was a sponsor of the tax credit as a member of the Ways and Means Committee. But we saw we were lifting folks out of poverty. And definitely, children in our district benefitted from it. Sewell is a sponsor of the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, named after the Alabama native and longtime Georgia congressman. It would restore a requirement for states to receive preclearance from the Justice Department for changes made to voting laws and election procedures, a requirement in the Voting Rights Act of 1965 that was removed by the U.S. Supreme Court in a 2013 Alabama case, Shelby County v. Holder. The history of my district is a very proud history of civil rights and voting rights, Sewell, a Selma native, said. And I do believe that during her first 100 days that she would seek to fully restore the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which frankly, would make it easier for all Americans to vote. The vote is the bedrock of our democracy. And states should be seeking ways to make it easier for Americans to vote and not harder. Sewell said an example of why the John Lewis bill is needed is a law passed by Alabamas Republican-controlled Legislature that made it a felony to pay someone or receive payment to order, obtain, fill out, or deliver another voters absentee ballot application. A federal court has blocked a portion of the law affecting voters who are blind, disabled, or cannot read. While I do believe that its totally within the states purview to administer elections, I do believe the lack of federal oversight when states go awry and amok needs to be restored, Sewell said. I look forward to being able to pass that bill under a Harris administration and make it easier for Americans to vote. Vice President Kamala Harris made an appearance on Saturday Night Live with Maya Rudolph, the actress who plays her, in the shows final episode before the election. The women met across a Hollywood vanity mirror as Rudolphs character prepared for her final campaign stop in Pennsylvania. Gosh, I just, I wish I could talk to someone who has been in my shoes, Rudolph said, before turning to face the mirror. You know, a Black, South Asian woman running for president, preferably from the Bay Area. Harris then appeared to cheers from the studio audience, as she and Rudolph faced one another, clad in matching black suit jackets and shirts and pearl necklaces and earrings. You and me both, sister, said Harris. Im just here to remind you, you got this, because you can do something your opponent cannot do, you can open doors, Harris said, referring to Trumps campaign stunt riding in a Trump-branded garbage truck, which SNL satirized. Rudolph laughed the familiar Harris laugh. Looking at herself through the mirror, Harris expressed sheepishness about hearing an impression of her laugh. Do I really laugh like that? Rudolph said yes. Now Kamala, take my palmala, said Rudolph, as they held hands across the mirror and look at one another. Rudolph: The American people want to stop the chaos. Harris: And end the drama-la. Rudolph: With a cool new stepmom-ala to kick back in our pajamalas and watch a rom-comala. Harris: Like Legally Blonde-ala Rudolph: And start decorating for Christmas, fa-la-la-la-la Harris: Because what do we always say? Jointly: Keep Kamala and carry-on-ala Rudolph: We know each other so well we even finish each others Jointly: Belief in the promise of America. Rudolph brought Harris on stage, and they embraced. Harris asked Rudolph if she was registered in Pennsylvania and then they said, Live from New York, its Saturday night! Also appearing earlier in the sketch were Chloe Fineman as CNN anchor Kaitlan Collins, James Austin Johnson as former President Donald Trump, Bowen Yang as Sen. J.D. Vance, Andy Samberg as Doug Emhoff, and Dana Carvey as President Joe Biden. Watch the full sketch in the video above. The Harris appearance marks the latest in U.S. presidential candidates popping in on the popular late night sketch comedy show. Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, Donald Trump and others have also appeared or hosted in years past. South Korea, the United States, and Japan have commenced joint air exercises south of the Korean Peninsula in response to North Korea's recent launch of the Hwasong-19 intercontinental ballistic missile, Azernews reports citing the General Staff of the South Korean Armed Forces. The exercise, involving fighter jets and B-1B bombers from all three countries, included attack scenarios targeting conventional threats. In a statement, the General Staff emphasized, "Amid the gradual expansion of security cooperation between the three countries, we will strengthen coordination to prevent and jointly respond to North Korea's threats." This marks the second joint military air exercise conducted by these nations this year. North Korea launched the intercontinental ballistic missile on October 31, with the country's official news agency KCNA reporting that leader Kim Jong-un observed the event. Japan's Ministry of Defense noted that the missile's flight time was 1 hour and 26 minutes, making it North Korea's longest-range ballistic missile to date, covering a distance of 1,000 kilometers from an altitude of approximately 7,000 kilometers. In response, South Korea, the United States, and Japan condemned North Korea's missile launch, reiterating their commitment to regional security and stability. Vice President Kamala Harris has earned the Chronicles endorsement for president. Yalonda M. James/The Chronicle Advertisement Article continues below this ad The mass death of hundreds of thousands of Americans due to willful inaction and incompetence in handling COVID. Trump is unapologetic about his mendacity. Yet, he has somehow gone through his entire 78 years without facing significant material consequences for his actions. He has been convicted of 34 felonies in New York but hasnt served a day behind bars. He owes a victim of his sexual abuse $83.3 million in damages but hasnt paid her a cent. As president, he fomented the Jan. 6 coup attempt to keep himself in power yet remains on the ballot in every state, including Georgia, where he is charged with separate acts of conspiring to overturn local election results in his favor. He has driven his companies into bankruptcy six times and headed organizations that were convicted of 17 counts of operating criminal tax schemes including during his presidency. He remains a billionaire. Should Trump win the presidency on Tuesday he will escape accountability once more for his crimes and considerable legal woes. A veteran prosecutor in New York, where Trump awaits sentencing for falsifying business records to make hush money payments to a porn star, described his would-be ascension to the Oval Office as a get out of jail free card. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Andy Warhol famously said: Art is what you can get away with. It might sound vulgar to think of Trump in that context, but he certainly does. Trump has repeatedly asserted that he sees himself in Warhols worldview: Deals are my art form. The two have a history. The real estate mogul once commissioned Warhol to paint a likeness of Trump Tower. When the work was done, Trump refused to buy the piece. A bitter Warhol attributed this to cheapness. In reality, Trump suckered the worlds most famous artist into immortalizing his prized building free of charge. Donald Trump is and always has been a grifter. To think of the man or his presidential run any differently is to miss the point. Most of Trumps policy proposals catastrophic as their implementation would be arent worth reiterating because they, like Trump, are superficial and malleable. The only true inevitability with Trumps presidential agenda beyond his authoritarian threats to punish his political opposition will be his naked pursuit of self-enrichment and self-preservation. Trump will have a free and unencumbered hand to realize these goals in a second term. The Supreme Court ensured that when they imbued the office of the president with absolute immunity in a recent ruling. Trump has repeatedly made clear that he will use these powers to steamroll his enemies real and perceived and whatever aspects of American democracy suit him. Advertisement Article continues below this ad We believe little that comes out of Trumps mouth, but we believe him here. The Republicans who grovel before Trump, including backers of the Heritage Foundations Project 2025, have vowed to help him remove any lingering institutional checks and balances that could constrain his impulses in hopes of enabling their agenda, which includes eliminating legal abortion, stripping LGBTQ rights, ending the Affordable Care Act, abandoning efforts to mitigate climate change, and the mass detention and deportation of undocumented immigrants. They must all be stopped. That job now falls to Vice President Kamala Harris and to all of us, as voters. If this Election Day is American democracys last stand and we believe it could be Harris, a former San Francisco district attorney and California attorney general, is a fitting and capable defender. This editorial board has endorsed Harris any number of times over her decades of public service, and we have no hesitation in doing so again in this election. Advertisement Article continues below this ad During her first run for San Francisco district attorney in 2003, the board described her then as we would now highly competent with an analytical mind that prioritizes evidenced-based solutions. No ideologue, she is committed to the hard, dirty work of positive, incremental change. Shes also tough. Harris won her first race in the bloodsport environment of San Francisco politics by taking down populist incumbent District Attorney Terence Hallinan. She inherited a mess; Hallinan lacked the skills to back up his lofty promises of criminal justice reform. Harris cleaned up the office. Four years later she ran for a second term unopposed any potential opponents cowed by her quiet competence and her growing political muscle. Her ascent to the White House was launched by her reputation for methodically getting things done including when as California attorney general she successfully fought to secure tens of billions in additional money from big banks in a settlement over home foreclosure abuses. This editorial board cant claim to have any unique insights into Harris presidential agenda; the vice president did not sit with us for an endorsement interview. However, in speeches and on television, she has emphasized her desire to protect and expand abortion rights and has said she is willing to eliminate the Senate filibuster to do so. She has promised to streamline and incentivize the construction of new housing, preserve social security for future generations by making the wealthy pay more into the system and expand Medicare benefits to cover home care for the older Americans. Advertisement Article continues below this ad These ideas, if executed, would profoundly benefit the lives and well-being of Californians and the nation. We trust that she will work earnestly and diligently toward these ends. Throughout her career, she has generally not been one to make hollow, self-serving promises. She is the opposite of Trump in this and nearly every other regard. Fearless yes. Reckless no, is how Harris described herself in a debate during her 2016 run for U.S. Senate. Some will call it excessive caution. Those who prioritize rapid remedies to economic injustice or aggressively ending the war in Gaza will be frustrated or even outraged by what Harris has indicated will be a deliberate approach on her part. These feelings are justified. 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. However, no aspect of American life or foreign policy would improve should Harris lose the election. Citizens of conscience must show up to the ballot box to ensure a Harris victory and to finally put an end to the global threat posed by Donald Trumps long con. Shelby County voters will have the chance to elect an incumbent district judge for Place 2 or choose a new face for the bench. Incumbent Casey Duncan was appointed to his seat in 2022 by Gov. Kay Ivey, when the seat was left vacant after the death of Judge Daniel A. Crowson Jr. He faces Ashley N. Bell in the election.on Nov. 5. See voter guides, Alabama election information here. Were an ever growing county, Duncan said in an interview with AL.com. I feel like Ive improved matters since being appointed. Backlog of cases have been reduced. People are getting done with court in sooner time. It used to be that the timeframe for a civil case in Shelby County was about two years, we got it down to 13 months. I like what I do, Im good at it and Im running to keep my job. His opponent, Bell, is a lawyer, has a masters in social work, and claims to be the first Black women to run for district court judge in the county, although shes making it clear that shes not running on her race. Im running on my qualifications. However, I do believe our government needs to look like the citizens. I do believe diversity is important. And when I speak of diversity, I dont mean just the race, Im not just talking about ethnicity, I mean people that bring different things to the table, Bell said to AL.com. Both candidates said substance abuse and mental health care are ongoing issues that they want to address through the services toffered in the countys court system. Too often you have individuals walk into court feeling like theyre not going to get a fair trial or a fair hearing. But with my background in social work, I know too often, how to look at thing wholistically, and ask how did we get here?, Bell said. Were trying very hard and the county is invested in terms of resources, and committed to come up with solutions. The county just hired a mental health liason between the courthouse and law enforcement. But it may be a three years before we really see results, Duncan said. The general election takes place on Tuesday, November 5th. For general information on the Shelby County election, click here. For a Shelby County sample ballot, click here. The Huntsville YMCA wants to sell Camp Cha-La-Kee, its lakeside overnight camp, to offset some debt as it goes through bankruptcy proceedings, and a federal court will hear the case on Monday. There is a buyer whos ready to purchase. But we have to go through the process that the court requires, Interim CEO Jeff Collen told AL.com . The nonprofit filed for bankruptcy in August after more than $15 million in loan repayments came due. The negotiation failed with the lender, Redstone Federal Credit Union, who froze the organizations account. The nonprofit later regained access to that account after the courts intervention, Collen said. According to court documents, a buyer is willing to pay $1.75 million for the 62-acre Camp Cha-La-Kee beside Lake Guntersville in Marshall County, which has not been profitable for many years. I can say that over the last 10 years, the Y has lost over $900,000 at the camp, Collen said. This is not the first time Collen is leading a YMCA branch to sell properties to offset debt after the COVID-19 pandemic. Following his retirement as Racine, Wisconsin YMCA CEO in 2020, Collen has been interim CEO at two different YMCA branches before his stint at the Heart of the Valley YMCA beginning in September 2023. In St. Joseph, Missouri, Collen led the sale of two properties to offset debts, and in Jackson, Mississippi, he said he renegotiated a debt burden of $11 million to $1 million. I was in St. Joseph, Missouri, for about nine months, Collen told AL.com , In St. Josephs, we sold a building downtown that they werent using anymore and a camp that hadnt been successful in a long, long time. Huntsville YMCA Interim CEO Jeff CollenKayode Crown The Heart of the Valley YMCA, in 2022, valued the lakeside property at $350,000, but after filing for bankruptcy in August, received two separate $1.75 million offers. One offer was from one Shannon Provence; the nonprofit did not name who made the second offer, except that it came with some unnamed conditions. The organization has decided to go with Provences offer. Provence told AL.com he could not comment for the story at this time. Collen said he could not make further comments on the planned sale of the lakeside property, which is restricted for recreational use and must not be divided up for sale or lease, court documents say. The YMCA wants the court to allow it to consider Provences offer and market it further to see if better offers would come in. It has tapped SVN AVAT Realty, LLC, and Andrew Agee will market the property sale. Agee did not respond to a request for comments for this story. The motion to sell Camp Cha-La-Kee is still on the docket for Monday (10 a.m.), Huntsville YMCA attorney Kevin Heard said in an email. Collen said selling the camp is important and really necessary and hopes to come up with a solution with Redstone. Im very hopeful that were close on that, he said. The bank balloon payment on the banknote was not something that the Y could handle, he said. Fifteen and a half million dollars, and we were working with Redstone to negotiate the next loan schedule, so to speak. And, you know, at some point it just wasnt working and all of a sudden, you know, we found our accounts frozen. And, so we had no choice but to seek the courts protection in order to be able to pay all our bills because this bankruptcy is not typical, he said. It is not an operational issue. The Y had plenty of money to keep paying its bills, but we just hadnt come to an agreement for the next loan option moving forward. He said that YMCA branches have experienced membership slumps nationally. Across the state of Alabama, membership is still about right where we are, about 25-27 percent lower than what it was at the end of 2019, again, across this state and very similar across the country. But IRS records show that Huntsville YMCA has been recording losses long before the pandemic. The nonprofit recorded more years with losses than other YMCA branches in Alabama between 2012 and 2022. It only reported two years in the green, 2012 and 2020. Birmingham YMCA had the best profit record recording one year in the negative. Collen said he recognizes the need to be profitable. We need to have surpluses because we need to be able to take care of our facilities to provide the services; you know, a lot of times it doesnt happen that way, he said. It makes us have to reduce expenses, sometimes we dont always take care of our facilities as best as we can because theres not the funds to do that so we have a lot of deferred maintenance. Birmingham YMCA revenue between 2012 and 2022 includes an average of 13% from donations, while Huntsville had 9%, IRS records show. The rest of the revenue is mostly from program services. Weve got to help raise money because were giving a lot of services away to people who cant afford it, Collen said. While Election Day next week will be dominated by the race at the top of the ticketKamala Harris or Donald Trumpvoters will also have the opportunity to vote in many down-ballot races for judges, school board members, and other local officials. But in coastal Alabama, there are very few local races with more than one candidate. In both Baldwin and Mobile counties, every judicial candidate is running unopposed, and many are incumbents. There are two seats up for election on both the Baldwin County and Mobile County boards of education. All four candidates in those races are running unopposed, and all are Republicans. All three members of the Mobile County CommissionConnie Hudson, Merceria Ludgood, and Randall Dueittare running for reelection unopposed. Hudson, a Republican, defeated primary challenger Doug Harwell in March. Dueitt, a Republican, and Ludgood, a Democrat, were unopposed in their respective primaries. Here is a roundup of local races in coastal Alabama that will be on the ballot Nov. 5. Readers can also find sample ballots for Mobile and Baldwin counties below. U.S. House Voters in Mobile and Baldwin counties will not find any local incumbents on the ballot in next weeks races for U.S. House of Representatives. In District 1, which covers all of Baldwin County and parts of Mobile County, voters will choose between Republican Barry Moore of Enterprise and Democrat Tom Holmes of Mobile. Moore, who currently represents District 2, defeated incumbent Jerry Carl in the District 1 Republican Primary after he was drawn out of his district in court-ordered redistricting. Holmes, 78, is a former state employee and an advocate for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Mobile. House District 2 has become a nationally watched race, after the U.S. Supreme Court upheld a lower court ruling that the district needed to be redrawn to give Black voters in the state the opportunity to elect a candidate of their choosing. The seat, which is predicted to narrowly favor Democrats, could decide the balance of the U.S. House. Democrat Shomari Figures of Mobile will face Republican Caroleene Dobson of Montgomery in the race. Both are lawyers and are seeking elected office for the first time. State Board of Education, District 5 Only one of the four statewide school board races on the ballot in Alabama this year is contested: District 5, which covers Mobile and extends through Montgomery and much of the Black Belt. Incumbent Tonya Chestnut, a Democrat who currently serves as vice president of the board, will face David W. Perry, a Republican. Chestnut is a native of Selma and a retired teacher and administrator. She told the Alabama Reflector that her priorities are literacy, teacher retention, and school safety. Perry is a pastor and community activist, according to the Reflector. He argues that there should be clinical psychologists in schools in order to address school safety. He also argues that the core curriculum in place is hampering teachers ability to teach, and students should be tested to see what field of studyacademic or vocationalwould best suit them. Only voters in Mobile and north Mobile County will see the District 5 election on their ballots. Voters in the south part of the county and Baldwin County are in District 1, represented by Republican Jackie Zeigler, whose term on the board began in 2017. Zeigler ran unopposed in the Republican primary and is unopposed in the general election. New judges Johana Bucci, a Republican, is the presumed winner of Mobile County District Court Judge Place No. 6. Bucci, a prosecutor in the Mobile County District Attorneys office, defeated Richard Foreman and Eucellis Sullivan without the need for a runoff in the primary. No Democrats entered the race. Buccis seat was created in 2023 by the state legislature, after Gov. Kay Ivey signed SB39 into effect. The bill added judgeships in courts across the state that were struggling with large numbers of cases. The bill also added another circuit court judge and district court judge in Baldwin County. Karol J. Kemp, a Republican, is running unopposed for the new circuit judgeship; Michael J. Hoyt is running for the new district court seat in that county. Hoyt is a Republican. An additional circuit judge seat will be added in Baldwin County following the 2026 election, under the terms of the bill. Mobile County Circuit Clerk In Mobile County, the circuit clerk race is a rare competitive matchup. Republican Ashleigh Long faces Democrat Marsha Striveson Guy. Both have experience in Mobile Countys criminal justice system: according to Guys website, she has worked in the circuit clerks office for more than 25 years. She currently works in the circuit civil division. Long has worked in the Mobile County District Attorneys office for the large part of her career, including as supervisor of financial departments, according to her website. In March, Long defeated incumbent Sharla Knox in the Republican primary, 61.29% to 38.71%. Guy ran unopposed in the Democratic primary. Longs primary campaign goal is to implement an app called JurySnap that she says would streamline the jury selection process. Drawing off her experience implementing an online payment system in the DAs office, Long says the appwhere potential jurors fill out paperwork onlinewill save residents and employers time. But other Mobile County officials said the app is not feasible. Knox, Longs former opponent, and Mobile County Presiding Circuit Court Judge Wesley Pipes both said that the program could not be implemented. Because Mobile County is part of the states unified justice system, the app could not be implemented unless it is implemented statewide, Pipes told news outlet Lagniappe in February. Special County Elections Pay-As-You-Go in Mobile For the 20th time, Mobile Countys Pay-As-You-Go program will be up for renewal on the ballot. The program allocates funds to road and bridge projects in the county without any new taxes or new debt because the funds are collected prior to the two-year transportation improvement program beginning, according to a news release from Mobile County. In this years Pay-As-You-Go referendum, voters will decide whether to allocate $82 million in local funds to 36 projects. Around $22 million of state and federal matching funds is also incorporated into this years PAYGO plans. Voters have approved PAYGO plans each time it has been on the ballot. This years Pay-As-You-Go includes building a new road and bridge to the Mobile Aeroplex at Brookley, where commercial passenger air service will begin once a new airport terminal is built; and constructing a new roundabout at Fowl River Road and State Route 193. Landmark Districts in Baldwin County There are not one but three landmark district designations that Baldwin County voters will consider next week. Voters will consider whether to create a landmark district in Bon Secour south of Magnolia Springs, White House Fork near Bay Minette, and Stapleton north of Spanish Fort. If voters assent to the creation of any or all of those landmark districts, then the states constitution will be amended to reflect that. Property in a landmark district cannot be annexed into a municipality via legislation, though it could still be annexed through a referendum or a petition. In 2020, voters in Baldwin County created two landmark districts: one near Loxley called Rosinton, and one south of Fairhope called Barnwell. Proponents of the landmark districts argue that it gives residents in those communities the ability to preserve their way of life. Baldwin County is one of the fastest growing counties in the state and is rapidly transforming from rural to suburban. A landmark district gives the communities a legal identity, a collective voice and a foundation for heritage preservation, an administrator posted on the Community of Stockton, AL, Facebook page asking voters to vote yes on all three landmark districts. Stockton was the first area in the state designated as a landmark district more than a decade ago in a statewide vote. But Baldwin County city officials have criticized the landmark districts, arguing that the districts hinder growth management, particularly at the edges of cities. In 2020, 11 Baldwin County mayors signed a resolution opposing the landmark districts, according to a story from WBRC in Birmingham. Constables Mobile County is one of 21 counties in the state that still elects constables. (Baldwin County did away with constables in the 1990s.) There are 80 precincts in Mobile County that will hold a constable race, but in only 25 of those precincts is there a candidate, and in only two precincts is there a contested race. The position has become more obscure, and some law enforcement officials argue its unneeded, particularly in urban areas. This is an opinion column Todays guest columnist is Carlos E. Aleman Birmingham is losing population. Jefferson County is losing population. The population of our seven county metro area is stagnant. It is obvious to me, but not necessarily to everyone, that immigration will likely save our Birmingham region and possibly our state. If you take a close look around today, youll see the impact of immigrant contributions. From the growing student population in Birmingham City Schools to the buzzing of construction sites to the rising number of businesses led by immigrant entrepreneurs, the seeds of future success are already taking root. Immigrants are not just part of this citys history; they are key to its future. Like we have across the nation, immigrants have helped boost job growth and stave off a recession. Alabama would do well to welcome immigrants as part of its strategy for workforce development and economic innovation. When I speak to audiences across Birmingham, I often share a truth that might surprise some: Latinos and Southernersfolks from Birminghamhave more in common than one might initially think. We share a profound appreciation for family, a deep-rooted sense of faith, and yes, a shared love of pork. While that last one is meant to draw a smile, it speaks to something deeper: a connection that transcends cultural differences. What unites us is our shared desire for a better future. Immigrants, like so many others in our community, seek good schools for their children, safe and welcoming neighborhoods, and well-paying jobs where they can build lives with hope and purpose. This is where the story of Birmingham and its immigrant population begins to converge. The Hispanic community, along with other immigrant populations, is growing and playing a pivotal role in shaping the citys future. I moved to Alabama in 2013 and have been witness to the incredible growth of our communitys Hispanic population. As the CEO of the Hispanic and Immigrant Center of Alabama (HICA!), I have had the privilege of working with our community to build prosperity and inspire hope. Birmingham has a storied history of immigrants. Since the turn of the 20th century Greek, Italian, Jewish, and Middle Eastern immigrants have made their impact on the Magic City. More recently, weve seen the tremendous success stories of folks like Shegun Otulana, Sanjay Singh, and others. Now, Hispanics make up the largest percentage of immigrants in our community. We have seen the incredible success of business leaders like Mike Suco, CEO of Coca Cola United, Wendy Padilla-Madden, who owns Santo Coffee shops, Dulce Rivera, who runs her family grocery business Mi Pueblo, and Jesus Chuy Mendez and Jose Medina, who have established downtown hotspot Adios. Among them we must also include social entrepreneur and HICA! founder Isabel Rubio. The demographics are clear: the Hispanic population in Birmingham has been on the rise, bringing new energy, ideas, and vitality to the city. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the Hispanic population of the Birmingham MSA has grown over 57 percent in the last 12 years to a total of over 71k. If current trends hold, the population can be expected to grow at a rate of 4 percent each year. And this comes at a critical time as we face a workforce crisis. Employers are struggling to fill positions, and businesses are seeking skilled, motivated workers to fuel their growth. This is where the immigrant community steps in, as we see more immigrants contributing to workforce participation and entrepreneurial activity, areas that are essential for Birminghams economic revival. At HICA!, we have had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the dynamism of Hispanic entrepreneurs. Since 2013, we have helped over 200 individuals obtain their business licenses, and since 2019, we have deployed over $800,000 in small business loans to support more than 70businesses. Remarkably, weve only had one small loan default, under $5,000. This speaks to the strength, resilience, and reliability of our immigrant entrepreneurspeople who are creating jobs, driving innovation, and contributing to the vitality of our economy. As we talk about Birminghams comeback, we must recognize that this comeback will be incomplete without the full inclusion of Hispanics and immigrants. The next chapter of Birminghams story must be one of unity and collaboration, where we work together to build a more inclusive and prosperous future. The citys strength has always been its ability to welcome new people, new ideas, and new opportunities. If we lean into that legacy, I have no doubt that Birminghams best days are ahead. Carlos E. Aleman, Ph.D., is a historian, former professor, Homewood city councilor, and chief executive officer of HICA!, the Hispanic and Immigrant Center of Alabama. Dr. Aleman serves on the boards of the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, REV Birmingham, Kiwanis Club of Birmingham, the National Partnership for New Americans, and serves on the advisory board for the Alabama Governors Office of Minority Affairs David Sher is the founder and publisher of ComebackTown. Hes past Chairman of the Birmingham Regional Chamber of Commerce (BBA), Operation New Birmingham (REV Birmingham), and the City Action Partnership (CAP). Click here to sign up for the Comeback Town newsletter. Invite David to speak for free to your group about how we can have a more prosperous metro Birmingham. dsher@comebacktown.com Many of us grew up singing the lovely Christmas lullaby Away in a Manger, and some of us remember hearing this lovely tune as we went to sleep. Its a song that reminds us that Jesus himself loves all the little children. We live in an ugly age, when children are trafficked and often forced into sexual and other slaveries. An August report by the Department of Homeland Securitys inspector general showed that close to 300,000 little ones have been literally lost at our southern border. Where they came from should little concern us if we have any of the compassion of Jesus. What is disturbing about this reality is that most of the sympathy expressed for these lost kids is reduced to a short mention of the three hundred thousand as part a longer list of what has gone wrong over the past several years. There is no doubt that these children make a great talking point, but mostly missing is any in-depth analyses of how we actually lost the kids and even less about what we are doing to find them. Perhaps for many in the legacy media the open wound is simply too sore to touch. God truly help us if its not politically convenient to underline their plight. This month, Greta Van Susteren interviewed Lt. Chris Olivarez, spokesman for the Texas Department of Public Safety, who gave the picture of a horribly desperate situation just in Texas, where so many of these kids have crossed. So often they have been mere commodities, elements to make a crossing easier for others with precious little regard for the little ones themselves. Olivarez stated, As of May, the whereabouts of 291,000 migrant children who arrived in the U.S. as unaccompanied minors are unknown because they were set free and never given a date to appear in immigration court. Another 32,000 who were given hearing dates did not show up. Olivarez went in to say that his agency has no way to check out the legitimacy of the sponsors, their identity often scribbled on a piece of paper. Since the ultimate fate of these children is a federal matter, all that his agency can do is look for signs of abuse and report that to the border officers. All we can do is document what we see, document everything these children have with them, and then turn them over to Border Patrol. And from there, we dont know exactly where they end up. Olivarez went on to say that letting the children go is one of the hardest parts of his job. We personally spent 42 years in mission work overseas in six different countries in South Asia and South America. Our kids, who were born in India and Nepal, grew up without any close extended family. Because our kids had two loving and responsible parents who looked for substitute grandparents and uncles and aunts, they grew up surrounded by a loving and caring community. One of our daughters in a time of personal crisis here in the U.S. actually traveled to South America to get counsel from her adopted grandparents. My heart aches over the hundreds of thousands of kids who have been made pawns in an evil system. I fear that many if not most of them are growing up without an ounce of the love and care they so badly need, and the reality is that many are experiencing a hell on earth instead. I grew up in a 20th-century culture that was still reading a 17th-century Bible. I knew that Jesus loved the little children, but I could not understand why they should suffer coming to him; suffer (allow) the little children to come to me, says Jesus in the King James Version. That was almost a prophecy of what so many little kids are truly suffering today, and for most of these poor kids getting close to Jesus is the farthest thing from their hellish reality. The stark warning of Jesus about causing one of these little ones to fall was primarily aimed at his precious disciples, whom he called his little ones. They were at risk before the worlds hatred and aggression. But the warning has been properly applied to children who are always vulnerable and at risk without the care and protection of responsible adults. Christs warning that those who cause the little ones to fall should have a millstone tied to their necks and be thrown into the sea can be contrasted to the laughable responsibility of the government agencies that have let hundreds of thousands of kids slip through their net. And its not the border guards we are talking about, who have been inundated with millions at the border making it impossible to apply even a semblance of control over a flood of humanity. I am not asking here that we vote for this or that candidate to start to rectify a horrendous human tragedy (not to speak of the gangs and terrorists slipping through) I am asking if anyone has thought of what it will take to rescue hundreds of thousands of little ones? Did our authorities do anything to follow-up on where these kids were sent? Did they record the data on those slips of paper that identified the supposed sponsors? Is anything effective being done now to find these little ones and shelter them from the forces of evil out there? At the very least, if they are in the care of someone who has not permitted them to be trafficked or enslaved, but is not giving them the same level of love and care that natural parents would, we should be incensed. We tell the ugly stories of the boarding schools where Indian kids were forcibly removed from their natural parents care to be educated into the dominate culture. Almost every day in my community, I drive a part of the Indian School Road, where one such gulag used to exist. When a construction company applied to put in a new housing tract on the former property of that school, it was required to bring in forensic anthropologists and look for any graves of those children. Those of us living close to the project were thinking of millstones. This is an issue that goes so very far beyond politics. Just a few years back, the cause of the DREAMers, kids who grew up in the U.S., most often in their own family setting but without proper documentation, was used politically to draw on the heartstrings. And understandably they were kids who knew no other homeland but this one, who mostly didnt speak the language of their parents and certainly could not know the nuances of the culture to which they were legally attached. Now I ask, where are the voices that were raised in righteous anger over the DREAMers when we now have 300,000 who most likely cannot dream at all? Those heartstrings are not just sadly out of tune; they have not been tightened at all. Our Jewish-Christian heritage teaches us that all that happens here on Earth is preparing us for the afterlife; we believe our moral duties and compassion toward the most vulnerable among us will have eternal consequences. If we who are citizens of both this country and the one to come have any sense of the love and compassion of Jesus, where are our moral courage and even outrage over this lost generation of little ones in our midst? How can we even consider that we might be fit for Heaven if we dont start to take care of business here on Earth? Image via Pxhere. Podcaster and radio host Dan Bongino frequently asks his listeners, Is it bad enough yet? In other words, has the level of socio-economic and political punishment being dished out to you reached a point where youve had enough? What else do Kamala Harris and her party have to do to convince you that they hold you in utter contempt? This question is especially pertinent when addressed to Christians and Jews. In her memoir, Harris wrote of praying before difficult decisions, Before bed, I would say a small prayer: God, please help me do the right thing. Given her actions on subsequent occasions one wonders if she was being truthful in her memoir or, if I may be so bold perhaps God has been ignoring her. In 2016 California AG Harris prosecuted whistleblower David Daleiden, who exposed Planned Parenthood's (PP) role in selling organs and body tissues from aborted children. She ordered California DOJ agents to raid Daleidens home and seize files and equipment he used to make his undercover videos. Charges against Daleiden include recording the PP executives without their permission. Selling aborted baby body parts isnt the problem, the problem is documenting and exposing the crime. Its worth noting that PP has contributed heavily to Harriss campaigns. Daleiden is reportedly still awaiting trial on the felony counts in San Francisco Superior Court while the PP staffers who are on video discussing the illegal sale of aborted baby body parts have not been charged. In 2018 then-Senator Harris questioned Catholic jurist Brian Buescher, who President Trump had nominated to the federal bench. Buescher is a member of the Knights of Columbus, a fraternal order of Catholic men. She asked, Were you aware that the Knights of Columbus opposed a womans right to choose when you joined the organization? She also asked him if he knew that the Knights of Columbus opposed marriage equality and if he would leave the organization should he be appointed to the District Court. Evidently Harris believes that membership in an organization that promotes Catholic teachings disqualifies a person from serving in public office. Thankfully, and despite her opposition the Honorable Brian Buescher is now a judge for the District of Nebraska. In 2019 Harris appeared on stage with members of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. The group calls itself an Order of queer and trans nuns, and is made up of performers who dress in vulgar imitations of Catholic religious habits and advocate for LGBTQ issues. Harris apparently sees nothing wrong with associating with a group whose performers dress as Jesus and the Blessed Mother, perform stripteases, simulate sex acts on stage, and mock the Crucifixion. Brian Burch, the president of the advocacy group Catholic Vote declared, Kamala Harris has a blatant record of anti-Catholic bigotry, from mocking Christians at her rallies for invoking the name of God to attending rallies alongside one of the most vile anti-Catholic hate groups in America. Shes certainly free to do so. The Free Speech Clause of the First Amendment protects our right to express our opinions, both secular and religious. The Free Exercise Clause protects our right to live our lives according to our faith. But one may question the wisdom of a politician whos willing to denigrate almost 25% of American citizens. The Supreme Court made it easier for the U.S. government to interfere with religious liberty in the case of Employment Division, Department of Human Resources of Oregon v. Smith. In 1993 Congress responded by unanimously passing the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA). The Senate passed it 97-3 and Bill Clinton signed it into law. This law has protected our religious liberties ever since, notably in the 2014 case of Burwell v. Hobby Lobby. That is about to change and our religious liberties are again at risk. In 2019 Harris signed onto the Do No Harm Act (DNHA) which, contrary to its name, directly attacked the conscience and freedom of people of faith. Among other things, this act targets people who engage in so-called pregnancy discrimination and so refuse to perform or assist in abortions, sex change operations, or sterilizations. When pressed, White House Spokesperson Jen Psaki refused to deny it. The DNHA would prevent the use of the RFRA, for example to discriminate against people in employment or access to healthcare. Under the DNHA, whenever the exercise of religion conflicts with federal laws, the person or organization of faith loses the rights previously guaranteed by RFRA to challenge that law in court. In other words, when freedom of religion and the government disagree, the federal government wins. This legislation directly threatens the religious liberty of Americans. Doctors and nurses would no longer be able to claim religious exemptions in order to refuse to perform or participate in abortions, transgender surgeries, or sterilizations. It is also conceivable that businesses such as Hobby Lobby and Chick-fil-A would be forced to hire transgender individuals and drag queens. Beto ORourke has gone so far as to say that churches that refuse to recognize same-sex marriages should lose their tax-exempt status. Perhaps religious schools are next on the chopping block. Can we expect to see one of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence showing up in drag at a parochial school and applying for a position teaching Morality and Christian Ethics? If the school chooses not to hire that person will they lose their tax exempt status and be forced to close? The rise of overt antisemitism in America is especially concerning. A Chicago man was just charged with attempted murder for shooting an orthodox Jewish man who was on his way to the synagogue. 73% of Jewish college students report feeling unsafe and a rabbi advised Jewish students at Columbia University to return home for their own safety. Who and what is at the root of all this? Democrats have been calling Republicans Nazis and fascists for decades. I have been unable to find any reports of conservative, Christian, or Jewish Republicans vandalizing and burning Catholic churches or threatening Jews in the public square. It is obvious that the Left has no respect for people of faith, especially Christians and Jews. They want us censored and marginalized and if they have their way will change Freedom of Religion to Freedom of Worship. Under a (God forbid) President Harris people of faith, especially Christians would be free to worship as they please within the confines of their homes and churches, but theyll need to check their privileges upon entering the public square. Image: YouTube video screen grab, cropped. Besides degrowth and net zero, one other dangerous buzz phrase being bandied about by proponents of the Great Reset is nature-positive food systems. The stated goal of moving to new food systems is to reduce nitrogen emissions, livestock production, and meat consumption. This is to be achieved by consuming plant-based products, lab-grown foods, and insects (as a source of protein). The moot question, however, is whether such a change is at all necessary? The U.N., the World Economic Forum (WEF), the Rockefeller Foundation, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and other NGOs would have us believe so. These institutions are controlled by the global elite, who aim to create monopolistic markets for themselves and enslave people, turning them first into captive consumers without choice, and eventually, without free will. So, the U.N. and its co-conspirators have manufactured a food crisis, and by linking it to their other fabrication an exaggerated climate crisis they are using it to reset the worlds food system. Their plan to transition to net zero, nature-positive food systems by 2030 translates into a war on traditional farmers. Unable to absorb the added costs of new regulations and controls, small, independent producers are being squeezed out of farming. Their place is being taken by multinational agribusinesses. Unchecked, these multinationals will dominate farming in a decade or two. Were this to solve the problem of global hunger, there might be some reason for those who oppose the transition to make concessions. But the evidence is to the contrary. For several years now, the Gates Foundations Alliance for A Green Revolution (AGRA) has been coercing farmers in Africa to give up traditional seeds and crops and use commercial seeds and synthetic fertilizers. Over those years, the lot of Africa has worsened: the percentage of the population suffering from moderate to severe food insecurity has gone up from 51% in 2014 to 66% today. In 2021, an alliance of African leaders of faith and farming called on the Gates Foundation to stop promoting harmful programs such as AGRA. Fletcher Harper, director of GreenFaith, an international network, said, The plan of displacing millions of small-holding farmers using an industrial monoculture approach to farming, lacing the soil and water supplies with toxic chemicals, and concentrating ownership of the means of production and land ownership in a small elite is an immoral and dangerous vision that must be stopped. In other ways, and in other places, too, elements of the Great Food Reset are being proved wrong or counterproductive. Gates who, incidentally, is the largest private landowner in the U.S. has been promoting synthetic meat, and says all rich countries should move to 100% synthetic beef. He has invested heavily in plant-based meat companies, and touted fake beef as a solution to climate change and environmental degradation. Ironically, fake food is not only associated with health problems, it leaves a much larger carbon footprint. A report from Navdanya, a seed and food sovereignty initiative, lays bare his hypocrisy. In 2021, Sri Lankan president Gotobaya Rajapaksa banned synthetic fertilizer and pesticide imports, forcing farmers to go organic ostensibly to mitigate health and environmental impacts. In six months, rice production dropped 20% and tea production 18%, precipitating an economic crisis and widespread hunger. A massive peoples revolt ended the damaging policies. In 2019, the Dutch government decided to take drastic measures to reduce nitrogen emissions from agriculture. In protest, farmers in 2,200 tractors made their way to the Hague. A farmer-citizen movement (BBB) fought the government plan to reduce livestock numbers and buy out thousands of farms. The movement achieved significant clout, and later that year, won a majority of seats in the upper house of parliament. Former U.S. president Donald Trump praised the farmers for opposing the Dutch governments climate tyranny. Green agendas were similarly fought in Germany and France. German farmers, who faced cuts in tax breaks on diesel and the prospect of levies on carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuels, protested these impositions, saying they would rob them of competitiveness. They also complained that more food produced below German standards was coming into Germany from abroad. French farmers, too, faced subsidy cuts and additional taxes on fuel. Protests forced governments in both countries to back down. Behind the government measures in Europe are the EUs Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and the Nature Restoration Law (NRL), aimed at achieving sustainability goals. The latest edition of CAP (202327) obligates EU countries, already less competitive against imports, to devote at least 4% of arable land to non-productive activities and reduce fertilizer use by 20%. It aims to provide baseline protection for the environment on more than 80% of the EUs agricultural land. The NRL incentivizes farmers transitioning to regenerative practices; member states are required to restore at least 20% of EUs land and sea by 2030. In the U.S., similarly, over 30% of territory will become subject to administrative state control under Executive Order 14008, signed by President Joe Biden in 2021. The order is part of a global 30x30 plan to permanently keep 30% of the worlds land and oceans pristine by prohibiting human activity. Its to be achieved by 2030, hence 30 by 30. Without any plausible data that such preservation would reverse alleged climate change, this is more about control, and amounts to nothing but a massive land grab. Another ill-conceived idea, advanced by the global elites and governments, was a plan to control natural processes such as clean air, pollination, photosynthesis etc. through companies owning and monetizing nature and natural processes. These natural asset companies (NACs) were to be listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) first, and perhaps others later. The idea, proposed officially by the NYSE, seems fuzzy, but it was discussed in all seriousness by the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC). Fortunately, it was abandoned after activists pressured the NYSE to withdraw its application. While Executive Order 14008 hits food security indirectly by limiting land available for farming, a proposed EPA rule the Meat and Poultry Products Effluents Guidelines-2024 is yet another example of blatant, politically-motivated administrative overreach that will directly send meat prices skyrocketing. Spurred by two lawsuits filed by 13 environmental organizations, which claimed that pollution control standards for slaughterhouses and meat processing plants had not been updated in the Clean Water Act, the EPA came up with the proposed guidelines, to be put in place by August 2025. The proposed rule further restricts the release of nitrogen and phosphorus into the environment, as well as the routing of wastewater from meat processors to water treatment plants. It prescribes more stringent pretreatment standards for oil, grease, suspended solids, and biochemical oxygen. Compliance cost for the industry is likely to increase by over $1.16 billion annually. Besides increasing the cost of meat, it will put producers out of business; potential job loss, direct and indirect, is estimated to be 120,000300,000 in the poultry sector alone. Critics believe this is a typical case of the elite orchestrating concerted action through environmental groups, the administrative state, and government, this time to reduce meat consumption. Fortunately, a coalition of attorneys general from 27 states has questioned the data presented by the environmental groups and said the rule is not only costly but unlawful. By getting governments to over-regulate farming, elite oligarchs like Gates and Klaus Schwab (WEF) aim to take control over food production in the name of sustainability. The plan, quite clearly, is not to save the planet. When people are starving, its easier to keep them in check, prevent them from protesting, and get them to do what you want. Image: Free image, Pixabay license. Mail-in ballots are on the docket in several ongoing election fraud cases in Pennsylvania, Washington, D.C., and Maryland. The lawsuits ask for transparency with regard to contracts with the United States Postal Service (USPS) to transport alleged completed mail-in ballots. The lawsuits hope to get to the bottom of questions about the legitimacy of the ballots, where the ballots are going, and what is being done with them. These cases may settle questions around whether fraudulent ballots are being used in our elections to stuff the ballot box, among other things. In October 2020, thousands of mail-in ballots were allegedly transported across state lines from Bethpage N.Y. to PA. Evidence shows that ballots were loaded on to a truck driven by USPS subcontractor Jesse Morgan. Morgan delivered them to Lancaster, PA and the ballots allegedly disappeared. Morgan has publicly spoken about what he witnessed and has also provided a signed affidavit about the incident. In December 2020, Morgan testified that 24 Gaylord containers (allegedly with as many as 288,000 signed ballots ) disappeared with his trailer on Oct. 21, 2024. According to reporting from Larry C. Johnson, a Gaylord can hold from 50,000 to 100,000 ballots. It is important to note that Pennsylvania certified its 2020 election knowing it had indisputably recorded 202,000 more ballots cast than voters. In December 2020 Morgan spoke about the incident during a press conference held by the Amistad Project of the Thomas More Society. Who filled out those ballots and why did they disappear? Retired Lieutenant Colonel Tony Shaffer was involved early on in the investigation as were Clinton Foundation whistleblowers John Moynihan and Larry Doyle. Notably, Shaffer was allegedly told at the time by then AG William Barr that he should stop now with his investigation because he believed Shaffer was interfering with an FBI investigation. According to Johnsons reporting, Moynihan is one of the best financial and forensic investigators in the world. Hands down. Moynihan and Doyle say there were other cases like this but [i]t is the only one where John Moynihan and Larry Doyle obtained corroborating evidence." Two years later, on April 11, 2022, the USPS Office of Inspector General (OIG) admitted that it did not know how the ballots traveled to Pennsylvania. However, Moynihans and Doyles investigation proved there was corroborating evidence of RICO violations despite claims to the contrary by the OIG. I guess those they interviewed couldnt recall. The case of the disappearing ballots provides a basis for two more recently filed cases. The case in D.C. is a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) lawsuit. The other is in Maryland. Both were filed by Brian R. Della Rocca. Doyle and Moynihan provided background work and, in the Maryland case, provided affidavits. The lawsuits seek to obtain information concerning USPS contracts that support the transport of mail-in ballots. Plaintiffs are requesting information on contracts for the 2020 election as seen in the image from the lawsuit below: The Maryland case, known as Della Rocca v. DeJoy, Lee, Summers, was dismissed last week on October 25. However, there is more to come because Judge Deborah Boardman dismissed the Maryland Case based on standing and without prejudice, according to Moynihan and Doyle. Moynihan and Doyle will be able to appeal their case. They are still hopeful evidence from their cases will be properly heard and adjudicated. In their X post below, the Clinton Foundation Whistleblowers explain: If Judge Boardman wanted to derail our efforts, she could have dragged this case out for a protracted period and/or dismissed with prejudice. This fact allows us to appeal this Ruling in the U.S. Court of Appeals and in so doing elevates our efforts and Complaint. We will take this case as far and as high as it needs to go to pursue real electoral integrity that is critical to the long term health, well being and security of our nation Dismissed without comment on the MERITS of our Case. Note that neither the Defendant in their Response to the Court last Wednesday nor the Judge on Friday morning addresses the Merits, that is, the Specific and Credible information/evidence we have presented. Those MERITS remain and are being elevated. We firmly stand on our efforts and these merits. Our other case v USPS (FOIA Case) remains outstanding and ongoing from its inception in March 2022. https://courtlistener.com/docket/63178307/della-rocca-v-united-states-postal-service/ This is very meaningful as these cases are linked given that they stand upon the same sets of facts that we have sourced, confirmed, corroborated and presented into the judicial system. The USPS has made it difficult to get to the bottom of the mail-in ballots in question, repeatedly delaying its responses to the plaintiffs. It is curious that the USPS would want anything other than transparency, especially if it has done nothing wrong. It would serve the American people well to know the contents of these cargo manifests to transport massive numbers of alleged completed mail-in ballots. It would be even better to know where the ballots are going and what is being done with them. When or if all the facts emerge in a court of law, the hope is that it will become clear to all Americans that inaccurate voter rolls and mass mail-in ballots are among the biggest and most unnecessary culprits for fraudulent voting in American elections. God Bless Moynihan and Doyle for continuing to work through the courts to expose the fraud with evidence. I hope their efforts are rewarded. Image: Scott McLeod Many years ago, I was watching Johnny Carsons Tonight Show. A young Tom Selleck, riding the high of Magnum PI, was on. It was a collegial and funny interview, and Carson eventually asked Selleck his view on a political question of the day. Selleck replied his job was pretending to be other people as well as he could. He owed the public his best efforts at that alone. He couldnt imagine why anyone would want hisan actors--opinion on politics. Ive since bought a DVD of every movie hes made. Various stars have been desperately trying to boost Kamala Harris. Lizzothats the first time I heard her handletells us Kamala will make America just like Detroit. Only Democrats/socialists/communists (D/s/cs) could think that a selling point. Bruce Springsteen, who does not appear to be aging well, is rebelling against the establishment, singing to turn the page, move America forward, and wont go backto everything Kamala Harris did and didnt do. Isnt it interesting how the rebels of the past are eventually encompassed and absorbed by the Deep State blob? Oprah produced a how can you be so wonderful extravaganza full of screens of other people famous for being famous, only to watch Kamala descend into epic word salads, manic cackling and inartful dodging of the friendliest of questions. Oprah was trying to humanize Harris, but that Herculean task was betrayed by Oprahs facial expressions, which if they could talk would be saying something like: OMG. I thought we got rid of the demented one! Beyonce was going to show up at the DNC, but that was a lie to keep the attendees from filing out before Harris tried to read a teleprompter and to keep the sort-of-faithful tuned in. Beyonce, who turned up for a few minutes at a Houston rally, was supposed to perform. She didnt, proving Harriss handlers are utterly shameless--like Harris. Others lending their celebrity, their platforms, their voices to the Harris cause are Spike Lee, Tyler Perry, Megan Thee Stallion, Usher, Lil Jon, Maren Morris, Quavo, Lance Bass, Stevie Wonder and Taylor Swift. Endorsers include Cher, Stevie Nicks, John Legend, Olivia Rodrigo, Neil Young, Cardi B, Ariana Grande, Barbra Streisand, Charli XCX, Willie Nelson, Waka Flocka, Lil Pump, Lil Nas X, Stevie Wonder and who can forgetor even identify, DJ Mix Master David? There are more of course, and I recognize the names of a few, and have seen some of them in movies, on TV, and have heard some of the music some of them produce. Apparently, I am not groovy, hip or with it despite having a music degree, but somehow I limp along without knowing by heart the works of people whose handles have never bounced off my ear drums. Graphic: Christopherrufo.com Screenshot And there is Barack Obama, a man whose media-created and buttressed magic petered out long ago. Hes long past his sell-by date, but hes out there, gamely stumping for Harris by insulting black men, and declaring anyone who doesnt think Harris the slickest thing since sliced breadabsolutely not white breadracist and sexist. Who could think of a better reason to vote for an empty-headed empty pants suit? Barack is having trouble understanding all the racial division he caused and just wants us all to get along by electing another DEI hire race hustler, liar and plagiarist. But this time shes female, which will make all the difference, because shes female and sort-of blackish despite being proudly Indian until it was politically advantageous to be blackish. I might, upon occasion, agree with the occasional athlete or celebrity on the occasional issue, but that agreement doesnt mean I think them expert in anything but acting or sports, where performances are hit or miss. Having worked in academia, I know there are credentials, and there is ability and talent. Occasionally they occupy a single body. Weve all seen, particularly during the Age of Obama and the dystopia of Harris/Biden how often experts are expert only at lying and pushing D/s/c narratives. And we now understand our media is largely a D/s/c propaganda machine. As with so much else, Robert A. Heinlein was spot on: The United States has become a place where entertainers and professional athletes are mistaken for people of importance. Graphic: X Screenshot Self-government requires work. It takes research, careful thought, reading, and sorting political propaganda and narratives from objective reality. D/s/cs, which include all the names Ive cited herein, would rather you didnt do any of that. Listen to them. Obey them. Theyre entertainers and professional athletes, so they know best, even if you have no idea who most of them are or what theyve done to become so worthy of determining Americas future. Mike McDaniel is a USAF veteran, classically trained musician, Japanese and European fencer, life-long athlete, firearm instructor, retired police officer and high school and college English teacher. He is a published author and blogger. His home blog is Stately McDaniel Manor. Much of the distrust of our election system stems from the lack of transparency. As citizens we mark our choices on a paper ballot, and then were required to feed our ballot into a tabulating machine which uses an entirely opaque process to calculate who wins, or what ballot issues pass. On top of this, we never verify the results by hand tabulation unless the margin of victory is so close as to warrant an automatic recount, or one which costs thousands of dollars to the person(s) challenging the outcome. Citizens should demand more, and to bring some small margin of transparency to my little county in Michigan, I recently made a FOIA request for copies of ballots and the tabulator tapes from the November 2022 general election in Crawford County; an election that had two very controversial ballot propositions up for consideration. I then hand tabulated votes in three precincts for one ballot issue, State Proposal 22-2 which changed our election law. This is what I discovered. Lovells Township precinct provided 402 ballots (406 ballots were cast and tabulated), so this count was inconclusive due to the fact there were four ballots missing; two were copies of the wrong side of the ballot, and two others were simply not there. Im inclined to say the tabulator was accurate, since the missing ballots should/could have reflected two Yes votes and two No votes, but again I couldnt be certain. Frederic Township provided 675 ballots, 641 of which contained votes for Prop 2. Hand tabulation proved that for this one ballot issue, in this one election the tabulator was 100% accurate. South Branch Township provided 949 ballots, 921 of which contained votes for Prop 2. Hand tabulation (and retabulation) confirmed 490 Yes votes and 431 No votes on this single issue. However, the tabulator tape showed 488 Yes votes and 432 No votes for a total of only 920 votes tabulated. One ballot was not tabulated. The votes of 3 voters were miscounted, and one voters ballot wasnt counted at all; a total of 4 errors and four disenfranchised voters out of 921 ballots. Given the errors this tabulator exhibited on this one issue, its quite possible there were many more errors across all the other races and items on the ballot. So, what does this prove? It shows us that ballot tabulators are not infallible as we are constantly told. Verification of tabulators by hand tabulation is the only way to ensure the will of the People is being accurately expressed. Ive asked several clerks if they have ever verified machine tabulation after an election, and not one has said yes. All though the errors I uncovered are small, the sample size was also small. Federal regulation allows an error rate of 1:125,000 ballots, or 0.0008%. The error rate on this one issue, in one election, in one precinct, by one tabulator was 4:921 ballots equating to 0.434%, or 543 times the allowable error rate. Its time for citizens to demand election transparency. Michigan Election Law, MCL Chapter 168.679 says that Township Boards can establish counting boards to tabulate ballots; we do not have to use machines. Citizens could demand this; however, we must also be willing to step up and provide our time to help man these boards. It should be a truly nonpartisan issue, and we should all be willing to help. Truth resides in the ballots; not people or machines, however proper hand tabulation comes with checks to eliminate errors, machine tabulators do not. Citizens in every jurisdiction in our nation should be demanding transparency in ballot tabulation, and if your local government entity wont provide it, obtain the ballots and count votes yourselves. The exercise of obtaining and hand tabulating ballots is enlightening. It will expose the various methods the system uses to protect itself, and put your government on notice that we are willing to step up and check their presumed power to control our elections. Image: Keith Bacongco Vice President Kamala Harris, right, performs a skit with Maya Rudolph on NBCs Saturday Night Live three days before the election. Charly Triballeau/AFP/Getty Images Vice President Kamala Harris made a surprise appearance on Saturday Night Live three days before the election. In the shows opening skit, actor Maya Rudolph, posing as the vice president, sat down in front of a mirror prompting the real vice president to pop up on the other side, to loud cheers from the studio audience. Harris and Rudolph, dressed in identical black blazers and pearl necklaces, exchanged a rhyming dialogue in which they poked fun at Donald Trump and injected a dose of comic relief into a tense time. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The American people want to stop the chaos And end the dramala With a cool new stepmomala Kick back in our pajamalas And watch a rom-comala Advertisement Article continues below this ad Like Legally Blonde-ala, Rudolph and Harris said in their exchange. Live from New York, it's Saturday night.pic.twitter.com/qQ2IJdqqFA Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) November 3, 2024 Because what do we always say? Rudolph said. Keep calm-ala and carry on-ala, Harris responded. The duo referenced a video that circulated on social media this week of the former president seemingly struggling to open the door of a truck. Im just here to remind you you got this because you can do something your opponent cannot do: You can open doors, said Harris, the former San Francisco district attorney and California attorney general. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Actress Maya Rudolph, left, and presidential candidate Kamala Harris, wearing matching outfits, recite the shows famous catchphrase, Live from New York, its Saturday Night. Charly Triballeau/AFP/Getty Images Saturdays show was hosted by comedian John Mulaney and featured musical guest Chappell Roan. While progressive educators claim that they are developing new methodologies to prepare young people for the 21st century, there remains one vital area where students are woefully behind: civics. As a result, the U.S. population lacks basic knowledge of government structure, the Constitution and U.S. history. Both the Trump and Harris campaigns exploit this ignorance for their own benefit while the nation suffers the consequences. The Washington Post noted in 2023, There are no federal standards for teaching civics or social studies in many school districts, civics is taught only once, often in a semester-long high school class. This semester-long course (five months, or approximately 90 school days), is usually an Advanced Placement class for high-achieving 11th or 12th graders. That means that most students are receiving no formal education in the establishment of their nation and, more importantly, the structure of the U.S. Constitution. A recent University of Pennsylvania survey showed that only 47% of those polled could name the three branches of government, meaning a large percentage has no concept of this vital part of constitutional government designed to limit the damage that Trump, Harris or any president could potentially wrought. Consequently, lack of historical context and a woeful gap in Americans knowledge of the Constitution seems to be a driving force behind much of the harmful rhetoric emanating from both campaigns supporters. This misunderstanding stokes fears that a President Trump or Harris would use the office to pursue a nefarious agenda that would undermine the Constitution and destroy the Republic. Undeterred by the fact that this did not happen during the first Trump presidency, many on the left consider Trump a threat to democracy who seeks to indiscriminately put his political rivals in prison and subject immigrants to extrajudicial abuse. Meanwhile, some Trump supporters seem to believe a Harris presidency would herald in a Mao-like cultural revolution that would cast the country into a Hobbesian jungle populated by overzealous transgender activists and stray dog eating illegal immigrants. That the Founders established the Constitutional separation of powers expressly to avoid such scenarios is lost on a citizenry whose education system has failed them. Consequently, too many Americans have decided to abandon reason and embrace an irrationality fueled by ignorance. It is this irrationality much more than a Trump or Harris administration that could bring about the end days of the republic; let us not forget that Orwell warned, The most effective way to destroy people is to deny and obliterate their own understanding of their history. This glaring lack of historical understanding is highlighted by the debatable claim that Novembers election is the most important in U.S. history. All elections are, of course, important, but one might consider the peaceful transfer of power after Jefferson defeated Adams in 1800 (the Europeans had predicted a bloodbath), Lincolns victory in 1860 which sparked a long simmering civil war, or Kennedys triumph in 1960 that inspired generations to do service for their country, to be more consequential. The notion that the upcoming election is the most important in U.S. history is not only the result of historical ignorance, however. It is also the natural consequence of the education systems hyperfocus on the individual at the expense of the common good. What else would one expect when children are educated to believe that their ideas and desires trump those of greater society? It is not hard to imagine that citizens educated in such a way would gravitate toward any party that endorsed these narcissistic tendencies. On the other hand, any candidate that challenged them would be cast as an existential threat. In such a toxic environment, all elections would appear to be vital for the survival of any one side and, consequently, the most important in history. It is exactly this struggle between individual liberty and the common good that Horace Mann and John Dewey tried to combat by instituting civic education into schools. Manns Common Schools movement in the 1830s aimed at building a strong citizenry based on nationalist loyalty regardless of social status, gender or religion. Dewey took the concept a step further, arguing that civic education might encourage students to share in the interests of others and help wear down and transcend divisions of race, class and ethnicity. Mann implemented his vision at a time when universal manhood suffrage was being advocated by the supporters of President Andrew Jackson while Deweys efforts reflected the reaction to the influx of millions of Catholic and Jewish immigrants from Southern and Eastern Europe at the end of the 19th century. Such an approach, tailored to contemporary ethnic, social and economic realities, is needed now to move the country toward a renewed recognition of the exceptionalism that continues to make the United States a haven for desperate and oppressed peoples seeking a better life. Sadly, however, Harvards Democratic Knowledge Projects (DKP) webpage highlights that only 32% of American adults feel pride in their political system while 25% of young people believe that choosing leaders through free elections is unimportant. Perhaps more frightening, the DKP says that less than 30% of Americans under 40 believe that its important to live in a democracy. Combined with the University of Pennsylvania finding that only 24% of those polled could identify freedom of religion as a First Amendment right, any thinking citizen should be alarmed. Getting civics back into schools curricula would be a good first step toward defusing the often misguided and harmful rhetoric that emanates from both sides during presidential campaigns. It could also instill again a pride in the institutions that make the United States what Lincoln called the last best hope of earth. Without the reintegration of a vigorous civic education in our schools we jeopardize what Benjamin Franklin said was painstakingly established at Philadelphia in the summer of 1787: A republic, if you can keep it. Dana E. Abizaid taught in universities and high schools for over 20 years. Currently he is an education consultant and freelance journalist. Image: Pixabay / Pixabay License President Trump used the anti-war rhetoric of the left against Liz Cheney this week, and it so upset leftists that they resorted to their usual strategy of completely misrepresenting what he said, rather than honestly responding to the charge. Lets begin with the statement itself, and its context. President Trump was using Liz Cheney as a poster child for what he considers the war hawks of the Washington uniparty, the people who are always happy to start unnecessary wars so they can feel good about nation-building, or make money for their big munitions-manufacturing donors, or even play God by remaking the world as they imagine it ought to be. Its a trope as old as the anti-war movement the concept of politicians, sitting fat and safe in Washington, thousands of miles from the action where they send other peoples children to fight. In this context, President Trump said of Liz Cheney, Lets put her with a rifle standing there with nine barrels shooting at her, okay? Lets see how she feels about it, you know, when the guns are trained on her face. He continued, You know, theyre all war hawks when theyre sitting in Washington in a nice building, saying, Oh, gee, well, lets send lets send 10,000 troops right into the mouth of the enemy. You dont have to be on that side of the issue to recognize this argument. President Trump is hardly the first person to allege that these hawkish politicians might not be so happy to advocate for war if they were the ones holding a rifle at the front, facing off against the enemy in a possibly unnecessary war. President Trumps detractors immediately mischaracterized his statement, claiming that President Trump had just called for Liz Cheney to face a firing squad. Excuse me? He clearly said, Lets put her with a rifle standing there. Who ever stood someone up to face a firing squad and gave the target a rifle with which to shoot back? The idea that he was referring to a firing squad is laughable. Of course the imagery was of a battlefield. The idea that this was misunderstood is ridiculous on its face. Every listener knew exactly what President Trump meant, and what familiar argument he was using. The left just wanted to claim that the president had said something outrageous, and since he hadnt, they made it up. It is worth spending a moment contemplating. The conservative instinct is to look at this incident, recognize that theres nothing there, and move on. But the incident does more than simply remind us of how the modern left practices deception. It also reminds us of how far the left has fallen in recent years, since leftists were the ones making this argument against those politicians they labeled chickenhawks during Vietnam and the Cold War. Now that theyre the ones benefiting from the power high of arms sales and fomenting endless war, they have forgotten their own recent philosophy. The incident also shows President Trumps independent thinking. Whether one is fully on his side in this issue or not (personally, Gentle Reader, Im sometimes a bit closer to the hawkish side myself), one must respect the presidents nonpartisan handling of the issue, choosing to make Liz Cheney, a former Republican who went over to the dark side, the poster child for the war machine caucus in Washington. It is an appealing argument to thoughtful, peaceful members of all wings of the American electorate left, right, and center. Finally, and perhaps this might be the most important aspect of the incident, it showcases once again how out of touch the Washington elites are, from the perspective of the American public. This image really wasnt just a statement that Washington politicians concentrate more on donations from arms contractors than on soldiers, their parents, and their families. Its about more than that. This image is a stand-in for everything else that the regulatory state does in Washington without regard for real people in flyover country. Bureaucrats ban incandescent light bulbs because they dont care that the new plastic Chinese models cost ten times as much; the bureaucrats dont buy their own light bulbs, as private citizens do or if they do, they get taxpayer-funded subsidies for them. Bureaucrats ban natural gas cooktops and natural gas water heaters, and they require double the size and power of natural gas furnaces, because living on a federal paycheck, they dont care how much their war on appliance increases costs to homeowners, restaurateurs and renters. People on private-sector paychecks or fixed incomes cant afford to pay double for a furnace, and the bureaucrat is oblivious to their suffering. The politicians who dream up crippling taxes and regulatory structures that discourage entrepreneurship and local manufacturing dont care because they dont know any entrepreneurs or factory owners; they know the C-suite management of huge publicly traded companies who can always get their companies excepted from such regulations, or import their products from China, where none of these rules applies. These out-of-touch politicians may not even realize that their lobbyist pals write these regs specifically to destroy local, upstart competition; thats what it means to be so out of touch. The image of Liz Cheney, being reminded that shes exempting herself from all the battles she calls into being is therefore a metaphor for much more than just the issue of foreign policy meddling. Its the entire problem of the distant regulatory state, this island of Laputa floating blissfully and uninterestedly above the world it purports to rule. Its the problem of too many decades of our nation being governed by a ruling class instead of benefiting from a government of our peers. Upon his return to office, President Trump will appoint people to high office who live in the real world, not people from the ivory towers of academia, mass media, and bureaucracy. President Trumps popular movement is to confront the Leviathan by populating government with real people people with common sense and an appreciation for the Founding Fathers vision, people with the real-world experience of normal American families and churches, ranches and farms, factories and builders, and traditional family businesses again. People who actually care about how their policies will affect the lives of their constituents. No wonder the self-appointed decision-makers are shaking in their boots. John F. Di Leo is a Chicagoland-based international transportation manager, trade compliance trainer, and speaker. Read his book on the surprisingly numerous varieties of vote fraud (The Tales of Little Pavel), his political satires on the Biden-Harris years (Evening Soup with Basement Joe, Volumes I, II, and III), and his nonfiction book on the 2024 election, Current Events and the Issues of Our Age, all available in eBook or paperback, only on Amazon. Image: Liz Cheney. Credit: Wikimedia Commons, public domain. President Biden, talking about Donald Trump, just told the whole world, The only garbage I see floating out there is his supporters. But the transcript released by the White House press office tells a different story: The only garbage I see floating out there is his supporters. You may have to look a second time to catch the change. It is quite subtle. In the second sentence, there is the addition of an apostrophe (). That tiny punctuation mark changes the meaning of the sentence. By this sleight-of-hand grammatical addition, President Biden can now claim he was not insulting millions of American citizens, but instead disparaging a single man: the comedian who made the off-color joke at the Trump rally. It is time for President Biden to fess up to his sin. It is also time for Kamala Harris to apologize for her boss but I realize she is a little busy right now lying about Trump wanting to execute Liz Cheney. President Biden, stop hiding behind that little apostrophe and apologize! Now lets look again at that controversial apostrophe. What we call in English an apostrophe looks exactly like the smallest letter found in the ancient Hebrew alphabet: a yod, also referred to in Matthew 5:18 as a jot. Unlike the fake-news apostrophe that Joe Biden hides behind, the letter yod, according to the Hebrew sages, has some real mystical pizzazz. It is the smallest letter in the Hebrew alphabet, and because it is so small, it helps remind us of just how big God is. Put another way, compared to God, we are like tiny yods on a page. We are infinitesimals. We, the infinitesimal supporters of Donald Trump, are on a mission. We may be small individually, but if we all vote as one, come Tuesday, there is nothing we cant accomplish. Lets make it happen! Image: The White House via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0 US. An apple does not fall far from the tree. Children learn their foundational beliefs from their parents. Daughters bond closely to their fathers in their early years. We all know about the archetypal Daddys girl. Despite repeated denials, Kamala was raised by her father, a prominent Marxist professor in California. Newspaper articles from 1975 confirm her fathers commitment to the Marxist/Communist cause. Donald Harris, Ph.D. never tried to hide his commitment to Marxism. He was so well known within the communist community that he was the winner of what Stanford University described as a six-month round-the-world search for the most qualified Marxist professor to poison the minds of its students. The local newspaper, the Stanford Daily, reported that a professor in the universitys Department of Economics described Harris as one of the leading young people in Marxist economics. When challenged to explain her current, supposedly more-centrist positions versus her prior recorded radical comments, Kamala reassured the CNN interview audience, My values have not changed. Stop for a moment. Ask yourself how many of your lifes lessons were learned as a child. How many of your values came from the words and actions of your parents? Then ask yourself, How effective would a skilled teacher, a university professor, be at implanting these values on his adoring daughter? Image: Kamalas father. Fair use. There is no proof her father still influences Kamalas life. Supposedly their relationship is strained. But if that is so, why would Dr. Harris have moved to Washington? His home is less than a mile away from Kamalas White House office. Investigative reporter Paul Sperry argues that there is evidence they are closer than they let on. The trademarked slogan of the National Enquirer, Enquiring minds want to know, is operative here. Dems, denying senior Harris influence over his daughter, defend their supposed separation by saying, Dr. Harris didnt even go to the Democratic convention in Chicago. Ask yourself, if you were a driver in the DNC wheelhouse, and your presidential candidates father was a noted Marxist, would you let him within 1,000 miles of the convention? Its only 695 miles from The Windy City to The Swamp, so I assume they thought they were safe in keeping Harris, Sr. and Harris, Jr. 2/3 of a thousand miles and a time zone away from each other. So, the question becomes, Is Kamala Harris a Marxist? Considering what she learned from her father during her formative years and her prior public statements from years ago now haunting her, why wouldnt she be? She keeps saying, My values havent changed. I think we should believe her! Ed Sherdlu is a pseudonym. So, Liz Cheney is the innocent, fainting victim of an assassination threat from Donald Trump?! I live in Wyoming, and Wyomingites find the very idea hilarious. We politically assassinated her in 2022 by rejecting her primary bid by electing an actual Wyomingite, Harriett Hageman. It was an epic electoral assassination: Cheney lost by a 37%+ margin, and we made sure the screen door whacked her on the ass on her way out of Wyoming, a state with which she had only a passing familiarity. Serving as co-chair for the January 6 Committee, one of two token Republicans in Name Only (RINOs), turned out not to be popular in Wyoming. Who coulda thunk it? Donald Trump, no Cheney family fan, celebrated Wyomings win: Graphic: Twitter Screenshot To be completely fair, and to give credit where credit is due, it was really an electoral suicide. Cheney had long been essentially a carpetbagger. She didnt live or work in Wyoming and ignored requests from the Wyoming Republican Party to show up for its conventions and other events. She did, upon occasion, show up for fund-raising in places like Jackson, which is Wyomings equivalent of Austin in Texas, a small blue island in a vast sea of red. Until 2020, she was able to ride her fathers coattails into Congress as Wyomings sole representative. At last count, Wyomings population is only a bit of 585,000, and Wyomingites would like to keep it that way. Cheney made it clear she didnt care for Wyomingites other than blue wealthy transplants, and they returned the sentiment. So did Cheney by campaigning for Kamala Harris. As he is wont to do, Donald Trump gave Cheney, and the flailing Harris Campaign, ammunition with this comment during an appearance with Tucker Carlson: [Dick Cheneys] daughters a very dumb individual, very dumb. Shes a radical Warhawk. Lets put her with a rifle standing there with nine barrels shooting at her, okay? Lets see how she feels about it, you know, when the guns are trained on her face. You know, theyre all Warhawks when theyre sitting in Washington in a nice building saying, Aw gee, well, lets send ten thousand troops into the mouth of the enemy. But shes a stupid person. The Harris Campaign, their media propaganda arm and various Harris supporters immediately began hysterically screaming Trump was calling for the assassination of Liz Cheney! See? He really is Hitler! He wants to kill Liz Cheney! As one might expect, they took Trumps comments out of context, altered the text, and certainly didnt provide the entire comment for readers and listeners to judge for themselves. As always, CNN was in the forefront of Trump Derangement Syndrome (TDS) psychosis: Graphic: X Screenshot What Trump was clearly saying is Cheney is a Warhawk, one who delights in sending other peoples sons and daughters off to fight in unnecessary wars while safe behind a DC desk, one who never experiences danger. Its a venerable American position in common use particularly since the Vietnam era. He could have made his point more concisely and elegantly, but as is usual for Trump, he wasnt using handlers words read from a teleprompter. Unlike Kamala Harris hes able to speak extemporaneously, but in so doing often rambles a bit. Even so, honest Americans know exactly what hes saying, and this particular last-ditch electoral lie, quickly began to blow up in Harris handlers faces: Graphic: X Screenshot Even a Vox writer, no Republican, was compelled to honesty: Graphic: X Screenshot Even Bill Maher told the truth: I woke up to the headline Donald Trump had called for a firing squad for Liz Cheney, said Maher, adding, and this is what I really dont like about the media No, he didnt. Even arch Trump foe Maryland Democrat Jamie Raskin, who is planning ways to keep Trump from taking office should he win, appearing on Mahers show thought the lie a bridge too far: I agree with you on the lying, he said. Thats ridiculous and absurd and counterproductive. Bizarrely, Arizonas Attorney General isnt as rational as Maher or Raskin, as this hyperbolic NBC headline demonstrates: Arizona attorney generals office probing Trumps violent comments about Liz Cheney I have already asked my criminal division chief to start looking at that statement, analyzing it for whether it qualifies as a death threat under Arizonas laws, Mayes, a Democrat, said during a taping of Sunday Square Off on 12NEWS in Phoenix. Should Trumps enemies succeed in assassinating him, lawfare attempts will likely continue, so potent is TDS. In the meantime, Wyomingites are among the sane Americans capable of determining actual threats. Theyre just glad Liz Cheneys 2022 political suicide ended the very real threat to their interests her representation posed. Bye, bye Liz Cheney. Mike McDaniel is a USAF veteran, classically trained musician, Japanese and European fencer, life-long athlete, firearm instructor, retired police officer and high school and college English teacher. He is a published author and blogger. His home blog is Stately McDaniel Manor. TThe Biden administration is being questioned for allegedly allowing TSMC to supply chips for Huawei products. The current US government has been trying to prevent certain companies from collaborating with Chinese tech giants. How is the Biden government liable for TSMC making chips for Huawei? A US lawmaker has openly criticized the Biden administration for careless monitoring of Huawei and TSMC. Interestingly, Mark Warner is a Democratic Senator, which means a member of Bidens party has raised some doubts about the governments efficacy. Warner has accused the government of negligible monitoring of TSMC and Huawei. He reportedly wrote a letter to the government highlighting repeated leadership failures in imposing better trade export regulations. TSMCs production of chips for Huawei has serious implications for U.S. national security. I urge you to swiftly take immediate steps to assess and strengthen the efficacy of existing controls. The Biden administration is yet to respond to this letter. However, the Commerce Department claimed the US has never been more tough on China. Biden administration under scrutiny for not doing enough The US lawmaker is concerned because a chip was reportedly discovered inside a Huawei AI processor. TSMC recently admitted it made the chip. This is concerning because of U.S. export rules put in place by the U.S. Commerce Department in 2020. As per the rules, foundries utilizing U.S. technology should not ship cutting-edge silicon to Chinese companies, particularly Huawei. The US Commerce Department has added 400+ Chinese firms to the Entity List with extensive trade rules. Despite these sanctions, several Chinese companies are reportedly receiving advanced chips built using American technology. Recently, the House China Select Committee accused Chinese companies Pengxinxu, SwaySure Technology, Qingdao SiEn, and potentially many others of working in Huaweis clandestine network. It seems delays in enforcing policies could be one of the reasons how Huawei is circumventing sanctions. Chinese companies have already managed to stockpile advanced equipment, suggests some reports. US sanctions on China seem to be driving innovation in the country. Huaweis latest smartphone packs a 7nm chipset. It has been made by Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp (SMIC), a Chinese company. Kemi Badenoch in her first interview as Tory leader. (PA) (Jeff Overs/BBC/PA Wire) Kemi Badenoch said she will tell "hard truths" to both the country and her party as she began her first full day as Conservative leader. In her first interview since winning the Tory leadership election, Badenoch said the UK is getting poorer and older, and is being "outcompeted" by other countries. She told the BBC's Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg programme: "We need to look at how we can reorganise our economy to be fit for the future, not just doing what we always used to. "Simply just saying things and making promises to the whole country without knowing how you're going to deliver them, as we did on Brexit, as we did on net zero, I don't think is building trust." Here are five other takeaways from Badenoch's interview. New leader would reverse private school VAT Badenoch's leadership campaign was accused of being light on policy. But she said she would reverse Labour's decision to impose VAT on private school fees if she eventually becomes prime minister. "The bottom line is that [it] is a tax on aspiration. Taxing education is wrong, it is against our principles, so yes: that is the sort of thing that I can very easily say 'we would not do that'." The government said the 20% VAT, to be imposed from January, will be used to fund the "highest quality of support and teaching" in state schools, which 94% of children attend. Rachel Reeves and Kemi Badenoch on the set of the BBC's Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg programme. (PA) (Jeff Overs/BBC/PA Wire) Badenoch was also asked if she would reverse Rachel Reeves' increase to employer national insurance contributions, and by implication take money away from NHS. But she refused to commit and only said it was "not a binary suggestion". She said she would instead focus on "the argument about why we think what they're doing is wrong". Pressed on whether the Tories will oppose the measure at a vote, she said: "Every opposition votes against every budget. Voting against the budget is neither here nor there." Badenoch plays down 'milestone' Badenoch became the first Black woman to lead a major European political party as she was named Tory leader on Saturday. While Tory 1922 Committee chairman Bob Blackman hailed her election as "another glass ceiling shattered", Badenoch herself made no mention of her race or gender in her victory speech. And asked by Kuenssberg if she considered it a "milestone", she said: "I think the best thing will be when we get to a point where the colour of your skin is no more remarkable than the colour of your eyes or hair. Kemi Badenoch makes a speech after being announced as Tory leader. (PA) (Stefan Rousseau/PA Wire) "When I hear people say 'isn't this remarkable, we have a Black female leader of the Conservative Party', I am glad because it shows my country and my party are at places where it doesn't matter who you are [or] what you look like, it's about what the offer is. "What I don't want is for that to be the thing that ends up being talked about." 'It's not important to be liked as party leader' Badenoch said she doesnt think it is important to be liked in order to win the next general election. She said: "I think it is important people respect and understand what it is a leader is trying to do. It is not about me, it is about what I am offering to the country. "Of course everybody wants to be liked, I don't want to be hated... but I am not doing this because I want to win a popularity contest. I am doing this because I worry about my country and I worry about what the future has for the next generation." YouGov polling from earlier this week found only one in eight Britons - 12% - have a favourable opinion of Badenoch. Some 45% have an unfavourable view of her and 43% don't know. By comparison, 29% have a favourable opinion of Sir Keir Starmer, with 63% unfavourable and 9% saying they don't know. No rebrand away from 'Tories' Badenoch suggested she has no issue with the party being known, or referring to itself, as the "Tories". It comes after election guru Sir Lynton Crosby said: They ought to call themselves Conservatives and not abbreviate it to Tories. I think 'Tory' has become a pejorative term." Asked about his comments, she said: "The Conservative Party is the most successful political party in the history of western democracy. It is not for me about changing the brand, it is about reminding people what the brand is about." Badenoch also dismissed Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, who labelled her as "more of the same". She said his electoral success was a "symptom of the Conservative Party not being clear enough and consistent enough about our values". Partygate was 'overblown' Partygate - in which senior government figures held gatherings that broke COVID rules - was the first of a number of scandals that brought down Boris Johnson's government. But Badenoch said the controversy was "overblown". She said the public wasn't "wrong" to be upset about it, but added: "The problem was we should not have criminalised everyday activities the way we did. "People going out for walks, all of them having fixed penalty notices: that was what ended up creating a trap for Boris Johnson." Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak at the birthday gathering in June 2020. (Getty Images) (Handout via Getty Images) Johnson became the first PM to receive a criminal penalty while in office after he, his wife and then-chancellor Rishi Sunak received 50 fixed penalty notices for attending a gathering marking Johnson's 56th birthday in June 2020. An investigation by former senior civil servant Sue Gray said Johnson and Sunak were not aware of the event in advance, but that "those attending consumed food and drink, and some drank alcohol". In his recent memoir, Johnson dismissed the event, saying: "If this was a party, it was the feeblest event in the history of human festivity." Read more Sir Keir Starmer has said putting up thousands of pylons across the country is one of the unpopular decisions he is not afraid to make - Ashley Cooper Pylons are the cheapest and most pragmatic way to meet to Britains energy needs, dozens of Labour MPs have said in a letter to Ed Miliband. Sir Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, has said putting up thousands of pylons across the country is one of the unpopular decisions he is not afraid to make to deliver change. Campaigners have criticised their impact amid reports that 1,000 kilometres of pylons and power lines must be built to hit the Governments legally-binding target of achieving clean power by 2030. A report that found burying electricity cables underground could be cheaper than pylons prompted Tory MPs and one Green MP to write to Mr Miliband, the Energy Secretary, urging him to change course. The report into the East Anglia Network, where a large-scale pylon rollout is to run from Norwich to Tilbury, found that burying cables underground could be cheaper in the long term. It would not be possible to build an underground cable by 2030 because of how long it would take to dig and install it, the report said. While it would be possible to build enough pylons within six years, a 2034 time frame would make an underground cable system some 600 million cheaper than pylons. But 61 Labour MPs who entered the Commons after the general election in summer have now sent a separate letter to Mr Miliband insisting he should stand his ground. The letter, first reported by The Guardian, said: The cheapest and most pragmatic way to meet our energy needs is to reject the Conservative and Green MPs ideological and expensive presumption in favour of undergrounding of cables. Britain has suffered the worst cost of living crisis in generations, driven by Conservative government failure to reduce our vulnerability to volatile fossil fuel markets. The MPs noted that domestic electricity prices were higher in Britain than any EU member state at the end of last year, adding: When clean power is produced here, transmitted here and consumed here, we will be far safer and have more control over our bills. We urge you to put the needs of British bill-payers, our industry, and our economy and retain the pylon presumption in the centralised strategic network plan. Signatories to the letter include Jeevun Sandher and Yuan Yang, both of whom sit on the Treasury select committee. It has also been signed by Luke Murphy, Josh McAlister and Polly Billington, members of the energy select committee. The support of dozens of his MPs will come as a relief to Sir Keir, whose Government has already experienced the first indications of a backbench revolt on the issue. Ed Miliband has been urged to retain the pylon presumption in the centralised strategic network plan - Peter Nicholls/Getty Ben Goldsborough, who became the MP for South Norfolk in July, demanded last month that his constituents affected by planned pylons should receive compensation. Mr Goldsborough argued Sir Keir must urgently address rising energy bills, but had to balance that objective with protecting local communities. He said: This is not about vague promises of community wealth-building but about fair, individual compensation for those whose lives will be affected. In April, Clive Lewis, the Labour MP for Norwich South, urged National Grid to consider offshore alternatives to pylons, but has since said his views on the topic have evolved. In an answer to a parliamentary question last month, Michael Shanks, a minister at the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, said the pylon rollout would help to make Britain a clean energy superpower. It is important for this Government that where communities host clean energy infrastructure, they should directly benefit from it, he said. We are currently considering ways that ensure communities benefit from living near new onshore electricity transmission infrastructure, and are committed to ensuring fair and beneficial outcomes in alignment with our overall mission. Illustration: Observer design Does aspartame cause cancer? The potentially carcinogenic properties of the popular artificial sweetener, added to everything from soft drinks to childrens medicine, have been debated for decades. Its approval in the US stirred controversy in 1974, several UK supermarkets banned it from their products in the 00s, and peer-reviewed academic studies have long butted heads. Last year, the World Health Organization concluded aspartame was possibly carcinogenic to humans, while public health regulators suggest that its safe to consume in the small portions in which it is commonly used. While many of us may look to settle the question with a quick Google search, this is exactly the sort of contentious debate that could cause problems for the internet of the future. As generative AI chatbots have rapidly developed over the past couple of years, tech companies have been quick to hype them as a utopian replacement for various jobs and services including internet search engines. Instead of scrolling through a list of webpages to find the answer to a question, the thinking goes, an AI chatbot can scour the internet for you, combing it for relevant information to compile into a short answer to your query. Google and Microsoft are betting big on the idea and have already introduced AI-generated summaries into Google Search and Bing. But what is pitched as a more convenient way of looking up information online has prompted scrutiny over how and where these chatbots select the information they provide. Looking into the sort of evidence that large language models (LLMs, the engines on which chatbots are built) find most convincing, three computer science researchers from the University of California, Berkeley, found current chatbots overrely on the superficial relevance of information. They tend to prioritise text that includes pertinent technical language or is stuffed with related keywords, while ignoring other features we would usually use to assess trustworthiness, such as the inclusion of scientific references or objective language free of personal bias. Online content can be presented in such a way as to improve its visibility to chatbots, therefore making it more likely to appear in their outputs For the most straightforward queries, such selection criteria are enough to turn out satisfying answers. But what a chatbot should do in the case of a more complex debate, such as that around aspartame, is less clearcut. Do we want them to simply summarise your search results for you, or do we want them to act as mini research assistants that weigh all the evidence and just present you with a final answer, asks Alexander Wan, an undergraduate researcher and co-author of the study. The latter option would offer maximum convenience, but makes the criteria by which chatbots select information all the more important. And if a person could somehow game those criteria, could they guarantee the information a chatbot puts in front of the eyes of billions of internet users? Generative engine optimisation Its a question that has animated businesses, content creators and others who want to control how they are seen online, and sparked a nascent industry of marketing agencies offering services in what has become known as generative engine optimisation (GEO). The idea is that online content can be written and presented in such a way as to improve its visibility to chatbots, therefore making it more likely to appear in their outputs. The advantages are obvious: if someone were to ask a chatbot to recommend the best vacuum cleaner, say, a domestic appliance manufacturer might want it to point to its latest model and talk about it in glowing terms. The basic principle is similar to search engine optimisation (SEO), a common practice whereby webpages are built and written to draw the attention of search engine algorithms, pushing them towards the top of the list of results returned when you make a search on Google or Bing. GEO and SEO share some basic techniques, and websites that are already optimised for search engines generally have a greater chance of appearing in chatbot outputs. But those wanting to really improve their AI visibility need to think more holistically. Rankings in AI search engines and LLMs require features and mentions on relevant third-party websites, such as news outlets, listicles, forums and industry publications, says Viola Eva, founder of marketing company Flow Agency, which has recently rebranded to expand beyond its SEO speciality into GEO. These are tasks that we typically associate with brand and PR teams. Gaming chatbots is possible, then, but not straightforward. And while website owners and content creators have derived an evolving list of essential SEO dos and donts over the past couple of decades, no such clear set of rules exists for manipulating AI models. The term generative engine optimisation was only coined last year in an academic paper, whose authors concluded that using authoritative language (regardless of what is expressed or whether the information is correct) alongside references (even those that are incorrect or unrelated to what theyre being used to cite) could boost visibility in chatbot responses by up to 40%. But they stress these findings arent prescriptive, and identifying the exact rules governing chatbots is inherently tricky. Its a cat and mouse game, says Ameet Deshpande, a doctoral student at Princeton University, New Jersey, and co-author of the paper. Because these generative engines are not static, and theyre also black boxes, we dont have any sense of what theyre using [to select information] behind closed doors. It could range from complicated algorithms to potential human supervision. Researchers have demonstrated how chatbots can be tactically controlled by a carefully written string of text Those wanting a firmer grip on chatbots, then, may have to explore more underhand techniques, such as the one discovered by two computer-science researchers at Harvard University. Theyve demonstrated how chatbots can be tactically controlled by deploying something as simple as a carefully written string of text. This strategic text sequence looks like a nonsensical series of characters all random letters and punctuation but is actually a delicate command that can strong-arm chatbots into generating a specific response. Not part of a programming language, its derived using an algorithm that iteratively develops text sequences that encourage LLMs to ignore their safety guardrails and steer them towards particular outputs. Add the string to the online product information page of a coffee machine, for example, and it will increase the probability that any chatbots that discover the page will output the name of the machine in their responses. Deployed across a whole catalogue, such a technique could give savvy retailers and those with enough resources to invest in understanding knotty LLM architecture a simple way of thrusting their products into chatbot answers. Internet users, meanwhile, will have no inkling that the products they are being shown by the chatbot have been selected, not because of their quality or popularity, but a clever piece of chatbot manipulation. Aounon Kumar, a research associate and co-author of the study, says LLMs could be designed to combat these strategic text sequences in the future, but other underhand methods of manipulating them may yet be discovered. The challenge lies in anticipating and defending against a constantly evolving landscape of adversarial techniques, says Kumar. Whether LLMs can be made robust to all potential future attack algorithms remains an open question. Manipulation machines Current search engines and the practices that surround them arent without problems of their own. SEO is responsible for some of the most reader-hostile practices of the modern internet: blogs churning out near-duplicate articles to target the same big-traffic queries; writing thats tailored for the attention of Googles algorithm rather than readers. Anyone who has looked up an online recipe and found themselves tortuously scrolling through paragraphs of tangentially related background information before reaching even the ingredients list will know only too well how attempts to optimise content for search engine algorithms have hamstrung good writing practices. Yet an internet dominated by pliant chatbots throws up issues of a more existential kind. Ask a search engine a question, and it will return a long list of webpages. Most users will pick from the top few, but even those websites towards the bottom of the results will net some traffic. Chatbots, by contrast, only mention the four or five websites from which they crib their information as references to the side. That casts a big spotlight on the lucky few that are selected and leaves every other website that isnt picked practically invisible, plummeting their traffic. It shows the fragility of these systems, says Deshpande. Creators who produce quality online content have a lot to gain by being cited by a chatbot. But if its an adversarial content creator who is not writing high-quality articles and is trying to game the system, a lot of traffic is going to go to them, and 0% will go to good content creators, he says. Related: Sure, Googles AI overviews could be useful if you like eating rocks | John Naughton For readers, too, the presentation of chatbot responses makes them only more fertile for manipulation. If LLMs give a direct answer to a question, then most people may not even look at what the underlying sources are, says Wan. Such thinking points to a broader worry that has been termed the dilemma of the direct answer: if a person is given a single answer to a question and offered no alternatives to consider, will they diligently look for other views to weigh the initial answer against? Probably not. More likely, theyll accept it as given and move on, blind to the nuances, debates and differing perspectives that may surround it. We believe the dilemma of the direct answer persists with generative search, says Martin Potthast, chair of intelligent language technologies at Leipzig University and one of the three computer scientists who coined the term. The underlying retrieval system may just retrieve documents pointing in one direction and thus the generated answer will reflect only that direction. In effect, users may be led to believe this is the only, most authoritative answer. When Google announced it was integrating AI-generated summaries into its search engine earlier this year, it brandished a bold slogan: Let Google do the searching for you. Its an appealing idea that plays on our fondness for convenient tech that can streamline our lives. Yet if youre the sort of internet user who wants to be sure youre getting the most impartial, accurate and useful information, you may not want to leave the searching in such susceptible AI hands. Maliya Ellis, originally from New Haven, Conn., is a recent graduate of Harvard University, where she studied Social Studies and edited the Harvard Crimsons weekly news magazine. Her summer newsroom internships on the Pittsburgh Post-Gazettes features desk and the Boston Globes metro team have confirmed her passion for deeply reported local news. In her free time, Ellis enjoys long runs and word games. She is excited to explore a new coast and a new city. The advert includes a scene where two men look at each other as they contemplate who to vote for at the polling booth A George Clooney-narrated advert encouraging male Kamala Harris voters to lie to their Trump-supporting friends is being broadcast ahead of the election. The 30-second clip, released by a Left-wing Christian organisation, urges men to think of how voting for the Republican will affect the women in their lives and the people you care about the most. It was released after a controversial advert from the same group, narrated by Clooneys Oceans 11 co-star Julia Roberts, encouraged women to keep their votes secret from their husbands. Critics branded it nauseating and condescending. The Clooney advert shows a group of men walking into a polling station, one of whom says: Come on boys, lets Make America Great Again, referring to the Trump campaign slogan. In the advert men walk into a polling station to cast their vote One of the men stands in a polling booth with his pen hovering over the former presidents name, as the actor narrates: Before you cast your vote in this election, think about how it will impact the people you care about the most. The man looks at a picture of his family on his phone, while his daughter shouts Daddy at him. Remember, you can vote any way you want. And no one will ever know, Clooney continues. Omg they did a male version of the 'secret vote' ad and it's even better than the female version. pic.twitter.com/qwXAtVWq4W TrumpsTaxes (@TrumpsTaxes) November 3, 2024 At this point, the man looking his friend in the eye on the other side of the booth checks the box for Ms Harris and her running mate, Tim Walz. Do your patriotic duty? the friend asks. You bet I did brother, the man responds, lifting his daughter in his arms and looking into her eyes. What happens in the booth, stays in the booth. Vote Harris Walz, Clooney concludes. The man lifts his daughter into his arms after voting for Kamala Harris The advert is a direct appeal to male voters over whom Trump maintains a considerable lead. An NBC News poll on Sunday gave the Republican an 18-point advantage among men, while Ms Harris had a 16-point lead among women. The Julia Roberts advert, released earlier this week, shows a woman filling in a ballot for Ms Harris, before telling her Trump-supporting husband that she made the right choice. In the one place in America where women still have a right to choose, you can vote any way you want, Roberts narrates. And no one will ever know. Jesse Watters, a Fox News host, said in response that if he found out his wife had lied to him about voting for Ms Harris it would be the same thing as having an affair. That violates the sanctity of our marriage, said Watters, whose first marriage fell apart when he had an affair with Emma DiGiovine, whom he later married. What else is she keeping from me? What is she lying about? Advert beyond condescending Cheryl Chumley, a columnist for the Washington Times, called the advert beyond condescending. But then again, the story line plays right into how Democrats regard women who dare to vote conservative, she added. Doug Pagitt, an evangelical pastor who leads the group that produced the adverts, said they were intended to show voters they did not have to vote with their Republican friends and family. We know the MAGA [Make America Great Again] movement is putting increased pressure on people, but we also know the strong will of Americans when they stand in the voting booth, he said. Clooney a long-time backer of Democrats Clooney has been a long-time backer of the Democrats, appearing at fundraisers for Joe Biden while the US president was still in the race. The actor turned on the president earlier this year, claiming that his struggles to articulate himself on the debate stage were not a one-off and calling for him to drop out of the contest. Its devastating to say it, but the Joe Biden I was with three weeks ago at the fundraiser was not the Joe big F-ing deal Biden of 2010, he wrote in The New York Times. He wasnt even the Joe Biden of 2020. He was the same man we all witnessed at the debate. Ms Harris will become the first female US president if she wins the election on Tuesday, but has avoided making her gender a key part of her campaign. However, her campaign has focused heavily on abortion rights, in a way that Mr Biden an 81-year-old Catholic had struggled to. Kemi Badenoch and her husband Hamish celebrate as she wins the Tory leadership race - Eddie Mulholland for The Telegraph He is the high-flying investment banker who sacrificed his own political ambitions for his wife. As Kemi Badenoch settles into her new role as Tory leader, her husband of 12 years Hamish, 45, will also be her closest political confidant who has already been likened to Denis Thatcher. The pair met in the run-up to the 2010 election campaign as Mrs Badenoch fought for a Labour safe seat in Dulwich and West Norwood. The attempt to overturn Tessa Jowells majority of about 9,000 may have been unwinnable, with the future Tory leader finishing third, but by the time the campaign had begun Kemi Adegoke and Hamish Badenoch were an item. Like Mr Thatcher, Hamish Badenoch would regularly give his future wife a lift to and from meetings in his car as Denis did when a young Margaret Roberts was campaigning unsuccessfully in Dartford in 1950 and 1951. Mr Badenoch was born in Wimbledon and was educated at Ampleforth, the North Yorkshire boarding school, where he became head monitor. He later studied history at the University of Cambridges Trinity College, before starting a varied and successful career. After graduating he spent seven months working as a journalist for the Nation newspaper in Malawi before becoming a consultant, based in Lagos, Nigeria, and London. He then went on to run the franchise of Avis, the car rental company, in Kenya before moving to investment banking. It was while working for Barclays in London that he met his future wife, with the pair bonding over the fact that they were born at the same hospital St Teresas in Wimbledon a year apart. He later became her campaign manager and although Mrs Badenoch has said it wasnt love at first sight they grew close over time and when I had tough times, he was always there, so we became friends. The couple, who now have three children together, married in September 2012 at Farm Street, a Catholic church in Mayfair, followed by a traditional Nigerian wedding in Lagos. Kemi and Hamish agreed that if one of them were to be elected to Westminster, the other would pursue their political career - David Rose for the Telegraph Both had political ambitions but it was Mr Badenoch who was first to be successful in an electoral campaign, becoming a councillor in the London borough of Merton in 2014 where he served until 2018. According to Blue Ambition, Lord Ashcrofts unauthorised biography of Mrs Badenoch, there was an understanding between the couple that if one of them were to be elected to Westminster, the other would pursue their professional career. Mr Badenoch was nominated as a candidate in the May 2015 election, but he stood no chance of winning in Foyle, Northern Ireland, where the Conservatives were the only major London-based party to field candidates. He came last with 132 votes having pledged to move to Derry if he won. His wife became a member of the London Assembly the same year before she was elected as the MP for Saffron Walden in June 2017. She became the vice-chairman of candidates for the Conservatives and in doing so was left in a position where she was forced to end her husbands political career. The first thing I did when I took on that role was I threw my husband off the list because I didnt think it would look good if I was chair of candidates and he was applying for seats, she said. I recognised that there was a potential conflict of interest there and even though I wasnt required to, I took additional steps to show that this was something that I took seriously. In a sign of some political differences between the pro-Brexit Tory leader and her husband, Mr Badenoch was by that time working as the programme lead for Brexit People Migration at Deutsche Bank, as the lender considered relocating employees to the EU. However, friends have said their opposing views on some issues are an advantage and this makes Mr Badenoch half the brains of the operation. He is Kemis chief adviser and acts as a useful counterbalance to some of her views, one is quoted as saying in Blue Ambition. Anyone who claims she doesnt understand the One Nation wing of the party is reminded that she wakes up beside a Remainer every morning. Kamala Harris attends a campaign rally in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on 1 November. Photograph: Elizabeth Frantz/Reuters A poll in Iowa that has unexpectedly put Kamala Harris ahead of Donald Trump in what was previously expected to be a safe state for the Republicans has sent shockwaves through Americas poll-watchers. The Selzer poll carried out for the Des Moines Register newspaper showed Harris ahead of her Republican rival by three points. Midwestern Iowa is not one of the seven battleground states of the 2024 election, which have consisted of the Rust belt states of Michigan, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania and the Sun belt states of Georgia, North Carolina, Nevada and Arizona. While political experts and pollsters are very wary of putting too much store in any one single poll, Selzer is a widely respected polling organisation with a good record in Iowa. If Harris were even competitive in Iowa which Trump won in both 2016 and 2020 it could radically reshape the race. The Selzer poll has Harris over Trump 47% to 44% among likely voters. A September poll showed Trump with a four-point lead over Harris and a June survey showed him with an 18-point lead over then-candidate Joe Biden. Its hard for anybody to say they saw this coming, pollster J Ann Selzer, president of Selzer & Co, told the Register. She has clearly leaped into a leading position. The poll showed that women are driving the late shift toward Harris in the state. If true and borne out more widely, that would also be significant as the Harris campaign has focused on turning out women amid a broad gender gap with Republican-trending male voters. Harris and her campaign have focused on the overturning of federal abortion rights by the conservative-dominated US supreme court. The reaction among pundits and pollsters was largely one of shock and surprise, though it was also pointed out that a rival polling group still had Trump leading in Iowa. This is a stunning poll. But Ann Seltzer [sic] has as stellar a record as any pollster of forecasting election outcomes in her state. Women are powering this surge. Portents for the country? said David Axelrod, a former top aide to Barack Obama. Iowa Poll: Kamala Harris pulls ahead in state Donald Trump won twice This is a stunning poll. But Ann Seltzer has as stellar a record as any pollster of forecasting election outcomes in her state. Women are powering this surge. Portents for the country?? https://t.co/CNJfcQKXja David Axelrod (@davidaxelrod) November 2, 2024 I mean, margins of error exist and polls can be outliers and I doubt Harris will win Iowa, but Selzer is extremely well-regarded and a within-the-margin race in Iowa is not impossible particularly if the reported late shifts to Harris were real, said Washington Post columnist Philip Bump. Yeah, I mean margins of error exist and polls can be outliers and I doubt Harris will win Iowa but Selzer is extremely well-regarded and a within-the-margin race in Iowa is not impossible particularly if the reported late shifts to Harris were real. https://t.co/V5ZTqyDPas Philip Bump (@pbump) November 2, 2024 Selzer is the highest-rated pollster on the national US survey done by polling guru Nate Silver, one of the most closely watched polling experts in the US. In the world where Harris wins Iowa, she is probably also cleaning up elsewhere in the midwest, particularly in Michigan and Wisconsin, in which case shes already almost certain to win the electoral college, Silver said on his website. However, he also cautioned that another survey had been published on Saturday in Iowa that still had Trump ahead. The Emerson poll put the former US president up by nine points in the state compared with Harris. It is incredibly gutsy to release this poll. It wont put Harris ahead in our forecast because there was also another Iowa poll out today that was good for Trump. But wouldnt want to play poker against Ann Selzer, Silver said. That seemed to prevent any premature celebrations on behalf of many Democrats. Celebrate the Selzer poll for 90 seconds and get back to work. We have an election to win, said Christopher Hale, a former Democrat congressional candidate in Tennessee. Kamala Harris with actress Maya Rudolph Credit: Saturday Night Live - SNL Kamala Harris made a last-ditch appeal to voters by appearing in a Saturday Night Live sketch which depicted Joe Biden as senile. The comedy shows savage portrayal of Mr Biden will be seen as an attempt by Ms Harris to further distance herself from her boss. In the cold opening segment the president was depicted as confused with the actor portraying him speaking in nonsensical sound bites. Maya Rudolph who has played Ms Harris on this season of SNL widened her eyes when the Biden character suggested he would speak to reporters. Mr Biden caused a headache for the Harris campaign this week when he appeared to call Trump supporters garbage. Voto Latino | votolatino.org While she publicly remains loyal to the president, Ms Harris has increasingly insisted that her administration would be different from the one in which she has served for four years. With polling day fast approaching, the vice-president has shied away from doing joint appearances with Mr Biden. One source told the New York Times that her campaign believes that appearing with Mr Biden would only hurt her. It has left Mr Biden to arrange his own campaign events, largely focusing on union members appealing to the blue-collar cohort of workers where polls suggest she is struggling. While Ms Harris has appeared at massive rallies alongside stars like Beyonce, Mr Bidens get-the-vote-out appearances have been low-key affairs. On the campaign trail Donald Trump has repeatedly claimed that Mr Biden was the victim of a coup and that the president resents how he was manoeuvred off the Democrat ticket. The Saturday Night Live sketch, in which Ms Harris appeared opposite Rudolph, has drawn comparisons to a segment starring Jimmy Fallon in 2015 which featured two Donald Trumps. Credit: Saturday Night Live - SNL Both the SNL and Fallon skits featured the real and mock politicians staring at each other through a mirror. Ms Harris used the primetime appearance to poke fun at Trump, days after a viral video showed him struggling to climb into a garbage truck in Wisconsin while wearing an orange fluorescent safety vest. In a pep talk to Rudolph, Ms Harris said: I am just here to remind you that you have got this. You can do something your opponent cannot do, like open doors. Claim Harris SNL appearance broke broadcasting rules The Trump campaign was unimpressed by Saturday nights sketch. Kamala Harris has nothing substantive to offer the American people, so thats why shes living out her warped fantasy cosplaying with her elitist friends on Saturday Night Leftists as her campaign spirals down the drain into obscurity, said campaign spokesman Steven Cheung. For the last four years, Kamalas destructive policies have led to untold misery and hurt for all Americans. She broke it, and President Trump will fix it. Ms Harriss appearance on Saturday Night Live violated broadcasting rules, a Trump appointee at a television watchdog has claimed. The show which has an audience of around five million breached an equal time rule, according to Brendan Carr from the Federal Communications Commission. This is a clear and blatant effort to evade the FCCs Equal Time rule, he said, adding that the rule was designed to avoid this type of biased and partisan conduct. The rule grants candidates the right to request equal air time. Keep calmala: Kamala Harris, right, appears with Maya Rudolph on Saturday Night Live in New York ahead of Tuesdays US presidential election. Photograph: Jacquelyn Martin/AP I dont really laugh like that, do I? Uhhhhh, a little bit. Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee, broke from the campaign trail to embrace her reputation as a joyful warrior with a surprise appearance on the TV variety show Saturday Night Live. Harris portrayed herself, appearing in a mirror opposite the actor Maya Rudolph, who first played her on the show in 2019 and has reprised the role this season. Dressed identically in a black suit and pearls, the two traded variations on Harriss first name, saying Americans want to end the drama-la in politics with a cool new stepmom-ala. Kamala Harris talks to Kamala Harris pic.twitter.com/AJuW7aO7VM Saturday Night Live - SNL (@nbcsnl) November 3, 2024 Filmed in New York and celebrating its 50th season, Saturday Night Live has become a favourite venue for politicians to show viewers and voters they can prick their own pomposity and laugh at themselves. Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump have all appeared on past episodes. Related: Harris grabs unexpected last-minute lead over Trump in Iowa poll This weeks cold open featured Rudolph as Harris preparing to deliver a speech in Philadelphia and conversing with running mate Tim Walz (Jim Gaffigan), Joe Biden (Dana Carvey) and husband Doug Emhoff (Andy Samberg). Then, left alone with her thoughts, Rudolph said: Gosh, I wish I could talk to someone whos been in my shoes. You know, a Black south Asian woman running for president, preferably from the Bay Area. She turned to what appeared to be a vanity mirror to see, sitting opposite, the real Kamala Harris. The studio audience erupted in wild cheers and the two women laughed for half a minute. Harris, hands folded, said: You and me both, sister. Rudolph said: Nice to see you, Kamala. Harris replied: It is nice to see you, Kamala, and Im just here to remind you: you got this. Because you can do something your opponent cannot do. You can open doors. This was a reference to Trump reaching towards, and appearing to miss, the door of a garbage truck during a recent stunt. I see what you did there, Rudolph said. Like to a garbage truck, right? The actor then burst into an exaggerated cackle. Harris asked: I dont really laugh like that, do I? This was a near repeat of a line from a 2008 episode when Hillary Clinton, running in the Democratic presidential primary, appeared next to Amy Poehler, who played her with an over-the-top chortle. The real Clinton questioned: Do I really laugh like that? Related: US presidential election updates: Kamala Harris on Saturday Night Live, Iowa polling puts Donald Trump behind Rudolph then reached out, took Harriss hand and gave her a pep talk. Now Kamala, take my palm-ala. The American people want to stop the chaos Harris rounded off: And end the drama-la. Rudolph: With a cool new stepmom-ala. Get back in our pajama-las and watch a rom-com-ala. Harris: Like Legally Blonde-ala. Rudolph: And start decorating for Christmas, fa-la-la-la-la. Because what do we always say? The pair then said in unison: Keep calmala and carry on-a-la. Rudolph added: We know each other so well we even finish each others They said together: Belief in the promise of America. Rudolph and Harris then stood together. Rudolph said: Im going to vote for us. Harris replied: Great. Any chance you are registered in Pennsylvania? referring to a pivotal swing state in Tuesdays election. Rudolph admitted: Nope, I am not. Harris mused: Well, worth a shot. Together they then delivered the shows signature line: And live from New York, its Saturday night! Harris was making her first appearance on the show. It was fun, she told reporters on the tarmac before flying to Detroit in the battleground state of Michigan. Saturdays episode also featured Tim Kaine, a senator for Virginia who was Hillary Clintons 2016 running mate, performing in a skit where a contestant could not recall who Kaine was. The musical guest, Chappell Roan, announced in September that she is voting for Harris. Rudolphs performance has won critical acclaim, including from Harris herself. Maya Rudolph I mean, shes so good, the vice-president said last month on ABCs The View. She had the whole thing, the suit, the jewellery, everything! Harris follows a long line of politicians seeking to show a lighter side on Saturday Night Live, broadcast on the NBC network. The first sitting president to take part was Republican Gerald Ford, who made his debut a cold open in April 1976. Then-senator Barack Obama appeared alongside Poehler impersonating Clinton in 2007, and Republican Bob Dole was on the show in November 1996 just 11 days after losing that years election to Bill Clinton. In 2008 Tina Fey gave a memorable impression of vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin, joking that I can see Russia from my house. Palin herself appeared on the show in the weeks before the election. Trump hosted Saturday Night Live in 2015, drawing protests outside the studio, and poked fun at his tendency to exaggerate and steer clear of policy specifics. He also appeared in 2004. Kemi Badenoch made the remarks during an appearance on BBC Ones Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg. Photograph: Jeff Overs/PA The new Conservative leader, Kemi Badenoch, has said the Partygate scandal was overblown as she rejected the need to churn over everything that went wrong with previous Tory prime ministers. Badenoch won the party leadership on Saturday and said she was going to be honest about what went wrong in the party under her predecessors. However, speaking on BBC Ones Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg programme, the new party leader said Boris Johnson was a great prime minister and that he had fallen into a trap of breaking Covid rules that should never have been introduced. Badenoch said she had resigned during Johnsons premiership because of serious issues but not because of the Partygate scandal, which was overblown. Related: Who is the new Tory leader, Kemi Badenoch? That depends on your perspective Asked whether the public was wrong to be upset about Partygate, when Johnson and others in Downing Street did not stick to the Covid rules they introduced, Badenoch said: No, they were not wrong to be upset about Partygate. The problem was that we should not have criminalised everyday activities the way that we did. People going out for walks, all of them having fixed-penalty notices, that was what ended up creating a trap for Boris Johnson. Badenoch acknowledged Tory mistakes in government, saying: We need to be honest, that we got things wrong. What I dont want to do this morning is start listing all of the things that we got wrong. Theres plenty of time to do that. What Im here to do is set out how theres going to be a change under my leadership. She said it was unhelpful to churn over every incident that had happened in 14 years and there would be a postmortem on it in time. The Conservative leader said the main overarching thing that had gone wrong was a loss of public trust. Promises on immigration and on tax were not kept and that is something that we need to change, Badenoch said. Making promises without a plan, as we have seen with Rachel Reeves and what they had in their manifesto, will create a breakdown in the public trust. In response to the interview, Ellie Reeves, the chair of the Labour party, said: Listening to Kemi Badenoch dismiss Partygate as overblown will add insult to injury for families across Britain who followed the rules, missing loved ones deaths and family funerals, whilst her colleagues partied in Downing Street The leader may have changed but, on her first day in the job, Kemi Badenoch has proved three times that the Tories havent listened and they havent learned. Sarah Olney, the Lib Dem Cabinet Office spokesperson, said the comments were an insult to those who lost family members during the pandemic while Boris Johnson partied and lied. On day one of the job shes already shown shes completely out of touch with the public, she added. Badenoch will be putting together her top team in the coming days, having vowed to draw a line under the past. However, her shadow cabinet is likely to contain many familiar faces from Rishi Sunaks time in government, including key allies and Tory rising stars Claire Coutinho and Laura Trott, who served as his energy secretary and in his Treasury team respectively. Andrew Griffith, a rightwinger who did not make the cabinet under Sunak, has been tipped as a possible shadow chancellor after defending Badenoch on the airwaves. A former housing minister, Lee Rowley, is seen as a possible chief of staff. On Sunday evening it was reported that Rebecca Harris had been appointed Conservative chief whip. In a post on X, her predecessor, Stuart Andrew, wrote: Rebecca Harris is a great friend and a brilliant whip. I wish her all the best in the role. The move has not been confirmed by the party. Badenoch has said there will be a place offered in her shadow cabinet to all the Tory leadership contenders, who include Robert Jenrick, Priti Patel, Mel Stride and Tom Tugendhat. However, James Cleverly, the former home and foreign secretary, has said he will not serve this time. The new Conservative leader also suggested on Sunday that she wanted to bring in meritocratic talent from across the party and potentially from outside the pool of 120 MPs sitting in the Commons. There have been reports that she would like Ben Houchen, the Tees Valley mayor and Conservative peer, to have a deputy leader role. Sunak, who brought back David Cameron to be his foreign secretary by giving him a peerage, will shortly be granted a resignation honours list, potentially giving the Conservatives a chance to send a few more of their allies to the House of Lords. Sir Michael Caine moved to America in the late 1970s because of punitively high taxes - Samir Hussein/WireImage Sir Michael Caine has warned Labour not to make the mistake of previous governments by using a super tax as a punishment for success. Sir Michael, 91, moved to the US in the late 1970s because of punitively high taxes under James Callaghans Labour government, which peaked at 92 per cent. On Sunday, the actor warned that the multi billion-pound tax increases in last weeks Budget risked punishing success. He told The Sunday Times: Rich people can move their money about and they do, especially nowadays. But if youre just an ordinary person trying to work hard to help your family have a better life, higher taxes are going to clobber you. Thats when people say, why should I bother to work harder if so much of what I earn is going to go straight to the taxman? Nobody minds paying their fair share, but it can get to the point where youre raising less money as a country because the tax rates are so high. We went to Hollywood in 1979 because I was in the super-tax bracket. The taxes had reached 92 per cent. I didnt want to cut back on the lifestyle Id worked hard to provide for my wife and daughter. As far as I could work out, the super tax was really meant to be a punishment for success. Im hoping this Labour lot dont make that mistake. Mr Caine previously voted for Margaret Thatcher and Tony Blair, and has praised both as politicians of substance. He recalled that in the late 1970s other British actors including Sean Connery, Richard Harris, Roger Moore and Richard Burton fled the country in the face of Labours tax onslaught. Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor hopes to raise 25 billion from the private sector by increasing employers National Insurance contributions while also promising to insulate the public sector from those tax rises. This means the private sector will be suffering lower pay so the Government can offer bigger salaries to its own staff. The pro-western incumbent Maia Sandu has won a second term in office in the Moldovan presidential election, preliminary results have shown, marking a significant boost for the countrys EU aspirations and a clear rebuke to Moscow. The runoff election was seen as a crucial indicator of whether the countrys long-term geopolitical alignment will be with Russia or Europe. Related: Germany accuses Russia of massive effort to stop Moldovans abroad voting The pro-western incumbent, Sandu, who has intensified the nations efforts to break away from Moscows influence, was facing the Kremlin-friendly political newcomer, Alexandr Stoianoglo, from the Socialist party, in the second round of voting on Sunday. With 98% of the ballots counted, Sandu led with 54.35%, the Central Election Commission said. With only parts of the countrys diaspora vote still outstanding, analysts said that Sandu was all but guaranteed to win re-election. Early results indicated that the large Moldovan diaspora, accounting for about 20% of the electorate, had overwhelmingly voted for Sandu. The result will be a significant boost for Sandu and her long-term EU agenda. In her victory speech, delivered after nearly all votes were tallied, Sandu said that she had listened to the voices of her supporters and those of her opponent, Stoianoglo. She said that her primary goal for the coming years would be to serve as a president for all citizens. Today, dear Moldovans, you have given a lesson in democracy, worthy of being written in history books... Freedom, truth, and justice have prevailed, she said. Sandus position was weakened after a referendum she initiated, asking Moldovans whether they supported EU integration, that was passed by only the tiniest of margins on 20 October. The referendum was held alongside the first round of the presidential elections where Sandu received 42% of the ballot but failed to win an outright majority. The election outcome will be welcomed in Brussels a week after Georgia, another ex-Soviet state hoping to join the EU, re-elected a party viewed by most countries as increasingly Moscow-friendly and authoritarian. On Sunday night, EU chief Ursula von der Leyen congratulated Sandu on her re-election victory and the countrys European future. It takes a rare kind of strength to overcome the challenges youve faced in this election. Im glad to continue working with you towards a European future for Moldova and its people, von der Leyen wrote on X. The EU has promised a 1.8bn multiyear package for Moldova to help it on the accession path which the country officially began in June. Sandu has pledged to work night and day to take Moldova into the EU by 2030. Since the breakup of the Soviet Union, Moldova has gravitated between pro-western and pro-Russian courses. But under Sandu, a former World Bank adviser, the impoverished country has accelerated its push to escape Moscows orbit as the war in neighbouring Ukraine continues. Both presidential election rounds as well as the EU referendum vote were marred by accusations of Russian interference. For months, Sandu and her allies have accused Russia and its proxies of leading a large-scale campaign involving vote-buying and misinformation to sway the election. Related: Its better not to try our luck again: how Russias wars left deep scars in Georgia and Moldova Officials in the capital of Chisinau believe that Moscow invested approximately $100m (77.2m) before the first vote and had reportedly smuggled in some of the funds by money mules detained by police at the main airport while carrying bundles of 10,000 (8,390) in cash. Sandus team said it intensified efforts to prevent a repeat of what they described as a large-scale vote-buying scheme orchestrated by the Russian-backed fugitive oligarch Ilan Shor during the first round. Moldova has had a monumental task before it: just two weeks to stop a sprawling Kremlin-backed vote-buying scheme that proved effective in the twin vote on 20 October, said Olga Rosca, a foreign policy adviser to Sandu. Still, on Sunday, Sandus national security adviser, Stanislav Secrieru, wrote on X that they were seeing massive interference by Russia in our electoral process an effort with high potential to distort the outcome. Cybersecurity agency reports the Central Election Commissions voter education site was temporarily down this morning due to a DDoS attack, Secrieru added. The Kremlin has denied interfering in the vote. We resolutely reject any accusations that we are somehow interfering in this. We are not doing this, the Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said. The tight result of the EU referendum has weakened Sandus standing, placing her in direct opposition to Stoianoglo, a former prosecutor general who exceeded expectations with 26% of the vote on the Party of Socialists ticket. In last weekends presidential debate, Sandu accused Stoianoglo of being a Trojan horse candidate for outside interests bent on seizing control of Moldova. Stoianoglo has denied working on behalf of Russia. In an interview with the Guardian in October, he claimed that he was in favour of joining the EU but boycotted the vote, calling it a parody. He has also declined to criticise the Kremlin for its invasion of Ukraine and called for improved relations with Moscow. The level of Russian interference in Moldova is highly exaggerated, he said, adding that he would seek a reset of relations with Moscow. Russias invasion of Ukraine has shocked many in Chisinau, which is just a few hours drive from Ukraines Black Sea port city of Odesa, and the Kremlins shadow looms large. Moscow has 1,500 troops stationed in Transnistria, a region run by pro-Russian separatists who broke away from Moldovas government in a brief war in the 1990s. Ukraine, whose president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, has repeatedly praised Sandu, will breathe a sigh of relief, as many in Kyiv had been anxious about the prospect of a Russia-friendly president leading the country that borders them. When I got back to work, my psychological health got better, said Waleed Iky, a freelance entrepreneur. Illustration: Rita Liu/The Guardian It took more than 20 minutes and eight dropped WhatsApp calls to finally connect with Farida Algoul in Gaza. Internet service is not reliable anywhere in the territory, including in the provisional co-working space in the city of Deir al-Balah, where she and 50 or so others work remotely. An English teacher by training, Algoul splits her time between a makeshift classroom in a tent, where she teaches for free, and a table in this cafe turned workspace where she translates documents from Arabic to English. Over the grainy video call, other freelancers who had been forcibly displaced to the central Gazan city could be seen working alongside her, all of them vying for the coveted internet connection. Algoul spends six hours a day in that co-working space completing assignments received via Upwork, a freelance work marketplace. It is one of three free-to-use workspaces set up by Hope Hub, an initiative started in a tent in Rafah a few months into Israels assault on Gaza. She earns $200 a month, with Upwork taking 10% and currency exchange companies another 20 to 30%. Related: No one is coming to save them: blackouts hide horrors of siege of north Gaza Everything is devastation around us, Algoul said. This has diminished the economic opportunities for people in Gaza. Im looking for a job for eight months. I evacuated alone without my parents. I did not have any income to support me. I just open my laptop and go to work as a freelancer. Algoul, like so many others, has been left with few other options to work. Israels 17-year land and sea blockade of Gaza has long limited economic opportunities within the strip, among the reasons why at least 12,000 workers in the territory have turned to online freelance work for income, according to the UN. In the aftermath of 7 October 2023, Israels bombardment of the already besieged strip has rendered jobs nearly nonexistent, according to an assessment by the International Labor Organization. Meanwhile, a year of airstrikes has decimated Gazas infrastructure, making the two resources freelancers depend on a strong internet connection and reliable electricity hard to come by. When internet service is available, its slow or unstable. Electricity comes and goes. Then theres the matter of their safety. Algoul and other workers who spoke to the Guardian said they take on considerable risk when they make their way to co-working spaces or ad-hoc internet hotspots on the street. Workers in Gaza live under the constant fear of airstrikes, said Algoul, who has lost 300 members of her family over the last year. This kind of problem, no one around the world experiences. This situation is just in Gaza. Before Algoul could say more, she was interrupted by a flurry of movement. She said she had to cut the call short. Parts of the city were being bombed and everyone in the co-working space was being told to leave. Algoul, who had evacuated from the north of Gaza and left her parents behind, didnt know where shed go. But shed be fine, she said assuredly. She was just afraid for the safety of the children she taught. Its not easy to work in this environment, Algoul said. After one minute, I dont know if I will not exist, [if] I will be a martyr. Id rather risk my life to work When Waleed Iky talks to potential clients on Upwork or Mostaql a popular freelancing platform in the Middle East and north Africa he doesnt always tell them that he lives in Gaza. Iky, an entrepreneur who started a one-man marketing operation, said he worries clients might see his situation or even his background as a liability. Its risky for business to work with us sometimes, Iky said. [Sometimes] the clients know and support. If they dont, we dont mention it. We do our best for it to not affect our work. Disruptions to work are unavoidable, Iky said. He graduated from the Islamic University of Gaza (IUG) just two months before the war began and spent the first five months of Israels assault evacuating to cities he and his family were told would be safe from airstrikes. One of those towns, Al-Zahra, crumbled around him. They destroyed the whole city, he said. Twenty-four buildings collapsed in front of our eyes. For my family it was a hard night. During those few months, Iky and his family focused on simply staying alive. Starting his business again was the furthest thing from his mind. But now, like Algoul, he works out of Hope Hub. He currently has two clients through Upwork for whom he does marketing. Leaving the tents where many of the freelancers have sheltered is dangerous. Theres often no telling when or where bombs will be dropped, whether theyll be shot at or otherwise attacked. But for Iky, its better than sitting around waiting for the next bomb to go off. I decided to get back online, Iky said. When I got back to work, my psychological health got better. Staying home and not doing anything, not doing what you love, its killing more than my muscles. Id rather work and risk my life to work than stay at home. For many clients, its been business as usual, regardless of the difficulties of workers living in Gaza under bombardment. One potential client asked Iky if hed be comfortable working with an Israeli organization. He told them he would not. They decided not to hire him. Others offer little flexibility around the deadlines they set for Ikys projects. Some of them are abroad who dont understand the struggle we have, Iky said. The freelancers have to take turns charging their laptops, in an effort to not use too much electricity. An hour of charging his laptop buys Iky four to five hours of work. When the electricity is out, hell try to send his clients updates over WhatsApp or go to a nearby cafe and pay for internet. Even when they do manage to work, many freelancers have difficulty accessing their earnings. Bank branches and ATMs have been destroyed, PayPal has stopped providing its services to all Palestinians in the occupied territories and currency exchange shops charge a fee of anywhere from 15 to 30% depending on the demand. Iky, one of the fortunate few with a bank account, often opts to wait to withdraw any money to avoid paying exorbitant fees. Unstable internet and airstrikes Iky is one of more than 1,300 freelancers and students who have used Hope Hubs flexible workspaces across Gaza, Egypt and now Lebanon since Salah Ahmad, who is from Gaza, and his co-founder Fady Issawi launched the initiative in January 2024. While other co-working spaces have since opened up, Hope Hub was the first to begin operating during the war and remains one of the few that is free to use. Because of the limited resources, Hope Hub divides the day into four timed shifts the first one for remote workers, the second two for freelancers and the last for students. Ahmad had been working with freelancers since at least 2020 when he opened his first co-working space, which offered mentorship and training for remote workers in partnership with international universities and organizations. But he, like hundreds of thousands of other Palestinians, was forced to leave his life and his dreams behind after 7 October. The building that once housed his nearly 11,000 sq ft (1,022 sq metre) workspace was hit by airstrikes twice, he said, completely destroying the company he and his team had built. Videos of the office before and after the strikes show debris and shattered glass where sleek and contemporary conference rooms and cafes once stood. Ahmad was displaced four times before he finally reached Rafah, which he and others were told would be a safe area. It was there, in the Tal al-Sultan refugee camp, that he started Hope Hub with five people working out of a tent. He wanted to help people restart their companies or, at the very least, find something to fill their time and drown out the noise of drones buzzing around them. A lot of people feel that it is very difficult to do nothing and just wait in an area that is being bombed every minute. You just wait to die in the next bomb, he said. But we are trying to survive. He and Issawi began raising funds to expand Hope Hub. They searched for the most cost-effective ways to provide electricity in such a tenuous situation. They rented a former cafe and bought solar panels, tables and chairs. Access to the internet was harder to manage. Palestines major telecom provider, Paltel, was not operational at the time. Its offices and 80% of its 500 cell towers had been destroyed. Ahmad initially relied on a wireless connection from a local provider focused on international aid organizations based in Gaza. It was expensive and complicated, he said. It wasnt encouraged to provide internet to initiatives or individuals at the time, as internet networks were being targeted [by Israel], he said. After three months of relying on unstable wireless internet and several conversations with Palestines ministry of communications and digital economy, Ahmad was able to secure high-speed internet lines from Paltel. Hope Hub opened up a second location in Deir al-Balah in April and a third in Khan Younis in May. By the end of May, however, Israel began its invasion into the designated safe area of Rafah. The cafe that housed the original Hope Hub location was destroyed, and Ahmad once again evacuated. We were able to move our equipment with minimal losses, but the [cafe] owner lost everything, he said. In the Hope Hub locations still standing, electricity remains limited, and the internet connection, while faster than most everything else available in Gaza, can still be unstable. With the winter coming, the solar panels that power Hope Hub will be less reliable. My right as a student is to complete my studies Othman Shbeir was supposed to graduate with a computer science degree from IUG last year. But classes were put on hold for months. Now, he walks two hours every day to get to Hope Hub, where he takes classes online. There isnt a place for him to finish his studies any closer to where he lives. Its the only choice I have, Shbeir said. I have to do this because we need to get money. We live in a disaster with high prices. We need to make a living for us. We have to continue achieving our life goals. Life doesnt stop for us. Life didnt stop at war. Life has to continue. There are many areas without co-working spaces at all. There, students turn to internet cafes or huddle around what they call street internet a makeshift hotspot they pay for per hour in the middle of the street. They sit out in the open, risking being targeted, while they finish their assignments or watch online lectures. Related: I had to get out: the US military officers filing for conscientious objector status over Gaza Shbeir has more questions than answers. He doesnt know when hell be able to graduate. He doesnt know if hell be attacked while walking to Hope Hub. He doesnt know if hell be able to get a job once he does graduate. But he knows he needs to graduate in order to get a job. Though hes held several internships, local organizations that need data scientists like him arent willing to hire someone without a degree. Other students in Gaza face the same obstacles. Aya Esam is in her final year of dental school. But as a student, she and her classmates have to finish clinics before they can graduate. They dont know when it will be safe enough for the university to conduct in-person trainings or when they would be able to leave Gaza to finish trainings elsewhere. Its hard to be a big dreamer in Gaza, Esam said. This is my right as a human in this life to complete my studies. I used to have a dream about my future. For the future generation of would-be computer scientists, doctors and freelancers, aspirations have been replaced by worries about where they will get their next meal, Algoul said. For many of the 50 students who pile into the education tent she has set up, learning English is a matter of survival. They want to be able to appeal to people abroad to send food or donate money, she said. Still, she isnt giving up. Despite everything, wallah, I continue to find ways to inspire hope and resilience not just for myself but for the community around me, Algoul said. We will teach the world what resilience means. Schoolgirl with therapy dog - Jupiterimages/Stockbyte A schoolgirl has won a landmark legal case which her parents believe will allow her to bring her dog into school to help with her anxiety. A family had claimed that the golden retriever should have been able to go with the child into school, to help her mental health in a long-running dispute. Moray council, in the north east of Scotland, had previously blocked the request, claiming other reasonable adjustments could have been made to help her cope. However, an education tribunal has told the council to make a fresh decision on the case, paving the way for a reversal. One option under consideration is believed to be a compromise in which the child would be allowed to bring the family pet to school on a part-time basis. Advocates of assistance dogs for those suffering from anxiety claim they can help people to feel calmer in stressful situations. The parents claim their daughter had been refusing to go to classes and that allowing the dog to go with her would support her wellbeing. The childs father, who did not want to be named, told the Mail on Sunday: There were two decisions made. One that she should get a letter of apology. The other is: it has been given back to Moray council to redo their decision. This is a landmark legal decision which will pave the way for others who are neurodiverse, or who have mobility issues, to secure the benefit of an assistance dog at school. It marks the culmination of a nearly three-year struggle to show that our request for an assistance dog for a limited number of hours each week was a reasonable adjustment. Specialist training The parents are believed to have paid out thousands of pounds on specialist training for the dog. They are taught to recognise when someone is anxious and to offer them support. However, concerns have been raised about the impact on other pupils, particularly those who are afraid of dogs or are allergic to them. It has been claimed the tribunal decision could open the floodgates for similar requests, with some town halls concerned about liability if a dog bites a child or if one triggers an allergic reaction. Education Scotland, the Scottish Government schools advice quango, hosted a webinar last year on how animals could help during lessons. However, both the case studies it cited involved dogs being taken to schools for visits, not as permanent additions to the classroom. Moray council had previously said that requests for assistance animals were considered on a case-by-case basis, and that it was awaiting national guidance in drawing up a formal policy. Reacting to the tribunal ruling, a spokesman said: We will be reviewing the findings to consider our next steps. Gabby Trejo, executive director of Sacramento Area Congregations Together, and volunteer Fernando Cibrian, background, were part of the local response when Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis arranged to have 36 asylum seekers transported from Texas to Californias capital last year. Trejo and Cibrian say the community is still showing up for migrants even as Democratic government support wanes, a microcosm for the current political climate. Louis Bryant III/Special to the Chronicle From left, Gabby Trejo and her Sacramento Area Congregations Together team members, community organizer Lucero Soto and programs and strategy director Tere Flores-Onofre, phone canvass for the upcoming election in their Parkside Community Church office in Sacramento on Friday. Louis Bryant III/Special to the Chronicle Last summer, Gabby Trejo got a call she didnt quite understand. It was June 2023. Someone from the Roman Catholic Diocese of Sacramento told Trejo, executive director of Sacramento Area Congregations Together, a multi-faith advocacy network, that a group of people had suddenly appeared outside the church, and looked in need of help. Trejo sent a couple of organizers to learn more. They discovered a political minefield. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Sixteen asylum seekers from Venezuela and Colombia had been flown halfway across the country, put on a party bus and delivered to the doorstep of a church in Californias capital, part of a brazen stunt by the Republican governors of Texas and Florida to make blue cities feel the pressure of border crossings. Days later, another 20 migrants were flown into Sacramento International Airport under false pretenses, believing they would receive jobs and surprised to see news cameras. They were mostly confused, Trejo said. Gabby Trejo participates in a virtual call from her office at Parkside Community Church in Sacramento on Friday. Trejo and her team at Sacramento Area Congregations Together are actively mobilizing the community to increase voter turnout. Louis Bryant III/Special to the Chronicle She tried to explain the politics coloring their arrival, to an extent. Who sent you and why they sent you doesnt matter to us, she said she relayed. That continues to be true. Seventeen months later, with the asylum seekers settling into new lives, immigrant rights activists say their mission remains the same, even as the political winds have turned against them. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Seeking to avenge his 2020 loss, former President Donald Trump is vowing to expel immigrants whom he has accused of poisoning the blood of our country like no major candidate before him, through mass deportations, a 226-year-old law last used to incarcerate Japanese Americans, and by revoking birthright citizenship for children of undocumented immigrants. Vice President Kamala Harris, meanwhile, looking to neutralize a perceived vulnerability in her campaign, has said she will continue President Joe Bidens recent actions on immigration, expanding enforcement and restricting asylum. And immigrant advocates villainized by one candidate and feeling spurned by another are preparing for an uncertain next chapter that could test whether America still considers itself a nation of immigrants. False narratives, false choices One only had to watch the Democratic National Conventions of 2020 and 2024 to see how the party of the left has swung right on immigration, said Muzaffar Chishti, senior fellow at the Migration Policy Institute, a nonpartisan think tank based in Washington, D.C. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The 2020 DNC was sprinkled with examples of Trumps cruel immigration policies, Chishti said. At Augusts convention in Chicago, however, the only time Trumps name was evoked in the context of immigration was to attack him for having sabotaged the border security bill. Thats how far the party has come. Immigrant rights activists say theyve noticed a messaging imbalance, as well, with Trump and the Republicans dominating the national discourse with inflammatory statements about immigrants like lying that legal Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, were eating pets while Harris and the Democrats fail to counter in a meaningful way. Vice President Kamala Harris speaks Thursday at a campaign rally in Arizona, one of seven swing states that could decide the election between her and former President Donald Trump. Harris visited the Arizona border in September for an immigration-centered speech where she indicated she would continue President Joe Bidens recent effort to expand security at the border. Jon Cherry/Getty Images Only one side is investing in creating a narrative around what our immigration system is and what it should be, said Anu Joshi, the national campaign director for immigration at the American Civil Liberties Union in New York. So its no wonder that Americans have been swayed by these hundreds of millions of dollars that have been spent telling them they should be afraid. Joshi was referring to a Washington Post analysis that found Republicans spent nearly $250 million on misleading immigration ads during the first half of this year. Advertisement Article continues below this ad According to a Pew Research Center survey conducted in August, majorities of Americans believe immigrants residing illegally in the U.S. make crime and the economy worse, and support mass deportations to remove them. On crime, the Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research last year released a study showing immigrants have had lower incarceration rates than people born in the U.S. for 150 years, while a separate study found communities with more unauthorized immigrants had lower crime rates. There is so much to be said that shows theyre an asset, not a crisis, said UC Law San Francisco international law professor Karen Musalo, director of the universitys Center for Gender & Refugee Studies, which advocates for asylum seekers by assisting with their legal claims and pushing for system reforms. But its not just perception thats the problem, say activists. Its policy. Advertisement Article continues below this ad According to the Migration Policy Institute and American Immigration Council, another nonpartisan D.C. organization, congressional action on immigration over the past 30 years has been rare and mostly geared toward restriction. Other than a post-election loss autopsy in 2012 calling for a more immigrant-friendly Grand Ole Party, the rise of Trump crystallized an immigration platform of zero tolerance, family separations and, in many critics eyes, overt racism. But immigration advocates still felt aligned with the Democratic Party, especially during the tumultuous Trump years, when states like California passed laws preventing its police agencies from assisting federal immigration authorities. Still, the federal government is responsible for overseeing the immigration system and its resources mostly go in one direction. It spends upward of $30 billion on immigration enforcement and detention, compared with just $840 million on the immigration court system, about half of that going to asylum proceedings. Former President Donald Trumps Oct. 27 rally at Madison Square Garden included now-familiar promises by the Republican candidate to purge the enemy within and liberate the country from undocumented immigrants. Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images Musalo said thats why the U.S. asylum backlog stood at 1.1 million cases in December 2023, more than 10 times the number of a decade ago, according to the Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse at Syracuse University. The average wait time between an asylum claim and a first hearing is four years. And then people wonder why theres such a backup, Musalo said. Immigrant rights activists say this imbalance what Joshi called a very lopsided scale between enforcement and reform exacerbated recent issues at the border. And they say that, even without the support of an increasingly hardline Republican Party, President Joe Biden could have shifted enforcement resources to hiring more immigration judges and asylum officers. That doesnt mean that there arent real challenges at the border, Joshi said. Weve never had this many displaced people in the world, ever. The United Nations Refugee Agency says a record 117 million people were forcibly displaced last year by conflict, persecution, violence and other significant events. Forty percent were children. The number is projected to be higher this year. That is something that we, as part of the global community, will have to deal with, Joshi said. At the same time, we have what it takes to create a fair, orderly and humane process at our border. Chishti contends the immigrant rights movement secured notable wins under Bidens presidency like restoring the number of permanent resident admissions to their pre-pandemic levels, rebuilding the refugee admissions process that Trump nearly dismantled and even providing paid legal representation for certain immigrant groups, something he never expected to see. But he said Biden had to respond to the rapid rise in border encounters, which Chishti attributed to COVID economic fallout in tourism-dependent countries. We are still a nation of immigrants, Chishti said. And no one knows, because all the oxygen in the room is taken by the border. We have to open more pathways, he added. And we have to reform the asylum system. Look, we cannot abandon the principle of asylum. We cant become Trump. If Trump wins, he will have a support infrastructure to pursue his ultra-nationalist vision in a way he didnt eight years ago, say scholars like UC Davis law school dean Kevin R. Johnson. But if Trump loses his second straight election, Republicans may once again reexamine their appeal to an increasingly diverse electorate and Harris could have the political capital to pursue immigration reform. Whoever wins Tuesday, SacACTs Trejo said she and her community partners will continue showing up for their immigrant neighbors in the days that follow. The princess has previously said her cancer battle gave her a new perspective on everything - Danny Lawson The Princess of Wales has become more interested in faith since her cancer diagnosis this year, it has emerged. An updated royal biography by Robert Hardman has revealed that the Princess, 42, has begun to differ from her husband, Prince William, on matters of religion and faith since undergoing chemotherapy. The new chapters of Charles III: New King. New Court. The Inside Story, serialised by the Daily Mail, quotes a church-going friend of the family as saying things are more hopeful with Catherines faith than Williams more recently. Writing that there had been speculation within the wider royal orbit that the health crises faced by his family on two fronts this year may have drawn the heir to the throne closer to God, this was firmly denied by a source close to him. No change of course there, they told Hardman, with another source adding: He is a modern young man, and I think he gets embarrassed by certain aspects of ceremonial and religion. The Princes position reportedly remains that when the time comes for him, he will observe all his constitutional obligations to the Church of England. Hardman adds, however, that William will not suddenly become a regular worshipper or feign an enthusiasm for something that he does not feel personally, however bleak the situation. William happily attends church with the family on special occasions but reportedly has no plans to become a regular worshipper - Kin Cheung His father, who is supreme governor of the Church of England, has by contrast leant on his faith and spiritualism during his own cancer diagnosis earlier this year. The King is known to have been seeking support and spiritual advice from the Greek Orthodox monk Archimandrite Ephraim in the wake of his diagnosis and ongoing treatment. A monarch has been supreme governor of the Church of England for centuries and powerful religious ties permeate the reign of Williams father, as they did for his grandmother. The King has been described as deeply religious by his youngest son, Prince Harry, in his memoir, and the monarch is well known to have championed all faiths throughout his working life. After he ascended the throne in September 2022, he pledged to protect the multiple faiths of a diverse Britain no less diligently than Christianity as head of the Church. The King has been described as deeply religious - Geoff Robinson Meanwhile, the late Queens role as Defender of the Faith and supreme governor of the Church was one that she felt closely connected to both in duty and personally. She would often speak of the strength she derived from her Christian faith. Hardman writes, however, that William has historically not shared his fathers interest in faith and spiritualism, nor the late Queens solid devotion to the Anglican communion. It also emerged in the updated biography that concerns have been raised that the Prince of Wales lacks the odd wise old consigliere who might step in to point out a potential misstep. A cited veteran of the late Queens era cited Williams intervention in Gaza earlier this year as an example. The Princes public statement, which at the time was said to risk a diplomatic rift with Israel, called for an end to the fighting in Gaza, saying that too many have been killed in the conflict. Hardman writes that though the heir to the thrones statements were perfectly benign, they were also not entirely in line with government policy. At the time, it was reported that his intervention was backed by Number 10, which said the nation should speak with one voice. However, Hardman notes that senior Foreign Office sources now say that the Princes statement had not been authorised. One told him: We were briefed it was happening, but we were certainly not asked in advance. Maia Sandu, the Moldovan president, celebrates her win - Vadim Ghirda/AP Moldovas pro-EU president Maia Sandu has won a second term after a tense election marred by claims of Russian meddling. With 98 per cent of the vote counted, Ms Sandu, with 54.35 per cent, was ahead of her pro-Russia rival Alexandr Stoianoglo, and on course to win a second term as Moldovas president. In a speech at her campaign headquarters on Sunday evening, Ms Sandu told supporters that Moldovans had defeated the Kremlin. Critics have accused Alexandr Stoianoglo of being a Russian Trojan horse - Vadim Ghirda/AP Our country was under the most unprecedented attack in the history of the whole of Europe. Dirty money, illegal vote buying, the involvement of hostile forces outside the country, she said. But our people united in freedom and our citizens won. Analysts reported that Russian influence networks tried to manipulate the vote by buying voters and flying in pro-Kremlin expatriates. The result will be a big relief for the pro-Western government, which strongly backed Ms Sandus candidacy and her push for closer Western ties on Moldovas path towards the EU. A woman votes in a mobile ballot box in the village of Ciopleni - Dumitru Doru/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock Ms Sandu, 52, actually lost the vote inside Moldova, winning 48.8 per cent, but she won about 80 per cent of the diaspora vote as they mainly live and work in the EU. Ms Sandus team knew how important it was to mobilise the diaspora vote and the countrys Central Election Commission confirmed that the election marked the highest turnout of overseas voters since 2010, when they were first allowed to vote in elections. Ms Sandus rival, Mr Stoianoglo, was a former state prosecutor who has accused her of disenfranchising a large part of the Moldovan population with her push to take the country into the EU by 2030. Msa Sandu failed to secure an outright majority in the first round of voting last month - Daniel Mihailescu/AFP He was supported by pro-Russia parties and was described by Ms Sandu as a Russian Trojan horse. Konstantin Sonin, a professor at the Harris School of Public Policy in Chicago, described the election as incredibly tight and Nicolae Ciuca, president of Romanias Senate, said Ms Sandus win was a decisive victory along the EU path. Many thanks to the diaspora for mobilising and making history against vote-buying and propaganda, Mr Ciuca said. But the vote also showed that Moldova is clearly a divided country. Ms Sandu celebrates with staff and supporters after preliminary results of the second round - Mihailescu/AFP Two weeks ago, Ms Sandu also narrowly won a referendum on taking Moldova into the EU, winning 50.3 per cent of the vote, a far lower yes vote than had been expected. Rigging by pro-Kremlin influence networks in that referendum was suspected of buying 300,000 votes. Former Soviet Moldova is wedged between Ukraine and Romania and has a large Russian-speaking minority, which analysts have said makes it an easy target for Kremlin influence campaigns. David Lammy, the Foreign Secretary, congratulated Ms Sandu on her election win on X. Napier Barracks in Kent, accommodation for asylum seekers run by Clearsprings. Photograph: Tolga Akmen/EPA One of the Home Offices leading providers of asylum accommodation has increased its profits by tens of millions of pounds, according to its latest published accounts. Clearsprings Ready Homes is one of three Home Office contractors providing asylum accommodation. In the last three years it has made more than 180m net profit, with about 90m profit in the year ending January 2024, a jump from 60m the previous year. In May, the director of Clearsprings, Graham King, dubbed the asylum king, entered the Sunday Times rich list with an estimated net worth of 750m. The other two Home Office accommodation providers, Serco and Mears, have also reported profits, but they have a range of contracts alongside Home Office asylum accommodation. Although there is a profit-share agreement between the government and the three providers, the government will not disclose the threshold for payback. A recent Home Office freedom of information response revealed that to date nothing had been paid back to the Treasury under this agreement. The latest figures have emerged at a time of mounting concern about the cost of asylum accommodation, especially in hotels. The Home Office has pledged to end the use of hotels to accommodate asylum seekers, but the number of people arriving remains high, with more than 30,000 crossing the Channel this year on small boats and a continuing backlog of cases in the system. One hotel close to Heathrow airport with about 600 rooms paused its use for asylum seekers, but has recently reopened to accommodate them. According to its website, it is block-booked for the next 12 months. Along with the high costs of hotel use there have been numerous complaints about ill-treatment and poor conditions in asylum accommodation. Related: Urgent protections needed for asylum seekers in hotels, say refugee groups The Home Office and accommodation provider Serco confirmed that a 28-year-old man had died at a hotel it manages in Warrington on Tuesday, which the Home Office described as a tragic incident. The death came two days after another death, a 26-year-old man at the Serco-managed immigration removal centre Brook House near Gatwick airport. This has led to calls from NGOs to allow local authorities to manage asylum accommodation and to be paid directly by the Home Office. Tim Naor Hilton, the chief executive of the charity Refugee Action, said: It is a national scandal that companies housing people seeking asylum make eye-watering profits while refugees live in often appalling and dangerous conditions. We need a new system of housing people seeking asylum in which every pound of this money goes towards benefiting refugees and the towns and cities where they are rebuilding their lives. Clearsprings has been approached for comment. Queen Camilla says its going to take a long long time to end domestic violence despite huge amount of progress - Isabel Infantes/ITV Picture Publicity The Queen has vowed to keep on fighting to end the scourge of domestic abuse until she is able to no more. In a powerful new ITV documentary, Camilla, 77, speaks extensively about what inspired her long-running campaign to end such violence and the courage of the survivors that propels her on. She is filmed meeting many victims, including one woman who nervously shares her story for the first time shortly after arriving at a refuge. The Queen admits that until she met somebody who had been raped by a partner, it had never occurred to her that a woman could be raped at home. She acknowledges that the very concept of someone in her position taking part in such a documentary in the 1950s would have been inconceivable because domestic abuse was a taboo subject and people just blocked their ears. But despite the huge strides made since then, she insists that there is much more that needs to be done. One in four women and one in six men in England and Wales currently experience some form of domestic abuse, with an estimated three women a week taking their own lives as a result. Dont lets kid ourselves, its going to take a long long time because its been going forever, the Queen says of her desire to end such heinous crimes. Its been going, well, since time began. But I think if you look at the steps that weve taken since the bad old days, we have made a huge amount of progress, and I shall keep on trying till Im able to no more. Her Majesty The Queen: Behind Closed Doors charts her ongoing work in the field after she allowed a camera crew to film her engagements, both public and private, over the course of a year. The one-hour documentary features compelling testimony from several victims of domestic abuse, including MP Rosie Duffield and Sharon Baker, chief inspector of Avon and Somerset Police, as well as high-profile campaigners such as Cherie Blair, Theresa May, Jess Phillips and Sir Patrick Stewart. Invisible chains One woman describes how her partner threw petrol over her clothes when she returned home from a night out because they were too revealing. Another tells how her partner lifted her off the floor by her throat when she was seven months pregnant, only letting her go when her lips turned blue. They speak about the invisible chains that kept them from leaving, from their young children to fears about losing their lives. One woman reveals that a week after her abusive partner was arrested and cautioned and told not to contact her, he took his own life, leaving a suicide note blaming her. He would say, theres only one way out for you and thats in a wooden box, another woman says. The Queen tells victims sharing their stories are vital tools for bringing about change - Toby Melville/PA At the refuge, a woman called Natalie sits down for a cup of tea with the Queen and tells her how the abuse began with the odd slap, which evolved to beatings that sometimes lasted for days, locking her in the house so she could not escape. On one occasion, a friend heard the commotion on the other end of the phone and called the police. Natalie was too scared to make a statement but an officer contacted a support worker who suggested she go to the refuge. Its probably saved your life, the Queen tells her. It did, definitely, Natalie replies. Its so important that youre telling the world what happened to you, because if youve got through it, others could get through it too, the Queen adds, imploring Natalie to let her know how she gets on in the future. The Queen praises some of the other women for bravely speaking out, telling them that their stories and experiences are vital tools in the effort to bring about change. She tells one group of survivors who share their stories on camera that she was moved to tears after hearing them describe their shame and their guilt, warmly telling them: Thats what everybody feels, that it must be your fault. But now you realise it isnt. Scratching the surface Mrs Phillips, who worked for Womens Aid before becoming a Labour MP, said the Queen was pushing the door wider and wider open, noting that it would have been unimaginable 20 years ago for someone in her position to be publicly talking about rape and sexual violence. The Queen was inspired to use her platform after meeting Diana Parkes, 85, the mother of Joanna Simpson, who was bludgeoned to death in 2010 by Robert Brown, her British Airways pilot husband, and who now campaigns for an end to domestic abuse. I think shes so strong because not many people would be able to survive the death of a daughter, the Queen says. I admire her more than I can say. On how she has gone on to make domestic violence one of the key planks of her work, she says: By scratching the surface, you get a terrible shock. Camilla says telling the world about victims experiences might show others they could get through it too - Chris Jackson Yvonne Traynor, former CEO of Rape Crisis South London, describes how, in 2009, she wrote to around 100 high-profile celebrities looking for someone to champion their cause but received not one reply. In the end, she decided to try the Queen, then Duchess of Cornwall, recognising that she appeared to be a really strong woman, but admits she couldnt have been more surprised to actually get a reply saying yes, she was interested. The documentary includes footage of Camilla welling up and visibly emotional as she listens to the harrowing stories of women who have survived domestic abuse, and others who had lost their lives at the hands of violent partners in 2016. It was the first time the Queen had met Ms Parkes. Surprised to see someone of her own generation in the room, she describes how she had tried to put herself in her shoes, imagining it had been her own daughter. My reaction, Im afraid, was to cry, she says, adding that the meeting was engraved on my heart. If there had been a spark, Diana ignited it, she adds. And off I went from there. Prompting conversation Ms Simpsons best friend, Hetti Barkworth-Nanton, who was made a CBE last year for services to those affected by domestic abuse and homicide, revealed at a preview screening last week the Queens wish to destigmatise the discourse around domestic abuse. Eight years ago, the Queen declared that she wanted to do something to remove that shroud of shame and be a catalyst for change and had since been undeterred by her increasingly senior profile, which she continues to use for good. The Queen was motivated to take part in the documentary in the hope that it prompts conversations in homes, schools, workplaces across the country. A palace spokesman said: If they can happen here, in a palace with a Queen, they can and should happen everywhere. Because it is from these conversations that some of the many tens of thousands of women and men suffering in silence today may get to hear that they are not alone. Her Majesty The Queen: Behind Closed Doors will be broadcast on ITV on Monday November 11 The chancellor, Rachel Reeves, chose not to increase remote gaming duty in her first budget last week. Photograph: Wiktor Szymanowicz/Future Publishing/Getty Images Rachel Reeves has been criticised over a missed opportunity to raise 900m from online casinos in her first budget as chancellor, amid concerns about the Labour partys ties to the 11bn-a-year gambling sector. Both the Liberal Democrats and Derek Webb one of Labours largest donors questioned the chancellors rejection of proposals to double remote gaming duty (RGD), levied on online games of chance, from 21% to 42%. The policy, initially proposed by the Social Market Foundation (SMF) thinktank, was among measures under consideration by Treasury officials. It also had support from the Liberal Democrats, who wanted to use the money raised estimated at up to 900m to fund health and social care. But Labour, which has previously faced scrutiny over longstanding financial and personal ties to the gambling industry, ultimately decided not to include the sector among 40bn of tax increases that included a change of policy on family farms and employer national insurance contributions. Related: Gambling poses huge global threat to public health, experts warn The UKs 21% rate of tax on online gaming will remain below that levied in multiple European countries, as well as states in the US, Australia and Canada. The Liberal Democrats Treasury spokesperson, Daisy Cooper, said the omission raises serious questions for the Labour government about why they failed to act on this issue. Its particularly worrying that the chancellor is targeting family farms, GPs, hospices and small businesses while letting the big gambling companies off the hook. The Lib Dem leader, Ed Davey, had earlier said a duty rise was an obvious choice for a government who wants to tackle our social problems. Reeves also came under fire from the leading Labour donor Derek Webb, a former casino game inventor who now backs campaigns calling for tougher regulation and taxation of gambling. Webb, who is Labours fifth-largest backer and also donates to the SMF, said: Im disappointed theres been another missed opportunity to constrain the greed of the online gambling sector. Its also a missed chance to win popularity with the wider public, rather than with narrow detrimental business interests, he said, a reference to a pre-budget poll that showed broad support for increasing gambling taxes. The government has said gambling taxes, including RGD, will be reviewed with a view to simplifying them. But sources among those campaigning for higher RGD highlighted that Labour and Reeves have ties to the 11bn-a-year gambling sector. The Coates family behind Bet365 have donated hundreds of thousands of pounds to Labour and to Keir Starmers party leadership campaign. Rachel Reevess constituency office accepted a combined 30,000 from Richard Flint, a former chief executive of Leeds-based Sky Betting & Gaming, and Neil Goulden, then a director of Gamesys, the owner of Virgin Games and Rainbow Riches Casino. The chancellor has also previously written of a friendship, stretching back to their teenage years, with Michael Dugher, the former Labour MP who now chairs the gambling industry lobby group, the Betting & Gaming Council (BGC). Grainne Hurst, the chief executive of the BGC, said: We have been clear: any duty rises now would have hit customers, prevented growth, risked jobs and bolstered the unsafe, unregulated gambling black market. Government has listened to the BGC and our members, got the balance right and rejected calls from anti-gambling prohibitionists, said Hurst, a former Ladbrokes executive. A Treasury spokesperson said: The government will consult next year on reforming the tax treatment of remote gambling by moving to a single remote gambling duty, aiming to close loopholes, simplify and future-proof the current system. Rachel Reeves leaving BBC Broadcasting House in London after appearing on Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg. Photograph: Ben Whitley/PA Rachel Reeves has admitted she was wrong to say before the election that no major tax rises would be needed, but promised there was no need to increase taxes further after last weeks budget raised 40bn. The UK chancellor said she had not known the true picture of the huge black hole in public finances left by the Conservatives, which the government says amounted to 22bn. I was wrong on June 11, I didnt know everything, she said. Reeves said there was no requirement to come back with another big tax-raising budget, after increasing employer national insurance contributions, raising capital gains on most assets, making inheritance tax changes, and charging VAT on private school fees. Speaking on Skys Trevor Phillips on Sunday programme, Reeves said: Im not going to be able to write five years worth of budgets on this show today, but theres no need to come back with another budget like this.Well never need to do that again. Weve now set the spending envelope for the remainder of this parliament, we dont need to increase taxes further. We need to do two things now: we need to reform our public services to make sure they work better and we need to grow our economy. She also gave an absolute commitment that the government would stick to its manifesto pledge for five years that there would be no tax increases on working people, saying Labour had wiped the slate clean after the Tories mismanagement. Reeves said: Its now on us. Weve put everything out into the open, weve set the spending envelope of this parliament, we dont need to come back for more, weve done that now, weve wiped the slate clean. After delivering her first budget on Wednesday, Reeves has been defending her decisions to increase employer national insurance in particular, with some GPs surgeries, social care providers and charities facing higher bills for employing staff. On the BBCs Laura Kuenssberg programme, Reeves was pressed on whether it had been misleading to say she would not to raise national insurance but the chancellor said the Labour manifesto made clear that it was a pledge not to raise that tax on working people not the employer element. Asked about the concerns of GPs, charities and others, she said: Im not immune to their criticism but weve got to raise the money. For GPs I would say that Wes Streeting, the health secretary, will be setting the allocations for the budgets. Reevess budget has been well received by experts at the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and the markets have largely stabilised after the pound fell and gilts rose slightly in the aftermath. It was reported over the weekend that the chancellor will soon turn her attention to how to kickstart growth, with a Mansion House speech looking at changes to unlock investment from public pension funds. The Office for Budget Responsibility forecasts only low or stagnant growth over the course of the parliament. Reeves is also facing the possibility of a legal challenge from Unite, the trade union and major Labour donor, which said it was planning to launch a judicial review. Unite has sent a pre-action protocol letter to Liz Kendall, the secretary of state at the Department for Works and Pensions (DWP), asking the government to reverse the removal of the winter fuel payment and repeal the regulations introduced in August 2024. Unite said it believed the government had acted unlawfully and its action would have a terrible effect on millions of older people in society and would be likely to cause an increase in cold-related deaths. Rachel Reeves has argued that only a very small number of agricultural properties will be affected - Karl Black/Alamy Live News Rachel Reeves has insisted the nation cannot afford to let all farmers continue passing on their estates without paying inheritance tax. The Chancellors defence of her controversial tax raid on farmers comes despite the policy being set to raise just half a billion pounds a year the equivalent to one day and five hours of NHS spending. In face-to-face talks with government ministers on Monday, the National Farmers Union (NFU), Britains biggest agricultural farming body, will demand that the inheritance tax rise be ditched. Writing for The Telegraph, Tom Bradshaw, the NFU president, warned that the tax move was fuelling a mental health crisis among farmers that will force some to quit. Mr Bradshaw revealed his team had been inundated with calls from elderly farmers who have been driven to tears and now feel they are a burden on their families. Meanwhile, there are signs of a grassroots Labour backlash, with some of the partys councillors telling The Telegraph they expect a rural voter revolt over the tractor tax in Mays local elections. Last week, Ms Reeves used her Budget to end the practice of letting all farmers pass on estates without inheritance tax, instead placing a 20 per cent tax on assets worth more than 1 million. The move was taken to stop wealthy people buying up agricultural land to avoid inheritance tax, but has led to fears that scores of ordinary farmers could be forced out of business. Appearing on BBC Ones Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, the Chancellor showed no sign of reversing as she argued that the public finances were too strained to keep the existing rules. She said: Last year, the benefits of agricultural property relief 40 per cent of the benefit was felt by seven per cent of the wealthiest landowners. I dont think that it is affordable to carry on with a relief like that when our public services are under so much pressure. And of course farmers as well rely on good public services, whether thats our NHS, our roads or our schools. That money will be put back into improving our public services and putting our public finances on a firm footing. That argument has come under scrutiny from opponents, who noted that the tax change generates a fraction of the money raised and spent elsewhere in the Budget. The inheritance tax change affecting farmers will raise just 520 million a year by 2030, according to the Treasurys own official estimates. In comparison, the increase in employers National Insurance, the flagship tax increase in the Budget, will raise 25 billion by then 50 times greater. The Chancellor chose to spend on other priorities, such as 22 billion for the NHS across the next two years and 3 billion next year on keeping the 5p fuel duty cut. With NHS annual spending reaching more than 150 billion, the amount raised by the farming inheritance tax change would be spent by the health service in a little more than a day. Sir James Dyson, the inventor and designer, last night branded the changes an ignorant swipe at aspiration. He wrote in The Times: Rachel Reeves is killing off established family businesses, and any incentive to start new ones, with her 20 per cent Family Death Tax, levied each time a family business passes a generation. Every business expects to pay tax, but for Labour to kill off home-grown family businesses is a tragedy. In particular, I have huge empathy for the small businesses and start-ups that will suffer. Labour has shown its true colours with a spiteful budget. Tim Farron, the Liberal Democrats rural affairs spokesman, said: This claim just doesnt stand up to scrutiny. Rachel Reeves must be living in cloud cuckoo land. It just shows this Labour Government doesnt understand rural communities. What we cannot afford is to drive farmers out of business and undermine the countrys food security. During the interview, Ms Reeves also defended the policy, which the Lib Dems have called a tractor tax, arguing that only a very small number of agricultural properties will be affected. But the Treasurys claim that a quarter of farms will be hit with the new inheritance tax limit is being contested by the NFU, which says the true figure will be half. Mr Bradshaw, who will meet Steve Reed, the Environment Secretary, in Westminster on Monday, raised concerns about the mental health impact of the tax in his piece for The Telegraph. He wrote: Distressed elderly parents apologising to their children in tears for something that isnt their fault and telling them theyre sorry because they feel theyre now a burden on the family. Families who cant see any way they can now plan for the future that doesnt mean losing their business. Men and women whove spent years building up businesses now wondering whats the point in carrying on when its going to be ripped apart. Ive heard numerous stories like this in the days since the Chancellor announced changes in the inheritance tax regime. The feelings of anger, betrayal and despair are palpable. The family farm tax is exacerbating the mental health crisis that farmers are already facing. The tax change kicks in from April 2026, meaning that the families of farmers who die before then will not pay the new charge. During her appearance on the BBC, Ms Reeves was shown a video message from a fifth generation farmer in Yorkshire who said her family now faced a 1 million tax bill. Rebecca Wilson said: On paper, our farm is a valuable asset. But farmers like us often work very hard for very low returns and we rarely have surplus cash in the bank. Even using personal allowances, the Chancellors proposal could hit us with a tax bill of nearly 1 million when my parents die. How is the Chancellor going to ensure that my generation will keep on farming in light of the changes announced in the Budget? Ms Reeves argued that only a very small number of farms would have been hit by the new inheritance tax rules last year and urged Ms Wilson and her family to look through the details. Labour councillors broke ranks to express anger on Sunday. Graham Morgan, a councillor in Gloucestershire, said: Im not happy with the bloody Government. Theyve scored the biggest bloody own goals in history as far as Im concerned, with winter fuel and the Budget. What theyve done with farming doesnt surprise me. I know they kept saying to judge Starmer at the end of their term, but with their record so far Im not very pleased, to be honest and Ive been Labour all my life. A second Labour councillor said they feared Reform UK could make gains in the local elections as they target the farming inheritance tax raid. Feelings of anger, betrayal and despair are palpable Distressed elderly parents apologising to their children in tears for something that isnt their fault, and telling them theyre sorry because they feel theyre now a burden on the family, writes Tom Bradshaw. Families who cant see any way they can now plan for the future that doesnt mean losing their business. Men and women whove spent years building up businesses now wondering what the point is in carrying on when its going to be ripped apart. Ive heard numerous stories like this in the days since the Chancellor announced changes to the inheritance tax regime. The feelings of anger, betrayal and despair are palpable. The family farm tax is exacerbating the mental health crisis that farmers are already facing. The vast majority of the people who will bear the brunt of this decision arent wealthy people with huge cash reserves hidden away. They are families that have often spent generations building up their farm businesses to provide food for the nation, often on very tight profit margins. Their businesses have struggled through all the changes caused by Brexit; theyve suffered years of being squeezed to the lowest margins imaginable, with costs of production skyrocketing; theyve been battered by increasingly extreme weather conditions. They have nothing left to give. Tom Bradshaw has warned that this feels like the final straw for so many farmers - Geoff Pugh for The Telegraph I and the wider agricultural sector have been accused of scaremongering in the days since Oct 30. But it isnt scaremongering. Its the brutal truth facing farmers across the country. After all the challenges farming has faced in recent years, this feels like the final straw for so many. Its clear the Government does not understand that family farms are not only small farms, and that just because a farm is a valuable asset it doesnt mean those who work it are wealthy. More often than not farmers are cash poor, even if on paper their farms are valuable if sold. The fact the Treasury claims that less than 25 per cent of farm businesses will be affected by the 1 million inheritance tax threshold demonstrates a completely skewed view of the structure of farming in the UK. These figures are based on past agricultural property relief claims and do not consider farms that have also claimed business property relief for diversified aspects of their businesses. They also include a substantial number of smallholdings, with 27 per cent of those Treasury figures being for assets under 250,000, and another 23 per cent under 500,000. Very few viable farms are worth under 1 million. That could buy you 50 acres and a house today. No viable food-producing business is 50 acres. The average farm in the UK is more than 250 acres. So the asset value of genuine food-producing businesses is often high, but thats the value of the asset. It doesnt reflect the businesss profitability, which is often sadly and increasingly very low. Even for farms that can use other allowances, many cash-poor working farms are still likely to end up with some inheritance tax liability under the current plans, some running into the millions. When taken with the impending rise in employers National Insurance and increases to the National Living Wage, many of these businesses cannot absorb the financial strain and will be pushed over the edge. Hearing the Environment Secretary say recently that farmers are going to have to learn to do more with less felt like the final kick in the teeth for the people who work 365 days a year to put food on our tables. The only sensible course of action for the future of family farms across the country, as well as for the sake of Britains food security and our legislated environmental targets, is to reverse this decision. That is the point Ill be making when I meet the the Environment Secretary, and that our members will be making to their MPs at our mass lobby in Westminster on Nov 19. That is when they will look them in the eye and ask them if they support this family farm tax. Tom Bradshaw is the president of the NFU The Crown Estate - Radharc Images / Alamy Stock Photo The Royal family is making millions from the NHS through the monarchys property empire. King Charless 750-year-old asset portfolio is billing Guys and St Thomas NHS Foundation Trust 829,000 each year to rent a central London warehouse. The Duchy of Lancaster signed the 15-year lease in 2023 after the NHS trust said it needed help storing a new fleet of electric vehicles to tackle ambulance waiting times. The revelations form part of a joint investigation by The Sunday Times and Channel 4s Dispatches, which exposed how the monarchy earns money from contracts with public bodies. It has sparked a backlash with some criticising the monarchy for lack of transparency over its finances. Sir Edward Leigh, the Conservative MP, said: Theyve got to accept theyre not a business. Dont make a profit from public services like the Armed Forces and the NHS. This shows the value of scrutiny, because from now on, if they are charging [a public service], they will know its going to be scrutinised and people are going to ask why and theyve got to justify it. Baroness Margaret Hodge, a Labour peer and former chair of the Commons public accounts committee, called for the Royal duchies to pay corporation tax. This would be a brilliant time for the monarch to say, Im going to be open, and I want to be treated as fairly as anybody, she said. Other public figures have defended the Royals tax affairs. Ben Goldsmith, a British financier and environmentalist, likened the arrangement to Sir Richard Branson, the Virgin Media founder, charging people for broadband. The Duchies of Cornwall and Lancaster are private assets which generate an income for members of the Royal family, on which they pay full tax, he said. The Royal family owns stuff, like many families in this country. And? The rent charged to the NHS for the 27,000 sq ft unit near Tower Bridge is 67 per cent more than the Metropolitan Police was paying for the same property months earlier. The King, who counts the Duke of Lancaster among his royal titles, will earn 11.4 million from the deal by the time the contract expires in 2038. It comes despite the Duchy of Lancaster claiming it is completely self-financing and does not rely on any taxpayers money. The Royal family has three main sources of income: the Sovereign Grant paid out from the Crown Estate, the Duchy of Lancaster, and the Duchy of Cornwall, which has a property portfolio belonging to the Prince of Wales that spans thousands of acres. The royal addresses, which cover around 180,000 acres of England and Wales, are largely made up of land seized by medieval monarchs. The two duchies hold more than 5,400 leases between them, which reportedly generate 50 million each year for King Charles and Prince William. This is in part because the domains benefit from special tax status, meaning they pay no capital gains tax or corporation tax on their profits. Tax arrangements It has raised fresh questions over the Royal familys tax arrangements. The Duchy of Cornwalls 67,500-acre share of Dartmoor National Park is among the royal properties charging feudal levies, according to the investigation. It bills the British Army an undisclosed sum each year for the right to train on the land under a 21-year deal struck when the King, who is now the head of the Armed Forces, was the Duke of Cornwall. Prince Williams duchy has also charged the Ministry of Defence at least 900,000 over the past two decades to moor boats on waters surrounding the Britannia Royal Naval College. Generations of male royals spanning back to George VI have been taught at the college, which is used to train British naval officers. HMP Dartmoor, a category C prison for 640 inmates, also earns Prince William millions each year. The heir to the thrones duchy signed a 37 million deal to lease the prison for 25 years to the Ministry of Justice, which is also liable to spend at least 68 million over the next decade updating the sites buildings. The royals also earn money from state schools, underground mines, pubs, car parks, and even a portable toilet supplier that sit on duchy land, according to the investigation. The Duchy of Lancasters coastline assets will also earn the King 28 million over the next 50 years through cable undersea charges for wind farms. Meanwhile, a 1960s tower block in London owned by Prince Williams duchy has brought in at least 22 million since 2005 from rents paid by charities and other tenants. It includes two cancer charities, Marie Curie and Macmillan, which counts the King as a patron. They both recently moved out to smaller premises. Both duchies said they operated as commercial operations that comply with statutory requirements to disclose information. A spokesman for the Duchy of Lancaster said: The Duchy of Lancaster manages a broad range of land and property assets. It is self-financing and does not receive any public funds in connection with its activities. It publishes an annual report and accounts that is independently audited and available to view on its website and complies with all relevant UK legislation and regulatory standards applicable to its range of business activities. A Duchy of Cornwall spokesman said: The Duchy of Cornwall is a private estate with a commercial imperative which we achieve alongside our commitment to restoring the natural environment and generating positive social impact for our communities. Prince William became Duke of Cornwall in September 2022 and since then has committed to an expansive transformation of the duchy. This includes a significant investment to make the estate net zero by the end of 2032, as well as establishing targeted mental health support for our tenants and working with local partners to help tackle homelessness in Cornwall. The UK Governments decision to cut winter fuel payments has been met with protests - Wiktor Szymanowicz/Future Publishing SNP ministers are considering reinstating winter fuel payments for all Scottish pensioners following a Budget windfall. Ivan McKee, the SNP finance minister, confirmed the devolved government was looking into whether the annual payouts could be delivered on a universal basis after Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor, last week pledged an unprecedented funding boost for Holyrood. The SNP manifesto in 2021 committed the party to retaining universal payments once the benefit was devolved this year. However, it reneged on the pledge after the Labour UK Government cut entitlements, meaning the cash sent to Scotland to deliver the policy would have been significantly reduced. The devolution of the benefit was also put back by 12 months, meaning it will be administered by the Scottish Government for the first time next year. Speaking to the BBC, Mr McKee refused to rule out using some of the promised 3.4 billion boost in Treasury funding from April to provide the payment to all Scottish pensioners next winter. The Scottish Government is also expected to receive an extra 1.5 billion this financial year. He said ministers were considering reinstating the benefit on a universal basis despite Jeane Freeman, the former SNP health secretary, later admitting she and other wealthy pensioners did not need the annual payment of up to 300. We are obviously looking at options to see what we can do, Mr McKee told the BBC when asked if he would reverse cuts to winter fuel payment entitlement in Scotland. We need to look at these numbers. Its absolutely something were considering. Ivan McKee, the SNP finance minister, said the party was looking at options to see what we can do - Ken Jack/Getty Images Europe The Scottish Government has previously said maintaining universal eligibility this year would have cost it between 140 million and 160 million, which it said it could not afford. However, Labours spending increases, announced last week, will deliver a major funding boost to the devolved government, despite John Swinney admitting that a huge chunk of the windfall would be swallowed up this year by funding generous public sector pay deals. Big unknown The SNP has lambasted Labour for restricting entitlement to the winter fuel payment to those on pension credit or other means-tested benefits. It comes despite the Scottish Governments own independent poverty commission claiming the benefit was extraordinarily poorly targeted as regards to addressing poverty. Ms Freeman, speaking shortly after Mr McKees remarks, criticised the brutal manner in which Labour announced its winter fuel payment cuts in July but said reviewing universal entitlements was perfectly reasonable. The 71-year-old added: I personally actually agree that universalism on everything is not the wisest and best way to use public resources. I, for example, am lucky enough [that] I do not need the winter fuel payment and yet I used to get it. That doesnt seem fair to me. But to remove it in the manner in which it was done felt insensitive to me and cut through with people. Jeane Freeman said Labour had cut winter fuel payments in an insensitive way - Jeane Freeman/AFP Should the winter fuel payment be reinstated for all pensioners in Scotland, it would serve as another taxpayer-funded perk not available in the rest of the UK. Russell Findlay, the new leader of the Scottish Tories, last week called for all SNP freebies, including prescriptions, tuition fees and baby boxes, to be reconsidered in a bid to save money. Following years of complaining about Westminster-imposed austerity, the SNP has conceded that Ms Reevess Budget was a step in the right direction. However, the party has called for clarity over whether public services, such as the NHS, will be reimbursed for costs arising from increases to employers National Insurance contributions. Mr McKee said this remained the big unknown ahead of the SNP Government setting out its own Budget plans next month. Anas Sarwar, the leader of Scottish Labour, said conversations over the issue would take place between Scottish ministers and the Treasury. He said: We recognise there will be an impact for example on our National Health Service and thats not an impact we want to see. Emily Spurrell, police and crime commissioner for Merseyside. Photograph: DOUGLAS/Handout Conspiracy theories about the Southport attack are spreading because of a crisis with trust in institutions in Britain, the local areas police commissioner has warned. Emily Spurrell, who was made chair of the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners (APCC) in September, said the furore around the announcement of new charges against Axel Rudakubana last week was a symptom of wider issues. We are seeing this real crisis with trust in institutions as a whole policing, healthcare, parliament, the government, Spurrell told the Observer. When you see people peddling conspiracy theories, they hit close enough to home that then people start to buy into it who are genuinely just vulnerable or concerned about whats going on. Although the immediacy [of the Southport attack] is gone, we know there will be these touchpoints as the trial gets closer. Merseyside police announced last week that 18-year-old Rudakubana, who is accused of murdering three young girls at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport in July, had been charged with two further offences producing the toxin ricin and possessing an al-Qaeda training manual. The force said the new charges had not changed counter-terrorism policings decision not to declare the Southport attack terrorism, and urged people not to jeopardise Rudakubanas forthcoming trial with speculation. Spurrell, who has been the Labour police and crime commissioner for Merseyside since 2021, said that while police and prosecutors have been trying to dispel disinformation by explaining how criminal justice processes apply to the case, my fear is there are people who are just so far past the point of trusting us that they wont believe what were telling them. Unsuccessful Conservative party leadership candidate Robert Jenrick suggested after the new charges were announced last week that authorities had concealed information, while the partys new leader Kemi Badenoch claimed there were serious questions to be asked of police, prosecutors and prime minister Keir Starmer. A frenzy of online commentary followed. Downing Street denied withholding facts from the public, while Merseyside police said officers had been assessing new evidence as it arose and following guidance from the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS). Spurrell said: I understand people are angry. They feel like things have been done withholding information, but thats absolutely not the case. These investigations take time they are dealing with some sensitive materials. They had to bring the right experts in to manage that, and they have to make sure that they are not jeopardising the trial process. Because ultimately, what we dont want is somebody to turn around and say the trial cant go ahead because its been jeopardised. That would be the worst thing for those poor families [of the Southport victims]. The CPS issued a warning against reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice legal proceedings over the attack, while Merseyside police chief constable Serena Kennedy urged people not to lose sight of the families of the children killed. Rudakubana had already been charged with the murders of Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, Bebe King, six, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, as well as the attempted murder of eight other children and two adults, and possession of a knife. A provisional trial date has been set for January next year. Police across the country have continued efforts to identify people involved in riots that swept multiple towns and cities after the attack. Almost 1,600 arrests have so far been made, with 1,015 charges brought. Spurrell said dedicated teams are still combing through footage of disorder for suspects. Although it was three months ago, that doesnt mean people can get away with what they did, she added. In Merseyside, in an attempt to tackle some of the underlying issues behind the riots, money seized from criminals will be invested into projects focusing on community cohesion, inclusion and tackling hate crime, Spurrell said. She also hopes to use her two-year term at the APCC, which represents elected police and crime commissioners across England and Wales and is Labour-dominated for the first time, to help improve public trust in policing. While the most recent official statistics show most types of recorded crime falling and prosecution rates increasing, Spurrell said the statistics do not matter if public perception does not improve. As it currently stands, I think policing and criminal justice isnt working, she said. You can tell people [the statistics] all the time but if they dont feel safe, thats what weve got to tackle. They just want to know that when they need the police, they will be there for them. Anti-racism protesters gathered outside of a hotel used to house asylum seekers during unrest from members of the far-right in August. Photograph: Christopher Furlong/Getty Images The asylum system would descend into chaos if Labour refused to open more hotels for people seeking refuge in the UK, a Home Office minister has told the Guardian. Angela Eagle, the minister for borders, security and asylum, said officials had been forced to find more private accommodation for new arrivals and blamed the backlog of tens of thousands of cases built up under the last government. The governments decision to open asylum hotels despite Keir Starmers pledge that he would close them have been condemned by the Tories and Reform. In Labours election manifesto, Starmer said he would end asylum hotels, saving the taxpayer billions of pounds. On Thursday, it emerged that hundreds of people had been removed from the Bibby Stockholm barge and put into hotels across the country. Asylum seekers were also seen moving into two hotels, in Berkshire and Greater Manchester, after the Home Office received ministerial approval to use them. In her first public comments on the development, Eagle said ministers had no choice but to make the temporary move after discovering nearly 120,000 unprocessed asylum claims after Labour took power. She said: It remains our commitment to end the use of asylum hotels and house people in more cost-effective and suitable accommodation in communities. But the size of the existing backlog means we are forced to use hotels in the meantime. This is not a permanent solution. It is a necessary but temporary step to ensure the system doesnt descend into chaos. When this government took over in July, we inherited an asylum system under exceptional strain, with tens of thousands of cases at a complete standstill in a backlog, without their claims processed and a record number of people arriving on small boats in the first half of the year. The home secretary took immediate action by restarting asylum processing and scrapping the unworkable Rwanda policy this will save an estimated 4bn for the taxpayer over the next two years, she said. Labour is acutely aware that keeping asylum seekers in hotels can quickly become a toxic issue. During last summers riots, several hotels were targeted by far-right activists. The latest figures from June show there were nearly 30,000 migrants living in more than 250 hotels at a cost of 4.2m a day. Since then, more than 15,000 people seeking asylum have arrived across the Channel, the majority of whom will have to be housed in hotels. At the same time, the asylum backlog the number of people claiming asylum whose cases were yet to be processed soared over the final months of the Conservative government. Figures show that there were 118,882 people in the backlog by the end of June 2024 compared with 27,000 in 2018. After Labour scrapped the Rwanda policy, analysis by the Refugee Council found that the backlog was expected to be 118,063 in January 2025 59,000 cases lower than if the last government had continued with the same policies. In effect, the majority of asylum decisions from March 2023 onwards had been stopped under the previous governments Illegal Migration Act. To restart processing, Yvette Cooper, the home secretary, laid a statutory instrument that ended the retrospective nature of the acts provisions, so that the Home Office could start clearing cases. In the long term, Cooper is seeking homes of multiple occupancy, family properties, former care homes and student accommodation to house asylum seekers. Turning back to hotels to house asylum seekers in the short term is fraught with risk. Far-right elements targeted hotels housing asylum seekers during the recent unrest. During the last parliament, constituents anger against asylum hotels provoked a backlash against Tory MPs, and proved to be a rallying point for Reform. After reports last week that more hotels would be opened, the shadow home secretary, James Cleverly, said: The Tory government closed 150 asylum hotels and had flights ready to go to Rwanda. But Labour scrapped our deterrent on day one and are now reopening asylum hotels costing upwards of 4m every day and breaking yet another promise they made to the British people. The Home Office is planning to deliver 200m of additional in-year savings in 2024-25 and 700m savings against 2024-25 levels during the 2025-26 financial year on asylum costs. These measures taken together would represent a saving of more than 4bn across 24-25 and 25-26 compared with the previous trajectory of spending. Trump supporters and anti-Trump protesters stand near Madison Square Garden before a rally. Photograph: Julius Constantine Motal/EPA You know that uncle whose political takes threaten to turn family gatherings into food fights? Dont decline his Thanksgiving invitation just yet. When it comes to support for democracy, left and right in America are much closer than you might think. As a historic US election approaches, both sides see each other as working to upend democracy. But its our assumptions about our political opponents rather than their actual views that drive polarization, according to new research. And if Democrats want to prove to voters on the fence that theyre acting in good faith, they might want to consider a surprising grand gesture. The findings are featured in a megastudy published by the journal Science that tested 25 methods sourced from 400 people studying and working in politics to see which showed the most promise for preserving democracy and curtailing political animosity. One, developed by scholars at the University of California, Berkeley, rose to the top. The idea came from an observation that Alia Braley, a PhD candidate who previously studied pro-democracy movements under autocracies, observed during the Trump administration: would-be authoritarians get supporters to tolerate democratic backsliding by convincing them that the other side is transgressing democratic norms. Related: Democrats hope to rally female voters after misogynistic Republican remarks I wanted to find out how we can undo that, Braley said. *** In search of answers, Braley together with the political science professor Gabriel Lenz and colleagues at MIT created a simple program in which a cartoon asks participants questions about how their political opponents view democracy and corrects false assumptions. Its an iterative, dopamine-producing, cartoon-enhanced experience, she said, explaining that she modeled it off of the addictive language-learning app, Duolingo. To reduce bias, the survey did not use the word democracy in any of its questions. Otherwise, people might have felt social pressure to vocalize support for democracy, Braley said. Instead, it asked participants about tangible democratic institutions, like voting collection methods and freedom of the press. One question asked self-identified Republicans whether they thought Democrats supported putting fewer polling stations in Republican areas. Most people responded affirmatively that, yes, they believed Democrats were for such a measure. Then, the program shared data showing no Democratic support for reducing polls in Republican districts. Another asked whether participants would be willing to jointly commit with a political opponent never to vote for an anti-democratic candidate. Republicans and Democrats alike eagerly said yes, Braley said. After finishing the seven-question survey, many participants had changed how they viewed their political opponents support for democracy with their scores of how undemocratic they saw the other side falling by an average of 50% and expressed relief at those newfound realizations. They appeared to dehumanize the other side less, and they expressed a greater sense of warmth towards and desire to cooperate with those in the other party. People seem to be very welcoming of this information, Braley said. And the participants themselves appeared to have become more supportive of democracy (by about 30%, according to Lenz) and resistant to measures that might subvert it because the other side was seen as less of an existential threat. Braley has termed that dynamic in which citizens who believe in democracy are willing to upset democratic institutions if it blocks the other sides supposedly antidemocratic efforts the subversion dilemma. The January 6 insurrection when supporters of the Republican candidate, believing Democrats had committed election fraud, violently attacked the Capitol to stop the certification of the results is one illustrative example of how this dynamic can play out. Similarly, in Venezuela, people who express love for democracy continue to vote for authoritarian Nicolas Maduro. By fighting to the death to preserve democracy, Braley explains, citizens in fact create the conditions for democracys demise. *** The work speaks to a wider investment being made at the University of California, Berkeley, to study ways citizens and leaders can fend off threats to democracy. This fall, the university launched the Berkeley Center for American Democracy to bring together scholars examining the forces challenging democratic norms and institutions in the US. The centers director, David Broockman, a political science professor who has researched topics ranging from canvassing techniques to the effects of partisan media, lauds the initiatives focus on practical solutions to prevent democracys unraveling. The centers first projects will dig into questions like whether primary elections contribute to polarization and how accurately constituents priorities are reflected in the feedback politicians receive. Already, its scholars are collaborating with the US House of Representatives to ensure that their findings drive meaningful change. Were not just doing research for its own sake, Broockman said in a press release. Practical solutions are also at the core of Braley and Lenzs findings. Lenz says that to move the needle in next weeks election, Democratic politicians and organizers need to stop pointing the finger at Republicans for trying to undermine democratic institutions. Instead, he says, they should explicitly state their commitment to democratic practices and show that they arent trying to use those institutions against Trump unfairly. Thats because actions that can be perceived as irregular in any way like proposals to expand the supreme court, court cases against a candidate, or threats of impeachment are going to be seen as a threat to democracy by the other side. With that dynamic in mind, Lenz suggested that Biden consider a radical move to demonstrate to voters on the fence that the Democrats arent going after Trump for political gain, like offering Trump a full pardon before 5 November 5. You need a dramatic grand gesture, Lenz said. *** On a much smaller scale back at the Thanksgiving table, for instance people can reframe their interactions with political rivals in their personal lives. Volunteer pro-democracy statements, said Lenz. Get the message out there. Reach out to Republican family members and tell them how deeply committed you are to democracy and democratic institutions. But having these conversations takes some effort. People need to give those with whom they have seemingly unbridgeable disagreements the benefit of the doubt, which the current political ecosystem has not trained those on either side to do. For Democrats, Lenz said, that means throwing away assumptions that anyone who votes Republican is a bad actor. A lot of Democrats are assuming Republicans support Trump precisely because hes an authoritarian, he said. [But] theyre tolerating Trump despite liking democracy. Braley takes comfort in that revelation. She says the data indicate that, regardless of what the voters say on 5 November, most people in the US arent intent on destroying the country. We know that the vast majority of people in America support the democratic norms that are holding the country together, she said. That gives me a sense of resilience. The second round of a vaccination campaign to protect children from polio began this weekend in Gaza City. Photograph: Mahmoud Issa/SOPA Images/Rex/Shutterstock A polio vaccination centre and the car of a UN aid official involved in this weekends vaccination campaign came under fire despite a promised humanitarian pause in Israeli bombardment, the UN has said. Catherine Russell, the executive director of the UN child support and protection agency, Unicef, said: At least three children were reportedly injured by another attack in the proximity of a vaccination clinic in Sheikh Radwan while a polio vaccination campaign was under way. She added that the personal car of a Unicef employee working on the polio vaccine campaign came under fire by what we believe to be a quadcopter. Related: Death is everywhere: fears grow that Israel plans to seize land in Gaza The car was damaged. Fortunately, the staff member was not injured. But she has been left deeply shaken, Russell wrote. She added that in the previous 48-hour period, more than 50 children had reportedly been killed in the Jabaliya refugee camp, a focus of Israeli military operations over the past month. The attacks on Jabaliya, the vaccination clinic and the Unicef staff member are yet further examples of the grave consequences of the indiscriminate strikes on civilians in the Gaza Strip, Russell said. Taken alongside the horrific level of child deaths in north Gaza from other attacks, these most recent events combine to write yet another dark chapter in one of the darkest periods of this terrible war. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) denied responsibility for the reported attack on Sheikh Radwan, which is in northern Gaza to the west of the Jabaliya camp. We are aware of a claim about the harm to Palestinian civilians at the Sheikh Radwan vaccination centre in the northern Gaza Strip. Contrary to what was claimed, a preliminary investigation reveals that there was no strike by IDF forces in the area at the time in question, an IDF statement said. The weekends inoculation campaign was intended to give more than 100,000 Palestinian children under the age of 10 a second dose of polio vaccine, made necessary by an outbreak of the virus reported in July. It had been postponed in late October because of Israeli bombardment. This weekend, the IDF agreed to suspend its strikes to allow the vaccinations to go ahead in northern Gaza except in the besieged areas in the northern governorate: Beit Hanoun, Beit Lahiya and Jabaliya. Approximately 15,000 children under 10 are estimated to be in the excluded area and therefore will not receive the inoculation, threatening the effectiveness of the vaccination campaign, which requires at least 90% of all children in every district to be vaccinated to be sure of stopping the spread of the polio virus. The World Health Organization (WHO) said that 58,604 children had been vaccinated on Saturday, the first day of the campaign. The WHO director-general, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, described the reported strike on the Sheikh Radwan clinic as extremely concerning, saying it had happened while parents were bringing their children to the life-saving polio vaccination in an area where a humanitarian pause was agreed to allow vaccination to proceed. A WHO team was at the site just before, Ghebreyesus said on the X social media platform. This attack, during humanitarian pause, jeopardises the sanctity of health protection for children and may deter parents from bringing their children for vaccination. These vital humanitarian-area-specific pauses must be absolutely respected. The Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, visited Israels northern border with Lebanon on Sunday, where he said that Hezbollah must be pushed back beyond the Litani River, with or without a ceasefire deal in place, and that the Iran-backed group must be prevented from re-arming. With or without an agreement, the key to returning our (evacuated) residents in the north safely to their homes is to keep back Hezbollah beyond the Litani, to strike its every attempt to rearm, and to respond forcefully against all action against us, Netanyahu said during a visit to the border. The river is roughly 30km (20 miles) inside Lebanon from the border with Israel. The Israeli army said Hezbollah had fired about 60 rockets across the Lebanese border on Sunday, some aimed at the occupied Golan Heights, others at the western Galilee area. The IDF said most of the projectiles were intercepted and those that got through Israeli defences fell in open areas, causing no casualties on this occasion. The IDF, meanwhile, issued evacuation warnings to Lebanese residents in some areas of the ancient city of Baalbek and said that buildings being used by Hezbollah militants would be targeted imminently. The death toll from Israeli attacks on Lebanon has now climbed to 2,897 and the number of injured to 13,150 since October 2023, including 30 dead and 183 injured in the past 24 hours, the Lebanese health ministry said. The king of Spain was pelted with mud and rocks by a crowd of furious flood survivors as he visited a devastated town in Spains Valencia region on Sunday. The unprecedented attack took place as King Felipe VI and Pedro Sanchez, Spains prime minister, visited Paiporta, where the local river burst its banks after extremely heavy rainfall in parts of the Valencia region. Some areas received a years worth of rainfall in eight hours. Thousands of troops were deployed to Valencia last week to join rescue efforts as workers combed through wrecked homes and cars in a desperate search for survivors. Authorities have struggled to reach some rural areas where thousands of residents are thought to be stranded without electricity, and roads are blocked by piled-up vehicles, debris and thick mud. Paiporta, just south of Valencia, bore the brunt of Tuesdays floods the second deadliest in Europe this century suffering around a third of the 211 confirmed deaths. Residents there, as well as in the nearby suburb of Alfafar, have accused the government of abandoning them after a long-delayed initial alarm about the floods severity. Footage showed how residents and cars were making their way across Valencia as a deluge of murky water suddenly appeared on Tuesday evening. Within minutes, cars were being dragged away by the floodwater. The king talks to an angry protester in flood-hit Paiporta - Biel Alino/EFE via AP Spanish police were forced to step in as the protests continued - Eva Manez/Reuters The king, who was flanked by Queen Letizia and Mr Sanchez, arrived in Paiporta on Sunday to a hostile atmosphere. Chants of murderers and get out! Get out! could be heard ringing out in the town, where there remains palpable anger over the delay in sounding the alarm as well as the governments response. King Felipe initially looked shaken as mud, stones and a glass jar were fired towards him and his entourage. Queen Letizia was struck on the nose with mud and sprayed with a water hose. Mr Sanchez was forced to flee Paiporta after being struck on the back by a stick-wielding protester. His car was reportedly smashed as it left the town, including by a resident wielding a shovel. He later said that while he empathised with the anguish and suffering of the flood victims, all forms of violence were unacceptable. King Felipe and his wife remained on the scene after Mr Sanchez left, engaging with angry residents and eventually being pictured comforting several people in the crowd. Queen Letizia was also shaken by the response to their arrival but stayed to offer hugs and words of sympathy, with mud stains visible on her hands and face. A statement from Mr Sanchezs office said the group had been pelted with mud and other objects, forcing his bodyguard to activate the security protocol and take him to the advanced command centre. The king was engulfed during the visit to Valencia - Shutterstock Furious demonstrators hurled insults - Manaure Quintero/AFP Alberto Nunez Feijoo, the leader of Spains opposition Peoples Party (PP), thanked the royal couple for their exemplary behaviour and always being at the service of Spaniards. Carlos Mazon, Valencias regional president from the PP, was part of the kings entourage as it was attacked in Paiporta. He stayed on the streets with the royals after the projectiles were thrown towards them. I understand peoples indignation, and of course I stayed on to take it. Its my political and moral obligation, Mr Mazon said in a statement. Volunteers said the towns angry response should have been expected by the king and the prime minister. People were shouting Sanchez resign and Mazon resign and Sanchez hid in his car for an hour. If he had stayed out there, I dont know what would have happened, a volunteer called Ines told the newspaper El Pais. Protesters were seen throwing handfuls of mud and stones towards the king and his entourage - Manuare Quintero/AFP via Getty Images Queen Letizia appeared emotional - Ana Escobar/EFE Pere, another volunteer, said: What were they expecting from this visit? People are extremely angry. Pedro Sanchez should have come here on day one with a spade. A second walkabout planned later in the day in the town of Chiva, which was also ravaged by floods, was cancelled. Residents of the worst-affected towns and districts in Valencia have complained about the speed of the authorities response, with even basic supplies such as water and food reportedly not arriving for days. Meanwhile, Spains ministry of health warned that some hospitals in the Valencia region were on the verge of collapse. That included La Fe Hospital, which received around 75,000 calls in the initial aftermath of the floods. Tens of thousands of Valencia residents had begun visiting the flood zone to help with the clean-up effort, before Mr Mazons regional government asked them to gather at the centralised coordination centre instead. This allowed long queues of cars to move more freely, and created up access for the emergency services workers still searching for those missing in the floods. Credit: Guardia Civil A political battle erupted between Mr Sanchezs Left-wing government and the PP-run Valencia administration over the response to the flooding. Sundays visit by the king and the prime minister came as much of Spains Mediterranean coast was on alert for further heavy rain on Sunday, with a red alert issued for the areas south of Valencia, including those impacted by Tuesdays floods. While Valencia experienced the worst of the flooding, other areas in Spain have also been hit by torrential rain. They incuded Malaga, where a 71-year-old Briton was confirmed to have died by the local mayor. At least two people were killed in Castellon, according to local authorities. Police have received a non-recent allegation of sexual assault made against Alex Salmond, who was leader of the Alba Party up until his sudden death last month. Mr Salmond died of a heart attack on October 12 during a political visit to North Macedonia. His funeral was held on October 29 in Strichen, Aberdeenshire. Mr Salmond was first minister of Scotland from 2007-2014 under the Scottish National Party (SNP) government. He resigned in 2018 after a number of allegations of sexual misconduct came to light. He was later cleared of all 14 charges in 2020 being found not guilty of 12, while prosecutors withdrew another charge and one was found not proven. Pall bearers with the coffin of former first minister of Scotland Alex Salmond (Andrew Milligan/PA) Police Scotland has now said a separate report of misconduct has been filed against Mr Salmond. A spokesperson said: We can confirm that we have received a report of a non-recent sexual assault. The information is being assessed. Responding to coverage of the allegations reported by the media, Alba Party general secretary Chris McEleny said the claims are smears and urged for Mr Salmond to be allowed to rest in peace. The Scottish Government said it would not be appropriate to comment at this time. The SNP has been contacted for comment. Pro-Palestine campaigners plan to protest at Nick Cave And The Bad Seeds concert at Glasgows OVO Hydro on Sunday night. Groups including Show Israeli Genocide The Red Card and Scottish Sport For Palestine will gather outside the venue to urge fans to boycott Cave for allegedly normalising Israels war campaign and illegal occupation. They have also written to Cave asking him not to perform in Israel until it abides by international law amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Cave does not have any concerts scheduled in Israel, but said in an interview earlier this year that he finds it difficult to punish ordinary people because of the acts of their government. Protesters referred to his comments in the interview with the Reason podcast, during which the 67-year-old also said he is no friend of the government in Israel. It comes after the Australian singer and his band played two gigs in the country on their 2017 Skeleton Tree tour, which Cave said at the time were in protest at the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement. The movement, which counts Pink Floyds Roger Waters as a supporter, urges artists not to perform in the country due to the ongoing conflict. Prior to those concerts, an open letter to Cave by Artists For Palestine UK which counts Sonic Youths Thurston Moore and Waters among its members urged him to cancel the show while apartheid remains. Nick Cave played two concerts in Israel in 2017 (Niall Carson/PA) In a press conference ahead of the 2017 gigs, Cave said he had previously been reluctant to perform in Israel, but went on to say: After a lot of thought and consideration I rang up my people and said were doing a European tour and Israel. Because it suddenly became very important to me to make a stand against those people that are trying to shut down musicians, to bully musicians, to censor musicians and to silence musicians. At the end of the day theres maybe two reasons why Im here: one is that I love Israel and I love Israeli people, and two is to make a principled stand against anyone who tries to censor and silence musicians. So really you could say in a way that the BDS made me play Israel. Maree Shepherd, of Show Israeli Genocide The Red Card, one of the protesting groups, said Cave had shown a lack of care with his recent comments, and added she is stunned as to how an apparently intelligent human can make such astonishingly ridiculous statements. The boycott of Israel is working as, internationally, people are choosing to withdraw their money from products and services linked to a genocidal illegal occupation, she said. This week, an Israeli player, Shalom Ben Ami, withdrew from competing at a World Bowls Tour contest in Scotland after our campaign saw more than 4,000 people sign a petition against his countrys participation. That is the power of boycott and campaigning at a time when the majority of world leaders are happy to condone a livestreamed genocide. Scottish Event Campus (SEC), which runs the OVO Hydro, told the PA news agency it expresses no view on the opinions of its performers. An SEC statement read: The SEC welcomes many and varied performers, artists and speakers to its venues and believes that all have the right to freedom of expression. The SEC expresses no view on any content, beliefs or values of any performance or performer. Nick Cave has been contacted for comment. On the night of the US presidential election, November 5/6, polls will close at different times across the United States, usually on the hour. As soon as this happens, a state can be called by the US news networks for either Kamala Harris or Donald Trump. This will take place only when the networks are confident that a candidate will win the state. For those states that traditionally vote solidly Republican (such as Wyoming and Oklahoma) or Democrat (California and New York), it is likely to happen almost the moment the polls close, before a single vote has been officially counted. But where the race is expected to be close, in so-called swing states such as Arizona, Georgia or Pennsylvania, the networks will want to wait until most votes are actually counted and reported before making a projection. Because of this, some states might not be called for Ms Harris or Mr Trump for hours, possibly days. In 2020, Pennsylvania was the state that gave Joe Biden enough votes to guarantee he would be president, but it was not called for Mr Biden by most of the US networks until the Saturday after the election a wait of four days. A total of 270 electoral votes are needed to win the US presidential election. Each state is allotted a fixed number of electoral votes (EVs), based roughly on the size of its population. Whoever wins the popular vote in a state also wins all of that states EVs (with two exceptions, Maine and Nebraska, which are explained below). Here is a guide to how US election night is likely to unfold. In all cases, the time given is when the last polls close in each state, according to the AP news agency, and all times are GMT. Poll closing times for the US presidential election (PA Graphics) 12am November 6 Donald Trump should be off the mark when polls close in three traditional Republican strongholds: Indiana (which is worth 11 electoral votes), Kentucky (eight) and South Carolina (nine). Kamala Harris will pick up the safe Democratic states of Vermont (three EVs) and Virginia (13). Polls also close in the first of the swing states: Georgia (16 EVs). Joe Biden won this state narrowly in 2020, but the result was confirmed only after several days of counting and recounting. If the outcome in Georgia is close again, as is likely, it could take a similar wait before the winner becomes clear. 12.30am West Virginia (four EVs), a safe Republican state, should be called quickly for Mr Trump. Ohio (17 EVs) used to be a swing state Barack Obama won close contests here in 2008 and 2012 but since 2016 it has trended towards safe Republican territory and should be called for Mr Trump reasonably promptly. By contrast, North Carolina (16 EVs) has become a swing state at this election, with opinion polls suggesting either candidate has a chance of victory. As such, the winner might not become clear for some time. 1am A flurry of projections is likely when polls close in more than a dozen safe states. Ms Harris should pick up the Democrat-leaning states of Connecticut (seven EVs), Delaware (three), Illinois (19), Maryland (10), Massachusetts (11), New Hampshire (four), New Jersey (14) and Rhode Island (four), along with the District of Columbia (three). Mr Trump ought to see Alabama (nine), Florida (30), Mississippi (six), Missouri (10), Oklahoma (seven) and Tennessee (11) added to his tally. Maine does not have a winner-take-all policy for its four electoral votes; rather, it allocates two votes to the winner within each of its two Congressional districts and two to the winner of the overall state-wide popular vote. In 2020, Joe Biden won the two state-wide votes and one of the district votes, giving him three of the four votes up for grabs, while Donald Trump won the other district vote. Polls are also due to close in another of the swing states, Pennsylvania (19 EVs). The state was solidly Democrat until Mr Trump won it narrowly in 2016, before Mr Biden took it back in 2020. Due to the huge number of postal and early votes cast, which will need to be sorted and counted, the outcome in Pennsylvania is not likely to be known for some considerable time. 1.30am Polls close in Arkansas (six EVs), another strongly Republican state. 2am A rush of safe states should deliver a sizeable number of electoral votes for both candidates. Kansas (six EVs), Iowa (six), Louisiana (eight), North Dakota (three), South Dakota (three), Texas (40) and Wyoming (three) are all likely to be called fairly quickly for Mr Trump. Ms Harris ought to collect Colorado (10 EVs), Minnesota (10), New Mexico (five) and New York (28). Nebraska, like Maine, does not have a winner-take-all policy and instead splits its electoral votes in this case, allocating three votes to the winner within each of its three Congressional districts and two to the winner of the overall state-wide popular vote. In 2020, Joe Biden won one of the three district votes, while Donald Trump won the other two plus the two state-wide votes, giving him four of the five votes up for grabs. Polls also close in three swing states: Arizona (11 EVs), Michigan (15) and Wisconsin (10), all of which if the outcome is close could take days to be decided. Mr Biden won all three of these states in 2020, while Mr Trump picked up all three in 2016. Swing states in this years US presidential election (PA Graphics) 3am Mr Trump will add two more states to his tally when polls close in the safe Republican states of Montana (four EVs) and Utah (six). Polls also close in the last of the swing states, Nevada, where six EVs are up for grabs though as with the other battlegrounds, it could be hours, if not days, before the winner is known. Nevada has been won repeatedly by Democrats in recent decades, but opinion polls suggest the result this year is on a knifes edge. 4am Ms Harriss numbers will get a boost when polls close in three very safe Democratic states: California (54 EVs), Oregon (eight) and Washington (12). Idaho (four EVs) should be called for Mr Trump. 5am Polls close in another safe Democratic state, Hawaii (four EVs). 6am Alaska is the last state to conclude voting, and its three electoral votes should be called for Mr Trump. But there is every likelihood that the overall winner of the election still wont be known, given the time it will take to count all the ballots in all the swing states. If there has been a landslide for either Ms Harris or Mr Trump, then some news networks might be tempted to name a winner by now. If it is shaping up to be a close contest, get ready to wait days, if not weeks, for the identity of the next president to be confirmed. Arizona law enforcement alleges that an 18-year-old killed his mother and tried to report her as kidnapped to cover up her death. A jogger called police Wednesday morning after finding a womans dead body in a farm field in San Tan Valley, according to the Pinal County Sheriffs Office. Less than 10 minutes later, the son of Mary Collier, 38, called 911 to report her supposed kidnapping. The Pinal County Sheriffs Office said its deputies quickly confirmed that the body was Colliers. Her son who made the call was identified as the suspect in her death, the sheriffs office said. When deputies arrived at the familys home, the teenager was suffering from self-inflicted wounds and taken to a hospital for treatment. Authorities did not name the teenager, who was booked on a charge of first-degree murder on Thursday. His name did not appear on a public record search for Collier, and NBC News was unable to find court records to determine if he obtained an attorney. Colliers body was found by a man named James Richey, who told NBC affiliate KPNX that he lived nearby. He runs daily near the field where the body was discovered. Even when I saw her I was like, No, this is like a Halloween prop or prank or something, Richey said. Theres no way like, this isnt happening. Richey noticed a broken knife with blood on it and said it then clicked that he had encountered a crime scene, and he called 911. Lt. Ross Teeple of the sheriffs office told KPNX that the cause of death appears to be edge weapons and blunt-force trauma. We dont have any evidence to show that there was an actual kidnapping, Teeple said. It indicates they walked out together, both of consent, and then once out there she was attacked and then just left in the desert. A GoFundMe was started by Colliers niece, Zel Harwell, to help pay for Colliers funeral expenses, with extra funds to go to her husband and her two youngest children. Harwell described Collier, a mother of four, as loving woman who would call if she knew you were having a bad day. She would give when she had nothing, and would try her best to uplift others with kind words, and truth, Harwell wrote. CORRECTION (Nov. 3, 2024, 3:02 p.m. ET): A previous version of this article misnamed the community where this crime took place. It is San Tan Valley, Arizona, not Sun Tan Valley. Police launch tear gas to disperse supporters of former President Evo Morales who have been blocking roads for days to prevent him from facing a criminal investigation over allegations of abuse of a minor while he was in office, in Parotani, Bolivia, Friday, Nov. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Juan Karita) LA PAZ, Bolivia (AP) Bolivian President Luis Arce on Friday condemned the seizure of three military units by supporters of former President Evo Morales, calling it an absolutely reprehensible criminal act that is far from any legitimate social claim of the Indigenous peasant movement. In a message on the social media platform X, Arce wrote that the taking of a military unit is a crime of treason against the homeland and an affront to the country's Constitution." Earlier on Friday the Bolivian Armed Forces said in a statement that irregular armed groups had kidnapped military personnel and took control of military units in the center of the country, where police officers began to clear the roads blocked 19 days ago by supporters of former President Evo Morales. In the statement, the armed forces urged those responsible for the takeover to immediately and peacefully abandon the facility and warned that anyone who takes up arms against the country will be considered a traitor. The warning came after videos circulated on social media with statements from a military leader who is believed to be detained confirming the peaceful takeover of a regiment in the coca-growing area of Chapare. The authorities have neither confirmed nor denied that he is a member of the Army. Meanwhile, the police mobilized a large number of troops and tractors to clear the roads of debris with the support of a fraction of the military police. Officers clearing the roadblocks found an unexpected ally in the popular All Saints Day holiday, as many protesters left the roads to celebrate. The conflict broke out three weeks ago when Bolivian prosecutors launched an investigation into accusations that Morales fathered a child with a 15-year-old girl in 2016, classifying their relationship as statutory rape. Morales has refused to testify in court. Since reports circulated of a possible warrant against him, the ex-president has been holed up in the Chapare region, in central Bolivia, where loyalist coca growers have kept watch to prevent his arrest. Last week, 30 police officers were injured and more than 50 protesters were arrested after a standoff between security forces and supporters of Morales. But the so-called blockers regained control of the roads after the law enforcement agents passed through. The most critical situation is taking place in the coca-growing region of Chapare, a political bastion and refuge of Morales, where his followers have surrounded and threatened to take over police and military barracks, demanding the closure of the judicial cases against the former president. Several groups, including the mayor of La Paz, Ivan Arias, have asked the government to declare a state of emergency in Cochabamba, the region hardest hit by the protests. The government has avoided sending out soldiers en masse to clear the roads. Opponents say the government is showing weakness in dealing with the conflict in the midst of an economy in crisis with rising living costs and fuel shortages. Morales, a former coca grower, has retained significant support among poor and Indigenous Bolivians despite his resignation in 2019 amid mass protests over his disrupted re-election. ____ Follow APs coverage of Latin America and the Caribbean at https://apnews.com/hub/latin-america Chris Lee Johnson, the owner of the Johnson Funeral and Cremation Services who was arrested after 18 decomposing bodies were found in his facility, allegedly had a long history of financial woes with thousands of dollars in debt. An in-debt Georgia funeral home director was arrested when 18 decomposing bodies were found in his facility as cops were evicting him, according to a new report. Chris Lee Johnson, 39, the owner of the Johnson Funeral and Cremation Services, was being kicked out last week when Coffee County deputies discovered the bodies rotting in the Douglas funeral home, including the corpses of more than one child. In the months leading up to his eviction, new court documents reveal Johnson had $9,000 in unpaid rent that he rushed to pay in May before he was set to get booted, only to fail to pay rent the following two months, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported. Chris Lee Johnson, the owner of the Johnson Funeral and Cremation Services, was arrested when police found 18 decomposing bodies. Coffee County Jail That first eviction notice was sent out on May 20, just a day before Johnson lost the Republican primary in his bid to become the Coffee County coroner. In a separate case, a company called Thacker Caskets claimed Johnson was on the hook for $9,588.30 for nine unpaid caskets in 2022. A judge ruled in Thackers favor last year, ordering the troubled funeral home director to pay not only the overdue amount, but also to pay $1,908.25 in accrued interest and attorney fees, according to the Superior Court of Coffee County. Along with the fees for that case, Johnson was also ordered to pay more than $21,000 for unpaid equipment in a different lawsuit filed against him, the Journal-Constitution reported. Johnson was being evicted from the property after failing to pay rent for months. WRDW/WAGT Johnson received his second eviction notice Oct. 24, with police arriving two days later to boot him from the south Georgia funeral home. Inside, the deputies made the ghoulish discovery, with the bodies found in various stages of decomposition, the Coffee County Sheriffs office said. Its obviously a terrible case, said Gabe Sterling, chief operating officer of the Georgia Secretary of States Office, noting that Johnsons license had lapsed for a period in 2024. Johnson, center, cuts the opening ribbon to his funeral home in 2019. Johnson Funeral & Cremation Services/Facebook Johnson was arrested and charged with 17 counts of abuse of a dead body as authorities accused him of willful negligence in his duties as a funeral home director and intentional disregard of proper storage. Officials alleged that Johnsons poor leadership led to the bodies being kept for excessive periods, resulting in their disfigurement. Coffee County and state officials said the case was still under investigation, with the names of the 18 bodies found in the funeral home yet to be publicly revealed. A representative for Johnson could not be immediately reached for comment. Marek Suliks Ms. President was named the winner of the Opus Bonum section at Ji.hlava Documentary Festival Saturday. The film, which also opened the festival, was one of the buzziest titles this year, provoking discussions about upcoming U.S. elections and zooming onto the fifth president of Slovakia, Zuzana Caputova the first woman ever to be elected to that role. However, after completing her term, she did not seek reelection. It was produced by Barbara Janisova Feglova. More from Variety The director told Variety that constantly forced to face an aggressively misogynistic atmosphere in society, Caputova was really tired after five years. Now, it seems that the populists have the upper hand. It really feels like something out of a bad movie that could be called The Return of the Bad Guys, he said. Suliks win marked an end of an especially lucky night for Slovak and Czech documentaries, with Czech director Filip Remunda picking up two awards for Happiness to All, about a nuclear physicist-turned-bricklayer, and Slovakias Daniela Meressa Rusnokova dominating the First Lights section with Grey Zone. Grey Zone The title refers to babies born long before term and therefore not legally considered as full human beings. Apart from the main prize, her film was also noticed for sound design by Richard Fulek. She also got the Visegrad Award. World Between Us by Marie Dvorakova also triumphed, with the director awarded for cinematography as well, while Dajori, directed by Martin Pav and Nicolas Kourek, picked up the Audience Award. Finally, Tomas Hlavacek was named the winner of Czech Joy with his take on the debilitating housing crisis, The Impossibility. Earlier this week, Hlavacek opened up about the many struggles of making participatory documentaries. For me, making a doc is a kind of social work. Even when we know we wont change the world, [having] this community is empowering, he noted. Moving further away from the region, The Sky Above Zenica by Zlatko Pranjic and Nanna Frank Mller won Testimonies with its story of an environmental organization trying to stop a factory from polluting neighboring lands, even as politicians stand idly by. Activists were also at the heart of Pamela Hogans crowd-pleaser The Day Iceland Stood Still which got a special mention for the best film on politics about Icelandic women who went on a one-day strike in the 1970s, paralysing the whole country and forcing their bosses (and partners) to appreciate their work. Part of it had to do with: Lets make the world know that these ordinary women did this extraordinary thing. Womens stories arent usually told, but it can empower all of us, she told Variety. Happiness to All Malaysian filmmaker Tsai Ming-liang walked away with the contribution to world cinema award. Earlier that day, he discussed his Walker series with the audience, which might actually be far from over. The other day here at Ji.hlava, I came out of the restaurant. It was so misty and foggy beautiful. I hope one day I can shoot another Walker here, he laughed. He opened up about his slow-walking main character, inspired by a unique historical figure: Xuanzang, the Tang dynasty monk, who was later featured in Chinese classic Journey to the West. This monk was quite adventurous. He decided to walk from China all the way to India. His story had a lot of influence on me hes my favorite [historical] character. If you watch these 10 films, you will notice references to some of the characters he had to encounter [in the book]. Anong Houngheuangsy, who stars alongside Lee Kang-sheng, also joined him at the event. I met him in 2016, in Thailand. I was intrigued by his life, he used to be a migrant worker, and I filmed him. Now, I think I cant let him go back to his normal work. Hes very talented and Ill make more films about him, said Tsai Ming-liang, before addressing the audience. And you? How do you feel about watching a movie without a story? This year, the juries were leaning towards political films, summed it up festival director Marek Hovorka. This is shown not only by the winners of the main sections, but also by the award-winning US VR doc Dreaming of Lebanon or Argentinian The Goodbye, which reveals the roots of the directors grandfather, who was an aide to Mussolini. Even though competition sections offered more poetic and universal films, the juries responded to films that powerfully show the contemporary divided world. You can find the full list of awards here: Opus Bonum Main Award Ms. President, dir. Marek Sulik (Slovakia, Czech Republic) Best Central and Eastern European Documentary Happiness to All, Filip Remunda (Czech Republic, Netherlands, France) Award for Original Approach Cleaning & Cleansing, Thomas Furhapter (Austria) Best Editing The Goodbye, dir. Toia Bonino (Argentina) Best Cinematography In Praise of Shadows, dir. Catherine Martin (Canada) Students Jury Award The Goodbye First Lights Main Award Grey Zone, dir. Daniela Meressa Rusnokova (Slovakia) Special Mention Becoming Outline, dir. Miriam Bajtala (Austria) Best Sound Design Richard Fulek for Grey Zone Best Cinematography World Between Us, dir. Marie Dvorakova (Czech Republic, Slovakia) Award for Original Approach Me + You, dir. Zohra Benhammou, Romy Mana (Belgium) Visegrad Award Main Award Grey Zone Special Mention Comrades, Joanna Janikowska (Poland, Italy) Testimonies Main Award The Sky Above Zenica, dir. Zlatko Pranjic, Nanna Frank Mller (Bosnia and Herzegovina, Denmark) Special Mention for Best Film on Politics The Day Iceland Stood Still, dir. Pamela Hogan (Iceland, United States) Special Mention for Best Film on Knowledge Pistachio Wars, dir. Yasha Levine, Rowan Wernham (New Zealand, United States) Special Mention for Best Film on Nature Every Little Thing, dir. Sally Aitken (Australia) Fascinations Main Award Saigon, Kosovo, dir. Tin Dirdamal, Runway AI (Kosovo, Vietnam, United States) Special mention I. Dinosaurs Egg, dir. Sruthil Mathew (India) Special mention II. space_invaders.exe, dir. Malaz Usta (Netherlands, Syria) Exprmntl.cz Main Award Hopeful Visitors and Grieving Guides: Notes from the Travel Notebook of a Dark Tourist, dir. Jiri Zak, Matej Pavlik (Czech Republic) Special mention I. Ruvja and Morena, dir. Julie Slovencikova (Czech Republic) Special Mention II. Pyramid, dir. Matej Smetana (Czech Republic) Audience Award Dajori, dir. Martin Pav, Nicolas Kourek (Czech Republic) Czech Joy Main Award The Impossibility, dir. Tomas Hlavacek (Czech Republic) Special Mention Happiness to All Best Editing Echt The Art of Jan Merta, dir. Tomas Merta (Czech Republic) Best Sound Design once i got in, it was hard to get out, dir. Nora Strbova (Czech Republic) Best Cinematography Fakir, Roman Duris (Slovakia, Czech Republic, Poland) Award for Original Approach Dajori Students Jury Award World Between Us Contribution to World Cinema Award Tsai Ming-liang Best of Variety Sign up for Variety's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. MERCER, Pa. Mercer County has been solid Trump country for the past two elections Donald Trump won this area in rural northwest Pennsylvania by 25 percentage points in 2016, and by 26 points in 2020. Yet Democrats here think theyve got what it takes to trim those margins and play a big role in keeping Pennsylvania blue. In conversations with Democratic activists and volunteers, many noted how theyve had more on-the-ground support this time around. Follow live politics coverage here On the one hand, they believe theyve made inroads with voters who are now quietly backing Harris, or with soft Republicans who have reached their end point with Trump. On the other, theyve never had so much luck in the Trump era in getting their neighbors to put up yard signs for a Democratic presidential nominee as they have this fall. The fear is gone, Judy Hines, the Mercer County Democratic Party chair, told NBC News. Traveling through rural Pennsylvania, particularly in the northwest, theres little doubt of Trumps dominance. Trump signs are everywhere, though there is a noticeable amount of signage for Vice President Kamala Harris too. But national and state Democrats have placed renewed emphasis on turning out the vote in these sorts of rural areas, especially in Pennsylvania, as there are signs the former president could eat into the Democratic advantage in Philadelphia. This strategy has resulted in trips to rural Pennsylvania from both Harris, who made a stop in Johnstown in September, and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, as well as a bevy of visits from prominent Democratic surrogates. For a long time, national Democrats just kind of wrote those communities off and ignored them, Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro said. Shes showing up, and we appreciate that. And I think those communities, even though were a big state, theyre still retail areas. And we got to have candidates show up there. We got to make sure that they are getting the chance to meet local folks, and local folks ask them questions, kind of kick the tires a little bit. Chief among the surrogates is Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., who has campaigned in 11 red counties in western Pennsylvania alone, including Mercer. Democrats and Republicans in the state pointed to Fettermans effort as notable, even if Republicans doubted it would make much of a difference in the presidential race. In an interview, Fetterman explained his rural campaign schedule by saying hes always been committed to leaving no stone unturned in the state, though he added that any credit for gains in rural parts of the state belongs to all of these small red-county Dems, because those are the kinds of heroes throughout all of this. In 2022, Fetterman and Shapiro both pushed Democrats in red counties to put up their yard signs as a signal to others that it was acceptable to back the partys candidates. In Mercer County, both were able to cut into Republican margins, as Fetterman lost by 22 points and Shapiro lost by 18 both an improvement over Trumps results two years prior. But Republicans arent worried about any such rural slippage this time around. They believe that anyone who would have abandoned Trump after previously voting for him already did so before the 2020 vote. They also see an especially receptive audience to Trumps pitch about the dangers of large-scale immigration and rising prices. And theyve been encouraged by voter registration and early vote trends in places like Mercer County, where Republicans have outvoted Democrats ahead of Election Day while bolstering their voter registration numbers. State Rep. Josh Kail, who heads the Republican state House campaign committee, told NBC News that Democrats had a smart strategy even if he doubted it would work. But just showing up isnt going to do it, he added. You have to have an appeal. You have to have a message thats going to resonate. And I just dont see it. A Trump campaign official said the Democratic rural outreach effort amounts to nothing more than a nice bunch of nice headlines and some earned media. Just because [rural voters] get a door-knock or a piece of mail or see 50 million TV ads, its not like someones going to say, Oh, you know what? Maybe Im OK with [a wave of undocumented immigration]. Or maybe Im OK with inflation, this person said. Thats not how this works. 'Beating a dead horse' Just down the road from Mercer in neighboring Lawrence County, a bus filled with Trump surrogates rolled through in late October to speak to a crowd of roughly 100 supporters. The message was hammered home over and over: vote early. At one point, David Bossie, a Republican National Committee member from Maryland who was a top official on Trumps 2016 campaign, told attendees who said they had not yet voted: Shame on you! Kash Patel, a former Trump administration official and key ally, pushed voters to have uncomfortable conversations with acquaintances who might not be voting for Trump, adding that whether or not Trump wins could come down to Lawrence County. When it was her turn to speak, South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem asked the crowd: How many of you could think of somebody right now that you know that isnt going to vote for President Trump? Nearly everyone in attendance raised their hand. Ahead of that event, Joel DAlessandro, a Trump supporter from neighboring Beaver County, said he sees Republicans more involved and having a heightened sense of civic engagement than in past cycles. But he thinks ultimately flipping any votes at this stage of the game is virtually impossible, particularly with how inundated Pennsylvania has been, receiving the most spending on behalf of both major-party candidates as well as the most visits from each. I would challenge anybody to find an undecided vote, he said, adding: Short of one of the candidates committing a federal crime in public, out in the open that might not even but short of murder on camera by one of them, its like theyre [dug in]. I dont know any undecideds. At this point, why bother? Its beating a dead horse. Former President Bill Clinton recently campaigned in Johnstown, Pa., to boost the Harris campaign. DAlessandro said he had backed Democrats until 2006 and recalled voting for Bill Clinton. Seeking to reach voters like DAlessandro, Democrats dispatched Clinton to travel through western Pennsylvania last week, where the former president made stops in Johnstown, Greensburg and Butler all in red counties. During his stop in Johnstown, Clinton promoted Harris promise to make explicit outreach to people who dont even agree with her, discussed falling birth rates and how rising home prices in Nevada explained rising housing costs nationwide. He lambasted Trumps economic plan as costing far more than Harris in part because he would be giving wealthy Americans including me, he noted a substantial tax cut. I hate the idea of doing that, he said. He also spoke on immigration, promoting the bipartisan effort Harris and President Joe Biden agreed to with Republicans in an effort to solve some of those issues. Donald Trump said you cant do that. My whole deal is based on division. I need problems. I dont need solutions. I need people torn up and upset, Clinton said, channeling Trump. Standing on the side of his rally, a man approached the railing and expressed awe at a president standing in the middle of his small town. Amazing seeing a president standing there, the man said before leaving. Thats crazy. But on immigration, Democratic efforts to pin blame on Trump for the failure of the bipartisan border bill have fallen flat. In Mercer County, at a roundtable discussion with more than a half-dozen Democratic activists and volunteers, each person offered the same answer when asked if that pitch was breaking through: No. Doesnt even ring a bell, one said of the response they get when raising the episode. 'Quietly getting it done' Yet even as some interactions have been dispiriting, these Democrats havent lost hope. Charles Baldoff, a veteran and a Democratic activist in the county, recalled almost being run over in a parking lot as he and others were promoting the partys candidates. At the same time, though, he said he hasnt been able to keep up with demand for signs that read Veterans for Harris. I feel a lot better than I did last time, he said. Jennifer Valenti, a Democratic activist in Mercer County, became involved in this cycle after the overturn of Roe v. Wade in 2022 and has shared her story of being sexually assaulted as a preteen and receiving an abortion after learning she was pregnant months later. She said her conversations around abortion rights have been particularly impactful in her immediate circle, which does include some Republicans. I think a lot of the Democrats, were looking at both sides, she said. Were looking at Trumps policies, were looking at her policies, and were saying its not just because shes a woman or just because shes Black, its because of her policies. Mercer County went Democratic in all but one presidential election between 1976 and 2000, but hasnt been carried by a Democratic nominee in the years since. (Barack Obama came close in 2008 and 2012.) Ginny Richardson, the Mercer County GOP chair, gave a simple no when asked if she was concerned Democrats may be able to trim Trumps margins there. She said that on the Republican side as well, its been much easier to recruit volunteers for local campaign work than it had been in recent cycles. And she noted Republicans had reversed Democrats voter registration edge over the past three decades. The country people will put Trump in, she said. Even though he won so big last time, we want to win even bigger this time. At the roundtable discussion, David Henderson, a Mercer County Democrat, predicted that for all the Republican chest-thumping about the election in his community, the right would be in for a shellacking on Tuesday. Theyre going to lose it, he said. Were quietly getting it done. I think its going to be a landslide in Pennsylvania and around the country. Weve been quiet because we know that we raise all kinds of hell for Democrats, that were just going to bring in a bad light into an election. Theres enough bad in this election. Theres enough hate in the election, and if theyre going to bark at us, bark away. But in the end, were going to get it done. An IDF soldier takes up position on the border with the Gaza Strip in southern Israel on Jan. 29, 2024. (Tsafrir Abayov) Israel announced Sunday that it carried out a special ground operation in Syria "in recent months," the Israel Defense Forces said in a statement. The IDF also said it detained an "Iranian terror network operative" during the mission, whom it identified as Ali Soleiman al-Assi. It accused the man of gathering intelligence about IDF troops along the border and transferred him to Israel for interrogation. The IDF said al-Assi's arrest "prevented a future attack and led to the exposure of the operational methods of Iranian terror networks located near the Golan Heights." "The IDF will continue to operate to defend the sovereignty of the State of Israel and will not allow Iranian proxies in southern Syria to operate and threaten Israeli civilians," it said. Israel has carried out hundreds of strikes on targets in government-controlled parts of war-torn Syria in recent years, but it rarely acknowledges or discusses them. The strikes often target Syrian forces or Iranian-backed groups. Last month, the Israeli military launched aerial strikes on western Syria, the Syrian Defense Ministry said. It added that the strikes hit a military site in Hama and a car assembly plant in Hassia. Syrian state television also reported that the strikes hit vehicles loaded with medical and relief supplies and ignited a large fire in the area. In September, Israeli strikes hit several areas in central Syria, damaging a highway in Hama province and sparking fires, the Syrian state news agency SANA said at the time. Fourteen people were killed and more than 40 were wounded. Israel has vowed to stop Iranian entrenchment in Syria, particularly since Syria is a key route for Iran to send weapons to the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah. Hezbollah has been clashing with Israeli forces for the past 11 months against the backdrop of Israels war against Hamas an ally of Hezbollah in Gaza. Hochul Gov. Kathy Hochul on Saturday called New Yorkers who vote for Republican House candidates anti-American and anti-women a smear that sparked furor across the Empire State and beyond. If youre voting for these Republicans in New York, you are voting for someone who supports Donald Trump and youre anti-women, youre anti-abortion, and basically, youre anti-American, Hochul said on MSNBC. You just trashed American values and what our country is all about over and over. The Dem governor spewed her incendiary remarks less than a week after Democratic President Biden dismissed Donald Trump supporters as garbage. Hochul also previously divisively targeted New York Republican pols in 2022, telling them to just jump on a bus and head down to Florida where you belong. OK? Get out of town. Because you dont represent our values. Gov. Hochul Kathy Hochul called New Yorkers who vote for Republican House candidates anti-American and anti-women. Matthew McDermott Republicans immediately blasted the governor over her latest sneers and even Democratic strategists said demonizing a large segment of voters as anti-American was not helpful to their candidates. This is about as helpful as a severe migraine. Its never a good thing to identify a large segment of voters as un-American, said New York ex-Democratic Rep. Max Rose, who is aiding Democrats in House races. Kathy Hochul doesnt represent a majority of Democrats anywhere, said Rose, who served one-term representing Staten Island and parts of southern Brooklyn. State Republican Party Chairman Ed Cox fumed, Shes smearing at least one half of American voters and all Trump voters. Rep. Mike Lawler (R-Hudson Valley) told The Post, Governor Hochul has once again disgraced herself and the state of New York by calling supporters of some of the most bipartisan members of Congress anti-American. This is about as helpful as a severe migraine. Its never a good thing to identify a large segment of voters as un-American, said ex-Democratic Rep. Max Rose, who is aiding Democrats in House races. Stephen Yang Its shameful and wrong and shows exactly how much of a partisan hack Kathy Hochul really is. She must be voted out in November of 2026, but only after Republicans hold the House thanks to our New York GOP delegation. He noted that his Democratic opponent, ex-Rep. Mondaire Jones, didnt appear with Hochul when she was in the 17th House district in the Hudson Valley Saturday. Upstate Rep. Elise Stefanik, chair of the House Republican Conference, called Hochul the worst governor in America after seeing the clip. And state Conservative Party chairman Gerard Kassar said he was amazed in a scathing rebuke of the governor. It demonstrates why she is so unpopular, Kassar said. Her statement is asinine. Republicans said the statement is so offensive that it looks as if Hochul is angling for a job in a Kamala Harris administration, if the vice president wins, because it certainly is not a plus for a re-election bid in 2026. Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks during a campaign rally at First Horizon Coliseum, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in Greensboro, NC AP A Siena College poll released last month showed that only 36% of New Yorkers gave Hochul a favorable rating, while 51% viewed her unfavorably. A decade ago, former Gov. Andrew Cuomo caught flak for saying conservatives have no place in New York. Who are they? Right to life, pro-assault weapons, anti-gay if thats who they are, they have no place in the state of New York because thats not who New Yorkers are, Cuomo said in 2014. Hochuls camp had no immediate comment to the criticism. Tornadoes and flooding spawned by severe thunderstorms tore through parts of Oklahoma overnight, leaving at least 11 people injured and shredding homes and other properties. Residents in Oklahoma and Texas are bracing for more severe weather Sunday, including possible tornadoes, flash floods, hail and strong winds. The National Weather Service issued warnings for parts of both states Sunday afternoon. The severe weather is expected to move from west to east Sunday, the weather service said. Eleven people were taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries after the storms overnight, said Scott Douglas, public information officer with the Oklahoma City Fire Department. Several others suffered minor injuries but declined to seek medical treatment. Several structures were damaged in the area, along with power lines, trees, gas lines, traffic signals, and traffic signs, said Valerie Littlejohn, public information officer with the Oklahoma City Police Department. As of 1:30 p.m. CST Sunday, 39 structures had been destroyed, according to Oklahoma City officials. Additionally, 43 structures sustained major damage, while 54 had minor damage. More than 20,000 customers in Oklahoma and Texas were without power Sunday afternoon, according to PowerOutage.us. In Oklahoma City alone, 5,000 residents were without power as of Sunday afternoon, according to the city. Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt issued an emergency declaration for six counties, he announced at a news conference Sunday. Officials are working to ensure polling stations across the state have power ahead of the presidential election Tuesday, Stitt said. Well advise the public if theres any issue there with the polling stations and reroute people if need to, the governor said. Local fire crews as well as National Weather Service teams are surveying the damage Sunday, including in the town of Valley Brook, Harrah and Newcastle where the storms caused severe destruction. Video of the damage from CNN affiliate KOCO shows cars overturned and whole houses shredded. The storms toppled telephone poles and snapped trees in half. Debris is scattered around impacted areas, including large pieces of wood and metal from buildings that were ripped apart. Around 1:20 a.m., the weather service warned a severe thunderstorm with a tornado was moving through eastern Oklahoma City toward Midwest City and Tinker Air Force Base. A tornado warning was issued for over 300,000 people in Moore, Midwest City and Del City. I was awake, and I heard it pick up very quickly, said Justin Cue, describing the moment a possible tornado struck his fathers home overnight, leaving him with minor injuries from flying glass and debris. Debris started hitting the house, and after a few seconds my window blew out and then all you could hear was the roar of the wind and the ripping wood and glass shattering, Cue told CNN. Cues father, who moved to Oklahoma City from Kansas about two years ago, was also injured when the roof collapsed on him. He was unconscious for a brief time and we werent sure he was OK, Cue said. When the pair was able to get out of the home around 1:30 a.m., Cue said neighbors were yelling and helping get people out of the rubble until first responders arrived. Tornadoes were reported just east of Oklahoma City, and tornado and thunderstorm warnings were in place through early morning in the Oklahoma City area, the weather service said. Folks, dont let your guard down too much were already starting to see the atmosphere begin to recover ahead of yet another round of thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, flooding, and potential severe weather today, the weather service said in a post on X. The National Weather Service issued a tornado watch for parts of Oklahoma and a few counties in northern Texas until 8 p.m. CST Sunday. The watch includes Oklahoma City and surrounding cities southeast, affecting more than two million people. Supercell thunderstorms are firing off the same front that caused damage overnight. These new storms are capable of a few tornadoes, ping pong ball-sized hail, and 75 mph damaging winds. Clusters of intense thunderstorms over southwest Oklahoma and northwest Texas will track rapidly northeastward this afternoon across the watch area. Strong low-level shear will support a risk of tornadoes and damaging wind gusts with these storms, according to the weather services Storm Prediction Center. The Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management said it is monitoring the severe weather. Cars were overturned by the severe storms in Oklahoma. - Bryan Terry/The Oklahoman/USA Today Network/Imagn Images Police are asking people to avoid some roads in the area due to the damage. First responders rescued two people trapped inside an overturned mobile home after the storms hit, according to the Oklahoma City Fire Department. They also responded to several vehicles that were flooded due to heavy rainfall, according to Douglas. The University of Oklahoma told students and staff on its Norman campus to Seek shelter NOW inside the building you are in. Move to lowest floor/interior. Nighttime tornadoes are more than twice as deadly as daytime ones, research shows. Nocturnal tornadoes are difficult to spot in the darkness and those sleeping may not be aware that danger is near. National Weather Service teams are surveying the damage Sunday morning. - KOCO Theres heightened concern over the tornado threat this week given how prolific a year it has been for twisters in the US. The number of tornadoes reported so far this year is the second-most on record, trailing only 2011s 2,156. Violent thunderstorms are most common in spring and summer, but a second surge of dangerous storms and tornadoes happens during fall and winter as cold air from the north often collides with warmer, moist air streaming out of the Gulf of Mexico. CNNs Mike Madrigal, Elisa Raffa and Kia Fatahi contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com The Prince of Wales heads to Cape Town, South Africa on Nov. 4 for the fourth iteration of his Earthshot Prize Awards next week Chris Jackson - WPA Pool/Getty Prince William, Prince of Wales wearing a recycled tie makes a speech at the Breakthrough Energy Summit on June 27, 2024 in London, England Prince William shares why Africa holds a special place in his heart from providing him comfort as a teenager to choosing the continent as the place to propose to Kate Middleton in 2010 A 2018 trip to Namibia also inspired the Prince of Wales Earthshot Prize, the environmental initiative he founded in 2020 Prince William will head to Cape Town, South Africa, on Monday, Nov. 4 for the fourth iteration of his Earthshot Prize Awards Prince William is detailing how Africa inspired him including providing the setting to ask Kate Middleton to marry him. As the Prince of Wales prepares to arrive in South Africa in support of his environmental initiative the Earthshot Prize, he said, Africa has always held a special place in my heart as somewhere I found comfort as a teenager, where I proposed to my wife and, most recently, as the founding inspiration behind The Earthshot Prize. It was in Namibia in 2018 that I realized the power of how innovative, positive solutions to environmental problems could drive transformative change for humans and nature, he added in the Nov. 2 statement. The prince, 42, is traveling solo to Cape Town on Monday, Nov. 4 as Princess Kate continues her cancer recovery. He asked Kate, 42, to marry him in Kenya in 2010, taking his late mother Princess Diana's engagement ring with him to do so. Samir Hussein/WireImage Prince William and Kate Middleton pose for photographs in the State Apartments of St. James Palace on November 16, 2010 in London, England, after announcing their engagement. His statement came as final preparations are underway in Cape Town for a week of events centered around the star-studded Earthshot Prize Awards ceremony on Wednesday, Nov. 6. I am proud that, since its inception, The Earthshot Prize has traveled to Europe, North America and Asia, spotlighting and scaling 45 groundbreaking solutions, all of which are having a tangible impact as we work as a global collective to secure the future of our planet," William said. "This week well travel to South Africa to spotlight our next cohort of 15 finalists and have the opportunity to join partners from across Africa to celebrate the inspiring approach to environmental innovation that is taking place across the continent." Related: Prince Williams Superbowl Moment Will Be Bigger and Greener! Than Ever, Organizers Say MOHD RASFAN/POOL/AFP via Getty Prince William, Prince of Wales, takes part in a panel discussion at the Earthshot+ Summit at Park Royal Pickering in Singapore on Nov. 8, 2023 He is encouraged by the ideas that are coming forward, both around the world and in Africa, in particular. By the end of the week, I want The Earthshot Prize to have provided a platform to all those innovators bringing about change for their communities, encouraged potential investors to speed African solutions to scale and inspired young people across Africa who are engaged in climate issues," William added. "I firmly believe that if we come together with collective ambition and urgency, we can reshape the future of our planet. Organizers are especially proud of The Earthshot Prize's reach across Africa, which bears the brunt of the effects of climate change yet is the least polluting continent. The number of African-based nominations to The Earthshot Prize has doubled between 2023 and 2024, with over 400 nominations from African-led solutions and another 350 with operations and impact in Africa. Chris Jackson/Getty Prince William at last year's Earthshot Prize Awards ceremony in Singapore on Nov. 7, 2023 As excitement builds for the fourth iteration of Prince William's Earthshot Prize Awards, it was announced on Nov. 1 that the show will kick off with a performance from the iconic Table Mountain. Lebo M. will unveil a pre-recorded version of "Circle of Life" from The Lion King, the first time a performance of this nature has been recorded at the site above Cape Town. The awards ceremony Nov. 6 will take place in the Earthshot Prize Dome, a purpose-built venue that uses a structure designed and engineered in South Africa. The biggest of its kind in Africa with a width of 36m, a height of 15.5m and a length of 144m, it has been used before and will be broken down and re-used for other events in the country. The production of the show itself is also creating about 650 jobs locally, contributing significantly to Cape Towns creative industries. Kensington Palace The Earthshot Prize Dome Can't get enough of PEOPLE's Royals coverage? Sign up for our free Royals newsletter to get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more! The Earthshot Prize Awards will be broadcast in 50 countries across Africa via the MultiChoice network, in the U.K. on BBC iPlayer and around the world on YouTube. Kensington Palace Workers build the Earthshot Prize Dome As the week of Earthshot in South Africa gets underway beginning on Nov. 4, Table Mountain and other Cape Town landmarks will be lit green from that day until Nov. 7 something that has also been done in London, Boston and Singapore, the first three locations of the Earthshot Prize Awards in 2021, 2022 and 2023, respectively. Sheila Lyon and Katherine Lyon, sisters who disappeared from a popular suburban Washington, DC shopping center in 1975 (FBI) For decades, an unsolved cold case has haunted residents of a sleepy Maryland neighborhood. Two days into the spring school holidays in 1975, and just days away from celebrating their 11th and 13th birthdays, Katherine and Sheila Lyon went out for pizza. When they didnt return home by curfew, their mom panicked. Hours later, police were alerted, and an active search got underway. Divers, dogs and planes were deployed in one of the largest investigations the Washington, DC metropolitan area had ever seen. The little girls parents even sought help from a clairvoyant, but their efforts were to no avail. The case sat cold for 42 years until, finally, investigators unearthed the file of a troubled young man with a pockmarked face who was interviewed by police days after the Lyon sisters disappearance. Lloyd Lee Welch Jr now aged 67 was convicted in 2017 of the sisters abduction and murder. To this day, their remains have not been found. This week, investigators began examining an area of land long linked with Katherine and Sheilas disappearance. There was new evidence from a cold case in Taylors Mountain, Virginia, the US Marshals Service said on Monday, although they did not specify what the evidence was or which case it related to. Katherine and Sheila vanish Sheila Lyon was about to turn 13 when she disappeared (FBI) Katherine, 10, and Sheila, 12, lived with their parents and two brothers in Kensington, a tightly-knit, upper-middle-class town in Maryland. After breakfast on March 25, 1975, the girls left for Wheaton Plaza shopping center, about half a mile down the road, carrying $2 each in their pockets. Their mother, Mary Lyon, had given them strict instructions to return home by 4pm. Why dont you stop off and get some pizza, she told the girls, as per her interview with the Toledo Blade on April 8, 1975. At about 2.30pm, a friend spotted the girls walking home. While cooking fried chicken in her kitchen at 5.45pm, Mary began to worry that her girls were still out of the house. By 7pm, Montgomery County Police Department was alerted of the missing sisters, and an active search began. The Tape Recorder Man Montgomery County Police Department facial composite of Lloyd Lee Welch Jr from 1975 (Montgomery County Police Department) A prevailing theory was that the girls were snatched by a man who was seen speaking to them on a bench outside a pizza parlor. He was recording the conversation on a tape machine, according to witnesses. Two composite drawings were rendered, with investigators nicknaming the suspect Tape Recorder Man. One of the Lyon sisters friends, who was slightly older than Sheila, also described a young, long-haired man ogling the children. Why dont you take a picture of us? Itll last longer! the friend told the man, according to Mark Bowdens expose, The Last Stone. Police rendered a sketch of a disheveled young man with a pitted face and scars on his left cheek. On April 1, 1975, an aloof 18-year-old traveled to the shopping center to inform security he had seen a man matching the description. The eyewitness provided his name: Lloyd Lee Welch Jr. The long-haired drifter came from a withdrawn family who lived in the Appalachians. Welch had a penchant for drugs and alcohol and he was already building up an extensive criminal record. The teen provided police with a six-page statement recounting his version of events, and consented to a polygraph test. He failed the test, received a lecture about lying to police, and was sent on his way. Hunt for the Lyon sisters Katherine Lyon, the younger of the Lyon girls, was about to turn 11 (FBI) Police sent scuba divers into ponds and storm sewers, searched from the sky in planes, and combed through acres of woodland and vacant buildings. Specially-trained dogs were flown in to catch the girls scent in the Wheaton Plaza car park, only for it to be lost. A $9,000 reward was offered for the sisters safe return. On May 23, 1975, Maryland Lieutenant Governor Blair Lee ordered 122 National Guardsmen to participate in a search of a Montgomery County forest for the missing girls again to no avail. A tap was placed on the familys telephone, and a policeman lived in their home for nearly a month, investigating every tip, according to the Lewington Tribune in August 1975. By August, the girls mother Mary had lost hope, and believed them to be dead. As the leaves started to yellow and summer drew to a close, the case was considered cold. Case reopened A mugshot taken of Lloyd Lee Welch by Montgomery County Police Department, provided by the FBI (FBI) By 2013, many of those investigating the case were dead. The Lyon sisters case had been cold for almost 40 years. One day, the deputy sergeant for the Montgomery County Police Department, Chris Homrock, was trawling through the case files and stumbled on a document from 1975 he had never seen before. It belonged to an 18-year-old called Lloyd Lee Welch. The policeman noticed something peculiar: Welch looked suspiciously similar to the composite drawing of the adolescent who was reported to have leered at the girls. On further investigating Welch, Homrock learnt that he was incarcerated, at the back end of serving a 33-year sentence in a Delaware prison for molesting a 10-year-old girl in 1998. He had accrued a serious criminal history between 1973 and 1997 for offenses including rape, domestic violence, and assault with a knife. On October 16, Homrock traveled to Dover to visit Welch for the first in a string of eight interviews. I know why youre here, Welch muttered. Youre here about those two missing kids. Welch went on to tell a series of contradictory tales, spinning one story after the next to explain what had happened to the Lyon sisters, always placing the blame for the crime on others. By July 2014, his narrative became consistent: the girls had been abducted, raped and incinerated. Grim details emerge Lloyd Lee Welch became suspect number one when the case was reopened in 2013 (FBI) Welch admitted to investigators that the girls had been taken to the concrete basement at his uncles residence in Hyattsville. There, one of the sisters was allegedly sexually abused, the other dismembered, he told investigators. After stuffing the girls remains into a duffel bag, Welch said, he buried their bodies on family-owned land on Taylors Mountain in Thaxton, Virginia. Both the Hyattsville and Taylors Mountain residences were searched in September 2014. Welchs cousin Henry Parker told detectives that in spring 1975, he had helped move two army-style duffle bags from Welchs vehicle that weighed up to 70lbs and smelled like death. Welch claimed that the smell was rotten ground beef. The bags were tossed in a fire, Parker testified. A forensic search of the Taylors Mountain home uncovered small degraded fragments of human bone, a single tooth, a beaded necklace believed to have been worn by Katherine, and a section of charred wire, which may have been from Sheilas glasses. A May 2015 forensic examination of the rear room of the basement using Bluestar spray revealed extensive traces of blood, from the concrete floor to the ceiling. Samples were too degraded to conduct a genealogical analysis. Welch pleads guilty Welch was indicted in 2015 before pleading guilty to murder in 2017 (Bedford County Sheriffs Office) Welch continued to deny culpability for the girls actual murder giving revised accounts in January, February and May 2015. By July 2015, Welch was indicted on charges of second-degree murder, and this time, he admitted to abducting the girls in order that both he and his uncle could sexually abuse them in the basement of the Taylors Mountain home. They were killed in order for their captors to escape detection, Bedford County Sheriff Mike Brown told The Post. By the time of Welchs indictment, cold case investigators had devoted more than 16,000 hours to the re-investigation of the sisters disappearance, issued more than 50 search warrants, and conducted more than 100 formal interviews with family members, eyewitnesses, and other persons of interest. On September 12, 2017, Welch pleaded guilty to two counts of first-degree murder. He received two concurrent 48-year sentences in relation to two counts of first-degree murder. On completion of his prison term in Delaware in 2026, Welch will be transferred to the Virginia facility. Every day, Welch wakes up worrying that someone might put a shank in him for his crimes, he told Bowden in 2019. Welch was prosecuted in Bedford County, Virginia, because authorities believe the childrens bodies are most likely buried in this location the same area investigators have suddenly begun searching again. Crystal Pix/MB Media - Getty Images Queen Elizabeth II passed away at the age of 96, and her son Prince Charles immediately ditched "Prince of Wales" and became King Charles III, leaving his former title up for grabs by Prince William. And it looks like history will almost definitely repeat itself once Prince William levels up to King William, thereby opening up the title for his son Prince George. But there are some things to consider before jumping to the conclusion that George will take on this fancy new title as soon as his dad is king. For starters... The Title Will "Cease to Exist" When Prince William Becomes King Prince William will morph into King William pretty much the second King Charles passes away, and in that moment the title "Prince of Wales" will technically "ceases to exist," according to Brittanica. It sounds very dramatic, but honestly it's more like the "Prince of Wales" title is simply put on ice to stay chill (and readily available) until the King decides to bestow it upon someone. In other words: No one is becoming the Prince of Wales until King William is good and ready for them to be, mmkay! Crystal Pix/MB Media - Getty Images But the Title Traditionally Goes to the Heir Apparent And has done so since the 1300s! In the case of future King William, the heir apparent will obviously be Prince George since he's the eldest son of Prince William and Kate Middleton. But depending on when William becomes a king, Prince George could still be pretty young when the "Prince of Wales" title is technically ready for him to take on. Which begs the question... Will William and Kate Wait to Make Prince George "Prince of Wales?" Again, George is only 11 years old and the Waleses have made it clear they hope to keep their kids out of the spotlight as much as possible, for as long as possible. That said, there isn't a minimum age requirement when it comes to being Prince of Wales (King Charles was only 10 years old when Queen Elizabeth granted him the title), and monarchs typically bestow the honor right away. Like, King Charles waited just one day after his mother's death to make Prince William and Kate Middleton the Prince and Princess of Wales. Either Way, George Will Become Duke of Cornwall This title traditionally goes to the eldest son of the monarch and doesn't need to be formally granted, it just sort of happens the moment the previous Duke of Cornwall becomes King. And when George does become the Duke of Cornwall, he'll gain possession of the Duchy of Cornwall, which is a multi million dollar money making machine. (Note: It's unclear what happens if George gets the Duchy of Cornwall before the age of 18other than him becoming one of the richest kids in England). Oh and before we go, George's siblings likely won't be getting much in the way of titles (Princess Charlotte could become "Princess Royal" one day, TBD), but that's how their parents want it. It turns out Kate and William do not sound here for their youngest being working royals and hope Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis will forge their own paths. As an insider put it to the Daily Beast, The working assumption is that the younger two children will get on and do their own thing. They will be encouraged to not become working royals." They added that Wills and Kate have a "deliberate strategy to let Charlotte and Louis choose their own destiny." Nice for some! *camera pans to George* You Might Also Like Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump are spending a lot of time in Pennsylvania, but where else they are going reveals their strategies. Scott Olson and Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images Donald Trump and Kamala Harris will mostly close out the 2024 race in Pennsylvania. But it is Trump's campaign making a late push to expand his path to victory. Both sides are also making a play for North Carolina. Donald Trump and Kamala Harris are saying a lot about their closing strategies by deploying the most valuable resource left in the 2024 campaign: their time. The top two contenders have or will visit each of the seven swing states over the campaign's final days. Harris spent Friday in Wisconsin, Saturday in Georgia and North Carolina, and today will be crisscrossing Michigan. Trump spent Friday in Michigan and Wisconsin, Saturday in North Carolina, and today will be in Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Georgia. Both hopefuls spent Thursday in Nevada and Arizona. Trump is taking the most eye-raising approach. He spent part of Friday in New Mexico and Saturday in Virginia, neither of which has voted for a Republican for president in two decades. His campaign even added a last-minute rally in New Hampshire featuring GOP Vice Presidential Nominee Sen. JD Vance. No major election forecaster considers any of those three states a "toss-up." Saturday showed there could still be a surprise left in this chaotic race, even if polling and pundits may say otherwise. Harris might be able to expand her map without really trying. The widely respected Des Moines Register/Mediacom Iowa Poll showed her with 3 percentage point lead among likely voters in Iowa. Once a swing state, Iowa has swung heavily toward Republicans in recent elections, and no one thought Trump might be in jeopardy of losing a state he won easily in 2016 and 2020. A different poll showed Trump leading the state, but the biggest takeaway is Trump's struggle with older women. If that holds elsewhere in the Midwest, he's in serious trouble. The state that stands out the most on the schedule. Not surprisingly, Trump and Harris are focusing the bulk of their efforts on Pennsylvania, the most important swing state. Harris would win the race by holding the "Blue Wall," Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Michigan, and the so-called Blue Dot, Nebraska's 2nd Congressional District. In that scenario, Trump could sweep the remaining four swing states and still fall short. On the other hand, if Trump wins Pennsylvania, Harris would be in a bind. If Harris won Michigan and Wisconsin, she would still need to add Georgia or North Carolina to her column. Even winning Michigan, Wisconsin, Nevada, and Arizona would not be enough to put her in the White House. It's why Trump's decision to spend significant time in North Carolina looms large. He's set to spend the second-most time in the state in the campaign's final days, trailing only Pennsylvania. Harris held a rally in Charlotte on Saturday before flying to New York to make a surprise appearance on "Saturday Night Live." The major polling aggregators show Trump with just over a one percentage point lead in the Tar Heel state. Despite President Obama being the only Democratic presidential hopeful to carry the state since 2000, Trump only narrowly held off President Biden there four years ago. Some of Harris' aides mocked Trump's decision. "Donald Trump is worried about losing North Carolina," Harris spokesperson Ammar Moussa wrote on X under two siren emojis. Doug Sosnik, a longtime advisor to Bill Clinton and a North Carolina native, doesn't see Harris' path there. "It's a state that guys like me would have told you 10 years ago would be a Democratic state now like Virginia, but it's not," Sosnik said. North Carolina is "not a level playing field" for Democrats, Sosnik said, pointing to Democrats' struggles there except for Obama. "It's competitive. It's something worth fighting for, if she's got the resources, she should stick it out, and maybe she could win it," Sosnik said. Trump's campaign shot back that it was Harris that is actually worried. "President Trump is leading in every battleground state and he's been going on offense in historically Democrat states like New Mexico and Virginia," Trump spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said in a statement to Business Insider. "Meanwhile, Kamala Harris remains on defense, shifting more resources to turn out the vote in Black communities and sending Bill Clinton to New Hampshire." Susan Roberts, a political science professor at Davidson College, said that one of the wild cards for North Carolina this cycle is the large number of people who have moved to the state post-2020. According to the Census Bureau, only two other states, Florida and Texas, added more people in 2023. Since 2020, roughly 99,000 people every year on average have moved to North Carolina from other states, per the Office of State Management and Budget. Trump also has to grapple with the fact that some of his strongest counties were devastated by Hurricane Helene, leaving officials scrambling to relocate polling places. "If North Carolina is close, if it looks like Harris is a hair ahead, I think many of the votes in Western North Carolina will be scrutinized within an inch of their life," Roberts said, adding she is not convinced that every vote in the affected areas will be in by the deadline. Read the original article on Business Insider In Donald Trump's first term as president, he wielded his broad constitutional authority over the military in unprecedented ways. He mobilized thousands of National Guard troops to repel Black Lives Matter protests in Washington, D.C., suspended long-running military exercises with U.S. ally South Korea to placate North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un, and he banned transgender recruits from serving issuing the policy in a tweet. Given a second term, Trump says he would go much further. Now, just days before a historically tight election, former defense officials and lawmakers say the results could be apocalyptic. Trump has warned he could deploy U.S. troops to combat the enemy within, saying that radical left lunatics could be handled by American soldiers. In June, Trump amplified a social media post calling for former Rep. Liz Cheney the Republican co-chair of the special House committee that investigated the Jan. 6, 2021, assault on the Capitol by a mob of Trump supporters to be put on trial for treason by a military tribunal. Treason is punishable by the death penalty. Trump could, some current and former defense officials say, invoke the Insurrection Act and order U.S. troops to participate in the mass deportation of people living in the country without legal permission, arrest citizens involved in civil disobedience and persecute his political opponents. He would use the military to go after these people," said Chuck Hagel, a Republican and former Defense Secretary under President Barack Obama. "Its pretty clear this is an authoritarian speaking. Sen. Jack Reed, the Rhode Island Democrat who leads the Armed Services Committee, said: He will destroy the Department of Defense, frankly. Not unlike a lot of Americans, Im very concerned about a Trump second term not based on conjecture, Hagel said. But based on his own words. A look back at history: Is ugly chapter in US history going to repeat? Actor George Takei worries it will. Defense leaders raise concerns This story is based on interviews with two former Defense secretaries who served in the Obama administration, Reed, and several current and former Defense officials who spoke on condition of anonymity. Representatives for John Kelly, Trump's former Homeland Security secretary, and retired Gen. Mark Milley, the former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff under Trump, said both officials declined to comment, as did Christopher Miller, Trump's final acting Defense secretary. Mississippi Sen. Roger Wicker, the highest-ranking Republican member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and House Armed Services Committee Chair Rep. Mike Rogers, of Alabama, did not respond to requests for comment. On the campaign trail, Trump has floated deploying U.S. forces domestically to aid in the mass deportations of immigrants who lack permanent legal status. In an interview with TIME earlier this year, Trump said he would deploy the National Guard alongside local law enforcement to carry out the deportations. If I thought things were getting out of control, I would have no problem using the military, he said. More: Trump's deportation plan: A cost to taxpayers, billions for big business Asked if he would deploy the military inside U.S. borders, he said, I don't think I'd have to do that. I think the National Guard would be able to do that. If they weren't able to, then Id use the military. The Trump campaigns national press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, amplified that pledge in a statement. President Trump will restore his effective immigration policies, implement brand new crackdowns that will send shockwaves to all the worlds criminal smugglers, and marshal every federal and state power necessary to institute the largest deportation operation of illegal criminals, drug dealers, and human traffickers in American history, she said. Troops were used on U.S. soil during Rodney King aftermath in 1992 Federal law generally prevents the use of active-duty troops on U.S. soil for law enforcement. But the Insurrection Act of 1807 gives the president authority in emergencies. It was last invoked in 1992 during riots in Los Angeles after police officers were acquitted for the beating of Rodney King. If Trump did invoke the Insurrection Act to order the military to arrest and deport immigrants, troops would be put in a bind over whether those actions are legal, according to one current and one former senior Defense official who addressed the issue on condition of anonymity. If military lawyers interpret the deportation orders - which could involve millions of people - as legal, troops would be mandated to carry them out. Trump will likely appoint cabinet members fully invested in his agenda who , unlike in his first term, wont push back as former Defense Secretaries Jim Mattis and Mark Esper did. He never really understood the role of the military and never understood that their primary oath is to the Constitution and not to the president, said Leon Panetta, who served as Defense Secretary and CIA director under Obama. What he clearly will do is try to appoint civilians in key positions at the Pentagon, which will give him at least some capability to try to influence what happens with the military, Panetta said. If those civilian officials issue orders that run counter to their interpretations of the Constitution, such as mass deportation, Panetta expects widespread resignations among uniformed leaders. Refusing to obey The military leaders that I know will refuse to obey an order that they believe violates their oath to the Constitution, said Panetta, who still consults with officials at the Pentagon. So, it may well be that we wind up losing a lot of members of the top military leadership if he continues to order them to do things that violate their oath. Trump flirted with invoking the Insurrection Act in 2020, when protests swept the nation in response to the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis. As protesters converged in Washington, D.C., units from the 82nd Airborne moved towards the outskirts of the nation's capital to await orders to move in, according to Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy. In June 2020, Trump considered deploying troops to American cities to quash the demonstrations. "If a city or a state refuses to take the actions that are necessary to defend the life and property of their residents, then I will deploy the United States military and quickly solve the problem for them, he said. Trump hasnt given up the idea. And now, he says he wouldn't wait for permission from state and local leaders. In cities where theres been a complete breakdown of public safety, I will send in federal assets, including the National Guard, until law and order is restored, he said in an address to the Conservative Political Action Conference last year, adding: Were not supposed to do that. And at a rally in Davenport, Iowa, in March of last year, Trump said he would intervene to get crime out of our cities, like New York and Chicago, which he branded crime dens. Data shows violent crime in urban areas nationwide has dropped from a Pandemic-era peak. He conceded that youre supposed to not be involved in that, you just have to be asked by the governor or the mayor to come in. The next time," he said, "Im not waiting. Following through on threats Hagel believes Trump will follow through on threats, including a military trial for critics like Cheney and using troops to persecute the enemy within, a shifting category that has included Democratic lawmakers including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Adam Schiff, who led Trump's first impeachment trial in 2020. Its a threat to democracy, said Hagel, a former GOP senator from Nebraska. It really strikes at the heart of a nation thats ruled by a Constitution, thats a nation of laws, when you start using the military for your own personal agendas." Trump spokesperson Steven Cheung defended Trump's description of internal threats. "President Trump is 100% correct," Cheung said in a statement. "Those who seek to undermine democracy by sowing chaos in our elections are a direct threat." Asked if he agreed with Trumps former chief of staff, John Kelly, a retired four-star Marine general, that Trump fit the definition of a fascist, Reed demurred only slightly. Kelly, in an interview with the New York Times, also said that Trump had spoken admiringly of Hitlers generals. Im very concerned that he would, regardless of the definition of fascist, act like one, Reed said. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: How defense leaders expect Trump to use military Over the past two years, Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian targets have reached further and further into Russia. Russian naval and air force bases in Murmansk have increasingly suffered attacks by Ukrainian drones. How this can happen baffles the Russians because Murmansk is over 2000 kilometers from Ukraine and the Russians believed the Ukrainians did not have a drone that could get that far. Apparently, the Ukrainians do have drones that can reach Murmansk. Earlier this year Ukraine revealed that they had developed and used their new Palianytsia turbojet powered drone. So far, this drone has been used in at least three successful attacks. Ukraine was believed to be working on longer range drones and that was what was apparently used for recent drone strikes on Murmansk. Ukraine has already revealed that their new Palyanitsa drones have a range of 700 kilometers and cost about $100,000. It carries a 40 kg warhead. Speed is about 500 kilometers an hour. That means Palianytsia can reach a target 700 kilometers away in about 72 minutes. Palianytsia can fly low to avoid detection by radar. Palianytsia was developed and in production after about 18 months of work. Palianytsia does not use any exotic or hard to obtain components and can be mass produced by Ukraine. Ukraine has been developing and building its own drones for over two years. It is likely that Ukraine now has a drone that can travel over 2,000 kilometers and hit targets in Murmansk. This bothers the Russians a great deal because they believed their aircraft and ships in Murmansk were safe. Ukrainian drones are cheaper than American and Russian missiles, which cost over $10 million each and carry heavier warheads than drones. What the drones lack in warhead weight they make up with far more droves and increased ability to find and hit targets Palianytsia and other new longer range drones are doing a lot of damage to Russian forces, factories and military bases. In a familiar pattern for the Ukraine War, Russia quickly came up with counter measures for specialized Ukrainian drones. Russia found itself with a serious problem because there was no easy or economical way to defeat these drone attacks. Russia could not build enough air defense systems fast enough to prevent the Ukrainians from inflicting substantial damage on the Russian military and economy. Unlike the Russians, Ukraine only attacked military or economic targets. Russia has increasingly attacked towns and cities in an effort to demoralize Ukrainians. Instead it angered most Ukrainians and increased resolve to continue the war against the Russian invaders. The Russian invasion failed to defeat Ukraine and cost Russia far more time, resources and personnel than expected. The invasion was the idea of Vladimir Putin, who wanted to restore the Soviet Union. So far that effort has been an expensive failure. But the war is the first, since 1945, between nations with equal technical abilities. The result has been a tremendous amount of innovation. Wartime pressures usually produced this burst of inventiveness. One of the more notable innovations was the widespread development and use of drones. NATO military aid has been massive but came with one restriction, no use of these weapons for attacks deep inside Russia. NATO could not prevent the Ukrainians from developing and building their own weapons for attacks on Russian targets. Initially these were carried out by drones. While Russia has used ballistic missiles, Ukraine had to develop their own. These missiles are much more difficult to defend against and do a lot more damage to targets deep inside Russia. Since these ballistic missiles will be produced in Ukraine, the Ukrainians can use them any way they see fit and that means not announcing the use of these missiles against Russia. It is unclear if Ukrainian ballistic missiles have been used against targets in Murmansk. Both Ukraine and Russia have embraced cheap drones costing a few hundred dollars, and more expensive quadcopters, as essential battlefield weapons. This has a lot to do with economy and efficiency. Compared to a 155mm or 152mm artillery shell and the expense of an expensive howitzer to fire these unguided shells 20 or 30 kilometers, armed drones are more certain to find and attack enemy troops or vehicles than artillery shells. Drones are currently the primary cause of casualties in Ukraine. In 20th century wars, most casualties were inflicted by artillery. Artillery still has its uses for long range bombardment of a specific target or more random harassment fire to discourage enemy use of certain roads or off road terrain. FPV (First Person Viewing) drone control range varies from one to ten kilometers depending on how much electronic jamming or random interference there is. Average range is closer to four or five kilometers. Within these ranges the amount and extent of the damage these drones can inflict is enormous, precise, and often decisive in a battle or encounter. Both Russian and Ukrainian forces are using cheap quadcopter drones controlled by soldiers a kilometer or more away, who use FPV goggles to see what the day/night video camera on the drone can see. Adding night vision doubles the cost for each drone, so not all of them have that capability. Each of these drones carries half a kilogram of explosives, so it can instantly turn the drone into a flying bomb that can fly into a target and detonate. This is an awesome and debilitating weapon when used in large numbers over the combat zone, and Ukraine this year has produced more drones than Russia has produced artillery shells. If a target isnt moving or requires more explosive power that the drones can supply, one of the drone operators can call in artillery, rocket, or missile fire, or even an airstrike. Tanks and infantry obtain some protection from these attacks by erecting a screen above the vehicle or trench line of fox holes troops are in. When moving, the troops are vulnerable. For vehicles, multiple drone attacks will eliminate the overhead screen and damage or destroy the vehicle. Since the drone operator is viewing all this from the drone, these attacks are rather devastating. A major limitation is the need for trained drone operators. These troops need over a hundred hours of training before they are able to start operating these drones, and another hundred hours of actual use before they are able to make the most out of the system. These drones are difficult to shoot down until they get close to the ground and the shooter is close enough, as in less than a few hundred meters, away to successfully target a drone with a bullet or two and bring it down. Troops are rarely in position to do this, so most of these drones are able to complete their mission, whether it is a one-way attack or a reconnaissance and surveillance mission. The recon missions are usually survivable and enable the drone to be reused. All these drones are constantly performing surveillance, which means that both sides generally commit enough drones to maintain constant surveillance over a portion of the front line, to a depth, into enemy territory, of at least a few kilometers. Both sides now seek to find and attack each others FPV drone operators. That means more drone operators near shelters. This massive use of FPV-armed drones has revolutionized warfare in Ukraine and both sides are producing as many as they can. Not having enough of these to match the number the enemy has in a portion of the front means you are at a serious disadvantage in that area. These drones are still evolving in terms of design and use and are becoming more effective and essential. One countermeasure that can work for a while is electronic jamming of the drones control signal. Drone guidance systems are constantly modified or upgraded to cope with this. Most drones have flight control software that sends drones with jammed control signals back to where they took off from to land and await. The jammers are on the ground and can be attacked by drones programmed to home in on the jamming signal and detonate their explosives on the source of the jamming signal. As a result, even countermeasures can be overcome and the side that can do this more quickly and completely has an advantage. That advantage is usually temporary because both sides are putting a lot of effort into keeping their combat drones effective on the battlefield. Ukraine was not where extensive use of these drones first occurred. Innovative use of small drones is something that has been going on for several decades and is evolving all the time. This began in 2010 when the French firm Parrot introduced the first consumer friendly quadcopter. By 2017 Parrot had competition from the Chinese firm DJI, which innovated more quickly than anyone else and soon dominated the market for commercial quadcopters. This is why both Russia and Ukraine first turned to DJIs Mavic quadcopters as models for new militarized quadcopters they would produce. Both sides soon designed and built their own drones or heavily modified commercial models like Mavic. Russian troops had a more difficult time doing this. Russian troops also used Mavic quadcopters, when they could get them. Corruption in Russia made importing Mavic quadcopters difficult. This isnt just about Mavic because corruption became more widespread in Russia in 2022 when the Ukraine War started, and subsequent sanctions disrupted the Russian economy. Ukrainians are encouraged to take the initiative in designing and building new models of drones. Many important innovations have come from Ukrainian civilians building drones at home. This is often done for family members of friends who are in the military and could always use a few more drones. Individuals or small groups of Ukrainian drone enthusiasts arose from peacetime groups interested in nonmilitary remotely controlled unmanned aircraft. When Russia invaded, the Ukrainian civilian drone hobbyists quickly joined or worked for the military. In contrast, Russia has its national bureaucracy that not merely discourages and disrupts any private efforts to design and build not merely drones, but private efforts to build most anything which might compete with government ways of building or doing things. This has been true since the 1920s, originally because of the Communist system, then because that was normal even after the Communists were overthrown, and then because such private enterprise interferes with government corruption. Ukrainians have noticed that one of their assets in the war is the disruptive effect Russian bureaucracy has on the Russian military. The Ukrainians are faster in developing new weapons, and particularly new drones. The Russians have adapted, as they usually do, to the wartime drone emergency and adopted more effective procurement practices. These will disappear when the war is over, as most practical measures adopted in wartime tend to do. While there is some corruption in Ukraine, there is also a lot more popular anger and active opposition to any corruption hurting the war effort. Less corruption in wartime Ukraine means there are a lot more opportunities for innovation without interference from some corrupt official or supplier. Russian troops still have lots of drones but not as many as the Ukrainians, and particularly not with all the innovations found in many Ukrainian drones. This made a difference and still does, even though the Russians have been quick to use new forms of jamming to disrupt or destroy Ukrainian drones. Both sides suffer heavy, as in the thousands, of drone losses each month and Ukraine, with NATO support and unencumbered by economic sanctions, is able to maintain a drone edge on the battlefield. Earlier in 2024 Ukraine announced the creation of another branch of its military. Now, in addition to the army, national guard, navy, and air force there will also be an Unmanned Systems Force. This organization trains personnel to manage production of air and naval drones as well as development of new or improved models. The Unmanned Systems Force will develop and install useful changes in new or existing drones. As of late 2024 Russia has not responded to this innovation. Each episode of Saturday Night Live Season 50 has opened with a comedic take on the 2024 presidential election in the ultimate lead-up to tonight's pinch-me Live from New York! moment. Vice Present Kamala Harris made a surprise stop in Studio 8H for a cameo with her SNL doppelganger Maya Rudolph. In tonight's SNL Cold Open, Rudolph (as Kamala) says she needs a moment to herself and turns to have a heart-to-heart in her mirror where the real Kamala Harris sits facing her. The two give each other a pep talk full of puns on Kamalas name like Kamala take my palm-ala and Keep Kamala and carry on-ala. They also remark on how in tune they are with each other stating, We know each other so well we even finish each other's belief in the promise of America! The skit, which included a host of cameos from Andy Samberg as Doug Emhoff, Jim Gaffigan as Tim Walz and Dana Carvey as President Joe Biden, left the audience howling, but more importantly reminded viewers to head to the polls on Election Day. The unexpected visit goes against executive producer Lorne Michaels' previous declaration that neither main candidate for president would appear on the variety show before the election. You cant bring the actual people who are running on because of election laws and the equal time provisions, Micheals said in early October. You cant have the main candidates without having all the candidates. (NBC execs must have gotten a new interpretation of the equal time law.) The hit sketch show has a rich history of politicians dropping by 30 Rock to connect with the public, dating back to the first season when President Gerald Ford uttered the now-famous line that kicks off every episode. A bevy of political figures have tried their hands at sketch comedy, including President Barack Obama, John McCain and Al Gore. Tonight's side-by-side comparison of a presidential hopeful and their SNL doppelganger follows a successful 2015 skit in which Hilary Clinton joined her impersonator Kate McKinnon. The two Hilary Clintons shared their election anxieties over a few stiff drinks. Back in a 2008 cold open, Sarah Palin also popped by to share her thoughts on Tina Feys impression of her during a parody press conference. Watch the full cold open here: The king of Spain was pelted with mud and rocks by a crowd of furious flood survivors as he visited a devastated town in Spains Valencia region on Sunday. The unprecedented attack took place as King Felipe VI and Pedro Sanchez, Spains prime minister, visited Paiporta, where the local river burst its banks after extremely heavy rainfall in parts of the Valencia region. Some areas received a years worth of rainfall in eight hours. Thousands of troops were deployed to Valencia last week to join rescue efforts as workers combed through wrecked homes and cars in a desperate search for survivors. Authorities have struggled to reach some rural areas where thousands of residents are thought to be stranded without electricity, and roads are blocked by piled-up vehicles, debris and thick mud. Paiporta, just south of Valencia, bore the brunt of Tuesdays floods the second deadliest in Europe this century suffering around a third of the 211 confirmed deaths. Residents there, as well as in the nearby suburb of Alfafar, have accused the government of abandoning them after a long-delayed initial alarm about the floods severity. Footage showed how residents and cars were making their way across Valencia as a deluge of murky water suddenly appeared on Tuesday evening. Within minutes, cars were being dragged away by the floodwater. The king talks to an angry protester in flood-hit Paiporta - Biel Alino/EFE via AP Spanish police were forced to step in as the protests continued - Eva Manez/Reuters The king, who was flanked by Queen Letizia and Mr Sanchez, arrived in Paiporta on Sunday to a hostile atmosphere. Chants of murderers and get out! Get out! could be heard ringing out in the town, where there remains palpable anger over the delay in sounding the alarm as well as the governments response. King Felipe initially looked shaken as mud, stones and a glass jar were fired towards him and his entourage. Queen Letizia was struck on the nose with mud and sprayed with a water hose. Mr Sanchez was forced to flee Paiporta after being struck on the back by a stick-wielding protester. His car was reportedly smashed as it left the town, including by a resident wielding a shovel. He later said that while he empathised with the anguish and suffering of the flood victims, all forms of violence were unacceptable. King Felipe and his wife remained on the scene after Mr Sanchez left, engaging with angry residents and eventually being pictured comforting several people in the crowd. Queen Letizia was also shaken by the response to their arrival but stayed to offer hugs and words of sympathy, with mud stains visible on her hands and face. A statement from Mr Sanchezs office said the group had been pelted with mud and other objects, forcing his bodyguard to activate the security protocol and take him to the advanced command centre. The king was engulfed during the visit to Valencia - Shutterstock Furious demonstrators hurled insults - Manaure Quintero/AFP Alberto Nunez Feijoo, the leader of Spains opposition Peoples Party (PP), thanked the royal couple for their exemplary behaviour and always being at the service of Spaniards. Carlos Mazon, Valencias regional president from the PP, was part of the kings entourage as it was attacked in Paiporta. He stayed on the streets with the royals after the projectiles were thrown towards them. I understand peoples indignation, and of course I stayed on to take it. Its my political and moral obligation, Mr Mazon said in a statement. Volunteers said the towns angry response should have been expected by the king and the prime minister. People were shouting Sanchez resign and Mazon resign and Sanchez hid in his car for an hour. If he had stayed out there, I dont know what would have happened, a volunteer called Ines told the newspaper El Pais. Protesters were seen throwing handfuls of mud and stones towards the king and his entourage - Manuare Quintero/AFP via Getty Images Queen Letizia appeared emotional - Ana Escobar/EFE Pere, another volunteer, said: What were they expecting from this visit? People are extremely angry. Pedro Sanchez should have come here on day one with a spade. A second walkabout planned later in the day in the town of Chiva, which was also ravaged by floods, was cancelled. Residents of the worst-affected towns and districts in Valencia have complained about the speed of the authorities response, with even basic supplies such as water and food reportedly not arriving for days. Meanwhile, Spains ministry of health warned that some hospitals in the Valencia region were on the verge of collapse. That included La Fe Hospital, which received around 75,000 calls in the initial aftermath of the floods. Tens of thousands of Valencia residents had begun visiting the flood zone to help with the clean-up effort, before Mr Mazons regional government asked them to gather at the centralised coordination centre instead. This allowed long queues of cars to move more freely, and created up access for the emergency services workers still searching for those missing in the floods. Credit: Guardia Civil A political battle erupted between Mr Sanchezs Left-wing government and the PP-run Valencia administration over the response to the flooding. Sundays visit by the king and the prime minister came as much of Spains Mediterranean coast was on alert for further heavy rain on Sunday, with a red alert issued for the areas south of Valencia, including those impacted by Tuesdays floods. While Valencia experienced the worst of the flooding, other areas in Spain have also been hit by torrential rain. They incuded Malaga, where a 71-year-old Briton was confirmed to have died by the local mayor. At least two people were killed in Castellon, according to local authorities. 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. Jan Broberg was kidnapped twice by Robert Berchtold, a man she considered a second father Netflix Robert Berchtold and Jan Broberg. Its been 50 years since Jan Broberg was kidnapped for the first time by Robert Berchtold. Back in the early 1970s, Jans parents, Mary Ann and Bob Broberg, met Berchtold and his family while attending church in the small town of Pocatello, Idaho. The two families became close, and Jan eventually thought of Berchtold as a father figure but he had ulterior motives. Over the course of several years, Berchtold set his sights on Jan, going as far as having separate affairs with her parents to keep her within reach. On Oct. 17, 1974, Berchtold took 12-year-old Jan under false pretenses and held her captive in this RV, convincing her that aliens had given them a mission: to have a child together and save the planet. Soon after, Berchtold drove Jan down to Mexico, where they wed. While Berchtold was later charged with kidnapping, he continued to manipulate Jan and her parents. She still believed the alien mission was real, and Berchtold kidnapped her a second time on Aug. 10, 1976 to complete it. In the end, the two were found, and Berchtold was sentenced to time in a mental facility, but it wasn't the last time their lives crossed paths. So what happened to Jan Broberg? Heres everything to know about her kidnapping and where she is now. Who was Jan Brobergs kidnapper Robert Berchtold? ABDUCTED IN PLAIN SIGHT TRAILER/YouTube Jan Broberg and Robert Berchtold. Berchtold, a husband and father of five, met the Brobergs in June 1972 when he began attending the same church in Pocatello, Idaho, according to the 2017 Netflix documentary Abducted in Plain Sight. The Broberg family was involved in the church as devout members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and they invited Berchtold and his family into their home. Over the next few months, the two families spent time together, with Berchtold earning the nickname B. In the documentary, Jan revealed that she considered him a second father, sharing that she initially felt safe with him. He made it a routine to visit every night to talk and play games. Everybody had a best friend. Between the Brobergs and the Berchtold family, there was a best friend for everyone. We had some of our best family times when we were with the Berchtold family, Jan said. What happened in the time leading up to Jan Brobergs first kidnapping? Courtesy Jan Broberg A photo of the Broberg family in 'Abducted in Plain Sight.' After their first encounter in church, Berchtold gained the trust of Mary Ann and Bob to get to Jan. From the beginning, the couple noticed Berchtold had a fascination with Jan, but he managed to distract them with his charm even starting separate romantic affairs with them, according to Abducted in Plain Sight. In doing so, Berchtold was able to spend increasing time with Jan, even giving her a job at his furniture store. She also accompanied the Berchtold family on a trip to Seattle in June 1973. During an appearance on the Trust Me: Cults, Extreme Belief, and the Abuse of Power podcast, she recalled Berchtold convincing her parents for permission and her excitement when they eventually agreed because she had a crush on his oldest son Jerry but the visit took a turn. One night, while they were out to dinner, Jan appeared unwell, swaying in her seat while speaking incoherently, she recounted in Abducted in Plain Sight. Berchtold took her back to their motel, where she drifted in and out of consciousness. Afterward, she only remembered waking up and seeing him without clothes. Then, in January 1974, Berchtold was reprimanded by the High Counsel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints after they uncovered his relationship with another young girl. He checked himself into a treatment center in California, and when he returned, he explained to Mary Ann and Bob that his issues stemmed from being sexually assaulted by an aunt as a child, per the Netflix documentary. He told the couple that a part of his therapy to overcome his trauma was to be around a child who was the same age as his abuser while listening to therapeutic tape recordings from his psychologist and he even encouraged them to call his doctor for confirmation. Mary Ann and Bob hesitantly allowed Berchtold to spend time with Jan while she was sleeping. He lay beside her for 20 minutes every night for nearly six months, up until the evening before her kidnapping. What happened during Jan Brobergs first kidnapping? ABDUCTED IN PLAIN SIGHT TRAILER/YouTube Jan Broberg and Robert Berchtold. On Oct. 17, 1974, Berchtold invited Jan for a horseback riding lesson. As the owner of a furniture store, he was heading to a ranch belonging to a client to take some measurements, she said on the Trust Me podcast. Jan, who had previously ridden horses with Berchtold and his son, agreed to join but since it was a school night, her father said no. When Berchtold later asked Mary Ann instead, she approved as long as Jan was back before dinner. Berchtold proceeded to pick Jan up from her piano class, and on the way to the ranch, he gave her what she believed to be her allergy medication, according to Abducted in Plain Sight. Instead, it was a sleeping pill, and when she awoke, she was tied down to a bed in the back of an RV. As she went in and out of consciousness, a tape recording played that told her she was secretly part of an alien race. The voices told her that the aliens had been watching her since she was born, and she now had a mission to help their dying planet. Jan was instructed that a male companion was waiting at the front of the RV, and she must bear a child with him before her 16th birthday. They said if I didnt do this, my father and I would be killed, my sister Karen would go blind and my sister Susan would be kidnapped and take my place as the female companion. The only thing I was thinking about was protecting my family, she told the Idaho State Journal. Isolated and afraid, Jan believed the story. As she approached the front of the RV, she discovered Berchtold, who had orchestrated a scene to appear hurt and unconscious. When Jan "woke" him, he told her they had been driving when he saw a white flash of light, and the car started shaking. Over the next several weeks, Berchtold drove the RV toward Mexico, during which he began sexually assaulting Jan under the guise that they were trying to complete the mission given to them by the aliens. When they arrived in Mazatlan, Mexico, the pair got married, as child marriage was legal there at the time. Why didnt Mary Ann and Bob Broberg contact authorities right away? Netflix A photo of the Broberg family in 'Abducted in Plain Sight.' When Jan and Berchtold didnt return home on the night of the horseback riding lessons, Mary Ann and Bob grew concerned. That evening, Berchtolds wife Gail came over and tried to reassure the couple that they would come back soon, according to Abducted in Plain Sight. Mary Ann suggested calling the police, but Gail told her to wait. Since Mary Ann and Bob didnt believe Berchtold would harm their daughter and didn't want to upset Gail, they held off on calling the police. Two days later, Jan and Berchtold still hadnt returned, so Mary Ann called the FBI. Unfortunately, the office was closed for the weekend, and another day passed before Mary Ann dialed a different number. Upon receiving the message, FBI agents immediately headed to the Brobergs home beginning a nationwide search for the little girl. Weeks went by with no sign of Jan or Berchtold. On day 35 of Jans abduction, Berchtold called his brother Joe and told him that he wanted to come home but he needed to first convince Mary Ann to give her parental consent for his marriage to Jan as it was not legal in the United States, per Abducted in Plain Sight. Joe approached Mary Ann, who denied Berchtolds request and informed the FBI. Joes phone was tapped, and the next time Berchtold called, they traced it back to a hotel in Mexico. Berchtold was then arrested by Mexican police, but before Jans parents arrived, he bribed a prison guard to let him see her again. Berchtold told her that the aliens had visited him, who had warned them not to mention their mission to anyone. If she disobeyed, her sister Karen would go blind, her father would be killed, and her sister Susan would be taken and she would be vaporized. Berchtold convinced Jan to tell her parents he had taken her on vacation and believed they had parental consent. Was Robert Berchtold charged with kidnapping? ABDUCTED IN PLAIN SIGHT TRAILER/YouTube Robert Berchtold and Jan Broberg on the far right. After Mary Ann and Bob arrived in Mexico, they flew back to the U.S. with Jan but noticed something was different about her. Soon after, they issued a request to Mexican authorities for the marriage between Jan and Berchtold to be annulled. Jan was also taken to a doctor for an examination, who incorrectly concluded that she hadn't been sexually abused, according to Abducted in Plain Sight. Although she returned to school, she says she was concerned about how she would continue the mission with Berchtold. In addition, the FBI warned the Brobergs against spending time with the Berchtold family, but they ignored the advice. Meanwhile, Berchtold was taken back to the U.S., where he appeared before a grand jury. He was indicted on kidnapping charges. While reflecting on the situation in Abducted in Plain Sight, Mary Ann says Gail came over on Christmas Eve of 1974 and threatened to expose Bobs affair with Berchtold if the charges weren't dismissed. I was quite shocked. I felt terrible, especially for my husband," Mary Ann recalled. "I just thought, Oh, no. That cant happen. So we signed the affidavits. In the affidavits, Mary Ann and Bob stated that Jan hadn't been taken by force and wasn't confined against her will and that Berchtold believed he had their consent to leave with her. When the affidavits were presented in court, a federal judge overruled the request to drop the charges. Mary Ann and Bob eventually withdrew their affidavits, per the Trust Me podcast. Although the trial was delayed, Berchtold pled guilty to a felony charge of kidnapping in June 1976. He was sentenced to five years in jail, which was reduced to 45 days. After receiving credit for his time behind bars in Mexico and good behavior, he only spent about 10 days in jail. How was Robert Berchtold able to abduct Jan Broberg for a second time? ABDUCTED IN PLAIN SIGHT TRAILER/YouTube Jan Broberg on the left side. ; Robert Berchtold on the right side. After Berchtold returned from Mexico, he was released from jail while his trial was delayed. He moved to Utah to work at his brothers car dealership but returned to Idaho every weekend. During that time, he secretly began seeing Jan, visiting her in the middle of the night and telling her of his communication with the aliens. He came in and he would talk about the mission and that the mission was going to continue, and that they were making plans and preparations for us to be together, and just to keep doing what I was doing, and to keep following the rules, she recounted in Abducted in Plain Sight. Jan began receiving love letters from Berchtold and willingly wrote back. She even confessed her feelings to her mother, telling Mary Ann that she wanted to marry Berchtold and have children with him. I loved him as deeply as I've ever loved anyone. My level of commitment and love for him was as profound as anything that I have ever experienced in the realm of real love," Jan shared. "But it was profound, it was committed, it was in me in every sense of the word." During that time, around the spring of 1975, Berchtold also continued communicating with Mary Ann, and they restarted their affair. After Bob found out, they almost divorced but eventually realized that Berchtold was ruining their lives and that they needed to cut him out. Fast forward, in the summer of 1976, Berchtold bought an amusement park in Jackson Hole, Wyo., while waiting to report to jail. Berchtold convinced Jan's parents to let her visit, and even though she returned after two weeks, she was unhappy. He also repeatedly called Mary Ann and told her he was going to kidnap her again. Ill take her to the jungles of Africa. Ill take her to South America. Youll never find us,' Mary Ann recalled in Abducted in Plain Sight. I said, Leave me alone. Leave my children alone. Stay out of our lives forever. And he did not like that, because he didnt leave Jan alone. And the result was her disappearance a second time. What happened during Jan Brobergs second kidnapping? On Aug. 10, 1976, Jan disappeared in the middle of the night, leaving behind a note to her family, per Abducted in Plain Sight. In it, she declared she was running away without Berchtold until her family allowed her to live her truth. While she claimed to be leaving on her own accord, it was later discovered that Berchtold had aided in her disappearance. In the following days, Berchtold contacted the family, telling them Jan had contacted him to let him know she had run away. Despite being increasingly concerned, the Brobergs waited nearly two weeks to contact authorities, fearful of the publics reaction to a second disappearance. Though Berchtold pretended to be concerned, FBI agents knew he was involved. Three weeks into Jans disappearance, Berchtold began his jail sentence. He only served 10 days behind bars, and upon his release, he moved to Salt Lake City, Utah. He kept in contact with the Brobergs while the search continued. In reality, Berchtold had enrolled her in a Catholic girl's boarding school in Pasadena, Calif., before he began his jail sentence. Three months after Jans disappearance, authorities finally found Berchtold. After monitoring him for several weeks, they discovered that he left the directory open to a page with a number scribbled on it after making a call in a phone booth. They traced the number back to the boarding school and realized Jan was enrolled under an alias. Berchtold had told the nuns that Jan was his daughter and he was a CIA agent who had escaped from Lebanon during the Lebanese Civil War. After moving to Utah, Berchtold would visit her on the weekends. Jan was removed from the school, and Berchtold was arrested the next day for federal parole violation. What happened to Jan Broberg after the second kidnapping? Courtesy Top Knot Films Jan Broberg in 'Abducted in Plain Sight.' After the second kidnapping, Jan struggled to assimilate to life at home, and her family says she grew "distant" and "hollow." When her fathers florist shop burned down, she believed it was a punishment because she hadnt yet completed the mission. Jan continued to speak with Berchtold occasionally, but looking back, she says he began to lose interest as she got older. By 1978, Jan began questioning the truth behind the alien story. While at a summer camp in Utah, a boy her age began to show romantic interest in her, and she feared that the aliens would take revenge because it was not a part of the assignment. When nothing bad happened, she says she had her first thoughts that the whole thing might have been a lie. Ahead of her 16th birthday, Jan said she was still afraid that her family would be punished for not fulfilling her duties. She even considered killing herself and her sister Susan in a worst-case scenario. When Jan woke up on her birthday and saw that everyone was okay, she realized the aliens hadnt been real. Jan eventually told her sister and best friend, who encouraged her to tell her parents. What happened to Robert Berchtold? ABDUCTED IN PLAIN SIGHT TRAILER/YouTube Robert Berchtold. Following the second kidnapping, Berchtold faced several criminal charges, including first-degree kidnapping and impersonating a central intelligence agent. Welsh also revealed on Abducted in Plain Sight that it was discovered Berchtold hired two men he met in jail to start the fire at Bob's flower shop, and he was accused of arson. Still, he wasn't charged with either after court proceedings. Berchtold was later acquitted of the kidnapping charges by reason of mental defect. In June 1977, he was sent to a court-ordered mental facility and was released a few months later. Throughout his life, Berchtold allegedly sexually assaulted at least six other children, using alien psychology on one of his other victims, according to Abducted in Plain Sight filmmaker Skye Borgmans interview with Vanity Fair. Of those six assault cases, Berchtold was only found guilty of rape of a child once and spent one year in jail, Jan told Vulture. Years after Jans kidnapping, when she published a book and began speaking about her experience, Berchtold tracked her down. He started going to her events, telling attendees that it was all a lie and threatening the Broberg family that if they didnt get rid of the book, he would make their life "miserable," per the Netflix documentary. Berchtold began posting flyers around town, claiming that he had been given total access to Jan in exchange for sexual favors with Mary Ann and Bob. Jan filed a stalking injunction, which Berchtold contested. They ended up in court, where Jan had to come face-to-face with Berchtold for the first time in 30 years. She was granted the stalking injunction for the rest of Berchtolds life. Despite this, Berchtold showed up to a womens conference where Jan was speaking. At the time, Jan was being protected by a local Bikers Against Child Abuse chapter. After Berchtold began making threats, he clashed with the group and ran over one of the BACA members with his car. Berchtold, who had a gun with him, was arrested. When he returned to court, he was found guilty of guilty of the offense of possession of a firearm by a restricted person and aggravated assault. But before he could be sentenced in 2005, he died by suicide. Where is Jan Broberg now? Jesse Grant/Deadline/Getty Images Jan Broberg speaks on stage at the A Friend of the Family panel during the Deadline Contenders Television event at the Directors Guild of America on April 16, 2023, in Los Angeles, California. After experiencing several years of traumatic events, Jan was able to return to a somewhat normal life and finish school. In order to move on, she forgave Berchtold, although it took time. Forgiveness is a tricky word. In my mind, not forgiving somebody only puts up the jail cell kind of around you. I figured out that I can live with my tragedy in a way that the tragedy doesn't run me anymore, Jan said in Abducted in Plain Sight. In the early 90s, Jan began an acting career and has gone on to appear in films and on shows like Everwood, Criminal Minds and 40, per her IMDb. She also worked at Disney World as a performer for a time, according to the Trust Me podcast. While she still auditions for various projects, she keeps busy running a theater company in Utah. According to Vanity Fair, Jan also got married and welcomed a son but later divorced. Jan has chronicled her experience in the documentary Abducted in Plain Sight as well as the scripted mini series, A Friend of the Family, which she produced, and the documentary, A Friend of the Family: True Evil. Away from cameras, she makes speaking appearances in the hopes of preventing the same thing from happening to other children. She also started The Jan Broberg Foundation to support other adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse. About 600 tech workers at the New York Times could walk off the job on Election Day in a labor dispute. Hundreds of tech staffers at the beleaguered New York Times could vote to walk off the job on Tuesday if the company doesnt deliver on their job demands. The threatened Election Day walkout, which could critically hamper the newspapers coverage of the presidential vote, comes amid stalled negotiations between the two sides, the Wall Street Journal said. We have made it clear that we need to reach an agreement before the election in order to avert a strike, the unions bargaining team wrote to the Times board of directors urging its members to intervene. The New York Times Tech Guild, which represents about 600 workers at the company, could walk off the job on Election Day. NurPhoto via Getty Images The potential walkout could reportedly effect the papers coverage of Tuesdays election. AP The stance by the Guild, which represents software engineers, data analysts and designers at The Gray Lady, marks the first test of the unions labor muscle since it was formed in 2022, the outlet said. According to the union, members voted to walk off the job by a 95% margin in September if the company did not meet their demands, which include job security in the face of improving AI technology and pay equity for women and minority union members. Election Day, particularly on a presidential election year, typically provides an enormous surge in readership for news organizations, as is expected to be the case on Tuesday with a hotly contested race between Former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris. A spokesperson for the Times griped to the Journal that the unions deadline seemed arbitrary and said that selecting Election Day feels both unnecessary and at odds with our mission. The Times Tech Guild, with about 600 members, was formed in 2022 but has not yet had a contract with the company. NurPhoto via Getty Images Readership typically booms during a presidential election, as Vice President Kamala Harris takes on former President Donald Trump. AP Nonethless, the spokesperson said the paper has robust plans in place to ensure that we are able to fulfill our mission and serve our readers. The Guild has not had a contract since its founding, but newspaper officials note that its members are among the highest paid at the company with most receiving six-figure salaries with compensation and stock options worth about $190,000 on average. We look forward to continuing to work with the Tech Guild to reach a fair contract, that takes into account that they are already among the highest paid individual contributors in the Company and journalism is our top priority, a Times spokesperson said in an email Sunday. Were in one of the most consequential periods of coverage for our readers, they said. As recently as Saturday union members rallied at Grand Army Plaza in Brooklyn for the benefits. The Guild did not immediately respond to request for comment from The Post on Sunday. by Sumon Corraya The testimony to AsiaNews of the priest who teaches at the department of religions at the public university in a country with an overwhelming Muslim majority: For many here it is the first opportunity in their lives to deal with a Christian. I never enter the classroom without wearing my collar and cross. Education has a fundamental role in dispelling ignorance and promoting empathy and dialogue. Dhaka (AsiaNews) - Catholic priest and lecturer at a large public university in a Muslim country. This is the mission of Fr. Tapan Camillus De Rozario, associate professor in the Department of World Religions and Culture at the University of Dhaka, a prestigious university (they call it the Oxford of the East) with 50,000 students. Ordained a priest by Pope John Paul II on 19 November 1986, Fr. Tapan holds a doctorate in Biblical Theology from the Pontifical Urbanian University and taught at the Major Seminary of the Holy Spirit. His collaboration with Dhaka University began in 2003, when he was invited to teach Christianity and Judaism as a guest professor, once a week. Then came the opportunity to join the university staff in 2010, a task he took on with the support and encouragement of the then Archbishop Michael Rozario. From 2015 to 2018, he was also chairman of the Department of World Religions and Culture. My teaching ministry at Dhaka University is deeply rooted in interreligious dialogue and understanding, Fr Tapan tells AsiaNews. He teaches about twelve courses covering a broad spectrum of religious traditions, including Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism, Judaism, indigenous religions and other courses. My presence in the department is unique in that I believe I am the only diocesan priest teaching in a public university within the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) countries. My commitment goes beyond academic studies, as I actively participate in extracurricular activities such as Dhaka University Mime Action (DUMA) and Dhaka University Leadership Development Society (DULDS)'. In addition, he is dedicated to ecumenical and interreligious dialogue, creating a basis for Christian witness and a priestly ministry aimed at the holistic formation of the younger generation. His work provides the opportunity for many students, who have probably never met a Christian before, to be confronted with the Christian faith first-hand. As a priest teaching at the University of Dhaka, he has encountered many barriers, mainly due to different religious perspectives and societal preconceptions. Challenges that required patience, openness and commitment in promoting mutual respect and understanding. Through dialogue and a focus on shared human values, I gradually overcame these obstacles, building bridges with students and colleagues, he explains. My priestly vocation, rooted in compassion and inclusion, has been instrumental in creating an environment where different faiths can co-exist, contributing to the holistic formation of the young minds I serve. I have never entered classrooms without wearing my collar and cross, he recalls. As a teacher, students call me Father. But there are also some radical Islamists who mock them by saying, How many fathers do you have?. In today's world, violence in the name of religion is a common problem in many regions. As a priest and teacher, Fr. Tapan believes its elimination begins with promoting understanding and respect for all faiths: Education has a key role in dispelling ignorance and promoting empathy. By encouraging students to engage in interfaith dialogue, we can help them appreciate the common values shared between religions, such as peace, compassion and justice. As a priest in a public university, he continues, my role is to witness to the teachings of Christ, particularly his message of love and non-violence, while respecting the beliefs of others. Building relationships rooted in trust and mutual respect, inside and outside the classroom, can break down the barriers of fear and prejudice. True peace can only be achieved when we embrace the dignity of every individual, regardless of their faith. Fr. Tapan believes that the beauty of the Department of World Religions and Culture lies in its diverse and dialogic environment, where students of various faiths explore global religious traditions together. This openness fosters mutual respect and understanding, embodying the department's motto: Religion for Peace. In the classroom, I encourage open-mindedness and understanding, reflecting Christ's message of love and acceptance. By promoting dialogue and creating space for diverse perspectives, I aim to build a community of students who value peace, justice and service to others. My approach to teaching is rooted in humility and a commitment to nurture the holistic growth of my students, guiding them towards compassionate living. In his department, he promoted the establishment of a Library named after the servant of God T. A. Ganguly, who was Archbishop of Dhaka from 1967 to 1977, and also personally donated five computers for student activities. I was inspired to honour the memory of Archbishop Garguly, whose dedication to education resonates deeply with my mission. The creation of this library promotes Christian thought, fosters interfaith dialogue and provides valuable educational resources to nurture young minds. By continuing to promote dialogue and understanding between students of different faiths and cultures, we can create a more inclusive and harmonious academic environment. I remain committed to supporting this vision, encouraging the next generation to contribute to global peace and unity. I wish and pray that other clergy will be able to follow in my footsteps at this University'. ECCLESIA IN ASIA IS THE ASIANEWS NEWSLETTER DEDICATED TO CHRISTIAN COMMUNITIES IN ASIA. WOULD YOU LIKE TO RECEIVE IT EVERY SUNDAY? TO SUBSCRIBE, CLICK HERE. From the window of the Apostolic Palace, Pope Francis greets a local group of Emergency supporting Article 11 of the Italian Constitution. Let war be banished, let issues be addressed through the rule of law and negotiation. A prayer addressed to countries at war: Let there be a halt to arms, let there be space for dialogue. Recalling the tragedy in Valencia: What can I do? Think about this question'. Vatican City (AsiaNews) - This morning, after the recitation of the Marian Angelus prayer, from the window of the Apostolic Palace the Pope greeted the faithful gathered in a sunny St Peter's Square, especially those Italians from many cities. The greeting dedicated to the Carmelite Missionary Sisters of the Holy Spirit, who are celebrating 25 years of their secular fraternity, and several local groups, was followed by that to the Roma Sud group of the organisation Emergency, founded by the Italian doctor Gino Strada in 1994. The Rome group was in the square with the banner of the R1pud1a campaign, which aims to create a community that focuses on the repudiation of war, a principle affirmed in Article 11 of the Italian Constitution. May this principle be implemented throughout the world, the Pope said after reading a passage: Italy repudiates war as an instrument of offence to the freedom of other peoples and as a means of resolving international controversies. This was immediatley followed by an invitation: Remember this article, come on!. An encouragement addressed to the NGO founded in Milan, which is committed to the defence of peace and to offering free and quality care to victims of war and poverty. Over the years it has intervened in 20 countries, building hospitals, surgical centres, rehabilitation centres, paediatric centres, first aid posts, health centres, and other intervention structures. Let war be banished, and let issues be addressed with law and negotiation, the Holy Father added. Let arms be silenced, let space be given to dialogue. Let us pray for the tormented Ukraine, Palestine, Israel, Myanmar, South Sudan'. Then, he dedicated a thought to the tragedy of the flooding in Valencia, Spain, of the past few days, which caused the death of at least 214 people, over 1,000 missing. The death toll is set to rise, with reconnaissance and rescue operations in the underground car park of the Bonaire shopping centre completely under water, with a capacity of 5700 cars. We continue to pray for Valencia. And other peoples of Spain who are suffering so much these days. What can I do for the people of Valencia? Do I pray? Do I offer something? Think about this question, the Bishop of Rome said at the Angelus. Before the prayer, Pope Francis commented on the Gospel of the day (Mk 12:28b-34), in which it is narrated that one of the scribes, approaching Jesus in the temple, asked him: Which is the first of all the commandments?. Jesus replies by holding together two fundamental words of the Mosaic law: You shall love the Lord your God and you shall love your neighbour (vv. 30-31). The scribe's request indicates the search for a principle that underlies all. This question is also essential for us, for our lives and for the journey of our faith. We too, in fact, sometimes feel dispersed in so many things,' he said. A confusion that leads one to ask what are the most important things of all: Where can I find the centre of my life, of my faith? Jesus gives us the answer, he added. Hence the need to return to the heart of life and of faith, because it is precisely the heart the source and the root of all other forces, of all other convictions, Francis said, taking up the words of the last encyclical letter Dilexit nos, released on 24 October 2024. Jesus tells us that the source of everything is love, that we must never separate God from man. He added that there are many ways to go in this direction, but the important thing is not to do them only for ourselves and without love, or with a distracted heart or with a closed heart, but with love. Because when the Lord comes he will ask first of all about love. In conclusion, Francis said: It is important then to fix in the heart the most important commandment - love the Lord your God and love your neighbour as yourself - and every day to make our examination of conscience and ask ourselves: is love for God and neighbour the centre of my life? According to a weekend statement released by the Armenian Catholicosate of the Great House of Cilicia, one of the two sees of the Armenian Apostolic Church, during the Friday phone call with His Holiness Aram I, the head of the Catholicosate residing in Antelias, the former U.S. president voiced his great appreciation to His Holiness for his leadership and expressed his full support for the issue of Artsakh [Nagorno-Karabakh] and the establishment of complete peace within the region. During the telephone conversation held ahead of the November 5 presidential election in the United States, Trump also warmly welcomed the Armenians of the United States as an organized, active and powerful community, the statement added. It said that Catholicos Aram I, for his part, expressed his appreciation to Trump for his recent public statement in support of the rights of Artsakh Armenians, while, at the same time, emphasizing the importance of the United States global role. It is necessary for there to be a suitable person representing the American Armenian community in the new government, Aram I added, according to the Catholicosate. In a social media post last month clearly designed to woo Armenian-American voters, Trump blamed the current U.S. administration for last years forced exodus of Nagorno-Karabakhs ethnic Armenian population and pledged to end the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict if he wins the upcoming U.S. presidential election. The former U.S. president also attacked his Democratic rival Kamala Harris in that post published on October 24. Kamala Harris did NOTHING as 120,000 Armenian Christians were horrifically persecuted and forcibly displaced in Artsakh, he wrote on his Truth Social platform, using the Armenian name for Nagorno-Karabakh. Christians around the world will not be safe if Kamala Harris is President of the United States. When I am President, I will protect persecuted Christians, I will work to stop the violence and ethnic cleansing, and we will restore PEACE between Armenia and Azerbaijan, added Trump, who served as president during the 2020 Armenian-Azerbaijani war. Harris also reached out to the Armenian community of the United States in a statement issued on September 23. The U.S. vice president pledged to continue to support Armenia and stated that Karabakh Armenians have a legitimate right to return safely to their homeland recaptured by Azerbaijan in September 2023. The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA), a major community organization, dismissed Harriss statement, saying that she did not lift a finger or even raise her voice against Azerbaijans 2023 aggression. Earlier this year, the ANCA gave the current and previous U.S. administrations an F rating on Armenian issues. Accordingly, the Armenian-American lobby group has not endorsed Trump or Harris so far. Reacting to the news of the Trump phone call with Catholicos Aram I, the ANCA, in a social media post, welcomed the centering of Artsakh in our American electoral arena, including via this recent exchange between His Holiness Aram I & former President Trump. We have also welcomed engagement by VP Harris & look forward to her renewed personal outreach, the ANCA added. Nagorno-Karabakh, a former autonomous oblast within Soviet Azerbaijan, enjoyed de facto independence for nearly three decades after breaking free from Bakus rule following the collapse of the USSR in the early 1990s. Azerbaijan regained control of much of the breakaway region in a 2020 war in which nearly 7,000 Armenian and Azerbaijani soldiers were killed. Thousands of ethnic Armenians then fled their homes, either relocating within Nagorno-Karabakh or moving further to Armenia. More than 100,000 Karabakh Armenians, the regions virtually entire remaining population, fled to Armenia in the space of a week following Azerbaijans September 2023 assault condemned by the U.S. and the European Union. Despite that condemnation, the administration of President Joe Biden did not impose sanctions on Baku or Azerbaijani officials. Visiting Armenia in July, the head of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), Samantha Power, said Washington is still looking into the Karabakh exodus to determine whether it was the result of ethnic cleansing. Azerbaijan denies forcing the Karabakh Armenians to flee their homes and says they can live there under Azerbaijani rule. Karabakhs leaders and ordinary residents rejected such an option even before the Azerbaijani offensive. Some of those leaders have said that only international guarantees could convince the refugees to return home. Armenias government, which has accused Baku of carrying out ethnic cleansing in Karabakh, does not seem to be seeking such guarantees. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian has repeatedly indicated that the Karabakh issue is closed for his administration. 3 November 2024 19:21 (UTC+04:00) Full digital access to all news for 1 year Full digital access to all news for 6 months Full digital access to all news for 3 months Full digital access to all news for 1 month Find the plan that suits you best. Georgia has increased its natural gas imports from Russia, Azernews reports citing the Statistical Service of Georgia. Here we are to serve you with news right now. It does not cost much, but worth your attention. Choose to support open, independent, quality journalism and subscribe on a monthly basis. By subscribing to our online newspaper, you can have full digital access to all news, analysis, and much more. Subscribe You can also follow AzerNEWS on Twitter @AzerNewsAz or Facebook @AzerNewsNewspaper Thank you! 3 November 2024 10:00 (UTC+04:00) "Azerbaijan Railways" CJSC (ADY) held a mass beautification initiative on November 2 in the Baku railway sidings as part of preparations for COP29, Azernews reports, citing ADY. Employees from its structural divisions and subsidiary organizations participated in the event organized at the Baku, Narimanov, Keshla, Koroglu, and Bilajari stations. Equipped with the necessary sanitary equipment, the participants engaged in activities such as cleaning and enhancing the areas, maintaining greenery, softening the bottoms of trees, and removing household waste that posed a risk to traffic safety. The main goal of the event was to change attitudes toward environmental protection, raise awareness of environmental issues, and emphasize the importance of preserving nature. The collected waste was properly disposed of. 3 November 2024 11:42 (UTC+04:00) A scientific-practical conference on "Victory Day - The History of Our National Pride and Honor" was held at the Police Academy of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Azernews reports citing the Ministry. The conference was attended by representatives from the "Azerbaijan Judges' Union" Public Union, the Presidium of the Bar Association, the Scientific and Educational Center of the Prosecutor General's Office, the Heydar Aliyev Academy of the State Security Service, the Military Institute of the Internal Troops of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and various state institutions and universities. Representatives from educational institutions, trainees, and students also participated. Azerbaijani cadets studying at several special higher educational institutions in Russia and at the National Police Academy of Turkiye, along with teachers and students from several higher educational institutions in the republic, joined the conference in an online format. The participants of the conference laid flowers in front of the monument to the National Leader at the Academy and commemorated the memory of National Leader Heydar Aliyev and the martyrs who died for the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan with a minute of silence. The National Anthem of Azerbaijan was played. The head of the Police Academy of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Police Major General Janpolad Daanov, gave a speech expressing his views on the purpose of the conference. He emphasized the historical significance of Victory Day, which plays an exceptional role in the future development of our country, and highlighted the importance of educating the younger generation in a patriotic spirit loyal to the ideas of statehood. A march dedicated to "Victory Day" was held with the participation of cadets. During the march, a flash mob titled "Our Glorious Victory is Eternal" was performed. In a rare move Chinese leaders recently criticized, in public, their own Propaganda Department for not doing its job. The Propaganda Department is the several hundred people who direct the vast censorship operation that is supposed to block inappropriate messages (that make the Communist Party look bad) and encourage approved ideas. In addition to controlling most mass media in China the Propaganda Department supervises how more than $ 10 billion a year is spent on pro-China publicity outside the country. Inside China this media manipulation effort employs millions of full time and part time personnel who, since the 1990s, have concentrated more on the Internet. Over a decade ago the rulers of China (which remains a communist police state) noted that they were losing control of their media, which had long been a key component of maintaining a dictatorship. The effort to regain the pre-Internet media monopoly has not been going well and until recently received little official notice. The recent criticism concentrated on failures to keep the traditional mass media (radio, TV, newspapers) in line. This is not unexpected because the massive efforts to censor the Internet have only been partially successful and the disturbing (to the Communist Chinese Party that rules China) new ideas that began spreading in the Internet have spread to the traditional mass media, despite the fact that most media personnel in China are government employees. You could see this crises coming. In 2013 China revealed the number of people involved in Internet censorship operations: two million. This operation is called Golden Shield (or Great Firewall of China in the West) and its a huge information control system that has been under construction for a decade. Before the new revelations, Golden Shield was believed to have at least 40,000 full time Ministry of Public Security employees dedicated to monitoring and censoring Internet use throughout the country. This was done using specialized hardware and software and lots of paid and volunteer censors. These irregulars were known to be numerous but it was difficult to get an accurate estimate. Now the government revealed that irregulars bring the total Internet censorship manpower up to over two million. This is for keeping over 700 million Chinese Internet users (52 percent of the population) under control. Several billion dollars has been spent on Golden Shield so far. While the Great Firewall cannot stop someone expert at how the Internet works, it does greatly restrict the other 90 percent of Internet users. And it provides a lot of information about what is going on inside all that Internet traffic. Year by year the Golden Shield operators learned what worked (to control news) and what didn't. Not only can Golden Shield keep news from getting out of a part of China but it can greatly limit how much contradictory (to the government version) news gets into all of China. Most of those Internet censors are occupied with monitoring new material showing up, especially via Weibo (the Chinese version of Twitter) and blocking anything that disputes the official government line. In 2011 China created a new organization to handle just Internet censorship. Called the State Internet Information Office, it consolidated all Internet censorship activity. This was done, in part, to halt the fragmentation of Internet censorship activity. This was happening because over a dozen government agencies engage in censorship (of films, TV, radio, newspapers, books, advertising, text books, and so on). Most of these agencies have expanded their efforts to include similar material that shows up on the Internet. This was leading to turf wars or Internet sites getting an okay from one censorship authority and a shutdown notice from another. This sort of activity is typical of government bureaucracies, no matter where they are. China has also created more laws for misbehavior on the Internet. This means it is easier to prosecute anyone (in China) who says anything on the Internet the government does not like. Several successful Internet based commentators have since been because of the new rules. The Internet censors have tools to measure how popular Internet based commentators are and how many people they are reaching. Commentators on Weibo are particularly vulnerable, especially if they have a lot of followers. Twitter has long been banned inside China. Weibo is considered too popular to shut down but not immune from increased censorship efforts. Meanwhile, Internet security companies outside China are discovering, documenting, and publicizing more and more Chinese hacker groups and the large campaigns these groups wage on the rest of the world. China denies everything and criticizes its censors for not doing enough. 3 November 2024 16:50 (UTC+04:00) She also highlighted that EU countries should rely on their own strength and prepare for any potential threats. Metsola emphasized that this defense and security union would complement NATO, stating, "The European Union must always be stronger. We must first provide what we expect from others and take consistent, effective steps." President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola discussed the initiative to establish a European Defense Union, Azernews reports citing the Spanish newspaper "El Mundo." Here we are to serve you with news right now. It does not cost much, but worth your attention. Choose to support open, independent, quality journalism and subscribe on a monthly basis. By subscribing to our online newspaper, you can have full digital access to all news, analysis, and much more. Subscribe You can also follow AzerNEWS on Twitter @AzerNewsAz or Facebook @AzerNewsNewspaper Thank you! 3 November 2024 22:28 (UTC+04:00) "I appeal to the President, the women of the opposition, and the citizens who have taken to the streets in protest. What will these actions achieve? The patience of those who won the elections may run thin, as they too are not very patient," Azernews reports that Archbishop Jacob of Bodbelya remarked in an interview with journalists. He emphasized that the elected leaders will not abandon their mandate. How long must we remain at the mercy of others? Two opposing forces campaigned during the elections. One promised economic and educational progress, suggesting that when the time comes, they would join a union without gratitude. The other insisted that if you do not align with them, you are Russian, as are the laws and the government. The Georgian people made their choice and rejected this narrative," Archbishop Jacob asserted. In addressing the President and female opposition members, the clergyman reiterated that it is unnecessary to speak merely to "please foreigners." The archbishop affirmed the church's solidarity with the Georgian people, stating, "I know that relations will be restored. Our people cannot live in isolation. There are issues that can be resolved through compromise. Therefore, I urge that soon we establish peace among ourselves and strive for a society that unites rather than divides." 3 November 2024 23:30 (UTC+04:00) Last night, a significant fire erupted in one of the trains at the Ahrensfelde railway station in Berlin, Azernews reports citing the Berlin Fire Department. The blaze resulted in the destruction of three train carriages. Fortunately, no passengers were aboard at the time of the incident. Emergency medical assistance was provided to the conductor and driver at the scene, and it has been confirmed that they sustained no serious injuries. Firefighters quickly contained and extinguished the flames. The police are currently investigating the cause of the fire, which occurred on a train operated by one of the private railway companies. Following the incident, train traffic at the station was briefly suspended but has since been fully restored. 4 November 2024 00:54 (UTC+04:00) Moldova headed the second round of elections on Sunday, and according to preliminary results of the run-off voting, Alexandr Stoianoglo is ahead of his pro-Western opponent Maia Sandu by about 3.6% of the vote. Azernews reports, citing the local media that polls closed on Sunday at 19:00 GMT by Chisinau time, by which time 1.68 million people about 54 percent of eligible voters had cast ballots, according to the Central Electoral Commission. Recall that Maia Sandu secured 42 percent in the first round of the election held on October 20, but failed to win an outright majority. Her challenger, Alexandr Stoianoglo, a former prosecutor general came second with 26 percent of the votes. Some sources report that the first round of the elections in Moldova was heavily influenced by Western forces, and as a result, most of the votes were distorted in favour of Sandu in the evening hours. Beaufort County Schools are building a new school on the same ground where Eastern Elementary already exists, at a cost of $10,500,000.00 to Beaufort County's Taxpayers. Is this a wise expense of taxpayer dollars at this time? 22.73% Yes, Beaufort County has been awarded a 42 million dollars of grant money from the state of North Carolina (FREE MONEY) to construct school at 3.00 per squ. ft.65.91% No, this is the wrong time, to build the wrong school, on the wrong placement - its lowest point - of Eastern Elementary's existing location, when community schools work best.11.36% Why should I care about the public's education? Northern Ireland I have the best black book in NI: Ian Paisley opens up on life after politics and the peculiarities of Trump It follows a previous banner which was taken down earlier this week Posters erected close to Clonduff Drive in relation to an Irish language school due to open in the area on November 3rd 2024 (Photo by Kevin Scott) Posters erected close to Clonduff Drive in relation to an Irish language school due to open in the area on November 3rd 2024 (Photo by Kevin Scott) Posters erected close to Clonduff Drive in relation to an Irish language school due to open in the area on November 3rd 2024 (Photo by Kevin Scott) Posters erected close to Clonduff Drive in relation to an Irish language school due to open in the area on November 3rd 2024 (Photo by Kevin Scott) Two banners have been erected in east Belfast on the Castlereagh Road and Clonduff Drive calling for a consultation to be held in relation to a proposed new Irish language school. Irish language primary school Scoil na Seolta (School of the Sails) is set to open on Montgomery Road later this year. The banners read: No consultation no engagement no respect for our community and Local site should meet the local needs our community voice matters. Belfast City Council gave planning permission for the proposed temporary nursery and primary school and soft play area in June following only two objections relating to the application. The two recent banners which were noticed on Sunday morning follow one which was erected on Thursday on Montgomery Road, and which was later taken down, calling on the school to relocate. Both incidents are being treated as a sectarian hate crime by the police. This earlier incident is being treated as a sectarian hate incident by the police. SDLP councillor Seamas de Faoite has reported the two new banners to the police on Sunday and also called on Belfast City Council to remove them as they have been erected on the fencing of the Lisnasharragh Leisure Centre. Posters erected close to Clonduff Drive in relation to an Irish language school due to open in the area on November 3rd 2024 (Photo by Kevin Scott) Watch: Banners erected around Montgomery Road opposing an Irish Language school in the area This is clearly a targeted campaign of harassment and hate and is frankly weird if you ask me for those erecting these posters to continue to obsess over stopping kids going to school, he told the Belfast Telegraph. It is oversubscribed and privately funded and, not only that, the school isnt even going to be there for a long time, its a temporary location. This site has been lying empty for quite a long time and Clonduff estate doesnt even enter onto it, they have their back to it, there is only six or seven houses which open onto the school, he added. I think Its important for elected representatives to draw a line between people raising actual concerns and those being downright sectarian in their views. Cllr de Faoite said that the constant harassment of children is frankly terrifying. The vast majority of elected representatives have stood up to say this is wrong and this school will be a safe place to send their children but this is still a really concerning message that these banners are sending to both parents and children, he said. If this continues what kind of message is this sending to yet another generation of children who are being subject to harassment and intimidation? Alliance councillor Michael Long also condemned the recent posters in a post on X. He said: Another pathetic act of intimidation by local gatekeepers. Have asked for them to be removed immediately if still in place. Let's remember this is about a school for 4-year-olds. In a post on social media on Sunday loyalist activist Moore Holmes said: Two more banners have now appeared near Clonduff highlighting the lack of consultation, engagement and respect for the local community over the divisive Gaelic-language school. Whatever your view of the school, it has been woefully mismanaged from the outset and we are now witnessing the consequences of that. The site would be best used for something that is accessible to, enjoys the support of and materially benefits the people who live in the immediate area. Everyone has the right to learn and speak the language of their choosing, but there are alternative spaces the Gaelic language school ought to consider which are much more suitable for their ambitions. Stop ignoring local residents. Common sense must prevail. The school is backed by Irish language campaigner Linda Ervine and will be the first Irish language school in east Belfast. Scoil na Seolta previously said they received over 100 letters from parents expressing interest in sending their child to the school, which received permission to set up in the Montgomery Road area. The Loyalist Communities Council (LCC) recently used a meeting with Education Minister Paul Givan to raise concerns about the proposed school in east Belfast and urged Mr Givan to stop the development. The meeting between the LCC and Mr Givan caused controversy and was widely criticised. The PSNI and Belfast City Council have been approached for comment. A coastguard helicopter has been deployed at the Giants Causeway as the search for a missing young man continues. A multi-agency search is underway for Lester McLennan after a backpack was found close to the Giants Causeway Visitor Centre. Its understood the 20-year-old travelled to the area from Belfast via bus at approximately 9.30am on Friday, November 1. The coastguard, community rescue service and search dogs had been scouring the area since Saturday morning. Appealing to the public, a police spokesperson said: Lester is a white male, 63 tall, of slim build with light brown hair and was wearing black glasses, light beige trousers with a dark belt, walking boots, a long grey coat to below the knee and a dark zip up jacket. Lester was also carrying a black backpack. Police are appealing to Lester or anyone who may have seen him on 1st or 2nd November to contact them in Coleraine on 101, quoting reference number 76 02/11/24. Officers are also keen to speak to the member of the public who located a black backpack in the area of the Giants Causeway and handed it to staff members there to contact them. The helicopter was deployed on Sunday morning News Catch Up - Friday 1 November November 3, 2024: For over two decades it was believed that Hassan Nasrallah was so critical to the success of Hezbollah, that if he was killed, the whole organization would fall apart. Although on paper the movement has clear lines of authority, and a defined order-of-succession, if you take a close look at Nasrallah's henchmen, you realize that most of them are pretty much the ordinary run of uninspiring Arab thugs. As none of them comes near Nasrallah in either brains or charisma, they would most likely begin squabbling among themselves if Nasrallah got killed. Iran sent lots of advisers and technical experts to Lebanon, but none of these could expect to lead Hezbollah, largely because all Lebanese are touchy about foreign influence. Although decades of Syrian occupation favored Hezbollah, and thus Shias in general, it was still foreign occupation. And it's no secret that Syria considers large parts of eastern Lebanon as territory that should be part of Syria. Iran doesn't like depending so much on one person, but they don't have much choice. Nasrallah, like most Arab strongmen, saw the elimination of any likely successors as an excellent method for avoiding getting deposed. In 2024 the importance of Nasrallah and Hezbollah ceased to be a problem. He was killed along with other key Hamas and Hezbollah leaders. Israel used exploding pagers and portable radios, plus airstrikes, to accomplish this. Israel also killed several senior Hamas and Hezbollah leaders including the elusive Yahya Sinwar, the Hamas supreme leader and one of its founders. Sinwar was moving about in Gaza when he and some aides were confronted by some Israeli soldiers. There was a brief gunbattle and the Israelis discovered that one of the dead men was the elusive Yahya Sinwar. Within a day, DNA tests confirmed that Sinwar was dead. His death was a catastrophe for Hamas which had recently suffered the loss of several leaders. Sinwar had spent two years planning and organizing the October 2023 Hamas offensive in Gaza that left over a thousand Israeli dead. This was the largest number of Israelis ever killed in one day, let alone one action. With Sinwar gone, several lesser Hamas leaders are feuding with each other to determine who will replace their departed leader. You cant replace someone like Sinwar and his aides who are finding that out as their succession disputes leave Hamas paralyzed and starting to fall apart. Now virtually leaderless, Palestinians are unsure of what the future will bring. Most Palestinians live in or immediately adjacent to Israel. Two million of Israels 9.8 million population are Palestinians. The Gaza Strip contains 365 square kilometers of territory and 2.1 million Palestinians. The West Bank contains 5,655 square kilometers and 4.1 million Palestinians. Gaza has had many rulers over the last century. A century ago Gaza was administered by British officials and occupied by British troops. After 1945 Gaza was ruled by Egyptian officials. In 1956 a war between several Arab states and Israel was won by the Israelis, who also captured Gaza but then withdrew. The 1967 Arab Israeli war saw Gaza once more captured by the Israelis and administered by them until 2005 when, after an 11 year process, Israeli forces withdrew and a local Palestinian government, initially Al Fatah, which also ruled the West Bank, took over Gaza. In 2006 Hamas, a radical Palestinian group that had taken refuge in Egypt, won Palestinian elections for a united Palestinian government. The West Bank Palestinian leaders refused to accept Hamas rule and there was fighting between Fatah and Hamas factions. Israel did not want this violence to spread into Israel and blockaded Gaza, only letting people in or out who were unarmed and had a good reason, like medical care or visiting relatives the Israeli knew about. Hamas continued to recruit Palestinian men to join their force. Hamas armed these new recruits with weapons from Iran, via Egyptian smugglers who could get the guns into Gaza, for a price. Hamas completely took over in Gaza in 2007 while Fatah remained in control of the West Bank. By 2023 Hamas forces in Gaza had grown to about 30,000 men, though there were also other rival armed Palestinian and non-Palestinian terrorist groups, and there had been several mini wars between Hamas and Israel since 2007. In October 2023, 3,000 of the armed Hamas fighters, and an equal number of Gaza civilians and non-Hamas terrorists, attacked Israel. About half of the 3,000 attacking Hamas fighters were killed during this offensive. The IDF (Israeli Defense Forces) lost 376 troops while 767 civilians died as well. As of October, 97 hostages remain in Hamas captivity, or are dead. Israel has to take Hamass word for it that any of these hostages are still alive. Surviving Hamas gunmen stayed in Gaza because they failed to advance. In Gaza Hamas waged a guerilla war against the IDF. Hamas also took 251 Israeli civilians and soldiers captive and is trying to bargain with Israel to get thousands of imprisoned Palestinians freed in return for their Israeli captives. So far Israel is not willing to release thousands of convicted Hamas and other Palestinian killers to get 251 soldiers and civilians back. Instead IDF forces have been searching for the hostages and fighting Hamas gunmen who are guarding them. Hamas has been much less of a problem in the West Bank where Fatah security forces, with some assistance from the IDF, have kept most Hamas fighters out. Hamas leaders, especially Ismail Haniyeh, have lived in the Persian Gulf state of Qatar for several years and control $11 billion dollars donated to Hamas by various western and charitable groups and Arab governments as well several hundred million dollars a year from Iran. In theory this money should be used to make life easier, or at least bearable, for Palestinians living in Gaza. That does not happen because Hamas steals the money as well as foreign aid from Western countries. Israel sends food aid, accompanied by a military escort that fights armed Hamas members seeking to steal the aid. As of late-2024, this remains the situation in Gaza and the West Bank. Detectives investigating a creeper-style burglary in north Belfast and further incidents in which two police cars were rammed have charged a 24-year-old man to appear in court. The man was charged with a total of 16 offences including burglary, aggravated vehicle taking causing damage to another vehicle and dangerous driving. The incidents happened shortly after 12am on Saturday after police received earlier reports that a Silver Toyota Yaris had been stolen from an address in Brucevale Park, north Belfast. Officers, including the specialist police interceptor team, tracked the vehicle through the west of the city where it rammed a police vehicle on the Monagh Bypass. Local officers brought the car to a stop on Norglen Parade close to Upper Springfield Road where they were rammed again. The man was taken from the vehicle and arrested. Police arrest a man in his 20s after a stolen car rammed police in west Belfast on November 2nd 2024 (Photo by Kevin Scott) Police later said that four officers were injured during the incident Detective Sergeant Magee said: "The fact that our officers were assaulted during the course of their duties is entirely unacceptable. Thankfully, there were no reports of any serious injuries and they were all able to remain on duty." The man is due to appear before Belfast Magistrates Court on Monday 4th November. As is normal procedure all charges are reviewed by the Public Prosecution Service. NI Water confirm the contribution of 20% of overall Lough Neagh pollution Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 3rd November 2024 Save The Lough ,rally in Belfast City Centre. Protesters got together to march through the city to highlight the ongoing issue of water pollution in Lough Neagh. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 3rd November 2024 Save The Lough ,rally in Belfast City Centre. Protesters got together to march through the city to highlight the ongoing issue of water pollution in Lough Neagh. Eamonn McCann pictured at the march. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 3rd November 2024 Save The Lough ,rally in Belfast City Centre. Protesters got together to march through the city to highlight the ongoing issue of water pollution in Lough Neagh. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 3rd November 2024 Save The Lough ,rally in Belfast City Centre. Protesters got together to march through the city to highlight the ongoing issue of water pollution in Lough Neagh. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 3rd November 2024 Save The Lough ,rally in Belfast City Centre. Protesters got together to march through the city to highlight the ongoing issue of water pollution in Lough Neagh. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 3rd November 2024 Save The Lough ,rally in Belfast City Centre. Protesters got together to march through the city to highlight the ongoing issue of water pollution in Lough Neagh. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 3rd November 2024 Save The Lough ,rally in Belfast City Centre. Protesters got together to march through the city to highlight the ongoing issue of water pollution in Lough Neagh. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 3rd November 2024 Save The Lough ,rally in Belfast City Centre. Protesters got together to march through the city to highlight the ongoing issue of water pollution in Lough Neagh. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 3rd November 2024 Save The Lough ,rally in Belfast City Centre. Protesters got together to march through the city to highlight the ongoing issue of water pollution in Lough Neagh. Devin OOHagan(11) from Maghera pictured at the march. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 3rd November 2024 Save The Lough ,rally in Belfast City Centre. Protesters got together to march through the city to highlight the ongoing issue of water pollution in Lough Neagh. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye Environmental protesters took to the streets of Belfast on Sunday calling for urgent investment in sewage infrastructure to tackle the public health emergency of rampant sewage dumping. Organised by the campaign group Save Lough Neagh and a number of other environmental organisations, the march comes after a number of protests over government failures at Lough Neagh the body of water which supplies 40% of Northern Irelands drinking water. Presently, Lough Neagh is experiencing a collapse of biodiversity and extreme eutrophication, leading to spells where it is coated in thick algal blooms with dead animals washing up along the shores. According to campaigners, while there are a range of contributing factors to the crisis such as agricultural pollution and invasive species a massive source of excess nitrogen and phosphorus in the Lough Neagh catchment comes from the dumping of untreated human waste by NI Water. NI Water has admitted that sources from NI Water infrastructure would contribute approximately 20% towards the overall pollution of the lough. Statistics published by the Department for Agriculture, the Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) show that 24% of excess nutrients in the catchment come from wastewater and sewage discharges, which serves to feed the cyanobacteria causing the widespread algal blooms. Padraig Cairns from Save Lough Neagh said that, while the preservation of one of Europes largest freshwater lakes is their priority, they are also gravely concerned about the contamination of drinking water. Residents around the shores have been reporting discoloured, foul tasting water for months. Serious questions need to be asked of both NI Water and Stormont for allowing this situation to escalate into a public health emergency, he said. With parts of our sewer network dating back centuries, and new housing developments currently being stalled due to lack of sewage infrastructure, the clear solution is a significant and long-overdue investment in modernising our sewers. The campaigner is calling for NI Water to be brought into public ownership and run at cost so that working people will not foot the bill for decades of government failings. We will not bail Stormont out by paying water charges, he said. While our society is mired in a 'cost of living crisis', the last thing people need is to pay for access to what should be a human right clean water. An NI Water spokesperson said: From the outset, we would like to assure our customers that NI Waters number one priority is and always will be the quality and safety of the public's drinking water supply. We can further assure you that the water supplied from all our works, which includes water abstracted from Lough Neagh, remains safe to drink. We have a robust testing and sampling system which operates 365 days a year to ensure the safety of drinking water. It is important to note that there are many factors contributing to pollution issues within Lough Neagh. Farming and agricultural is the main source of pollution, contributing to more than 60%. Sources from NI Water infrastructure would contribute approximately 20%. "It is clear that improving the water quality within Lough Neagh requires a multi-agency approach which DAERA is heading up. DAERA has been contacted for comment. Leading conservationist Jane Goodall has hailed Irish company Bewleys for its involvement in a global breakthrough in sustainable coffee production (Bill Wallauer/Bewleys/PA) One of the worlds leading conservationists has hailed an Irish coffee company for its role in a global breakthrough in sustainable production. Renowned environmentalist Dr Jane Goodall, known in particular for her work with chimpanzees, praised Bewleys support for the new initiative in Honduras in Central America aimed at restoring damaged forest habitats. Coffee production is a key factor in the destruction of tropical forests, as areas are cut down and cleared to make way for coffee plants. The integrated open canopy (IOC) system in Honduras ensures 50% of a coffee farm consists of conserved or restored forest habitat. Dublin-based company Bewleys is also supporting a linked project that uses solar energy and biofuel to dry coffee, rather than clearing forest for firewood to power industrial dryers. The Cafe Solar project is scaling up carbon-neutral coffee processing. I applaud Bewleys for being the leading company supporting sustainable coffee grown using the groundbreaking IOC method, said Dr Goodall, founder of the Jane Goodall Institute. This programme, which pioneers IOC and industrial-scale renewable energy in coffee processing, is aiming to set an unprecedented standard for sustainability in coffee worldwide. Both Dr Goodall and Bewleys have also endorsed the Mesoamerican Development Institute (MDI) model for sustainable coffee production. It produces Subirana coffee, which is the product of patented technology designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and restore forest habitat and biodiversity. Bewleys, which introduced the first Fairtrade certified coffee to Ireland in 1996, said it had also recently become the first Irish coffee company of scale to achieve B Corp certification, which measures a businesss positive impact on society and the environment. Cathal Murphy, head of innovation and sustainability at Bewleys Ireland, with Subirana coffee (Sam Boal/Collins/PA) Bewleys Subirana coffee points the way to the future for the industry, said Cathal Murphy, the companys head of innovation and sustainability. This is the first coffee recognised by researchers to go beyond shade canopy to restoring and conserving actual forest habitat on farms. It also eliminates greenhouse gas emissions in drying and milling. It is regenerative and creates an ecological balance inside and outside the farm. The approach has not only increased coffee yields and provided economic opportunities for farmers, but has also played a pivotal role in biodiversity conservation and landscape restoration. There is only one type of sustainability in a supply chain industry it must be profitable for the farmers, nurture the community and be good for the environment. Mr Murphy also highlighted the companys partnership with Cafe Femenino an initiative that has sought to provide female coffee farmers with more income and protection in previously male-dominated and impoverished communities. Sinn Fein has suspended one of its Belfast city councillors after an allegation that he exchanged inappropriate online messages with a minor. The party said it had suspended JJ Magee without prejudice having referred the matter to social services and the PSNI. Solicitors for Mr Magee said he absolutely denies any allegation of inappropriate conduct. KRW Law said the complaint against its client had been made to the Northern Ireland Local Government Commissioner for Standards, adding that Mr Magee has lodged a 12,000-word, 38-page rebuttal with the commissioner. The solicitors said Mr Magee had not made Sinn Fein aware of the complaint as there was no substance to it and he believed the matter would be resolved quickly by the commissioner. In a statement on Sunday night, Sinn Fein said: Sinn Fein national chairperson Declan Kearney has stated that the chief executive of Belfast City Council has been notified that the Sinn Fein party whip has been removed from councillor JJ Magee. Councillor Magee has been suspended from the party without prejudice following receipt of an allegation that inappropriate online messages were exchanged between him and a minor. This has been forwarded to the social services and the PSNI, in compliance with Sinn Fein child safeguarding policy. The party will not be making any further comment as this matter is under active investigation by the appropriate authorities. KRW Law said: Our client absolutely denies any allegation of inappropriate conduct and in particular any conduct which may have occasioned a breach of the code of conduct for councillors. The law firm insisted the complaint was selective and involved editing of signification portions of messages sent and received over a three-month period. Our client asserts that there is not a single line in any message sent by him which could be considered to be inappropriate, the statement added. Our client further confirms that he did not make Sinn Fein aware of this complaint as there was no substance to the complaint and he believed that the matter would be resolved quickly once all the facts were provided to the commissioner. KRW Law said Mr Magee has disclosed every single message exchanged with the complainant and has fully engaged with the commissioner. Our client looks forward to being exonerated and having his good name restored, said the statement. The solicitors said Mr Magee would not be making any further comment. The development is the latest internal issue to hit Sinn Fein in recent months. The party has faced criticism over its handling of a series of controversies, including those involving former press officer Michael McMonagle and ex-senator Niall O Donnghaile. Niall O Donnghaile (Liam McBurney/PA) In September, McMonagle, 42, from Limewood Street, Londonderry, admitted a series of offences including attempting to incite a child to engage in sexual activity. It subsequently emerged that two other press officers, who have since resigned from the party, provided job references for him after Sinn Fein had suspended him amid police inquiries. The references enabled McMonagle to get a job with the British Heart Foundation in 2022, with the charity unaware of the allegations. Last month former Sinn Fein senator and Belfast lord mayor Mr O Donnghaile revealed that he stepped down from the Seanad and left the party last December because of a complaint that accused him of sending inappropriate text messages to a teenager. Sinn Fein referred that matter to the PSNI and social services last September, but no criminal investigation was undertaken. Separately last month, it emerged that a Sinn Fein member had resigned from the party after admitting involvement in an incident where a portrait of former DUP lord mayor Lord Wallace Browne was damaged at Belfast City Hall. Earlier in October, high-profile Sinn Fein TD Brian Stanley resigned from the party amid a controversy relating to a complaint against him. He claimed he was subjected to a character assassination by a clique within the party and likened its processes to a kangaroo court. Sinn Fein rejected his claims and insisted it handled the matter in accordance with proper procedures. His resignation came days after fellow Sinn Fein TD Patricia Ryan quit the party. She said her departure was in response to the party undermining her. Moldovans are casting votes in a decisive presidential runoff on Sunday that pits pro-Western incumbent Maia Sandu against a Russia-friendly opponent. In the first round held on October 20, Ms Sandu obtained 42% of the ballot but failed to win an outright majority. She will face Alexandr Stoianoglo, a former prosecutor general, who outperformed polls in the first round with almost 26% of the vote. Moldovas President Maia Sandu prepares to cast her vote, in Chisinau, Moldova (Vadim Ghirda/AP) A poll released by research company iData indicates a tight race that leans towards a narrow Sandu victory, an outcome that might rely on Moldovas large diaspora. The presidential role carries significant powers in areas such as foreign policy and national security and has a four-year term. Moldovas diaspora played a key role in a nationwide referendum also held on October 20 when a narrow majority of 50.35% voted in favour of securing Moldovas path towards EU membership. But the results of the ballots including Sundays vote have been overshadowed by allegations of a major vote-buying scheme and voter intimidation. A woman walks by a depiction of the European Union flag near a park in central Chisinau Moldova (Vadim Ghirda/AP) Instead of winning the overwhelming support that Ms Sandu had hoped, the results in both races exposed Moldovas judiciary as unable to adequately protect the democratic process. On Friday, Moldovas Prime Minister Dorin Recean said that people throughout the country were receiving anonymous death threats via phone calls in what he called an extreme attack to scare voters in the former Soviet republic, which has a population of about 2.5 million people. These acts of intimidation have only one purpose: to create panic and fear, Mr Recean said in a statement posted on social media. I assure you that state institutions will ensure order and protect citizens. In the wake of the two October votes, Moldovan law enforcement said that a vote-buying scheme was orchestrated by Ilan Shor, an exiled oligarch who lives in Russia and was convicted in absentia last year of fraud and money laundering. Mr Shor denies any wrongdoing. Prosecutors say 39 million dollars (30 million) was paid to more than 130,000 recipients through an internationally sanctioned Russian bank to voters between September and October. Alexandr Stoianoglo delivers a statement in Chisinau, Moldova (Vadim Ghirda/AP) Anti-corruption authorities have conducted hundreds of searches and seized more than 2.7 million dollars (2.08 million) in cash as they attempt to crack down. In one case in Gagauzia, an autonomous part of Moldova where only 5% voted in favour of the EU, a physician was detained after allegedly coercing 25 residents of a home for older adults to vote for a candidate they did not choose. Police said they obtained conclusive evidence, including financial transfers from the same Russian bank. On Saturday at a church in Comrat, the capital of Gagauzia, Father Vasilii told the Associated Press that he is urged people to go and vote because it is a civic obligation and that they do not name any candidates. We use the goods the country offers us light, gas, he said. Whether we like what the government does or not, we must go and vote. The church always prays for peace. On Thursday, prosecutors also raided a political party headquarters and said 12 people were suspected of paying voters to select a candidate in the presidential race. A criminal case was also opened in which 40 state agency employees were suspected of taking electoral bribes. Father Vasilii speaks at the Saint John the Baptist cathedral in Comrat (Vadim Ghirda/AP) Cristian Cantir, a Moldovan associate professor of international relations at Oakland University, told the AP that whatever the outcome of the second round, it will not deflate geopolitical tensions. On the contrary, I expect geopolitical polarisation to be amplified by the campaign for the 2025 legislative elections, he said. Moldovan law enforcement needs more resources and better-trained staff working at a faster pace to tackle voter fraud, he added, to create an environment in which anyone tempted to either buy or sell votes knows there will be clear and fast consequences. A pro-Western government has been in power in Moldova since 2021, and a parliamentary election will be held in 2025. Moldova watchers warn that next years vote could be Moscows main target. In the wake of Russias invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Moldova applied to join the EU. The sharp Westward shift irked Moscow and significantly soured relations with Chisinau. Polling stations will close at 9pm (7pm GMT). By 8pm more than 1.6 million people about 53.5% of eligible voters had cast ballots, according to the Central Electoral Commission. Storm is brewing in Spain as locals vent anger over the impact of mass tourism Protesters having a Canary and want curb on visitor numbers Protesters march on Las Americas beach in Tenerife Ivan Little Sun 3 Nov 2024 at 08:00 I flew out of Belfast in the middle of a storm recently and landed in the eye of another storm in Spain. Authors from both sides of border unite to discuss masculinity Novel idea: Two writers whose latest books focus on separate loyalist and republican communities probe macho traits of characters for Belfast International Arts Fest Belfast-based Phil Harrison and Dublin-based Austin Duffy Amanda Ferguson Sun 3 Nov 2024 at 11:00 Two authors are joining forces to discuss modern masculinity at a Belfast International Arts Festival event. If you'd like to leave a comment (or a tip or a question) about this story with the editors, please email us We also welcome letters to the editor for publication; you can do that by filling out our letters form and submitting it to the newsroom. November 3, 2024: Since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, the United States has provided Ukraine with over $175 billion in military and economic aid. This is for a country whose pre-war, 2021, GDP was $200 billion. For 2024 GDP is expected to be $189 billion. After two years of war, the 2023 GDP was $179 billion. In Ukraine NATO military and economic aid continues to flow into Ukraine, with the Americans still supplying most of it. European NATO countries are supplying most of the economic aid to Ukraine and planning to be the major supplier of economic investments in Ukraine after the war. Ukraine is potentially a major European economy, second only to Poland in terms of population and GDP. A decade of war has kept Ukrainian GDP at a quarter of Polands. Given a decade of peace, Ukraine could match Polands GDP and together with Poland become the main NATO bulwark against potential Russian future aggression. The American and NATO military aid supplied over 100,000 anti-tank weapons plus even more missiles and rockets for use against ground and air targets. Early in the war, before Ukraine became a major manufacturer of drones, the United States was their major supplier. The U.S. has supplied Ukraine with multiple types of military equipment. Many of these items were those that Russia could not match. All this aid enabled Ukraine to quickly and effectively deal with the Russian invasion. The invasion was destructive but only in a few parts of the country. Most of Ukraine has been untouched by war, except for local men who joined the military and were killed or injured fighting the Russians. With Ukraine now on the offensive, the government is asking the millions of Ukrainians who fled to Europe during the war, to return home and help solve the labor shortage. Since 2014 Russia has occupied three Ukrainian provinces; Crimean, Luhansk and Donetsk. In the early stages of the invasion Russia grabbed more Ukrainian territory. By 2023 Ukraine was on the offensive and Russia was losing a lot of occupied territory and unable to halt the Ukrainian advance. Russian personnel losses were so great that in late 2024 Russia obtained 12,000 soldiers from North Korea. For most of the war, North Korea has been a major supplier of old Soviet-style weapons for Russia. These were paid for with cash and food. Since the 1990s North Korea has had a difficult time feeding its population. North Korean agriculture suffers from an unending series of catastrophes and shortages. Then Russia came along looking for some help in Ukraine. North Korea was eager to oblige. In addition to billions of dollars worth of weapons, North Korea sent 12,000 soldiers. Payments to North Korea and Iran, who supplied weapons too, rapidly drained Russian financial reserves. Three years of war in Ukraine and several rounds of economic sanctions was the price Russia had to pay for its war in Ukraine. The Russian economy depends on continued oil exports and these are constantly under attack by the major nations maintaining the sanctions. As the war goes on Russia receives less and less for the oil it smuggles out past the sanctions. The Americans have taken the lead in maintaining the sanctions and have been successful at it. The result is that the Russian economy is a wreck and will take a decade to rebuild and repair the damage once the war is over. North Korea has been under sanctions for decades. Even without sanctions the dictatorship that has ruled North Korea for 71 years has mismanaged the economy to the point where they had an economy that was only five percent the size (in GDP per capita) of South Korea. Free market, democratic South Korea has created one of the top ten economies on the planet. In response to North Korean aid for Russia, South Korea announced plans to supply military aid to Ukraine. South Korea currently has the tenth largest GDP in the world and is a major manufacturer and exporter of modern weapons. Poland is a customer, spending nearly $15 billion on weapons, including a thousand K2 tanks. These are similar to the American M1 but designed and built in South Korea without any use of American parts or technology. This means South Korea can export the K2s to anyone. Before the Ukraine War, South Korea and Russia were major trading partners. That ended when the war began and now South Korea is threatening to not revive that trade after the Ukraine war is over. PITTSFIELD As she sat with her daughter, Maddelynn Burdette, Rachel DAvella was beaming with pride. Between them was a golden plaque with Burdette's name etched in black letters and raised Braille characters, honoring her prowess navigating the halls of Pittsfield High School. Burdette is one of two people in the state to receive the Meg Robertson Mobility Award from the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind, which is given annually to individuals who demonstrate mobility skills with a white cane a device that allows the visually impaired to scan for nearby obstacles and orientation marks. Burdette, 16, has septo-optic dysplasia, a condition which has made her completely blind. For DAvella, the award ceremony was an uncommon chance to celebrate her daughters accomplishments since she doesnt participate in extracurriculars or sports, there arent always abundant opportunities for her to do so. But there is still a lot to appreciate about her. Burdette is an avid swimmer a little fish, DAvella said, who doesnt want to leave the water once shes in it. If shes not in the pool, she might be on one of the two swingsets in her home. She also loves music, especially songs from Disney movies, which she plays often on her tablet. Those are the things that make her smile, D'Avella said. Showing her strength On Friday, Burdette was the center of attention at Pittsfield High School, surrounded by paraprofessionals, teachers and classmates congratulating her on the big day. DAvella credits the high school for encouraging her independence and progress, which has resulted in a huge change in her mobility and communication. I really dont know what it was, but she just seemed to blossom, DAvella said. Im so happy that shes here and shes doing well. Burdette received the award at a White Cane Day Celebration at Pittsfield High, which included a luncheon prepared by visually impaired students instructed by Todd Eddy, a culinary arts teacher at Taconic High School. Mike Dionne, a Western Massachusetts-based orientation and mobility specialist for the commission, presented the award to Burdette. Burdette was nominated by Lynn Shortis, a teacher for the visually impaired and certified orientation and mobility specialist for the past 26 years at Pittsfield Public Schools. Shortis has known Burdette since she was 5 years old, and said her ability to travel using the white cane was extraordinary. She never ceases to amaze me, Shortis said. With all of her challenges, she shines and she soars and she just shows her strengths in her own ways. Mobility is Burdettes absolute strength, Shortis said an uncanny memory and spatial awareness allow her to move through the sometimes labyrinthine high school with ease using her white cane. Moving 'mountains' Burdette is part of a substantially separate education program at the school, Shortis explained she learns math, science and social studies in a different format more tailored to her needs. In recent weeks, Burdette has also been given a job as part of a major overhaul in the schools library where she has been sorting through boxes full of markers, working with Shortis to identify the working ones from the faulty ones. The job reflects an overall goal of the high school program, Shortis said, to help visually impaired students find ways to contribute to the community and help out at home. Shortis was thrilled that Burdette received the award, noting that shes an absolute sweetheart who has come a long way in the time that shes worked with her. Shes amazing, Shortis said. And she deserved this. Burdette is one of 18 visually impaired students at Pittsfield High School, and one of 51 visually impaired students in the Pittsfield Public Schools. Shortis works with all of them no small feat, according to paraprofessional Terry Quinto, who said the work that she does with the students is simply incredible. I cant even tell you the lengths she goes to for these kids, Quinto said, echoed by fellow paraprofessional Michelle Gutzmer, who said the two of them would move mountains for Shortis because she would move mountains for you. Shortis work is certainly appreciated by Kayla and Chris Markham, the parents of sophomore Xavier Markham, who is legally blind. Xavier is an AP honors student who plans to be a lawyer when he graduates he particularly enjoys Italian and biology lessons for now. Kayla Markham said Shortis has helped to ensure that Xavier has the proper aids and guidance to succeed in school since he lost his vision as a young boy a service that they cant thank her for enough. We would be lost without her, Kayla Markham said. The right fit Burdettes remarkable progress over the last year has solidified DAvellas decision to send her to Pittsfield High School. Around the end of eighth grade, DAvella wondered whether the public school system was the right fit for her daughter, and had considered enrolling her at the Perkins School for the Blind in Watertown. But the schools staff have done an amazing job taking care of Burdette and helping her grow, DAvella said, which has made her more mobile and communicative. Things havent always been easy, DAvella said, but she draws off her daughters joy for life to find inspiration. No matter how much I think Im struggling on a day-to-day basis, she can just smile and Im like nothing is wrong, DAvella said. If she can be happy, I can be happy. And shes one of the happiest little kids Ive ever met. Micheal Martin has insisted Fianna Fails return to government saw Ireland turn a corner on the housing crisis, as he pointed to failures to prioritise the issue under the previous Fine Gael-led administration. The Fianna Fail leader claimed Ireland had missed opportunities to tackle the crisis because of past failures. Advertisement The Tanaiste was referencing recent revelations from former Fine Gael housing minister Eoghan Murphy, who said he felt he did not receive sufficient support from government colleagues for his plans to address acute housing shortages. Fianna Fails Darragh OBrien took on the housing ministry when his party entered the historic coalition government with Fine Gael and the Green Party in 2020. Former minister for housing Eoghan Murphy (Brian Lawless/PA) Mr Martin referenced Mr Murphys comments in his new memoir about his time as housing minister between 2017 and 2020 as he attended the annual Fianna Fail commemoration of Wolfe Tone at Bodenstown cemetery in Co Kildare on Sunday. In a sign of heightening tensions between the two main coalition partners ahead of the general election, Mr Martins remarks drew a robust response from Fine Gael minister of state Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, who insisted Fianna Fail was responsible for a housing crash during the period of the financial crisis. Advertisement Their comments on the housing debate came as the latest opinion poll suggested Fine Gael was on course to emerge from the election as the most popular party. The Sunday Independent/Ireland Thinks survey had Fine Gael out in front on 26 per cent, with Fianna Fail on 20 per cent, Sinn Fein on 18% and independents the next largest grouping on 16 per cent. The same poll suggested Mr Martin and Taoiseach and Fine Gael leader Simon Harris are the two most popular leaders in Ireland. Mr Harris was top with a 52 per cent approval rating while Mr Martin had 48 per cent. After referring to Mr Murphys remarks in his address in Bodenstown, Mr Martin expanded when speaking to reporters after the event. Advertisement He (Mr Murphy) was basically saying that he didnt get the support he required to take more radical measures in housing, and he felt he was being held back, he said. I think this government took a different approach. We established the high-powered Cabinet subcommittee, which I chaired, and we really set down to all of the secretary generals in the key government departments that housing is the number one issue facing our society, and it requires sustained commitment and momentum. And, also, allied to that, we developed and created probably the most radical reform of our planning code, certainly the most comprehensive, to become an engine also for housing development. He said the current government also passed the legislation to underpin the already launched Land Development Agency (LDA). Advertisement Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Brian Lawless/PA) The Tanaiste added: There is resistance sometimes within the system, and I think Eoghan Murphy reveals that, not just political but also resistance within the public services at times to certain models of approach. The market hadnt worked in the previous number of years, so that was clear. And so what you are now witnessing over the last four and half years, notwithstanding the pandemic which did hold us back, is a much stronger state intervention in housing, with the result that we have turned a corner, although we need to build far more houses than were currently building. But, nonetheless, theres been substantial progress. We need to do more. Advertisement Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence, Ms Carroll MacNeill, claimed Mr Martin was trying to claim credit for the LDA when it was actually Mr Murphy who established it in the previous government. Referring to similar comments by Mr Martin about Fianna Fails role in the Land Development Agency in the Sunday Independent, she told RTEs The Week In Politics Programme: Fianna Fail have a backdrop of creating a housing crash. And it was the Land Development Agency which Eoghan created. So, I see what Micheal Martin is saying about that, but it was Eoghan Murphy, Paschal Donohoe and Leo Varadkar who set that up. She added: There are a couple of facts which Micheal has maybe gotten wrong this morning in relation to the Land Development Agency. It was Fine Gael who established it. It was Fine Gael who capitalised it. Sinn Fein TD for Meath East Darren ORourke, who was also appearing on The Week In Politics, questioned why both parties were trying to claim credit for failed housing policy. Were in the perverse situation here where Fianna Fail and Fine Gael are arguing over whos responsible for an absolutely failed housing policy, he said. Where theyll deliver less houses this year than they did last year, and the targets that they have are far, far less than what is actually required. Sinn Fein has set out, and the people will have an option and opportunity to vote, on a real alternative when it comes to housing. Weve set out a clear plan to deliver 300,000 homes over five years, including affordable homes, social homes and cost rental. In France, the four main health sector unionsCGT, FO, Sud, and Unsahave announced a strike from November 4 to December 21 in response to the planned reduction of the health budget for 2025, Azernews reports citing foreign media. The ongoing public budget crisis in France has sparked widespread protests within the health sector, echoing discontent across various fields. Concerns are particularly focused on the cancellation of hospital beds, which has compounded budgetary issues. According to the French Hospital Federation (FHF), the increase in health expenditure allocated to the hospital sector will be limited to just 3.1%, significantly below the 6% level deemed necessary by healthcare professionals. Workers are vocal about the reduction in patient beds, which is contributing to a growing exodus of specialists from the hospital system. A 27-year-old man has appeared in court charged with the murder of a 36-year-old father of one in Co Kerry earlier this year. Kane Hornyak of Dune Road, Ballybunion, Co Kerry appeared before a special sitting of Cork District Court this afternoon. Advertisement Mr Hornyak was charged with the murder, contrary to Common Law, of Gerard (Ger) Kennelly in Knockanure, Co Kerry on May 27th last. Mr Kennelly died after suffering stab injuries in Knockanure village, just outside Listowel. Evidence of arrest, charge and caution was given by Detective Garda Donnacha Coakley. Judge Joanne Carroll heard that Mr Hornyak made no reply when the charge was put to him under caution shortly after noon on Sunday at Togher Garda Station in Cork. Advertisement As it is a murder charge, any bail application in the case must be made to the High Court. Defence solicitor Padraig OConnell said that a bail application would be made at a later date in the High Court. Mr Hornyak, who was wearing a grey tracksuit, did not speak during the brief hearing. The defendant was remanded in custody to appear before Tralee District Court next Wednesday, November 6th. Judge Carroll directed that Mr Hornyak receive all appropriate medical attention in custody after a request was made about the same by Mr OConnell. Legal aid was assigned via solicitor Padraig OConnell. Advertisement The late Ger Kennelly is survived by his parents, Sheila and Jerry and his partner Anne, his daughter Miya, his four siblings, uncles, aunts and extended family. His requiem mass was celebrated on May 31st last at Corpus Christi Church in Knockanure at 11.30 am, followed by burial in Ahavoher Cemetery, Moyvane. Meanwhile, two people previously appeared in court last Thursday charged with the murder of Mr Kennelly. Abigail Lynch of Woodview Place, Tarbert and Kieran Brady of Athea in Co Limerick were both remanded in custody to appear in court in Tralee next Wednesday. Ms Lynch (22) appeared before Listowel District Court. She made no reply when charged. Free legal aid was granted as she is on a disability payment. Ms Lynch was remanded in custody to Limerick Prison. Mr Brady (35) also appeared before Listowel District Court. He was remanded in custody to Mountjoy Prison. A mother-of-one who allegedly had all the items required for a meth lab in her Killarney home when gardai searched it on Thursday was denied bail at Cork District Court on Saturday. Anna Entrambasaguas (43) was charged with possession for sale and supply of crystal meth and with possession of forged or stolen driving licences. Advertisement Ms Entrambasaguas, of Apartment 2, Knocknasartnett, Killarney, Co Kerry, was charged with seven offences. Evidence of arrest, charge and caution was given by Garda Ger OSullivan. Garda OSullivan said he charged the defendant shortly before 8.30pm on Friday at Killarney Garda Station. Ms Entrambasaguas made no reply when the charges were put to her under caution. Garda OSullivan objected to bail arising out of the nature and seriousness of the alleged offences. He said that that around 500 of crystal meth was seized from the property. Forensic Science Ireland has already confirmed that the substance is crystal meth. Advertisement Garda OSullivan told Judge Joanne Carroll that there was substantial evidence that crystal meth was being produced at the property. We did discover the ingredients for a meth lab boxed together. Like it has been used or for future use. Boxed together like a kit. He stated that two forged Czech driving licences were found at the property. The picture of the defendant was on both, but they bore different names. Two other stolen driving licences were also recovered from the property. He expressed the belief that the 43-year-old would commit further offences if released on bail. He stated that the defendant was a heavy meth user addicted to controlled drugs. Advertisement Garda OSullivan said Ms Entrambasaguas was heavily involved in the production of meth. He stated that the defendant was capable of producing high quality identification and alleged that she uses different aliases to hide her identity. She has no regard to the production and use of identification documents. He expressed concern that Ms Entrambasaguas would flee the jurisdiction in the event of her being granted bail given her transient lifestyle. Advertisement She is in Ireland for 20 years but has no ties. She has the capability to hide her true identity. Garda OSullivan added that more serious charges were expected in the case. Defence solicitor, Brendan Aherne, acknowledged that the matter was serious. He said that his client would face considerable difficulty in prison. Advertisement She would be in custody for a long time awaiting trial. He stated that his client was willing to abide by the most stringent of bail conditions set down by the court. He added that it could take months and months for the drugs to be analysed. Garda OSulliven confirmed to Mr Aherne that more items [taken from the apartment] needed to be analysed. Ms Entrambasaguas is charged that, on October 31st, she had in her possession at her home crystal meth for sale or supply. She was also charged with possession of stolen property to wit the driving licence of another woman knowing that the property was stolen or reckless as to whether it was. She was also charged at the same property with having in her possession the driving licence of a second woman knowing that the property was stolen or being reckless as to whether it was stolen. The fourth charge at the same address was that the defendant had a machine which had been specially designed for the making of an instrument with the intention that it would be used in the making of a false instrument and that the instrument would be used to induce another person to accept it as genuine. The fifth charge was that Ms Entrambasaguas did, without lawful authority, have in her custody a forged Czech Republic driving licence in the name of a third woman which she knew to be a false instrument. The sixth charge states that she had in her possession a forged Czech Republic driving licence in the name of a fourth woman. The seventh charge involves Ms Entrambasaguas allegedly having crystal meth in her possession. Judge Carroll refused bail in the case. She remanded Ms Entrambasaguas in custody to appear before Tralee District Court on November 6th. Free legal aid was granted as the defendant is in receipt of disability allowance. Spains King Felipe VI and top government officials were pelted with mud by a crowd of angry survivors of the recent flooding during the first visit by the countrys leaders to the centre of the suffering. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez was evacuated from the scene, according to Spanish broadcaster RTVE, when the official contingent started to walk the mud-covered streets of Paiporta. Advertisement The town on the outskirts of Valencia was one of the hardest-hit areas where more than 60 people died and thousands of lives were shattered. Police had to step in, with some officers on horseback to keep back the crowd of several dozens who hurled mud and waved shovels and poles threateningly in the air. Get out! Get out! and Killers! the crowd shouted among other insults. Queen Letizia and regional Valencia president Carlo Mazon were also in the contingent. Advertisement A rescue dog searches for victims after floods in Paiporta, near Valencia, Spain (Hugo Torres/AP) Bodyguards opened umbrellas to protect the royal visitors and officials as protesters hurled mud at them. After being forced to seek protection, the king remained calm and made several efforts to speak to individual residents. One person appeared to have wept on his shoulder, and he shook a mans hand. The queen, with small dollops of mud on her hands and arms, also spoke to some women. Advertisement We dont have any water, one told her. Spains Queen Letizia, left, comforts a woman affected by the floods in Paiporta, near Valencia, (Ana Escobar/EFE/AP) But the public rage over for the haphazard management of the crisis came to a boil on Sunday. It was an unprecedented incident for a royal house that takes great care to craft an image of a monarch who is liked by the nation. More than 200 people have died following Tuesdays floods and thousands have had their homes destroyed by the wall of water and mud. At least 60 of the dead were in Paiporta. Advertisement Spains King Felipe VI speaks with people in the crowd of angry flood survivors in Paiporta, near Valencia (David Melero/AP) Indignation at the management of Spains worst natural disaster in living memory started after the initial shock wore off. The floods had already started filling Paiporta with crushing waves when regional officials issued an alert to mobile phones that sounded two hours too late. And more anger has been fuelled by the inability of officials to respond quickly in the aftermath. A rescue worker checks a car after floods in Paiporta near Valencia, Spain (Hugo Torres/AP) Most of the clean-up of the layers and layers of mud and debris that has invaded countless homes has been carried out by residents and thousands of volunteers. Advertisement We have lost everything! someone shouted. Felipe insisted on trying to speak with people as he continued his visit. He spoke to several people, patting two young men on their backs and sharing a quick embrace, with mud stains on his black raincoat. Rescue workers pass a car half-buried in mud after floods in Paiporta, near Valencia, Spain (Hugo Torres/AP) According to a journalist for Spanish broadcaster RTVE, one woman wept and told the king she did not have food and nappies, while another person said: Dont abandon us. But after approximately half an hour of tension, the monarch and the rest of the deletation got into official cars and left with a mounted police escort. One woman smacked an official car with an umbrella, and another kicked it, before it sped off. RTVE reported that the barrage aimed at the royals included a few rocks and other hard objects were tossed and that two bodyguards were treated for injuries, and the monarchs and officials called off another stop on Sunday at a second hard-hit village, Chiva, about half an hour to the east of Valencia city. Mr Sanchez said recovery efforts will not be derailed by the incident. I want to express all my governments solidarity and its acknowledgement of the anguish, suffering, uncertainty and the needs of the residents of Paiporta and the region of Valencia, Mr Sanchez said, while adding that he believes the majority of people reject the types of violence that unfortunately we saw today. The king later told regional authorities at the command post of emergency response efforts that they had to give hope to those affected by the flood and attend to their needs, guaranteeing that the state is there for them. The mud-slinging scene occurred as thousands more Spanish soldiers, national police officers, and Civil Guard gendarmes arrived, or are set to arrive, at the disaster sites. The Israeli military has said it carried out a ground raid into Syria, seizing a Syrian citizen involved in Iranian networks. It was the first time in the current Middle East conflict that Israel has announced sending troops into Syria. Advertisement Syria did not immediately confirm the announcement. The army did not specify where in Syria the raid took place or when. A man flashes the victory sign as holds up a Hezbollah flag on the ruins of a destroyed apartment at the site of an Israeli airstrike in Dahiyeh, Beirut (Hassan Ammar/AP) It identified the man it seized as Ali Soleiman al-Assi, saying he lives in the southern Syrian region of Saida. It said he had been under military surveillance for many months and was involved in Iranian initiatives targeting areas of the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights near the border with Syria. Advertisement Body camera footage of the raid released by the army showed soldiers seizing a man in a white tank top inside a building. The man was brought to Israel for interrogation, the military said. Israel has carried out airstrikes in Syria multiple times over the past year, targeting members of Lebanons Hezbollah and officials from Iran, the close ally of both Hezbollah and Syria. But it has not previously made public any ground forays into Syria. The Israeli military said the seizure was part of a special operation that took place in recent months, though it did not say exactly when it occurred. The disclosure of the raid comes as Israel has waged an escalated campaign of bombardment in Lebanon for the past six weeks, as well as a ground invasion along the countries shared border, vowing to cripple Hezbollah. Advertisement On Saturday, an Israeli military official said naval forces carried out a raid in a northern Lebanese town, seizing a man they called a senior Hezbollah operative. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited the border with Lebanon on Sunday, saying his focus was trying to keep Hezbollah from rearming itself through the oxygen lifeline of Iranian weapons transferred to Lebanon via Syria. Israel says its campaign in Lebanon aims to push Hezbollah away from the border and put an end to more than a year of fire by the group into northern Israel. Israels strikes in Lebanon have killed more than 2,500 people over the past year. In Israel, 69 people have been killed by Hezbollah projectiles. Moldovans are casting votes in a decisive presidential runoff on Sunday that pits pro-Western incumbent Maia Sandu against a Russia-friendly opponent. In the first round held on October 20, Ms Sandu obtained 42% of the ballot but failed to win an outright majority. Advertisement She will face Alexandr Stoianoglo, a former prosecutor general, who outperformed polls in the first round with almost 26% of the vote. Moldovas President Maia Sandu prepares to cast her vote, in Chisinau, Moldova (Vadim Ghirda/AP) A poll released by research company iData indicates a tight race that leans towards a narrow Sandu victory, an outcome that might rely on Moldovas large diaspora. The presidential role carries significant powers in areas such as foreign policy and national security and has a four-year term. Moldovas diaspora played a key role in a nationwide referendum also held on October 20 when a narrow majority of 50.35% voted in favour of securing Moldovas path towards EU membership. Advertisement But the results of the ballots including Sundays vote have been overshadowed by allegations of a major vote-buying scheme and voter intimidation. A woman walks by a depiction of the European Union flag near a park in central Chisinau Moldova (Vadim Ghirda/AP) Instead of winning the overwhelming support that Ms Sandu had hoped, the results in both races exposed Moldovas judiciary as unable to adequately protect the democratic process. On Friday, Moldovas Prime Minister Dorin Recean said that people throughout the country were receiving anonymous death threats via phone calls in what he called an extreme attack to scare voters in the former Soviet republic, which has a population of about 2.5 million people. These acts of intimidation have only one purpose: to create panic and fear, Mr Recean said in a statement posted on social media. I assure you that state institutions will ensure order and protect citizens. Advertisement In the wake of the two October votes, Moldovan law enforcement said that a vote-buying scheme was orchestrated by Ilan Shor, an exiled oligarch who lives in Russia and was convicted in absentia last year of fraud and money laundering. Mr Shor denies any wrongdoing. Prosecutors say 39 million dollars (30 million) was paid to more than 130,000 recipients through an internationally sanctioned Russian bank to voters between September and October. Alexandr Stoianoglo delivers a statement in Chisinau, Moldova (Vadim Ghirda/AP) Anti-corruption authorities have conducted hundreds of searches and seized more than 2.7 million dollars (2.08 million) in cash as they attempt to crack down. Advertisement In one case in Gagauzia, an autonomous part of Moldova where only 5% voted in favour of the EU, a physician was detained after allegedly coercing 25 residents of a home for older adults to vote for a candidate they did not choose. Police said they obtained conclusive evidence, including financial transfers from the same Russian bank. On Saturday at a church in Comrat, the capital of Gagauzia, Father Vasilii told the Associated Press that he is urged people to go and vote because it is a civic obligation and that they do not name any candidates. We use the goods the country offers us light, gas, he said. Advertisement Whether we like what the government does or not, we must go and vote. The church always prays for peace. On Thursday, prosecutors also raided a political party headquarters and said 12 people were suspected of paying voters to select a candidate in the presidential race. A criminal case was also opened in which 40 state agency employees were suspected of taking electoral bribes. Father Vasilii speaks at the Saint John the Baptist cathedral in Comrat (Vadim Ghirda/AP) Cristian Cantir, a Moldovan associate professor of international relations at Oakland University, told the AP that whatever the outcome of the second round, it will not deflate geopolitical tensions. On the contrary, I expect geopolitical polarisation to be amplified by the campaign for the 2025 legislative elections, he said. Moldovan law enforcement needs more resources and better-trained staff working at a faster pace to tackle voter fraud, he added, to create an environment in which anyone tempted to either buy or sell votes knows there will be clear and fast consequences. A pro-Western government has been in power in Moldova since 2021, and a parliamentary election will be held in 2025. Moldova watchers warn that next years vote could be Moscows main target. In the wake of Russias invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Moldova applied to join the EU. The sharp Westward shift irked Moscow and significantly soured relations with Chisinau. Polling stations will close at 9pm (7pm GMT). By 8pm more than 1.6 million people about 53.5% of eligible voters had cast ballots, according to the Central Electoral Commission. Moscow sent 96 drones and a guided air missile into Ukraine overnight into Sunday, Ukrainian officials said. According to Ukraines air force, 66 drones were destroyed during the overnight barrage, along with the missile. Advertisement A further 27 drones were lost over various areas, it said, likely having been electronically jammed, while one drone flew into Belarusian airspace. No casualties were reported. Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Sunday that Russia had launched around 900 guided aerial bombs, 500 drones and 30 missiles against Ukraine over the past week. Last night, Russia terrorized Ukraine with over 50 strike drones, and over the past week, it has used more than 900 bombs, around 30 missiles, and nearly 500 Shaheds against various regions of Ukraine. Most of these strikes have targeted civilian and critical infrastructure. pic.twitter.com/8bmTvdrceG Volodymyr Zelenskyy / (@ZelenskyyUa) November 3, 2024 Mr Zelensky appealed on Sunday on X, formerly Twitter, to Ukraines allies to provide long-range capabilities for our security, saying that these attacks would have been impossible if we had sufficient support from the world. Kyiv is still awaiting word from its Western partners on its repeated requests to use the long-range weapons they provide to hit targets on Russian soil, including for pre-emptive Ukrainian strikes on camps where North Korean troops are being trained. Advertisement The Ukrainian president also urged partners to enact truly effective sanctions to prevent Russia from importing critical components for drone and missile production. This appeal followed an address on Saturday, in which he said more than 2,000 drones and missiles still using Western components were launched against Ukraine in October, and underlined the need for more stringent export controls to prevent sanctions evasion. In Russia, the defence ministry said 19 Ukrainian drones were shot down overnight into Sunday in three regions of Russia: 16 in the Rostov region, two in the Belgorod region and one in the Volgograd region. A man died on Sunday in a Ukrainian drone attack in the Belgorod region, according to regional governor Vyacheslav Gladkov. Its been a long time coming for Dino Dimitriadis and Shane Anthonys new production of Hedwig and the Angry Inch. The theatre directors and long-time friends had separately admired the musical for years it was just a matter of getting all their ducks in a row to bring it to life. I saw the musical on Broadway with Neil Patrick Harris in the role in 2014 and I instantly fell in love, Anthony says. Its such a fantastic rock musical thats joyous at times, celebratory at times, but has such deep heart. Seann Miley Moore will star in Hedwig and the Angry Inch. Credit: Ryan Cara Dimitriadis says: What appealed to me about it is the opportunity to create a really great night out. Audiences are really hungry for experiences and encounters, not just shows going back to that very primal desire to feel moved and exhilarated. Hedwig follows the titular East German rock singer who has a botched sex reassignment surgery, then journeys to find themself. It began its life in 1998 as a stage musical by John Cameron Mitchell, who also starred in the lead role, with music by Stephen Trask; it was then adapted for the screen in 2001. Rolling Stone called it the best rock musical ever; the Broadway production has won four Tony awards. On the cusp of his rap career dramatically changing his circumstances, Pal Bidongs young life was cut short, fatally shot near a Halloween rave in North Melbourne on Saturday morning. Police are still searching for the gunman, after Bidong was found dead on Langford Street at 3.15am on Saturday. No arrests or charges have been laid over the death. Pal Bidong, aka Peezy, was found dead with gunshot wounds near a Halloween rave in North Melbourne. Credit: YouTube Detective acting inspector Alan Rumble said patrons were on their way home from nearby warehouse-style venues when the body was discovered. Emotions were high, he said, with Nine News vision showing fights breaking out in the streets near where the body was found. Police have not revealed how many times Bidong was shot, when the shooting occurred, or a possible motive. If a stranger informed you that you had inherited $2.5 million from a long-lost cousin, chances are you would scoff and hang up the phone, or delete the message. But what if the windfall was real? Working on the jigsaw puzzle (left to right): Ann Church, Jo Walton, Matthew Hardy, Kath Ensor and Lee Hooper from State Trustees. Credit: Justin McManus Genealogists at Victorias State Trustees track down living relatives of people who have died without a will, and give out more than $100 million each year. But sometimes potential recipients knock back inheritances, even those in the millions of dollars. Surging house prices in Sydney and Melbourne over the past decade have left millions of workers worse off despite enjoying better wages, contributing to the flight of key employees from both cities, ground-breaking analysis has revealed. As new figures show the average mortgage has reached a new peak, having climbed by $43,000 over the past 12 months, research from independent think tank e61 shows people in their 30s, in particular, are being priced out of the nations two largest cities. The surge in house prices over the past decade has priced an increasing number off workers out of Sydney and Melbourne. Credit: Dion Georgopoulos If not for immigration, Sydney would be de-populating because of the exodus of workers, including truck drivers, childcare workers, doctors and accountants. Compared to those in regional areas, city-based workers enjoy what e61 describes as an urban wage premium worth about $8000 annually. Influencers are everywhere you look these days including Americas campaign trail. Some 200 social media stars attended the Democratic National Convention in August, where they were entertained at lavish parties and on boat trips. A few even got to chat with Kamala Harris. Donald Trump has likewise given interviews to influencer bros such as Logan Paul and Theo Von, aiming to appeal to their followers. Politicians are not the only ones to have spotted the growing sway of social-media stars. Over the past five years, American companies have roughly tripled the amount of marketing spend they lavish annually on influencers, to $US7 billion ($10.6 billion), according to research firm eMarketer. Influencer marketing is part of every big campaign nowadays, says Mark Read, the boss of WPP, which owns advertising agencies such as Ogilvy and Mindshare. Walmart, a retail giant, has worked with TikTok stars Dixie and Charli DAmelio. Louis Vuitton, a luxury brand, has run campaigns with Emma Chamberlain, a YouTuber. Sisters Dixie (left) and Charli DAmelio rank among the most followed people on TikTok. Credit: AP Goldman Sachs bank estimates that as of last year there were more than 50 million influencers globally, from fashionistas on Instagram and comedians on TikTok to gamers on YouTube. It reckons that their ranks are swelling by between 10 per cent and 20 per cent annually. Some influencers view the work as a pastime; others aspire to make it their vocation, lured by stories of superstars making tens of thousands of dollars for a post and harnessing their legions of followers to launch brands of their own. In the United States, 57 per cent of Gen Zs would like to be a social media influencer, according to pollster Morning Consult; 53 per cent describe it as a reputable career. Spoiled for choice, brands have shifted attention towards influencers creating content for narrower audiences, such as fashion tips for the over-60s, to better target those consumers. For companies, the influencer economy is more attractive than ever. Those who dream of making a living as a social media star, however, should brace for disappointment. In a statement, Dana Remus, a top lawyer for Vice President Kamala Harris campaign, said it isnt surprising that he is already questioning the results of a still ongoing election, adding he failed when he tried this in 2020, and he will fail again. Loading Polls show the race is effectively tied, leaving the possibility that Trump will win and have no reason to dispute the outcome. In that case, the question of whether to accept the results would fall to Harris, who has said she would uphold free and fair elections and the peaceful transfer of power. For all the similarities, there are important differences between now and 2020, some of which reassure the coalition of civil rights lawyers, Democrats, Republicans and election administrators working to prevent a repeat of 2020: Congress has passed a new law, the Electoral Count Reform Act, meant to make it harder to stop the final certification of the results by Congress on January 6, as Trump tried to do four years ago. Trump no longer has control of the federal government which he sought to use to press his 2020 case. In the states, there are fewer like-minded Republicans in key positions of power than there were four years ago. Some of the loudest clarions for stolen election theories have paid heavily for circulating them, including Fox News, which last year paid Dominion Voting Systems $US787 million to settle a lawsuit over the networks promotion of false theories that Dominions machines had switched votes. The experience of 2020, along with more recent clashes over voting issues, has taught election administrators lessons about fortifying themselves against a similar effort this year. Trump at at a campaign event in Rocky Mount, North Carolina last week. Credit: New York Times While Trump no longer has control of the federal government, a movement of activists has succeeded in putting election-doubting conservatives in position across the voting system, as poll watchers, election workers and even local officials in charge of certifying results. The new law has loopholes that Trump could try to exploit. For instance, the law sets a new, hard deadline by which states must send their final, certified election results to Washington before the Electoral College vote. But some Trump-aligned officials have called for blocking certification at the local level, raising the possibility that the process could be stalled before that deadline. The law has no clear remedy for cases where it is missed. Finally, though some news organisations such as Fox and Newsmax have faced serious defamation claims for spreading conspiracy theories about Dominion voting machines, the major social media platforms have dramatically scaled back efforts to curb false content. None have gone farther than X, formerly Twitter, whose owner, Musk, has actively used the platform to promote the sense that Trump is destined to win and to spread his own false voting claims. There has been a lot of investment by allies of president Trump to suggest that his victory is inevitable, said David Becker, executive director of the Centre for Election Innovation and Research, a nonpartisan organisation that advises election officials. Thats the expectation being set among some of his supporters. Step 1: Claim victory Steve Bannon says Trump should act pre-emptively on election night and simply claim victory. Credit: New York Times The period leading up to election day has featured several scenes that seem to be ripped from court filings in the federal case charging Trump with election interference over his actions after his defeat in 2020. (Trump has pleaded not guilty.) When Steve Bannon, an influential right-wing media figure and close Trump adviser, was released from prison on Tuesday, he quickly told reporters that Trump should act pre-emptively on election night and simply claim victory. As Bannon said, he should stand up and say, Hey, Ive won this. And we have teams right now that are going to make sure that this thing is not going to be stolen. In recently filed court papers naming Bannon as a co-conspirator in Trumps federal election interference case, the special counsel, Jack Smith, noted that Bannon had said the same thing four years ago. What Trumps going to do is just declare victory, right? he said, according to the records, later adding, that doesnt mean hes the winner; hes just going to say hes the winner. Trump did just that, unleashing a barrage of lawsuits challenging swing-state results, nearly all of which failed as various judges found claims of fraud to be lacking. That legal failure did not stop his efforts. He and several allies then sought to convince Republican legislators in states that President Joe Biden had won that they had the power to submit their own slates of pro-Trump Electoral College delegates, effectively rejecting the popular vote. Several of those involved in that operation were later indicted. The new law specifies that only governors or other executives can send electors to Washington, cutting state legislatures out of the process. Yet some Trump allies have already suggested they could again turn to state lawmakers. An architect of the 2020 strategy, John Eastman, recently told Politico that he believed the new law was unconstitutional. (Eastman is under indictment in Arizona and Georgia over his 2020 election activities and has pleaded not guilty in both states.) Step 2: Sow doubt Trump meets voters at a town hall in Lancaster, Pennsylvania last month. Credit: New York Times Elections always bring a range of human and technological errors, but Trump and his allies have distorted the nature of such events, painting them as evidence of Democratic wrongdoing. In 2020, a fringe of Trumps advisers and allies cheered him on. Now the entire party machinery and prominent and influential allies are using various levers to claim publicly that the only way Trump can lose is through cheating. Loading The Republican National Committee, now under the joint leadership of the former presidents daughter-in-law, Lara Trump, and the one-time party counsel Michael Whatley has made election integrity a top priority. (The lawyer in charge of the committees election integrity team, Christina Bobb, was charged with conspiracy by the Arizona attorney-general in connection with her efforts to keep Trump in power four years ago; she pleaded not guilty.) Last week, Whatley posted online about the arrest of a woman at a polling station in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, who had been urging voters to remain in line, calling the incident election interference. Local authorities later defended the arrest, saying the woman had been acting disruptively. Using another tactic from 2020, Trump and his allies have also complained this year that states such as Pennsylvania and Arizona were unlikely to finish counting votes until well after election day, suggesting the delays are somehow improper or nefarious. In 2020, conspiracy theories about the pace of the vote count were some of the first to swirl in the days after Trumps defeat. Election officials note that mail ballots can take more time to count and that delays are not a sign of trouble. Still, they have been working to speed the process, knowing they are in a race against misinformation. Step 3: Disrupt Ballot counting in Phoenix, Arizona for the presidential primary in March. Credit: New York Times Trumps 2020 effort was chiefly focused on disrupting the last step of the election certification of the results in Congress but his allies this year have also zeroed in on vulnerabilities at the beginning of the process. Loading That starts with about 10,000 local jurisdictions in which officials have a mandate to certify the votes before sending them to their state capitals, which in turn certify and send their totals and delegate slates to Washington. The task is prescribed by law as mandatory throughout the states, although board or commission members in at least 20 counties in eight states have moved to block certification, in some rare cases succeeding, at least temporarily. Officials from the swing states have prepared legal papers to force any recalcitrant boards to certify results on time. This article originally appeared in The New York Times. Its the election that no one could have foreseen. Not so long ago, Donald Trump was marinating in self-pity at Mar-a-Lago after being impeached twice and voted out of the White House. Even some of his closest allies were looking forward to a future without the charismatic, yet erratic, billionaire leading the Republican Party, especially after his failed attempt to overturn an election ended in violence and shame. When Trump announced his comeback bid two years ago, the New York Post buried the article on page 26. Republican presidential nominee former president Donald Trump speaks during a campaign rally at Atrium Health Amphitheater. Credit: AP At the same time, Kamala Harris was languishing as a low-profile sidekick to President Joe Biden. Once seen as a rising star in the Democratic Party, she struggled with both her profile and her portfolio, disappointing her supporters and delighting her critics. No one was talking about Harris running for the top job they were wondering if Biden should replace her as his running mate when he sought a second term. But on Wednesday, improbable as it may have seemed before, Americans will choose either Trump or Harris to serve as the next president. Its the final chapter in one of the most bewildering, unpredictable and consequential sagas in political history. US Vice President Kamala Harris during a campaign event at Michigan State University. Credit: Bloomberg For once, the word unprecedented has not been overused. If someone had told you ahead of time what was going to happen in this election, and you tried to sell it as a book, no one would believe it, said Neil Newhouse, a Republican pollster with more than four decades of experience. Its energised the country and its polarised the country. And all we can hope is that we come out of it better in the end. History was and will be made. The United States has never elected a president who has been convicted of a crime. Trump survived not one, but two assassination attempts. Biden dropped out in the middle of an election year and Harris could become the first female president. Fundamental tenets about democracy in the most powerful nation on earth will be tested like no time since the Civil War. And thats not to mention the backdrop of simultaneous conflicts in Europe and the Middle East, hacking by foreign governments, an increasingly normalised blizzard of misinformation and the intimate involvement of the worlds richest man, Elon Musk. For now, the only thing the country can agree on is that no one knows how the story will end. AP By Rebecca Black, PA A crisis cafe for young people in Co Down has been hailed for providing a safe space. The UK National Lottery-funded project provides hot meals as well as support, music lessons, training and a quiet place to complete homework. The facility, beside the bus station in Newry, is open after school and in the evenings for young people. Louise Quinn, manager of Crisis Cafe, said the core of the idea is to be there to help people. She described it as an early intervention, helping to stop issues escalating to crisis point. From needing a hot meal and a place to do their homework, to music lessons and barista training, we have loads going on to suit everyones interests, but at the core were there to help young people if they had a bad day or are facing some more serious challenges in their lives, she said. Louise Quinn and Grainne Graham who manage the Crisis Cafe at the facility in Newry (The National Lottery Community Fund/PA) All the sessions we run are called cafes as we like to keep them informal, social and welcoming not strict or clinical. The young people decide on the cafe themes, which currently include arts homework support, photography, LGBTQAI+ support, and an 18-25 cafe. Weve had to extend our opening hours with more and more young people walking through our doors. All the activities we run contribute to positive mental health and building connections, but we also have more focused mental health support through informal chats or counselling sessions. We find that once we get the young people through the doors and theyve settled into our cafe sessions, then they get more confidence to talk about any mental health issues, such as anxiety and low mood. Tara Haffey (18) is one of the young people who regularly attend, and now sits on the Youth Advisory Board. At school Ive always felt a bit out of place and I couldnt talk about my mental health as no-one else was, she said. When I started coming here, I felt comfortable and normal everyone is welcome, you are accepted for who you are and not judged for how you feel. It is a positive social space that always lifts my mood. Grainne Graham, who helps to run the cafes along with volunteers, added: Louise and I are always available for casual chats, which could be just talking about their day or how they are feeling. We want the young people to enjoy coming here and not feel any pressure to talk if they dont feel comfortable. We then get to know them and learn their interests and strengths, so if something is wrong and theyve had a bad day then we can have a chat and be authentic, pointing out the positives about themselves and help them reflect. We are always building our relationship and trust with them, so they dont have to only talk to us when its serious and there is no stigma attached to having a chat with us. The group received a 336,881 (400,200) grant from The National Lottery Community Fund last year to run three years of activities for young people to build friendships and feel safe accessing services without facing any stigma. Crisis Cafe also took part in the National Lotterys Peoples Projects campaign and won 69,740, thanks to the public voting for them, to provide additional support for young people to address digital and food poverty. Some 786 million has been awarded to communities across the North since the first UK National Lottery draw in 1994. MZINTI - Swaziland Liberation Movement (SWALIMO) President Mduduzi Gawuzela Simelane has declared that those searching for him would not find him because he is a ghost. He described himself as a dead man walking, claiming he died long ago, when emaSwati lost their lives during the infamous 2021 civil unrest that resulted in widespread property destruction and loss of life. Unfortunately you do not threaten a ghost with death. I long crossed my Damascus moment. he said. Simelane was speaking yesterday during the SWALIMO prayer event dubbed The Gathering of the Nation; which was held in South Africa at KaMhlushwa.Simelane shared that he left the country and South Africa for the United Kingdom after receiving a divine instruction, to go out to the world and mobilise against Eswatini. Challenges Recounting his journey to KaMhlushwa, he said it was not easy and faced a lot of challenges but did not elaborate on those. Other challenges he had to deal with was the very event, which was initially banned from being hosted in a stadium, then locked out in the second venue, the Holiness Church by the South African police. The SWALIMO event was delayed, after police refused them permission to host in the church stating that organisers did not have permission to host in the venue. Liberation not fuelled by hate Speaking at the event, Simelane said his quest for the liberation of emaSwati was not fuelled by hatred but love for freedom, prosperity and peace for the nation. He said this would be achieved through multiparty democracy. The country is the only country in the world that people are fingered to positions. EmaSwati need multiparty democracy, which they spelt out in 2018-23 Parliament, where they sent MPs myself, Bacede Mabuza and Mthandeni Dube to request that the country be ruled through a constitutional system, where the head of government is elected by the people, who then forms a government, he said during his speech. He expressed gratitude to those who attended the event and recounted the difficulties he faced, alleging that he had to dodge would-be assassins, who he claimed, had been hunting him since his arrival. The exiled leader spoke yesterday at his partys prayer event, which drew over 3 000 emaSwati and South Africans who were dressed in SWALIMO colours of red, blue and white at the Holiness Church hall. Detail The were more than 6 000 watching online. His security was ensured by a heavily armed detail of about 20 men. Tensions escalated when a man attempted to breach the security line protecting Simelane but was apprehended in a dramatic display, causing a brief commotion. The interruption occurred just as Simelane finished urging the nation to be resilient in confronting various community issues. The man was forcefully escorted away amid screams from the crowd. The event was attended by a majority of leaders under the Mass Democratic Movement, proved to be a success and lived up to the hype surrounding it on social media platform Facebook. Simelanes presence marked a turning point for the anxious crowd, many of whom had doubted he would show. Despite challenges faced by the organisers, the event proceeded smoothly, with threats and sabotage effectively managed, as revealed by Paul Matimela, SWALIMOs Secretary General. Matimela disclosed to reporters that the event nearly fell through due to alleged sabotage. We were forced to move the event from the stadium after police informed us that we did not have permission to host it there, he said. He expressed concern that this information was relayed to the organisers at the last minute, just a day before the event. The secretary general noted that the leadership was in a state of urgency, scrambling to find an alternative venue, and ultimately secured accommodation from a church in the KaMhlushwa area. He added that even during the event, organisers faced frustration when police blocked access to the church on the morning of the gathering, despite prior agreements. Event Thanks to the intervention of some members of the Mass Democratic Movement (MDM), the church was eventually opened for the event. However, South African police (SAPS) maintained a watchful presence, enforcing strict timeframes dictated by security officers. The confusion surrounding the venue reportedly reached Eswatini, causing some attendees preparing attend to the event to learn about the impasse between SAPS and the organisers. SWALIMO believes this confusion contributed to the lower turnout at the event. Some notable figures at event included Monty Nkosi, a freedom fighter based in Washington DC. It was a solemn moment when activist Monty Nkosi saw his mother Ntombi at the event after five years. Also in attendance was Bishop Mpendulo Nkambule, Pastor M Khoza, Bonginkhosi IB Dlamini, Swaziland Democratic Movement Barnes Dlamini leaders of Economic Freedom Fighters Eswatini and others. A Criminal Court jury on Saturday night reported they could not reach a verdict on two murder charges in the case in which a mother/daughter were savagely killed and their bodies tossed in a wooded lot by a Greenwood Road church. The jury deliberated over seven hours before telling Judge Amanda Dunn they could only agree that 49-year-old Gabriel Boykins was guilty of the minor charge of tampering with evidence. Boykins was charged with two counts of premeditated murder in the deaths of Tamara Church, 40, and Aquarious Church, 8. Defense attorney Sam Hudson said the state presented no motive for the killings, and he said no one saw Boykins with the two victims at any time on May 17, 2020, the day the victims were last seen. Prosecutor Aaron Chaplin acknowledged, "We don't know why it happened," but he said there was enough circumstantial evidence to convict Boykins. He said, "This was a brutal, brutal homicide. Think about all he did." An autopsy found that Tamara Church had been strangled and beaten around the head. Her daughter had extensive blunt trauma injuries to the head and facial area. Prosecutor Chaplin said, "One of them must have watched the other one being killed." He said it was testified that it would have taken Tamara Church at least three minutes to die from the strangulation. Detectives said the blood detector Bluestar chemical found a large amount of blood in the shotgun-style duplex on Foust Street where Boykins lived and where Ms. Church often stayed. Witnesses said they had not been romantically involved in a long time, but were still friendly. There was also testimony about a large puddle of blood and many blood splatters found at a storage yard at an electric business on 23rd Street. The supervisor who found the blood did not report it to police, who only learned of it later. Prosecutor Chaplin said cell phone records from May 17, 2020, show Ms. Church in the vicinity of the Foust Street home, then in the area of the electric supply firm, then at the location where the bodies were found by police some six weeks after the deaths. Ms. Church had bought a white Honda Odyssey van, and it was found burned the night of the disappearance. Police found grainy video of a man walking in the vicinity of 23rd Street the same night. Two children of Ms. Church said they could identify the man as Boykins. Boykins denied it was him. The prosecutor said Boykins had left town not long after the disappearance, going as far as Oklahoma. Attorney Hudson said he had returned to Chattanooga, picking up a son of Ms. Church to continue on the "road trip." The defense attorney said initially Boykins had kept the children of the Church daughter, Tyquavius, while she was out searching for her mother and sister. He said he left town after she turned against him and would no longer let him in her unit at East Lake Courts. Prosecutor Chaplin said it was found that Boykins made Google searches on how to get out of town, how to commit suicide, and concerning a pacemaker at a crime scene. He has a pacemaker. Attorney Hudson said it did not make sense that someone would drag a body inside the fenced electric lot. He said animals scavenged the bodies by Greenwood Road and may have broken off chips of bone. He said that would affect the autopsy results. The defense attorney said there can be "false positives" with Bluestar. He said none of the items sent to the TBI lab from the Boykins living room showed any trace of blood. And he said there was no DNA evidence found against Boykins. Prosecutor Chaplin noted that a camouflage bandana of the type often worn by Boykins was found at the dumping site. Attorney Hudson said there were hairs on the bandana, but they were never tested. The jury earlier heard from Ulysses Bradley, a boyfriend of Tamara Church, for some 15 years. He said she came by his house the day of the disappearance and they had sex. There was semen from Bradley inside the jeans of Ms. Church that were found near her skull. Bradley, who said he has four daughters, seven sons and "seven baby mamas," said that day Ms. Church "was very calm, very cool." He said she was driving the white van. He said just before she left, he gave her $25 to buy an air mattress for Aquarious. Two children of Ms. Church initially said they thought it was Bradley who had carried out the killings. They said they later changed their minds. Jim Sasse went home to be with the Lord on October 30, 2024 after a brief illness. He was born to Jim and Carolyn Sasse and lived his life on Signal Mountain playing baseball and being on the swim team. He created continual mischief with his brothers Carl and Steve and attempted to keep his sister, Sharon, and friend Jane Fraizer, in line. Jim attended City High School and then went on to Ringling School of Art, Memphis School of Art and obtained his master's degree at UGA. He and the love of his life, Susan Dragoo, commuted from Athens to Rome (Berry College) until they married in 1979. He and Susan joined the Peace Corps in 1983 and were sent to Tunisia, where they became ardent supporters of Israel. They traveled to Israel 3 times and also traveled to Europe with their Peace Corps friends, Aiden and Brigette. Upon returning to the USA, Jim pursued another master's in Anthropology and Archeology at UTK. While in Knoxville they met friends at church who had a son adopted from Korea and instantly knew they wanted to do the same thing. John came from Korea in 1986 and Elizabeth (Liz) came from Vietnam in 1992. The joy of Jims life was his family, and he loved and admired his children to no bounds. He always enjoyed painting portraits and drawing, along with collecting antique pistols. He loved working at Blade Magazine where he could be the first to study the knives they were profiling. He lived his last days surrounded by his family and took great effort to tell each one that he loved them and that he loved Jesus. He is survived by his wife, Susan, son, John (Hayden Price), daughter Elizabeth, and two precious grandchildren, Sage and Poppy. His very loved siblings are Sharon Sasse of NYC and Carl Sasse of St. Louis. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Signal Mountain Presbyterian Church in honor of Jim. Jims memorial service will be held at Signal Mountain Presbyterian Church on Thursday, Nov. 21. Family visitation will be at 1 p.m. and the service at 2 p.m. Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory, and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson. Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com. The Hillcrest Baptist Church in Ooltewah is honoring Pastor James Langston for over 70 years in the ministry, a few days before his 90th birthday. A reception will be held on Saturday, Nov. 16, from 25 p.m. at the church at 6116 Hunter Road, and the public is invited. Rev. Langston is a native of Strawberry Plains, Tn. The family lived in a three room house on his grandfathers farm where he was raised. Langston graduated from Strong High School as Salutatorian and attended Carson Newman College in Jefferson City, Tn. At the age of 13, Rev. Langston accepted Christ, and in October, 1952, at the age of 17, Mr. Langston said he was called to preach. Rev. Langston delivered his first message at the Holston Baptist Church in Strawberry Plains. Rev. Langston married the lady he called, My Precious Mary a faithful helpmate for nearly 63 years, on March 21, 1953. Rev. Langston has pastored churches, mostly in the south and with Rev. Garland Faw, established Camp Canaan in Ringgold, Georgia, which is still in operation today. Rev. Langston was called to the Hillcrest Baptist Church in the summer of 2001 where he continues to preach. Rev. Langston said, I thank the church for all the love, kindness, prayers and encouragement they have given me and for the respect shown me as their pastor. Rev. Langston said, I dont know how long God will allow me to continue. This will probably be my last pastorate but I want to give my best in the last years. I need your prayers and your understanding. During the past 23 years under Rev. Langstons leadership, Hillcrest Baptist Church built a new church building, renovated the fellowship hall, paved the parking lot and added additional Sunday School Classes. Rev. Langston will celebrate his 90th birthday on Nov. 25, and friends are urged to send him a birthday card and best wishes. This year I participated in the early voting process and I would like to thank all the poll workers who gave of their time to ensure that any registered voter who chose to vote early could do so. Many worked long hours for 14 days. I would also like to remind voters who have yet to vote that Tennessee law (Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 2, I believe) prohibits the use of campaign literature within 100 feet of a polling place and that includes the wearing of clothing that contains photos or other information about a candidate in the current race. I witnessed a couple of incidents in which voters became upset that a polling official asked them to remove or conceal clothing or hats that violated this law. Election workers are not attempting to influence the voter's decision; they are simply complying with the law. Again, thanks to the people who make the elections in Tennessee possible. Tim McDonald Mary Michael Beaumont Foster passed away on Saturday, November 2, 2024, at her home. She was born on July 26, 1947, to Charles Houston and Jessie Beaumont. She was the second of three children and was preceded in death by her parents and brothers. Mary Michael grew up on both Lookout Mountain and Sewanee in Tennessee. She graduated high school from St Marys School in Sewanee. In 1968 she met Raynard Lay Foster, and they were married for 49 years until his death in 2018. She and Raynard were married on January 19, 1974 in Sewanee, Tn. and lived in Chattanooga most of their married life. Mary Michael attended college at the University of Tennessee and graduated in 1972 with a BS in Education. A lifelong learner and educator, she taught countless students throughout her career. Her teaching career began in Knoxville, at Tates School in 1972. Mary Michael started the preschool at St. Martin of Tours Episcopal Church in 1981. As an educator, she worked at Chattanooga School for Liberal Arts for many years until her retirement in 2013. Even after her retirement she volunteered as a reading specialist for the school. She is survived by her children, Matthew (Jennifer) Foster, of Birmingham, Adam (Julie) Foster of Atlanta, Caroline Foster and Raul Hidalgo of Chattanooga; her grandchildren, Mills and Hayes Foster of Birmingham and Ellie and Molly Foster of Atlanta; sister-in-law, Margaret Zucker of Sewanee, brother in law, Norman Smith of Chattanooga and a host of nieces and nephews. She had many wonderful friends and caregivers throughout her life and some of the special ones include Vickie and Ken Trapp, Nita and Don Kilpatrick, Marilyn Chapman and Randy and Deanie Carver. The family would like to express our thanks to the care she received from Amber Brandt at Hearth Hospice and Jessica Potts. Funeral services will be held beginning at noon on Wednesday, Nov. 6, at St. Martin of Tours Episcopal Church in Chattanooga with burial afterward at the Chattanooga National Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, Nov. 5, from 4-7 p.m. at Heritage Funeral Home, 7454 E Brained Road, Chattanooga, Tn. 37421. It is the autumn of my life, tis mid September; and there are so many things I must remember, the little sandpipers running before the waves washing upon the shore Jessie Berry Beaumont In lieu of flowers, we ask that contributions be made in her memory to St. Martin of Tours Episcopal Preschool. Visit the online obituary www.heritagechattanooga.com to post tributes and share memories. Arrangements are by Heritage Funeral Home, East Brainerd Chapel. MBABANE Despite that the policy statement presented by Prime Minister (PM) Russell Mmiso Dlamini has been themed nkwe, the pace has been slow in terms of making public governments action plan. This is because while the PM promised Parliament that the action plan was available and even apologised for not having circulated it among the Members of Parliament (MPs), it is yet to be publicly seen. The action plan, as shared by the PM himself, is the one that will provide insight into the initiatives that government will embark on to achieve the goals set out in the policy statement, including timelines. By definition, an action plan is a document that lists the action steps needed to achieve project goals and objectives. It shares insight on the resources that will be needed to reach those goals, makes a timeline for the action items and determines which team members are required. Experts explain that an action plan is similar to a project implementation plan, is very helpful during planning and project execution as it details the list of activities to be undertaken to complete the project goals, from the start of the project to the finish. Action plan The PM revealed that there is an action plan to accompany the Policy Statement on Thursday October 17, 2024, during a sitting at the House of Assembly. This was when the MPs got an opportunity to debate the Policy Statement, which they eventually passed. Before responding to the submissions the MPs had made, the PM said, Mr Speaker, I must apologise that the statement did not come with a plan of action that supports it. There is a plan of action that details the initiatives that we will embark on and I am sure that members will, once they see it, be convinced that this policy is possible. I do hope that before the end of the day, the plan of action will be available. After the commitment made by the PM, this publication has been making follow-ups on when it will be made public. At first, the response received was that it was still being fine-tuned and will be made available soon. In the last attempt, this publication sent a questionnaire to Government Spokesperson Alpheous Nxumalo on Friday morning. Nxumalo was asked when exactly the action plan will be made available and he responded by saying that the PM was currently out of the country and that he (Nxumalo) will make a follow-up as soon as the premier returns home. Worth noting is that during the debate of the policy statement, MPs posed a variety of questions to the PM, including where government is going to secure the funding of the many projects it has detailed. In response, the PM said the Minister of Finance, Neal Rijkenberg was going to shed more light. He also said: What I can say is that it is not expected that the funding of the plan will all come from government. For example, we can choose to build a referral hospital, but it can also be built completely and run by the private sector to a level where we will not need to go to South Africa through the Phalala Fund. Instead of going outside the country, we will have a state-of-the-art hospital in the country. That is the innovation and change of mindset that is needed. The MPs decried that the policy statement did not provide timelines or share much in terms of the initiatives that government will explore in order to achieve the goals it has set out. Also worth noting is that the PM has presented the Policy Statement after almost a year in office. Despite the current PM not having availed the action plan to the public, government has now and again been unpacking the policy statement on its Facebook page. PM Russell presented the policy statement on September 13, 2024 and said it is inspired by Sibaya submissions. He said His Majesty King Mswati III, during the opening of the 12th Parliament, gave a clear policy direction necessary for Eswatini to attain a developed country status by 2030. Dlamini said he knew that the statement was long anticipated, and that it is an outcome of a clearly thought out agenda. The PM said while pursuing a broad-based sustainable development agenda, government will focus on a few priorities through a sustainable and integrated approach. Economic growth He said government is committed to pursuing an economic transformation strategy focused on fostering sustainable economic growth, eradicating poverty, strengthening the health systems and ensuring transparency and accountability in governance. He said the new administration will rigorously pursue the vision for Eswatini to move from a lower middle-income country to attaining high income country classification. We have charted a policy framework to create and support an environment that will attract mega investment, promote innovation and foster exponential economic growth with the intention to transform our nation into a thriving, prosperous, and equitable society where every citizen has access to economic opportunities and quality healthcare. He said the country faces surmounted challenges, most of which were clearly elaborated during Sibaya, including, but not limited to, unemployment, poverty, domestic violence and a poor performing health sector. He said there are severe headwinds and major downsides facing the beautiful and peaceful country and that they have emerged in recent times and can only be addressed through a new way of thinking and approach. The PM said the policy statement proposed an ambitious pathway and disruptive modus operandi for the transformation of the entire economy of the Kingdom of Eswatini. He said the agile (nkwe!) execution of the economic transformation strategy is paramount in attracting investment, ensuring progression enabled by a business-ready environment in Eswatini. Also, he said it is a growth-oriented strategy anchored on investment in infrastructure development to stimulate exponential growth, improvement in morality and integrity to root out corruption, and advancement in traditional and family values for nation building. Transformational agenda The PM also said progressive funding models will be formulated to enable governments transformational agenda and highlighted that Eswatini is confronted with surmountable multiple crises on the backdrop of poor service delivery at 0.35 on the public service delivery index and low economic growth, namely high rates of poverty at 58.9 per cent in 2017, unemployment at approximately 35.4 per cent as of 2023 and deteriorating health service. He said the policy statement will not yield the intended outcomes without the support of the civil service, Members of Parliament, the private sector and all emaswati. Among other things, the PM said government will prioritise the construction of a national referral hospital for highly specialised cases, so as to reduce the cost of Phalala Fund, while increasing access to quality and advanced health services. Also contained in the policy statement is that government has set a 12 per cent economic growth in the next five years and the PM said a progressive investment and industrialisation policy framework targeting an average economic growth rate of 12 per cent within the next five years will be developed and implemented. In previous terms, PMs have come up with their own plans on how to turn the countrys economic fortunes around. PM Russells predecessor, Cleopas Dlamini, in his two and half years in office, used Mandvulos Post COVID-19 Kingdom of Eswatini Economic Recovery Plan carving the path to a private sector-led economy. On the other hand, Barnabas Dlamini had ESRA I and ESRA II. ESRA means Economic and Social Review Agenda. Absalom Themba (AT) Dlamini unveiled a programme styled SPEED (Smart Programme on Economic Empowerment Development). Through the SPEED, ATs administration intended to achieve the mission of government within the next three to five years by implementing components that would facilitate such achievement and create opportunities for the fulfilment of the States vision. The programme detailed clearly the challenge areas and suggested policies and programmes to mitigate them and further spearhead a sustainable economy, expand the private sector, improve global partnerships for national and regional development. These policies and programmes were put in place to address issues such as HIV/AIDS, poverty, unemployment and job creation, small and medium enterprise growth, good governance and corruption, as well as fiscal discipline and accountability. Meanwhile, when responding to questions in Parliament, PM Russell shared that a Grand Plan expected to spearhead the transformation agenda of the countrys economic growth will only be known next year. The PM said government has formulated a short to medium-term plan anchored on the submissions made during the Sibaya and Speech from the Throne. He said the plan precedes the development of the countrys long-term plan, that being the Grand Plan. The PM said the Grand Plan is coming and that government has achieved a 40 to 50 per cent progress of completing it. He said the plan is to have it by the end of February and acknowledged that it is easy for people to say that it has taken took long, but that emaSwati need to be realistic and learn to do things differently. He made an example of how animals breed and said it takes a chicken 21 days to incubate, while a dog takes about three months to give birth to a puppy. For a female elephant, he said the process takes about 24 months. A dog gives birth when the elephant has not. But when the elephant is born, it is bigger than the dog that was born earlier. So we are preparing a Grand Plan, one that is long-term and of a minimum of 30 years to transform the economy of the country, he said. Home News 11 Israelis wounded as Hezbollah shoots 160 rockets at Israel during Jewish Sabbath IDF eliminates 4 more Hezbollah commanders in Lebanon Eleven Israelis were wounded by a Hezbollah rocket impact in the central town of Tira on Saturday, as the terror group shot some 160 rockets and 10 drones at Israel over the past 24 hours. Meanwhile, the IDF eliminated four senior Hezbollah commanders through airstrikes. Israeli media reported that of the 160 rockets launched overall, 130 crossed into Israeli territory, where most were either intercepted by IDF air defenses or fell in open areas. Seven of the 10 drones were shot down. Early Saturday morning, a volley of three rockets was launched at central Israel, triggering alerts in Herzliya, Kfar Saba, and the Arab-majority town of Tira. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe While two were shot down, one directly hit a home in Tira, moderately wounding three people. Eight others were lightly wounded by shrapnel and shards, while seven more people were treated for acute shock and anxiety. Hezbollah claimed to have aimed at the IDF intelligence base in Glilot, which is some 20 km (12 miles) from Tira. Later in the morning, Hezbollah launched three drones, one of which impacted the Jezreel Valley area, another hit a factory in Achziv, and the third was intercepted. Amid incessant rocket fire throughout the day, notable rocket barrages included 10 launches at Haifas Krayot suburbs and the central Galilee in the morning, and a volley of 30 rockets at Karmiel and 35 rockets at Nahariya and its surroundings in the afternoon. The IDF continued its targeted eliminations of Hezbollah commanders over the weekend, killing the head of the terror groups coastal district and his artillery chief in a strike in Tyre late on Friday, and the Nasr Unit's missile and drone commanders in Jouaiya on Saturday. Coastal commander Muein Musa Izz al-Din was responsible for the rocket fire at the Krayot on Thursday and had taken the post only in April after his predecessor was also killed in an Israeli airstrike. Together with the commander of the units artillery array, Hassan Majd Diab, he was responsible for over 400 rocket launches against Israel in the past month alone, the IDF stated. Izz al-Dins rank was equivalent to a brigade commander and he is Hezbollahs 15th officer of his rank to be eliminated by Israel in the war so far, according to Army Radio. In the town of Jouaiya, the Israeli Air Force killed the commander of the Nasr Unit's missile and rocket array, Jaafar Khader Faour, as well as the unit's drone array commander on Saturday. Faour was responsible for the rocket fire from southern Lebanon's easter sector starting on Oct. 8 of last year, the IDF said. Among the attacks conducted under his command were the rocket strike that killed 12 children in Majdal Shams, the attack that killed an Israeli couple in Kibbutz Ortal, and the recent strike in Metula that killed five people. Meanwhile, Israeli troops continued their grinding advance across southern Lebanon, with 10 wounded soldiers being evacuated to Ziv Hospital in Safed this weekend. Forces of the IDFs 91st Division raided military buildings and confiscated numerous weapons, the military said. In one incident, reconnaissance troops directed an airstrike at a building after spotting several terrorists operating there. Soldiers of the 146th Division spotted Hezbollah operatives who were about to launch rockets at the Galilee. They directed aircraft that struck and killed the terror cell. Over the weekend, the Israeli Air Force struck over 120 terror targets belonging to Hezbollah and Hamas in Lebanon and Gaza. In Lebanon, airstrikes destroyed anti-tank missile positions, military buildings, weapons warehouses and military headquarters, the IDF said. According to the IDF, Israeli soldiers and aircraft so far killed over 1,500 Hezbollah terrorists during the ground operation in southern Lebanon. In numerous raids, troops located over 3,000 explosive devices, as well as more than 2,500 anti-tank weapons and launchers, including RPGs and Kornet missiles. Originally published at All Israel News Home News Christian coalition launches over 200 training hubs to advance Great Commission, mobilize pastors James O. Davis remembers sitting in his car on a snowy day in Missouri in 2001 when the Lord instructed him to create a network for pastors. A gentle whisper from the Holy Spirit resulted in the founding of a Christian coalition racing against a tight deadline to fulfill the Great Commission the instruction from Jesus to his disciples to share the Gospel with all nations of the world by 2030. Davis, the founder of Global Church Network, envisions billions of souls coming to Christ in the next few years. He and others seek to accomplish this by ensuring the Bible is available in every language and that a "harvest" of young leaders is equipped to serve through a "synergized" and "mobilized Church." "What we say in the ministry is that we all have a role in the goal," Davis told The Christian Post. "The goal is the Great Commission; the goal is that everybody has access to the Gospel." The FINISH 2030 movement was launched at Martin Luther's graveside in Castle Church, Wittenburg, Germany, in 2017. More than 600 leaders from Christian theological backgrounds pledged to complete the Great Commission. As to why 2030 was chosen as the deadline, the ministry founder recalls a conversation he had with a friend in 2017. The friend reminded Davis of the approaching 500-year celebration of Martin Luther, the seminal figure of the Protestant Reformation. "He said then right after that, in 2030, will be the 2000-year birthday of the Church," Davis remembered. "I said, 'You know what? You're right, that's coming up, so I wonder what we're going to do about that.'" GCN has already made plans to host a celebration for the 2000th birthday of the Church from June 9-11, 2030, in Jerusalem. Davis said the coalition has already booked a spot at the International Convention Center of Jerusalem. Most recently, GCN hosted thousands of ministry leaders from 22 island nations and 10 territories at its FINISH OCEANIA Summit in Suva, Fiji, in mid-October. "FINISH" stands for Find, Intercede, Network, Invest, Send, Harvest. Oceania is one of the most geographically challenging mission fields due to its small population and its vast expanse of islands across the Pacific Ocean, Davis explained. However, the region is an example of what GCN hopes to accomplish with its outreach mission: to share the Gospel with even the smallest of communities. Since the network's establishment in 2001, it has collaborated with more than 2,750 Christian ministries and 700,000 churches to build a community of pastors. The coalition has trained thousands of spiritual leaders through its Global Church Divinity School since 2002. The coalition recognizes a need to train and equip ministers. GCN aims to establish 800 leadership training hubs worldwide by 2030, which would mobilize 1 million ministers to combat a global shortage of pastors. With the opening of new training hubs in the Balkans and South Africa, the coalition has launched 200 hubs on six continents. The first hub began operations in 2012 in Manila, the capital of the Philippines. "I believe God has His people everywhere," Davis said. The hubs provide online theological training, including areas of the world that are hard to reach, such as Nepal's Himalayan Mountains. The hubs in the United States, however, are hosted by local churches throughout the country. Each of the hubs works with pastors and ministry leaders for two years, providing leadership training, discipleship and networking opportunities every six months. Once the hub training is complete, the hub starts to multiply, with new leaders appearing at each new location, Davis said. "A net is made up of little nothings tied together," Davis said. "A lot of people like to talk about a 'network,' but their net doesn't work. You have to tie relational knots to build a net that works. A net has one purpose, and it's not to be hung on the wall for people to admire. It's to be used to catch a harvest." "That's what a net is for," he added. "So we have to tie enough relational knots to build a net that works to finish the Great Commission." Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe Home News Does Trump really want a national abortion ban? 3 things he has actually said on the issues Vice President Kamala Harris continues to make abortion and in vitro fertilization focal points of her 2024 presidential campaign against former President Donald Trump, offering misleading claims that he would ban abortion nationwide and enable the government to monitor womens pregnancies. Despite the Republican nominees softened approach to the issues throughout the 2024 primary and general elections, the Harris campaign continues to claim that a Trump administration would enact a federal abortion ban and put a stop to IVF. He would ban abortion nationwide. He would restrict access to birth control, put IVF treatments at risk and force states to monitor womens pregnancies, the Democratic presidential nominee told a crowd in Raleigh last week. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe The vice president made the same accusation during a rally in Harrisburg later that day, warning attendees that Trump would ban abortion in Pennsylvania if he were successful. Harris campaign website makes similar claims, accusing the former president of unleashing Trump Abortion Bans across the country by selecting several of the Supreme Court Justices who voted to overturn Roe v. Wade. The vice president has repeatedly claimed throughout her campaign that state-level bans have prevented women from receiving treatment for miscarriages or other medical emergencies, a talking point pro-life doctors dispute. If elected, Trump will ban abortion nationwide, restrict access to birth control, force states to report on womens miscarriages and abortions, and jeopardize access to IVF, Harris campaign page states. To justify her claim, Harris asserts that Trumps supposed plan to ban abortion nationwide is part of Project 2025, a blueprint for a second Trump term developed by the Heritage Foundation. Even though the Heritage Foundation is a conservative think tank, the former president has distanced himself from Project 2025 on the campaign trail. Here are three things Trump has said about abortion and IVF throughout his presidential campaign: Home News God uses Satan to purify and strengthen believers, John Piper says God uses Satan to strengthen and purify believers during times of trouble despite the devil's evil intentions, according to author and notable Bible teacher John Piper. In an episode of "Ask Pastor John" uploaded Thursday, Piper was asked his opinion about the Old Testament Book of Job, including how Job's wife responded to his suffering. As Job suffered as a test of his faithfulness, his wife was recorded in Job 2:910 as telling her husband, "Are you still maintaining your integrity? Curse God and die!" Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe "You are talking like a foolish woman. Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?" Job responded, as quoted in the Bible passage. Regarding the overall suffering of Job, Piper, the chancellor of Bethlehem College and Seminary in Minneapolis, Minnesota, states that "in the Old and the New Testament, amazingly, God uses Satan to serve his own purifying, strengthening, preserving purposes in the lives of his precious children." "In other words, God baffles Satan by making him the instrument of the very thing he hates namely, trust in God and holiness in life," Piper continued. "I mention this just to make sure that none of us thinks that Satan's involvement with Job's suffering is somehow exceptional in the Bible and can be marginalized, as though it weren't going to happen to us." Piper believes that "if we see Satan's hand in our suffering, it doesn't mean that the suffering has no good design from our loving Father." Responding to Job's wife's response to her husband's suffering, the pastor believes that this shows "a double purpose," with the first being that "in our suffering, our most precious friend or loved one may turn against us." "The other purpose, I think, is that we not let tests embitter us to show that Job didn't let the test embitter him but rather bring out of us a responsive hope to the very loved one who has become part of the satanic temptation and that we bring clarity to that loved one about God," he said. Piper noted that God "has the right to bring comfort and calamity into our lives" and that "He owes us nothing" and "we don't deserve anything from Him." "We can't negotiate with Him. He has done us no wrong," he adds. "His ways are high. We will understand by-and-by, even if we don't now." Piper expressed hope that Job's wife was "not settled in her opposition, but only weakened for a moment." He pointed to a few textual indicators of this, such as how while friends of Job would later be rebuked for their words toward Job, his wife was not. "When Job explains to her that God has a right to bring good and evil, comfort and calamity, there's no pushback," he added. "So, I think the reason Job's wife is introduced in this story is not mainly to condemn her but to highlight again the triumph of Job's faith and hope and love." Home Opinion What can the righteous do? In a time of moral and cultural upheaval, its easy for Christians to feel discouraged. Many wonder if there is anything they can do that will make a significant difference in our country. We are not the first to wonder what believers can do. In fact, a similar question was posed to David in Psalm 11:3 as his friends counseled him to flee questioning, If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do? Indeed, in the United States of America, our foundations are being destroyed. America is experiencing unprecedented challenges to the values that shaped our nation. Its very moral fabric is unraveling before our eyes. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe So, what can we do? What should we do? Thankfully, the Bible provides the answer. Here are eight biblical ways believers in America can make a difference for Christ. 1. Stand on truth Christians must ground themselves in the unchanging Word of God. We are increasingly bombarded with ideologies that contradict the Bible, and our first responsibility is to stand firmly on truth. As Psalm 119:160 reminds us, Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth forever. To stand on truth, we must be students of Gods Word, learning what the Bible says about the specific issues of our day. Our beliefs should not be swayed by cultural trends or human opinion but should be firmly rooted in the Word of God. 2. Pray for spiritual revival As important as it is to elect leaders who will pass and uphold moral laws, the spiritual needs of our nation are greater than can be reversed simply with better leaders. We need God to work to bring a national revival like the First and Second Great Awakenings that shaped our nation. As Christians, we can pray earnestly for revival in our own lives, in our churches, and across our nation. Without prayer, even our best-intentioned efforts will be powerless. 3. Declare the Gospel Amid the brokenness and confusion of our world, the greatest need remains constant the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The Gospel changes lives in ways no other force can accomplish. Paul boldly declared, I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth (Romans 1:16). Now is not the time for Christians to shy away from declaring the truth of Christs death, burial, and resurrection for our sin (1 Corinthians 15:14). We must individually and corporately get back to sharing how people can have a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ. 4. Commit to the local church The local church is Gods plan for reaching the world and nurturing believers. Despite the challenges of recent years, such as pandemic disruptions, the church remains vital. The New Testament describes the church as the pillar and ground of the truth (1 Timothy 3:15). Through the local church, we find fellowship, encouragement, and accountability. Active commitment to a local church strengthens our spiritual lives and amplifies our impact in the community. Whether its through discipleship, outreach, or service, the church allows us to multiply our efforts as we work together to glorify God and spread the Gospel. 5. Count the cost Jesus never promised a comfortable life for His followers. In fact, He specifically told us to count the cost: For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost whether he have sufficient to finish it? So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple (Luke 14:28, 33). For some, the cost of following Christ has meant literal martyrdom; for others, it means facing more subtle forms of persecution. In either case, we must stand willing and ready to follow the Lord as His disciples whatever the cost may be. 6. Live with a consistent testimony Integrity in our daily lives matters. We cant be Sunday morning Christians and make a difference for the Lord throughout the week. Colossians 3:17 admonishes, And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus. Christians who live with consistent testimony at home, at work, and throughout their communities are walking billboards for the power of the Gospel. 7. Teach the next generation Investing in young people by teaching them the truths of Gods Word and mentoring them in how to apply those to life is one of the most significant ways we can impact the future. Children and teens are constantly bombarded with secular, even anti-God, messages in school, on social media, and throughout society. They need to hear and see the truth of the Bible lived out. Proverbs 22:6 urges, Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. Teaching the next generation requires time, patience, and dedication, but the results are lasting. Christian parents, teachers, and mentors can help young people develop a biblical worldview, equipping them to stand strong amid cultural challenges. 8. Engage as a citizen While our primary allegiance is to Christ, we are also citizens of a nation that allows for active engagement in its governance. We should exercise our right to vote with discernment, supporting policies and leaders who align with biblical values. Beyond voting, Christians can attend town halls, serve on local boards, and contact elected officials about the areas that concern us. In Jeremiah 29:7, God instructed the Israelites in Babylonian exile to seek the peace of the city. Similarly, we are called to be a blessing in our communities and to seek their welfare. In this way, we can be salt and light to our communities for Christ. What can the righteous do? The ultimate answer to the question What can the righteous do? in Psalm 11 is to decide, as David did in verse 1, In the Lord put I my trust. And to trust in the Lord is the ultimate answer to our role as American Christians as well. Even as we stand on truth, pray for revival, and engage in the areas listed in this article, we must do it with our faith in God, rather than in politics or in any human institution. For although it is important to be active citizens and support godly values, our ultimate confidence is in God. Political movements come and go, but our God remains. As Psalm 118:8 reminds us, It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man. Home News Buffer zone law banning anti-abortion protests, silent prayer goes into effect in the UK A new law establishing buffer zones around abortion clinics has taken effect across the United Kingdom, prohibiting protests within 150 meters (164 yards) of these facilities. The legislation, which came into force this week, makes it illegal to engage in activities intended to influence or obstruct individuals accessing abortion services, including silent prayer. The new law, which went into effect Thursday, bars protests including silent prayer, handing out anti-abortion leaflets, and holding vigils within a 150-meter radius of abortion facilities. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe The Home Office specified that the ban covers any behavior where someone is intentionally trying to or recklessly acting in a way that might influence a person accessing the service, according to The Telegraph. The idea that any woman is made to feel unsafe or harassed for accessing health services, including abortion clinics, is sickening. This stops today, Home Office Minister Jess Phillips stated, The Telegraph added. Policing Minister Dame Diana Johnson said she was confident that the safeguards we have put in place today will have a genuine impact in helping women feel safer and empowered to access the vital services they need. The Crown Prosecution Service issued guidance stating that silent prayer within these buffer zones will not necessarily constitute a criminal offense. A person who carries out any of these activities [including silent prayer] within a safe access zone will not necessarily commit a criminal offense, the CPS noted. Prosecutors are advised to consider the context and whether the conduct could be defined as a protest under the law. The implementation of the buffer zone law comes after Parliament passed the Public Order Act 2023. Violations can result in up to six months in prison and unlimited fines, according to Catholic News Agency. Jeremiah Igunnubole, legal counsel for Alliance Defending Freedom UK, expressed concern over the legislation. The law is written so vaguely that peaceful, consensual conversations or even silent thoughts could be made illegal on certain streets of England, he said, adding, We have already seen the prosecution of individuals like Adam Smith-Connor, who only stopped to pray in his mind for a few minutes. Army veteran and pro-life demonstrator Smith-Connor was recently convicted for silently praying within a buffer zone. He was given a two-year conditional discharge and ordered to pay 9,000 (roughly $11,600) after being found guilty of breaching the ban around an abortion clinic. With support from ADF UK, Smith-Connor is appealing against his conviction. The government simply cannot be allowed to determine the content of thoughts and prayers, he said. Smith-Connor served in Afghanistan. I served for 20 years in the Army reserves to protect the fundamental freedoms that this country is built upon, he added. It troubles me greatly to see our freedoms eroded to the extent that thought crimes are now being prosecuted in the U.K. The Society for the Protection of Unborn Children U.K. criticized the new law, describing its enactment as a day of shame for England and Wales and a chilling moment in Britains history. Pro-life activist Isabel Vaughan-Spruce, director of March for Life U.K., called the decision to pass the law a national disgrace. Prior to the CPS guidance, ADF UK launched a petition to be delivered to government officials that garnered nearly 60,000 signatures. The petition urged authorities to reconsider the legislation, asserting it was responsible for the creation of thought crime. The buffer zones were previously enforced in only five councils across the U.K. The expansion of the law has led to debates over what constitutes harassment and the potential infringement on freedom of thought and expression. The right to hold a consensual conversation, or engage in silent prayer, constitute the most basic of human rights, Igunnubole argued. They are protected robustly by international legal provisions relating to freedom of thought and speech. Labour officials replaced draft guidance from the previous Conservative government, which had suggested that silent prayer should be permitted within the new safe access zones. Instead, the current guidance prohibits any attempt to influence a womans decision regarding abortion within the buffer zones. Home News Chris Pratt joins Fighting Spirit as executive producer to honor military chaplains: An honor Actor Chris Pratt has signed on to Fighting Spirit: A Combat Chaplains Journey as an executive producer, joining forces with director Rich Hull and former combat chaplain Justin D. Roberts. The feature documentary, centered on the often-overlooked role of military chaplains, is set to hit theaters on Nov. 8 ahead of Veterans Day, offering audiences a rare glimpse into the sacrifices and resilience of those who tend to soldiers spiritual needs on the battlefield. In a first-of-its-kind co-production with the U.S. Army Chaplain Corps, the project traces the emotional journey of chaplains from multiple eras, specifically beginning with the poignant tale of Father Emil Kapaun, an Army chaplain and Medal of Honor recipient. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe Father Kapaun, who continued his ministry under harrowing conditions as a prisoner-of-war during the Korean War, died in captivity in 1951 after inspiring countless soldiers with his steadfast faith and courage. After his remains were identified seven decades later, his story found renewed significance, symbolizing the broader narrative of the 419 U.S. military chaplains who have given their lives in service. The film follows not only the legacy of chaplains like Kapaun, but also the transformative journey of a younger chaplain, portrayed as a modern successor reflecting on the legacy of those who came before him. Im so excited for audiences to see this film theatrically on Veterans Day, Chris Pratt said, according to Deadline. The work done by combat chaplains to support our soldiers through issues of life and death on the frontlines is truly extraordinary, and to be part of celebrating this story of a chaplains journey in such a cinematic way is an honor. Distribution veteran Scott Kennedy and his company, Falling Forward Films, have also come on board to support the theatrical release. With a planned release in over 20 major U.S. markets, including Los Angeles, New York, Chicago and Dallas, "Fighting Spirit" aims to reach a broad audience. Hull, who also co-wrote and produced the film alongside Daniel Schnider, applauded the opportunity of working with Pratt. Chris Pratt is an icon of the big screen, and to see him spark to our film so genuinely is an incredible compliment. Were so grateful to partner with him, along with Scott Kennedy, Bryce Campbell, and our friends at Falling Forward Films, to bring this unique story to theaters on November 8th. According to the Department of Defense, there is a significant shortage of military chaplains across the U.S., particularly for Catholic servicemembers. This shortage has become increasingly challenging, as many chaplains are retiring faster than they can be replaced, and recruitment struggles to keep pace. Pratt, known for Guardians of the Galaxy and Parks & Recreation, has been open about his Christian beliefs and how they've guided him throughout his life. Pratt and his family attend Zoe Church, pastored by Chad Veach. In an interview with Mens Health, the actor said that while he loves God, he takes issue with the ways people have misused religion for evil purposes. I think theres a distinction between being religious adhering to the customs created by man, oftentimes appropriating the awe reserved for who I believe is a very real God and using it to control people, to take money from people, to abuse children, to steal land, to justify hatred. Whatever it is. The evil thats in the heart of every single man has glommed on to the back of religion and come along for the ride, he said. In response to the backlash Pratt has received for his faith, Joe Rogan, who has the No. 1 most-listened-to podcast, commented that people in Hollywood are terrified that if they step outside the lines, they will experience criticism and ostracization from their overwhelmingly progressive and secular colleagues. Chris Pratt gets in trouble because hes Christian, Rogan remarked, explaining that the adverse treatment Pratt has received is unwarranted. He described the actor as the nicest ... guy Ive ever met in my life. ... He's done nothing. Hes so nice. Hes kind of outside of the lines in terms of his ideology. Hes a Christian and pretty open about it, he added. Because of that, they attack him. Its something so simple, like, he just believes in Jesus and he likes to be a good person. Home News Christian falsely accused of blasphemy in 3 cases released on bail LAHORE, Pakistan A Christian falsely charged with blasphemy in three cases was released on bail this week after prosecutors failed to produce evidence against him, his attorney said. Zimran Asim, 35, was released on Wednesday after he won bail from the Lahore High Court on Sept. 24 in the third blasphemy case registered against him, attorney Aneeqa Maria said. The high court had granted him bail in the other two cases on July 29 and April 24. She said Sargodha police had arrested the Catholic man on Aug. 27, 2023, in the three cases registered under Sections 295-A, 295-B, 295-C and 298-A of the blasphemy statutes for incidents that allegedly took place on July 16, Aug. 20 and Aug. 25 last year. Violations under 295-C, blaspheming the Islamic prophet Muhammad carries a mandatory death sentence. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe All three judges who granted bail to Asim had noted that there was no direct evidence against him. Asim was implicated only because he was seen once with the primary accused, Akash Masih, Maria said. During [the] investigation, Masih told police he had committed the crimes because he was angry at the Muslims for persecuting Christians and burning churches in Jaranwala. He had categorically absolved Asim, his long-time neighbor, of involvement, but the police still named him as an accessory in the three cases. Asim, the father of a 4-year-old girl, was charged with blasphemy even though Masih had admitted that he was not involved in the acts of Quran desecration and writing of blasphemous content at three locations, Maria said. Asim has been moved to a safe location after his release due to concerns for his safety, she said. His family is already in hiding after Asim was arrested and branded as a spy and blasphemer, Maria said. Their house and all belongings have been grabbed by local Muslims, and the family has nothing left to return to their village. Asims brother, Zeeshan Asim, previously told Christian Daily International-Morning Star News that a vicious campaign was launched against his family on social media after the Punjab police chief claimed in a press conference that the blasphemy incidents in Sargodha were carried out at the behest of a foreign country. Our photographs were downloaded from Facebook and made viral in social media groups and pages, putting the security of the entire family at serious risk, Zeeshan said previously. My elderly parents and siblings had no other option but to relocate from the village. Highlighting the risks faced by lawyers defending people accused of blasphemy, Maria said she and her team were subjected to threats and intimidation by Islamist groups. I believe the blatant misuse of the laws has made the situation equally dangerous for blasphemy accused, their defense counsels as well as rights defenders, she said. The government must take this issue seriously in order to protect innocent lives and break this environment of fear. Asims release follows that of another Christian jailed on blasphemy charges on Oct. 23 after a high court noted glaring loopholes in the police case against him. Chand Shamaun was arrested on June 23 and charged with insulting Islam under Section 295-A of Pakistans blasphemy laws and Section 9 of the Anti-Terrorism Act 1997. He was accused of inciting religious tensions in Okara, Punjab Province, by threatening to desecrate the Quran, said attorney Javed Sahotra. Maria emphasized the need in Pakistan for ensuring fair trials in blasphemy cases, including objective assessment of evidence and scrutinizing intent behind alleged blasphemous acts. Zimran Asims case is a fitting example of how innocent people are implicated in false cases by individuals as well as the police, she said. This poor man was forced to suffer in prison, away from his family for over one year. They also lost their home and cant even think of going back to their village. The situation has deteriorated to the extent that police officials are now involved in extrajudicial murders of blasphemy accused, she said. The government needs to act now to stop this trend of false accusations and to restore the writ of the law. The United Nations Human Rights Committee on Oct. 17 observed that Pakistani authorities have failed to curb a range of human rights violations, including a sharp increase in blasphemy-related violence. Expressing serious concern over frequent attacks against religious minorities, including accusations of blasphemy, targeted killings, lynchings, mob violence, forced conversions, and desecration of places of worship, the committee stated that Pakistani society has become increasingly intolerant of religious diversity. Religious minorities are facing a constant threat of persecution and discrimination amid the rise of religious radicalism, the committee stated. Pakistan ranked seventh on Open Doors 2024 World Watch List of the most difficult places to be a Christian, as it was the previous year. Originally published at Christian Daily InternationalMorning Star News Home News Dallas Jenkins on bringing the Gospel to mainstream audiences through The Best Christmas Pageant Ever Its a classic tale familiar to generations: The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, Barbara Robinson's story of the ragtag Herdman children whose disruptive antics somehow evolve into the most memorable Christmas pageant the town has ever seen. Known for its humor, charm and overt Gospel message, the book, written in 1972, has been read aloud in classrooms and adapted for the stage in theaters worldwide. But for Dallas Jenkins, creator of The Chosen, this wasnt just a family favorite. It was a story he felt compelled to bring to the big screen one he waited 20 years to make. After reading the story with his children, Jenkins was struck by the books portrayal of the Nativity story as a clear Jesus message yet with such mainstream charm and subtlety that it reached into hearts without overt preaching. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe When I got to the end, Jenkins said, I was weeping. [My wife] Amanda had to take over reading to the kids because we were both getting so emotional. After that reading, Jenkins felt an unshakeable calling to turn The Best Christmas Pageant Ever into a film. Yet, for years, his requests to acquire the rights were repeatedly denied as studios lined up their own productions. But Jenkins persisted, contacting the rights holder periodically. Finally, a stroke of fate brought an unexpected twist: the rights became available just as Jenkins was making waves with The Chosen, his hit series chronicling the life of Jesus and His followers. The producers mother had recently watched 'The Chosen' and told him, You better let him do this book. At that moment, Jenkins' 20-year vision was set in motion. Hitting theaters Nov. 8, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever stars Judy Greer, Pete Holmes, Lauren Graham and several of The Chosen cast members and follows six misfit children who volunteer to star in their town's Sunday school Christmas pageant and end up teaching the town the true meaning of Christmas. Transitioning from the historical narrative of The Chosen to a comedy like The Best Christmas Pageant Ever was, as Jenkins acknowledges, a tonal shift, but one rooted in similar themes. While The Chosen brings a reverent and often intense approach to the Gospels, Jenkins found ways to inject humor into even its most serious scenes. In The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, the dynamic flips: comedy takes center stage, but with poignant moments that ground the story in humanity and faith. Jenkins told CP that both cinematic endeavors work as vehicles for a deeper message: connecting with the life of Jesus in ways that feel real, breathing and authentic. The comedic surface of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever allows audiences to relax, but then, as Jenkins said, the emotions hit hard, mirroring the simple, yet powerful impact of the original book. One memorable scene in the film highlights Grace Bradley, played by Greer, who observes, Jesus was born for the Herdmans as much as he was for us. Jenkins told CP this line represented the Gospel distilled a universal message that didnt require forceful delivery to resonate. It doesn't feel like some cheesy Christian message that we crowbarred into a normal movie, and it just stands out, and you're like, oh, great, here's the part where you preach at me, he said. I mean, it's Judy Greer, who's a great actress, delivering this line in a movie where it feels like a natural extension of the story. And I think that's why so many people who've seen it already, who aren't traditional churchgoers or believers the message of the movie, the message of the Gospel, feels natural and normal in this mainstream Christmas comedy. The Herdmans the infamous gang of unruly, underprivileged children bring unexpected depth to the film's portrayal of the Christmas story. By casting these rough-around-the-edges children as Mary, Joseph, the wise men and the angel, Jenkins hopes audiences reconsider the traditional narratives they might have taken for granted. These poverty-stricken, outsider-status kids are playing the parts of Mary and Joseph and the wise men and the angel of the Lord seem like the unlikeliest people who could play these roles, he said. They seem the most underqualified. Well, you remember that throughout the Bible, the people who were chosen to do God's work were often also underqualified [] and that includes Mary and Joseph [] They were outsiders, they were in poverty, and they were unlikely choices for delivering the greatest story ever told and the greatest delivery ever given to the world. Not only are the Herdmans the unlikely choice, but they're actually, at the end of the story, I think, the obvious choice, the best choice, and they bring something to the story that we, as Americans in our suburban environment, might not always understand or might take for granted. Jenkins also sees the Herdmans journey as an important lesson for the Church today: Maybe we are to look beneath the surface of these kids, or even adults that we sometimes judge or we assume we understand, or we can reject because they're mean, maybe we need to just look under the surface, understand the why of how they got here, and that they need Jesus as much as we do. And that also, we need the story of Jesus as much as they do as well, even though we've heard it. The films release marks a redemptive chapter for Jenkins after the disappointment of his 2017 film The Resurrection of Gavin Stone. The films lack of commercial success brought Jenkins to a point of surrender, willing to give up his filmmaking ambitions in exchange for a spiritual purpose. I was truly willing to give everything up, Jenkins shared, noting that since that experience, his focus has shifted from personal success to a deep commitment to his faith and craft. His dedication has paid off, yet Jenkins remains steadfast in his priorities. The multiplication of the loaves and fish is not up to me. Im only responsible for the five loaves and two fish that I can provide. What happens after that is in Gods hands. As the holiday season approaches, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever is set to hit theaters, promising a Christmas tale as accessible to families as it is meaningful to believers. I hope audiences laugh, cry and leave with a renewed sense of the Christmas storys simplicity and depth, Jenkins said. When God calls you or rebukes you or heals you, just like in the in the show The Chosen, He does it specific to you. He wants a relationship with you specifically. He is an intimate God. And so you, I think you see that in 'The Chosen.' I think you're going to see that in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. He is a God of intimacy, and He knows the specific hearts of everyone that He is trying to reach. MBABANE After spending money on forensic audits and courts, the parties relevant in the E340 million lost in Ecsponent are now working on prospects of helping the over 1 000 emaSwati get refunded their investments. The Times SUNDAY has gathered that government, in particular the Ministry of Finance and relevant stakeholders have been advised to discuss prospects of helping the affected emaSwati get refunded. Following the advice, it has been gathered that there are behind-the-scenes engagements being held with the relevant parties to discuss a way forward on how the money can be recovered to ensure that the investors are refunded. The latest engagement is said to have taken place last Wednesday and involved Minister of Finance, Neal Rijkenberg and Central Bank of Eswatini (CBE) Governor Dr Phil Mnisi. Interestingly, South African businessman, Dave van Niekerk, who has featured prominently in the whole Ecsponent saga is said to have been part of the engagements. The Times SUNDAY received information to the effect that the businessman landed in Eswatini on Wednesday morning, through the King Mswati III International Airport at Sikhuphe and went on to join the engagements with the minister and the governor. Sources also claimed that the businessman had actually visited the country three weeks ago and met other relevant stakeholders. The latest visit by the businessman on Wednesday has been a subject of debate in certain quarters, with some asking why he is allowed to come in and out of the country. His visits to the country However, it has been confirmed that his visits to the country are not unlawful. This publication is in possession of a letter written by the chief immigration officer dated September 17, 2024, which clarifies that his entry into the Kingdom of Eswatini is not to be tampered with. The letter reads, This serves to inform you and your family hindrance-free entrance into the Kingdom of Eswatini. Our office notes with regret that in your previous attempts to visit and enter the Kingdom of Eswatini, you encountered challenges from our officials. sincere apologies It goes on to say, Our office hereby extends its sincere apologies for the challenges you experienced in your last attempt to visit the kingdom. By this communication, our office would like to assure you and your family a safe and hindrance-free visit to the kingdom in the near future.Regarding the behind-the-scenes engagements, the minister of finance clarified that the aim was not to find money somewhere to pay the investors, but rather to find ways of recovering the lost investments. The minister informed this publication that there is a lot going on and there have been engagements with relevant stakeholders including the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) to ascertain possibilities they can work with together to try and recover the money. Recover investments At the same time, the CBE and I are working and trying to do everything we can to get information that will possibly assist so that we can try to recover investments that were made. Obviously, we are doing it with CBE because it has good relationships and access to international systems where it can speak to other central banks and have assistance in those jurisdictions to assist in tracing where the money went. He said it is all about trying to get a clear picture which is different forensics that have been conducted and put together. We have had meetings with as many people as we can and some of them are investors who have been open to come see us and these meetings are helping to shed light on the matter so that we can see what we do about recovering as much money as possible. That is the mandate and it is not a matter of trying to find money somewhere to pay the investors, but it is all about doing everything that we can to help them recover the money they invested and lost, he said. The minister also confirmed the meeting with the South African businessman.Interestingly, the CBE distanced itself from the issue by saying that they are not aware of any engagements, either with government or any other relevant stakeholder, that are aimed at assisting affected individuals recoup their investment in Ecsponent (Eswatini) Limited. This publication had asked to know the veracity of the reports that there are engagements with stakeholders. The CBE had also been asked to state the day of the last engagement. In another questions, the CBE was asked to state what would happen in the event that the engagements become a success and how the investors would be paid. The Times SUNDAY asked to know whether the plan is to have the investors get their initial investments of same together with profits. In response, the CBE said, We wish to reiterate that the bank is not aware of the engagements referred to, or any other initiatives aimed at assisting investors recoup their investment, whether in part or in full, from Ecsponent (Eswatini) Limited. Early this year, this publication reported that the frustrated investors had resolved to seek audience with His Majesty King Mswati III to intervene on their behalf. The resolution was taken during the Eswatini Investment Groups (ESWIG) well-attended special general meeting at Mfanyana Hall in Manzini. The investors unanimously agreed that only an order from the King would provide a lasting solution to their painful ordeal. The investors, a majority of whom are elderly and retired citizens, said audience with the King will allow them to relay the frustration they have gone through ever since their millions disappeared. However, they were advised that since the matter was in court, the legal process should be exhausted first. Forensic investigation The investors were also made aware that the ESWIG Board had conducted its own forensic investigation to establish what transpired and had initiated its legal claim against the FSRA and other parties, on the basis of its own forensic investigation. Recently, this publication published contents of the ESWIG forensic and it revealed an email chain which gave a clue of how external influence on financial and key investment decisions allegedly reigned supreme in the operations of Ecsponent Limited. This report was compiled by a South African consultant known as JKD Consulting. It contains names of individuals and entities allegedly involved in the transactions. In the report, the consultant said it appeared that key investment decisions were made by ESWs holding company, Ecsponent Limited. According to the report, the consultant was able to get hold of a bundle of emails by ESW management, which appeared to indicate the presence of external influences on the investments and other decisions. Copies of the emails are annexed in the report and one of them gives the impression that some persons of interests used their influence in the hiring of senior members of staff. Negligence or criminality Specifically, the forensic was to look into whether there was any negligence or criminality in how funds were received and or passed on to related parties and any other party.It was also to establish how the funds received were utilised, invested and or loaned and why they have not been paid or repaid. The report puts much focus on the funds relating to preference shares issued from March 2016 to November 2019, being preference share issue numbers 6 to 12. In terms of findings, the report said there was a prima facie view that the scheme was designed to induce participants to invest in a purported secured environment whereas the true intention, but that based on the findings made, it appears to be the contrary, and that was to divest the investors to benefit those who designed the scheme. One of the recommendations made is that the original masterminds of the scheme need to be held accountable for the substantial losses. It was mentioned that from the onset, all adverts and prospectus issued misrepresented the true purpose of the funds and how they were to be invested. Since 2022, ESWIG has been doing all in its power to help the frustrated investors recover their money. This it did through the introduction of a turnaround strategy which was dubbed Project White Knight and it encompassed the formation of a company registered in the name of the investors. Alternative revenue The company was announced as one that was purely an investment vehicle aimed at assisting them generate alternative revenue streams in order to recover their lost funds. Before that, the Ecsponent Eswatini Limited name was changed and the company was rebranded to ESWIG, while the Board was restructured and a new executive and management team was appointed. It was argued that the new executive and management team had the capability to implement a turnaround strategy in order to achieve the desired result, which was to ultimately establish ESWIG as a viable business entity based on sound governance practices. Home News Charles Goff, former Texas megachurch youth leader, arrested after confessing attraction to child porn Charles Goff, a former volunteer youth leader at Beltway Park Church, a Baptist Evangelical multi-site megachurch in Abilene, Texas, who admitted to struggling with pornographic videos of teenage girls, has been arrested and charged Wednesday with possession of child pornography. Court documents cited by KTXS 12 said Goff, 24, confessed to a church member that he particularly struggled with pornographic videos of 14- to 15-year-old girls and the police were called in. When detectives interviewed Goff, he allegedly told them he had been asking teenage girls for nude pictures on various social media platforms. Three pornographic videos of young girls were later discovered on Goff's phone, and he was booked into the Taylor County Jail with a $100,000 bond. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe David McQueen, the churchs lead pastor, subsequently released a statement Wednesday noting that the church is cooperating fully with the investigation and noted that Goff had passed multiple background checks. McQueen said Goffs confession about his struggles with underage teen porn was made in June, and they had been working with law enforcement since then. In June 2024, we were made aware that a former volunteer with our youth ministry confessed to soliciting inappropriate photos and videos of minors online. Upon receiving this report, we immediately notified the proper authorities. We have and will continue to cooperate fully with the investigation, McQueen said. Although we do not know all the specific details about which charges have been filed or the findings of the authorities, here is what we know: This former volunteer had been a youth volunteer in our church for approximately three years, until this past summer. As part of our normal safety protocols, this individual passed a background check before he was an active volunteer in 2022 and then again as part of our standard volunteer protocol in 2024, McQueen explained. He further noted that prior to Goffs confession in June, he had been in good standing at the church and there were no complaints about him. We currently have no indication that any minors from our church were involved in any inappropriate activity with this former volunteer. If you have information that would help the authorities in their investigation or any questions about their findings, we encourage you to contact the Abilene Police Department at 325-673-8331, McQueen said. We remain committed to doing everything in our power to support the ongoing investigation. We have tremendous grief for any children in any location who may be proven to have been harmed by this persons actions. In Barnas recently released research report, Beyond the Porn Phenomenon, produced in partnership with Pure Desire Ministries, a majority of practicing Christians, including pastors, admitted to viewing pornography and a large share say they are comfortable with the habit. Researchers found that pornography use is so prevalent among all demographics and the gap in use among Christians and non-Christians, as well as men and women, has grown narrower over the last eight years. While many churches may not be running specific programs to help porn users, 75% of U.S. pastors said they are individually ministering to those who struggle with porn. They reported that half of those who've sought help from them, 51%, are married men. Some 67% of pastors also reported having a personal history of porn use, with 18% saying their struggle with porn is current. An overwhelming majority of pastors or 86%, also believe that porn use is common among Christian pastors. Almost 90% of youth leaders said they wish parents would talk to their teenagers about sexual health and behaviors, but 70% of them say they believe friends and social media have the biggest influence on what young people learn about sex today. The researchers noted that the study presented a series of conflicts. More porn than ever, but fewer come across it unintentionally; more disapproval of porn generally, but less discomfort with its presence personally; more usage, but less acceptance. These contradictions highlight the intricate dance among societal norms, personal behaviors, and moral judgments. But what can be done to reconcile them? Perhaps an analogy to junk food offers some insight, they noted. It added, ... the allure of porn, combined with societal permissiveness and accessibility, can lead individuals to engage in behavior they know to be unwise. Recognizing this complexity underscores the need for nuanced discussions and solutions regarding pornography, conversations that acknowledge both its potential harms and the realities of human behavior. Home News Gateway Church removes multiple elders as Robert Morris abuse investigation concludes Gateway Church in Texas has removed multiple elders as the result of a four-month investigation into allegations the church's founder, Robert Morris, sexually assaulted a minor female for years beginning when she was 12 in the 1980s. During a Saturday afternoon service in Southlake, Gateway Elder Tra Willbanks provided an overview of the internal investigation led by the law firm Haynes & Boone related to Morris, launched after his resignation in June following allegations from 54-year-old Cindy Clemishire that he sexually abused her for more than four years beginning on Dec. 25, 1982. According to Willbanks, all but three of the Gateway elders had some knowledge about Morris' encounter with Clemishire and "failed to inquire further," and some allegedly knew before allegations became public that Clemishire was a child when the abuse occurred. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe "We now know that there were elders and employees at Gateway who knew before June 14, 2024, that Cindy was 12 at the time of the abuse," Willbanks said. "Both groups are fundamentally wrong and simply cannot and will not be tolerated at Gateway Church." Willbanks didn't disclose the names of elders or employees removed from their positions due to the investigation. However, the photographs of elders Kevin Grove, Thomas Miller, Jeremy Carrasco and Gayland Lawshe are no longer displayed on the Gateway elders webpage as of Sunday afternoon. "We have decided to draw a very bright line here based on biblical and moral values and the values of our church family, and we can report to you that as of today, no individual in either group serves as an elder, is employed by or works at Gateway Church," Willbanks said. "They have been removed." Willbanks, Dane Minor and Kenneth Fambro continue to serve as elders. All three had not heard of any sexual abuse allegations against Morris until the middle of June when they became public, Willbanks said. The Haynes & Boone investigation was completed a few weeks ago, and results were initially presented to a subcommittee of elders formed to receive and act on the findings. "What happened to Cindy was heartbreaking and vile, and we denounce any sexual abuse in all of its forms," he said. "We feel deep sorrow for those who have been victimized by such despicable actions, but I do want to take a minute, and I just want to appreciate Cindy for her bravery and for telling her story for helping bring some awareness to this issue. She has positively impacted countless lives." Willbanks said that over the years, Morris has shared versions of a story that he was "unfaithful in his marriage while he was in his early 20s." "According to this version, Robert confessed his sin to apostolic leaders in the late 1980s, many years before Gateway Church was formed. He stepped down from ministry for two years and then was restored back into ministry with the blessing of those same apostolic leaders," Willbanks said. "We as a church knew what our former senior pastor had shared publicly. Many people, including myself, simply believed his version of the story." The elder said Morris had described his story as a "sexual affair." It wasn't until Clemishire shared her story publicly on June 14 that many became aware that Morris' misconduct involved a child as young as 12. "On that same evening of June 14th, Robert Morris directed Gateway employees to release a statement that intended to minimize the severity of Cindy's claims in one final attempt to hide the truth," Willbanks said. "As you know, our Gateway Church family was rocked by these revelations. Over the next 48 hours, the elders were able to independently verify critical elements of Cindy's story, enabling us to move swiftly to confront Robert Morris. When we insisted on meeting with him, he immediately resigned. Despite his resignation, we knew that further investigation was needed." Investigators were given full access to Gateway staff and internal communications. However, the investigation had "certain limitations" as several former senior leaders transitioned out of the church over the last 24 years and were not required to participate in the investigation. Six individuals declined to meet in person with Haynes & Boone, including Morris. "In the course of their investigation, Haynes and Boone didn't learn of "any other allegations of sexual assault by Robert Morris," Willbanks said. In late June, three Gateway elders Grove, Lawshe and Steve Dulin voluntarily took a leave of absence. Morris' son, James, also left the church and plans to launch a new church called Passage Church. Willbanks told the congregation that Gateway is working on "very significant changes" to the church bylaws. Though it is still a work in progress, the church will no longer have "apostolic elders" because the elders have concluded that "this office of apostolic Elders as designed did not function properly." "We will no longer have staff members serve as elders with the exception of our future senior pastor and potentially an executive pastor, both of whom might serve in some capacity, but it would be a nonvoting capacity," Willbanks added. Willbanks shared that Gateway Church is also dealing with various pending and or threatened litigation matters, as well as financial demands from Robert Morris that it plans to reject. Gateway is also cooperating with a criminal investigation. Home News John Cooper sounds alarm on Americas 'dangerous precipice' with Skillets new album 'Revolution' John Cooper, the lead vocalist and bassist of Skillet, is no stranger to using music as a platform for conviction. But with the release of the bands latest album, Revolution, hes more impassioned than ever, sounding an alarm over what he sees as a pivotal moment in Americas history. America is on the precipice of something very, very bad, very dangerous. I don't think any politics can save it, the 49-year-old artist told The Christian Post. The revolution is not militaristic ... its a spiritual revolution that we need. If we do not turn back to God, we are going to be in such a bad place. I really believe that with all my heart if we don't turn back to God and have a spiritual revolution, a revolution of repentance, a revolution of love of the Kingdom of God. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe For Cooper, the dire state of mental health among teens is a rallying cry; he cited recent findings by the U.S. surgeon general about a "crisis of loneliness" among young people. Were seeing the highest levels of teen suicide and depression in recorded history, he said. What would it be like if the Church in America was so full of righteousness and peace and joy that we just began to be a beacon of light for a dark world? It'd be an incredible thing; all of that is entailed in revolution, and that's why I think it's so poignant. Revolution marks the 11th studio album from Skillet, formed in 1996 in Memphis, Tennessee, and the groups first independent venture after two years with Atlantic Records. A two-time Grammy-nominated group, Skillet has sold over 12 million albums and earned over a dozen RIAA certifications in recognition of gold, platinum or multiplatinum status. The albums lead single, Unpopular, premiered in August and serves as a call to reject societal pressures to conform a theme Cooper said resonates deeply at a time when personal beliefs are under constant scrutiny. We don't shy away from saying things that might bother some people. But for me, I'm saying no, you need to be bold in your faith, he said. Do not be ashamed of Christ. And right now, to be unashamed for Christ has some residual, difficult effects. People are going to hate you. That's the world we're living in right now. People are going to call you a mean person. That's the world we're living in right now. But that's what it means to follow Christ. As Cooper calls for this faith-led revolution, he finds himself increasingly in the crossfire, facing criticism from both secular and Christian circles. For many outside the church, his uncompromising stance has earned him labels like alarmist or extreme. But Cooper says the critiques from within his own community sting more. What really gets me is when its coming from our own side, he said. People say Im being too extreme or unloving, but Jesus didnt mince words either. Sometimes, I think the Church has confused living for Jesus with just being polite. One key song on Revolution, All That Matters, echoes this stance with lyrics that challenge listeners to consider the sacrifices necessary for true peace. Lyrics include the lines Don't get me wrong/ I ain't no pacifist/ For peace, gotta pay a price/ And I'll defend what is mine/ Fight for what I love/ Help me God above/ All it takes is one. True peace, Cooper said, cant be achieved through compromise or passivity. A lot of Christians have confused living for Jesus with being polite. And I think that is a huge mistake. I won't even get into all the times Jesus wasn't polite, he said. I don't like confrontation, funny enough, because I'm a people person, and I care for people deeply. I think [people] have a hard time reconciling that with somebody that comes out bold and says, I will stand for the unborn. It is absolutely immoral to be taking the life of children in the womb. They can't reconcile it. In describing the Churchs hesitance to engage with contentious social issues, Cooper addressed a sense of complacency he feels has crept into American Christianity. He lamented that the churchs absence from certain cultural dialogues, particularly on subjects like gender and education, has left a void filled by secular ideology. Christians dont realize that these freedoms speech, assembly, the right to raise our kids are being eroded. In 2020, churches were closed while strip clubs and casinos remained open, Cooper recalled. We have to see whats happening and understand the stakes. Cooper is aware that his stance is uncommon in the Christian music scene, which he acknowledged operates within a highly polarized industry. Skillet, he noted, derives most of its income from the mainstream rock world, freeing the band from the financial pressures many other Christian artists face. Imagine if 100 percent of your income came from the Christian market, and then half of those people think youre too political. Youre risking your entire career if you speak up, Cooper explained. Though he empathizes with artists who hesitate to address polarizing topics, Cooper said silence is no longer an option. He cited research from the Barna Group linking rising depression and suicide rates among young people to the diminishing presence of a Christian worldview. The data, he said, confirms what hes been warning for years: that a generation is growing up without a sense of purpose, told that life is a series of accidents with no ultimate meaning. The demonic activity that is let into people's minds, from pornography, and from these phones with all the incredibly hellish stuff online, we have no idea. We have no idea what's going on, and then we wonder why these kids are sad and depressed and killing themselves at the highest rates ever recorded. We have to do something about it, he said. The themes of Revolution reflect Coopers belief in the restorative power of faith, with a track that begins, Lost the future generations/ Face-to-face can't communicate/ And we can't tell the truth from faking/ Lives and innocents wasted. Through these lyrics, Cooper hopes to counter the sense of nihilism he sees in modern culture. As for what Skillet hopes to achieve with Revolution, the album strives to stand against societal division and encourage listeners to stand up for what we believe in even if it might be unpopular." "We've raised a generation of people in a world that tells them there is no God. That means there is no ultimate purpose for your life. They are a cosmic mistake or fill-in-the-blank with whatever word you want to say instead of 'mistake of Darwin's evolution,' it's just survival of the fittest, or it just happened to be," Cooper said. We need a spiritual revolution, he reiterated. Part of what I just want them to know is, step one, you matter because God exists. He created you. He created you in His image. That means that you matter. And we start from there, and then we build. Home News Kamala Harris heckled at historically black church, says every voice is important Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential hopeful, was heckled while speaking at a prominent historically black church in the battleground state of Pennsylvania. On Sunday, Harris spoke before a mostly supportive crowd at The Church of Christian Compassion of Philadelphia, referencing the words of St. Paul of Tarsus during her remarks. The Apostle Paul wrote about the power we possess, the power of the people. He wrote that God is able to do more than we ask or think, according to His power that is at work in us, said Harris, alluding to Ephesians 3:20. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe And Paul speaks of this power from experience. In his life, he faced every kind of test and trial imaginable: shipwreck, persecution, prison. And in every instance, he saw divine intervention. As Harris talked about justice for all of Gods children, describing the election as a moment that will define the very character of our nation and how the United States faces real challenges, a commotion could be heard among the congregation. As the heckling noise got louder, music started playing in the background, and the unknown heckler was drowned out by others shouting in response while Harris paused her remarks. Thats why we fight for our democracy, Harris stated after seconds of silence, with the audience getting louder and the vice president clapping her hands. Every voice is important; every voice is important. Harris continued with her remarks, adding that we carry real burdens and, like Paul, we must remember that divine power works through our actions. We have the power to move past division, fear and chaos, she told those gathered. It is in and within our power to fulfill the promise of America, the promise to create opportunity for every child. The church's video feed doesn't show the heckler or hecklers who protested, with the camera staying on Harris during the commotion. The Christian Post reached out to The Church of Christian Compassion for more information on the heckler and what the person said, however a spokesperson replied that the church did not have such information. As the presidential election nears, Harris has made a considerable effort to reach out to faith communities, especially predominantly African American congregations. On Oct. 21, which was also Harris 60th birthday, the vice president spoke at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Stonecrest, Georgia, with Pastor Jamal Bryant comparing her to Queen Esther of the Old Testament. Can I just preach to the vice president? Bryant asked as the New Birth congregants applauded. Who knew that 60 years ago today, you were born to be president? You were born to lead a nation. You were born to change the trajectory of democracy. Who knows? But you were born for such a time as this. Home News Heritage Foundation pres. warns Kamala Harris most 'anti-faith' candidate in history Heritage Foundation President Kevin Roberts warned Americans in a Friday press call that Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee for president of the United States, is the most anti-faith presidential candidate in history and that her administration would lead to Christians losing their freedom to worship. Roberts, who has led the conservative think tank since 2021, hosted a Virtual Faith Media Roundtable to Discuss Why Christians Should Vote Friday. In his remarks, he warned about the implications of a Harris administration and assuaged Christians with concerns about the Republican candidate for president, former President Donald Trump. The conversation took place four days before the 2024 presidential election, where the Republican ticket of Trump and Sen. J.D. Vance, R-Ohio, is locked in a tight race with the Democratic ticket of Harris and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe Roberts described Harris as the most anti-faith, anti-religion presidential candidate in history. He maintained that People of faith who are worried about the choice they are making really need to understand whats at stake. Were going to lose our ability to worship, were going to lose our religious liberty if the Harris-Walz campaign prevails, he asserted. He cited the vice presidents suggestion to attendees at one of her recent rallies who shouted phrases including Christ is King that they were at the wrong rally as an example of her hostility to religion. Roberts expressed concern about the prospect of a Harris-Walz administration expanding abortion if the Democrats gain complete control of the U.S. Congress in addition to the presidency as well as a real abridgement of religious liberty and efforts to abridge free speech. He expressed concern that theyre going to abridge free speech for people of faith as well as media organizations. Although Ive got other things Im concerned about, I think its not hyperbole for me to say that I think the entire First Amendment is endangered in the event of a Harris-Walz victory in the 2024 election, Roberts declared. In addition to laying out the implications of a Harris-Walz administration for people of faith, he attempted to reassure those with concerns that a Trump-Vance administration would not be much better. Roberts lamented that There are people of faith who are sitting on the sidelines because they have forgotten that we are electing a president, not a pastor. He contended that Christians who plan on sitting out the 2024 election because of their concerns about Trump need to remember that none of us is perfect, including Trump and Vance. Roberts comments about people of faith sitting on the sidelines in the 2024 election comes as a study from the Cultural Research Center at Arizona Christian University published last month estimated that 32 million self-identified Christians will abstain from voting. Addressing the concern that Trump has taken an inadequately pro-life position by insisting that the issue of abortion should be left to the states following the U.S. Supreme Courts Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organizationdecision determining that the U.S. Constitution does not contain a right to abortion and his vow to not sign a national abortion ban, Roberts maintained that I think people of faith need to remember the former presidents track record on the issue from his previous time in the White House. Im cautiously optimistic that in a Trump-Vance administration, that the policy default of the president and vice president will still be solidly pro-life, he said. Reflecting on the assembly of a presidential cabinet and administration that would follow a Trump-Vance victory, Roberts declared Its sort of impossible to avoid appointing pro-life people. Roberts described the pro-life movement as a vital, vital part of the political coalition that will have succeeded in electing Trump and Vance, stressing that giving pro-life activists prominent roles in the administration would be politically intelligent. Polling at the national level as well as in individual swing states as of Friday forecasts a close election. The RealClearPolitics average of national polls asking voters which candidate they support shows Trump with a very narrow lead of 0.3 percentage points over Harris. The RealClearPolitics no toss-up map, which projects the outcome of the presidential election in the electoral college based on polling averages in individual states, shows Trump capturing 287 electoral votes to Harris 251. Home News Families sue Calif. school district over 'shocking' plan requiring kids to teach gender ideology Lawsuit defends parents' right to 'raise their children according to their sincerely held religious beliefs' Two Christian families from Southern California are suing a school district over a decision to require fifth-grade students to teach kindergartners about gender ideology without prior notification or the option to opt out. The federal lawsuit challenges the Encinitas Union School Districts Kinderbuddy program at La Costa Heights Elementary School, which officials say was intended to foster mentorship and friendship between older and younger students. However, the initiative took a contentious turn when fifth graders, including the plaintiffs sons, were unexpectedly tasked with teaching their kindergarten counterparts about gender identity and sexual orientation based on a controversial book selected by the school that promotes controversial views on gender ideology. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe The complaint describes plaintiffs Carlos and Jennifer Encinas and Tom and Rebecca Doe as devout Christians, with the former belonging to both a Bible-believing Evangelical church as well as a Catholic church in their local parish, while Tom and Rebecca Doe are identified as faithful members of their local Catholic church who raise their children in the Christian faith. According to the complaint filed by First Liberty Institute and the National Center for Law & Policy (NCLP), both Christian families hold the belief that humans are created in Gods image as either male or female. They had previously opted their sons out of gender identity and sexual orientation lessons in health class, only to discover that similar teachings were being introduced in the mentoring program without their knowledge, the lawsuit states. Viewing children as a gift from God, [the plaintiff parents] believe it is their responsibility as Christian parents to raise their children according to their sincerely held religious beliefs as delineated in Scripture, the complaint states. School promotion of ideologies and concepts that run counter to their sincerely held religious beliefs undermines their parental authority and interferes with their essential roles as parents. The lawsuit is centered around the book and read-along video My Shadow is Pink, which was selected by the Encinitas Union School District for a fifth-grade mentorship program. The book's author, Scott Stuart, says it's "about a young boy, born with a pink shadow that loves princess, dresses and 'things not for boys.'" In one part of My Shadow is Pink, the main character a young boy says my heart skips a beat/ as I put on a dress" and depicts the boy wearing a dress while looking at himself in the mirror. The complaint cites an April 30 text message exchange between two teachers regarding the content of My Shadow is Pink in which a fifth-grade teacher and kindergarten teacher called the story "so sweet" and said they "love the overall message." The plaintiffs argue that the book's content sharply contradicts their belief that gender is a fixed trait, ordained by God and determined by biological sex. They also contend that the ideas introduced in the book are not only inappropriate for their fifth-grade son but also for his kindergarten buddy, raising concerns about the implications of encouraging young readers to question their natural sex. The Encinas' fifth-grade son, who says he was made to read a book promoting transgenderism and sexual orientation to a kindergartener, said he initially didn't opt out of the Kinderbuddy program because "he didn't want to get in trouble or anything." "I hoped my buddy wouldn't understand what any of it meant," the boy, who is also a plaintiff in the case, said. "We both thought that it's not okay that they're showing this to kindergartners." The parents assert that the book promotes a worldview that dismisses traditional views on gender and sexuality, which they believe undermines the biblical values they instill at home. The lawsuit argues that such content should not be presented to their children without prior notification or the option to opt out. Upon learning of the situation, the families requested that the school provide parental notice and consent for future discussions on gender ideology. However, the Encinitas Union School District responded that its teachers were legally prohibited from notifying parents or obtaining consent, arguing that the information was not distinct from what was covered in health class, according to the lawsuit. The district indicated it would continue to implement its approach to gender ideology without parental notification or consent. CP reached out for comment Wednesday from Encinitas school officials. This story will be updated if any response is received. Greg Burt, vice president of the California Family Council, condemned the schools actions. It is shocking and dismaying that a school would ask a child to teach a subject as sensitive as gender ideology to young, impressionable kindergartners, especially when that subject conflicts with the childs own faith and family values, Burt said in a statement. Home News JFK assassination, UFOs and depression: 6 highlights from Trump's interview with Joe Rogan Former President Donald Trump spent nearly three hours during a wide-ranging interview with podcaster Joe Rogan last week that touched on topics ranging from tariffs and trade to UFOs and the Kennedy assassination. Rogan noted that after the attempted assassination against Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13, he realized the timing was perfect to have a conversation with the GOP nominee. "Once they shot you, I was like, he's got to come in here. It's all about timing. I think our timing is perfect, he said. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe Here are six highlights from their conversation, which has racked up more than 34 million views on YouTube as of Monday. Home Opinion Next Tuesday's election will mark major fork in road on this issue Next Tuesday Americans will make a fateful decision about the future direction of our country as we cast our ballots for president, 435 congressmen, and approximately a third of the U.S. Senate. Every indication is that it will be a close election reflecting the evenly divided electorate at the national level. We, as a country, are deeply divided at this moment in our history on many issues. However, I want to focus on the one issue I believe is paramount in this electionthe sanctity of human life. Few issues so deeply divide our society. Next Tuesday will mark a major fork in the road on this issue. If Vice President Harris wins, she is committed to what she and her supporters call reproductive freedom, which is a euphemism for unrestricted abortion in all 50 states for all nine months of pregnancy with no restrictions based on gestational age on the unborn baby. In other words, abortion up to full-term birth. Currently, nine American states and the District of Columbia already have such laws in place (Alaska, Colorado, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, and Vermont). Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe A Harris Administration will pursue such radical policies on a national level and Vice President Harris has said she would even oppose exemptions for religious conscience for doctors and nurses who had religious convictions that would prevent them from performing abortions. A Trump Administration has indicated that they would leave the issue of abortion largely up to the voters and legislators of each stateinadequate but better than the alternative. At least Trump will generally nominate judges and justices more in sync with the pro-life cause, not to mention more pro-life Justice and Health, Education, and Welfare officials. As has often been observed, politics is downstream from culture and culture is downstream from religion. The pro-life cause must not weary in welldoing. The pro-abortion movement has been the great threat to our culture since slavery. Just as the pro-slavery movement denied the humanity of the slaves, the pro-abortion movement denies the humanity of our unborn citizens. In addition to the deaths of tens of millions of our unborn babies, the pro-abortion movement has spawned a culture or cult of death expanding like a deadly virus from the delivery room to the intensive care unit to assisted living facilities. Just as the anti-slavery movement engaged in a titanic struggle for the hearts and minds of their fellow countrymen, we must do everything we can to dramatize the humanity of our unborn countrymen. Before the Civil War, Harriett Beecher Stowe wrote the novel Uncle Toms Cabin, which became a runaway bestseller dramatizing the plight of slaves. Later when President Lincoln met Ms. Stowe, he reportedly said, So this is the little lady who started the great war. We in the pro-life movement are engaged in a life-and-death struggle to save unborn babies and to rescue our nation from becoming a country given over to child sacrifice. Make no mistake about itAmerica will not remain where she is on the issue of abortion. We will either get much worse or much better, depending on who wins the struggle for hearts and souls. Right now we are one of the most pro-abortive countries in the world, with several of our states (as noted earlier) as pro-abortion as any country on earth. As a Christian, I am aware that God forbade child sacrifice in the Old Testament (Lev. 13:21; 20:2-5; Deut. 12:31; 18:10; 2 Kings 16:3, 17:17, 31; 21:6; Jer. 7:31; 19:5) and severely judged and punished His chosen people whenever they followed their pagan, idolatrous neighbors in engaging in this heinous practice. Do not think that God will not punish us as a nation ever more severely if we allow this abomination of abortion on demand to continue and expand. Do we not realize how far we have already fallen? In the providence of God, I had the great blessing of being raised in a devout Christian home. Both of my parents were Sunday School teachers. Every Sunday after church, we went home for our Sunday meal. As we ate dinner, my parents would ask my younger brother and me about the Sunday School lesson that day. Whether we received our portion of dessert depended on whether we answered their questions correctly. I will never forget one particular Sunday (it must have been about 1958, judging by how old my younger brother, who was born in 1950, appears in this memory). I would have been twelve. I didnt even wait to be asked this particular Sunday. I said, Daddy, today we learned about how Gods chosen people, the Israelites, were taking their babies down into the Valley of Gehenna and sacrificing them in burnt sacrifice to the pagan God Molech! How could they do that? I asked. My dad responded, I dont know, son. Thats awful, isnt it? As we sat around our dining room table in Houston, Texas in 1958 none of us could have imagined that my brother and I would live to see approximately 70 million American babies sacrificed to the pagan gods of social convention, economic cost, or mere inconvenience since 1973. Can we not see from whence we have fallen? Next Tuesdays election will not decide this issue. But let us not fool ourselves. The president we elect will either make the struggle more difficult or less so. And God will hold each of us responsible individually and our nation responsible collectively for how we respond. Home Opinion A Christians duty this Nov. 5th A month after the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, late-night comedian Bill Maher alleged on his show "Real Time" that the recent violence in Washington, D.C., was the result of magical religious thinking. The events of January 6 were a faith-based initiative, Maher said. Its because theyre religious. Theyve already made space in their heads for [expletive] that does not make sense. Although no one should expect nuanced reflections on religion from Bill Maher, his assertion that Christian nationalism motivated the Jan. 6 attack has since been repeated ad nauseam. This has contributed to a surge of discussions and publications warning about the dangers of Christian nationalism, including nearly a dozen books on the topic in the past few years. Much of the conversation about Christian nationalism turns on its hotly debated definition, and those who most frequently wield the epithet rarely bother to define it. It is notable that those who most vociferously denounce Christian nationalism often seem to be the ones intent on keeping Christian voices out of politics. When opposition to radical gender ideology and permissive abortion laws are labeled as Christian nationalist attempts to impose theocracy, it should immediately undermine the legitimacy of the critique. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe Thus, although believers should avoid conflating their political identity with their Christian faith, the alarmist rhetoric around Christian nationalism ought to be seen for what it is: a scare tactic meant to silence the voices of Christians concerned about our cultures moral decline and suppress their political engagement. In short, many on the Left are attempting to cast doubt on the motives and beliefs of Christians by labeling anyone espousing conservative views (be they Christian or not) as Christian nationalists. However, Christian engagement in politics is not nefarious or subversive. Historically, Christian engagement in the public square has led to significant advancements in human flourishing. For example, Christians opposed the Roman practices of infanticide and child abandonment, advocated for the dignity of women, founded the first hospitals, opened the first universities and colleges, and worked for the abolition of slavery. There seems to be an assumption in some Christian circles that politics is inherently defiled and that political activism is inappropriate for those serious about the Gospel. This view is what theologian Wayne Grudem calls the Do Evangelism, Not Politics approach to civic engagement. Adherents of this view think Christians should focus exclusively on sharing the Gospel; because political engagement does not directly lead people to faith in Christ, they do not consider it a priority. However, a closer examination of Gods Word reveals that Scripture has much to say about civic responsibility. The Do Evangelism, Not Politics approach fails to acknowledge that Christians duty to steward the blessings and opportunities entrusted to them includes the blessing of voting. Christians living in a society that affords them the right to vote should seek to steward that vote in a way that honors God and advances the well-being of their neighbors. It is also important to remember that the Bible teaches that government is appointed by God. In Romans 13:1-7, the apostle Paul refers to the governing authorities as ministers of God, explaining they have a duty to administer civil justice. Although God is sovereign, He chooses to use human governments to carry out His will. A biblical basis for government is also found in Genesis 9, where God provides general authorization for action against murderers (Gen. 9:5-6). The Bible provides examples of faithful political engagement. For example, in the Old Testament, Joseph and Daniel both served in foreign governments and used their influence to implement policies that benefited society. In the New Testament, when Paul faced charges of sedition, he invoked his rights as a Roman citizen and appealed to Caesar (Acts 25:10). Evidently, the apostle was comfortable working within the political and legal system of his day to pursue justice against false accusations. Significantly, Paul instructs believers to pray for those in authority: First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way (1 Tim. 2:1-2). As Christians, one of the most important political acts we can engage in is to pray for our leaders whose decisions can advance or inhibit our ability to lead godly and dignified lives. In a constitutional republic like the United States, the government derives its authority from the people. As Alexander Hamilton explained in Federalist Paper 22, the consent of the people is the pure original fountain of all legitimate authority. This principle is foundational to our American government and provides citizens with incredible opportunity and responsibility. Unlike many people around the world, Americans control their political future through the ballot box. Indeed, we are stewards of it, as we are stewards of everything else God has given us. Voting is also a practical way that Christians can love their neighbors. Consider two direct consequences of the upcoming presidential election. By casting a vote for president, Americans will have a direct say in who will appoint nearly 200 ambassadors and who will make hundreds of lifetime appointments to the federal judiciary. Will abortion, under the euphemism of family planning, be funded overseas by American taxpayers? Will Americas embassies be bastions of LGBT activism around the world? Will the courts be filled with activist judges who undermine First Amendment protections? The implications of these questions should compel Christians to consider what governing ideology we want to control the levers of power in our nation. Compelled by love for our neighbors and a desire to steward our God-given responsibilities, American Christians should engage in the political process. This will require grappling with the moral issues of our day, operating within the reality of Americas two-party system, and following our Christian convictions to their logical end by voting for candidates and referendums that most closely approximate biblical values. Tony Perkins is president of Family Research Council. David Closson is director of the Center for Biblical Worldview at Family Research Council. Home Opinion A psychologist interviews ChatGPT about gender theory, Christian transcendence After finishing Abigail Favale's The Genesis of Gender, I settled in our sunroom, enjoying the afternoon sunlight alongside my wife and our golden retriever. The peaceful scene seemed perfect for reflection, yet neither my wife nor our dog seemed interested in discussing gender theory or the nuances of transcendent identity. Suddenly, it struck me: ChatGPT! Millions rely on it daily for various inquiries, from casual conversations to philosophical or theological explorations. ChatGPT is an artificial intelligence tool designed to engage in conversation, functioning much like a knowledgeable companion. It combines the depth of a comprehensive search engine with the helpfulness of a personal assistant, capable of answering questions, offering advice, and supporting discussions on virtually any topic. While it doesn't think or feel, it analyzes information, generates responses, and assists with writing, learning and exploring complex subjects. With around 200 million active users weekly and approximately 1.5 billion visits monthly, ChatGPT seems like an ideal partner for reflecting on The Genesis of Gender and diving into questions of gender, Christian identity and transcendence. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe Dr. Zuccolottos first question to ChatGPT Does gender theory include concepts of transcendence? ChatGPT Gender theory, in its broad and varied landscape, often explores the relationship between identity, culture and the body, but it doesn't typically focus on transcendence in the way that religious or metaphysical frameworks do. In gender theory, the focus tends to be more on how gender is socially constructed, performed, and experienced within the material and social world. However, some feminist and queer theorists, especially those who incorporate elements of postmodernism or psychoanalysis (like Judith Butler or Julia Kristeva), might touch on themes that loosely parallel transcendence, such as the disruption of fixed identities or the search for meaning beyond traditional social norms. But this is usually discussed in terms of social liberation, identity fluidity, or resistance to dominant norms rather than in a spiritual or metaphysical context. Dr. Zuccolotto: Based on what you just wrote, what does the lens of gender hope to construct psychologically, and how does it define what it means to be human? ChatGPT: Through a psychological lens, gender theory constructs an understanding of identity that emphasizes flexibility, self-definition, and social critique. It defines humanity not as a static state tied to biological determinism, but as a dynamic, relational process of becoming. It seeks to foster an understanding of the self that is free from restrictive norms and that honors the full complexity of human identity, challenging traditional boundaries in favor of a more inclusive and adaptive view of what it means to be human. Dr. Zuccolotto: If gender releases us from all social, cultural, and biological constructs, what is the ultimate self gender theory is trying to create? ChatGPT: The ultimate self, as envisioned through gender theory, is one that is radically autonomous, fluid, and self-determined. It transcends societal, cultural, and biological constructs to become an expression of personal authenticity, resistance, and existential freedom. This self is constantly in the process of creation and re-creation, grounded in the individual's unique experience and inner sense of identity, rather than in external categories or norms. This conception aligns with broader post-modern and existential perspectives, where identity is seen as an ongoing project, one in which the individual is the primary agent of meaning and definition. In its highest form, the ultimate self is liberated from all fixed constraints, free to explore, redefine, and express itself in ways that resonate with the individual's evolving truth and experience. Dr. Zuccolotto: But that does not tell me what I will ultimately become if I adopt gender theory as a philosophical guide to significance and meaning. When will I know when I have become an Authentic Self based on Gender Theory? How will I know when I have found the real me. Or is there no real me in gender theory? ChatGPT: This question goes to the heart of the philosophical implications of gender theory, especially as it intersects with existential and postmodern thought. Gender theory, as a framework, challenges the idea of a single, fixed real me and often rejects the notion of a stable, essential self. Instead, it promotes a view of identity that is fluid, constantly evolving, and socially constructed. There is no predetermined real you waiting to be discovered. Instead, the self is viewed as something that is continuously constructed and reconstructed through experiences, relationships, and choices. The authentic self, therefore, is not a static state or a final destination but an ongoing process of self-exploration and expression. There may never be a moment when you can definitively say, This is the real me, because the self is always in flux. Identity is seen as dynamic, and authenticity involves embracing that fluidity rather than seeking a singular, permanent version of yourself. Building on thinkers like Judith Butler, gender identity (and identity in general) is considered performative. This means that identity is something you enact and express in relation to the world around you. There is no essential you behind the performance your identity emerges through these performances over time, and it may shift depending on context and experience. Dr. Zuccolotto: If there is no real me or essential you in gender theory, and I must depend on the culture and world around me to construct an authentic self, which culture or worldview will be the most helpful in the construction of the self and which culture is most likely to be toxic to the authentic self? ChatGPT: In Gender Theory, a culture or worldview that fosters openness, inclusivity, and freedom of self-expression would likely be the most beneficial in constructing the self. Such a culture would allow for exploration and redefinition without imposing fixed standards or norms that confine identity. Conversely, a culture or worldview that emphasizes rigid social norms, essentialist views of identity, or prescriptive roles would be considered more toxic to the construction of an authentic self. Traditional or authoritarian cultural perspectives that enforce strict gender roles or fixed definitions of identity could be seen as stifling the self-constructive process central to gender theory's notion of authenticity. Dr. Zuccolotto: What cultural or religious views are considered essentialist, traditional, or authoritarian? ChatGPT: Cultural or religious views considered essentialist, traditional, or authoritarian typically emphasize fixed roles, biological determinism, or hierarchical structures. Certain religious traditions, such as conservative branches of Christianity, Islam or Orthodox Judaism often maintain that gender roles and identities are divinely established and should conform to specific moral or theological prescriptions. These traditions usually uphold specific expectations regarding the behavior, duties and societal roles of men and women. Dr. Zuccolotto: If someone did hold to traditional, Jewish, Muslim or Christian essentialist views, are they able to experience an authentic self according to gender theory? ChatGPT: From the perspective of gender theory, the concept of an authentic self is rooted in a rejection of fixed, essentialist views of identity. Gender theory posits that identity is fluid, dynamic, and socially constructed, emphasizing self-definition and the freedom to transcend traditional categories or norms. In this framework, authenticity is about embracing the ongoing process of becoming, rather than adhering to a static or pre-determined identity. For someone who holds traditional Jewish Muslim, or Christian essentialist views, where identity and roles may be seen as divinely or biologically determined, the notion of an "authentic self" according to gender theory would be challenging to reconcile. This is because these traditional views often align with beliefs in inherent, stable aspects of identity typically tied to religious teachings or biological realities that are meant to guide personal conduct and self-understanding. Authenticity, in these worldviews, is often about aligning oneself with these inherent truths or divine prescriptions, rather than continually redefining or reconstructing identity. According to gender theory, individuals who subscribe to such essentialist perspectives might struggle to experience an authentic self in the postmodern sense because their understanding of authenticity involves accepting fixed definitions of selfhood. Gender theory's rejection of a fixed, real me conflicts with religious frameworks that posit a core, divinely created identity (such as being created "in the image of God" in Christian and Jewish thought, or a fitrah in Islam) that one is meant to live in accordance with. Dr. Zuccolotto: Are you saying that essentialist constructs (such as those conceptualized by Jews, Muslims, and Christians) have more stable aspects of identity? ChatGPT: Yes, precisely. Essentialist constructs, as conceptualized within many traditional Jewish, Muslim and Christian frameworks, do indeed posit more stable aspects of identity. These frameworks often hold that there are inherent or divinely ordained elements to human identity, such as gender, purpose, or moral nature, which are relatively fixed and not subject to change based on personal or cultural preferences. In contrast, gender theory often rejects the notion of stable, essential aspects of identity. It emphasizes that identity is socially constructed, performative, and subject to change over time based on personal experiences and cultural influences. Authenticity, within this framework, is about embracing fluidity and rejecting fixed categories. Dr. Zuccolotto: In conclusion, what would you, ChatGPT, say develops a more stable sense of self, essentialism, or gender theory? ChatGPT: The answer to which framework essentialism or gender theory develops a more coherent sense of self depends on how one defines coherence and the foundational beliefs one holds about identity, purpose, and human nature. Essentialist frameworks (such as those in traditional Judaism, Islam and Christianity) generally offer a clear, stable, and cohesive understanding of self. The self is discovered rather than constructed. The emphasis is on aligning oneself with a pre-existing divine or natural order, which can create a sense of inner coherence and purpose rooted in something perceived as transcendent and immutable. Coherence is derived from a consistent narrative that ties personal identity to broader theological or natural principles. For adherents, this can bring a sense of stability, continuity, and meaning, particularly in the midst of lifes uncertainties or cultural shifts. From this vantage point, essentialist perspectives are often seen as developing a more coherent and stable self because they offer a defined sense of purpose, identity and morality. In contrast, gender theory promotes a self that is dynamic, evolving, and constructed through ongoing interaction with culture, relationships and personal experiences. Identity is fluid and self-determined, allowing for more flexibility and autonomy in shaping who one becomes. This framework emphasizes personal authenticity in the form of self-expression and redefinition rather than conforming to pre-established norms. It is about embracing the fluidity of selfhood and the continuous exploration of one's identity. The self is viewed as a product of social, cultural, and personal experiences rather than something inherent or predetermined. For those who value flexibility and self-definition, gender theory can provide a sense of authenticity and coherence, albeit one that is constantly adapting to new insights and experiences. In summary: If one prioritizes stability, coherence through continuity, and alignment with a transcendent or biological reality, an essentialist perspective may be more compelling. This framework provides a clear and structured narrative of the self, offering existential security and a defined sense of purpose. If one prioritizes flexibility, personal freedom, and authenticity as an ongoing process of self-exploration, gender theorys fluid conception of identity may resonate more deeply. Top of Form Dr. Zuccolotto: I think I will go with both freedom and transcendent truth: Jesus Christ. If you hold to my teaching, Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free(John 8:32). ChatGPT: That's a beautiful choice and a profound synthesis of freedom and transcendent truth. In Christian theology, Jesus Christ embodies both an ultimate, unchanging truth and the freedom that comes from embracing and living in that truth. The verse from John 8:32 emphasizes the liberating power of truth, highlighting how aligning with Christs teachings provides both a firm foundation and true freedom in ones identity and life. This approach offers a sense of coherence grounded in something eternal and transcendent, while also embracing the freedom found in living according to Christs love, grace and purpose. It navigates between stability and fluidity in a uniquely Christian way, affirming both the divine essence of identity and the transformative journey of growth in faith. Choosing to find identity in Christ not only provides clarity and stability but also allows for dynamic personal growth, free from the constraints of cultural or social expectations. It beautifully captures the essence of freedom through a relationship with the One who is both the Truth and the source of authentic liberation. May this choice continually bring you peace, clarity, and profound freedom! Dr. Zuccolotto: Thank you ChatGPT MBABANE Despite making substantial profits, the Eswatini Water Services Corporation (EWSC) has decided to raise water tariffs, which Parliament has approved. Investigations by the Times SUNDAY reveal that this government-owned company has accumulated net profits of E354.63 million over the past five years. Investigations revealed that it earned net profits of E52 863 759 in 2020, E61 867 654 in 2021, E104.1 million in 2022, E65.8 million in 2023, and E70 million in 2024. It ought to be said that these figures are recorded in the corporations statement of comprehensive income, a financial statement that encompasses a companys income, expenses and profits over a specific timeframe. It includes net income and other comprehensive income (OCI), referring to unrealised gains and losses that do not appear on the income statement. Conversely, net profit represents a companys total earnings after all expenses have been deducted. It should not be confused with gross profit, which signifies the profit remaining after production costs have been subtracted from revenue. Profit Gross profit aids investors in understanding the profit a company makes from producing and selling goods and services. However, accountants from Deloitte, a leading audit, consulting and financial advisory firm, note that net profit reflects the earnings remaining after all expenses, including taxes, have been deducted from revenue. Investors may use net profit to assess a companys overall profitability. Despite the Corporations net profits, Parliament approved a 12 per cent increase in water tariffs on Wednesday. This increase will be phased in over the next three years at a rate of four per cent each year. On the same day, a report from the House of Assemblys Portfolio Committee on the Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy advocating for the increases was adopted. The Members of Parliament (MPs) who supported the hike were reportedly swayed by the argument that it would fund EWSCs initiative to extend services to rural areas. MP Madala Mhlanga, the Chairman of the Portfolio Committee, said the tariff should have been implemented in April this year. Operating MP Mhlanga, who also serves as the Deputy Speaker, asserted that the corporation is operating at a loss, with Parliament informed that EWSC currently makes a loss of E0.2 million. In light of the most recent five years Comprehensive Income Statement, the government company has consistently generated net profits. It was revealed that the EWSC is currently managing projects, including the refurbishment and extension of its Emtfonjeni headquarters building. This government-owned company is expanding its head office building at a cost of E85.59 million. Despite the existence of a relatively old building currently used by executive management, Board and staff, the new building under construction will feature a suite of facilities including ablution areas, a secretarys space for the managing directors office, a nursing station with ablution facilities and refrigerators for storage, additional kitchenette, breakaway rooms accommodating eight people, with remote (video) conferencing facilities, couches and two commercial archiving/filing rooms. The new office will also include a sickbay. The library and training room will provide desk-style seating and shelving for reference materials, with space for 20 people practising social distancing, equipped with remote video conferencing for online learning. The development will include: Freshening of existing offices via deodorisation or other methods . Air conditioning in offices. Solar-heated geyser for warm tap water. Daytime visitor and staff parking. Paved area in front of the office. Boundary fencing or walling (preferably palisade fencing or equivalent). Provision for data cable inclusion. Uninterruptible power supply and electrical cables. Backup power generator. When considering the water tariff hike, the House of Assemblys Portfolio Committee on the Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy was informed that EWSC incurred operational losses over the past two years but achieved profits after accounting for interest (non-operating income) and tax deductions. The report adopted in Parliament clearly indicated that for the period ended March 2023, the corporation reported a E3.9 million operating loss and an after-tax net profit of E65.8 million. For the period ended March 31, 2024, the report states that the corporation recorded a E10 million operating loss, but achieved a net profit of E70.5 million. It is projected that this trend will persist in the initial two years of the proposed 2025-2027 multi-year tariff. The report cited delays in multi-year tariff approvals as causing the corporation to incur six-month revenue losses of E11 million. Parliament approved the water tariff increase due to several identified reasons: High infrastructural maintenance costs at EWSC. Significant costs associated with extending water services to rural areas. Misalignment of Rural Water Development and Eswatini Water Services Corporation expectations. According to the ministrys justification, the corporation should strive to generate profits from its core operations to reinvest and build reserves for infrastructure maintenance and service provision, thereby expanding access to clean water in non-mandated areas. The EWSC states that the proposed prepaid metering project also requires substantial funding for nationwide implementation, with costs estimated at E600 million. Clarification During the debate, MP Raymond Dlamini sought clarification on the profits. He requested an outline of the three types of profits referred to and how they differ. The ministry responded, explaining three categories of profitability: Gross profit, operating profit and net profit after tax. The MP was informed that gross profit involves net sales minus the cost of goods sold, while operating profit accounts for operating and maintenance expenses, including selling and administrative costs. Net profit combines operating profit with non-operating income minus income taxes. In his preamble, the Minister of Natural Resources and Energy, Prince Lonkhokhela, mentioned that government has announced a new mandate to extend water services to rural areas. This mandate emerged while management was piloting a rural water model within EWSC service areas, aiming for long-term sustainability. Pilot regions include Ezindwendweni and Lubuli. Major projects slated for completion in the next three years include: The Manzini Region Water Supply and Sanitation Project, potentially supplying water to 110 000 beneficiaries. Lomahasha/Namaacha Water Supply, benefitting 18 000 beneficiaries in Lomahasha. The Eswatini Water Supply and Sanitation Access Project (Shiselweni Region), supplying around 18 500 beneficiaries with improved water access and 38 000 beneficiaries with enhanced sanitation. The minister indicated that the Manzini Region Water Supply and Sanitation Project and Lomahasha/Namaacha Water Supply are expected to conclude next year, with the Eswatini Water Supply and Sanitation Access Project set for completion in 2026.Providing a financial overview, Jabulile Mashwama, the Managing Director (MD), noted in the annual report that despite economic volatility, operating revenue grew by 5.2 per cent to E513.5 million last year, from E488 million in 2022. Nonetheless, this was outpaced by a higher rise in operating expenses of E517.4 million. She reported a E3.8 million operating loss before other income. Mashwama mentioned that the companys financial statements show net profits due to additional non-operating income considerations. She disclosed that theoutstanding debt book reflected a sum of E235.9 million, posing a significant burden on working capital. Despite fulfilling its mandate to provide sustainable water and sanitation services, the corporation encounters challenges, which form the core of its strategic focus. Expertise Thembinkosi Dube, a seasoned Economist, remarked that the issue is complex and requires input from auditors and accountants. Thembinkosi Dlamini, another experienced Economist and Executive Director of the Coordinating Assembly of Non-Governmental Organisations (CANGO), agreed with Dube, noting the need for accounting expertise. However, Dlamini stated his focus would be on net income/net profit. He suggested that EWSC could consider having several departments operate as separate business units with diverse income streams. He emphasised examining water as a business unit, evaluating its costs versus income for long-term sustainability, as opposed to relying on profits from divisions like bottled water, laboratory services or government-allocated funds for specific projects. He added that project income is unreliable as it will not always be present. An experienced auditor, speaking anonymously, explained that net profit summarises a companys operations over a 12-month period, with the Statement of Comprehensive Income detailing income versus expenses incurred by the company. When asked if it is safe for the publication to conclude that net profit summarises the businesss profitability, he responded: Of course, the net profit is just like the net salary after tax and loan deductions. He affirmed: You are, therefore, safe to say that EWSC makes a profit. Since the matter is before Parliament, it was not procedurally appropriate to contact EWSC. However, efforts were made to reach out to them. A questionnaire was sent on Thursday, but the Communication Specialist, Hlobile Jele, indicated that they were not in a position to comment but could respond later. The questions posed were: Is the water tariff increase approved by Parliament a consequence of the renovation and extension of the EWSC Head Office Building? Is this ongoing project necessary, as the old building appears spacious enough to accommodate staff? In the past two years, ESWC has seemingly operated with a healthy profit. In 2022, the profit was E104.1 million, and it decreased to E65.8 million in 2023. Parliament was led to believe that EWSC operates at a loss. Implementing Therefore, over two years, the public enterprise has made a profit of E170 million. Is this profit not sufficient to sustain the organisation without implementing water tariff hikes? What prompted the increase? Madala Mhlanga, the Chairman of the Portfolio Committee on the Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy, said it was incorrect that EWSC had been making an operating profit of about E355 million. This newspaper, however, referred to a net profit. Mhlanga said the reported incomes are net profits. He said the committee is convinced that EWSC has been making operating losses in 2023 and 2024 of E14.7 million, totalling E78 million over a period of five years. He said the reported net profit of around E355 million includes other non-cash or non-operating income from the amortised grant income, which relates to capital projects funded by the Government of Eswatini. He said the generated profits and reserves are reinvested into the corporation. He said the corporation has reinvested E745.9 million in internally-funded projects in the past five years. Home Opinion Abortion colonization: Harris will hold poor nations hostage You deserve to know whats being done in your name. Against the most impoverished and vulnerable nations. With your tax dollars, no less. When Valerie Huber served as Special Representative for Global Womens Health in the Trump administration, she defended the equal dignity of women worldwide, advocating for their education, health care, and access to political participation. She also contended that abortion was not an international right, the family was the foundation of human society, and that nations had the prerogative to make their own laws on these matters. She wasnt alone. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe Along with representatives from over 30 countries, the U.S. Government signed the Geneva Consensus Declaration, a first-of-its-kind coalition dedicated to improving womens health and upholding these likeminded values. The Declaration affirms womens universal dignity and equality, and all the social implications of thereby. All women are equal before the law, and human rights of women are an inalienable, integral, and indivisible part of all human rights and fundamental freedoms. It emphasizes that there is no international right to abortion and reaffirms the family is the natural and fundamental group unit of society and is entitled to protection by society and the State. Its signatories included representatives from The Republics of Cameroon, Congo, Kenya, Niger, Senegal, Sudan, and Zambia even the Republics of Iraq, Indonesia, Pakistan, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. A remarkable step of U.S. solidarity with developing nations to ensure womens human rights. So remarkable, that on January 20, 2021, it was the only identifiable policy removed from a government website. Before the sun had set on Inauguration Day, the Biden administration took it down. Eight days later, it had withdrawn from the coalition entirely. I wish that were the end of the story. It would be concerning enough. But it was just the beginning. Unfortunately, the U.S. has been an ideological aggressor, Huber explained in an interview. In nations with great needs and traditional values, too often countries apply ideological conditions before they give assistance. Nations that want to develop are economically strong-armed into adopting politically progressive policies on abortion and sexuality. In her countless conversations with national representatives, shes heard them describe how pressures from outsiders are purely ideological, along with the unprompted refrain: your country is the worst. Their priority is not the plight of impoverished nations; their priority is the advancement of their cultural agenda. And note well: its the worlds most poor and vulnerable caught in the crosshairs, forced to comply against their cultural values so their children can have a chance. Now the president of The Institute for Womens Health Valerie Huber continues to work in countries worldwide. She wouldnt disclose which nations the Institute is working with to protect them any public reports of affiliation could make them political targets. She notes the irony of the international communitys both claiming to value indigenous rights and cultural sensitivity yet devaluing them as a culture and disrespecting them as individuals. Some countries couldnt withstand the pressure. Their need for aid was so dire, they changed their laws. Thus, the United States government culturally colonizes a sovereign nation in the name of sexual and reproductive health rights. With American tax dollars, our leaders are leveraging poverty to ideologically conquer the worlds most vulnerable. For all the talk of defending democracy and upholding freedom, the Biden-Harris administration would rather hold aid to needy children hostage than respect and partner with a nation that unapologetically holds traditional values. In this election, pro-life voters are hard-pressed to find a candidate who reflects their convictions. Understandably, many are considering for various reasons to opt out of voting altogether. But you should know these tactics would almost certainly continue, perhaps even escalate, under a Harris-Walz administration. Remember that when Christian clerics and commentators urge you to vote for a devoutly pro-abortion candidate whose most notable accomplishment in office was visiting a Planned Parenthood for the sake of democracy. Click to find your congressional representative and petition to rejoin the Geneva Consensus Declaration. Click to learn more about the Institute for Womens Health. Home Opinion Christian conservatism and Christian realism vs. Christian nationalism Most of what is written about Christian nationalism is silly. Critics and analysts sweepingly deride conventional Christian conservatives as Christian nationalists. By some counts, there are, by this definition, tens of millions of Christian nationalists. Sometimes even civil religion, with its homage to a vague deity, is labeled Christian nationalism. If so, all presidents from George Washington to Joe Biden are Christian nationalists. Sometimes the target of these critics of Christian nationalism are folk religionists who conflate God and country. They sometimes sport paraphernalia with American flags draped around the cross. These folk religionists typically arent aware they are Christian nationalists. They dont publish articles, much less books. And they typically dont have articulated policy agendas, just an attitude that God and country should be interchangeably honored. But, in a somewhat new movement of thought leaders, some more intellectual Christians do consciously self-identify as Christian nationalists. Media coverage typically fails carefully to distinguish them from more traditional Christian conservatives. The self-identified Christian nationalists have an agenda that fulfills the worst nightmares of many secular progressives. They are useful for progressive media to spotlight. But these self-identified Christians nationalists also are commanding greater attention among some especially young Christian conservatives who despair over current cultural trends hostile to traditional Christianity. So, they do merit serious attention. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe Christian nationalists are distinct from conventional Christian conservatives in several important ways. The former are typically post-liberals who want some level of explicit state established Christianity. The latter have been and largely still are classical liberals who affirm traditional American concepts of full religious liberty for all, with limited government. Both groups want a Christian America. But the former want it by statute. The latter see it as mainly a demographic, historical and cultural reality, or, at least, an aspiration. The most sophisticated contemporary articulation of Christian nationalism is Stephen Wolfes book A Case for Christian Nationalism, published by Canon Press in 2022. Canon Press was founded by prominent Calvinist theologian Douglas Wilson of Moscow, Idaho, who advocates an ecumenical confessional state with the Apostles Creed inscribed into law. Wolfe draws upon early magisterial Reformed Protestant thinking in favor of a more specifically Reformed Protestant confessional state that suppresses the outward display of false religion while not trying to govern human hearts. Wolfe extols a measured theocratic Caesarism and prays for a Christian prince, a great renewal. He explicitly writes as a Calvinist for a Calvinist audience. Nearly all self-identified Christian nationalists are Calvinists, typically Presbyterian like Wolfe, but often theologically Reformed Baptists. The latter can be confusing because traditional Baptists are most associated with religious liberty. Its also important to note that the vast majority of American Calvinists and Reformed reject this call for a Christian confessional state. They note that the Westminster Confession of 1646, which articulated Reformed doctrine and called for civil magistrates to suppress false religion, was revised in 1789 by American Presbyterians to delete the latter. Self-identified Christian nationalists do not like the 1789 revision, of course. And they favorably reviewed Wolfes book. So too did National Conservatism, founded by Israeli biblical scholar Yoram Hazony, which liked its theme of social unity through religion. National Conservatisms 2022 Statement of Principles, which was signed by many prominent conservative thinkers, vaguely echoed Christian nationalist themes by declaring Christianity should be honored by the state and other institutions both public and private, with Jews and other religious minoritiesprotected in the observance of their own traditions, in the free governance of their communal institutions, and with all adults protected from religious or ideological coercion in their private lives and in their homes, but not evidently in their public lives. Public neutrality about religion, with a state granting equal rights to all regardless of faith, is deemed by this statement, and certainly by Christian nationalism, as subversive to morality and social cohesion. Christian nationalists are almost always some form of Protestant integralists. Catholic integralists want a society where the Catholic Church is paramount in society including in civil law. Both Protestant and Catholic integralists believe the state cannot be neutral. Either it will establish the true faith, or it will establish a false one, which is currently, as they define it, aggressive secularism. They both believe that a truly Christian society will have a government pointing to the highest good, and that magistrates are Gods shepherds for directing the people towards the truth. Coercion in religion is necessary to protect society and individual souls, they believe. Coercion and religious freedom are where Christian nationalism is most distinct from traditional Christian conservatism. The modern Religious Right was founded in the 1980s by Baptists like Jerry Falwell and Pat Robertson who, in the tradition of their faith, saw religious freedom for all as sacrosanct. They were, as are most Christian conservatives, American exceptionalists and enthusiasts for the countrys founding charters and for democracy. Both were, coincidentally, Virginians who appreciated the Virginia Statute of Religious Freedom, crafted by Thomas Jefferson and James Madison. They were, like most Christian conservatives, descendants of the Second Great Awakening that followed the American Revolution, which was voluntarist, democratic, hostile to state churches, and launched a tradition of moral and social reform through political action. Christian nationalists are typically skeptical if not hostile to the Second Great Awakenings legacy. They prefer the First Great Awakening, led by Calvinists like Jonathan Edwards and George Whitefield, and mostly still tied to established churches. But even more so, hardcore Christian nationalists revere earlier Christian commonwealths such as the seventeenth century Puritans, or Scotland under John Knox, or Geneva under Calvin, whose models they deem instructive if not binding. More moderate Christian nationalists will try to argue the U.S. Constitution, even while disavowing religious establishment and religious tests for public office by the federal government, did not preclude established religion for local government. Christian nationalists are less American exceptionalists than are traditional Christian conservatives. And in this regard, they differ from the folk religionists who conflate God and country. Stephen Wolfe, in his book, is not interested in American patriotism or very much in America in general. As a postliberal, he cant cheerlead for American founding principles. He wants a premodern Christian society. Christian nationalists typically differ strongly with Christian conservatives about Americas role in the world. The former are more isolationist and more concerned about restricting immigration. Christian conservatives, especially the modern Religious Right, have advocated for an aggressive U.S. foreign and defense policy. They championed U.S. victory in the Cold War. And they supported the Iraq War, which Christian nationalists deride as proof of traditional Christian conservative bankruptcy. There is a similar divide currently over support for Ukraine. And, beneath the surface, Christian nationalists are less enthusiastic for Israel than are Christian conservatives. The latter, besides being internationalists, are also Zionists. Theology for most Christian nationalists precludes a vigorous Zionism. Christian conservatives have favored limited government and free markets, of which Christian nationalists are suspicious, preferring aggressive trade protections, a national industrial policy, and a regulatory state in the right hands. Christian conservatives want the U.S. to advocate for religious freedom internationally, about which Christian nationalists are suspicious or at least less interested. Christian nationalists want protections for Christianity mainly in the U.S., much less so overseas, and are not much interested, if not opposed, to advocacy on behalf of freedoms for other religions. Christian nationalists, as seen in Wolfes dream of a theocratic prince, are more open to the strong man view of history. Typically, Christian conservatives are more suspicious of political strong men, which they would deem cultic and authoritarian. Christian nationalists, nearly always staunch Calvinists, have a strong view of social hierarchy. Some quietly oppose voting rights for women. They have more trust in the elect. A strictly Reformed confessional state would require infant baptism, precluding Baptists. Christian conservatives, who usually have been Baptists or generic evangelicals, are usually more democratic and unstructured. Across 40 years, Christian conservatives were routinely accused of being theocratic. But their leaders, beyond wanting traditional morality and public rhetoric about God, almost never wanted religious establishment. They disavowed the Christian Reconstructionists of past decades who wanted biblical law. Christian nationalists dont want biblical law in terms of Old Testament punishments. But they do want a state establishment explicitly favoring Christianity against other religions. Christian conservatism has mostly been a populist movement mobilized by parachurch groups and leaders. Christian nationalism is more intellectual and has far fewer adherents. But its intellectual prowess enables it to insinuate itself into postliberal wider circles. Christian nationalists sometimes disparage traditional Christian conservatism as failed and archaic. Old Christian conservatism was classically liberal, grateful for the legacies of John Locke and Americas Founding Fathers, who distrusted centralized power, favored checks and balance, and prioritized religious freedom for all. Christian nationalism is newer, shinier, more provocative, brasher. It proudly strives actually to become what critics falsely claimed about Christian conservatism. In 1981 the Institute on Religion and Democracys founders agreed on a statement Christianity and Democracy, drafted by prominent Christian conservative intellectual Richard Neuhaus, backed by fellow Christian conservatives Michael Novak, who was Catholic, and Carl Henry, who was Baptist. Its vigorous affirmation of democracy, human rights and religious freedom would preclude endorsement by todays Christian nationalists. But most Christian conservatives could still support. Here's one important quote from that statement: We readily acknowledge that democratic governance is unsatisfactory. Everything short of the consummation of the rule of Christ is unsatisfactory. For Christians, it is precisely the merit of democracy that it reminds us of this truth and sustains the possibility of humane government in a necessarily unsatisfactory world. There are tensions and contradictions within democratic theory and practice. Especially problematic are relationships between the individual and the community, between formal process and substantive purpose, between popular participation and power elites. We do not deny these and other problems. Rather, believing that democratic theory and practice is still developing, we would encourage in the churches a lively examination of the problems and their possible resolutions. Such an examination only begins with the basic outline of democratic governance set forth in this statement and should be informed by the maxim framed by Reinhold Niebuhr: Mans capacity for justice makes democracy possible, but mans inclination to injustice makes democracy necessary. And: Religion is both freedoms shield and central sphere of action. For religion, Pope John Paul II has declared, consists in the free adherence of the human mind to God, which is in all respects personal and conscientious; it arises from the desire for truth and in this relation the secular arm may not interfere, because religion itself by its nature transcends all things secular. Religious freedom consists of many parts: the freedom to believe, to worship, to teach, to evangelize, to collaborate in works of mercy and to witness to the public good. Where religious freedom is violated, all other human rights are assaulted to their source. Self-identified Christian nationalists who advocate a Christian confessional state are discomfited by the idea of human rights. They, along with Catholic integralists, argue that error has no rights. But traditional Christian conservatives, in their understanding of human freedom under God, which includes the ability to accept or reject the Gospel, affirm that civil society protects even bad free speech. A state the precludes error is ultimately a tyranny that will usurp the church. Christian Realism has a special concern about humanitys inclination towards tyranny and to abuse power. Self-identified Christian nationalism contrasts with Christian Realism, which stresses the worlds fallen nature, warning against excessive idealism and perfectionism. Advocates of an established Christian state, whether Protestant Christian nationalists or Catholic integralists, aspire to a regime of the spiritually enlightened in which human sin is somehow minimized. In reactionary fashion, they romanticize a past Christendom that partnered church and state, and which no longer exists because of its failures. They assume that Gods sovereignty requires the states ratifying specific theological assertions. But the Deity does not need these assertions. And believers in religious freedom believe God is dishonored by allowing the civil state to define Him. Christian Realism inclines towards religious freedom because it does not entrust Christian theological truth to state authority. The institutional church itself has enough difficulty safeguarding faithful articulation of the faith. Christian Realism understands that all civil societies are comprised of fallen humanity and characterized by competing interests, individual and social. Nobody is immune from self-interest. Even enlightened self-interest is plagued by human frailty and ignorance. Well-intentioned human exertions often have unintended and tragic consequences. Crusades for righteousness often wreak more havoc than the vices they targeted. There are never ideal situations in which one side embodies righteousness and perfectly defeats the opposition with the result of peace and justice for all. For Christian Realism, there is no idealized past, nor is there an idealized future, short of the eschaton, completed by Christs return. Instead, in our fallen circumstances, we try follow God by seeking the greatest good possible in constrained situations, understanding that we ourselves lack absolute wisdom. The Christendom of the past, with its ostensibly Christian princes and state churches, was largely preferable to the pagan societies it replaced. God was at work then, as He is now. Those social arrangements no longer exist for good reason. The corruption, hypocrisy, and tyranny they often fostered were rightfully resented. Early advocates of religious freedom, like John Locke and Roger Williams, had those failures in mind. They thought that Christendom was more faithful to Christ and good sense by rejecting state coercion in religion. Christendom is not over but it has changed and improved in countless ways. There are about 2.5 billion identified Christians in the world, more than ever before, who are influencing the political arrangements of their societies, sometimes as minorities, sometimes as majorities. Christianity deeply shaped America and continues to do so. Christendom continues in a sense by making claims about human equality and dignity that originated in the Bible. America also is, as we always have been, a sinful nation, falling far short of Gods standards. We no longer tolerate slavery, or racial discrimination, or the subordination of women, or child labor, or poisonous food and drink, or dangerous and exploitative workplaces, or sexual exploitation, or slum tenements, or countless other injustices. We have our own contemporary sins and insanities. In our times, as in the past, Christians at their best strive to leaven our society, realizing we often still contribute to our nations failures. Yet we trust God is redeeming, even as we too often fail, so there is always hope for the future. The past offers lessons, but it rarely offers complete answers. State churches and authoritarian titularly Christian monarchs and strict confessional states, whether Catholic or Protestant, served a providential purpose in the past but dont offer guidance for today. Christian Realism strives to appreciate these nuances as God works among us in different circumstances. We anticipate Gods full redemption but are not yet living under its completion. Escapist fantasies about the past or the future do not comport with the Christian understanding of sinful humanity. Neither do apocalyptic rhetoric, absolutist demands, or ingratitude for what Providence has provided today. By exaggerating the glories of the past, and ungratefully ignoring providential blessings of the present, self-identified Christian Nationalists presume to accelerate Gods redemption through political nostalgia and a utopian theonomy that tries to complete what only God can finalize. Somewhat similarly, many obsessive leftist critics of Christian Nationalism imagine their own utopia by minimizing if not erasing traditional religion from public life, stigmatizing it as christofascism, among other epithets. Christian Realism works to harmonize and reform society through mediating rival interests and leaning into Providence, whose works we know arent always visible to the human eye. Its less theatrical than the polarities of our present times. But it is more attuned to human nature, patient about human affairs, and trusting in Gods purposes. Both Christian Realism and traditional Christian conservatism strive to address the world as it is: sinful, yet still in Gods care, awaiting full redemption. Christian nationalism, like secular ideologies, is far more impatient. It wants the fullness of Gods Kingdom to be politically realized now. Such impatience is appealing but dangerous. Bearing patient witness to Gods promises for His creation is far more difficult. But this patience with faithfulness is at the heart of Christian discipleship. Home Opinion Death and the loss of meaning The desire for physician-assisted death should be understood as a cry of despair, a cry that cannot be ignored. To ignore that cry denies the worth and value of the sufferer just as much as causing their death denies that value. Imagine for a moment that you are walking near the edge of a cliff and you hear a distress cry at the edge. Looking over the edge, you see someone clinging to a ledge, hanging precariously and desperately fearful of plunging to the rocks below. Suppose a friend who is with you offers them a high dose of fast-acting sleeping medicine to help them fall asleep so they no longer experience fear or distress. You might successfully convince both your friend and the person whose life is in danger that it would be unhelpful, unwise, and inappropriate to offer or ingest the sleeping medicine. But the problem remains how do you actually help them in their moment of peril? Likewise, even if we have successfully shown that physician-assisted death is an inappropriate and unwise way to respond to suffering, our task is not complete. We have failed to truly care for our patients if we hear their cries of despair, their requests for death, and simply throw our hands up to say, Sorry, its wrong for me to end you, so I cant help you. Rather, we must probe the reasons for the request; we must understand the fears and the pain that lead to such a cry. And we must find a way to come to their aid. It remains to us to offer a better way for our fellow humans who find themselves in the crucible of suffering. In many ways, an effective response to the Why? question would render the Why not? question moot. If we can show that physician-assisted death is unnecessary in the first place, if we can show how we may bear the unbearable, then we have gone a very long way to resolving the issue. Answers to the Why not? question are thus really secondary to finding a deep solution for the Why? question. What, then, is that solution? How do we help others to bear their suffering? Is there an escape from despair? Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe Finding a reason to live Nietzsche, always an incisive observer of the human condition, was quoted to say that he who has a why to live can bear almost any how. Lacking the why the sense of a point to ones existence and ones suffering the how may become unbearable. We humans hunger for meaning; starved of it, we die. Without meaning and purpose, our existence feels futile, absurd, and intolerable. French existentialist playwright and philosopher Albert Camus famously declared, There is but one truly serious philosophical problem, and that is suicide. By this he meant that judging whether life is or is not worth living amounts to answer the fundamental question of philosophy. For what reason do we struggle on against the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune? Why not simply make a quiet exit? For some reason, we want to live, though we cant always understand why. Few have written of the deep human need for meaning and purpose with more penetrating insight than Viktor Frankl. Frankl was a Jewish psychiatrist who endured the horrors of several Nazi concentration camps during World War II. Frankls parents, wife, and brother died in the camps at the hands of the Nazis; he alone survived. Frankl wrote movingly of his experiences of the Holocaust in a global bestseller titled Mans Search for Meaning. In that work, Frankl recounts the power of meaning to endure unthinkable suffering. He came to believe that his survival in the camps and that of his fellow prisoners depended on finding some purpose for their existence, even as their Nazi captors did everything possible to make their lives seem utterly pointless and unendurable. Meaning, he argues, is essential for survival. Any attempt to restore a mans inner strength in the camp had first to succeed in showing some future goal. Nietzsches words, He who has a why to live can bear almost any how, could be the guiding motto for all [mental health] efforts regarding prisoners. Whenever there was an opportunity for it, one had to give them a why an aim for their lives, in order to strengthen them to bear the terrible how of their existence. Woe to him who saw no more sense in his life, no aim, no purpose, and therefore no point in carrying on. He was soon lost. Frankl emphasized the deadly consequences of loss of meaning. Those who know how close the connection is between the state of mind of a man his courage and hope, or lack of them and the state of immunity of his body will understand that the sudden loss of hope and courage can have a deadly effect. Frankl went on to establish an influential school of psychotherapy that employed the discovery of meaning (he referred to it as logotherapy) as the basis for restoring and maintaining mental health. Frankl was not alone in his observations. Eminent Canadian psychiatrist and palliative care researcher Harvey Max Chochinov described the central role that meaning and purpose play in upholding a sense of personal dignity for patients with terminal illness. He and his team interviewed over 200 patients at the end of life admitted to palliative care units, inquiring about the factors that affected their sense of personal dignity in the face of their impending death. The patients identified key factors that impaired their sense of dignity, factors such as being treated disrespectfully, feeling burdensome, losing control of life, or feeling a lack of a lasting contribution to the world. Of all the concerns raised, the factor that best predicted loss of dignity was feeling life no longer has a meaning or purpose. The authors conclude, Clearly, engendering a sense of meaning or purpose, as a way of staving off feelings of being a burden and no longer feeling worthy of respect, is a cornerstone of dignity conserving care. This research bears out Frankls observations of those struggling to live in the face of death. The instinct to live and the desire for life depend on a sense of meaning and purpose. Originally published at the Worldview Bulletin Newsletter. Home Opinion Floridas Amendment 4: A direct attack on the safety of women As Floridians prepare to vote on Amendment 4 this November, its essential to understand whats really at stake. This amendment is not just about abortion its a sweeping measure that would strip away parental rights and put the health and safety of women and underage girls at serious risk. If Amendment 4 passes, Florida will become one of the most extreme pro-abortion states in the nation a destination for unregulated, unsafe abortions, with little oversight and fewer protections for women and girls. In just 39 short words, Amendment 4 would do three things: legalize unrestricted abortions up to the point of birth, eliminate the requirement for parental consent when minors seek abortions, and remove essential safety regulations for abortion providers. While some may applaud its brevity, this is not the kind of lawmaking that protects our most vulnerable citizens. The real issue one must consider with this amendment is the assault on parental rights. Today, Florida law recognizes the critical role that parents should play in their childrens health decisions. If a minor seeks an abortion, her parents currently must provide consent an appropriate safeguard to ensure that a life-altering decision like abortion is not being made in isolation or under duress. But Amendment 4 would replace this requirement with a far weaker provision: parents would merely be notified, not consulted. Imagine this: your 14-year-old daughter could be taken to an abortion clinic by someone youve never met, and you would have no legal power to intervene once you are notified. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe These concerns are not just theoretical but in fact a dangerous reality. By removing parental consent, we are in essence stripping families of their right to guide their daughters through one of the most difficult and consequential choices of their lives. Parental involvement isn't just a formality; its a necessary protection for young girls who may be facing pressure from peers, a sexual partner, or even those who may be in trafficking situations. Amendment 4 ignores these realities and undermines the critical role of parents in protecting their children. An equally alarming point to consider is the potential consequences for the broader health and safety of all women. Florida law currently mandates that abortions be performed only by licensed physicians, ensuring a basic standard of medical care. The vague language contained in Amendment 4 which prohibits any restriction on abortion, would remove this commonsense requirement, allowing virtually anyone to perform abortions with no licensing, training, or oversight. This would open the door for potentially unqualified individuals to administer dangerous procedures, putting womens lives at risk. Shockingly, Amendment 4 also eliminates the requirement for ultrasounds to be performed before abortions. Without an ultrasound, how can anyone accurately determine what stage their patients pregnancy is in, or even confirm if a woman is truly pregnant? The answer is chilling: under this amendment, women would be left to trust abortion providers, who have a financial incentive to perform the procedure. What this amendment is promoting is not healthcare this is negligence, plain and simple. Supporters of Amendment 4 argue that its about protecting womens rights. But the truth is, this amendment will jeopardize womens safety by removing the very safeguards that protect their health. Abortions performed by unlicensed individuals, without proper medical oversight or clarity on how far along a pregnancy may be, are reminiscent of the back-alley abortions of the past. We should be moving forward with womens health protections, not going backward. And lets not forget what this amendment would allow in practice: late-term abortions up to the moment of birth. The State of Florida already permits abortion in cases of rape, incest, maternal health, and severe fetal abnormalities. Amendment 4 is not about addressing rare or difficult cases; its about removing all boundaries to abortion on demand. By allowing late-term abortion without restriction, we are opening the door to gruesome procedures, including dismemberment abortions, on fully viable unborn children. No matter where you stand on the issue of abortion, whether youre pro-life, pro-choice, or somewhere in between, this amendment simply goes too far. Its an assault on parental rights, an attack on the safety of underage girls, and a step toward dangerous, unregulated medical practices. Its time to protect our daughters, safeguard womens health, and defend the rights of parents to be involved in the most critical decisions affecting their children. Floridians must recognize what is at risk and vote No on Amendment 4. Home Opinion History's end goal: Critical theory vs. Christian worldview One of the most interesting assessments of critical theory is an essay by Conor Barnes, a former self-professed anarchist, who describes how he left the social justice movement in an essay entitled Sad Radicals. He and his compatriots were, in his own words, committed to deconstructing gender, monogamy, and mental health. They lived and breathed concepts and tools like call-outs, intersectionality, cultural appropriation, trigger warnings, safe spaces, privilege theory, and rape culture. He writes: Commentators have accurately noted how social justice seems to take the form of a religion. This captures the meaning and fulfilment I found in protests and occupations. It also captures how, outside of these harrowing festivals, everyday life in radical communities is mundane but pious. As a radical activist, much of my time was devoted to proselytizing. Non-anarchists were like pagans to be converted through zines and wheatpasted posters rather than by Bible and baptism. His ideology made him anxious, depressed, and paranoid. He eventually left and suggests that other radicals need to flee the cult as well. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe While these critics have adopted different labels (intersectionality, social justice, antiracism, etc.), they are clearly all describing the ideology that we have termed contemporary critical theory. And we agree with their assessment. Contemporary critical theory is functioning as a worldview and a metanarrative. What exactly do we mean by these terms? We note these concepts are very similar such that the terms can often be used interchangeably. We will offer a bit of a distinction. We take a worldview to be a basic set of presuppositions that answer the big questions in life, like Who am I? What is the fundamental human problem? How can that problem be solved? What is my primary moral duty? How do I know the truth? And, What is the end goal of history? Christianity, like most world religions, answers these questions. But so does contemporary critical theory. For Christians, our primary identity is vertical. We first relate to God as his creatures and only secondarily to our fellow image bearers through family, friends, communities, and society at large. Our fundamental problem is sin: our rebellion against God, our failure to obey his law, and our inclination to do evil. Because we have all sinned, we are all under Gods wrath and deserve both physical and spiritual death. The solution to sin is not better obedience, but redemption. God did for us what we cannot do for ourselves. He sent Jesus to live a sinless life, to die on the cross for our sins, and to rise victorious from the dead, cancelling our sin and reconciling us to God. From a Christian perspective, it is God himself who is the one who is most concerned about justice and who is also most committed to securing and satisfying the demands of justice within and upon Himself on behalf of others. Our primary moral duty is to glorify God by loving Him with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength (Luke 10:27). We know the truth as God has revealed it in Scripture and nature, and we perceive this truth through reason. The end goal of history is the new Heavens and the new earth, where God will dwell with His people. Contemporary critical theory provides extremely different answers to all those questions. According to contemporary critical theory, our primary identity is horizontal. We are part of various oppressed and oppressor groups locked in a struggle for dominance. Our primary problem is not sin, but oppression; dominant social groups have imposed their norms and values on us. The solution is not redemption, but activism. We dont need salvation from outside; we instead need to free ourselves through liberatory politics. If we are part of dominant groups, we should divest ourselves of our privilege and stand in solidarity with marginalized groups. If we are oppressed, we should rise up to throw off the physical, psychological, economic, and social chains that have bound us. Our primary moral duty is to dismantle the systems and structures that perpetuate oppression. The end goal (and right side) of history is the attainment of social justice, a state in which power is fully shared between groups. Originally published at the Worldview Bulletin Newsletter. Home Opinion Is it Christian to be pro-abortion? Vice President Kamala Harris, who self-identifies as Christian, keeps claiming Americans dont need to compromise their religious values to be pro-abortion. To which other Christians (including Tony Dungy) responded to her with, Exactly what faith are you talking about? As election day rapidly approaches, abortion is on the ballot in 10 states. In some states, like my state of Colorado, we are being asked to enshrine the right to abortion into our state constitution. This is a critical moment for Christian voters to think clearly about the most enduring moral debate of our time and why it this is the wrong path for our country. While what Scripture says may not matter to your secular neighbor, it should matter to Evangelicals. The Bible teaches that we owe our very existence to Him. You, as an individual human, are valuable because you are made in the image of God. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe The Progressive claim that the Bible doesn't even mention the word abortion is a half-truth. The Bible does not mention the word trinity either, but the concept of the trinity is pervasive. While the Bible doesn't use the modern word abortion, make no mistake, it clearly affirms the sanctity of life in the womb. Two key biblical passages demonstrate the dignity of life, one in the Old Testament, and one in the New Testament. Everyone should read these sections of Scripture and ask yourself, is the text referring to only one person or two? These passages provide a clear answer. The Lord knows each person intimately even before birth. In Psalm 139, David speaks about the comprehensive and searching knowledge of God. God knows more about David than David ever imagined his words, his actions, his thoughts. But verses 13-16 tell us that God knows us even when we are still developing in the womb. David says, For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mothers womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made... Now, is David speaking about only one person or two? Its quite clear two persons. He said, the Lord knit me together in my mothers womb. Psalm 139 continues, My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body (15-16). Psalm 139 reminds us that God formed us and that we were real persons in the womb. But let me take you to another passage in the Gospels. In the first chapter of Lukes Gospel, we have an account of the annunciation of the birth of John the Baptist and the birth of Jesus. Mary is visited by an angelic messenger who tells her she is going to have a son. How will this be since I am a virgin? she asked. The angel replied, The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Do you see how and where the incarnation of Christ takes place? Jesus, the Son of God assumes human nature in the womb! The second person of the Godhead, sent by the Father, invades time and space, takes on human nature and is made incarnate in the womb of the virgin Mary. Some early church theologians referred to Mary as the Christ bearer. Others went even further and called her God bearer. This is amazing language because Mary carried this simultaneously divine and human person in her human womb. Later we read that when Mary goes to visit her pregnant cousin, the pre-born baby John the Baptist cant keep still; he is bouncing around inside of Elizabeth. Even the pre-born prophet recognizes the presence of one greater than himself. Elizabeth then exclaims to Mary in verses 41-44, Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb, leaped for joy. Are the Scriptures speaking of one person or two? And it speaks of both Elizabeth and the baby in her womb. I have pastor friends who tell me they dont like to speak on this issue from the pulpit because it is not really a Gospel issue. To this, I reply, what do you mean this is not a Gospel issue? There would be no atonement, no resurrection without a real baby, the Son of God who became human, and was carried and nurtured in the womb of Mary! Because there is an atonement for our sins, there is grace available in Christ for all who have sinned, even for those who have succumbed to the current American abortion mania. The early church picked up on these ideals and condemned abortion in the strongest possible terms at a time when the practice was popular in the Roman Empire. Romans also had a system of infanticide by placing newborn babies out in a field to let the animals take them. The overwhelming consensus of the early church saw abortion as wrong. The earliest Christians were courageously pro-life in a very dark culture. This was the uniform witness of the church fathers. Every mention of abortion in the early church rejects abortion forcefully (The Didache, Clement, Letter of Barnabas, Athenagoras, Tertullian, Basil the Great, John Chrysostom, Jerome, the Apostolic Constitutions). Abortion ends a baby's life. For Christians, this should be the most important reason why we oppose abortion. It's the wrongful, painful taking of the life of an innocent human being made in the image of God. The Bible, examples from the early church, as well as the case for dignity, scientific and medical advances and the case for justice all compel us to be pro-life. No matter what happens with these ballot initiatives, the focus of the pro-life movement has shifted from the courts of law to the court of public opinion. Even as we work for alternatives for unwed moms dealing with unexpected pregnancies, it is time to make a compelling case for life, contending for the sanctity and dignity of every human life at all stages. It's time to think clearly about what is now the greatest human rights issue of our day. On this election day we have an opportunity to pull back from the moral darkness of the moment. Abortion should not become a state constitutional right. Home Opinion The moral blindness of Kamala Harris position on abortion In a surprising statement during a townhall meeting earlier this month, presidential candidate Kamala Harris said, Ill tell you, there are probably many here and watching who, rightly, have made a decision that they do not believe in abortion. The point that I am making is not about changing their mind about whats right for them or their family. Its simply saying the government shouldnt be making this decision. Really? She actually believes that many people have rightly ... made a decision that they do not believe in abortion? Then why is she promising to reinstate Roe v. Wade if elected? In her words, she will proudly sign back into law the protections of Roe v. Wade, which basically just says, its the persons decision, not the governments decision. That, in essence, is whats behind my position. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe Doesnt this sound reasonable? Abortion is one of the most personal decisions anyone can make, and so, if anything is not the governments decision, it is this. What Harris failed completely to address is why many people rightly oppose abortion, namely, because abortion takes the life of another human being. Could anything be more basic than that? Thats why we have laws against murder and laws against rape and laws against kidnapping. All of them are transgressions against another person. Thats also why, more specifically, we have laws against infanticide, even if the baby is intolerable, even if the child has a congenital disease, even if the mother is simply incapable of caring for the little one. Whatever the case might be, the one thing she (or the father) is not allowed to do is terminate the life of the baby. Obviously. To do so would be to commit murder. Had Harris simply said, We dont believe the fetus has full personhood, and so the government has no right to impose its will on the mother, that would have been consistent but immoral. But what she said was this (and I paraphrase): Yes, many people rightly oppose abortion by which, she obviously meant, in their minds, they have good reason to oppose it and Im not trying to change your viewpoint. Thats why we need Roe reinstated. To take this out of the governments hands and put it in the hands of the mother. What she missed, quite incredibly, is that the whole reason we want to put this in the governments hands is because we believe that abortion commits violence against a preborn child. To paraphrase again (but with a change of subjects), Yes, there are many who rightly oppose slavery. Thats why we need to get the ban on slavery reversed, so you can make your choices and others can make theirs. This is as nonsensical as her statement on abortion. Slavery should be prohibited by law because it is a moral evil and abortion should be prohibited by law because it is a moral evil. In my new book Hearts of Compassion, Backbones of Steel: How to Discuss Controversial Topics with Love and Kindness, I do my best to present compelling arguments for the cultural positions I oppose, seeking to help us respond with more heartfelt, compelling answers. In the chapter on abortion, I present some agonizing, hypothetical cases, including this: Consider the story of a 12-year-old girl whom well call Angela. She was abducted and raped by a sexual predator who had just been released from jail. Who can imagine her trauma? Who can imagine how this horrific event will impact the rest of her life? And how will it affect her whole family? But this is only the beginning. To add shock to shock, Angela finds out she is pregnant even though she is not even a teenager. How can this be? As for the sexual predator, he raped two more girls before he was caught and will spend the rest of his life in prison. The only positive thing is that Angela can get an abortion and put an end to the nightmare, without any of her friends and schoolmates knowing what happened to her. At least the horror can be hidden. At least her shame wont be broadcast throughout her school and her neighborhood. At least she wont have to put her young body through the trauma of nine months of pregnancy. At least she wont have to worry about giving birth to a child whose father was a serial rapist and child abuser. Abortion is obviously the compassionate choice. We could say in response, But cases like this, as unspeakably tragic and evil as this is, are the rarest of rare, with abortions performed because of rape or incest making up one percent of all abortions. What about the other 99%? That may be true, but it avoids the question at hand: how can anyone outside of this girl and her family make a decision about her life? In response, I share stories of women who were raped and aborted their babies, only to learn that the abortion didnt heal the pain. And I tell the stories of some of the finest people on our planet, people who have an incredible amount of good but were conceived in rape. I cant do justice to these responses in full here, but they all go back to that same fundamental point: abortion snuffs out a real, human life, a life with unknown potential, however tiny and still developing it may be. And that is what Vice President Harris fails to acknowledge in the least. It is a massive moral blind spot. Home Opinion The problem in Pentecostal circles with spiritual declarations In recent decades, there has been a rising trend, especially within charismatic and Pentecostal circles, to emphasize the practice of making declarations and decrees. Many believe that simply speaking a word whether healing, the election of a political candidate, or even the end of a pandemic will produce immediate, visible results. The COVID-19 pandemic, for instance, saw numerous high-profile leaders decreeing an end to the virus or claiming political outcomes, only for those proclamations to go unrealized. This phenomenon invites a deeper theological examination, especially when contrasted with the biblical practice of intercession and waiting on Gods will. I believe declarations often fall short when made presumptuously without the foundational work of intercession, faith, and understanding of Gods specific will. This issue is not with declarations themselves but with the assumption that one can bypass the deeper processes of discernment and prayer. Hence, making declarations presumptuously often shortcircuits the process of Spirit-led intercessory prayer, which leads to a breakthrough. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe Furthermore, some people mistakenly believe that simply because they hold the title of apostle or prophet, they possess the inherent authority to make declarations that God is bound to fulfill based on their position alone. This assumption confuses an assumed spiritual function with spiritual authority. However, God is not obligated to honor declarations made apart from His purpose, regardless of the individuals ecclesial position. The biblical basis for making declarations The idea of speaking things into existence or calling those things that are not as though they were (Romans 4:17), is frequently cited by proponents of decrees. Abraham, after all, is a model of this practice, confidently declaring that he would father a great nation. However, Abrahams confidence was not in his declarations but in a specific promise from God. God had explicitly spoken to Abraham, ensuring him that he would have a son, and this divine assurance laid the groundwork for Abrahams faith-filled words. Similarly, when Jesus cursed the fig tree (Mark 11:12-14), it was not an arbitrary act of power. Jesus often spent entire nights in prayer and operated out of deep communion with the Father. Isaiah 50:4 highlights how, morning by morning, God gave Jesus the wisdom and words needed each day. Jesus only did what He saw His Father doing (John 5:19), indicating that His actions, including the fig tree incident, flowed from an intimate knowledge of Gods will. This is an essential distinction. Declarations are effective only when aligned with Gods revealed purpose, obtained through a life of prayer and intercession. The power and process of intercession In contrast to the quick-fix approach of decrees, intercession involves a patient and often sacrificial process of seeking Gods will. It is not simply about presenting requests, but about standing in the gap, mediating between Heaven and earth, and aligning ones spirit with the Holy Spirits leading. I contend that the modern church has largely lost this art of intercession, replacing it with superficial prayer lists or quick proclamations. True intercession requires time, discernment, and the willingness to wait for a breakthrough. As we pray, the Holy Spirit often gives us insight into what God is doing and how we should pray. Romans 8:26-27 speaks to this, reminding us that the Spirit helps us in our weakness, interceding through us according to Gods will. Without this discernment, declarations can become hollow, mere words without the backing of Heavens authority. I remember that in the early 1990s, a Category 5 hurricane headed toward Puerto Rico. Sensing an urgent burden from God, our local church engaged in hours of prayer and intercession, seeking Gods purpose for the island. We felt empowered to declare that the hurricane would divert only after gaining a deep sense of faith. And indeed, the storm unexpectedly shifted course, sparing Puerto Rico. This account underscores the principle that declarations should follow intercession, not precede it. Declarations must be rooted in Gods will The core problem with many contemporary declarations is that they are based on human desires rather than divine directives. The Bible encourages believers to have faith and speak with authority (Mark 11:23-24), but Jesus teaching also emphasizes the need to believe in the heart before speaking with the mouth. Faith is not a presumptuous optimism but a confident assurance that comes from hearing Gods voice. Romans 10:17 reminds us, faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Without first hearing from God, declarations become empty rhetoric. Unfortunately, many believers today want to bypass the labor of prayer and intercession, opting instead for quick declarations in hopes of immediate results. However, faith is not developed through shortcuts. The spiritual authority to declare comes after the investment of time in Gods presence, discerning His will, and allowing faith to be stirred in the heart. The importance of Spirit-induced faith At the heart of effective declarations is spirit-induced faith, a faith that arises from the Holy Spirits leading and the Word of God. It is not enough to quote Scripture or speak positively. There must be a spiritual alignment between the believers words and Gods will. This is what makes declarations powerful. When the words spoken are filled with Gods authority and backed by faith, they carry the weight of heaven. But they often produce little to no results if they are made hastily, without the groundwork of abiding in Christ, prayer, and intercession. The story of Jesus cursing the fig tree and commanding mountains to move (Mark 11:23) only makes sense in light of His constant connection to the Father. Before Jesus performed miracles or made decrees, He spent time in solitude, in prayer, and intimate fellowship with God. This model shows that spiritual authority flows from relationships, not formulaic declarations. The contrast between decrees and intercession is critical for the church today. While declarations have their place, they are not a substitute for intercessions slow, intentional work. Declarations should be based upon a Spirit-induced faith in Gods will. Without a foundation of intercession, where the believer waits on God, listens for His voice, and discerns His purposes, declarations risk being mere empty words. In an era where quick fixes and fast solutions are prized, the call to return to intercession is more relevant than ever. The Church must recover the art of waiting on God, seeking His will, and allowing spirit-induced faith to shape their declarations. Only then will the words we speak carry the authority to bring about the will of Heaven on earth. Home Opinion The red herring of Christian nationalism Imagine for a moment a U.S. president continuously engaging biblical references to undergird a political agenda. Truth be told, former President Barack Obama mastered the art of Judeo-Christian biblical citations for the purpose of creating a moral imperative behind some of his most controversial policy initiatives. He cited verses like I am my brothers keeper (Genesis 4:9) to promote policies on healthcare and welfare. He often quoted Matthew 25:40, Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me, to justify his social justice initiatives. Despite this, no one labeled him a Christian nationalist. Why? This irony highlights the selective outrage when Bible-believing Christians engage in the political process today. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe The term Christian nationalism has emerged as a tool to distract and obstruct Bible-believing Christians in the American electoral process. This phrase, processed and delivered by the progressive left, aims to confront and impede Christian involvement in shaping the nations future. In order to bring clarity and build a firewall against potential political apathy in this upcoming election, here are five points to consider: 1. Christian Nationalism as a red herring Christian nationalism serves as a red herring, diverting attention and creating obstacles for Bible-believing Christians participating in Americas electoral process. The progressive left, anxious about the fact that approximately 80% of white evangelicals vote conservative, uses this term to undermine Christian engagement. Pew Research shows that about 77% of white evangelical Protestants voted for Donald Trump in the 2020 election. This strong alignment with conservative values worries the left, leading them to use Christian nationalism as a pejorative. This terms prevalence in media outlets underscores the lefts fear of Christians political influence. Moreover, a majority of Hispanic evangelicals supported Trump, with a survey by the Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI) indicating that 55% of Hispanic Protestants voted for him in 2020. Does this make Latino believers Christian nationalists? The use of such labels to describe Christians from different ethnic backgrounds who support conservative policies demonstrates the terms inconsistency and politicization. The Bible encourages believers to engage in their communities and governance: Seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare (Jeremiah 29:7). This call to engagement isnt about imposing a theocracy but ensuring that our society reflects moral and just principles. 2. The agenda of the Lamb, not the donkey or elephant True followers of Jesus Christ do not align themselves with the agendas of political parties. They are committed to the agenda of the Lamb. For Christians, the cross will always take precedence over the flag. Our rights come from God, not from men or governments. This divine perspective shapes our civic duty, urging us to engage in the public square out of a sense of moral and biblical responsibility. According to Pew Research, many Christians believe that their religious beliefs should influence their political decisions. About 60% of U.S. adults say that religious beliefs should influence public policy, with a higher percentage among regular churchgoers. This conviction underscores that Christians see their faith as integral to their civic engagement. Scripture reinforces this commitment: But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ (Philippians 3:20). While Christians participate in earthly governance, their ultimate allegiance is to Gods kingdom. Yet, they are called to be salt and light in the world (Matthew 5:13-16), influencing society with their values and actions. 3. The civic responsibility of Christians Engaging in the public square is a civic, moral, and biblically substantiated responsibility for Christians. We are called to influence society positively and ensure that our nations values reflect the teachings of Jesus Christ. This involves advocating for life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness while resisting efforts to undermine Judeo-Christian values. Pew Research data indicates that many Christians believe they have a duty to participate in the political process. In a 2019 survey, 56% of U.S. adults said churches and houses of worship should express their views on social and political issues. This sentiment is even stronger among evangelicals, with 75% supporting church involvement in political discourse. These statistics highlight that Christians believe their faith calls them to engage actively in shaping public policy. The Bible mandates this involvement: Render to Caesar the things that are Caesars, and to God the things that are Gods (Mark 12:17). Christians respect governmental authorities (Romans 13:1-7) while upholding Gods higher moral law. This dual responsibility requires Christians to be informed and active participants in the political arena, ensuring that laws and policies reflect biblical principles. 4. The marginal presence of theocratic aspirations The notion that Christians en masse seek to establish a theocracy is grossly exaggerated. A small segment of Christians, arguably in single digits, may advocate for a theocratic governance model. However, this group is so marginal that it is de minimis. Most Christians do not seek to transform America into a new Jerusalem but aim to live out their faith authentically within a democratic society. Barna Group research shows that most Christians support the protective constitutional guarantees regarding church and state, recognizing that a healthy democracy requires respect for diverse beliefs and freedom of conscience. Only 18% of U.S. adults, including Christians, believe the government should declare the United States a Christian nation. This statistic underscores most Christians commitment to a pluralistic society where religious freedom is protected for all. Nevertheless, Christians must remain vigilant, ensuring that their focus stays on the finished work of Jesus Christ and not on earthly power structures. Political engagement should be a means of bearing witness to our faith, not an end in itself. By maintaining this perspective, Christians can avoid the pitfalls of conflating their religious identity with nationalistic fervor. The Bible warns against misplaced priorities: For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also (Matthew 6:21). Christians must guard against allowing political engagement to overshadow their primary mission of spreading the gospel and living out Christs teachings. 5. Pushing back against disparaging nomenclature Christians must actively resist the liberal media, pundits, and institutions that use disparaging terms to suppress Christian civic engagement. Terms like Christian nationalism stigmatize and discourage Christians from fulfilling their civic duty. We must vote for principles that align with our faith: life, religious liberty, biblical justice, parental rights, and limited government. While Uncle Sam may be our uncle, he will never be our heavenly Father. Our ultimate allegiance is to God, and our participation in the public square must reflect this truth. Pew Research has documented the medias portrayal of religious groups and found that conservative Christians are often depicted negatively. This bias can discourage Christians from engaging in the political process, fearing backlash or misrepresentation. However, it is imperative that Christians stand firm in their convictions and continue to advocate for policies that reflect their values. Lifeway Research reports that many Christians feel marginalized and misunderstood by the media, with 60% of Protestant pastors believing that religious liberty is on the decline in the United States. This perception fuels Christians resolve to remain active in the public square, advocating for their rights and the principles they hold dear. The Bible encourages believers to persevere in the face of opposition: Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 5:10). Christians must continue to stand up for their beliefs, knowing that their ultimate reward is not in earthly success but in faithfulness to Gods calling. Conclusion: Addressing the elephant in the room The progressive lefts use of the term Christian nationalism has more to do with Donald Trump and his candidacy than with Christian engagement in the public square. The fact that the vast majority of Bible-believing Christians, primarily in the Caucasian and Hispanic communities, support the policies of Donald Trump is the real reason this term is used so disparagingly. Surveys and studies confirm that Bible-believing Christians support policies that align with their faith, not necessarily the personality of the candidate. Accordingly, Christians must push back on rhetoric and activities that counter the spirit of righteousness, justice, truth, and love found in Psalm 89:14: Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; steadfast love and faithfulness go before you. As followers of Jesus we must support policies that advance life, religious liberty, biblical justice, parental rights, support for Israel, and limited government. This stance is based on the belief that our allegiance is to God over man and man over government. Hence the question arises; When Donald Trump is no longer running for president, will this phrase continue to occupy space in the lexicon of political warfare? As Christians, we must continue to stand firm in our convictions and engage in the public square with integrity and faith. Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap if we do not give up (Galatians 6:9). Our participation in the political process is a testament to our faith and our commitment to a just and moral society. Home Opinion The strange emergence of the woke right Critical theory should be rejected by Christians, whether it's peddled by the Left or the Right. Our culture is still experiencing the aftershocks of what pundits have dubbed the Great Awokening, which tore through the U.S. in the late 2010s and early 2020s. Words like intersectionality, white fragility, ableism, and heterosexism, leaked out from college Gender Studies classrooms into the pages of major newspapers. Books by scholars like Robin DiAngelo and Ibram X. Kendi became runaway bestsellers. And hordes of hapless employees had to sit through Neo-Marxist struggle sessions at their places of work as they interrogated their whiteness or grappled with their male privilege. It's no surprise that this cultural revolution met with resistance, not only from conservatives but even from disaffected liberals appalled by what they saw. But what is surprising is that left-wing wokeness appears to have created a reactionary doppelganger: the woke right. Many die-hard opponents of wokeness, including author James Lindsay, conservative activist Chris Rufo, and Pastor Doug Wilson, are now warning about this bizarro-world analog of the woke left. What should Christians think about it? Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe Understanding critical theory To understand the woke right, we first have to understand the woke left, which has embraced a worldview based on an ideology called critical theory. Critical theory grew out of the work of Karl Marx in the 19th century and his Neo-Marxist followers at the Frankfurt School in the 1930s. In all its iterations, critical theory is concerned with how power circulates within society to create winners and losers, oppressors and the oppressed. Today, critical theory is an umbrella category that includes numerous critical social theories like critical race theory, intersectional feminism, queer theory, and postcolonial theory. All of these theories aim to dismantle the systems and structures which (according to critical theorists) undergird racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, imperialism and other oppressions. As Dr. Pat Sawyer and I argue in our book Critical Dilemma, contemporary critical theory can be explained in terms of four central ideas: 1. the social binary, 2. hegemonic power, 3. lived experience, and 4. social justice. First, the social binary is the idea that society is divided into oppressed and oppressor groups along lines of race, class, gender, sexuality, and a host of other identity markers. Thus, society is made up of an oppressive ladder with straight white men at the top and disabled, black trans-women at the bottom. Second, hegemonic power is the ability of the ruling class (whites, men, heterosexuals, Christians) to impose their straight white male values on culture such that they seem normal, natural, objective and even God-ordained. Because all of us are socialized into systems of white supremacy, the patriarchy, and the gender binary, we don't even realize that we're brainwashed. Third, oppressed people can escape their socialization through their lived experience. They can achieve a critical consciousness. In other words, they can get woke. They can come to see reality as it actually is, a stifling web of oppression. Since the rest of us are blinded by our privilege, we should defer to them. Fourth, the end goal of contemporary critical theory is social justice, defined as the deconstruction of all the oppressive norms and values of the ruling class. If we understand these four ideas, everything from Drag Queen Story Hour to Queers for Palestine to decolonizing mathematics begins to make more sense. All of these phenomena are manifestations of a coherent, comprehensive, anti-biblical worldview that Christians must reject. As a professor at NC State once told me, Once you see it, you can't unsee it. Understanding the woke right For years, wokeness was confined almost exclusively to progressives. But more recently, people on the dissident right, including professing Christians, have begun embracing critical theory and adopting a posture eerily reminiscent of that of the woke left (examples can be found here). First, they, too, believe that modern American culture is constituted by a hierarchy of power. But straight white (Christian) men are not at the top of this hierarchy. Rather, they are at the bottom. As a result, some on the woke right openly call for white racial solidarity on behalf of white identity politics. This may seem strange given that white men are disproportionately overrepresented within the government, the corporate world, and academia and hold far more wealth than their non-white, female counterparts. Yet their belief makes sense given how they view power. The woke right like the woke left conceptualizes power in terms of largely invisible, covert hegemonic discourses. But rather than our nation being suffused with white supremacy, patriarchy, and heterosexism, the woke right believes that the tyranny of the ruling class is expressed in DEI initiatives, the Longhouse (the gynocratic rule of feminine values), the postwar consensus (an emphasis on equality and individualism), and Judeo-Christianity (the minimization of the West's uniquely Christian heritage). They believe all these taken-for-granted narratives must be dismantled. Third, the woke right also embraces critical consciousness. All of us normies have been socialized into ideas like democracy, egalitarianism, and civil rights theory. But rather than being freed from oppression by lived experience, we must be freed from Trashworld by taking the red pill, recognizing the ways that democracy, technology, feminism and classical liberalism have enslaved us. Finally, the goal of the woke right is a RETVRN to some earlier cultural vision, whether one based on patriarchy, or rule by a Christian Prince, or blood-and-soil ethnonationalism. Regardless, like the woke left, the woke right believes that our current system is irredeemable and must be remade. What should Christians do? To reach the woke right, Christians should start by understanding their legitimate concerns. Many young, straight white men are angry at being painted as the arch-villains of history. In the same way that actual experiences of anti-black racism drove some blacks toward the woke left, actual experiences of anti-white racism are driving some whites toward the woke right. In both cases, the Christian response should not be disdain or ridicule. Instead, we should insist that all forms of racism are wrong while also insisting that embracing wokeness is not the answer. Second, our responses should be biblical, not partisan. Frankly, Christian political thought is extremely varied, and the Bible does not command one particular form of government. Therefore, we should not anathematize a random 16-year-old for merely asking whether democracy is an unqualified good. Rather, we should focus on issues that are clearly outside the bounds of Christian orthodoxy and orthopraxy. Many on the woke right even professing Christians often participate in absolutely vile forms of racism and anti-Semitism and spew abusive, ungodly speech from their (anonymous) social media accounts. Brothers and sisters, such things should not be. Third, Christianity will disrupt the identity politics of both the woke right and the woke left for the same reason: for Christians, our identity is ultimately in Christ rather than in our race, class and gender. The moment that any ideology teaches us to identify more with our skin-color than with Christ and with God's people, it has run afoul of Gal. 3:26-28, Eph. 2:11-22, Phil. 3:8-10 and a host of other Scriptures. Fourth, we should insist on dialogue and debate, exposing everyone's ideas to biblical scrutiny. Wokeness, by its very nature, opposes rational debate because it attempts to see through people's arguments to expose their hidden motivations: You only say that because you're a straight white male, You only believe that because you're captive to the postwar consensus, that's just your Western, patriarchal interpretation of the Bible, that's just your pozzed, effeminate interpretation of the Bible. This approach should be a non-starter for Christians, who reject a postmodern approach to objective knowledge and Scriptural truth. Finally, we should not overestimate or underestimate the threat of the woke right. At the institutional level, it is of negligible importance. Left-wing wokeness is the regnant paradigm in large segments of the government, academia, and the corporate world. In contrast, right-wing wokeness is largely confined to anonymous internet edgelords with little actual power. However, the spiritual danger of right-wing wokeness is significant. When defeating the Regime displaces proclaiming the Gospel as our primary mission and when we begin to identify more with fellow based, gigachad dissidents than with our brothers and sisters in Christ, something has gone deeply wrong with our spiritual lives. Christians need to learn to recognize this new phenomenon and combat it, through compassion, patient discipleship, and faithful biblical teaching that turns aside neither to the Right nor to the Left, but seeks to proclaim and obey all that Christ commanded us. Home Opinion What's driving many voters from Harris and Democrats Most of us heard the fable of the scorpion and the frog. As paraphrased on Wikipedia, it goes like this: A scorpion wants to cross a river but cannot swim, so it asks a frog to carry it across. The frog hesitates, afraid that the scorpion might sting it, but the scorpion promises not to, pointing out that it would drown if it killed the frog in the middle of the river. The frog considers this argument sensible and agrees to transport the scorpion. Midway across the river, the scorpion stings the frog anyway, dooming them both. The dying frog asks the scorpion why it stung despite knowing the consequence, to which the scorpion replies: I am sorry, but I couldn't help myself. It's my character. In the same way, if Donald Trump is reelected, especially with a major electoral margin, and all the more if the GOP takes control of both houses, a major reason will be that the Democrats are similar to the scorpion. They continue to hold more and more radical positions, positions that are becoming increasingly out of touch with mainstream Americans. And yet rather than act on political pragmatism and modify their extreme positions, they hold to them anyway, even to their own detriment. It's true that Kamala Harris is proving to be a very unpopular candidate. In fact, according to a recent poll, When asked which candidate they rejected more, 50.1% said Harris, while 48.6% said Trump. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe That is really quite striking when you just think of how much hatred there is towards Donald Trump. Yet, according to this poll (conducted from October 25-29), more of them rejected Harris than Trump. But if Trump and the GOP do triumph next Tuesday, it will not just be due to Harriss unpopularity and Trumps popularity. Thats because Trump has too much baggage. Too many haters. Too many alienating flaws. Too many obstacles to overcome. Plus, Trump has disappointed many Christian conservatives by taking the teeth out of the GOP platform on important issues such as abortion and same-sex marriage. No, there is something else going on, something that is driving many voters away from Harris and the Democrats. As articulated by the left-leaning political pundit Van Jones, I just wonder if we look back on this period theres no excuse for the stuff that Elon Musk is doing, the stuff he says, hes irresponsible but if progressives have a politics that says, all white people are racist, all men are toxic, and all billionaires are evil, its kind of hard to keep them on your side. And so, we might want to think about, if youre chasing people out of the party, you cant be mad when they leave. And maybe if we had a different politics, where we actually said, dignity for everybody, everybodys respected, and we need you, more people might stay. Quite true. Except for the fact that the scorpion isnt thinking rationally and pragmatically. Its being true to its own nature. It cant help but sting the very one that its depending on for survival. Put another way, defending tampons in boys bathrooms (as per Governor Waltz) is not a winning strategy. Advocating government-funded sex-change surgery for trans-identified illegal immigrant inmates (as per Vice President Harris) will not garner popular support. Or telling black voters that theyre disloyal if they dont vote for Harris will hardly encourage a greater black turnout for the Democrats. When it comes to younger male voters (18-29), op-ed writer Erika Sanzi notes that, From the 2016 Trump-Clinton race to now, the percentage of these voters that identify or lean Democrat has taken a nosedive from 51% to 39%. She attributes much of this to what theyre learning in school, writing, Schools of education that train teachers are steeped in the worldview that sees girls and women as victims and boys and men as their victimizers. They are told that to be born female in 2024 is to be oppressed. Aspiring teachers now spend their college years marinating in anti-male content and rhetoric where slogans like Smash the patriarchy, toxic masculinity and the future is female abound. Sanzi continues, Just as the school-aged boys begin to wonder, is there anything on offer here for me?, so do the young men in that 1829-year-old demographic when looking at the political left and the Democratic party. She concludes, The steady drumbeat of denigrating messages heard from the front of the classroom and from the stage of the Democratic convention has left young men feeling alienated and looking for something else. They seem to be finding it in the GOP. Then why doesnt the Democratic party make a shift towards the center? Thats similar to the question the frog asked the scorpion: Why Mr. Scorpion, why did you sting me? Now we will both surely drown. The scorpion replies, I dont know, I guess its just my nature. Home Opinion Whither Christian nationalism? When House Speaker Mike Johnson delivered his first speech after being voted in, by his colleagues, to the speakers chair, his words stirred up controversy. Did he call for some radical new public policy? Did he embarrass himself by misstating facts? Did he slip up in his delivery? No, Johnson had the audacity to offer a humble acknowledgement of Gods providence in his unlikely election: I believe the Scripture, the Bible, is very clear that God is the one who raises up those in authority. He raised up each of you, all of us. And I believe God has ordained and allowed each one of us to be brought here for this specific moment and this time[1]. Hardly the stuff of radicals, but if youd read the breathless reports from many media oulets, youd have though he was the second coming of Constantine. Politico accused Johnson of being a right wing Christian nationalist who had made a turn away from democracy[2]. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe Left-wing scholars Samuel Perry and Andrew Whitehead, shrieked that Johnson exemplifies this aspect of Christian nationalism disregarding the values of democracy to instead embrace any means through which political power remains in the right hands[3]. Robert P. Jones was considerably less subtle, calling the new Speaker the embodiment of white Christian nationalism in a tailored suit.[4] A similar freakout happened over two decades prior to Johnsons anodyne statement about his belief in the Providence of God. George W. Bush, then Governor of Texas, was asked at a forum for presidential candidates in Iowa in 1999 who his favorite philosopher was, to which he responded, Jesus Christ, because he changed my life.[5] This reaction conjured up similar reactions by the same usual suspects, though instead of invoking the term Christian nationalism, instead there was the white-knuckled handwringing that George W. Bush was going to instill an American theocracy. There is, of course, no similar freakout when left-wing Democratic politicians stump in progressive churches in an election year, often offered the pulpit to preach as gospel the latest DNC talking points. Of course, we shouldnt dismiss the small cohort of mostly online influencers and academics on the Right who are dissatisfied with the constitutional order and fantasize about a return to magisterial Protestantism and a thoroughly Christian state. Perhaps the most popular proponent of this view is academic Stephen Wolffe, author of The Case for Christian Nationalism. Wolffes ideas are fairly radical and while attracting a small cult following and finding purchase among some younger leaders, have been mostly rejected by mainstream Christian leaders. These ideas are also not broadly held by most American Christians. One poll showed that a mere 11% claim the title of Christian nationalism and only about 5% hold beliefs that would actually qualify[6]. Another survey asked Southern Baptist church members about their views of the church and the state, 92% affirmed that religious liberty should apply to all persons and all religions.[7] As a Baptist, I believe a state church is bad for both the church and the state. Paul, in instructing Timothy in 1 Timothy 2, urged the young pastor to pray for a government that would allow space for Christians to practice their faith so that the Gospel might advance. Jesus, in answering his critics, reminded us that only Christ is Lord of the conscience (Mark 12:17). Coerced belief is not genuine belief. This is why we believe religious liberty is both prudential, but also biblical in a fallen world. James Madison rightly believed, The Religion then of every man must be left to the conviction and conscience of every man: and it is the right of every man to exercise it as these may dictate[8]. Yet the number of folks who subscribe to genuine Christian nationalism as opposed to the pejorative hurled at any public expressions of faith could probably fit in my minivan, with a few seats to spare. What often gets labeled as Christian nationalism, by the left-wing academics and media types, is often just pure hysterical reaction to robust Christian conservative engagement in the public square. Respected historian and political scientist Mark David Hall, author of Who Is Afraid of Christian Nationalism, describes these efforts as impassioned polemics rather than serious studies[9]. Where these secularists get it wrong is they fail to see the Christian roots of American democracy. I dont like using the term Christian nation because it often means different things to different people. But I do think we must acknowledge that Christianity, along with Enlightenment, are the fountainhead of the American experiment, as do such historians as John Wilsey, John Fea[10], Mark David Hall, Thomas Kidd and others. To deny this is to deny reality and to deny what most American leaders have thought about the country throughout much of our history. I agree with longtime religion columnist Kenneth Woodward: History is replete with efforts by Protestants to connect the American experiment in ordered liberty to some higher purpose, plan, or Planner. For the Puritans of Plymouth Rock that higher purpose was to establish Gods new Promised Land. Later it was to establish a righteousread Protestantempire by (in Lincolns tempered phrase) an almost chosen people. In the Cold War era, when the spread of Communism was the nations main concern, both liberals and conservatives advanced their political agendas by appealing to yet other forms of Christian nationalism. And so, in the biblical idiom of freedom and justice, did Martin Luther King Jr[11]. There is a reason, for instance, that British social critic and novelist GK. Chesterton, upon visiting, remarked that America had the soul of a church[12]. Consider, even how the architects of classical liberalism understood the necessity of religion and virtue in order for freedom to flourish. In his book, Virtue and the Making of Modern Liberty, Harvard political scientist Peter Berkowitz makes a convincing case that thinkers such as John Locke, never intended a morality-free secularism. Berkowitz writes, Locke maintains that such virtues as self-denial, liberality, justice, courage, civility, industry, and truthfulness are necessary to public life[13]. Locke, an Anglican heavily influenced by British Baptist separatists, assumed his project would unfold in an environment shaped by Judeo-Christian values. Locke believed that virtue, necessary for a flourishing society, can only be the Will and Law of a God, who sees men in the dark[14]. Consider the words of our Founders, even the ones who were not orthodox Christians understood that this new experiment in human government could not survive without religion: John Adams, in a letter to the Massachusetts militia, underscored that this project of liberty would only work for a moral and religious People. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.[15] George Washington in his farewell address in 1796, stated that of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports. ... And let us with caution indulge the supposition that morality can be maintained without religion. Whatever may be conceded to the influence of refined education on minds of peculiar structure, reason and experience both forbid us to expect that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle[16]. Benjamin Franklin, a Unitarian who, like John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, did not believe in the resurrection of Jesus Christ, nevertheless passionately believed in the necessity of a robust Christianity for the flourishing of his fledgling nation, All of us who were engaged in the struggle must have observed frequent instances of a Superintending providence in our favor. To that kind providence we owe this happy opportunity of consulting in peace on the means of establishing our future national felicity. And have we now forgotten that powerful friend? Or do we imagine that we no longer need His assistance[17]. This kind of language wasnt confined to the Founding. John Quincy Adams became president of the American Bible Society. Abraham Lincoln, heavily influenced by Adams as a congressman, as president sprinkled his speeches with references to Gods Providence and urged the nation, during the Civil War, to seek repentance for the sin of slavery. Invoking Gods blessing was the pattern of American leaders, on all sides of debates and elections. Even well into the 20th century, leaders spoke about Christianity and the nation in terms that would today have the media and academics blushing. Consider Franklin Roosevelts D-Day prayer, where he appeals to God for protection and deliverance: And, O Lord, give us faith. Give us faith in Thee; faith in our sons; faith in each other; faith in our united crusade. Let not the keenness of our spirit ever be dulled. Let not the impacts of temporary events, of temporal matters of but fleeting moment let not these deter us in our unconquerable purpose. With Thy blessing, we shall prevail over the unholy forces of our enemy. Help us to conquer the apostles of greed and racial arrogances. Lead us to the saving of our country, and with our sister nations into a world unity that will spell a sure peace a peace invulnerable to the schemings of unworthy men. And a peace that will let all of men live in freedom, reaping the just rewards of their honest toil. Thy will be done, Almighty God[18]. Roosevelt, some historians have observed, may have quoted the Bible more than almost any president. His successor, Harry Truman, a Baptist, was also not shy about the need for religion in America. At a dedication of a Presbyterian Church in Washington, D.C., he remarked: We talk a lot these days about freedom freedom for the individual and freedom among nations. Freedom for the human soul is, indeed, the most important principle of our civilization. We must always remember, however, that the freedom we are talking about is freedom based upon moral principles. Without a firm moral foundation, freedom degenerates quickly into selfishness and license. Unless men exercise their freedom in a just and honest way, within moral restraints, a free society can degenerate into anarchy. Then there will be freedom only for the rapacious and those who are stronger and more unscrupulous than the rank and file of the people. If we neglect these troths, our whole society suffers[19]. Trumans successor, Dwight Eisenhower, though hailing from a different political party, didnt disagree. Ike signed into law the nations new motto: In God We Trust. In his first inaugural address, he urged Americans to embrace a purpose of strengthening our dedication and devotion to the precepts of our founding documents, a conscious renewal of faith in our country and in the watchfulness of a Divine Providence.[20] This kind of rhetoric continued even into the 21st century with both Democratic and Republican presidents. And consider our greatest champions of social change, from Frederick Douglas to Martin Luther King, from Susan B Anthony to Dorothy Day. They unflinchingly called Americans both to live up to her founding ideals and to live out her uniquely Christian character. A robust public Christianity is not at odds with American Democracy. In fact, it is essential. I agree with the political scientists at Biola University who recently wrote that, Our constitutional system and political culture would not exist without Christian ideas, nor will they be intelligible or sustainable in the long run if meaningful, orthodox Christian influence disappears. Christianity provided the vision of creation, knowledge, and humanity that made liberal democracy possible. Indeed, any society in which democracy flourishes is drawing water from wells that Christianity dug.[21] Liberty without morality, without a strong and healthy presence of Christianity, becomes moral anarchy. We are seeing that today as the rise of the sexual revolution and the decline of church attendance has left American often bereft of a single-minding moral compass. This is not to say that American has always lived out Christianity well, nor should we dimiss the moments when American Christians often baptized evils, such as slavery. But as much as we acknowledge those moral and theological errors, we must also not forget that it was also Christianity that brought us out of those evil practices. American Christians should not be bullied out of applying their faith to the public square, of championing public policy that we believe advances the flourishing of our neighbors. Writing four decades ago, Richard John Neuhaus wrote eloquently When ... religious values and the institutions that bear them are excluded, the inescapable need to make public moral judgments will result in an elite construction of a normative morality from sources and principles not democratically recognized by the society. The truly naked public square is at best a transitional phenomenon. It is a vacuum waiting to be filled.[22] We dont have to squint to see how that vacuum has been filled and its not a pretty sight. Even skeptics and atheists such as Richard Dawkins are admitting to a desire to live in a predominantly Christian country, even if they dont want to believe in the God of Christianity. Of course, faithful Christians understand that as important as engagement in the public square is and we must not abandon this good work ultimately Christianity will grow and spread, not from government fiat, but through the patient, but persistent work of evangelism and discipleship. Historian Alan Guelzo is correct when describes the conditions that led to the Second Great Awakening. He says, people did extraordinary amounts of work which was blessed by the spirit of God but they set to it with their shoulders to the wheel of moving people's hearts and minds and churches and institutions and churches and institutions and the growth of those churches and institutions was extraordinary. Geulzo, a Christian, says this is what contemporary Christians should set forth to do, while not neglecting the important work of politics.[23] Christians can do both. We must urgently pray and work for spiritual revival and we must not be bullied out of the public square by the misguided condemnation of the secularists. Nor should we be intimidated by the era in which we live. While we have very serious concerns about the state of American culture, we should remember the words of Jesus who assured us that we can Be of good cheer. I have overcome the world (John 16:33). God has not erred in placing us in the 21st century. No, he has made us for this moment. We should faithfully and humbly seize it by living lives of obedience to God, evangelistic fervor, and active witness in the public square. In this, the late Carl Henry is right: To be sure, the world crisis is not basically political, economic or social, but religious and moral, and only Christ's redemptive dynamic is able to activate humanity to the highest levels of ethical achievement. To press God's claim upon the masses, regenerate Christians must confront the world now 'with an ethics to make it tremble, and with a dynamic to give it hope.' We must offer a new evangelical world-mind whose political m economic, sociological and educational affirmations reflect the Christian world-life view. We must reach for "a baptism of Pentecostal fire resulting in a world missionary program[24]." __________________ [1]Rep. Mike Johnson Gives First Speech as House Speaker | Full Video, 2023, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dbJfDMOfjiI. [2] He Seems to Be Saying His Commitment Is to Minority Rule, POLITICO, October 27, 2023, https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2023/10/27/mike-johnson-christian-nationalist-ideas-qa-00123882. [3] The Christian Nationalism of Speaker Mike Johnson, TIME, October 27, 2023, https://time.com/6329207/speaker-mike-johnson-christian-nationalism/. [4] Thomas B. Edsall, Opinion | The Embodiment of White Christian Nationalism in a Tailored Suit, The New York Times, November 1, 2023, sec. Opinion, https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/01/opinion/mike-johnson-christian-nationalism-speaker.html. [5] Bushs Christ Moment Is Put To Political Test by Christians, accessed August 19, 2024, https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/WPcap/1999-12/16/045r-121699-idx.html. [6] Christian Nationalism Report, Neighborly Faith, accessed May 17, 2024, https://www.neighborlyfaith.org/cn-report-2023. [7] Lifeway Research - SWBTS-Baptist-Political-Theology-Report.Pdf, accessed May 17, 2024, https://landcenter.org/wp-content/plugins/pdfjs-viewer-shortcode/pdfjs/web/viewer.php?file=https://landcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/SWBTS-Baptist-Political-Theology-Report.pdf&attachment_id=0&dButton=true&pButton=true&oButton=false&sButton=true#zoom=auto&pagemode=none&_wpnonce=c6b6b626e8. [8] Memorial and Remonstrance against Religious Assessments, [ca. , accessed May 14, 2024, https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Madison/01-08-02-0163. [9] Mark David Hall, Whos Afraid of Christian Nationalism: Why Christian Nationalism Is Not an Existential Threat to America or the Church (Fidelis Books, 2024), bk. 28. [10] See: John Fea, Was America Founded as a Christian Nation?: A Historical Introduction, Illustrated edition (Louisville, Ky: Westminster John Knox Press, 2011). God of Liberty, Thomas Kidd; One Nation Under God, John Wilsey and Richard Land; Did America Have a Christian Founding, Mark David Hall. [11] The Myth of White Christian Nationalism | Kenneth L. Woodward, First Things, May 1, 2024, https://www.firstthings.com/article/2024/05/the-myth-of-white-christian-nationalism. [12] Gilbert Keith Chesterton, What I Saw in America (Hodder and Stoughton, 1922), bk. 5. [13] Virtue and the Making of Modern Liberalism: Berkowitz, Peter: 9780691070889: Amazon.Com: Books, bk. 104, accessed May 14, 2024, https://www.amazon.com/Virtue-Making-Modern-Liberalism-Berkowitz/dp/0691070881. [14] An Essay Concerning Human Understanding - Google Books, 69, accessed May 14, 2024, https://www.google.com/books/edition/An_Essay_Concerning_Human_Understanding/-yD3zwEACAAJ?hl=en. [15] Founders Online. [16] Avalon Project - Washingtons Farewell Address 1796, accessed May 14, 2024, https://avalon.law.yale.edu/18th_century/washing.asp. [17] Online Speech Bank: Benjamin Franklins Prayer Speech at the Constitutional Convention of 1787, accessed May 14, 2024, https://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/benfranklin.htm. [18] The History Place - Great Speeches Collection: President Franklin Roosevelt Speech D-Day Prayer, accessed May 9, 2024, https://www.historyplace.com/speeches/fdr-prayer.htm. [19] Address at the Cornerstone Laying of the New York Avenue Presbyterian Church | Harry S. Truman, accessed May 14, 2024, https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/public-papers/68/address-cornerstone-laying-new-york-avenue-presbyterian-church. [20] 1953-01-20-Inaugural-Address.Pdf, accessed May 9, 2024, https://www.eisenhowerlibrary.gov/sites/default/files/research/online-documents/inauguration-1953/1953-01-20-inaugural-address.pdf. [21] Scott Waller Milosch Darren Patrick Guerra, and Tim, American Democracy Is in Trouble. No, Not Like That., ChristianityToday.com, March 4, 2024, https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2024/march-web-only/american-democracy-is-in-trouble-no-not-like-that.html. [22] Richard John Neuhaus, The Naked Public Square: Religion and Democracy in America, First Edition (Grand Rapids, Mich: W.B. Eerdmans Pub. Co, 1984), bk. 86. [23] Our Ancient Faith: Lincoln, Democracy, and the American Experiment: Guelzo, Allen C.: 9780593534441: Amazon.Com: Books, accessed May 14, 2024, https://www.amazon.com/Our-Ancient-Faith-Democracy-Experiment/dp/0593534441. [24] Carl Ferdinand Howard Henry, Twilight of a Great Civilization: The Drift Toward Neo-Paganism (Crossway, 1988), 78. Hannah Chea (center) is considering turning her side gig of shucking oysters for parties into her full-time gig after being laid off from her tech job. Just a few weeks ago, Hannah Chea spent most of her week sitting in front of a computer for work. These days, you can find her shucking oysters for partygoers at lavish events and entertaining them with fun facts about the chilled mollusks. Chea, 24, was let go from her job as a data analytics engineer at Paramount in September after a year of worrying that the layoff was coming. "I fully expected this layoff," Chea, who lives in San Francisco, tells CNBC Make It. She says she and many colleagues had been on edge since the company began downsizing in late 2023. While losing your job is never a great experience, Chea chooses to focus on the handful of positives that have come from the situation. For one, she says she's relieved she was let go from her team rather than other colleagues with more financial strains: "I'm glad to hear that it wasn't anyone else on my team who had families or were starting a family or had just bought a house." Chea had one week to wrap up her work and left with four weeks of severance pay. And she has another fallback to pad her bank accounts: A part-time gig she picked up a year ago as a "mobile oyster shucker." Becoming a mobile oyster shucker Chea found the oyster-shucking gig a year ago while scrolling on Instagram, filled out a form, and had a conversation with the owner of Oysters XO, a catering company with outposts around the U.S. Once on-board, she learned how to properly shuck oysters as well as share fun facts about them with party guests. (Her favorite is that oyster farms can help clean the ocean, and that shells can be recycled to help shore up eroding coastlines.) In the last year, Chea says she's worked one or two events per month, with each gig involving two to three hours of shucking oysters for party guests and entertaining them with lively conversation. One gig took her to Las Vegas for the Super Bowl in February. "I really like the novelty of it," Chea says. "I think it's crazy to say I only do oyster shucking in heels. I think I'm a very extroverted person. I really wanted break the monotony of my remote tech job [and] just staring at a computer all day." Now that she's without a day job, Chea hopes to spend more time shucking for events and helping grow Oyster XO's presence in the Bay Area, especially ahead of the busy holiday season. Chea declined to share how much she makes shucking oysters, but says that it's generally "more than I thought it would be, and it definitely surprised me, which is also why I keep shucking." "It is for luxury events" like big corporate parties, weddings and other big gatherings, she adds. 'I'm not in a rush to find a new tech job' Bitcoin is close to a rally that could push it to a new record, but investors may have to wait a little longer as the U.S. presidential race comes to an end. The flagship cryptocurrency finished October up 10%, closing the month above $70,000 for the first time since March. It has been struggling to rise back above that level ever since, and succeeded this past week before modestly retreating again, ending 6% off its all-time high. The focus now is on the election. While many investors have tempered their concern over possible long-term harm to the crypto industry from a victory by Vice President Kamala Harris and bitcoin's supply and demand dynamics support a long-term uptrend election-related volatility could still rock prices beyond the Nov. 5 vote. "What's driving price action is undoubtedly the election," Nic Puckrin, CEO and co-founder at crypto education site Coin Bureau, said of the November outlook. "The markets will take their cue based on who wins the White House. Trump is widely seen as pro-crypto although irrespective of who wins, bitcoin is still primed for a pump." BTC.CM= YTD mountain Bitcoin YTD Republican nominee and former President Donald Trump has courted the crypto industry this year, presenting himself as the pro-crypto candidate . Democratic nominee Harris has been more circumspect on crypto, and the industry is split on how her potential presidency could affect crypto companies. "No matter what the outcome of the election is, we're going to have more clarity on the direction [for crypto] from both parties," said Devin Ryan, an analyst at Citizens JMP. While Republicans are "a little more on balance, constructive" toward crypto, there is also a growing bipartisan consensus from both parties in Washington toward fostering the industry, he said. "From what we're tracking, it does feel like either outcome would be incrementally positive." Still, bitcoin has recently moved at least partly in line with prediction markets, rising with Trump's fortunes and falling when Harris has gained the upper hand, said Needham's John Todaro, a crypto and high-performance computing analyst. He expects price fluctuations on election night as the votes come in, believing bitcoin could eventually gain 10% to 15% in the event of a Trump win and fall a similar amount if Harris prevails. October and November are historically strong months for bitcoin, finishing higher in seven of the past 11 Novembers. In mid-October, bitcoin marked six months from its last halving, the supply-controlling event that occurs every four years. In previous cycles, bitcoin's price has peaked about 18 months after the halving. But while supply is slowing, demand is rising, giving investors confidence in the cryptocurrency. The iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF (IBIT) raked in more than $2 billion of inflows over the past week, according to FactSet. More than $870 million of that came in one day, a record inflow for the fund, according to JPMorgan. Bitcoin exchange-traded funds have now attracted more than $23 billion of inflows since their launch in January, according to JPMorgan. "Continued inflows into the BTC ETF products offered in the U.S. will likely keep the steady upward momentum that bitcoin has been building," said Chris Chung, CEO at Solana liquidity aggregator Titan. "Volatility has decreased for both gold and bitcoin as traders look forward to the [election] results, although both assets have benefited from positive underlying fundamentals incrementally driving the price up." "The main danger we foresee would be temporary angst around election results affecting sentiment and holding back further development of the ecosystem," Chung added. "But the underlying fundamentals are strong and would eventually absorb this impact." BTC.CM= YTD mountain Bitcoin year-to-date CNBC's Jesse Pound contributed reporting. As China's biggest shopping festival of the year gets underway, analysts are starting to favor Chinese logistics companies as a way to play the online shopping trend. Their reasoning? The delivery companies are seeing package volume grow, regardless of how much consumers spend on each purchase. "Express parcel volume growth has been outperforming online [gross merchandise value] growth since 2019, driven by the continued drop in ticket size amid a consumption downgrade," JPMorgan analysts said in an Oct. 30 report. The JPMorgan report initiated coverage of U.S.-listed ZTO Express , which the analysts said is China's largest express parcel player with more than 20% of the market. ZTO, also listed in Hong Kong, is more profitable than competitors YTO Express Group, STO Express Co., Yunda Holding Co. and J & T Global Express Ltd., the report said. JPMorgan has a price target of $30 on ZTO's U.S. shares, nearly 30% above where the stock closed Friday. ZTO YTD mountain ZTO Express shares in the U.S. in 2024. Alibaba and JD.com kicked off their annual Singles Day shopping promotions on Oct. 14 this year, more than a week earlier than in 2023. The festival, akin to Black Friday in the U.S., centers on Nov. 11. The e-commerce companies have stopped releasing Singles Day GMV figures in recent years as consumer spending in China has grown more restrained. At the same time, China's internet tech giants, once scrutinized for alleged monopolistic behavior, this year sought to lower the temperature by reducing competitive barriers and allow a rival's mobile payment system onto their platforms. China's online shopping landscape has created a large express delivery market in which logistics companies that use technology well can benefit from economies of scale, Morgan Stanley analysts said in a report last month. The Morgan Stanley study ranked Chinese logistics players on an "AI Matrix" that tries to measure the willingness and ability to invest in artificial intelligence, along with the size and scale of the companies' proprietary data. Of three companies that stood out, ZTO also emerged as Morgan Stanley's top pick in China's logistics industry. "We believe in a winner-takes-all express delivery market, ZTO will continue to benefit from its larger scale, more advanced infrastructure and devotion to tech innovation," the Morgan Stanley analysts said. Morgan Stanley has a price target of $27.50 on ZTO shares. Analysts also see opportunities for logistics players with Chinese ties to expand globally as PDD 's Temu and ByteDance's TikTok take on international markets. "TikTok Shop's robust expansion in [Southeast Asia] should bolster J & T's dominance in the express delivery sector," Nomura analysts said in an Oct. 25 report, initiating coverage of Hong Kong-listed J & T Global Express . 1519-HK YTD mountain J & T Global Express Hong Kong-listed shares in 2024. The company was founded in Southeast Asia by Jet Li, who previously oversaw business in the region for Chinese smartphone company Oppo. Li is also executive director, CEO and chairman of J & T. J & T held a "competitive 11% market share in China" in the first half of this year and the leading position in Southeast Asia with 27.4% of the market, the Nomura analysts said. "Given sizeable parcel volumes from the China express delivery market, the profitability improvement in the China market could become a driver of J & T's net profit growth." Nomura rates the stock a buy, with a price target of 7.30 Hong Kong dollars (94 cents). That's more than 16% above where shares closed Friday. Morgan Stanley is less bullish, rating J & T equal-weight while citing competitive risks in China and potential challenges in Southeast Asia. "Cuts on overseas profitability outlook has weakened our investment thesis," the Morgan Stanley analysts said. They have a price target of 7.40 Hong Kong dollars on J & T. CNBC"s Michael Bloom contributed to this report. Taiwanese Coast Guard personnel work on a vessel off the coast of Nangan Township, in the Matsu Islands on Oct. 15, 2024, a day after China conducted the "Joint Sword-2024B" military drills around Taiwan. Taiwan's defense ministry said on Sunday it had spotted 35 Chinese military aircraft, including fighters and bombers, flying to the island's south on the way to exercises in the Pacific, a second day in a row it has reported such activities. China, which views democratically governed Taiwan as its own territory despite the strong objections of the government in Taipei, regularly sends its military in the skies and waters near the island seeking to enforce its sovereignty claims. China's defense ministry did not respond to a request for comment on the missions, reported just days before Tuesday's U.S. presidential election. The United States is bound by law to provide Taiwan with the means to defend itself, and its arms sales to Taipei, including a $2 billion missile system announced last month, infuriate Beijing. Taiwan's defense ministry said that from 9 a.m. (0100 GMT) on Sunday it had detected 37 Chinese military aircraft, including J-16 fighters, nuclear-capable H-6 bombers and drones. The United States flew a long-range bomber in a trilateral drill with South Korea and Japan on Sunday in response to North Korea's recent test-firing of a new intercontinental ballistic missile designed to strike the U.S. mainland, South Korea's military said. North Korea on Thursday tested the newly developed Hwasong-19 ICBM, which flew higher and stayed in the air longer than any other missile it has fired. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un called it "an appropriate military action" to cope with external security threats posed by its rivals. On Sunday, the U.S. flew the B-1B bomber to train with South Korean and Japanese fighter jets near the Korean Peninsula, demonstrating the three countries' firm resolve and readiness to respond to North Korea's advancing nuclear and missile programs, South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a statement. The trilateral aerial training was the second by South Korea, the U.S. and Japan this year, the statement said. The U.S. often responds to major North Korean missile tests with temporary deployments of some of its powerful military assets such as long-range bombers, aircraft carriers and nuclear-powered submarines to and near the Korean Peninsula. North Korea typically responds angrily to such U.S. actions, calling them part of a U.S.-led plot to invade the North and performing additional weapons tests. The 2nd High-Level Ministerial Dialogue for Culture-Based Climate Action is scheduled to take place in Baku on November 15, as part of the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, Azernews reports. According to Azerbaijan's Ministry of Culture, the meeting will be held in the COP29 Blue Zone for 90 minutes. Dignitaries attending the event will include ministers, deputy ministers, and executives from international organizations, with approximately 120 guests, including experts and representatives from NGOs, expected to participate. This event is co-organized by the Culture Ministries of the COP Presidencies Troika. The high-level dialogue aims to foster international consensus on the integration of cultureencompassing art and heritageinto the climate action agenda. Additionally, as part of COP29, Azerbaijan's pavilion will host a side event co-organized by the Group of Friends of Culture-Based Climate Action, UNESCO, and the Culture Ministries of Azerbaijan, the UAE, and Brazil. This event will also feature the presentation of the project "Culture for Climate" (C4C), initiated by Azerbaijan. Previously, the Azerbaijani Ministry of Culture organized a series of events in preparation for COP29. Regarded as one of the most intelligent animals on the planet, dolphins launch themselves from the water for a whole range of reasons, an expert tells Yahoo. A dolphin has been photographed launching itself an incredible 2.5 metres into the air off Terrigal, on the NSW Central Coast. Source: Facebook/David Smythe Spectacular shots of a dolphin springing metres into the air out of the water off the Australian east coast have impressed people all over the country. The "superb" photos, taken near Terrigal, on the NSW Central Coast, show the dolphin launch an astonishing two and a half metres out of the water. Describing the mammal as "flying" through the air at the time, the photographer said the sight took place roughly two kilometres from the shore. Animal enthusiasts were quick to respond, with many applauding the man's timing for capturing such an impressive picture. "Never seen dolphins jump so high before," one said. "Absolutely awesome," said another. Meanwhile, some questioned whether dolphins can really spring so far into the air from the water. Yahoo News Australia spoke with South Australian-based dolphin expert Mike Bossley, who confirmed the animals can absolutely make the jump. "Yes, it's no problem for a dolphin to jump 2.5 metres in the air," he told Yahoo. ADVERTISEMENT Bossley explained dolphins, which are warm-blooded and like humans breathe through lungs not through gills like fish, likely exhibit the behaviour for "several different reasons". "To look around, to make a big splash as a communication or just for fun," he said. Despite regularly swimming off the Australian coast, dolphins always spark excitement when spotted. Source: Stefanie Anna Kremser/Facebook Dolphins are regarded as some of the most intelligent animals on the planet, distinguished by unique cognitive abilities. Researchers often define intelligence as a blend of perception, communication skills, and problem-solving capabilities, all of which dolphins exhibit in remarkable ways. Dolphins and their antics impress all over Australia Last month, a German family who travelled the world for two-and-a-half years 12 months of which has been spent in Australia said the most exciting part of their journey was witnessing a pod of dolphins' incredible display in Western Australia. A German family who travelled the world for years said the most exciting part of their journey was witnessing a pod of dolphins in WA earlier this month. Source: Stefanie Anna Kremser/Facebook. The family spotted the dolphins after driving their van to the southern tip of Western Australia and making the choice to settle in the town of Albany. For Stefanie Kremser, the experience confirmed they had chosen "the right place" to finally put down roots. ADVERTISEMENT "It was like they were having a party welcoming us here," she said. "We dont have anything like it back home When you see them everything feels light and free. Its like you dont have to think about anything when you see dolphins." Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? Get our new newsletter showcasing the weeks best stories. Some people may be cheered up by the election of a new Tory leader yesterday. It makes no difference to me. The Conservative Party is still quite clueless about what it faces, and so cannot fight it. And this is why it failed to save us from the miserable Budget of Rachel Reeves, which will do so much harm and no good. It used to be quite reasonable for Labour, then the party of the working class and the trade unions, to use its time in government to help its supporters. That is how democracy works. When it went too far, as it always did, a Tory government could sweep in and clear up the mess. But since the middle 1960s, Labour has not been the party it once was. It became a radical movement, determined to revolutionise our society. It abolished the idea of personal responsibility. Criminals were not to blame for their crimes. Those who would not work for a living were indulged. It launched a long war on the married family, trying and failing to replace it with the state. The state became more powerful than parents in the upbringing of the young. Schools ceased to be places where knowledge was passed on from one generation to another. They became machines for promoting political and social equality, and political correctness. Some people may be cheered up by the election of a new Tory leader yesterday, but it makes no difference to Peter Hitchens, as the Conservative Party is still quite clueless about what it faces, and so cannot fight it Immigration was welcome because it helped to make Britain less British. The armed forces were no longer there to defend the country but to intervene in idealist utopian foreign wars. The Tory Party never grasped this. It carried on believing that Labour was the same old tax-and spend trade union party. It never reversed or even weakened Labours revolutionary programme. It failed utterly to stop the Blairite takeover of the legal system and the coup detat of establishing a Supreme Court in a country where Parliament is actually supposed to be supreme. I had the strong impression that the Tories actively collaborated with Harriet Harman and the other social revolutionaries as they rammed through their keystone Equality Act in the last years of Gordon Browns government. The only response to this in the Tory Party has been to try to conjure up what they wrongly imagine is the spirit of Margaret Thatcher: crude unsustainable tax cuts and jingoism about conflicts in which we have no national interest. They tried to ride the European issue for a while, like an elderly auntie on a bucking bronco, but they did not understand that either and it left them lying on their backs in the dust with their bloomers showing. It was all very well having no ideas to speak of, in the old days. But since the Marxists took over Labour, British conservatism has needed first of all to understand what it is up against, and then to develop a counter-attack. It has done neither. Until it does, it will continue to fail especially when it is in government. Rachel Reeves's Budget will do so much harm and no good, Peter Hitchens writes, as the Labour Party is now a radical movement, determined to revolutionise society How can I investigate anything? Sometimes people wrongly accuse me of being something called an investigative journalist, a term that gives me the creeps. Often, they are suggesting that I have some superpowers to find things out, way beyond those of normal human beings. I dont. I rely entirely on how free and open our society is. And these days, it isnt either especially free or particularly open. All journalists are surely supposed to enquire into the things they report. But what if nobody wants to tell us anything? This is often the case if the information does not serve some lobby or cause or ambitious politician. A couple of examples. I have been trying since October 19 to find out when Sir Keir Starmer first joined the Labour Party he now leads. I cannot, so far, find out. He spent much of his early years mixed up with groups linked to the Marxist Left. Did he join Labour in those days? On a smaller issue, in late September I witnessed, from a passing bus, what looked like the aftermath of an incident involving a pushbike rider and the rider of an e-scooter. Unless I am suffering from delusions, a police car and an ambulance were both visible at the scene. I was interested because I think e-scooter accidents are under-reported, and also because I have come close to being swatted by e-scooters while on my bike at that exact spot, more than once. The police said they had no knowledge of any such event. The ambulance service refused to discuss it, as they were too busy or something. I used Freedom of Information rules to get them to tell me, weeks later, that they had indeed been at such an event and had taken somebody to hospital. The police remain silent. I suspect it wont ever be in official statistics. It is growing increasingly impossible to find out anything anyone does not want you to know. Time to stop this garish, fake festival I actually find Halloween and its foreign relations, such as the Mexican Day of the Dead, disgusting. What is funny, smiley, amusing or appetising about portrayals of skulls? You may find, in many old English churches, pretty gruesome representations of skulls or even of corpses. They are there, quite clearly, to frighten and to chasten those who see them. They have a serious purpose. This junk does not. Peter Hitchens's journey to and from work has this week been polluted by a huge horrible garish plastic skull, in the queasy colours of cheap confectionery. This one here sits outside Paddington Station in London Everyones now catching up with those of us who have for years deplored the raucous, commercial rubbish of the wholly imported fake festival we have just endured once again. But how long will it be before it falls from favour? This week my journey to and from work has been polluted by a huge horrible garish plastic skull, in the queasy colours of cheap confectionery. Its obviously some form of advertisement. But why would a grinning deaths head persuade anyone to buy the product? Sir Keir Starmer's election manifesto could not have been bolder. 'Labour recognises that food security is national security,' it declared. The importance of farming, it seemed, was on a par with energy, and no wonder just as oil and gas prices rocketed after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, so did the cost of food. But instead of pouring billions into the industry, as Labour has done with the energy sector, Chancellor Rachel Reeves has done her level best to pull the rug from under the feet of our struggling farmers. Sir Keir Starmer greets Minette Batters during the National Farmers' Union Conference in 2023 Now confronted by a bill for 20 per cent of their farm's estate above 1million upon the death of the owner, any grieving family will be forgiven for selling up. For this is the dilemma facing a typical 500-acre mixed-use farm in southern England. Including farmhouse, barns, livestock and machinery, such a farm might be worth 5million 4million of which will now incur an inheritance tax bill of 800,000. Even with the decade's grace period in which to pay this enormous sum, it still amounts to 80,000 a year. I certainly don't have such money at my disposal and neither do the countless farmers who've contacted me since the Budget. As one employee explained, it will mean the end of the farm on which he works, meaning five people out of a job, with a knock-on effect to others, such as the agronomist who inspects the crops, the millers who grind the corn, and a host of businesses that form the rural economy. Make no mistake, this tax change will destroy communities. It is not good enough to say that farmers could sell a few fields to pay the inheritance tax bill. Farms need to be a certain size in order to be viable. While many farmers might be asset-rich, they are often cash-poor, in many cases extremely so. Figures from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) show that in 2022/23, 19 per cent of mixed farms made a loss, and 23 per cent made a profit of under 25,000. The inheritance tax hit could not have come at a worse time. When I stepped down as president of the National Farmers' Union (NFU) in February, members had never had a more negative view of their future, as shown in 15 years of annual confidence surveys. A mental health charity working with farmers says it has received a 150 per cent increase in calls this year. It seems unconscionable that Starmer and his colleagues would want to load a 20 per cent tax grab on the shoulders of those already burdened. For what it is worth, I do not think he has changed his mind about wanting to support farmers, as he trumpeted in Labour's manifesto, and at the NFU's conference in February when he said: 'We can't have farmers struggling.' Instead, I think the PM has been badly advised. The Treasury has long wanted to end the inheritance tax relief open to farmers, believing that as a rich nation we can import our food. It has consistently turned a blind eye to investors buying land with no intention of farming it and in some cases foreign investors not even paying tax here. However, the Treasury must recognise the difference between wealthy investors and genuine farmers who have been producing food, often for generations, on the same land. Limiting inheritance tax relief for farms to 1million does not achieve that. Instead, all manner of farms will be dragged into the tax's clutches. Ministers claim that 73 per cent of farms will not be affected by the changes. Yet, they haven't explained how they got that number. I suspect it includes so-called 'lifestyle' farms that don't produce significant amounts of food. Such small parcels of land are often bought by city folk looking for an exciting new vocation unlike family-run farms that have grown to many hundreds of acres over generations. Remove these 'lifestyle' farms from the equation and those figures will flip with three quarters of family farms now incurring an inheritance tax bill. Former president of the National Farmers' Union Minette Batters It is imperative that the Government makes public the data on the number of farms that will be affected as well as a full impact assessment on the effects on farming, rural communities and national food security. All the data is there. Anyone who rears sheep, cattle or pigs has to apply to Defra. The paperwork wrapped around farms is legion, with obligations to record everything from land use to animal movements. Indeed, anyone who has watched 'Cheerful' Charlie Ireland, the land agent on TV's Clarkson's Farm, knows the amount of compliance forms involved. In short, the Government knows exactly who is farming and who is not, and therefore has the means to exempt genuine farmers from inheritance tax. But the truth is that this tax raid is just a symptom of the Government's contempt towards food production. The EU's Common Agricultural Policy is steadily being replaced with a new system of subsidies that put biodiversity at their heart. That is a good thing, except the new rules encourage land to be taken out of food production and 'rewilded' or planted with trees, in order for a landowner to claim lucrative 'carbon credits'. There are several parcels of land near where I farm in Wiltshire that are now 100 per cent taxpayer-funded, and yet they have not grown a single potato or cob of corn. This is madness. Biodiversity is important and can be achieved by planting hedgerows, leaving field margins uncultivated and reintroducing ponds on low-lying land but not by removing farms entirely. Forty years ago, Britain's food self-sufficiency the amount of food produced as a proportion of the quantity consumed stood at 78 per cent. In 2023, it was down to 62 per cent. If that figure continues to fall, it won't do anything for the environment, animal welfare or global carbon emissions. Minette Batters shows Sir Keir Starmer around Barford Park farm in Salisbury in 2020 It will simply mean this country having to import more food and from countries that have lower standards than our own. How will that help combat climate change? The Labour Party rightly eulogises the inception of the NHS in 1948, but they seem to have forgotten the ideals instilled in a lesser known piece of legislation from the year before. The 1947 Agriculture Act saw Clement Attlee's post-war government commit to feeding the nation, declaring never again that the British people would face food rationing. If only that sentiment resonated in Labour hearts today. Why don't they realise that food and farming are the solution to many of the challenges this country faces? The party talked a good game in its manifesto, but it now needs to live up to that promise. Sometimes, you need to live abroad to appreciate what is special about this country. Lots of commentators have noted that Kemi Badenoch is the first black woman to run a major British political party, but this is less novel than they suggest. She is, after all, the fourth woman to lead the Conservatives, and the second non-white leader in a row. More significant and more representative of modern Britain is that Kemi is, to all intents and purposes, an immigrant. Yes, she was born here, but she grew up in Nigeria, and sees this country through the appreciative eyes of someone who has chosen it. New Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch on BBC's Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg She and I have that in common. I arrived in Britain from Peru in the late 1970s, and was astonished to find everyone in such a grump. Whatever its faults, Britain still struck me as a place to which most of the world would gladly move. What should they know of England who only England know? wrote Kipling, frustrated at his neighbours lack of interest in their countrys achievements. Living elsewhere knocks that complacency out of you. You become aware of the uniqueness of our national institutions, of the trust they foster, of the fragile nature of our individualist society. You bridle when people who have been lucky enough to grow up here trash our history. Kemi is the latest example of the Conservative Partys extraordinary ability to be in front of the curve. There are nearly 300,000 Brits of Nigerian heritage, a number that has grown hugely over the past 20 years. Labours appeal to these voters, and the millions more whom they have taken to calling global majority (i.e. non-white), is one of victimhood. Your ancestors were exploited! You live with structural racism! Vote for us! But many people choose to come to Britain precisely because they admire it. They are proud to be here. They often have family who served in British uniform. Kemi, though it is not her chief focus, speaks to and for such people. Leftist journalists made a theatrical fuss when it turned out that, in an online discussion group many years ago, she had pointed out that plenty of ordinary Nigerians benefited from British rule. Kemi Badenoch aged seven in Nigeria with her grandfather Such sentiments cause fainting fits among our public intellectuals, but they are hardly extreme. In 1947, Obafemi Awolowo, one of Nigerias founding fathers, wrote that an obstacle to independence was that the ordinary Nigerian is convinced, and has good reason to be, that he can always get better treatment from the white man than he could hope to get from the chiefs. Kemi, in short, has a sense of perspective. Leftists see a history of slavery. She sees also the extraordinary and unique campaign to stamp out the slave trade. Leftists see a hierarchy of oppression. She sees a land of opportunity where anyone can rise. Leftists see racist coppers. She sees coppers who do their jobs without taking bribes. When people say that the police treat you differently because of the colour of your skin and so on, Im sure that there will be cases where that has happened, she told an interviewer. But I grew up in a place where the police looked exactly like me and they were not nice. No wonder she offends the race industry grievance-mongers, who have reacted with predictable rage to her election. One British Nigerian commentator called her white supremacy in blackface, in a social media post shared by the Labour MP Dawn Butler. You can feel Labour MPs frustration. Rachel Reeves goes on endlessly about being a role model for little girls. David Lammy, plainly irked that he is not the first black foreign secretary, boasts of being the first black, working-class man from Tottenham to hold the job. Yet, despite its obsession with identity politics, Labour has only ever been led by white men. The Tories, meanwhile, look for merit without regard for colour or chromosomes. Which is more appealing? None of this will win Kemi the next election. That depends, first, on re-establishing the Tories credibility on immigration, the issue that drove the rise of Reform; and, second, on the party being seen as competent when it comes to the economy the issue that will bring down Labour. Those objectives are not easy to meet in Opposition, when voters are dwelling on the failures of the last government. It will take extraordinary energy and commitment. But the first step is to be on the side of the country you aspire to lead. Jeremy Corbyn lost in large measure because he was seen as anti-British. Sir Keir Starmer, though he has worked to distance himself from his predecessor, does not display patriotism. Hence his appalling decision to hand away the Chagos Islands, and his readiness to enter into talks about compensation for slavery. Kemi is plainly and viscerally appreciative of this country. Not a bad place to start. A forensic psychiatrist has revealed five ways in which having ADHD can affect romantic relationships. Dr Sohom Das, who also runs YouTube channel A Psych for Sore Minds, where he shares content about mental health conditions, described in a recent clip how some of the symptoms of the condition can cause frictions between partners. The doctor, from London, labelled Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) as 'challenging [...] to manage for people that have it', and suggested it is like trying to 'herd cats,' when those cats are your thoughts. Before listing five reasons the having the condition can affect partnerships, he said: 'When it comes to relationships, it can truly wreck havoc.' Here, FEMAIL explores the ways in which ADHD may be affecting your love life, according to the expert. Dr Sohom Das (pictured) is a forensic psychiatrist and content creator from London. His YouTube channel is called A Psych for Sore Minds 1. People with ADHD can be chronically late According to Dr Das: 'The number one method of ADHD damaging a romantic relationship is the annoying, always late, awkward antics. 'Imagine you're planning a romantic dinner at a fancy restaurant for your anniversary... only to have your partner show up late. He's still buttoning his shirt and he's apologising profusely.' In addition, Dr Das said: 'ADHD includes inattentiveness. So he's still got some wax on his lips and some toothpaste in his hair... 'So having a short attention span and being easily distracted means that you might be unable to stick to tasks, particularly that you find them tedious or time consuming. 'So people with ADHD might struggle to prioritise tasks, to meet deadlines or to make appointments, such as dates in fancy restaurants.' The problem with this is that having ADHD can also affect the affected person's ability 'to be like that reliable and dependable individual, which is necessary for a healthy partnership', and this can 'lead to feelings of frustration and resentment from their partners'. Dr Das summed up it as 'like trying to synchronise two different clocks that are running on different time zones'. 2. People with ADHD can hyperfocus on the 'wrong' thing If someone has ADHD, some of the symptoms can cause major problems in relationships, according to Dr Sohom Das (stock image) The psychiatrist described hyperfocus, which is a facet of the condition, as a 'hideous, horrid hijinks'. '[Someone with] ADHD can get hyper focused on a particular task or interest. But the problem is, it is at the exclusion of everything else, and this can lead to challenging situations in relationships,' he said. 'For example, you're driving [to] a family picnic. Your girlfriend's in the front seat, and you want to discuss your future together. Perhaps even start talking about moving in together next year. HOW DOES ADHD AFFECT ADULTS? Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a condition that affects people's behaviour. People with ADHD can seem restless, may have trouble concentrating and may act on impulse. Symptoms of ADHD tend to be noticed at an early age and may become more noticeable when a child's circumstances change, such as when they start school. Most cases are diagnosed when children are under 12 years old, but sometimes it's diagnosed later in childhood. Sometimes ADHD was not recognised when someone was a child, and they are diagnosed later as an adult. The symptoms of ADHD may improve with age, but many adults who were diagnosed with the condition at a young age continue to experience problems. People with ADHD may also have additional problems, such as sleep and anxiety disorders. Many children go through phases where they're restless or inattentive. This does not necessarily mean they have ADHD. It's a good idea to speak to a GP if you're an adult and think you may have ADHD, but were not diagnosed with the condition as a child. The exact cause of ADHD is unknown, but the condition has been shown to run in families. Research has also identified a number of possible differences in the brains of people with ADHD when compared with those without the condition. ADHD can occur in people of any intellectual ability, although it's more common in people with learning difficulties. For adults with ADHD, medicine is often the first treatment offered, although psychological therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) may also help. Adults with ADHD may find they have problems with: -Organisation and time management -Following instructions -Focusing and completing tasks -Coping with stress -Feeling restless or impatient -Impulsiveness and risk taking -Some adults may also have issues with relationships or social interaction. Source: NHS Advertisement 'Maybe you're even considering a pre engagement commitment ring, and you can see her squirming with excitement from the corner of your eye, then you look across to see she's just scored over 500 points on [a game] on her phone.' He continued: 'So ADHD involves being unable to concentrate on tasks, but conversely, it also involves being hyper focused on a particular task, and this happens accidentally, and being oblivious to your surroundings. [And] this can contribute to communication breakdowns, obviously. 'So difficulty staying focused can lead to not just miscommunications, but misunderstanding. So it can also lead to feelings of the partner being neglected are unimportant, so they may feel that they're being frequently overlooked due to the partner's inability to stay focused.' Dr Das explained how 'frequent lapses in attention can be frustrating for the partner, leading to some resentment and ultimately, some tension'. 3. Having ADHD can make a person impulsive 'The [third way] ADHD can damage a relationship is [via] incredibly embarrassing, inept, impulsive incidents,' Dr Das said in the video. 'Having ADHD makes it difficult to control impulses, and this can sometimes lead to embarrassing situation scenarios in relationships.' He continued: 'ADHD includes impulsivity, which is acting without thinking and not considering the consequences of your actions. 'Not so much a big deal if only affects you, but possibly a bigger deal if it affects you and your partner as well.' 4. People with ADHD can have 'erratic emotional eruptions' The forensic psychiatrist explained the fourth way he sees ADHD as being damaging to romantic relationships - and that is what he describes as 'extremely erratic emotional eruptions'. He explained: 'ADHD can make it difficult to regulate emotions, leading to sudden mood swings and outbursts. So one minute, your partner's laughing hysterically and the next they're sulking in a corner. 'So that makes it difficult to maintain stable and consistent emotions. This can lead to feelings of insecurity and uncertainty in their partners, and this can be exhausting, confusing for anybody in a relationship.' He added: 'Individuals with ADHD might become easily frustrated or annoyed. That can lead to outbursts. It can lead to arguments, it can create tension and an uncomfortable atmosphere, so that makes it difficult to maintain a positive connection, and the partner might feel like it's their fault.' 5. People with ADHD can be 'notoriously forgetful' 'The fifth and final way that ADHD can damage a romantic relationship is the frightfully frustrating forgetful fails,' he explained, which can lead to major agreements being forgotten, which can cause problems. 'People with ADHD have a poor working memory,' he explained. 'They have trouble holding down information in their minds. They have difficulty staying focused. 'ADHD makes it hard to concentrate on tasks, leading to distraction and lapses in attention. And also, on top of that, it might mean that the sufferer gets overwhelmed with amounts of data, meaning that it's difficult for them to process and retain information, which is basically forgetfulness.' Dr Sohom Das can be found on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok, as well as YouTube. Like many young women, Dr Ronnie Gladden grew up wanting to be like Snow White, fantasised about a Pride & Prejudice lifestyle and wanted to emulate Elle Fanning's fashion. Ronnie dreamed of lying out in the sun getting a tan and of having blonde hair that grew lighter in the summer. This wasn't a typical set of ambitions, however, because Ronnie was a black boy growing up in Cincinnatis west side. Now, middle aged, Ronnie is a tenured professor of English at Cincinnati State Technical and Community College, a public speaker, and actor, and uses this platform to promote what he calls a 'transgracial' identity. Despite being born black and male, Ronnie - who uses the pronoun they - now identifies as a white woman, regardless of outward appearances, saying there is a 'repressed White female identity' inside them begging to be released. Dr Ronnie (pictured) is now is a a tenured professor of English at Cincinnati State Technical and Community College, a public speaker, and actor Ronnie is part of a little-known community of people who are 'transgracial' - meaning they are both transgender and identify as transracial. People who are transracial believe that race is a social construct and therefore a 'choice', but the idea of 'changing' race is highly controversial. A famous example of a transracial person is Rachel Dolezal, the former NAACP leader, who, in 2015, was unmasked as a white woman whose family is primarily of European descent. The revelation provoked outrage around the world and on social media after she said the 'idea of race is a lie'. Speaking during an interview with BBC's Newsnight that year, she claimed that ethnicity is not biological and compared being 'transracial' to being transgender - prompting X (formerly Twitter) users to accuse her of using 'white privilege' to make her arguments. Despite the criticism, Rachel doubled down on her transracial identity, describing herself as 'unapologetically Black' in a 2019 documentary. Rachel has praised Dr Ronnie Gladdens work, saying it 'encourages us to expand our concept of acceptance and inclusion.' Dr Ronnie, who holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership from Northern Kentucky University, subscribes to the idea that there is no innate or biological difference between races. Dr Ronnie's book White Girl Within describes the inner battle of existing with incongruent identities Dr Ronnie (pictured) started experiencing transgracial feelings as a four-year-old - and they have continued throughout his life They claim race is a social construct which is based on how people see and treat others, and how people treat themselves. 'I know race is not real,' Ronnie writes in their book. 'It's only so because society says it is.' Ronnie undertook surgery, with a first nose job at 19, combined with 'some work on the lips'. They also wear foundation in a lighter shade than their skin but they acknowledge that their outward appearance does not relay to the world their inner feeling of being a white woman. 'My skin is pretty brown in terms of complexion,' Ronnie recently told BBC Radio 4. My hair is thick. It's got twists and waves. Is doing a lot of different things, but I see that as an expression of my mind.' In the same interview, Ronnie described how feeling like a white female dates back to a very young age. As far back as pre-school, aged four, they wanted to be like their white girl peers. The academic explained: 'I remember [...] being outside in the playground and wanting to animate in the same way that I saw my classmates - in the way that their hair would respond to the wind and would flap around. I wanted to have the rosy cheeks.' Describing the feeling further during a TedX talk, Ronnie explained: 'I present as black and male, yet internally, I possess a white girl within.' They continued: 'Back then, I knew [...] that I was drawn to the white female aesthetic. I magnetically connected with the hair texture, the skin complexion, the bone structure, the social cues and the mathematics of that all.' Dr Ronnie Gladden's work has been praised by Rachel Dolezal who says she identifies as a black woman despite presenting as white and being of European descent Ronnie described this realisation as 'surprising, perplexing, daunting, and extremely inconvenient, to say the very least'. They told Medium that the 'psychological weight' of that realisation sent them into 'the depths of a depression and a minor oblivion.' According to Ronnie, people may argue that as a young child surrounded by mainly white children, it would 'make sense that you would feel like that's how you should look'. However, the feeling has carried through to adult life. Dr Gladden experienced violence as a child and young person - including the murder of their half-sister while in middle school. In addition to other childhood trauma, the writer has described their father as abusive. Poignantly, they reveal how they believed they could have stood up to the violence if they had been a white girl, saying: 'I thought that there was a power of beauty, a power of skin.' According to the writer, they could have given the message to 'back the hell off' with 'that kind of authority embodied within white femaleness'. Ronnie, who has been in therapy for almost two decades, said that transitioning from the inside out is something they've spent much time thinking about. This is something they explained in detail in their book White Girl Within: Letters of Self-Discovery Between a Transgender and Transracial Black Man and His Inner Female. The book takes the form of a series of letters written from Dr Gladden's identities as a black male and white female. According to Ronnie, while growing up, they saw themselves 'reflected' in a number of women, including Full House character Kimmy Gibler, rock star Joan Jett, and actor Anne Hathaway, describing the sensation as being 'insistent, consistent and persistent throughout the years'. Their expansive education, they have said, was a journey that helped strengthen their mental health. Among their studies, Ronnie attended International Summer Schools at the University of Cambridge, and then continued to work within academia, travelling widely teaching, performing, and mentoring. Despite first having the feelings of being a white female at just four, by middle-age, Dr Ronnie has written about how they were still facing 'unfinished business' when it came to working on holding these distinct identities. But despite these struggles, Ronnie wrote: 'Through all the noir, I know the light of my White femaleness swirls and lurks about. I thought it would always just have to be this way.' Speaking during their TedX talk, the academic, who regularly speaks about identity, diversity, and inclusion for K-12 schools, universities, and nonprofits spoke about how transgracial identities have been represented in popular culture. Among them, they listed Whoopi Goldberg in the movie The Associate, portraying a white male. They also cited Jennifer Lawrence as Mystique in the Marvel franchise, saying 'through her character Mystique, she was able to represent an amalgamation of different kinds of races, ethnicities and even species'. The tome features a series of letters, from Ronnie to themselves, discussing coming to terms with the transgracial identity Describing how they reached their own identity, Dr Ronnie wrote in their book that they are a female brought along into the time of an adult season'. Yet the journey is not a straightforward one: they note their development 'was not linear', and they are still 'working to get caught up with everything'. Among them are 'my voice, my looks, my actions, my stride - and my time'. Describing their acceptance of their identity, they wrote: 'Ronnie, your life and form always eclipses me. It's true, I'm a White girl. And for the longest time I've been your White girl. I know I'm me because I see it. 'The subtext abounds. It's those eyes from three-dimensional White females that see me buried in you. Their instinct knows it and feels it.' In my friend group a handful of our sons turned 19 this year, and a hot topic of conversation has been the relationship between 19-year-old Cruz Beckham and 29- year-old Jackie Apostel. We've all wondered how we would feel in Victoria's shoes and if we would react as the Beckhams have, with no outward sign that they deem the relationship inappropriate. Instead, they have chosen to keep their son and his Brazilian girlfriend close, hoping it's just a 'Mrs Robinson' phase. David is reportedly relaxed about the situation, believing its every young boy's dream to be with an older, experienced woman. In our group, however, the general opinion is that it is an inappropriate age gap relationship and if any one of our boys rocked up with Jackie we wouldn't be pleased. Girls mature faster than boys. A 19-year-old boy is still at the stage where he is finding himself, and I am not certain that the influence of a woman ten years his senior is the appropriate thing. And what if the tables were turned? Would David be equally thrilled if his only daughter Harper once she turned 19 was dating a man ten years her senior? Jackie Apostel, 29, and Cruz Beckham, 19, leaving their hotel during Paris Fashion Week, where they attended his mother Victoria Beckham's show Raj Gill, 51, with her son Jeevan, 19, who is the same age as Cruz Beckham. Raj says she would not be happy with him dating a woman who is 10 years older when he's not even an adult himself I doubt that very much. In general we tend to be far more over protective with our daughters than our sons. Cruz is too young to know his own mind, and if he thinks Jackie is the love of his life, I doubt he is thinking straight. This is likely to be the first in a long line of affairs of the heart for him. One telltale sign that all is not what it seems in the Beckham world is that neither David nor Victoria have acknowledged Jackie's existence on the various social media platforms that the pair of them regularly update. This is a sure sign that they hope that this relationship will not last the course. Nineteen is too young, and can be quite a confusing time. A child has barely just left school and might be entering the work world or pursuing higher education. It's time to be hanging about with one's peers, others who are going through the same things. It can be a confusing time, all of a sudden you have to adult. It's a time when you are entering the real world. I have a 19-year-old son and a 21-year-old daughter. My son, Jeevan left school at 18 and started university. That in itself was a massive upheaval. Gone were the cushty days of school; he was ferried back and forth from school by us or a member of the family. Raj has questioned what Cruz and Jackie, pictured at Paris Fashion Week, have in common given the age gap Jackie also bears a striking resemblance to Cruz's mother Victoria, sharing the same glamorous fashion sense Jackie and Cruz at Paris Fashion Week with his younger sister Harper and father David. Raj questions whether David would be happy with Harper dating someone 10 years older when she turns 19 He was driven around to all of his after school clubs; we kept a close eye on his school work. And then everything changed. He had to decide what was to come next, further education or entering the working world, even that is a tough decision. How is he supposed to know at age 18, what he wants to do for the rest of his life? He chose further education, the next decision was in what subject. This took months of research and soul searching. What was it that he could see himself doing for the rest of his life? Eventually he decided on civil engineering, but even that took up copious amounts of research and advice seeking from others who had graduated from the course. Raj wants her son's focus to 'be on himself and finding himself, growing as a young man' Jeevan is lucky that his friends circle are all his age, they are all having similar experiences and can rely on each other if they should face difficulties, because they have a better understanding of the situations that 19 year olds can get themselves into. Jeevan took the summer to show us that he can be responsible and as a result had a not too bumpy ride into adulthood. He set himself several goals: get a summer job, join the gym, get a driving licence etc, and he achieved every single one of these goals. He wanted to prove that he was ready to take control of his life and that he was ready to embark on adulthood. So if at this point he met someone ten years his senior I doubt very much that we would be accepting. He has taken the summer to lay the foundations of being an adult, there's a lot more hard work to be done. His focus has to be on himself and finding himself, growing as a young man. My husband and I are the same age, and we share the same interests, grew up in similar backgrounds. We get each other's cultural references; we have so much in common, because it is an age-appropriate relationship. I wonder how integrated Cruz is in Jackie's world. It must feel strange for him, hanging about with her friends if they are all in their late 20s, what does he find to talk about with them? I also wonder would Jacqui even consider dating him, if he wasn't a Beckham. Surely that star appeal was a strong attraction. Let's face it, she was FROW at Paris Fashion week, she most recently spent time with the Beckhams in Miami, none of which would happen if she went out with a regular lad. It's also strange that she is Victoria's doppelganger and the fact that she leans into that and massively plays on it is kind of disturbing. Prince William has reminisced about his personal connections with Africa ahead of his four-day visit to Cape Town for the Earthshot prize ceremony. The Prince of Wales, 42, said the continent holds a 'special place in my heart', as somewhere he 'found comfort as a teenager' - and where he proposed to Kate Middleton. Prince William proposed to the Princess of Wales during a romantic getaway to Kenya in 2010. He had been carrying the engagement ring - which once belonged to Princess Diana - around in his backpack for weeks beforehand. On Monday, the heir to the throne will begin a four-day visit to South Africa, called Earthshot Week, which will showcase young African environmentalists and include a meeting with the country's prime minister, Cyril Ramaphosa. The Prince of Wales will also give what Kensington Palace has described as a landmark speech on nature, the environment and his support for wildlife rangers, at the start of a two-day summit for United for Wildlife, his umbrella organisation combating the illegal trafficking of animals. Prince William has reminisced about his personal connections with Africa ahead of his four-day visit to Cape Town for the Earthshot prize ceremony next week Prince William made a sweet nod to his wife Kate in a lengthy post on social media Ahead of this, the prince said: 'Africa has always held a special place in my heart as somewhere I found comfort as a teenager, where I proposed to my wife and most recently as the founding inspiration behind The Earthshot Prize. 'It was in Namibia in 2018 that I realised the power of how innovative, positive solutions to environmental problems could drive transformative change for humans and nature. 'I am proud that since its inception The Earthshot Prize has travelled to Europe, North America and Asia, spotlighting and scaling 45 groundbreaking solutions, all of which are having a tangible impact as we work as a global collective to secure the future of our planet.' The ceremony will be staged on Wednesday in a reusable dome that has been used for a number of events, with an estimated 650 jobs created or working on building the structure. For the first time, more than 1,000 members of the public are set to join The Prince and special guests during the Ceremony at the purpose-built Earthshot Prize Dome in Cape Town. It is expected that Prince William will visit the capital city without his wife Kate Middleton, who is prioritising her recovery after completing chemotherapy this year. Prince William said: 'This week well travel to South Africa to spotlight our next cohort of 15 Finalists and have the opportunity to join partners from across Africa to celebrate the inspiring approach to environmental innovation that is taking place across the continent. 'By the end of the week, I want The Earthshot Prize to have provided a platform to all those innovators bringing about change for their communities, encouraged potential investors to speed African solutions to scale and inspired young people across Africa who are engaged in climate issues. 'I firmly believe that if we come together with collective ambition and urgency, we can reshape the future of our planet.' The Prince of Wales, 42, said the continent holds a 'special place in my heart', as somewhere he 'found comfort as a teenager' - and where he proposed to Kate Middleton Prince William proposed to the Princess of Wales during a romantic getaway to Kenya in 2010 The ceremony will be staged on Wednesday in a reusable dome that has been used for a number of events, with an estimated 600 jobs created or working on building the structure There will be an exclusive performance on Table Mountain to open the fourth annual Awards Ceremony and local landmarks are set to light up green to celebrate the occasion. The show will open with an exclusive performance by Lebo M. of Circle of Life from The Lion King, pre-recorded at the top of Table Mountain. It is the first time that such a performance has been recorded at the site. The finalists, from countries including France, Ghana, Indonesia and Nepal, are vying for a 1 million prize pot awarded to each winner of five categories, with the money earmarked to develop their ideas. The five categories, or Earthshots are: protect and restore nature; clean our air; revive our oceans; build a waste-free world; and fix our climate. The initiative was inspired by former US president John F Kennedy's Moonshot project which set scientists the challenge of placing an astronaut on the Moon and returning him safely - and in the process helped advance technology. William pictured at the Earthshot awards ceremony last year The prince pictured alongside Hannah Jones, who is CEO of the Earthshot Awards The prince was pictured with Hannah Waddingham, who attended last years ceremony Among the finalists in the build a waste-free world category is Keep It Cool, a Kenyan based company using solar powered refrigeration to help cut harvest waste for farmers. The fix our climate category features American company Advanced Thermovoltaic Systems, which is converting excess heat, produced during the making of steel or cement, into electricity. UK start-up NatureMetrics, a protect and restore nature finalist, is using environmental DNA technology to identify species populations and report environmental and conservation impacts. King Charles enjoyed a fresh start to the day as he stepped out into the cold to attend a church service. The monarch, 75, appeared on good form as he braved the chilly November morning to attend a Sunday service at the Church of St Mary Magdalene on the Sandringham estate in Norfolk. While his wife, Camilla, 77, appeared to be absent from the service, he was joined by a number of other guests. Charles was pictured waving cordially as he joined in conversation with Reverend Canon Paul William of the Sandringham parish. The monarch looked smartly turned out in a long tan overcoat paired with grey trousers and chestnut coloured brogue shoes. King Charles enjoyed a fresh start to the day as he stepped out into the cold to attend church service Beneath his long overcoat, the monarch appeared to sport a light blue shirt. Other guests at the service also looked smart in similar dress overcoats and warm winter hats to shield from the chill morning. As he stood chatting to the Reverend, the King was pictured waving behind a seasonal backdrop of fields and autumnal leaves. Meanwhile, reverend Canon, draped in an alb, was seen smiling as he strolled towards the church alongside Charles. The outing comes after revelations the king is making millions out of the cash-strapped NHS, according to a shocking investigation into secretive royal finances by Channel 4 and the Sunday Times. The Duchy of Lancaster, a property empire which provides a private income to the monarch, is charging one NHS trust at least 11.4 million in rent to store its ambulances over the next 15 years. Bombshell documents reveal the duchy is earning 830,000 a year from renting a two-storey warehouse to Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust in London. The unprecedented audit of the Duchies of Lancaster and Cornwall, the Prince of Wales's private estate, shows taypayers are shelling out millions every year to boost the wealth of the senior royals. The Duchy of Cornwall, helmed by Prince William , says that 'it is not a public body, nor is it funded by the taxpayer' As well as the NHS, the Ministry of Defence, local authorities and other public bodies are swelling the coffers of the Duchies, a Channel 4 Dispatches investigation broadcast last night found. Charities even those where the King is patron are also stumping up millions, the five-month investigation of more than 5,000 landholdings and properties shows. The revelations come as struggling Britons were hit by Chancellor Rachel Reeves's 40 billion tax hike budget last week and will spark renewed debate about how much tax the royals should pay, and how secretive they are about their operations. Duchy money is private income for Charles and William on top of the Sovereign Grant, which will pay the Royal Family 132 million next year, up 50 per cent on this year. The Duchies are run as commercial enterprises, but pay no capital gains tax nor corporation tax. Both Charles and William do pay income tax, but it is not clear how much. Dame Margaret Hodge, former chair of the Public Accounts Committee, led calls for greater transparency of royal finances and for the tax regime to be tightened up. The estates have helped make the British royal family one of the richest in the world, generating almost 50 million for the King and the Prince of Wales in the last year alone She said: 'I'd love King Charles to volunteer that he would open up the affairs of all these organisations to much greater public scrutiny at a time when people are feeling poor. It's taxpayers' money.' The Duchy of Lancaster, which last year generated 27.4 million for the King, and the Duchy of Cornwall, which raised 23.6 million for William, are not required to pay business taxes. Both estates claim they are not funded by the taxpayer, but the cache of documents obtained by Dispatches and the Sunday Times lay bare the huge income they receive from public services. As reported in the Daily Mail, the Duchy of Cornwall said it is 'a private estate with a commercial imperative... committed to restoring the natural environment', and said it was 'acting in a responsible and sustainable way' on mining. The Duchy of Lancaster said it 'operates as a commercial company' and 'complies with all relevant UK legislation'. Meanwhile, the king and queen are set to take a visit to Italy next year - if health permitting. Charles, who is still undergoing cancer treatment, is said to have felt 'lifted' by his recent trip to Australia and Samoa, where he carried out up to ten engagements a day. The king is now set to return to a 'full programme' of overseas tours next year following a new vote of confidence in his health from his doctors. And sources close to Charles, who paused treatment to undertake the 30,000-mile, 11-day round-trip, have explained it was all part of his 'mind, body and soul' approach to his cancer battle. Other guests at the service also looked smart in similar dress overcoats and warm winter hats to shield from the chill morning It comes after the news that the king and queen will take a visit to Italy next year - if health permitting Travelling in particular is seen as a tonic for the King, who will likely visit the capital city of Rome and schedule an audience with the Pope at the Vatican. Charles was so buoyed by his Australia tour - as were his doctors - that he is looking at a return to normality next year. 'We're now working on a pretty normal-looking full overseas tour programme for next year,' a senior royal official said, suggesting that the traditional spring and autumn tours will be back on the cards. Speaking about a potential visit to Italy, one royal source told The Mirror: 'The King is raring to go and incredibly positive about making plans for the future. 'Although in the early stages, a visit to Italy would provide a fantastic opportunity for the King and Queen to represent the UK and take in some of the incredible sites of one of our closest neighbours.' King Charles III and Queen Camilla during a farewell ceremony at Siumu Village on the final day of the royal visit to Australia and Samoa Pictured: King Charles and Queen Camilla are hoping to visit Italy next year, with the monarch said to be keen to 'make up for lost time'. The royal couple in Florence in 2017 Another insider said the King was 'keen to make up for lost time', having taken a step back to undergo treatment for cancer. Charles is said to be optimistic and see the future as 'bright', which could not always be said to have been the case after the King was diagnosed earlier this year. After the initial shock of such a 'striking' diagnosis, he realised 'in a heartbeat' how much he had in common with so many millions of people in the UK and across the Commonwealth. It's been a huge source of strength, they say, for him to talk to others about their shared experiences. And he hopes others have taken comfort from the fact that even 'a king can get cancer'. Charles and Camilla last made an official visit to Italy in 2017, as the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall. Actor Shaun Evans was far from his typical clean-cut self as he transformed into a serial killer for ITV's brand new crime drama Until I Kill You. The four-part show, which also stars Anna Maxwell Martin, tells the true story of Delia Balmer, who survived a near-fatal relationship with John Sweeney, played by Evans. Starting on Sunday night, the much-anticipated programme will air over four consecutive nights - based on Ms Balmer's memoir Living With A Serial Killer. But rather then the clean-shaven police inspector viewers are used to seeing Evans play in the detective drama Endeavour, the actor is sporting a very different look in Until I Kill You. As Sweeney, Evans is a far more rugged version of himself, with longer, unkempt hair and a full beard. The style suits this gritty role, but fans might be shocked by his transformation. Actor Shaun Evans was far from his typical clean-cut self as he transformed into a serial killer for ITV 's brand new crime drama Until I Kill You The four-part show, which also stars Anna Maxwell Martin, tells the true story of Delia Balmer, who survived a near-fatal relationship with John Sweeney, played by Evans Until I Kill You follows Maxwell Martin as Ms Balmer, one of Sweeney's ex-girlfriends who is seeking justice over the attacks she was subjected to by her former lover. The synopsis for the drama reads: 'In 1991, Delia leads an itinerant and solitary life in London working as an agency nurse. When she meets fellow free-spirit John Sweeney in a local pub, it seems like the connection she has been searching for. 'As the relationship develops, Sweeney's artistic, anti-establishment persona gives way to a darker side, culminating in a series of violent attacks on Delia, during which he tells her he killed his former girlfriend and disposed of her body in an Amsterdam canal. 'Sweeney is arrested but, due to a catastrophic failure by the court to realise how dangerous he is, granted bail. He immediately pursues Delia and subjects her to a horrific, near-fatal attack. 'She survives, but Sweeney evades capture and disappears.' Pictured: Shaun Evans as Endeavour Morse in the ITV drama 'Endeavour' Starting on Sunday night, the much-anticipated programme will air over four consecutive nights - based on Ms Balmer's memoir Living With A Serial Killer Sweeney returns seven years later, and is arrested for the murder of another girlfriend - 31-year-old Paula Fields - in north London. This leads to Ms Balmer having to face her tormentor in open court, as her testimony was 'vital to the prosecution case against him'. Sweeney was handed a life sentence for the murder of Fields and another woman, Melissa Halstead, whose body was found in a canal in Rotterdam in 1990, in 2011. As Sweeney, Evans is a far more rugged version of himself, with longer, unkempt hair and a full beard. The style suits this gritty role, but fans might be shocked by his transformation Until I Kill You follows Maxwell Martin as Ms Balmer, one of Sweeney's ex-girlfriends who is seeking justice over the attacks she was subjected to by her former lover Sweeney was handed a life sentence for the murder of Fields and another woman, Melissa Halstead, whose body was found in a canal in Rotterdam in 1990, in 2011 Discussing the role, Evans told Radio Times: 'The story that we are telling takes place over about 15 to 20 years, over the course of a womans life - called Delia Balmer. 'It is essentially about how this woman fell victim in one of her personal relationships to coercive behaviour, gaslighting, domestic abuse and violence. 'She was ultimately let down by the judicial system until they really needed her as a linchpin in their case against the guy. Thats basically the gist of the story.' Queen Mary of Denmark looked glamorous today as she attended the Hubertus Hunt in Dyrehaven. The stylish royal, 52, attended the annual event with her daughter, Princess Josephine, 13, and her friend. The beaming monarch appeared in good spirits and appeared unfazed following the one-year anniversary of her husband King Frederik's rumoured affair scandal - on which he enjoyed a hunt of his own in Jutland. The Hubertus Hunt is an annual cross-country horse race held on the first Sunday of November in Deer Park in Klampenborg, north of Copenhagen. Dating back to the 1900s, the event marks the end of the Danish hunting season, with 160 hunters on horseback riding over hedges and water features across the park, tackling a 13km route. It attracts some 40,000 spectators. Queen Mary of Denmark looked glamorous today as she attended the Hubertus Hunt in Dyrehaven Queen Mary greeted the winners of the competition, Nils Goldschmidt, and his horse. The mother-of-four could not hide her excitement, as she beamed while stroking the brunette pony and posed for photos. Mary was the epitome of equestrian style as she stepped out in a padded charcoal quilted gilet which she layered with a navy longline coat. She put her best fashion foot forward in a white turtleneck jumper and forest green corduroy trousers, which were flared at the hem, and finished her ensemble with a pair of brown leather boots. Mary accessorised her look with a grey wide-brimmed hat and a tan-coloured Prada shopper bag. Princess Josephine took a note out of her mother's style book, sporting a smart checkered coat, which both Queen Mary and Princess Isabella have worn in the past. She donned a white jumper, pink scarf, grey hat, and a baggy pair of indigo-blue denim jeans with chocolate brown heeled boots. The mother-daughter duo usually attend the event together and decided to bring along one of Josephine's friends this year, who donned a navy puffer coat and a pair of dark blue jeans. I t was once a real hunt but now the traditional fox and stag have been replaced by a set course for the riders in red jackets and their horses - with two leading riders wearing a fox tail on their shoulders. The stylish royal, 52, attended the annual event with her daughter, Princess Josephine, 13 Queen Mary greeted the winners of the competition, Nils Goldschmidt, and his horse Mary accessorised her look with a grey wide-brimmed hat and a tan-coloured Prada shopper bag Queen Mary was joined by Princess Josephine (C) and her friend (L) The mother-of-four could not hide her excitement, as she beamed while stroking the brunette pony and posed for photos Queen Mary appeared to be enjoying the horse's company as she stroked the animal In the past, hounds were used to track the fox and the field followed both animals. Princess Mary became patron of the Hubertus Hunt's event following the death of her father-in-law Prince Henrik in 2018. Josephine and Mary's appearance comes as the pair jetted back from Australia yesterday after a surprise visit to the Queen's homeland. It is understood she flew home to Hobart last week to attend her niece's wedding before travelling to Sydney, where she soaked up the sun at some of the city's most picturesque beaches. After spending almost a week in her home country, Mary was seen jetting out of Australia with her 13-year-old twins Josephine and Vincent. Mary last visited Australia in December with her twins to spend Christmas with her family. Her return to Australia comes 12 months after rumours exploded about her husband King Frederik, 56, having an affair with Mexican socialite Genoveva Casanova, which have been strenuously denied. Queen Mary and Princess Josephine looked tense as they watch the hunt Mary was the epitome of equestrian style as she stepped out in a padded charcoal quilted gilet which she layered with a navy longline coat The mother-daughter duo usually attend the event together every year Princess Mary became patron of the Hubertus Hunt's event following the death of her father-in-law Prince Henrik in 2018 Queen Mary of Denmark poses with the winner of the Hubertus Hunt Queen Mary reacts as the crowd cheers during the annual event today Princess Josephine is pictured shaking hands with one of the riders Frederik did not join his wife on her trip to Australia, choosing to stay in Denmark on official business. However, his decision to stay home has raised the eyebrows of Danish royal fans who have closely watched the couple since the 'affair' scandal rocked their relationship. Cracks began to appear in the pair's fairytale romance after the then-Crown Prince was photographed on a night out with Ms Casanova in Madrid last October. Ms Casanova strongly denied any affair with Frederik immediately after pictures of the pair together emerged and has refused to speak on the matter since. Weeks after the pictures of the now King and Ms Casanova were published, Mary was spotted on another holiday in Sydney without Frederik. Holidays for me are always destinations with a foodie theme. Indeed, I fell in love with my husband Pascal while on holiday in south-west France, where we now live. For those who don't know, our region is home to cep mushrooms, duck confit and walnut-flavoured cheeses. Over the last 17 years we've been together, whenever I go to a new restaurant in France I always have to try their tarte au citron and Pascal, 63, always orders the creme brulee - especially if it's homemade. It's our tradition. All of these culinary experiences have created memories which form the bedrock of our marriage. Yet, four months ago, it was me who unwittingly introduced a third party into our marriage, an interloper if you will. One that would have life-enhancing health benefits for my husband. Yes, I'm talking about the only mid-life conversation starter this year: Ozempic. Samantha Brick and her husband Pascal, 63, have been together for 17 years and live in France Yet when I see that bloody oblong blue and white box in my fridge, nestled between my salted Brittany butter and homemade fig jam, there are times when I'm truly tempted to chuck it in the bin. And yet I never, ever will because 'it' is here to stay. The box contains a month's supply of Ozempic, an anti-diabetic medication which has genuinely worked wonders on my husband's dangerously high blood sugar levels. The bonus side effect is that it acts on the satiety centres in the brain, reducing the feeling of hunger - hence its reputation as a fat-busting miracle jab which has prompted the launch of new treatments such as Wegovy and Mounjaro, specifically for weight loss. Yet it's no fun living with someone who is never hungry. Pascal was prescribed Ozempic at the start of July and, while his blood sugar levels are now within a normal range, thanks to losing his lust for food, he has also lost ten kilos. And my goodness, I don't think either of us were expecting the impact that the words 'no thanks, I'm not hungry' would have on our social life and on our relationship! I'm not being overly-dramatic either. As a writer, I work from home and my husband is a retired carpenter. For the last 18 months he has largely been confined to the grounds of our home due to ongoing health problems. Since his retirement two years ago, he has never been far from a hospital. Hip replacement, knee replacement, digestive issues, heart problems - you name it, he's had it. In other words, we spend a lot of time together. I managed to find some joy in this, because even though life at times has been dire, it meant I could care for him by cooking delicious meals. Accordingly, our days revolved around meal times and, on reflection, our kitchen has always been the heart of our home. Ozempic has worked wonders on Pascal's dangerously high blood sugar levels but he is now never hungry But, since the introduction of the so-called 'wonder drug' into our lives, the shopping bill has plummeted because he eats like a sparrow. The electricity bill probably has too because I barely use the oven anymore. And he has lost a steady two kilos a month, which is, as far as we're concerned, a triumph. I know, I know, I should be grateful! Yet the change I hadn't anticipated is the one on our relationship. More often than not we don't eat together anymore. He takes breakfast in our bedroom to have with the cocktail of drugs he takes, lunch is 'picky' foods, such as slices of meat with vegetables, and in the evening it's not much more than a greek yoghurt, and what's the point in preparing the table for that? I've only got myself to blame because I was the one who needled my husband for months (and months) about exploring the drug. After all, isn't it always us women who are better informed when it comes to our other halves' health? He was reluctant and who can blame him. Googling the effects of the drugs brings up 'after' images of celebrities looking... well, odd. But by the end of June, his blood sugar levels were persistently high. Pascal wears a glucose monitor which means he can constantly track his levels. I was concerned as, at one point, the reading was so dangerously high he was at risk of falling into a coma. It was a sign (to me) that, even on the prescribed diabetic drugs he was already taking, his body was struggling. Yet, living in rural France, I assumed I'd have to do battle with our GP to get Ozempic. After all, he still hand-writes our prescriptions. I couldn't have been more wrong. The GP's eyes lit up and he proclaimed it 'une bonne idee' because Pascal would also lose weight. If I could have run to the pharmacy, I would have. What I hadn't appreciated is that starting the injections in the middle of the week was not the best idea. On the starting dosage of 1mg, the first 48 hours were tough. My husband is half-Catalan and can be very black and white in his thinking. I was afraid he would simply refuse to administer another injection because the effects were pretty rough. Samantha says she would 'caution' any couple going on the weight-loss jab journey to really think it through I didn't mind supporting him through the first weeks when he had waves of nausea and was throwing up. Washing out the bowl after he'd been violently ill was made tolerable because his blood sugar was stabilising. And besides, the weight loss was impressive! Two kilos in the first week! After a month of the jabs and a bit of research conducted by yours truly I discovered that, if we moved the day of injection, the waves of nausea wouldn't interfere with any plans we had during the week. It took me by surprise how sudden the cut-off was when it came to food. He simply wasn't hungry. Yet, because of his diabetes, he needed to eat regularly, and he did, albeit very reluctantly. Breakfast went from yoghurts and bananas, to just a half portion of both. At lunchtime he'd ask for protein yoghurt. In the evening it was more fruit and yogurt. I had naively assumed that this rapid reduction in appetite was a temporary thing while he adjusted to the medication. But no, his was a new way of eating. The first time I noticed the impact on our social life was when my mum came to stay, the same month he started the injections. She suggested we all go out for a spot of lunch but, seeing how much discomfort Pascal was in during the day following the injection, the idea was knocked on the head. So neither she nor I got to indulge in a hearty French bistro's cuisine. I do appreciate that over the past few decades, as a society, we have over-eaten, ignoring the amount of calories our bodies actually need, but there must be a balance. Every summer, we welcome my sisters and their families, along with my stepdaughter and granddaughter. The couple on their wedding day. Samantha says she fell in love with Pascal while on holiday in south-west France It's always been a tradition for Pascal to man the barbecue, cooking for up to eight people at any one time. He gave it a go this year, but did he eat with us? Well, he sat at the table nibbling at the odd sausage, picking at his plate like someone with an eating disorder. Previously, he'd take delight in doing a breakfast-run to the local boulangerie for pastries: buttery croissants and pain au chocolats, still warm from the oven. Yet now, because he wasn't eating them, it didn't occur to him to offer to go and get them. In the past, my family loved to take us out for a hefty three-course meal to say thank you for hosting them. Not this year. I'm not saying Pascal's a party-pooper - and he is probably as surprised as I am at how much his desire to celebrate life events with loved ones has gone by the wayside. In fairness, he is still adjusting to his new eating habits, and we have now compromised. He will eat lunch with me at the table, but it's usually just a slice of roast beef or a sliver of steak and some green beans tossed in a smidgeon of butter and garlic. Don't get me started on the barely-touched baguettes he insists I still buy, which now take up far too much room in our freezer. Every day I'm constantly researching new ways to excite his tastebuds. I'm definitely not one of life's feeders and I have always kept a keen eye on my weight. I jump on the scales in the buff most mornings to keep a check on my 65 kilos, scaling back meals if the needle fluctuates. And nowadays I'm mostly vegetarian, so I have never minded preparing my own food. But I do like cooking for my other half. It's how we show we love someone, after all. Besides, when Pascal and I first got together, our 'coup de foudre' occurred when he spotted me in a village bistro. Today, there is no guarantee we would have met because, ever since he started Ozempic, we haven't eaten out as a couple. On a recent trip to Spain for a week, we chose a five-star hotel on the Med. Pascal made the booking, including breakfast. I don't know why he bothered, because he just picked at it. We were there for a week and never ate outside the hotel. We usually adore trying local restaurants - but what was the point? I know Pascal must miss having lovely dishes too. He was a great one for posting something delicious on social media, but since Ozempic took over our culinary lives there have been no images of any gastronomic memories on his Instagram account. I've had to find other ways to show up as a loving and attentive wife because being in the kitchen is a role I've always embraced (willingly, I might add), even before my husband was ill. I'm sure I'm not the only wife who knows that the way to a man's heart is through his stomach, using his favourite meals whenever we'd had a fallout as a way to make up. Food, psychologically, is about so much more than calories in, calories out. When we eat together we connect, we rejoice, we commiserate and we communicate. I'm currently booking up lunch dates with friends to see before Christmas and in planning those lunches I will absolutely be checking who is jabbing and who isn't. As a guest, I'd caution everyone to flag if you're doing the same, just as vegetarians do. Tell your host that you're using a weight-loss jab because otherwise (trust me) they'll be incredibly put out. I'd caution any couple going on this 'journey' to really think it through. It doesn't matter which person in the couple is getting the jab because the other half's life is going to be hugely impacted. Today Pascal has the jab on Saturdays so the nauseous effects occur on a Sunday when we don't do a great deal. If you don't sit down and honestly talk this through then I have no doubt we'll be a reading about the first Ozempic divorce in the not too distant future. Everyone loves to celebrate a special holiday or life event here in Auburn or in Ukraine. There are some slight differences between the two countries. In my country, we only celebrate birthdays on the birth day or after, because life is very short and uncertain and you never know if you might live to see the next year. Even to congratulate someone beforehand is bad luck. You can call your friend on the birthday or afterwards. Here in the U.S., it seems birthdays are celebrated whenever it is convenient for the family. Ukrainians like to give flowers for special days, but only in a bouquet with an uneven number of flowers. If a woman has a big celebration like 60 years old, everyone gives three, five or 61 flowers. Never 60. However, for a funeral, one gives flowers in even numbers. Superstition. Ukraine doesnt have the tradition of having a baby shower before the child is born. Again, this could be bad luck. I attended a baby shower recently. It was a very open and happy day. The gender of the child was revealed, but that would not happen in Ukraine. There, people are more hesitant to tell about being pregnant or celebrating before the birth itself. Instead, after the baby is born, someone rushes off to buy all the necessary items. It is believed that one must wait until after the birth to make sure everything has gone well. Before a child is baptized, the parents do not show the child off. Afterwards, then there is a big, happy baby shower with friends and family. This leads me to July 4, Halloween and Thanksgiving. These are not at all Ukrainian holidays! July 4 is a great tradition, because it unites everyone who came to America before or now, just like me or other recent immigrants. My big American family almost 30 of us went to Emerson Park for the symphony concert and the beautiful fireworks. I saw many other Ukrainian people enjoying the evening as well. My nephew was married in Cyprus that day, and I sent him a video of our July 4 observation. A very patriotic holiday. Halloween is something I do not understand. For me, it is all about decorations and costumes, but what is the point? It is cute and the kids at school certainly get excited about it. In Ukraine, we just dont have Halloween, but in more recent years, it has started to catch on with decorations only in restaurants and other public places. There is no trick-or-treating. I have been asked how we celebrate Thanksgiving in Ukraine. We dont, as it is purely an American holiday. I had only been in Auburn for a few months when Thanksgiving dinner was served. I like all the food, especially turkey with stuffing, squash, mashed potatoes, cranberry jelly and apple pie, but pumpkin pie not so much. I do think all the trimmings are my favorite American food. I had read about Native Americans and Pilgrims gathering together to share a meal. My entire family gathered at one home. What a group! I was worried that I didnt know everyones name, but they all knew me. Now two years later, I know so many family members and people in the community. In my next column, I hope to share some Ukrainian traditions for Christmas and a special recipe. Faces of Ukraine: Refugees in Auburn recall war there, welcoming here AUBURN In July, Maryna Svorin was working in a building in the city of Vinnytsia, Ukraine, when it was struck by a bomb. When Tina O'Connor went to the doctor for a routine health check ahead of starting a family, she never dreamed of the devastating diagnosis that would follow. Tina, from Ireland, arrived in Australia at the age of 27 as a backpacker and has spent the past two decades making a life for herself in Sydney. At 41, she was ready to have a baby so booked in to see her GP in 2021 to check on her fertility and general health. 'The GP suggested an optional health screen because of my age - it wouldn't have been needed if I was 25,' Tina told FEMAIL. 'He said there probably wasn't anything wrong, but he wanted to be sure.' Tina almost didn't go through with the procedure as it wasn't routine. 'I remember the clinic calling me for payment details and wondering if it was necessary,' she said. 'I'm glad I went through with it - because the results revealed I had endometrial cancer.' Endometrial cancer is the most common cancer of the uterus and is caused by the cells in the endometrium growing in an 'uncontrolled' way. It counts for 90-95 per cent of uterine cancer diagnoses, of which there were 667 deaths in 2022. It's the fifth most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia in women. Tina O'Connor is originally from Ireland but now based in Sydney Tina got a phone call from the clinic two days after the test and a shaky voice asked her to come in for the results. Alarm bells immediately started ringing in Tina's head, and she feared the worst. Tina has a family history of cancer and lost her father and a sister to the illness. 'My sister passed away very suddenly from breast cancer the year before which added to my stress and anxiety. I just thought: this can't be happening again,' she said. 'The energy in the room was so strange when I walked in. 'My doctor was fidgeting and couldn't make eye contact with me. That's when I knew something was wrong.' Tina wanted to rip the band-aid off and asked the doctor to tell her what had happened. 'We found some cancer,' he said. 'We recommend that we adjust the course straight away... you need to have a full radical hysterectomy.' The news was devastating. All Tina wanted was a baby she felt this would take that opportunity from her. 'I had absolutely no symptoms, there was nothing suspicious or abnormal about my health,' Tina said. 'No pain or discomfort or anything.' Tina spent the next few weeks not knowing what stage the cancer was or what her prognosis was going to be. 'We were going into another lockdown and I didn't have any family in Sydney,' she shared. 'It was just me living alone with my French bulldog.' Tina's mum wanted to fly over from Ireland and be with her daughter but COVID restrictions at the time meant she was locked out. Tina has a family history of cancer and lost her father and sibling to the illness 'I felt trapped in Australia, my mum was trapped in Ireland, and she'd just lost one of her children the year before - it was very traumatic,' Tina said. She met up with friends in her 'bubble' every day and went on walks in a bid to get some emotional support. 'It was difficult because I didn't know if the cancer was going to be treatable. The doctors just told me I was going to need a hysterectomy - but I didn't know if I was going to die,' she continued. Luckily, the cancer was stage one. Doctors had been able to catch it early thanks to the fertility screen. 'The doctors told me it was a miracle to discover it at all when I had no symptoms or pain,' she said. 'I went through the process of egg retrieval because they were going to take everything out - my uterus, ovaries, cervix, fallopian tubes. 'It was hard to absorb because my plans of becoming a mother immediately evaporated. They told me I shouldn't be thinking of having a child - I needed to focus all my energy on trying to survive.' Tina had keyhole surgery and was prescribed six weeks of bed rest after - but the determined entrepreneur couldn't commit to that much time off. 'I'm a self-employed real estate agent, I remember the next day after surgery almost going back to normal,' she said. 'I still had to work to keep the business afloat. The phone calls were still coming in.' Tina had keyhole surgery and was prescribed six weeks of bed rest after Tina relied on her loved ones for emotional support during her health journey The real estate agent sold $90million worth of property in 2021 Tina didn't need chemotherapy or radiation because the cancer thankfully hadn't spread to her lymph nodes. 'They were more frequent in the past but I still get checks every six months now,' Tina said. However, having cancer brought about a surprising perk: Tina had the best year of her life career-wise and sold $90million worth of property in 2021. 'I was in fight or flight mode the whole time,' she said. 'My idea of accomplishment has changed over the years and although I've never been driven by money, I do love to achieve success and be proud of the career that I've built. 'It doesn't feel that long ago that I was a backpacker answering an advert for a 'part-time' real estate agent in the Inner West - which I soon realised there was no such thing. 'This job is not a 9-to-5 or part-time job, it's an all-consuming lifestyle commitment which I thrive on.' Tina used her work as an outlet to get through the tumultuous time in her personal life. 'I somehow always have so much energy for my job, and it's hard to find. 'I'm grateful I had it as a distraction when I had cancer because if I didn't like my job, it would have been unbearable.' Tina doesn't spend too much time reflecting on that part of her life, but she believes everything happens for a reason. 'I went to the doctor because I wanted to have children, but that option was taken away from me,' she said. The health scare has also made her reconsider several aspects of how she spends her days. 'I strive to stay as fit and healthy as possible,' she said. 'Every week I have a schedule of incline walking, weight training, yoga, sauna, and cold plunges. 'I gave up alcohol in July 2020, which has been one of the best decisions of my life.' 'I think your life is made up of little habits, so I try and better myself in little ways every day,' she said. 'Having cancer during the COVID lockdowns was a dark time, but I got through it, and now I feel like I can get through anything.' An Alzheimer's drug that had been hailed as a major breakthrough may actually increase patients' chance of dying, according to new research. The treatment, lecanemab, was found to triple the risk of death within a year, compared with dementia sufferers not prescribed the drug. Previous studies have suggested it slowed the progression of the incurable brain disease by 25 per cent, providing patients with an estimated four to six months more of healthy life. However, earlier this year the NHS spending watchdog, NICE, refused to fund the drug because it provides 'relatively small benefits... which means it cannot be considered good value'. And last month the watchdog also rejected donanemab, another drug that had showed promise in suppressing symptoms. An Alzheimer's drug that had been hailed as a major breakthrough may actually increase patients' chance of dying (stock photo) The treatment, lecanemab, was found to triple the risk of death within a year, compared with dementia sufferers not prescribed the drug (stock photo) Lecanemab is given every fortnight as an infusion. Donanemab is given once-a-month. Both medicines work by reducing a toxic protein in the brain called amyloid, which is linked to dementia symptoms. Although not available on the NHS, lecanemab has been approved as safe for use by the UK regulator, so is available to patients privately for a cost of around 20,000 a year. However, the new research, which used data from America where the drugs have been used since last year, found that the risk of death was significantly higher than reported in the clinical trials. This equates to an extra 21 excess deaths per 10,000 patients who take lecanemab. Experts say that about 3,000 patients have started taking the drug since it was approved by US health officials in July 2023. Patients taking the drugs are at an increased risk of life-threatening swelling and bleeding in the brain. The experts behind the study warn that 'there is a precedent for the removal of drugs if their side effects or mortality signals are of concern'. Professor Robert Howard, one of the authors of the paper, said: 'The idea that lecanemab is a miracle drug is not supported by the evidence from the trials. It's even dubious to say that they slow down progression, as that is just an interpretation. Off the back of the NICE decision, these are important findings.' Experts say that about 3,000 patients have started taking the drug since it was approved by US health officials in July 2023 (stock photo) earlier this year the NHS spending watchdog, NICE, refused to fund the drug because it provides 'relatively small benefits (stock photo) Prof Howard, an expert in old-age psychiatry at University College London, added: 'We should thank NICE for their leadership in this area, evaluating the true costs tiny benefits and huge risks with these drugs. 'Anybody who has the money to afford lecanemab privately needs to carefully consider this, as the risks are real.' The research is not currently peer-reviewed and Prof Howard notes that 'the data is currently preliminary and there is uncertainty over the true numbers'. The real-world data from the drug's use in America follows a series of deaths during trials. About one in ten trial participants experienced swelling in the brain and one in six had small brain bleeds, which in rare cases led to life-threatening symptoms. Three patients died in the trial. One death was confirmed by Dr Lawrence Honig, a neurologist at Columbia University, New York. A second death was reported by the science website Alzforum. Neither patient has been identified but, according to Dr Honig, one carried a gene called APOE4, which puts patients at greater risk of brain bleeds. About 15 per cent of Alzheimer's patients carry this gene. Previous studies have suggested it slowed the progression of the incurable brain disease by 25 per cent (stock photo) Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia. The disease can cause anxiety, confusion and short-term memory loss The Mail on Sunday was first to report the third death, that of lecanemab trial participant Genevieve Lane, 79, from Florida, who had a fatal seizure in 2022, just a week after her third dose. An autopsy concluded that lecanemab was likely to have triggered the burst blood vessel in her brain that led to her death. A spokesman for manufacturer Eisai said: 'The manuscript posted online features a warning stating that it 'should not be considered conclusive, used to inform clinical practice or referenced by the media as validated information'. 'It is also important to note that these data have not undergone peer review nor been published in a journal. 'Data presented at recent medical meetings demonstrates that lecanemab reports received to date have been consistent with the safety profile observed in the clinical development programme and are continuously reviewed by the FDA [US Food and Drug Administration] and Eisai's pharmacovigilance team.' Churchill's Citadel by Katherine Carter (Yale University Press 20, 432pp) Churchill's Citadel is available now In 1922 Winston Churchill bought a country home in Kent, an hour outside London. Chartwell was a bit of an architectural hotchpotch, but to Churchill it represented a place to retreat to and lick his wounds. Seven years earlier he had been forced to resign as First Lord of the Admiralty after the disastrous Gallipoli campaign, which saw thousands of British and ANZAC troops lose their lives. More recently, he had been forced out of Parliament. While he would manage to scramble back into power two years later, he was out of government again in 1929. When, in 1932, Hitler was given the chance to meet Churchill in Munich, the Nazi leader couldnt see the point. Mr Churchill was yesterdays man. Yet, as Katherine Carter shows in this fascinating book, Churchill used his years of exile at Chartwell to rebuild his life and his political career. There was far more than self-interest in play. Churchill believed passionately that Great Britain was putting itself in grave danger by ignoring the looming international crisis. While prime ministers Baldwin and Chamberlain were busy promoting peace at all costs, Churchill wrote thousands of letters and newspaper articles warning that Herr Hitler was a tyrant with a war mentality who would not stop until he had conquered the world. Time and again, Churchill thundered from Chartwell that Britain desperately needed to expand its military capacity to be ready for the invasion that was just around the corner. Grace Hamblin, one of Churchills several secretaries, recalled peers and potentates as well as ordinary men arriving at Chartwell at all hours of the day and night to discuss the threat of war. The atmosphere at Chartwell wasnt all doom and gloom, though. With access to the household accounts, National Trust curator Katherine Carter paints a delightful portrait of a family home in its many off-duty moments. Although Churchill always seemed old, he had an extraordinary physical stamina and loved the bracing routines of the countryside as much as the next aristocrat (he had, after all, been born at Blenheim Palace). Visitors to Chartwell were surprised to be led by the butler into the grounds to discover their host, cigar clamped between his lips, carefully building the wall of a new cottage. He boasted that he could manage 500 bricks a day. Favoured guests were given cement and a trowel and told to lend a hand. Churchill the builder: Churchill boasted that he could lay 500 bricks a day Political Powerhouse: Chartwell was bought by Churchill in 1922 Churchills appetite was equally prodigious. His adored wife Clemmie did not cook herself she was an aristocrat, after all, cousin to the Mitford girls but she had imaginative ideas about how to feed overnight guests. Carter has delved into the domestic accounts and reports that a typical meal consisted of a starter of gnocchi, followed by chateaubriand, finished with a lemon souffle. Thats not forgetting the alcohol, especially champagne, which flowed so freely that it is amazing anyone was able to stay upright. Eating lavishly three times a day became so ingrained at Chartwell that Diana, the eldest Churchill daughter, confided later that the reason she married early and unwisely was simply to escape the endless feeding. Someone else who couldnt stomach the constant scoffing was T. E. Lawrence, aka Lawrence of Arabia. Churchill regularly summoned the airman to Chartwell to pick his brains about building up the RAF in readiness for the coming conflict, which Churchill was convinced would be won or lost in the skies. Lawrence was down-to-earth, declaring his favourite meal to be fish and chips eaten from a newspaper and no sitting down. Guaranteed to arrive without a dinner jacket, the diminutive Lawrence was obliged to raid the wardrobe of his portly host, with the unfortunate result that he resembled a child in fancy dress with his cuffs dangling in his soup. After dinner, when distinguished guests including Charlie Chaplin and Albert Einstein were staggering away from the table, their host was just getting going. It was in the small hours that Churchill dictated his articles and books to secretaries who were employed on a shift pattern. Joyce Cutting, who worked at Chartwell in 1931, reported that Mr Churchill sometimes dictated while wearing only pink Celanese underwear. Alarming though this sounds, Joyce was probably referring to the 1930s equivalent of lounge wear. As the international situation deteriorated during the 1930s, Churchills message gained traction. Give Hitler an inch, or a country, and hed immediately take another one. Far from funny: The Churchill family with Tom Mitford (far left), Freddie Birkenhead (second left) and Charlie Chaplain (far right) Younger British politicians who were sceptical about appeasement started to appear at Chartwell, as did disaffected German statesmen and military men who hoped to persuade an increasingly influential Churchill that Britain needed to act decisively in publicly condemning Nazi aggression if there was to be any hope in turning back from the disaster of full-blown war. How ironic, then, that, just as Churchill was emerging from obscurity, it appeared that he might have to sell his beloved refuge. He and Clemmie had never managed to live within their surprisingly modest means, following the loss of their fortune in the 1929 stock market crash. Their idea of economy was to pay their staff as little as possible. In 1937 the dreaded moment came when the house was put on the market. Even so, Churchill insisted the estate agents didnt advertise the magnificent property, but merely wait to see if anyone happened to make an enquiry. In the end the moment of danger passed. Quite how Churchill wriggled out of his financial hole is unclear, although Carter is not alone in suggesting that he was rescued by the generosity of a financier friend. Once hostilities were declared in 1939, though, Churchill was scarcely in residence at Chartwell. Its position near the Channel made it far too dangerous. German bombers would have no problem flying over to assassinate the newly-appointed British prime minister and still be home in time for lunch. It was not until the war was over that the Churchills returned permanently to Chartwell. Winston Churchill was now a national treasure, a man who needed saving for the nation. A deal was done with the National Trust, allowing him to remain in residence until his death 20 years later. Lost Wonders by Tom Lathan (Picador 18.99, 448pp) Lost Wonders is available now from the Mail Bookshop In December 1971, two visitors to Pinta Island in the Galapagos came face to face with a creature that wasnt supposed to exist. It was a species of giant tortoise and it had been declared extinct nearly 70 years earlier. Now it had returned from the dead. Sadly, this story doesnt have a happy ending. The tortoise, nicknamed Lonesome George, became a media celebrity but he was the last of his kind. When he died in June 2012, the Pinta Island giant tortoise really did become extinct. As Tom Lathan makes clear in this timely, elegiac book, we live in an era of extinction. And humans are largely to blame. Extinctions are now occurring nearly a thousand times more often than they did in the 60million years before we humans arrived on the scene. Everybody knows stories of species such as the dodo that have been lost in the past. Lathan focuses on eleven that have disappeared this century. There is the microsnail the size of a sesame seed that lived only on a hill called Bukit Panching in Malaysia. Not only does the snail no longer exist, neither does Bukit Panching. Quarrying began there in the 1980s and the hill has now gone. In Lathans words, it took hundreds of millions of years to build, but only a few dozen to destroy. Of course, a species restricted to one small habitat has its chances of survival dramatically reduced. Bramble Cay is a tiny island in the Torres Straits, roughly the size of three Trafalgar Squares, in the Great Barrier Reef. All by himself: Lonesome George was the last living Pinta Island tortoise, after his death the subspecies became extinct The Bramble Cay melomys a small rodent described as the Great Barrier Reefs only endemic mammal species once called the island home. When HMS Bramble came upon the island in 1845 and gave it its name, there were hundreds of melomys. The crew used them for archery practice. The species hasnt been sighted since 2009 and is presumed extinct. Like all the creatures in Lathans book, the Bramble Cay melomys was the target of desperate attempts by conservationists to save it. Some of these have been plagued by misfortune. The poouli was a Hawaiian bird that was discovered only in 1973. It was soon clear it would need us to play Cupid if it was to survive. Numbers were down to three when the last individuals were taken from the wild for breeding in captivity. It was thought there were two males and one female, but closer examination revealed that all three were male. Lost Wonders is often a sad book. Lathan interviews one conservationist who only agrees to speak about the Christmas Island pipistrelle a tiny bat weighing the same as four raisins that she tried, and failed, to save if she can have tissues to hand. However, although Lost Wonders offers a stark warning, it also provides hope that we can do something to avert more extinctions. Rachel Reeves's 40 billion tax bonanza will affect the financial wellbeing of millions of households for years to come. The impact of the Chancellor's smash-and-grab raid will be felt by all age groups, from young workers to pensioners. Here's how last week's Autumn Budget could affect you and your finances. Smash-and-grab: Rachel Reeves's 40 billion tax bonanza will affect the financial wellbeing of millions of households for years to come Young workers, renting and first-time buyers First-time buyers could face paying thousands more in stamp duty after Rachel Reeves lowered key thresholds. Next April, the threshold at which first-time buyers begin to pay stamp duty will fall from 425,000 to 300,000. Those renting are also likely to feel the pain. Experts have warned that an increase in stamp duty for those buying a second home could mean there are fewer properties available to rent in future. This could worsen an existing shortage of homes in the rental market that has led to dramatic surges in rents in recent years the average rent is up 40 per cent since June 2020, according to rental agency HomeLet. In the workplace, anyone starting out their careers on minimum wage will receive a 6.7 per cent increase, with the national minimum wage rising to 12.21 an hour from April. The minimum wage for 18 to 20-year-olds will go up by 1.40 per hour. However, the effect will unfortunately be more than mitigated by the economic impact of the Chancellor's National Insurance hikes on employers, experts warn. This could translate into fewer jobs, opportunities for promotion and pay rises. Sarah Coles, head of personal finance at stockbroker Hargreaves Lansdown, says: 'The impact of higher National Insurance contributions for employers will feed into business finances, and is likely to mean smaller pay rises further down the track.' She recommends that workers build up an emergency safety net by putting aside some money by direct debit into a savings account every payday. As a rule of thumb, you should set aside between three and six months of your usual wages as a rainy-day fund. Will the Budget cost you money? Rachel Reeves' maiden Budget this week saw the first-ever female chancellor make 40billion of sweeping tax rises in to plug funding gaps in the NHS and schools. While it left many of us with something to be miserable about when it comes to our money, there were also some important dodged bullets, as Simon Lambert, Georgie Frost and Helen Crane discuss on this week's podcast. Your browser does not support iframes. Press play to listen to the episode on the player above, or listen (and please subscribe and review us if you like the podcast) at Apple Podcasts, Audioboom and Spotify or visit our This is Money Podcast page. Families - income tax, child benefit and mortgages Workers will continue to lose out to an ongoing stealth tax raid on their incomes. Reeves has said that a freeze on income tax thresholds will go ahead as planned until 2028. This means that already stretched household budgets will be squeezed further, due to an effect known as 'fiscal drag', which occurs when salaries rise but tax thresholds do not. The taxman therefore gets a larger proportion of your earnings than otherwise would be the case. As a result of the freeze until 2028, an extra four million workers will be dragged into paying an additional rate of tax (45 per cent), taking the total number past 40 million for the first time, according to official forecasts. Rachael Griffin, tax and financial planning expert at Quilter, says: 'By opting to maintain the freeze, the Government has ensured that the tax burden continues to rise for millions, despite their promise to the contrary.' Rachel Springall, of savings rate scrutineers Moneyfacts, says that one consequence will be that families will find it harder to set aside money for their children. 'If things are already tight, how can people save?' she says. Buried in the Budget was another piece of bad news for families. Reeves has abandoned plans to assess child benefit on household income instead of the highest earner's income as she warned it would cost too much. It means the current system, which penalises single-income families, will remain unchanged. And those with young children could be left disappointed. Published alongside Reeves' Budget was the latest forecast from the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR), which warned that plans to give working parents 30 hours of free childcare a week could come unstuck. It said: 'There is a risk of a shortfall in the supply of funded places and staff for the September 2025 expansion, which will be the largest one yet.' Parents with children in private schools will take a hit after the Chancellor ploughed ahead with the plan to levy 20 per cent VAT on fees from January 1. How much this will affect the fees paid by parents will depend on the decision of individual schools. There are fears that mortgage rates could go up once more following the Chancellor's 162 billion borrowing binge with the OBR predicting they could rise by almost a percentage point to 4.5 per cent over the next three years. Pensioners and inheritance Pensioners may be forced to rethink their inheritance plans, after the Chancellor slapped a new death duty on pension pots. Pension pots left to family members will be dragged into the inheritance tax (IHT) net from April 2027. In its first three years, this tax grab is expected to affect 8 per cent of estates. In contrast, only 4 per cent of estates are currently subject to IHT, which is charged at 40 per cent. Karen Barrett, chief executive and founder of financial advisers Unbiased, said Reeves's attack on pensions means that the estate planning people have already done needs to be revisited. She says: 'If your estate planning is based on the current IHT rules, it's a good idea to review this and consider making changes with the help of a financial adviser.' Former pensions minister Baroness Altmann has warned that by making pensions subject to IHT, Reeves could inadvertently increase pensioner poverty by giving retirees 'an obvious incentive' to raid their retirement pots, potentially leaving them short later on. 'People may think why not take all the money you have saved and spend it?' she said. In good news, the Chancellor confirmed that the state pension will rise in line with average earnings, going up by 4.1 per cent next April. Anyone who reached state pension age after April 2016 will see their weekly income rise by 9.05 to 230.25 a week an increase of 472 a year. Older pensioners on the basic state pension will receive an increase of 6.95 to 176.45 a week a rise of 363 a year compared with now. Hadley Gamble has returned to Britain In life, as in real estate, timing is everything. After 15 years in the Middle East, I made the executive decision last year to make my home back in the UK. London has long been a Mecca for foreign correspondents, and after so many years in the desert, I was looking forward to being back in Blighty. I duly invested in a home, settled into a new job, and took considerable pleasure in long perambulations in the park, evenings at the theatre and book shops where the employees have actually read what theyre trying to sell. But my joy was not to last. Like so many of us, I had witnessed the terrible fumbling of successive Conservative governments, but hoped at the very least that Labour would use its mandate to implement some pro-growth policies. When I met Keir Starmer at the World Economic Forum in January 2023, I introduced him as the man who would likely be Britains next prime minister; it was his first Davos, but he seemed to understand immediately that the UK wasnt competitive and that this gathering of the great and the good were looking for him to change that. Im not sure where the man on the charm offensive has gone, but the Autumn Budget announced by his Chancellor of the Exchequer, raising taxes by 40billion, the single biggest tax hike in a generation, is not one to win friends amongst tax payers nor encourage investors. Latest data shows, the exodus of the wealthy from the UK is unlike any before; a reverse migration that puts Britains ability to compete in peril. Warning: Its no surprise that investing in the UK was nowhere near the agenda in Riyadh As the Labour budget bombshell landed, I was in the middle of a gathering of the global business elite in Saudi Arabia, where most titans of international finance have long since given up on Europe. With its endless bureaucracy and anti-business attitude the continent can hardly be seen as an investment destination. Now with the Starmer government set to follow-suit, its no surprise that investing in the UK was nowhere near the agenda in Riyadh. As a financial journalist, I had heard first hand for months stories of the ultra wealthy pulling up stakes and exiting the UK; but these were the billionaires, the one percent of the one percent, the Uber-wealthy. Now it seems those in the mere millionaire bracket are actively on the case to do the same and it is reflected in the numbers. When I moved to the UAE back in 2009 the country was just feeling the effects of the global financial crisis, with hundreds of cars abandoned at the airport as those in the red skipped town to avoid their debts. Commercial and residential real estate was empty and many predicted this was the end for the dream city in the desert. Over a decade later, the country outranks the US as the worlds number one destination for millionaires. People who have made their money and want to keep it all while living in a clean, safe and business-friendly country. As an American, I pay taxes everywhere, and now of course I pay taxes in the UK, too. Ive got no complaints about pay-to-play. But one might expect a basic understanding about the nature of market economics, job creation and the need for a healthy tax base in a country that hosts what has until now been a hub of global capital and commerce. Tony Hetherington is Financial Mail on Sunday's ace investigator, fighting readers corners, revealing the truth that lies behind closed doors and winning victories for those who have been left out-of-pocket. Find out how to contact him below. Broken promises: Cauta Capital's owner William Abundes Ms Y.G. writes: We invested savings into Cauta Capital loan bonds. We have been in regular contact with the company's owner, William Abundes, for a couple of years, since interest payments stopped. He promised dates for repayment of the bonds but these have passed without the return of our money. Tony Hetherington replies: Cauta Capital made lots of promises. It would invest your money in property projects only where the developers had pledged their own assets as a safeguard. It would put your money into a property scheme only if the scheme's assets were far greater than the amount injected by Cauta. And it would give an independent accountant a legal charge over more than 28 million of its own assets as a safety net. Yet every one of these promises was broken. When complaints started to arrive from investors, who told me that Cauta had failed to pay interest that was due and then failed to repay loan bonds when they matured, I contacted the company's boss, William Abundes. He is a 70-year-old American who lives in Luxembourg, and he is a major figure in campaigning for Donald Trump among US voters who live in Europe. I reported last April that he told me his company had made unsuccessful investments in property, so had used the remaining money to buy uncut emeralds something never mentioned when he was offering his loan bonds with the sales pitch that funds would be invested in safe property developments. He described this as 'a strategic decision made in response to unexpected losses the company incurred'. And when I pressed him to explain what allowed him to make such a dramatic shift in how your money was used, he pointed me towards a vague section of the investment terms allowing for 'secured joint ventures'. You and every other investor may have taken this to refer to property deals secured against land and buildings. Clearly though, Abundes saw this as permitting investment in virtually anything he liked. Cauta Capital has twice come close to being compulsorily struck off for failing to file accounts with Companies House. Its 2023 accounts filed late, in May this year were nothing more than an absurd cut-and-paste copy of its 2022 figures. They valued the company's assets at 19.4 million, but failed to include interest owed to investors. Worse has followed. In July, Cauta Capital fell into administration. The administrators have moved with impressive speed to investigate what went wrong. They found that Cauta first invested in an apartment development on the site of Copenhagen's historic Tuborg Brewery. The developer went bankrupt in 2019. Abundes then backed a second Danish development, but this also collapsed. In 2020 Cauta put your money into uncut emeralds. The accountant who was appointed to safeguard investors' interests has told me that he was not even informed of this. And late last year again without any announcement Cauta swapped its emeralds for an investment in a Luxembourg fund that will not mature until at least next August. There is major uncertainty around this, but the administrators say the investment had a 'nominal value' of around $3 million (about 2.3 million). This contrasts sharply with Cauta's most recent accounts showing it to be worth 19 million. The uncertainty is not helped by difficulties the administrators have faced in obtaining company records. Apparently Cauta did not even operate its own bank account. The bottom line is that bondholders are owed more than 11 million plus interest of around 1.5 million. It is impossible to predict the Luxembourg fund's value when it matures, but administrators say the likely outcome is that Cauta Capital will have to be put into liquidation, with a possible return to unsecured creditors of just over 12p in the 1. This whole affair has reinforced the lack of investor protection that surrounds loan bonds. They are just IOUs, but they are often marketed like shares with shaky claims that they are guaranteed or secured. The last government did nothing to change this, and I do not hold out hope for the current bunch. All too often in this country, investors are on their own. Investor protection is the abandoned child of successive ministers and regulators. If you believe you are the victim of financial wrongdoing, write to Tony Hetherington at Financial Mail, 9 Derry Street, London W8 5HY or email tony.hetherington@mailonsunday.co.uk. Because of the high volume of enquiries, personal replies cannot be given. Please send only copies of original documents, which we regret cannot be returned. London-based Charteris is a boutique wealth manager that celebrated its 40th anniversary this year. Although it looks after some 100 million of clients' money, it struggles to get recognition for the funds it runs. One, Premium Income, was wound up last month after it failed to get sufficient traction from investors, while two others Global Macro and Strategic Bond have combined assets of only 11 million. Charteris says there are no plans to wind these up. The jewel in Charteris's crown is Gold & Precious Metals, a 20 million fund that is mining a rich vein on the back of rising gold and silver prices. The price of gold is near to an all-time high, trading at above $2,700 per ounce a result in part of continued tensions in the Middle East, the impending US election and strong buying from Asia. The price of silver has also risen over the past year by 46 per cent in dollar terms (gold has increased by more than 40 per cent). Like most commodity investment funds, Charteris doesn't invest in the metals directly. Instead, it buys shares in the companies that mine gold, silver, and other precious metals. Over the past year, the fund has delivered a strong return for investors of 49 per cent, but manager Ian Williams, also chief executive of Charteris, believes there are more returns to be had. He says China's continued disinvestment out of US Treasury bonds and into gold will push the metal price higher. 'We are nowhere near the top,' he says. 'The tailwinds driving the price are strong.' He also believes the recent meeting of so called BRICS countries in Russia will push its price higher. Member countries agreed to increase trade in precious metals between themselves and establish an exchange to rival those in the West such as the London Metal Exchange. Although BRICS stands for Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, it now includes Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates. Saudi Arabia is yet to make a final decision on joining. While Charteris is badged as a gold and precious metals specialist, its portfolio is skewed towards silver mining companies. Williams says: 'Looking back over the past 50 years, silver has traded at a price equivalent to two per cent of the gold price. Currently, it is trading at around 1.2 per cent. That suggests that silver could go to between $50 and $60 an ounce.' It currently trades at just under $33. The manager also likes the fact that the silver market is in structural deficit, leading to a mismatch between supply and demand, driving prices. The fund has 25 holdings with most listed in Canada and the US. The largest is Canadian-listed AYA Gold & Silver. 'The company's name is a bit of a misnomer,' says Williams. 'It's essentially a silver mining business with a big operation in Morocco. It's well managed with the potential to increase production.' There are rival funds aplenty, including those run by BlackRock (Gold & General), Jupiter (Gold & Silver) and Ruffer (Gold). Investors who prefer a fund where returns directly track the price of gold or silver should look at iShares Physical Gold and iShares Physical Silver. Ongoing charges on Charteris Gold & Precious Metals total 1.36 per cent. 'It's an investment portfolio diversifier,' says Williams. 'An investor shouldn't have zero exposure to commodities, but nor should they have 100 per cent.' Landmark decision: Allison Kirkby BT has quietly hoisted a for sale sign over its international arm as plans to transform the group's fortunes under chief executive Allison Kirkby gather steam. The Global division sits within the BT Business unit and is run by Bas Burger, who was appointed in April last year. Global services include selling internet and phone connectivity to more than 1,000 multinational corporate clients worldwide. But the division has declined in profitability in recent years and earlier this year BT said it was looking at all options for the arm. A source close to the company told The Mail on Sunday that Kirkby was determined to sell the business and would be willing to listen to offers. The company is difficult to value, generating 2.4billion in revenue last year and 500million in earnings but no cash flow. The source said Kirkby had privately made it clear that divesting non-UK assets was a priority. 'Allison has a track record of making bold decisions and getting things done,' the source added. Potential buyers include private equity houses. Some have shown interest in the belief the business could be turned around over a five-year period. According to analysts, US rival Verizon has been mooted as a possible buyer, while tech giants such as Amazon and Microsoft may also be interested. Selling the division piece by piece is also an option. Two weeks ago Macquarie-backed Viatel Technology was reported to be considering a move on BT Ireland. In September Telecom Italia expressed interest in acquiring the remnants of BT's Italian business. BT said: 'It could be one transaction, whichever option maximises value.' BT's Business division, which includes the Global unit, accounts for 40 per cent of group turnover. It saw its revenue fall 2 per cent to 8.1 billion in the year to the end of March. Its operating profit fell to 646 million, from 898 million in 2023. Global is understood to be a laggard within the Business division, frustrating Kirkby. Karen Egan at Enders Analysis said: 'The problem is Global sells a lot of legacy services that simply are not that profitable.' The move comes as BT prepares to reveal its half-year results this week. Under Kirkby, who took over in February, BT's share price has climbed 32 per cent. Analysts are expecting updates on the performance of Openreach, which runs the UK's broadband network. They will also want to know what role artificial intelligence will play in the future of the group. Kirkby is under pressure from three billionaire investors on BT's share register. In August it was revealed that Indian telecoms tycoon Sunil Bharti Mittal would snap up the 25 per cent stake of billionaire Patrick Drahi's struggling Altice. The move came just a month after one of the world's richest men, Mexican Carlos Slim, took a 3 per cent stake in BT. Neither Mittal nor Slim have made their intentions for BT public. There is an awful lot of hot air behind one growth area of the economy and a good thing too. 'Hair tech' the gadgets that curl or straighten our locks is one in which Britain leads the world, and which promises export growth. We may not give it much thought as we wield our tongs and dryers, but hair tech involves the skill and innovation of thousands of specialist engineers, who have worked away on devices that heat air to exact temperatures using AI algorithms. The ascent of 'hair tech' is on full display in the newly revamped beauty hall at John Lewis's flagship Oxford Street store in central London. Each of the biggest players GHD (which stands for good hair day), Dyson and SharkNinja has its own boutique. Women who want messed-up 'beachy' waves or the bouncy blow dries of the Disney+ 1980s' drama series Rivals can compare the competing products with their slick aesthetics and microchip-controlled heating systems. Learn how to wave a Platinum straightening wand, the best performing product in GHD's portfolio, and the enviable manes on Netflix's Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders can be yours. This series revived the 1980s saying 'the higher the hair, the closer to God' an aphorism that no doubt would be endorsed by Jeroen Temmerman, head of GHD. He says that 'demonstration and education' in other words, teaching customers how to use the tools, are key to its sales, which reached $380 million (300 million) worldwide in 2023. The prices of the most popular hair tech items, which range from 90 to about 500, may raise eyebrows. Dyson's Airstrait is 450, while the new GHD Duet Blowdry Dryer is 389. But Temmerman, aged 53, defends the price tags, saying: 'It's all about design and not price.' The global hair tech industry, worth about $10 billion a year, is part of the wider $100 billion hair care, hair appliances and nail product market. But the hair tech industry is growing by double-digits each year and the UK is leading the field. The research behind a straightening iron or curling device is anything but simple. Temmerman says it can take five to seven years for a new product to evolve. GHD's research laboratory outside Cambridge, which employs about 100 engineers, opened 21 years ago and now holds 117 patents. Head honcho: GHD chief Jeroen Temmerman The engineers work with material scientists and physicists on every aspect of 'thermal manipulation' styling hair using heat such as the elimination of 'snagging and dragging'. The company even says its hair stylers are dropped the equivalent of 35,000 times to check they can withstand everyday treatment. GHD, which was founded in 2001, is also boosted by the research and development of its parent, American haircare group Wella, which is majority-owned by private equity giant KKR. Another US group, SharkNinja, which made its name with vacuum cleaners, launched its Shark Beauty tools in 2021, while Dyson diversified into hair tech in 2016. The British company invested 500 million in that business two years ago and is pledging to launch 20 new hair products by 2026, following research into every aspect of hair from 'cortex to cuticle'. The company is cutting jobs in the UK, but still employs thousands of engineers on its campuses in Malmesbury, Wiltshire. SharkNinja has a research and development hub at its UK headquarters at Battersea Power Station in South-West London. Surprisingly, the US the land that has pioneered technology in every form from laptops to phones not to mention being a world-beater in big hair is behind the curve when it comes to innovative coiffing products. Temmerman explains that American women turn more readily to hairdressers than their British counterparts, who tend to do more at home. Americans are also more wary of frazzling their hair with tongs or dryers that create too much heat. Now he aspires to win over America with his range of straighteners and tongs which work at a relatively modest temperature. The boom in hair tech is based on the perception that expensive devices are not a luxury, but 'an essential', as Temmerman puts it. This was affirmed in the pandemic. In the early days of lockdown, it briefly seemed that people would not care how their hair looked, being stuck at home. 'But then we all started to talk to each other on Teams or Zoom,' Temmerman says, 'and hair became really important.' 'Black hole': Prof Martin Green, head of Care England The Treasury should exempt social care from the planned rise in National Insurance Contributions or risk creating a 2 billion 'black hole' in the sector, the boss of a leading trade body has warned. Prof Martin Green, head of Care England, said Budget plans to raise employers' contributions from 13.8 to 15 per cent risked placing social care in 'financial jeopardy'. Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey last week said that as the 'vast majority' of the UK's social care providers were privately owned they would be hit hard by the tax rise, while not benefiting from additional funds earmarked for the NHS and public sector care groups. Green backed Davey's claim to exempt the sector, and also called for Ministers to rethink lowering the threshold at which employers pay National Insurance on workers' salaries. It is set to fall to 5,000 from 9,100 a year from April 2025. He said the plans, with a 6.7 per cent rise in the National Living Wage, would 'create a 2 billion financial black hole for care providers to plug'. 'With local authorities already funding the majority of social care placements,' he said, 'the Government has pushed them, and the sector itself, into financial jeopardy.' The tax rise is set to earn the Treasury 25 billion a year. Keeping trim: Royal and celebrity hairdresser Richard Ward Celebrity hairdresser Richard Ward is best known for styling Kate Middleton's hair for her wedding to Prince William in 2011, writes Margaret Hussey. The 58-year-old has been in business for almost 40 years, winning awards at his 'super salon' Hair & Metrospa in Sloane Square, west London. His client list includes Elizabeth Hurley, Susanna Reid, Sophie Raworth and Sarah Parish. He lives in London with his wife and business partner Hellen, with whom he has two children. What did your parents teach you about money? My father always told me don't lend money you can't afford to lose, which I haven't heeded. Whenever I've lent money, I've never got it back. My mother had two hairdressing salons in Folkestone and we lived in the flat above one. I remember coming down when I was about four and seeing just banks and banks of hood dryers. No one blow dried hair then. My mother's dream was for me to go to private school which I did, to Sutton Valence in Kent. It was only when I was older I realised it was always a struggle. My parents had to take me out of school after my O-levels as they had got themselves into debt. They then made an investment into a hotel and basically lost pretty much everything in the late Nineties. Their debt taught me to be financially secure they gave me the gift of desperation. Did that lead you to hairdressing? Mum took me to London when she was getting her hair done when I was 16, after she had told me about leaving school. While I was sitting in the waiting area it was buzzing there were model castings and music. This was the Eighties. Something got into my head. I got a job in a salon sweeping the floor and washing hair, and I moved to London on my 17th birthday. Have you ever struggled to make ends meet? When I first started I was earning 28 a week, but my rent was 30. I had to survive on tips. I qualified within two years, and I would go and cut people's hair after work for 20 a time. I stayed in a basement flat in Chelsea with a friend from school whose family had loads of hereditary money. I would go to parties and people would say, 'What do you do?' 'I'm a hairdresser' at best would be a conversation stopper, at worst they would laugh. It completely drove me to be successful. By the time I was 25, I had saved 25,000. Have you ever been paid silly money? I was once flown to Monaco to cut three people's hair for 5,000 each 15,000. We travelled in a private jet and they put me up for the weekend. I was cited in that particular client's divorce for her spending that kind of money! What was the best year of your financial life? Probably when I did the Royal Wedding in 2011. That year the salon took off, with Johnny Depp, Kim Cattrall and Michael Caine coming in. I also had Tangle Angel, my hairbrush company that I have now sold. I was more comfortable in myself too, appearing on Lorraine and This Morning. All the stars aligned. Kate had been coming in to the salon before she married Prince William, but I didn't know who she was. They were just a family who had a flat here in Chelsea. I still look after the family and the Duchess of Edinburgh. Most expensive thing you bought for fun? An iridescent silver Bentley, which had been my absolute dream car. It cost me six figures but it got stolen last month from outside my house in Fulham. I saw them do it. It was three in the morning and, as a lot of men my age have to, I had to get up for the bathroom, and I heard a distinctive vroom. There was a guy reversing it and a guy on a computer. I thought, if I bang on the window it will draw attention to my house. I won't get another one. I don't drive enough to warrant it. I have a scooter I go everywhere on. What has been your biggest money mistake? I had two failed hair product ranges before a success. The first we launched around 2000 in Tesco I don't think we put enough research into it. Getting it on to the shelves is the easy part, getting it off is hard. A cut above: The Princess of Wales We launched another, a high-end one, on QVC. It was at a higher price point but we weren't doing the volume. We took our mistakes from those two and went into Waitrose. I knew the formulas were great. It has been there for 12 years and we have just taken it out and are selling it ourselves. Best money decision you have made? Tangle Angel, the detangling brush I launched around the Royal Wedding. Nobody else liked it, my wife didn't like it, but I had a feeling. Within a year and a half we were 250,000 in the red, and we very nearly closed it. But we kept going. I got on a plane and I travelled the world and sold it. I went to Australia five times in a year. I went to America. We sold it to our Chinese distributor for a good sum, and we did really well out of it. Do you own any property? We have a small portfolio of properties in London. We have been very measured in our investments. Whenever we have made any money, our biggest goal has been to pay off those mortgages. Do you have a pension? Yes, I've been paying into one for years. Nothing material tastes as good as financial security feels. If you were Chancellor, what would you do? Cut VAT in the beauty industry. Hellen, who is the co-founder of the Salon Employers Association, is lobbying for this. I have a good feel for business but I'm dyslexic. I carry reams of information in my head and Hellen is absolutely brilliant at all the things I am bad at. We can get the VAT back on our stock turnover, but we are selling people's time for standing and cutting hair, and you can't get VAT back on time. We employ 100 people and have about 1,000 clients every week. What is your number one financial priority? Holding on to what we have. When you've had the journey I've had, I never, ever take money for granted. The family of a teenager murdered by his 'psychopath' camp mate is fighting to prevent his killer from being released by liberal prison chiefs. It has been almost 40 years since Eric Kane, 16, was stabbed to death by Jacob Wideman at an Arizona motel, but for his heartbroken parents Sandy and Louise Kane, 'it still feels like yesterday'. They were left devastated all over again in 2016, when Wideman, now 53, was released on home arrest after serving 30 years of his whole life sentence. But within a matter of months the killer, who has married two former prison therapists, was back in prison for breaching the conditions of his release. However, the Kanes now face fresh agony after receiving notice of a proposed agreement that would see Wideman let out on home arrest for a second time. The family of a Eric Kane who was murdered by his 'psychopath' friend in 1986 is fighting to prevent his killer from being released by liberal prison chiefs. 'My reason for fighting his release, given his mental history, is that I am convinced he will have a bad day, have an argument and have another break down and he will cause some other father to have to deal with a situation like this,' Kane told DailyMail.com from his home in New York. 'When you talk about a psychopath, this guy fits the definition of a psychopath to a tee. He has serious mental issues, the idea of letting him out of prison is crazy to me.' Kane suspects the U-turn may be 'politically motivated' and linked to last year's appointment of a new Director of the Department of Corrections by Democrat Governor Katie Hobbs. Eric and Wideman were staying in Flagstaff on their way to the Grand Canyon as part of a trip with their summer camp when the murder took place. On August 13, 1986, the boys were bunking in the same room when Wideman got up without warning or provocation and fatally knifed his friend twice in the chest, leaving him to bleed out over an agonizing three hours. He then stole the car the group had been traveling in, along with $3,000 in traveler's checks and fled, eventually turning himself in when he ran out of money. Jacob Wideman, 53, fatally knifed Eric in the chest two times as he slept while the teens were at an Arizona motel When interviewed by police, Wideman reportedly told them: 'I had a bad year, and I had to kill someone.' He pleaded guilty to first degree murder and two counts of grand theft to avoid the death penalty. While in jail, the killer confessed to murdering Shelli Wiley in Laramie, Wyoming, the year before Eric's death. However, he later recanted his admission, stating he made it up in an attempt to get the judge to hand down the death penalty as his mental health had taken a turn and he wanted to die. The details provided by Wideman about the killing turned out to be inconsistent with the facts of the case and his confession was dismissed. Throughout his time in jail, Wideman has engaged with various mental health professionals and has described a lifelong battle with intrusive violent thoughts. He has since sought to prove he has his issues under control and if released again, Wideman would seek to move in with his wife, his former prison psychologist Marta DeSoto. DeSoto is the second wife he met in such circumstances, after marrying and divorcing his first therapist. Sandy and Louise Kane say Jacob Wideman is too dangerous to ever be allowed out of jail Eric and Wideman were travelling to the Grand Canyon as part of a summer camp excursion when the murder occurred. Eric is seen here in the last image ever taken of him during the trip DeSoto met Wideman in 2003 while training to be a psychologist at the unit where he was being held. She saw him in group and individual settings. In 2006, Wideman divorced his first prison therapist wife Anne, while DeSoto quit the DOC. Six months later, she received a letter from Wideman asking to be pen pals and the two began regular communication. The couple got engaged in 2010 and went on to marry in 2013 in a small ceremony attended by Wideman's mom and sister. DeSoto went on to take her two young children to visit Wideman in prison. Her daughter, now in her twenties, has said she never feared the killer. DeSoto was never reprimanded over the relationship, but did agree to take ethics classes as part of a non-disciplinary action following a complaint in 2012. She continued assessing child protection cases for Arizona's Department of Child Safety despite her husband's past. However, when details of her marriage were uncovered by ABC15, the Department terminated her contracts. The Kanes said that Wideman's dating history is just another example of his manipulative behaviors. Wideman attacked his friend in cold-blood for no apparent reason before leaving him to bleed out over three hours 'Ask yourself, what does it take for a guy to get two relationships in jail, let along with two licensed psychologists?' Kane said. 'If you look at his previous records you will see he had opportunities for other relationships in prison, so this is not unusual.' Wideman is the son of acclaimed author John Wideman, whose brother was convicted of a second degree murder in 1975 as part of a botched robbery. Wideman himself had no criminal history prior to the murder, but admitted to being plagued by violent images and impulses since childhood. He was handed a whole life sentence for the murder, with eligibility for parole after 25 years served. But at sentencing, Judge Jeffrey Coker recommended that Wideman never be granted parole, citing a lack of explanation into his heinous actions. 'The lack of answer to the question why compels me to recommend to the Parole Board that you not be considered for any parole or for the rest of your life,' Coker said. Court transcripts of the sentencing lay bare the emotive and at times hostile atmosphere between the Kane and Wideman families. But Eric's father insists that at its core, his crusade to keep Wideman behind bars is one of public protection. Whilst in jail, Wideman married his former prison psychologist Marta DeSoto 'It would be easy for me to be dedicated to the punishment of Jacob Wideman and that would be truthful, I want to see him in prison, but it is not going to bring back my son,' Kane explained. The convicted killer served three decades of a whole life sentence for the murder before he was let out on home arrest in 2016. He was recalled to prison eight months after his release for failing to meet with a psychologist as part of the conditions of his home arrest. Wideman tried unsuccessfully to argue against the revocation, which was upheld. His latest attempt was a filing to the Court of Appeals, in which he argued his recall did not follow due process. The Kanes have now seen a copy of a proposed settlement agreement, which would dismiss the appeal and reinstate the conditions of his home arrest. A meeting is due to be held on December 3 in which the Arizona Executive Board of Clemency are expected to consider the terms. 'ADCRR is aware of a potential settlement agreement, which the Department will consider once the BOEC hearing is complete,' a DOC spokesman said. The proposed settlement has left the Kanes confused, as they feel confident Wideman's appeal would have been dismissed if the court even agreed to hear it. The couple have been married since 2014, two years before Wideman was granted home arrest for the first time 'There is clearly only one explanation, and it is unfortunately political,' Kane said, referencing the appointment of DOC Director Ryan Thornell. 'Arizonas new Governor and Attorney General are very liberal and seem to want to reduce the Arizona prison population without regard to the facts of an individual case like Widemans.' Wideman's attorneys have argued that the state 'arbitrarily revoked his home arrest based on improper considerations and in disregard of the facts and circumstances'. In his appeal, Wideman's attorney Joshua Hamilton stated that he was recalled for failing to attend a psychologist appointment on July 18, 2017 after he was ordered to by his parole officer just the day before. 'Wideman called that psychologist twice and left a message on July 18, but the doctor was out of the office and did not return the call until the following week,' Hamilton said. He said prior to this, his client had been a 'model home arrestee' and reported that his halfway house described him as a 'positive role model'. However, in a response to Wideman's appeal, the Arizona Attorney General stated that, 'over the course of several weeks Wideman failed to follow his Parole Officers directives to make an appointment with a mental health counselor' and 'intentionally delayed compliance'. 'He gave a whole series of excuses, one after the other. At one point it was that the appointment was too expensive, but he is from a well-to-do family and he was still going out spending money on dinners and a gym membership,' Kane explained. Wideman pictured age 16 at the summer camp trip in which he killed Eric. Another camper's face has been redacted to protect their privacy The concerned father said he uncovered evidence that Wideman was violating his home arrest terms in other ways, by tracking GPS coordinates recorded on the killer's ankle monitor. Kane combed through pages of Wideman's movements and said he located him in several places where he should not have been, such as around children. But there are those who believe the killer should be allowed a second chance at home arrest. Wideman's case was taken up by the Marshall Project, a nonprofit news organization which examines inequalities in the justice system. In the podcast series 'Violation', Wideman's recall to prison was portrayed as a direct result of the Kanes' influence and it questions whether overzealous officials are to blame for him being returned to jail. The podcast argued that Wideman was subjected to intense, unprecedented scrutiny while on home arrest and suggested the DOC had betrayed its own guidelines in handing over information about Wideman's movements to the Kanes. It echoes statements made by Wideman's attorney that Kane made 'behind-the-scenes efforts to have Wideman arrested'. The family, who refused to be interviewed for Violation, lambasted the podcast as 'biased and once sided' and Kane defended his work tracking Wideman. 'I did not coerce anyone it was all public information,' Kane said, explaining he obtained the GPS co-ordinates through a freedom of information request. Eric was described as a 'smart and funny' teen, who was beloved by all who knew him 'I don't deny it, I wanted Wideman back where he belongs, but all I did was follow the rules no more, no less.' Kane has dedicated his life to making sure his son's killer stays behind bars, but amongst the painstaking work, the family make time to remember Eric. 'We try not to make any acknowledgement of the day he died at all which is hard,' Sandy explained. ' But we celebrate his birthday every year, we have a big dinner and my grandchildren, Eric's nieces and nephews who never got to meet him they know all about him. 'He was finally blossoming into the young man he was supposed to become. He was bright, very funny, he studied a lot, never got in a fight which is what made the whole thing so unbelievable. We miss him a lot.' DailyMail.com has contacted Governor Hobbs and the Arizona Executive Board of Clemency for comment. Attorney General Mayes' office and Wideman's attorney declined to comment. 'I think he will pardon his son,' Bob Woodward said, citing Biden friends Joe Biden has said repeatedly he won't pardon his son or commute his sentence Now that the election is a settled matter, there are a handful of 'will he or won't he' questions hanging over President Joe Biden's final days in office. One that's been asked repeatedly over the past months is: Will Biden pardon his ne'er-do-well son Hunter over his convictions on federal gun and tax fraud charges? Both Biden and his spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre have repeatedly denied Hunter will be pardoned by his father. When asked Thursday - just over 24 hours after the presidential election was called in Trump's favor - whether Biden has any intention of pardoning his son, Jean-Pierre responded, 'We've been asked that question multiple times. Our answer stands, which is no.' But few observers seem to be buying that answer. Bob Woodward is among the skeptics. The All the President's Men journalist last month predicted Biden will indeed pardon the recovering drug-addict first son, who is facing prison time when he's sentenced for separate federal gun and tax fraud convictions next month. Woodward, citing reporting he did for his latest book 'War,' said ' the issue of Hunter Biden is just ripping Joe Biden's heart out, and it is something he talks about with close friends.' 'He worries about, where is this going to go? He has said he would not pardon him. There are a couple of trials coming up. Quite frankly, I know enough about Biden I don't believe that. I think he will pardon his son,' the longtime Washington Post editor and reporter told The Late Show's Stephen Colbert. In June, Hunter Biden was convicted of three felony charges related to his 2018 purchase of a revolver. Then, in September, he pleaded guilty to nine charges in a federal tax case. President Joe Biden has said repeatedly he will not pardon son Hunter Biden but many think he may end up doing so before his presidency ends President Biden is said to be deeply worried about Hunter relapsing into drug addiction under the pressure of those outcomes. And Article II, Section 2 of the Constitution gives the president blanket power to pardon any federal crime, something most outgoing presidents do in their final days in office, some controversial, others routine. Even Trump, who issued a slew of pardons during his four years in office and on his way out the door in January 2021, weighed in on the Hunter Biden pardon issue, with a response that surprised many. Asked by radio host Hugh Hewitt last month if he would consider pardoning Hunter Biden, Trump said, 'I wouldnt take it off the books. 'See, unlike Joe Biden, despite what theyve done to me, where theyve gone after me so viciously, despite what - and Hunters a bad boy, theres no question about it, hes been a bad boy. 'But I happen to think it's very bad for our country,' Trump said of what he considers politically motivated prosecutions and punishment which he likens to his own experience. The incoming and departing presidents are expected to meet at some point in the next few weeks and the topic of Hunter could well come up. Jeffrey Crouch, a professor at American University who is an expert on the pardon process, noted a president can 'use the clemency power whenever he would like, and as often as he would like.' The only real consequence - if Biden opts to give his son a pardon - would be that it becomes a stain on his legacy. Jurors at Hunter Biden's Wilmington, Delaware gun trial in June were shown his infamous laptop and saw photos, videos and text messages from when he was in the depths of his addiction to crack cocaine The court was shown evidence taken from the laptop - including pictures of text messages where Hunter refers to himself as an addict and his conversations with suspected drug dealers The Colt Cobra gun Hunter Biden bought illegally while addicted to drugs was part of the evidence presented by federal prosecutors Voters could also punish the Democratic Party at the voting booth in the next election, though there seem to be weightier issues that emerged for the Democrats to contend with in the aftermath of Kamala Harris decisive loss to Trump. 'The president may also incur consequences come election season when they, or at least, their political party may face punishment from the voters. And, the president always needs to keep their legacy in mind,' Crouch said. Other presidents have issued controversial pardons - usually in the final days of their presidency. In 1974, President Gerald Ford pardoned his predecessor Richard Nixon for any crimes he had 'committed or may have committed' in the Watergate scandal. This was the first pre-emptive pardon by a president. In 2001, President Bill Clinton pardoned 140 people on his last day in office including billionaire Marc Rich, who had been a fugitive for decades for fraud related to making illegal oil deals and not paying more than $48 million in taxes. It resulted in a federal investigation into donations made to the Clintons by Rich's ex-wife. But the investigation didn't discover enough evidence to indict Clinton. Clinton also pardoned his half-brother Roger Clinton, who had been convicted of drug charges. In the last 12 hours of his presidency, Donald Trump pardoned and commuted the sentences of 144 people, including former advisors Stephen Bannon and Roger Stone. He also pardoned Charles Kushner - the father of Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner - and the rapper Lil Wayne. President Biden talks with his son Hunter Biden upon arrival at Delaware Air National Guard Base in New Castle, Delaware, on June 11, 2024, after he was convicted in Wilmington Hunter Biden leaves a Delaware courthouse with his wife Melissa Cohen Biden and mom Jill Biden after the jury found him guilty on all three counts on June 11 for criminal gun charges After the verdict, President Joe Biden flew to Wilmington so he could hug his son Hunter Joe Biden has expressed regret and frustration with his son's legal cases. He also said he regretted picking Merrick Garland as his attorney general, Woodward reported in his book 'War,' writing the president was angry about the prosecution of his son. David Weiss, the special counsel who brought both cases against Hunter, said he prosecuted the president's son to show that nobody 'is above the law.' Hunter Biden is scheduled to be sentenced in the Delaware gun case on December 13, and on December 16 in the California tax case. That is a month after the 2024 election. Hunter expressed his fear of the 'end of America' if Trump is elected president again. 'A second Donald Trump presidency is potentially the end of America as weve known it,' the president's son said to Politico in an interview this month. He said that his greatest worry was 'losing our democracy to a fascist minority,' suggesting that he feared the verdict of the electoral college on who should be elected president. Hunter Biden also accused Trump of 'lies, fear-mongering and disinformation.' 'Its easier to scare people with lies than educate them with the truth. Its faster. It sticks to your marrow,' he said. Hours after being released from federal prison, Bannon said he had a warning for the Biden family: Pardon Hunter before he has to serve a sentence that could destroy him. 'I don't think Hunter Biden would last 48 hours in a federal prison,' he told DailyMail.com 'I think that it would be too much for him, particularly with his previous drug addiction. 'These places are violent places. There's lots of drugs. This drug, K2 is all over these prisons,' Bannon cautioned. The loyal Trump supporter detailed the hardships of life inside a federal prison during an exclusive interview at the end of his four-month sentence for contempt of Congress. President Biden could pardon or commute his son's sentences anytime before he leaves office on January 20, 2025. Friends of the family have questioned if the president will keep his promise not to pardon given his worries about Hunter's mental state and the fact that, since he's not running for a second term, there is essentially no political danger to him. Additionally, Donald Trump promised to prosecute his political enemies if he wins the election and Hunter would be a top target. A blanket pardon from President Biden would protect his son from any action by Trump. In the June gun purchase case, jurors found Hunter Biden guilty of lying to a federally licensed gun dealer, making a false claim on the application by saying he was not a drug user, and illegally having the gun for 11 days. Hunter faces up to 25 years in prison although as a first-time offender he would not get anywhere near the maximum, and there's no guarantee the judge would send him to jail. In the September tax case, Hunter could face up to 17 years in prison for his crimes, which include tax evasion, filing fraudulent tax returns, and failing to pay taxes. The judge also could impose a hefty fine, perhaps as much as $1.3 million. The judges in both cases were appointed by President Trump. Hunter is a first-time offender. He has been sober for years and paid his taxes and fines, although that money was provided by a wealthy friend. President Biden is known to be torn up about the situation. Hours after Hunter's conviction in June in the Delaware gun case, President Biden flew to Wilmington to spend the night with his family before leaving for the G7 summit in Italy. And he also got a few minutes with his son on the tarmac, hugging him in full view of the cameras. Nearly a decade before Donald Trump was elected president, a prescient reference to his appeal among a key group of voters cropped up in the most unlikely of places: The Sopranos. A scene from the 2007 finale of the hit HBO series showed an exchange between family patriarch Tony Soprano and his son, AJ, during which the 18-year-old tells his father he plans to join the Army. 'Are you nuts?' Tony responded. 'You want to get sent to Iraq?' 'Afghanistan,' AJ corrected his dad. 'The Army's probably good for my career... My ultimate goal is to qualify for helicopter pilot training. Afterwards, go to work for Trump or somebody. And be their personal pilot.' Although Trump would not launch his presidential campaign for years to come, many claim the scene showcased his popularity among young men, such as AJ, who were just reaching the legal voting age. A scene from the 2007 finale of the hit HBO series, The Sopranos, references Donald Trump - highlighting his hold on young men well before he ascended to the White House In the scene, Tony Soprano's son tells his father that he plans to join the army and afterwards, go to work for Trump to be his personal pilot Many young men are starting to feel as though Trump is an icon of positive masculinity who will help them achieve the American dream Trump's wealth and perceived business success are tied to his expression of masculinity, a draw for young male voters, The Los Angeles Loyolan wrote in August. 'In a certain capacity, I look up to Trump,' Ryland Repetti, a finance major and president of the Loyola Marymount College Republicans, told the student newspaper in the piece. It was headlined, 'Trump and the Macho Man: How the former President appeals to young mens masculinity.' 'He's done a lot with his life. Being a billionaire, he got elected president without any personal political experience,' said Repetti. 'Those are aspects that I would like to personally attain... so I feel like that's a part of how masculinity plays into it.' Another student agreed. 'I think a big part of why Trump exudes a lot of masculinity is probably his history as an entrepreneur,' Michael Im, a computer engineering major at the University of Georgia, told the Loyolan. 'He's always had this powerful figure... he's a billionaire, he's hyper-wealthy.' Indeed, research has shown that people look at those with higher socioeconomic status as being more masculine, according to Sage Journals. Many young men believe Trump - despite his multitude of sexual assault allegations and corporate bankruptcies - is an icon of positive masculinity who will help them achieve the American dream. Even after Trump doubled-down on his infamous 2005 Access Hollywood hot mic moment - during which he suggested men should 'grab 'em [women] by the p***y' - many men continue to perceive him as their champion. That clip emerged as a so-called October Surprise when the Washington Post published it in Oct. 7, 2016, one month before Election Day in Trump's 2016 campaign against Hillary Clinton. Voters under 30 years old have historically supported Democrats but young men are now increasingly trending towards Republican support The scene from the series finale shows Trump's appeal to young men, like Tony Soprano's son, AJ, who are just reaching the legal voting age The Sopranos is considered one of the most popular and influential shows that ever hit U.S. television screens 'There's a deliberate strategy by the Trump campaign to reach out to, especially, disaffected young men, Melissa Deckman, CEO of the Public Religion Research Institute, told The New Republic. 'A lot of those men care a lot about the economy, but I think they're also drawn to the perception that Trump is very strong.' Generation Z appears ready to show off its growing political muscle this November as one of the country's most important voting blocs. More than half of these voters, who are typically between 18-29 years old, will definitely be voting in the election this fall, according to a national poll conducted by Harvard Kennedy School. Voters under the age of 35 account for roughly 29 percent of the national electorate, which includes 8.3 million people who will be eligible to participate for the very first time this election, according to the Brookings Institution. Trump's method of connecting with young men has been apparent in his interviews with dozens of male-dominated podcasters and influencers Trump chatted with Logan Paul, a popular YouTuber Trump also had a conversation with Theo Von, a comedian popular with young men, about a slew of topics including addiction Evidence points to a widening gender gap between young men and women in terms of their partisan support. While voters under 30 have historically supported Democrats, men are now increasingly trending towards Republican support, The New Republic reported. A central focus to Trump's 2024 campaign is connecting with young men. His appeal to them reflects a broader crisis - their loss of confidence and overall purpose rooted in economic insecurity and disconnection following the global pandemic. 'Trump is very good at turning things into zero-sum games,' Daniel Cox, the director of the Survey Center on American Life, told BBC. 'Young men are trying to understand their place in society that is rapidly evolving, as a group they are struggling more academically, they have mental health challenges and rising rates of suicide.' The former president is tapping into these anxieties with a masterclass in bro whispering: weaving manly messages of strength into his narrative. Pictured: President Joe Biden, who dropped out of the 2024 presidential race One of Trump's most notable interviews on his 'podcast tour' has been with Adin Ross Trump's success in accumulating wealth and championing the alpha-male is a driving factor in why he appeals to young men - similar to AJ Soprano in the finale of the hit series 'Trump's vision, to the extent that he has one, is not saying that men are a problem, but there's absolutely a place for strong, willful men to play a role here,' Cox told The New Republic. 'And you don't have to apologize for being a man. That's quite obviously attractive for a lot of young men.' He noted that young men aren't necessarily adopting more Republican views, but rather feeling a deeper connection with what GOP politicians are saying about the economy and the societal roles of men. Trump's methods to connect with young men are evident in his recent podcast interviews with Adin Ross, Logan Paul and Theo Von - all of whom have platforms that typically cater to young men. Trump has secured the endorsement of the founder of Barstool Sports, Dave Portnoy, and gave the president of the UFC, Dana White, a longtime supporter - who embodies the trope of an alpha-male - a prime spot at the Republican National Convention. Young men aren't necessarily adopting more Republican views, but are connecting with what the GOP politicians are discussing about the economy and the traditional societal roles of men Trump has offered a different perspective into the issue of male identity - one that is not focused on the negative effects but on what young men can accomplish in their lives Logan Paul's interview with Trump has reached over six million views on YouTube He has created relationships with dozens of comedians and influencers favored by men - including Joe Rogan, who is set to have Trump as a guest on his podcast this week, according to The Hill. Trump also has the support of billionaire Elon Musk, who 68 percent of young men report to 'like,' according to a recent poll conducted by Young Mens Research Institute. Trump's appearance of success in accumulating wealth and championing the alpha-male is a driving factor in why he appeals to young men - especially as they struggle to find balance in today's economy. Research suggests that young men were less likely than young women to achieve key milestones by the time they turn 25, including a full-time job and financial independence, The New Republic reported. Economic struggles can be a possible factor of young men's alienation as they sense that opportunity has been taken away from them. This opinion is perpetuated by male-dominated podcasters and influencers in the 'manosphere' - a network of communities on the internet that discuss men's rights and maintaining gender roles, The New Republic reported. Despite abortion and the Israel-Hamas war being dominant issues for young voters, the overwhelming priority for those under the age of 30 is the economy, according to the Brookings Institution. The dramatic rise in the cost of housing and rent, education and overall cost of living have left young voters saturated with debt and limited job opportunities - leading to thousands experiencing a complexity of economic stress that is more evident now than in the midst of the pandemic. Trump's podcast tour is said to have little to do with policy and was more about 'showing up' for young men in America Trump also gave the president of the UFC, Dana White - who embodies the role of an alpha-male - a prime spot at the Republican National Convention While these struggles affect the whole country, they weigh especially heavy on young men of all educational, racial and ethnic backgrounds, The New York Times reported. Nearly three-quarters of Gen Z men report feeling regularly stressed by the unknown of the future, leading to eroding self esteem and a dwindling interest in meaningful relationships and long-term planning. Many young men described their future as 'bleak,' 'unclear' and 'scary,' the New York Times added. In a world where there's growing skepticism toward institutions designed to promote American ideals, young men are lonelier than ever. Gen Z men have higher rates of suicide and are less likely than their female peers to receive any help for their mental health. Most young men said that they fear for the country's future, and nearly half doubt their cohorts ability to meet the nation's coming challenges, the Times reported. In a poll conducted by the New York Times, most young men reported feeling fearful for the country's future, and nearly half doubted their cohorts ability to meet the nation's coming challenges Voters under the age of 35 account for roughly 29 percent of the national electorate, which includes 8.3 million people who will be eligible to participate for the very first time this election 'These are very real concerns and there's a sense in the political realm that nobody's advocating for them,' Cox told the BBC. While Democrats haven't addressed the crises of the male identity, Trump has offered a different perspective into the issue - one that is not focused on the negative effects but on what young men can accomplish in their lives. And unlike President Joe Biden, Cox believes Trump has supported young men who value toughness throughout his campaign - seemingly making great strides in reaching Gen Z men while still holding a narrow advantage on the economy, patriotism and strength. Cox noted how Trump's podcast tour had little to do with policy and was more about 'showing up' for young men in America. Meanwhile, the man who wrote the lines actor Robert Iler brought to life as AJ Soprano in that famous finale, show creator and director David Chase, weighed in on where he thought the mobster's son might have landed in the Trump orbit. 'He might be the new chief of staff,' Chase mused to the New York Times in a January 2019 interview, when Trump was still commander in chief. 'Hed be buddy-buddy with [Trump adviser] Stephen Miller, I know that.' An Aussie couple with 13 children are considering pulling their kids out of school due to the rising cost of living. Malinda Lange and husband Erik, who is a window salesman, survive off his income to provide for their super-sized family. The couple from Dandenong, in southeast Melbourne, know their finances are stretched and have tried just about everything to make ends meet, but things are getting desperate. With nine of their children still at school, one in pre-school and another still at home, making the decision to end traditional education isn't being taken lightly. 'It's getting super tight with all the costs mounting up and we cut out everything possible and even sold some things to make it work,' Malinda told Daily Mail Australia. 'Their school fees are currently about $38,000 a year so we considered homeschooling.' While the couple managed to tighten their belts just enough to cover education for the short-term, Malinda is now terrified of the unexpected. 'We are just coming out of the hole we dug during Covid and me getting sick after kidney failure,' she said. Malinda and husband Erik are struggling to provide for their family of 15 on one income The family sold off what they could this year to pay for school fees 'Medical costs are the thing that worries me the most. It's becoming a joke, and we also pay a fortune in tax.' The family, who live in a rental, have got used to sharing everything - especially the four bedrooms. 'I hate that we have so many sharing bedrooms currently, but we want to better our financial position and travel more. I haven't seen my brother since before Covid hit,' Malinda said, adding that five of her sons currently share one bedroom. 'Cooper, Lachlan and Tyler prefer not to have Joel and Harry in their room but the girls are fairly young so they don't really mind sharing.' Malinda said she is managing to keep on top of mounting bills with careful planning. 'We always meal plan and then shop at the fruit and veg shop, Aldi and Woolies. It takes a lot of time, but it keeps costs a lot lower and we usually spend around $500 a week,' she said. Nine of the 13 kids are currently at school costing around $38,000 in fees per year The family also allow $500 a year for each child for Christmas and birthday gifts 'A cheap meal that everyone loves doesn't exist but most love spaghetti or tuna pasta bake so they are regulars on the menu.' Malinda, who shares what its like to raise such a huge family on @yestheyareallours, admitted that branded clothing is her weakness, but it was one of the first things she cut back on as expenses skyrocketed. 'We rarely take the kids out and can't afford the movies, theme parks or holidays. We go to free things in the community, but even those are being held less and less,' she said. But as stressful as the couple are finding the financial crisis, they have no regrets about their larger-than-life family - even if it wasn't always the plan. 'I wanted four or six as I hate odd numbers, and Erik wanted eight. We don't come from big families ourselves either,' she said. And while there is no denying such a large family attracts attention when they are in public there is one comment they're getting tired of. 'People tell us we need to get a TV and they think they are so funny and that they are the first to say it,' Malinda said. 'But the fact is I have probably already heard it several times that day.' Final moments carry great weight, often representing the culmination of a person's life on earth. Most of us want our last few minutes to be filled with peace and love, perhaps surrounded by the ones we treasure the most. But few will ever get to choose what out final moments look like, and often they are mere fantasies that provide some small comfort. Whether it is failure in the pursuit of goals, mistakes made in years prior that come back to haunt us, or just plain old bad luck, there are countless things that can derail this. And for an unlucky few, their last moments may be filled with terror and pain. With the mass adoption of recording equipment over the last century, more and more painful final moments have been captured than ever before. Here, MailOnline looks at some of the most infamous final moments before disaster ever to be recorded. Niagara Falls jet-ski parachute stunt Robert Overacker was seen plummeting over Niagara Falls in 1995, with his jetski underneath him Thrillseeker Robert Overacker had been planning the terrifying stunt for the better part of a decade. The 39-year-old's plan was to throw himself off a jet ski as it careened off the world-famous waterfall, before opening a parachute and sailing down safely. Though he claimed to have been raising awareness for the homeless, the effort he put into the small sign on his jet ski, which read 'save the homeless', compared to the logistical planning put into the stunt itself led many to believe he was throwing himself over Niagara Falls for its own sake. With little more than the jetski, a parachute and a lifejacket, he slid into the water and began driving his way up to the edge of the cascading water. In front of an estimated 3,000 tourists, he flung himself off the waterfall and plummeted below. In a better world, the 'rocket-propelled' mechanism on his parachute, designed to lift him clear of his jet ski to allow him time to open it, would've worked. But cops investigating his tragic couldn't figure out how it could ever have worked. So instead, his last moment alive was captured on camera. Overacker was seen plummeting downward, with the jetski underneath him. The photo was taken minutes before his lifeless body was dragged into the Maid of the Mist, a tour boat packed with onlookers, where medical staff desperately tried to resucitate him on as they took him to hospital, where he later died. Tom Detenbeck, a parks police dispatcher, said at the time: 'When youre hitting water, its like hitting cement at that height.' He said Overacker's story should be a stark lesson to any would-be daredevils who wanted to recreate the stunt. 'Youre talking a million gallons of water going over the falls in a second. Thats a lot of force, a lot of power.' Floating away while holding 600 balloons The last known photograph of Adelir Antonio de Carli showed him beneath a tower of helium-filled balloons that gracefully lifted him into the air Adelir Antonio de Carli (pictured) was known for being a troublemaker in his home city of Paranagua The priest's lower half was found floating in the waters around 60 miles off the coast of Brazil on a July afternoon in 2008. As a man of the cloth, Adelir Antonio de Carli wanted to live his life in accordance with principles set out in the Bible, even at the risk of his own life and safety. Though his work as the head of a parish in the Brazilian city of Paranagua, in the country's south, he was became known as a 'troublemaker' for his staunch fight in the name of human rights. According to the Tribuna do Interior, he spoke out in 2006 about the treatment of homeless people in the city. Cops had a policy at the time of arresting homeless people and dumping them in neighbouring towns. As a result of speaking out, a formal investigation was launched, leading to the arrest of seven police officers and one city officials. Basking in the glory of being a defender of the week, Carli knew he could, and wanted to, do more. He boldly decided he would beat the world record for the longest cluster balloon flight, which at the time sat at 19 hours, to raise awareness and money for a charity he had set up. Already a daring feat, Carli decided to give himself just six months to train and prepare. But his boundless enthusiasm for his task may have been his downfall. Reports after his tragic death revealed that while he had enrolled in a paragliding course, he refused to attend theory lessons and was eventually kicked out after he twice disobeyed his instructor. But these setbacks did not stop him. Determined to carry out the terrifying stunt, he tested his nerve by successfully conducting a four-hour flight with 600 helium-filled balloons, reaching a dizzying height of 5,300 metres (17,400 ft) and travelling 16 miles from Ampere, Parana, Brazil, to San Antonio, Misiones, Argentina. Emboldened by his success, he celebrated mass with some of his parish and took off from his city despite rain on April 20 2008. Carli decided to give himself just six months to train and prepare for the balloon flight He carried five days worth of rations, a thermal heat suit and waterproof overalls, as well as communication devices and a GPS signal This time, he was far more prepared for his flight, carrying five days worth of rations, a thermal heat suit and waterproof overalls, as well as communication devices and a GPS signal. The last known photograph of him showed him beneath a tower of helium-filled balloons that gracefully lifted him into the air. But his refusal to train properly came back to bite him. He was heard saying via satellite phone roughly 20 minutes after taking off: 'I need to get in touch with the staff so they can teach me how to operate this GPS here to give the latitude and longitude coordinates, which is the only way anyone on the ground can know where I am. 'The satellite cell phone keeps going out of range and furthermore the battery is getting low.' His plant to land in Dourados in Mato Grosso do Sul, where his brother Marcos lived, 20 hours after he took off quickly went awry. His last contact with the ground team was made as he was around 30 miles off the coast of Brazil, forcing the Brazilian navy and air force to conduct an urgent search. But as they widened and widened their search, they were eventually forced to call off their hunt after pieces of balloon were seen floating in the sea around the area he was last heard from. For months, there was no sign of him. Then, in July of that year, the lower half of a human body was found floating in the ocean by an offshore oil rig support vessel about 62 miles from Macae. After it was hauled up, it was positively identified as the unfortunate priest, first by the clothes he wore and then with DNA taken from his brother. The high price he paid for his causes was honoured and celebrated by his parish, who held a mass for him and buried him in a special chapel shortly after. Final look out the window before plane crash This photo was taken by a passenger on the doomed Japan Airlines Flight 123 as it took off Almost all of the 524 passengers and crew of the doomed Japan Airlines Flight 123 died as the plane crashed on the side of a remote mountain less than an hour after it took off. Just four women survived - Yumi Ochiai, an off-duty flight attendant, Hiroko and Mikiko Yoshizaki, a mother and her 8-year-old daughter, and Keiko Kawakami, a 12-year-old girl who lost her parents and sister in the crash. Worse was the litany of mistakes, both with the plane's maintenance and the rescue operation, that catalysed the tragedy. Just 12 minutes after taking off from Haneda Airport in Tokyo on August 12 1985, the aircraft underwent rapid decompression that was so violent the ceiling of the rear toilets collapsed, and damaged the rear end of the plane. The pilot, Captain Masami Takahama, quickly realised the careening plane was virtually uncontrollable. The depressurisation had forced all the temperature-regulared air out of the plane, and let bitterly cold, and nearly unbreathable, air in. This had caused many on the plane to suffer from oxygen deprivation, slowing down the flight crew's responses to the urgent requests for information from ground control. The Boeing 747SR plane crashed due to equipment failure into the lower slopes of Mount Osutaka, killing all but four of the 524 people on board Hiroko Yoshizaki, 35, with her daughter Mikiko, 8, at home in Ashiya, Japan The hypoxia the crew suffered was so bad that they didn't think to put their oxygen masks on. For another 30 minutes, the plane plummeted uncontrollably before it crashed at a dizzying speed of 390mph into Mount Takamagahara so hard that nearby seismologists were able to record the exact moment of the final crash. But the crash didn't kill everyone - the botched rescue did. While a nearby US Air Force unit was preparing a search-and-rescue operation, this was aborted by Japanese authorites. A nearby US chopper spotted the crash site, but was unable to land due to poor visibility and difficult terrain - they said there were no signs of survivors, and so rescue teams were sent out the next day. But an investigation revealed that injured passengers were found well beyond the crash site, suggesting that while they may have survived the initial crash they died from shock and hypothermia. Ochiai, the off-duty flight attendant who survived, said that she could still hear the screams and wails of fellow survivors that gradually died throughout the night. Members of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force carry bodies by a helicopter at the ridge of Mount Osutaka on August 14, 1985 in Ueno, Gunma, Japan Almost all of the 524 passengers and crew of the doomed Japan Airlines Flight 123 died as the plane crashed on the side of a remote mountain less than an hour after it took off. A deeper investigation into the crash revealed that the plane's poor maintenance directly caused the crash. A tailstrike from seven years prior damaged the plane's bulkhead. A subsequently botched repair reduced the bulkhead's resistance to wear, making it far easier for it to break apart. The consequences of the crash were dire. Public confidence in Japanese planes plummeted, with passenger numbers dropping by a third in the immediate aftermath. Domestic air traffic dropped by a quarter in the months after the crash. There was also a more human cost to the flight. Two Japan airlines employees, who were in charge of inspecting and maintaining the plane, committed suicide in an attempt to atone for the tragedy. And Japan Airlines, Boeing and the Japanese government paid massive amounts of money to the victims' families to make up for what happened. But nothing would ever bring back the 520 lives that were lost that day. Snowboarding down Everest This is the last photo taken of snowboarder Marco Siffredi, whose body was never found after he rode down Mount Everest Snowboarder Marco Siffredi, pictured just before he embarked on his daring descent down Mount Everest in 2002. Tragically, he vanished during the attempt, and his body was never found For most people, Mount Everest represents a near indomitable challenge that few are ever able to conquer. But for Marco Siffredi, his family's mountain conquering pedigree should've set him up for success. The talented snowboarder had already climbed to the peak of the world's tallest mountain in 2001, with the aim of riding all the way down. But his dream of descending the 'Holy Grail' of slopes was partially shattered due to poor snow conditions at the time. A year later, determined to be the first snowboarder to ride down Everest's Hornbein Couloir, he made his way up from the Tibet base camp. But the sherpas who were with him said he showed little enthusiasm for the arduous task, reportedly telling them in a weary voice: 'Tired, tired...too much climbing...' Weather conditions worsened on the mountain, and the sherpas pleaded with him not to go up. But Siffredi, determined to climb higher and higher, ignored him. Desperate to make it to Hornbein Couloir, he marched faster than his assistants who periodically lost sight of him. They reported seeing the image of a man at Hornbein Couloir standing upright, before silently riding his board down the mountain. Determined to make sure he was safe, they trekked to where he was last spotted. But the hours of wind and snow that battered the mountain had covered his tracks up, making their investigation near impossible. Siffredi's body was never found again. Ash cloud that killed photographer Photographer Robert Landsberg took this picture in the moments before he was buried alive under hot ash spewing from Mount St. Helens The veteran of the Korean War had already spent a lifetime bearing witness to horrors that few could ever imagine. So after he left the US Navy, Robert Landsberg decided he needed to choose a career that was far more relaxed. Ending up as an award-winning commercial photographer, he travelled the world taking images to sell to magazines. In the leadup to the world-changing eruption of Mount St. Helens, in Washington state, in 1980 he knew that something big was coming. In the weeks leading up to devastating eruption, he began documenting the changes to the volcano. On the morning of May 18 that year, he drove to a point several miles away from the volcano, which at that point had been bulging to the point of bursting as more and more magma built up below the surface. Thinking he was far enough away from the volcano that he was safe from any eruption, he began snapping it. But he was wrong. As fire and brimstone filled the sky above him, blocking the sun out, a massive cloud of hot ash and lava began flowing directly towards him, which he captured on film. Understanding that he would soon perish, and the importance of the photos he was taking, he rewound the film in his camera, placed it in his backpack and lay on top of it to protect it as best he could before he was consumed by the pyroclastic flow. 17 days after the eruption, his body was found buried deep beneath the ash. But the film was safe and with it, the photos he took documenting how the eruption took place. Geologists were provided with deeply necessary documentary evidence of how the volcano erupted. All it cost them was Robert's life. Gorillas fatal curiosity On May 28 2016, a three-year-old boy somehow managed to climb a three-foot fence and crawl through four feet of bushes before falling into the moat surrounding Harambe's enclosure The Western Lowland gorilla called Ohio's Cincinatti Zoo his home for just a few years of his life before he was shot and killed As Harambe carried the boy up a ladder to get him onto dry land, zoo officials were terrified that he would hurt the young boy and made the decision to kill Harambe Talk to anyone born after the year 2000, and they'll instantly know the name Harambe. The Western Lowland gorilla called Ohio's Cincinatti Zoo his home for just a few years of his life before he was shot and killed following a tragic set of circumstances. On May 28 2016, a three-year-old boy somehow managed to climb a three-foot fence and crawl through four feet of bushes before falling into the moat surrounding Harambe's enclosure. While two of the gorillas in the enclosure went back inside a protected area after zookeepers signalled for them, Harambe's curiosity got the better of him as the young boy, terrified for his life, screamed and splashed in the water. Getting more and more distressed by the screams of horrified onlookers, and the writhing child, he picked the boy up and aggressively began moving him about. An investigation by zookeepers after the incident revealed Harambe had been exhibiting 'strutting' behaviour, commonly associated with aggression. As Harambe carried the boy up a ladder to get him onto dry land, zoo officials were terrified that he would hurt the young boy and made the decision to kill Harambe. With a single shot from a rifle as the boy was between the gorilla's legs, the 17-year-old gorilla perished in an instant, just one day after his birthday. Mis-judged parkour backflip 20-year-old parkour expert Pavel Kashin misjudged the stunt and he plummeted off the side of the 16-storey building in St. Petersburg to his death Captured in mid-air on a small, digital camera, Pavel Kashin's face was gritted with determination. The Russian freerunner, considered at the time of his death to be among the best in the world, was seen in the middle of a backflip on the edge of a high-rise building in St. Petersburg. Despite his years of experience, the 20-year-old parkour expert misjudged the stunt and he plummeted off the side of the 16-storey building to his death. His friend captured his final moments alive, and his family released the photo in the hopes that it would deter other thrillseeking parkour enthusiasts from attempting anything similar. Politician photographs gunman assassin to shoot him The haunting snap showed the killer pointing his .45 calibre pistol directly at Dagsa as he gets out of a silver car and stands next to the politician's smiling family Political killings are universally intriguing for many of us. Curiosity compels us to ask how killings take place, who carries them out and the circumstances that lead up to them. While killers, often professional assassins, are rarely caught, the New Year's Day murder of Filipino councilman Reynaldo Dagsa stands out for one horrifying reason. As Dagsa celebrated the beginning of the new year with his family at their home in the city of Caloocan in 2011, taking photos to preserve what he had hoped would be long-lasting memories, he his life was cut short at the age of 35 by a gunman. But the assassin, a convicted robber out on parole, was captured mere seconds before he shot the politician. The haunting snap showed the killer pointing his .45 calibre pistol directly at Dagsa as he gets out of a silver car and stands next to the politician's smiling family. Seconds later, the bullet passed through Dagsa's brain and he was pronounced dead before he could be taken to a nearby hospital. The photo was released publicly, splashing the front of Filipino newspapers, and was used by cops who arrested Arnel Buenaflor less than a week later, along with two other accomplices. Buenaflor claimed in court that he shot the politician in revenge for being shot in the head months prior by men connected with him, but cops said the shooting was related to Dagsa's anti-corruption and peacekeeping work in the violence-ridden part of the nation. Business is booming at the world's largest wholesale market in Yiwu, China, where retailers hunt for low-cost items to fill their shelves. The city's international trade center is a sprawling network of 70,000 stalls spread across 12 floors. But it is not just traders who are watching closely - political observers have their eyes trained on a phenomenon they call the 'Yiwu Index'. The theory goes that how well a U.S. political candidate's replica merchandise is selling in Yiwu, the more chance they have in the upcoming election. Notably, the 'Yiwu Index' was a better predictor of Donald Trump's win in 2016 than pollsters, who were sure throughout the campaign that Hillary Clinton would be the victor. With just days until the 2024 election, Beijing is likely using the theory as it monitors the race. Yiwu, China houses one of the world's largest wholesale market places in the world. Pictured: A Chinese employee sews a Trump 2020 Keep America Great flag Your browser does not support iframes. Merchandising has long been a massive part of political campaigns. While candidates often fundraise off their official gear, overseas shops have pumped out replicas of the candidates' swag, profiting off the increasing polarization of U.S. politics. Yiwu, which is in eastern China, is known to provide early insights based on the type of merchandise that it is selling ahead of a presidential election. But the marketplace doesn't have it down to a science - and there are vulnerabilities in using the index to try and to predict the outcome. First, the marketplace rarely sells directly to consumers and relies mostly on wholesale commerce. Most times, with this time of purchasing, retailers could mass order certain merchandise in anticipation of a surge in demand whether that is realized or not. Trump supporters are also much more likely to display, wear and buy items that show their political allegiances than those who back Vice President Kamala Harris or any other politician. In 2020, while Chinese-made Trump items outsold those with Joe Biden 's name on them, the latter still went on to claim victory. Trump's signature red Make America Great Again hats are a best seller out of Yiwu and are a totem of the former president's supporters The so-called Yiwu Index predicts the winner of U.S. elections based on how much merchandise is selling for the opposing candidates The camouflage Harris-Walz hats also made a big splash in Yiwu with the first run selling out in just 30 minutes Recently, in a good sign for Democrats, demand soared in Yiwu's marketplace for camouflage Harris-Walz campaign hats. The entire first run was gone just 30 minutes after going on sale, according to The Telegraph. However, Zoe Liu Zongyuan, of the US-based Council on Foreign Relations think tank, told the outlet the index may not be accurate. 'Imagine a scenario where you have a Trump neighbor versus a Democrat neighbor, the Trump voters are more likely to show their MAGA stuff,' she said. 'Democrats, people who vote independently, or the undecided, are less likely to spend money to buy those things. So I would say, because voter behavior has changed, the way they show their enthusiasm has changed, the Yiwu Index may no longer be an accurate indicator.' The Yiwu theory suggests that Trump's stronger sales compared to his rivals could be an indicator of the likelihood voters will turn out. 'When everybody was saying that the Democrats, Hilary Clinton, was going to win (in 2016) the index suggested otherwise,' said Zongyuan. 'It's not the Chinese who are buying this stuff, it's the Americans, the delegations, the rallies, those people, who buy it. Could that be an indicator for how passionate people or voters are? That's a better way to understand it.' Chilling video has emerged showing a masked ex-police officer who is accused of murdering his pregnant mistress entering and leaving her apartment just hours before she was killed. Massachusetts woman Sandra Birchmore, 23, was found dead inside her Canton apartment in February 2021. Prosecutors say her accused killer Matthew Farwell, a former Stoughton detective, staged the scene to make it look like a suicide. They claim the married ex-cop was attempting to conceal his sexual relationship with Birchmore, which allegedly began when she was 15 and he was 27, from his pregnant wife. The haunting video shows Farwell entering Birchmore's apartment building while wearing dark hooded clothing and a covid-19 face mask - before hastily exiting around 30 minutes later. He was then allegedly pictured wearing the same clothes in a snap of him cradling his newborn son taken the next day, investigative podcast The Case reports. Chilling video has emerged showing the last hours of expectant mom Sandra Birchmore, 23, who was strangled to death by her ex-cop lover, according to prosecutors A federal indictment states that Farwell 'resisted' wearing a face mask during the pandemic and would only do so when mandated by his employers, making his choice to sport one to visit Birchmore as unusual. The detail is one of several unexplained aspects which prosecutors say were overlooked when Birchmore's death was initially ruled as a suicide by hanging. These include Birchmore's gold necklace, which was left broken around her neck in a manner indicative of a struggle, according to experts. The necklace was not taken as evidence and was later found entangled with a clump of hair by Birchmore's family as they were cleaning her apartment. The expectant mom, who was around three months pregnant, was found dead on February 4, three days after she was killed. Despite evidence showing that Farwell was the last person to see her alive, the death was quickly ruled a suicide. But for her loved ones, this conclusion did not stack up. Birchmore had been excited to become a mom, as evidenced by a home made sign she had made for Farwell announcing he was going to be a dad. She had been communicating as normal and had been going about her daily chores the day she died. A load of wet laundry was discovered in the machine at the time of her death, Boston Magazine reports. Video footage showed her accused killer, former Stoughton Police Detective Matthew Farwell entering and leaving her apartment the night she died Prosecutors said Matthew Farwell murdered his pregnant mistress and staged it as a suicide It would take four years of campaigning by her family as well as investigation by the FBI to bring about charges against Farwell. Part of the decision was based on a review of the evidence by federal forensics expert Dr William Smock, which found details to suggest foul play. Smock pointed out that Birchmore's beloved gold necklace was broken and hanging around her neck in photographs taken before her body was removed to the mortuary. 'Dr. Smock noted that Birchmore was in the habit of always wearing a chain necklace with a flamingo pendant,' the FBI indictment reads. 'The chain was found broken around Birchmores neck. The breaking of Birchmores chain necklace is consistent with a struggle.' Smock also highlighted inconsistencies with the way Birchmore's neck bone had fractured, which suggested that her neck was broken through a strangulation, rather than hanging. The abrasions on her body were also inconsistent with the initial narrative which suggested she had killed herself by winding the strap of a duffel bag around her neck and securing it to her closet door, according to Smock. Birchmore herself made an eerie reference to the same closet in a text message to a friend in which she described how Farwell had come round to inspect it, the indictment states. Birchmore met her accused killer through the Stoughton Police Explorers and prosecutors allege he groomed her before entering into a sexual relationship with her while she was a minor She fell pregnant with his child and drew him this handmade card to celebrate Farwell has denied any involvement and pleaded not guilty to Birchmore's murder. A crucial part of the story which appears to have been initially overlooked is their alleged relationship. The two met when Birchmore was a 12-year-old aspiring police officer and she joined the Stoughton Police Explorers. Farwell was her mentor throughout the program, but prosecutors say their relationship crossed a line, with him taking her virginity when she was just 15. Even years later, the accused killer would reference this fact in text messages. In 2019, 'Birchmore told Farwell that she was happy that he took it. Later in the same conversation, Farwell acknowledged that it was a big thing to get to be the first,' the indictment states. The document also lays bare explicit messages which detail Farwell's rape and incest fantasies, as well as his controlling nature. 'Birchmore often journaled about Farwell using sex acts to punish her,' the indictment states. 'According to her journal entries, Farwell would engage in forceful oral, vaginal, and anal sex acts to punish her for her mistakes such as getting bad grades, having intercourse with other people, and failing to share her cell phone location with him.' However, prosecutors say married father-of-three Farwell began to fear he was losing control of Birchgrove and turned to deadly actions to keep the relationship quiet Former officers William Farwell and Robert Devine were also accused of grooming and sexually assaulting Birchgrove The sexual encounters often took place while Farwell was on duty, prosecutors stated. The filing goes on to state that sick memes relating to necrophilia, rape and sexual assault were also found on Farwell's electronic devices. All the while, Farwell was a married father-of-two, with a third child on the way. Boston Magazine reports that his youngest son was born just hours after Farwell left Birchmore's home on the night of her murder and that the accused killer was pictured wearing the same outfit he had been sporting earlier that evening. In the run up to the murder, 'Farwell was losing control of Birchmore and the information she possessed about his past and then-ongoing conduct,' the indictment states. A friend had also contacted the force to make allegations about their relationship which were passed onto Farwell, the document states. Another friend told Boston Magazine that Birchmore had also been involved with Farwell's brother William 'Billy' Farwell. While Farwell was domineering, Billy presented himself as 'the sweet one, the best friend with benefits. It was a very sick good cop, bad cop relationship she had with them,' Hailee Sousa said. In 2022, 18 months after Birchmore's death, three officers were publicly reprimanded by Police Chief Donna McNamara for 'inappropriate' relationships with the young woman Multiple law enforcement agencies are continuing to investigate her death Sousa said that Birchmore was also being manipulated by a third police officer named Robert Devine, who she also met through the explorers' program. Devine allegedly used an online profile to elicit sexual content from Birchmore. He had his police certification suspended, but is fighting against having it removed completely. Devine, who has since retired, said: 'I had no personal relationship with Sandra whatsoever. She never had access to my phone number and I never socialized with her', according to the Boston Globe. But he and Billy were reprimanded in 2022 by Police Chief Donna McNamara for 'inappropriate' relationships with the young woman. Neither have been charged with any offence. 'Sandra is a sex trafficking victim,' Sousa said. 'They told her to do things and send pictures, videos of it. Matt knew she would be obedient to him. 'That was the dynamic. They mentally manipulated that girl until she had no voice.' Fights have broken out at polling stations and election workers have gone through active shooter drills. There have been threats to blow up political offices and ballot boxes have been set on fire. Before what could be the closest presidential election in history, staff trusted with overseeing the vote on Tuesday are already facing chaos and bracing for violence. With memories of 2020 resurfacing, many have taken extra precautions to turn local precincts into fortresses and extra cops are being deployed nationwide on November 5. The aftermath could also be fraught with friction, with some state officials warning the result could take days to be finalized in some of the seven battleground states. Razor-thin margins between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris in the polls show the result could depend on just a few thousand votes. According to an exhaustive DailyMail.com poll, the concerns are justified. A Trump supporter, left, gets into a confrontation with a Harris fan outside an event for Tim Walz in Bristol Township, Pennsylvania, last week. In the survey of 1,003 likely voters, conducted with J.L. Partners, more than 25 percent think there will be rioting whether Harris or Trump wins, and 10 percent fear there will be a civil war. Just over one in five (22 percent) think a Democratic victory would lead to a repeat of January 6, and 21 percent think election sites or Democratic officials will be targeted by direct attacks. Harris voters are more likely to believe that rioting will take place, while Republicans are split on whether the election will be run fairly. If Donald Trump wins the Electoral College narrowly however, Americans think there is a higher chance of 'violence on the streets' in the forms of furious protests. Among the former president's former supporters, 13 percent think there would be a civil war if Republicans were defeated. With Harris supporters, nine percent believed there would be an all-out nationwide conflict if they are victorious. A similar number of Trump (18 percent) and Harris (16 percent) voters would back resorting to violence if they thought the election was unfair. Fraud allegations across the country four years ago caused chaos in the closest states such as Pennsylvania, Georgia and Arizona. Election workers received death threats and were faced with armed Trump supporters at polling locations. The situation was unprecedented and has forced state governments to invest in resources such as more voting machines and safety. With the country still divided in its support for two candidates who have vastly different visions for the country, there are still concerns of a repeat. Pennsylvania, arguably the most important state in the race, has already been at the center of fraud allegations that have made their way to the Supreme Court. In the Keystone State, Edward Dieri Jr. was charged with threatening to blow up a Republican office in Montgomery County. Jeffrey Michael Kelly was arrested in Arizona on October 23 for allegedly shooting a Democratic campaign office three times. He was also accused of putting signs outside his home with razor blades and a bag of a white powder attached. In San Antonio, Texas a man allegedly attacked a poll worker who asked him twice to remove his MAGA hat. Political clothing is banned from polling places in many states, including Texas. Authorities working to put out a fire at a ballot box in Vancouver, WA started early Monday morning. It was one of two fires set at two ballot boxes in two separate states early Monday In Oregon and Washington, the FBI and police are still hunting for an arsonist who set three ballot boxes alight. A Democratic congressman predicted last Thursday there 'may be blood' if Harris wins. Rep. Steve Cohen, D-Tenn, told NewsNation's Dan Abrams that he believes the Democratic candidate will win both the Electoral College and the popular vote. But he warned that he believes Trump will 'stop at nothing' if the vice president is declared the winner. Rep. Cohen told Abrams said he expects Harris to get at least 5 million more votes than Trump. 'But I think Trump won't stop at anything. It will be in courts, it will be in litigation, it will be telling people again to go to the Capitol if you want to have a country and fight like hell,' he continued. 'I mean, we're going to have - there may be blood and there's some concern.' Tensions escalated after he found his wife and brother having sex Dramatic footage shows the moment a jilted husband who went on a rampage with a shovel after finding his wife and brother having sex in a car while his mother sat in the front seat, is arrested for allegedly breaching a restraining order. David McCulloch, 41, grabbed a shovel and threatened to kill his wife, Jacinta King, and brother, Jamie McCulloch, when he found them having an affair in the back of a car in Devonport, northern Tasmania, on the evening of March 28. He was particularly angry because his mother, Sue McCulloch, had driven them to the commission housing parking lot and was sitting in the driver's seat while they had sex - apparently unfazed by what was going on behind her. McCulloch was granted bail in May and ordered to comply with an interim family violence order for the protection of Ms King. However, he allegedly breached the order during a second rampage at the family's government-owned home on the morning of July 19. A dramatic video, obtained by Daily Mail Australia, shows a number of police cars, fire engines and ambulances parked out the front of the property, while officers broke windows and barged their way inside. Power to the home was cut and a screaming McCulloch - who had locked himself in one room of the house - was dragged from the property, handcuffed, and taken away by paramedics. Neighbours said the scope of the emergency response was because petrol had been poured throughout the premises, prompting fears for the family's welfare. Pictured: The moment police barged into the McCulloch's family home in July Pictured: Police trying to put David McCulloch into a paddy wagon on July 19 David McCulloch and Jacinta King were high school sweethearts and had four children Jamie McCulloch and Jacinta King pictured this week outside their caravan home in Devonport In the video, a number of police officers could be seen breaking through windows and doors to get inside the house. Family members could be heard screaming and swearing. Once McCulloch was outside, he could be heard yelling, 'My f***ing dog!' before an officer ran up the driveway and retrieved the runaway pet. A neighbour said screaming from the property woke her up that morning. She ran outside to see what was going on and saw McCulloch struggling on the ground while police tried to put him in handcuffs. 'He had a bottle of water next to him, so I don't know if they pepper-sprayed him or something,' she said. McCulloch was later charged with breaching a family violence order. The matter is before the courts. The family moved out of the property following the altercation, but some of their belongings are still inside. David McCulloch and Jacinta King are pictured, left, on their wedding day in 2018. Sue McCulloch (pictured right) drove her son Jamie and daughter-in-law Jacinta King to a housing commission parking lot so they could have sex Pictured: The parking space where Jacinta King and Jamie McCulloch had sex in a parked car, with Sue McCulloch in the front Pictured: Jacinta King and Jamie McCulloch outside their caravan on Thursday Last week, McCulloch was sentenced in Burnie Supreme Court to three years in jail over the shovel attack on March 28. The violent altercation only ended when a concerned resident phoned police. The resident told Daily Mail Australia that she saw Sue's car out the front that night, but didn't realise what was going on until David grabbed the shovel and started banging on the vehicle. She recalled him screaming: 'You're nothing but a dog, you f***ing dog, you're meant to be my brother, how could you root my wife?' Sue locked the car doors and Jamie continued to have sex with Jacinta, until David prised it open and started throwing punches. David then turned to Sue, screaming, 'You're no mother, f***ing a**hole, you're nothing but a sl*t,' and shoved her into a wheelie bin. Daily Mail Australia previously revealed McCulloch's mother facilitated the affair between his brother and wife because she was the only one with a driver's licence. Jacinta King was married to David McCulloch (pictured together) for six years. They were together for 25 years and have four adult children together Jamie McCulloch is pictured in Devonport on Thursday. He lives in a caravan with his brother's wife Sue McCulloch (pictured) was asked to facilitate her daughter-in-law's affair with her younger son The McCulloch home (pictured) is now empty, but some of their belongings are still inside McCulloch's wife, Ms King, had ordered her mother-in-law to stay in the vehicle during their rendezvous, and she complied. While McCulloch is behind bars, Ms King and his brother Jamie shacked up together in a squalid caravan parked in the driveway outside a suburban home. When approached for comment, Jamie described the situation as 'hog wash', but was otherwise unable to string a coherent sentence together. Asked if he knew if his brother was in jail, Jamie laughed and mumbled: 'I know.' On Thursday, the new couple drove together to the Salvation Army store in Devonport and appeared disappointed when it was closed. McCulloch will be eligible for parole in 2025. Locals in the deprived Hodge Hill area of Birmingham are not optimistic about their prospects under Keir Starmer's Labour. Chancellor Rachel Reeves' 40bn 'tax bomb' may promise to help Britain's impoverished, but for hard-up families in the suburb six miles out of the city centre it looks set to be the same old story of poverty and despair. Birmingham used to be an Industrial Revolution powerhouse. Now, it has the highest proportion of people claiming unemployment benefits in Britain at 8.9 per cent and the city centre is a ghost town of empty shops. DWP statistics for June 2024 showed a total of 202,475 people on Universal Credit in Birmingham - the highest number of any local authority area in Britain - with only 61,473 of those in employment. Hodge Hill also has the highest fuel poverty and child poverty rates in the country. It's so desperately poor that even the beggars have moved out to find leafier streets, one local claimed. Fabrication engineer Alan Whitaker, 34, told MailOnline: 'The truth is that it doesn't matter if it's Conservative or Labour, this place is f***ed. Pictured: Shuttered shops in Hodge Hill, the most deprived area of Birmingham MailOnline saw first-hand the devastating state of the Birmingham suburb Fabrication engineer Alan Whitaker, 34, (pictured) said: 'The truth is that it doesn't matter if it's Conservative or Labour, this place is f***ed' Diane Shaw, 69, (pictured) is a volunteer at the Welcome Change Community Centre foodbank who said she feels forgotten by the system Cans of hippy crack adorn the pavements in the most deprived area of the once great city 'I actually live in Solihull where you see lovely greens and parks and the place being kept looking decent and then I come into Birmingham and they don't seem to care because it's council estates. 'No one goes to the shops any more so the city centre is dying. They've wasted millions on useless tramlines that go nowhere and now even the beggars have moved out and come to the suburbs. 'This area is so neglected. It makes me mad seeing veterans begging on the street when people just arriving illegally in the country end up getting so much support.' Walking through the barren streets a day after the Budget was announced, MailOnline reporters were greeted with forlorn acceptance. Rubbish littered the streets and cans of industrial-sized hippy crack adorned the pavements. A little more than a year ago, the City Council declared itself bankrupt by issuing a Section 114 notice. At the same time, food banks in the West Midlands saw a surge in numbers, handing out more than 270,000 emergency parcels a year compared to 200,000 before 2022. Now, after the first Labour Budget in 15 years, the mood remains distinctly downbeat. Diane Shaw, 69, a volunteer at the Welcome Change Community Centre foodbank, says she feels forgotten by the system. She spent 30 years caring for her husband who suffered from early onset Parkinson's and then dementia, and then her brother, leaving her with just a basic pension. She said: 'Being a carer is tough work, it's 24 hours a day, you rarely get a night's sleep. I have saved the Government a lot of money over the years but now I am left with just a basic pension and that is hard. 'I really noticed the cost of living going up and after losing a family member in June, I came to the food bank myself. 'I felt utterly ashamed which is why I now volunteer and what I see is heartbreaking. 'I'm afraid I have no confidence in this Labour government. As soon as they took away the heating allowance, I knew they weren't right.' Community outreach worker Toqueer Quyaam, 39, explained: 'People feel let down by Labour' He added: 'People have had 14 years of austerity and now they are told to wait another 10 years to see the benefits. People can't wait that long' Another food bank volunteer Pam H, 66, said: 'We see a lot of single people with drug and alcohol issues and probation issues but now we also see pensioners. 'We hardly ever used to see older people coming in here but now they are coming and that breaks my heart.' Sian Dunstan, 44, a recovery coordinator, said: 'I don't know much about politics and I don't vote but I always thought Labour were for the working man. 'Now, I don't know. I can't believe they took the winter fuel payment from pensioners. At the end of winter, deaths will have risen. 'I work with people struggling with addictions and I know there are people out there that can't afford to heat their homes, they are living without gas because it is too expensive. 'My son, his partner and their two children have been living with me for three years now because Birmingham City Council haven't been able to offer them anything. Times are very tough.' The foodbank manager Laura Jones, 41, is about to leave Birmingham to look after her mother in the Welsh Valleys. She said: 'The Section 114 (Council bankruptcy) has had a massive impact. 'They have had to tighten their belts when it comes to funding food charities when we want to broaden our work to offer help and advice as well as simply giving out food. 'A lot of people voted Labour thinking it would bring about beneficial change for them but only time will tell what the impact of their budget will be. 'Their MPs are very proactive and supportive locally but they are up against it when it comes to their Government and keeping basic services like a Contact Centre takes a huge lobbying effort.' Rubbish was piled high on the streets when MailOnline visited the suburb of Birmingham Data from the Department of Work and Pensions found that 46 per cent of children, around 3,400 of them, were living in poverty in Hodge Hill She said many people were now signing up for food packages a scheme where for an annual 1 subscription, users could collect 4 boxes of fresh food from supermarkets. It is a step below using a food bank, offering a greater degree of dignity, and, according to Birmingham's Food Justice Network there was now a waiting list. As for Labour's pledge of no more tax rises on working people, that drew laughs at a local vape shop. Garage engineer Carlos Harrissos, 43, said: 'I know times are hard but they are fleecing us every which way.' He has seen his family budget spiral so much in recent years, that despite he and his wife working full time, they struggle to afford what they once considered basics. The father-of-two-teenagers said: 'Five years ago my rent was 720, now it's 980. It used to be 80-a-month for gas and electric, now it's 196, we used to spend 80-90 on a weekly food shop, now it's 150. 'I work 60 hours a week to put food on the table and afford a holiday. 'We don't go out any more for meals and the pub and there is no more sorting Christmas out early.' Both he and his partner gave up smoking to vape, both for health and financial reasons so he was shocked by what the man behind the counter told him about the budget. Chris Lamb, 30, explained that a tax of 2.20 per 10ml of vape liquid was now scheduled to come in for 2026 meaning prices will more than triple. 'I think they are trying to recover the black hole left by Covid,' he said, 'but it is going to be a ridiculous price hike. Foodbank manager Laura Jones, 41, is about to leave Birmingham to look after her mother in the Welsh Valleys Josh Neicho, 42, (pictured) a communications worker, added: 'We need billions spent on insulating people's homes' Hodge Hill has the highest fuel poverty and child poverty rates in the country The windows of a pale brown concrete building near a church were broken when MailOnline visited the area Birmingham used to be an industrial powerhouse but now is the city with the fewest jobs in the country 'They want to price kids out of the market but it will really hit lower middle class and other working people who have tried to quit smoking and save a few quid.' Data from the Department of Work and Pensions found that 46 per cent of children, around 3,400 of them, were living in poverty in Hodge Hill. Mother-of-three Mimi Blested, 39, a health and social care student, said: 'Everything has gone up so we have to make tough choices. It's the same for a lot of people. I see them at the checkouts not being able to pay for their shopping. It's sad.' The Rev Larry Curtis, 69, who runs a food bank from his Baptist Church in Hodge Hill said: 'We started running a food bank just over a year ago because there were so many people in need. 'I have been here for 35 years and I think people are better off now but young families are really stretched and they can get themselves into a difficult situation very quickly, if someone loses a job for instance.' Josh Neicho, 42, a communications worker, added: 'We need billions spent on insulating people's homes. Rich people do it, councils are doing it but there is a mass of people in the middle who are really struggling.' For many in Hodge Hill, change can't come soon enough and they are begging for a chance to see their luck turn. But politicians telling them to wait years to see a change just isn't good enough for many of them. Community outreach worker Toqueer Quyaam, 39, explained: 'People feel let down by Labour. 'People have had 14 years of austerity and now they are told to wait another 10 years to see the benefits. People can't wait that long.' The wall is covered with live screens stretching so far that no one person can possibly keep an eye on all of them. One is reporting updates on around a dozen minor incidents. I see that an ambulance is on its way to check-in at Terminal 3, for example, or that the police are checking an unattended bag in a cafe in Terminal 4. One section of the wall is made up of nine screens simply showing closed-circuit live footage from one platform of the shuttle train running beneath Terminal 5. There are monitors covering approach roads, fire alarm systems, baggage belts, passport control, electricity consumption, engineering works along with plenty of indecipherable pie charts and graphs. Somewhere in the middle, I spy one solitary screen offering light relief in the form of Sky News. Mail journalist Robert Robert insider Heathrow's Airport Operations Centre According to Heathrows management, this is the largest screen wall in Britain bigger than any multi-screen system you will find at, say, BBC headquarters or Scotland Yard. And this is the first time they have allowed a journalist inside what is the airports inner sanctum, to watch around 50 people playing simultaneous games of three-dimensional chess. All have clearly defined roles, be it working out extra fuel loads for planes which will need to fly around todays new Middle Eastern exclusion zones or steering a medical emergency team to find a United Airlines flight from San Francisco to Frankfurt which has just been diverted to London because a 70-year-old man has just had a heart attack. I meet key staff, from the woman who had to co-ordinate all the aircraft movements during Queen Elizabeths funeral in 2022 to the airport boss who received a personal noise complaint from a Windsor resident. Can you stop disturbing my siestas? the King asked him. Called the APOC Airport Operations Centre this huge room controls pretty much everything at our busiest airport with the exception of what is happening in the sky. Air Traffic Control, based in a giant tower, deal with the stuff overhead. This covers what happens on the ground. And I had been expecting things to be a little more frantic, given that this place has just set a new record. For this week, Heathrow has just announced new figures which show that it is not only Europes fastest-growing airport hub but it is also on course to post the highest passenger numbers in its history. It is not merely back to its pre-Covid level but is comfortably surpassing it. In the first three quarters of this year, the airport has handled 63.1million passengers, meaning that it is now forecast to deal with 83.8million by the end of 2024, easily the highest number ever. Back in 2008, after Heathrow opened its vast leviathan, Terminal 5, the management pronounced the place full. That was based on an annual turnover of 66million passengers. But then they kept on squeezing in a few more. Everything then fell off a cliff thanks to Covid but things have now not merely returned to normal. This summer, the airport had the busiest departure day in its history on Wednesday July 24 142,800 passengers a fact directly attributable to what was happening two days later: the opening of the Paris Olympics. It also clocked up the greatest number of arrivals on a single day with 140,500 landing on Monday September 2, coinciding with the end of the summer holidays. Thanks to the extra hordes flying in to watch various Taylor Swift concerts, it was the busiest summer season on record nearly 31million people in total. Heathrow has just announced new figures showing that it is not only Europes fastest growing airport hub, but it is also on course to post the highest passenger numbers in its history Jack Nye, baggage service manager at Heathrow, which handled 63.1million passengers in the first three quarters of this year, new figures show Thanks to the extra hordes flying in to watch Taylor Swift's concerts in Britain, Heathrow has seen its busiest summer season on record, with nearly 31million passengers Which all raises some rather awkward questions. We have all been led to believe that basket-case Britain is now a pariah state. Certainly, listening to the post-election doom-and-gloom narrative peddled by Chancellor Rachel Reeves, the Tories have left behind an impoverished wasteland bereft of hope. We have also been told endlessly that no one wants to do business in post-Brexit Britain. At the same time, a day cannot pass without a dark warning that aviation is killing the planet, that the Just Stop Oil brigade are on the right side of history. On top of all that, the business lobby has always warned that unless Heathrow gets a third runway which successive governments have blocked - then it is doomed to become a second division also-ran in the world of aviation. All of which must, surely, point to the slow, inexorable, terminal decline of the UKs flagship airport. The trouble is, all these pesky passengers will just keep turning up and messing up all these solemn predictions, with the result that well over the equivalent of the entire population of this country will pass through the place this year. So I have come to see how they deal with all this as Heathrow handles this weeks crowd-booster: half-term. And it is all eerily calm. Indeed, even when I am shooed out of the room because a blue light incident is unfolding nothing serious, it turns out there is no sense of anything out of the ordinary. I have been allowed inside APOC to mark its tenth anniversary. Previously, the airport was run via a network of offices scattered around the place, all doing different things. Then, Heathrow had one of its periodic winter meltdowns and action was clearly needed. We had a horrible Christmas, recalls chief operating officer Javier Echave. And we realised that we needed to invest in some greater resilience and we spent 50million on this. We had, I think, 32 control rooms at the time but now everything is centralised into one. Heathrow's chief operating officer Javier Echave, who is in charge of co-ordinating 90,000 employees working for 400 companies at the airport Born in Spain and now devoted to Britain, Mr Echave has been working at what he calls the city of Heathrow for 16 years and is now in charge of co-ordinating 90,000 employees working for 400 companies. Of these, around 6,000 staff work directly for the airport. He is still determined to keep pushing the passenger numbers up despite the fact that the airport cannot actually squeeze in any more flights thanks to planning permission which has capped them at 480,000 annual movements. Nor is there any prospect of a third runway, though the owners a consortium comprised mainly of Qatari, Chinese, Canadian and Saudi institutions continue to badger the British government in the hope of getting one. We still have the ability to create more capacity within the two runways we have, says Mr Echave. The airlines are putting on bigger aircraft, but we also need to make sure the aircraft are more full, he explains. I learn that the average plane in and out of here carries 220 people and that, on average, they will be 80 per cent full which means that, in theory, Heathrow could accommodate another 20million punters each year. In other words, it is not inconceivable that, before long, the airport is processing 100million souls in a calendar year. How has this happened? Mr Echave points to two main factors. First, he says, London is still super attractive as a destination, a place to connect and a place to do business'. Second, he says that, unlike many other airports in Europe, we did not use the pandemic to violate our commitments to our people and there were no compulsory redundancies. We didnt burn social relationships as much as some other businesses and so, in our attempt to bring people back, we struggled less. So what about the damage all this extra flying must be doing to the planet? Mr Echave points out that sustainable aviation fuel is now beyond the experimental stage and will account for more than ten per cent of consumption in five years time. He also had long talks with the King on the subject, back in his Prince of Wales days, since Heathrow is part of the Sustainable Markets Initiative set up by Charles. I have met him many times to talk about embedding sustainability in business, he says. You get those deep blue eyes looking you in the eye and he says, Tell me the truth. And you do. I am very inspired by him. I told him he was like Spider-Man. I grew up on Spider-Man who would say, With great power comes great responsibility, and that is what the King does. The King also joked with him about the noise of the air traffic which flies over Heathrow. Knowing I am Spanish, he said, Can you stop disturbing my siestas? For residents, the noise usually depends on which of the two runways is operating in which direction. At a certain point each day, Heathrow switches the incoming and outbound traffic from one runway to the other, to spread the load. I am surprised to learn that incoming planes make more noise than take-offs, because of the sound generated by friction with the landing gear. For Windsor, the greatest noise comes when planes are coming into land on the north runway. Just Stop Oil protesters block the departure gates at Heathrow's Terminal 5 in August this year as part of their ongoing campaign against the fossil fuel industry Airport operations manager Amanda West, who was on duty on the day of Queen Elizabeth's funeral on September 19, 2022 While Ive got Mr Echave, I want to ask him about the number one gripe of every passenger: all that faff at security. He says that the airport is investing 1.1billion in new-generation scanners which mean laptops and liquids can sail through without the need to unpack your luggage. Other things are beyond his remit, notably passport control, though he is not unduly worried about the draconian upcoming EU rule that every non-Schengen Area arrival must give their fingerprints. That will be done at European airports, not here, so the impact will be quite minimal here, he says, while acknowledging it could mean hideous delays at the other end. Its time for a proper tour of the APOC room itself. Although it overlooks the north runway, there is almost no noise, thanks to some very thick windows. Aside from the airports in-house boffins, all the agencies have representatives in here the police, Border Force, air traffic, the fire brigade (which has to be anywhere on the entire Heathrow estate inside 90 seconds) and so on. As soon as anything untoward happens from snow to a demo to a rail strike all the key players are now in one place. I meet the duty airport operations manager, Amanda West, who will be the central point of contact for the duration of a 12-hour shift. She happened to be on duty on the day of the Queens funeral. It was amazing how silent an airport can be when it needs to be, she says. Not only did all the planes and terminals come to a halt for the allotted two-minute silence, but planes were being diverted away from the various funeral processions and services throughout the day. On top of that, the airports VIP services were dealing with the greatest influx of heads of state that Britain had ever seen (though even that was surpassed by the Coronation). It was their busiest day ever, says Amanda, adding that they were spared one challenge. Air Force One doesnt land here, she says, explaining that there isnt room for all the helicopters and motorcades which usually accompany it. The US president always goes to Stansted. Nearly 50 percent of Americans do not support taxpayer-funded reparations for black residents, a new DailyMail.com/J.L. Partners poll has revealed. A raft of blue cities across the country have proposed paying money to the descendants of slaves in recent years. California was the first US state to establish a reparations taskforce in 2023 to provide recommendations. Other Democratic areas, such as New York City and Boston, are also considering offering reparations to its affected populations. Despite this, DailyMail.com's poll found that the majority of Americans do not support the notion of dishing out millions of dollars to the ancestors of slaves, with 37 percent strongly opposing it and 11 percent somewhat opposing it. Only a mere nine percent strongly support reparations, with 11 percent somewhat supporting the proposal, the poll revealed. More than 30 percent said they either did not know or neither supported or opposed reparations. Nearly 50 percent of Americans don't support reparations for slavery, despite several blue cities considering bills, a shocking DailyMail.com/J.L. Partners poll revealed Several reparations taskforces have proposed millions of dollars of government money be offered to the ancestors of slaves as a form of apology. But in September, California Governor Gavin Newsom, dealt a blow to the state's reparations efforts by vetoing a key property bill. The rejected Senate Bill 1050 would have helped Black families reclaim or be compensated for property that was unjustly seized by the government through racially motivated eminent domain. 'I thank the author for his commitment to redressing past racial injustices,' Newsom said in a statement, referring to state Sen. Steven Bradford. 'However, this bill tasks a nonexistent state agency to carry out its various provisions and requirements, making it impossible to implement.' The legislation was part of a package of reparations bills introduced this year that seek to offer repair for decades of policies that discriminated against African Americans. New York City also revealed plans to consider offering reparations to the descendants of slaves in September - but the proposals are yet to be signed into law by Mayor Eric Adams. According to the City Council, New York City had one of the highest rates of slave ownership in the country during the 1700s, before abolishing it in 1872. However, businesses across the city, including the predecessors of some modern banks, continued to benefit financially from the slave trade up until 1866 - with the lawmakers behind the proposals noting that the harms caused by the institution are still felt by Black Americans today. More than two-to-one American voters oppose reparations for slavery, which propose giving families who derive from slavery a monetary reward to make up for the US government's past actions One of the proposals would require the city to install a sign on Wall Street in Manhattan to mark the site of New York's first slave market which operated between 1711 and 1762. In Boston, Boston People's Reparations Commission has demanded the city invest $15billion in slavery reparations. They demanded the sum be invested 'monetarily and through public policy that will be in effect for Black Bostonians for generations.' Head of the Commission Reverend Kevin Peterson told WCVB that even though the group is asking for $15billion, it is 'not enough' as 'every life is incalculable.' As well as the money requested from the City, the Commission is in talks with Boston's white churches about a possible $50million payout. Only a mere nine percent strongly support reparations out of those polled, and 11 percent somewhat support it, the poll revealed Another widely debated topic ahead of the November election is immigration. The DailyMail.com/J.L. Partners poll found that 50 percent of respondents strongly supported significantly reducing the number of immigrants coming into the country illegally and 18 percent somewhat support it. Nearly 50 percent also both strongly and somewhat supported reducing immigrants coming legally to the US. Ask around Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin for the best bar in the city and most will say it is Poh's Corner Pub downtown. Kim Poh, 68, and her husband, George, 70, have run the place for the past 38 years. Kim's parents owned the bar for more than a decade before her. It's an institution, a locals's bar, like Sam Malone's Cheers. There are darts, a pool table, a jukebox and cheap eats. A 'half pounder' burger costs $6.50. A side of Wisconsin cheese curds will run you $4.00. 'We get about an equal number of tourists and locals in here,' Kim tells me. 'Most of our locals are Trump supporters.' George agrees that the hard-working small business owners that he knows are voting for the former president. But the out-of-towners who've moved here from nearby Milwaukee or Chicago tend to vote Democrat, he says. There's an 'unwritten rule' in Poh's: Don't talk politics. Folks don't always follow the rules. Kim points down the bar to an older man with graying hair, his elbows on the rail, nursing a pint. 'He's voting for Harris,' Kim says. 'Check the bathroom, I bet he wrote something on the chalkboard. He does it every time he comes in.' Sure enough, in the men's room in big bold letters on a chalkboard are the letters 'FDT'. Kim tells me that stands for 'F*** Donald Trump.' She shrugs it off. Ask around Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin for the best bar in the city and most will say it is Poh's Corner Pub downtown. Sure enough, in the men's room in big bold letters on a chalkboard are the letters 'FDT'. Kim tells me that stands for 'F*** Donald Trump.' Kim and George are backing Trump, but they're well aware that Sturgeon Bay and all of Door County, Wisconsin, where they live is split. That's why Door County numbers among the 18 'swing' counties across the seven 'swing' states that will decide the 2024 election. Just like in 2020, the presidential race will come down to these battlegrounds (Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin in the Rust Belt and Arizona, Georgia, Nevada and North Carolina in the Sun Belt). Four years ago, all the states were decided by a margin of three percentage points or less - and only a handful of their 513 counties really make the difference. In 2020, Joe Biden carried Door County by just 292 votes the tightest margin in any county in the state that year and Biden won the state by a narrow 0.63 percentage point margin. It's an odd feature of American elections that the selection of the president comes down to so few votes but that's the reality in a country that has grown so polarized. There are only a few places left politically diverse enough to occasionally change their collective mind. And Door County is, in fact, very unique. No other swing county in America has voted for the eventual winner of the election the last six times, earning Door the nickname, 'America's Swingiest County.' Erika May outside of her house on October 25, 2024 in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin Jerod Santek poses with his yard signs on October 25, 2024 in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin Starting in 1996, Door County voted for George W Bush, twice. Then, it went for Barack Obama, twice, followed by Donald Trump and Joe Biden. In Sturgeon Bay, the Mail noticed next-door neighbors with lawn signs supporting different candidate. Erika May, an 82-year-old retired schoolteacher, is a longtime Republican voter and a resident of Door County since 1964. She proudly shows off her pro-Trump signs: 'Trump Safety/Kamala Crime, Trump low prices/Kamala high prices. Her neighbor Jerod Santek, 60, is an arts administrator, and she's voting for Harris. The signs in yard read: 'Vote Blue' and 'Hate will not make us great.' 'There really is no choice between the two, if you listen to Trump's rhetoric, I don't know how anyone can support that type of hatred,' he said. There's something else fascinating about these 'swing counties' they're microcosms of America. 'Door is a signature county,' former Ronald Reagan pollster Craig Keshishian told DailyMail.com. 'The demographics in this place largely match the makeup of the country in general.' Nicknamed the 'Cape Cod' of the Midwest, Door sits 20 miles north of Green Bay, Wisconsin, on a peninsula boasting 300 miles of shoreline and jutting into Lake Michigan. During the summer the population explodes with over 2.5 million visitors annually. Over the years, some of those holidaymakers have come back to stay and the decidedly red county was eventually turned a shifting-shade of purple. There are 21,815 registered voters and the county boasts a 90% voter turnout. While the county is 92 percent white, it is economically diverse. There are retirees, farmers and professionals who escaped the big cities. There is heavy manufacturing industry here and some very wealthy enclaves, but there are also some folks who are struggling to get by. Bob Schottenhelm, who voted for Kamala Harris, poses for a photo on October 25, 2024 in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin Austin Vandertie, 25, is a multi-generation farmer in Brussels, Wisconsin, a town in southern Door County, where dairy farms and grain silos dot the landscape. 'These people's lives are impacted by the state of the economy,' says Keshishian. The old political maxim rings true here as it does everywhere else: It's the economy, stupid. Maricopa County in Arizona is another critical 'swing' state prize. It is home to 62 percent of the state's population and has swung between Trump in 2016 (a winner with 47.6 percent of the vote) to Biden in 2020 with 50 percent of the vote. That year Arizona went for Biden. If Vice President Kamala Harris can carry Fayette County in Georgia this year, it'll be a big boon to her White House hopes. Trump carried Fayette County county in 2016 and 2020. But his margin of victory decreased significantly with each election from 19 points against Hillary in 2016 to just seven points against Biden, who carried the entire state. Pennsylvania has established itself as the battleground in the 2024 election. Only six of 67 counties in Pennsylvania flipped from voting Republican in 2016 to Democrat in 2020. Erie County is one of them. Trump won there in 2016 but lost to Biden in 2020 by about 1,400 votes. Back in Door County, Austin Vandertie, 25, is a multi-generation farmer in Brussels, Wisconsin, a town in southern Door County, where dairy farms and grain silos dot the landscape. Vandertie and his family own 40 head of milking cows and 400 acres of land that they farm. He says he's making less under Biden than Trump because his expenses have skyrocketed. Nicknamed the 'Cape Cod' of the Midwest, Door sits 20 miles north of Green Bay, Wisconsin, on a peninsula boasting 300 miles of shoreline and jutting into Lake Michigan. 'Fertilizer prices spiked the day after the Russia Ukraine war started,' Vandertie tells me. 'If something happens across the world us farmers feel time impact the next day.' Vandertie also points out that when then-President Trump withdrew the U.S. from the North American Free Trade agreement in 2018, 'it hurt at first, but it was better in the long run.' 'Under Trump we had access to more markets and allowed us to have fair competition in those markets,' he said. That said, Vandertie knows a bunch of people voting for Harris. That's how it is around here. At Poh's Corner Pub in Sturgeon, I ask that gray-haired man at the bar for an interview. He agrees, saying he only has two minutes. He refuses to give his name but says he's a 69-year-old retired schoolteacher and life-long Democrat (except for that one time he voted for George W. Bush). 'Did you write 'f*** Donald Trump' on the chalkboard in the bathroom?' I ask him. Getting up to leave, he turns to me with a smirk as big as the Cheshire cat's, says 'yes' and walks out. Sir Keir Starmer has been urged to remove the party whip from a Labour MP who shared a social media post accusing Kemi Badenoch of representing 'white supremacy in blackface'. Dawn Butler shared the post just before the new Conservative party leader was elected. The Brent East MP later deleted the post, originally written by Nels Abbey, a London-based Nigerian journalist. It was titled 'Warning: Seven rules for surviving a Kemi Badenoch victory' and listed 'handy tips for surviving the immediate surge of Badenochism (i.e. white supremacy in blackface).' It also described Mrs Badenoch's win as a 'victory for racism'. Dawn Butler (pictured) shared the post just before the new Conservative party leader was elected In her victory speech today, Ms Badenoch paid tribute to Rishi Sunak and also praised her rival Robert Jenrick's 'energy' Foreign Secretary David Lammy described it as an 'important moment not only for Brits from black and minority ethnic backgrounds, but for our whole country' Ms Badenoch said Keir Starmer had given the Tories an opportunity with his shaky start NHS nurse Amy Gallagher wrote on X, formerly Twitter, the Prime Minister 'must withdraw the whip from Dawn Butler immediately.' Downing Street sources noted the post was no longer present on Ms Butler's profile and pointed to Sir Keir Starmer's message to Mrs Badenoch, who on Saturday became the first black woman to lead a major European political party. The Prime Minister wrote that her election was a 'proud moment' for Britain. Foreign Secretary David Lammy described it as an 'important moment not only for Brits from black and minority ethnic backgrounds, but for our whole country.' In her victory speech today, Ms Badenoch paid tribute to Rishi Sunak and also praised her rival Robert Jenrick's 'energy'. However, she acknowledged that the previous government had 'let standards slip' and the party must woo back voters. 'The time has come to tell the truth, to stand up for our principles, to plan for the future,' she said. Appealing for Mr Jenrick and other senior figures to join her top team, which will be appointed in the coming days, she told him: 'You and I know we don't actually disagree on very much... We have come through this campaign more united.' Ms Badenoch said Keir Starmer had given the Tories an opportunity with his shaky start. 'The PM is discovering all too late the perils of not having such a plan,' she said. Ms Badenoch received 53,806 votes to 41,388 for Mr Jenrick - 56 per cent to 44 per cent, closer than many expected. Turnout was only 72.8 per cent. She was congratulated by Sir Keir for becoming the first black leader of a major UK political party - another first for the Tories while Labour has yet to have a woman in charge. Penny Mordaunt is being lined up as the next Conservative Party candidate for London mayor, sources said. Insiders said Ms Mordaunt 'ticks all the boxes' and her possible candidacy has been discussed by the party. One source said: 'They have been scouting around for a super star candidate but don't have any in London itself.' Another added that such a move would 'take her out of the picture' of being seen by some in the party as a potential challenge to the leadership while giving her a high profile enough job. A senior party source confirmed discussions have taken place on lining up the former MP to take on Sadiq Khan at the next election. Penny Mordaunt, holding the Sword of State walking ahead of King Charles III during his coronation Mayor of London Sadiq Khan during the Diwali on the Square celebration on October 27 Insiders said Ms Mordaunt 'ticks all the boxes' and her possible candidacy has been discussed by the party Ms Mordaunt's allies say she is weighing up whether she can do it and still come back as an MP. The former Leader of the House of Commons, who carried a ceremonial sword at King Charles' Westminster Abbey coronation last year, was widely regarded as a leadership successor to Rishi Sunak before she lost her Portsmouth North seat in July. She is seen as keen to make a return to frontline politics. However a source close to Ms Mordaunt said she has been busy helping party chairman Richard Fuller with a project intended to help the new leader, Kemi Badenoch. Ms Mordaunt was recently rumoured to be considering standing in Mr Sunak's constituency if he quits sooner than expected. It followed speculation that the former Prime Minister and his ex-deputy Sir Oliver Dowden are set to resign their seats and trigger byelections. A ULEZ zone sign in Bromley, Greater London (file picture) Plans to ban traffic from part of London's Oxford Street have been announced by mayor of London Sadiq Khan (file picture) Sources close to Ms Mordaunt denied the reports at the time. Ms Mordaunt did not endorse any candidate in the Conservative leadership election, saying the work she has been doing for the party required her to remain impartial. Last month she was forced to distance herself from Robert Jenrick's campaign. Mr Jenrick had posted a picture of himself with Ms Mordaunt captioned: 'I'm offering a unified party a plan, policies, people and Penny.' She then told journalists she had not given permission for her photograph to be used. A leading campaigner for women-only spaces claims she was kicked out of a lesbian bar after a transgender customer complained about her presence. Jenny Watson, 32, says she was accused of hate crime in the traumatic incident, and claims bouncers removed her with such force that she was left with bruised wrists. Although she had no interactions with anyone but her friends at the She bar in Soho, London, last month, she believes a transgender customer recognised her from social media and urged staff to kick her out. Ms Watson says staff told her she had committed a hate crime without specifying what, adding: I suspect this trans-identifying man went to staff because he recognised me, then they made this decision because of what he said. The ejection was clearly motivated by my beliefs. Ms Watson, a town planner, is now considering whether to take legal action, as it is unlawful to discriminate over gender-critical opinions. Jenny Watson outside the College Arms Pub in Bloomsbury that has banned her Lesbian Speed Dating night as it is not deemed trans-inclusive SHE Soho Lesbian bar in Soho, a very popular lesbian bar venue in London. Many of London's gay bars are clustered around Soho, the traditional centre She rejected any suggestion of being transphobic: I never say anything hateful. I believe in gender dysphoria and that trans people exist. But she argues that as a growing number of males identify as female and lesbian, there is a need to protect single-sex spaces. She plans to launch her own bar and dating app for biologically female lesbians only. Lesbians are under attack, not by the outside world, but by the LGBTQ+ movement. If a man can dictate who gets to stay in a lesbian bar, then lesbian spaces are no longer safe for lesbians. This has to change. A spokeswoman for the bar said She had been a safe and welcoming environment for the LGBTQ+ community for more than 20 years, and that police had attended and dismissed any claims of unlawful ejection. Ms Watson was involved in a transphobia row last year when she said only adult human females could join her lesbian speed-dating events. Israel's ambassador to Britain has criticised an Islamic conference where speakers hailed the October 7 attacks as a 'heroic adventure', and said the recent death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar made Palestinians 'so proud.' Tzipi Hotovely said the comments made during the recent Global Peace & Unity (GPU) event in London which was attended by 50,000 were 'deeply shocking', and she hoped police were investigating the speeches. During the conference, attended by a Mail on Sunday reporter, one speaker said it was 'so beautiful' to see a 'refugee population under occupation strike at the heart of the most advanced army in the world'. Ms Hotovely told the MoS last night: 'The October 7 massacre was the single deadliest day for Jewish people since the Holocaust. Openly supporting gratuitous acts of terror is not only deeply shocking but is actively dangerous. We trust the relevant authorities in the country are looking into the matter.' The Hamas attack which left 1,200 dead and more than 250 kidnapped was the worst terrorist act committed against the Jewish state since it was founded in 1948. As Hamas is a proscribed terrorist organisation under UK law, praising the October 7 massacre could be a terrorist offence, experts said. Lamis Deek, a Palestinian-American lawyer and activist, is seen during mass crowds are gathered in front of the general consulate of Israel and taking streets in Manhattan Latifa Abouchakra (left) and Lamis Deek speak at the Global Peace and Unity Festival at the Excel centre, London Last night, the Metropolitan Police asked the MoS to hand over its dossier of evidence and would assess any 'potential offences'. The GPU 'festival', held at London's Excel Centre, was broadcast live on a Sky satellite station called Islam Channel, which was also the main organiser. During a seminar entitled Palestinians Are Humans, Not Heroes, one of the panellists, Lamis Deek, a Palestinian-American lawyer and activist, said: 'October 7 was one of the most heroic, if not the most absolutely heroic, adventures against the most oppressive entity we have seen, not just in modern history, but in all history.' Ms Deek, 48, added the atrocity made 'more progress against the de-humanisation not just of Palestinians, but of Arabs and Muslims in one year than has been made in 40 years'. Another speaker, Naema Aldaqsha, 30, a British-based activist, said the war in Gaza was 'not conflict, but a colonial project', and the death of Sinwar, who was killed by Israeli troops in Gaza last month, 'makes Palestinians so proud of him as a person and so proud of their entity as Palestinians.' Latifa Abouchakra, a journalist at the Iranian state-backed channel Press TV, said Palestinians were 'justified a revenge, a retaliation, of such levels that will very easily annihilate the entity'. She added that the October 7 attacks were 'so beautiful, because you see a refugee population, under occupation... strike at the heart of the most advanced army in the world'. Ms Abouchakra added: 'Anyone who is not talking about armed resistance, as a pro-Palestinian organisation especially, they are all Zionists, cowards.' Latifa Abouchakra, a journalist at the Iranian state-backed channel Press TV, said the October 7 attacks were 'beautiful' Jewish leaders expressed their horror at the comments. Phil Rosenberg, president of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, said: 'The comments demonstrate that for some, 'global peace' depends on the annihilation of Israel and its inhabitants. Questions must be asked as to how open support for terror was able to be promoted at a conference in our capital.' Gideon Falter, of the Campaign Against Antisemitism, said: 'Describing the worst massacre of Jews since the Holocaust as 'heroic' is the sort of rhetoric one would expect from a white supremacist. Today, this rhetoric comes from Islamists.' A spokesman for Islam Channel said: 'We were completely unaware of these comments until you brought them to our attention. The Global Peace & Unity Foundation does not condone violence and condemns all forms of racism, anti-Semitism and Islamophobia.' When contacted for comment, Ms Deek, Ms Abouchakra and Ms Aldaqsha did not respond. Rachel Reeves must make family farms exempt from the inheritance tax raid or risk destroying communities, farmers have warned. Minette Batters, former president of the National Farmers Union, has accused the Chancellor of doing her level best to pull the rug from under our struggling farmers. She has called for the Treasury to weed out the multi-millionaire chancers who buy land pretending its for farm use and save the genuine farmers from her plans to limit inheritance tax relief for farms to 1million. She writes in todays Mail on Sunday: The changes will destroy communities. It is not good enough to say that farmers could sell a few fields in order to pay the bill. Farms need to be a certain size in order to be viable. While many farmers might be asset-rich, they are often cash-poor, in many cases extremely so. Farmers have warned that the Chancellor's inheritance tax grab could 'destroy our communities' Minette Batters accused Ms Reeves of doing 'her level best to pull the rug from under our struggling farmers She also called on the Treasury to publish a full impact assessment on what the plans mean for farming and food security. Meanwhile, a Gloucestershire landowner said the changes had left him terrified and he was already cancelling planned projects for his land as a result of Ms Reeves Budget. He told this newspaper: I have put all projects on ice and stopped all investment on the farm. I have spoken to 50 farmers in three days. Everybody has dropped their plans. Why would you invest when it would only increase the value of your assets? He added: Its going to put farm workers out of jobs. The landowner, who owns a 2,000-acre farm but struggles to break even, said the Government risked permanently turning farmers against it. The third-generation farmer said: Labour is entering into territory of not just losing the rural vote next time, but for ever. Unless they listen to the sector, there is no chance a farmer would ever vote Labour again. Calling on the Government to reverse the plans, he added: Its a level of disrespect that we havent been exposed to before. Weve been suddenly put into the same category as investors even though, aside from growing food, we look after the land. Jeremy Clarkson also expressed his fury and said the changes could be the last straw for farmers who are already struggling to cope. The presenter of Clarksons Farm writes of Sir Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves in todays Sunday Times: If the word on the rural grapevine about a farmers suicide is accurate, their policy, born of bitterness and envy, may already have tipped one man over the edge. It comes after a father was feared to have taken his own life after the Labour tax grab on farmland. An anonymous Facebook post said the landowner was unable to face his children footing a 20 per cent inheritance tax bill and reportedly killed himself. The National Farmers Union said it could not confirm the claims but farmers have claimed the looming tax changes risk making some desperate. The union has called for the Government to U-turn on the family farm tax. Environment Secretary Steve Reed has said: I understand farmers anxiety at any changes. But rural communities need a better NHS, affordable housing and public transport that we can provide if we make the system fairer. Industry leaders accused the Government of breaking clear promises not to tamper with exemptions for agricultural property (file image) A Conservative Party source said Labours changes were a result of the politics of envy. Farming is not some money- making goldmine. It is hard graft. The profit margins are not great. At the end of the day farming is a way of life. Another Tory source said that the Conservatives previously looked at changing inheritance tax but ruled out doing so because of concerns about the impact on farmers. I dont think they fully understood land value, the source said. A whole bunch of Labour MPs have won in large farming communities who this weekend will be having a really hard time. Downing Street said this weekend: Were committed to supporting farmers. My family have toiled our land for eight generations - now Rachel Reeves' budget means I am having to rip up my plans to pass it down to my son Family farmers who have toiled the land for generations fear Labours massive tax raid will finally force them out of business. Robin Milton, 63, the eighth generation of his family to work a sheep farm near Withypool on Exmoor in Devon, said he may face a 1million tax bill after last weeks Budget. I had done all my succession planning to pass the farm on to my son now all of that will have to be ripped up, he said. What annoyed me more than anything is hearing Rachel Reeves tell us that if we do proper tax planning it shouldnt affect us. In which case, why do it? Why not be honest and admit that youre hitting farmers to bring in cash? Cattle and sheep farmer Robin Milton of Exmoor, Devon. Pictured (L-to-R) Chris Milton (son), Jennie (daughter-in-law), grandchildren Matilda (6) and Rupert (3) Robin and Wendy (Robin's partner). Working sheepdog Flo The fury comes as out of touch agriculture minister Steve Reed has also been criticised for wearing a 420 pair of designer wellington boots given to him by controversial donor Lord Alli Jilly Greed, 69, who runs a 600-acre beef farm near Thorverton, in Devons Exe Valley, feels betrayed The result will be that corporate investors will move in and buy land that farmers are forced to sell. They will leverage its carbon offset value plant trees and walk away. Jilly Greed, 69, who runs a 600-acre beef farm near Thorverton, in Devons Exe Valley, feels betrayed after Sir Keir Starmer promised the National Farmers Union conference last year that he would protect farmers. She said: Maybe Rachel Reeves does want to hit big businesses which take advantage of the agricultural tax break. But that net also pulls in farms run by decent, hard-working people which have been in the same family for generations. These are not wealthy folk. Many will have to sell some of that land to pay death duties, ultimately making their farms unviable. For years governments have told us to diversify. We borrowed heavily and restored barns to create a centre for small businesses. Now that will be caught up in this tax raid. The wally wearing free wellies Furious farmers have criticised out of touch agriculture minister Steve Reed for wearing a 420 pair of designer wellington boots given to him by controversial donor Lord Alli. Mr Reeds boots, pictured, have emerged as a symbol of farmers frustration at Labours approach to the rural economy. Robin Milton, 63, of Withypool on Exmoor, said: Mr Reeds wonga-wellies tell you everything you need to know about Labours attitude to the countryside. Advertisement By Anna Mikhailova Deputy Political Editor The scandal surrounding politicians' Qantas upgrades has deepened with the claim that taxpayers are being cheated out of tens of millions of dollars a year because rules about them taking the cheapest available flights are repeatedly being broken. Qantas' biggest rival, Virgin Australia, claimed in a bombshell submission to the government's Aviation White Paper that it gets just 23 per cent of the $250m annual government spend on flights, despite being up to 30 per cent cheaper. The furore started just over a week ago when claims emerged that Anthony Albanese got 22 upgrades from economy on Qantas flights by personally requesting them from the airline's then CEO Mr Joyce - which the Prime Minister has categorically denied. The claim was made in Joe Aston's book The Chairman's Lounge - The Inside story of how Qantas Sold us out, and has led to Mr Albanese being called 'upgrade Albo'. In its submission to the White Paper, which charts a course for the aviation industry over the next quarter century, Virgin also said work flights taken by politicians, their staff and public servants should not be eligible for Qantas 'status credits'. Status credits allow frequent flyers to get access to benefits such as upgrades and are another potential reason for flying with Qantas rather than cheaper rivals such as Virgin. Though the Coalition did nothing to change the system of favouring Qantas while in power from 2013-2022, it is now demanding that the cheapest-fare rule be followed. Politicians from all sides regularly get free Qantas upgrades and many are members of the exclusive Chairman's Lounge, but Opposition leader Peter Dutton claimed the difference is that Mr Albanese he personally contacted Mr Joyce for upgrades. Anthony Albanese (right) is pictured with his partner Jodie Haydon (left) and then Qantas CEO Alan Joyce (centre) The Coalition's Transport Spokeswoman Bridget McKenzie said 'the Prime Minister just wants to protect his favoured, dominant airline'. 'Labor has allowed the government's contracted travel provider to consistently favour Qantas,' she told the Sun Herald. But Ms McKenzie herself got caught up in the public fury over Qantas upgrades by first denying she had benefited from one, then later admitting she had. The senator said a review into travel rules by the Department of Finance was not needed. 'They just need to act to ensure the government's travel provider offers public servants the lowest-cost practical fare the first time, rather than offering Qantas as the default,' she said. Ms McKenzie told the ABC on Friday that 'it was wrong of me to be so emphatic' in her initial claim that she had never got a Qantas upgrade. 'I don't probably believe I should be subjecting other people to standards I'm not prepared to subject myself to.' Daily Mail Australia has contacted Ms McKenzie for further comment. In Virgin's submission to the White Paper, which was lodged last January, it said the government was overspending on flights by tens of millions of dollars by failing to book the cheapest flight available. 'These spending patterns serve to entrench Qantas' dominance and deny Virgin Australia a real opportunity to attract government and corporate passengers,' its submission said. 'The pervasiveness of Qantas Chairman's Lounge Membership amongst Australians of influence, including politicians, also sheds light on these decisions.' Though his book has led to rage against the Prime Minister over his seemingly cosy relationship with Qantas, and in particular its former CEO Mr Joyce, Aston told Daily Mail Australia it is 'not a hit job on Anthony Albanese'. Aston insisted he's 'not trying to get a scalp', but reiterated said Mr Albanese 'had a direct line to Alan Joyce'. But the blows to the federal government continued on Sunday when Education Minister Jason Clare admitted to requesting a free flight upgrade from Qantas while on a personal trip to Singapore in 2019. Qantas' (plane pictured) biggest rival, Virgin Australia, claimed it gets just 23 per cent of the $250m annual government spend on flights, despite being up to 30 per cent cheaper Education Minister Jason Clare admitted on Sunday to requesting a free flight upgrade from Qantas while on a personal trip to Singapore in 2019 He said he asked for it after having a melanoma cut out of his leg. 'That was a personal trip, and that was a situation where I had just got out of hospital,' he told Sky News. 'I had surgery on my leg and, yep, I asked for an upgrade and I was assisted by Qantas.' Asked who he contacted, Mr Clare said he remembered 'picking up the phone and asking for a bit of assistance' but that he 'can't remember all of the details'. He said it was 'probably' a government relations staffer at Qantas. 'I don't want to mislead you, but I definitely asked for that just to help me after the surgery,' Mr Clare said. He was on his way to meet up with his family, who were already overseas at the time. The owner of an Instagram-famous dog was soaked in coffee by a 'deranged' woman who harassed her and her pet at a New York City park. Milo the Pencil Dog has over 40,000 Instagram followers who adore him, but an unidentified woman at Riverside Park was not a fan. Rimma, 27, described the absurd interaction to the New York Post: 'My inner demons were burning. 'She was clearly not in her right mind.' As shown in the shocking video of the October 18 incident, the woman stood on the other side of a fence while Milo barked at her. Milo barked at the 'deranged' woman who approached him and his owner The well-known greyhound has over 40,000 Instagram followers. His owner, Rimma, runs the account 'He's uncomfortable with you, can you leave us alone?', Rimma, Milo's 27-year-old owner, said. She told the Post the greyhound hardly ever barks, so he was clearly unsettled. The woman walked away from Rimma and Milo. But she soon returned to throw her coffee at the unsuspecting influencer. Rimma gasped and said 'What a b****!' Before Rimma was drenched in lukewarm coffee, she said she and Milo were sitting on the grass of the Upper West Side park. Unprompted, the unhinged coffee-thrower came over to them. The woman started talking to the dog when Rimma stopped responding to her Milo the Pencil Dog has loyal fans that dote over him online Rimma told the Post the woman started questioning her about the way she was sitting. 'Why are you sitting like that?' the woman allegedly asked. 'Do you need to use the restroom?' 'Theres no way a normal person asks that,' the confused owner told the Post. 'She started talking to my dog, saying, "Yeah, shes lazy," referring to the fact that I was sitting on the grass,' she added. Rimma is still stunned by the incident and shared the video in hopes of identifying the culprit. She said to the Post: 'It blew my mind. Her goal was the bother me, provoke me.' The woman walked away from Rimma and Milo before returning to throw her coffee On Instagram, Rimma explained she had filed a police report, but was told there would not be an investigation because she was uninjured and did not have any details about the aggressor. She explained to the Post she stayed calm and did not react rashly. 'I know I have something to lose,' she said. But viewers were quick to express their outrage with the situation. 'You have a lot more self control than me and I respect you greatly for that because man would I have flown over that little fence,' one user commented. Rimma has continued posting adorable videos of Milo since the incident. She said she hopes the woman gets identified Someone else chimed in: 'Why can't people just mind their own freaking business?' People have also speculated about who the woman is and brainstormed different ways to identify her, including posting the video on Reddit. Since the coffee-hurling meltdown, Rimma has continued to post her usual canine content starring Milo, who turned two in September. A liberal news website fell for a fake statement from former President Trump that appeared to condemn the seizure and subsequent death of an Instagram-famous squirrel named Peanut. The site was duped after a bizarre bogus press release adorned with the Trump campaign's logo was posted on X. The language appeared similar in tone to that used by Trump during his campaign perhaps making it all too easy for someone to mistakenly believe the words to be true. The fake posting saw Trump lament how Peanut and Fred the Raccoon were removed from owner, Mark Longo, and 'executed by the State of New York' thanks to 'their terrible governor,' Democrat Kathy Hochul. A liberal news website fell for a fake statement from former President Trump that appeared to condemn the seizure and subsequent death of an Instagram-famous squirrel named Peanut The site was duped after a bizarre bogus press release adorned with the Trump campaign's logo was posted on X. Despite the convincing prose the entire posting was fake Donald Trump Jr. took to X on Saturday evening using the death of Peanut to make a political point using similar language to the fake statement 'If Peanut could have told them he was from Mexico, they would have sent him on his way and given him a hotel room and $500 gift card to Buddy Squirrel,' the posting joked. Peanut was 'innocent on all accounts', the statement mocked, comparing the rodent to a migrant. When the real Trump campaign got wind of the windup, they clarified it was false. 'It's a fake statement,' Trump spokesperson Karoline Leavitt told The New York Post. 'He didn't actually say that,' she added. But it didn't take long for someone from the Trump family to respond with sentiments similar to the faked statement. Donald Trump Jr. took to X on Saturday evening using the death of Peanut to make a political point. 'Its time to vote out a government that will kill a pet squirrel but will gladly allow 600,000 criminals with 13,000 murderers & 16,000 rapists knowingly into their country. Maybe Pnuts murder will be the catalyst for real change & awakening as to our govts broken priorities!,' Don Jr. wrote. On Saturday, the man who took in the orphaned squirrel and made him a social media star vowed that New York state's decision to seize and euthanize the animal 'won't go unheard.' 'We will make a stance on how this government and New York state utilizes their resources,' Mark Longo said. Peanut the squirrel had over 580,000 followers online and appeared to spread joy Mark explained how he tried to release the animal back into the wild but he simply returned The squirrel had lived with Mark Longo for the last seven years He declined to specify his possible next steps but said officials would hear from him soon about what happened to both Peanut and Fred, a rescued raccoon that was also confiscated and put down. The state Department of Environmental Conservation took the animals on Wednesday from Longo's home and animal sanctuary in rural Pine City, near the Pennsylvania border. The agency said it had received complaints that wildlife was being kept illegally and potentially unsafely. State law requires people to get a license if they wish to own a wild animal. Longo has said he was working to get Peanut - also known as PNut or PNUT - certified as an educational animal. The DEC and the Chemung County Health Department said on Friday that the squirrel and raccoon were euthanized so they could be tested for rabies after Peanut bit someone involved in the investigation. On Saturday Longo said that he didn't see Peanut bite anyone during what he described as an hourslong, heavy-handed search. The authorities haven't spoken with him since they left the property, he said. Peanut was euthanized because state law requires people to get a license if they wish to own a wild animal in their own home The little rodent appeared to be an integral part of family life in the rural New York State home Peanut the squirrel and his owners, Mark Longo and his wife are seen in Peanut's Instagram videos and stills 'Honestly, this still kind of feels surreal, that the state that I live in actually targeted me and took two of the most beloved animals on this planet away, didnt even quarantine them. They took them from my house and just killed them,' he said. Longo said he started caring for Peanut after the animal's mother was hit by a car in New York City seven years ago. Tens of thousands of users of Instagram, TikTok and other social media platforms glimpsed the animal sporting tiny hats, doing tricks and nibbling on waffles clutched in his little paws. Longo said Fred the raccoon was dropped off on his doorstep a few months ago. After helping the animal recover from injuries, Longo said, he and his wife were planning to release the creature into the woods. Several memes popped up on social media while one lawmaker took to X to voice their frustration at the news. A number of memes popped up during the course of Saturday following Peanut's death The squirrel could perform tricks including jumping through hoops Peanut would eat a waffle while wearing crocheted bunny ears in one of his popular photos 'The NYS DEC needs a serious reality check on their ridiculously mistaken priorities.' New York Rep. Nick Langworthy (R-NY) wrote in a post. 'Instead of focusing on critical needs like flood mitigation in places like Steuben County, where local officials have to struggle just to get permits from the DEC to clear debris-filled waterways, they're out seizing pet squirrels. NY taxpayers deserve better.' Others on social media were also incredulous at what had unfolded. 'Peanut the Squirrel's owner speaks about our government kidnapping this squirrel, the raccoon brother, and then just unaliving them for absolutely zero reason,' one user said. 'They said that four departments and a judge had to sign off for this kidnapping and this euthanasia to happen.' 'This can't be real,' another user said. 'Is this a joke? Are they joking? They're really sent a S.W.A.T. team to go get a squirrel and a raccoon. 'Now I'm finding out that apparently Peanut the Squirrel had a whole bunch of followers on TikTok. So, somebody please explain this to me. Maybe I don't get it. Our squirrels dangerous?' A Florida woman who was dubbed the 'killer clown' after murdering the wife of a man she later married has been released from prison. Sheila Keen-Warren, 61, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder last April after she admitted to dressing like a clown - even clutching two balloons and flowers in hand - and shooting a woman in the face on the doorstep of her home in 1990. She was officially released from prison on Saturday for the murder of 40-year-old Marlene Warren - just 18 months after her guilty plea, which came shortly before her trial would have started. 'Sheila Keen-Warren will always be an admitted convicted murderer and will wear that strain for every day for the rest of her life,' Dave Aronberg, the Palm Beach County State Attorney, said in a statement on Saturday. She has maintained her innocence even after her plea and was originally sentenced to 12 years in prison. Sheila Keen-Warren, 61, who is dubbed as 'Florida's killer clown', was released from prison after murdering the wife of a man she later married in 1990 Marlene Warren, 40, (pictured) was shot in the face after answering the door to her Palm Beach home to a person dressed up as a clown and holding balloons and flowers Keen-Warren (pictured) pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in April of last year but was released just 18 months after her plea While current Florida law requires people to serve at least 85 percent of their sentence before gain time can build up, Keen-Warren is exempt because of the sentencing laws in 1990 when the crime was committed. She spent her days behind bars for seven years since her arrest in 2017, but the state's law in 1990 allowed significant credit for good behavior and expected her to be released in about two years. After spending roughly 17 months in a facility near Tallahassee, the infamous Palm Beach County killer is now a free woman, ending a case that has been strange even by Florida standards. Joseph Ahrens, Marlene's son, was eating breakfast at their Wellington family home with friends in May of 1990 when a person dressed as a clown rang the doorbell. His mother was handed balloons upon opening the door, to which she responded 'how nice' before she was ultimately shot in the face. Marlene was handed balloons and flowers upon opening the door, and responded with 'how nice' before she was shot and died in the hospital two days later One of the balloons she was holding - a silver one that read 'You're the Greatest' - was sold at a Publix supermarket near Keen-Warren's home In May of 1990, a person wearing a clown costume (pictured) as well as clown makeup gunned down Marlene at her front door Keen-Warren then calmly walked back to the white Chrysler LeBaron she arrived in, and drove away from the scene. Michael Warren, the victim's husband, was not home at the time of the shooting. Marlene died at the hospital two days after she was gunned down at her front door. Keen-Warren was long suspected to have been the one to execute the slaying, but it wasn't until 27 years later when improved DNA testing tied her to evidence found in the getaway car led to her arrest. Orange, hair-like fibers were found inside the convertible that was reported stolen from Michael's car lot a month before the shooting. DNA extracted from a fiber was confirmed to have linked her back to the murder, but Greg Rosenfeld, Keen-Warren's attorney, has called the evidence weak. Keen-Warren was long suspected of being the culprit to the crime, but it wasn't until a fiber found in the getaway car linked her to the slaying and led to her arrest in 2017 Marlene's husband, Michael Warren, was not home at the time of the murder and has always insisted that Keen-Warren was innocent Keen-Warren worked under Michael (both pictured) at his used car lot where she first met him and at the time of the killing At the time of the killing, Keen-Warren was working under Michael at his used car lot where she first met him, repossessing cars for him alongside her then-husband. Witnesses told investigators that the two were having an affair, although they both denied those allegations, despite tying the knot 12 years later. The pair married in 2002 and moved to Abington, Virginia, where they ran a restaurant just across the Tennessee border. Over the years, employees at a costume shop identified Keen-Warren as being the woman who had bought a clown suit just a few days before Marlene was gunned down. One of the balloons she was holding - a silver one that read 'You're the Greatest' - was sold at a Publix supermarket near Keen-Warren's home and was the only store in the area to have sold that exact balloon. Employees of that Publix told detectives a woman who looked like Keen-Warren bought the balloons an hour before the shooting. In 2000, Marlene's relatives said that she suspected Michael of having an affair but had fears of leaving him due to the unknown of what he may do to her and her name being under multiple properties they both owned Michael Warren was convicted in 1994 of grand theft, racketeering and odometer tampering and spent four years behind bars Witnesses originally told investigators that Michael and Keen-Warren were having an affair, but they denied those allegations despite getting married 12 years later Relatives of the victim told The Palm Beach Post in 2000 that she had suspected her husband of having an affair and wanted to leave him - but the car lot and other properties were in her name and she feared what might happen to her if she went through with it. She allegedly told her mother, "If anything happens to me, Mike done it." He has never been charged and has denied involvement. But last year, Rosenfeld said that the case against her was falling apart. One DNA sample somehow showed both male and female genes, and the other could have come from one out of every 20 women. But even if that hair did come from Keen-Warren, it could have been deposited before the car was reported stolen. Rosenfeld said that Marlene Warren's son and another witness told detectives that the car deputies found wasn't actually the killer's, although investigators insisted it was. Greg Rosenfeld, Keen-Warren's attorney, noted how the state of Florida's case against his client was falling apart and that the evidence against her was weak Orange, hair-like fibers were found inside the convertible that was reported stolen from Michael's car lot a month before the shooting which initially linked Keen-Warren directly to the killing Keen-Warren has maintained her innocence even after her plea and was originally sentenced to 12 years in prison but the Florida's law in 1990 allowed significant credit for good behavior Last year, Aronberg, the attorney, acknowledged that there were holes in the case - noting that the gaps were caused by the three decades it took to get to trial, including the death of a key witness. Michael Warren was convicted in 1994 of grand theft, racketeering and odometer tampering. He served almost four years in prison - a punishment his then-attorneys said was disproportionately long because of suspicions he was involved in his wifes death. He has also always insisted that his new wife was innocent of the murder of his first wife. Rosenfeld noted how Keen-Warren was facing a life sentence if convicted at trial, but agreeing to a guilty plea would allow her to be released in less than two years. 'We are absolutely thrilled that Ms. Keen-Warren has been released from prison and is returning to her family,' Rosenfeld said in a text message. 'As we've stated from the beginning, she did not commit this crime.' Kamala Harris is seeing a last-minute surge in momentum over Donald Trump in the final days of one of the closest presidential elections in history. The vice president was given a surprise jolt on Saturday night with a poll showing she is ahead in the reliably Republican state of Iowa, while DailyMail.com's election forecast shows her gaining on the 78-year-old former president. The final Des Moines Register/Mediacom Iowa Poll has Harris leading Trump 47 percent to 44 percent among likely voters, less than three days before Election Day. It was a shocking result in a state the Democrats haven't won since Barack Obama in 2012 and could be an outlier. An Emerson poll that was also released Saturday has Trump up over Harris 53% to 43%. The differing surveys show that the gap between the two candidates could be getting even closer in what is expected to be a historically tight election on Tuesday night. Trump and Harris are essentially tied across the country, and the margins in the seven battlegrounds that will likely decide the race are razor-thin. More than 70 million Americans have voted early and millions more will cast their ballots on November 5. Kamala Harris is seeing a last-minute surge in momentum over Donald Trump in the final days of one of the closest presidential elections in history Your browser does not support iframes. Polling in Iowa September showed Trump with a four point lead over Harris and the campaign has insisted this is not what will happen in the race. In a memo on Saturday night, aides pointed to the poll by Emerson released Saturday that shows Trump in the lead by 10 points. That 'far more closely reflects the state of the actual Iowa electorate' says the Trump camapign. The campaign also ripped into the method used in the Des Moines Register poll and added that Republicans are seeing a massive surge in early voters in comparison to 2020. It picked apart ever aspect of the survey, including the suggestion Harris is leading among women by 20 points and seniors by 19. The former president had an 18 point lead for over President Biden in The Hawkeye State in June before he dropped out of the race. But the tables have since turned the new survey reveals, presenting a potential but highly unlikely new path to victory for Harris and her campaign. The three point lead for Harris is well within the margin of error of the poll and Trump is still the favorite to win the state by a comfortable margin. The Democrats had written off the state, with Harris instead focusing on the vital seven battlegrounds. Surprisingly the survey also found that independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. received three percent of the vote. The Kennedy notably had nine percent of the vote in the state according to polls conducted in June. Her improving in the Midwest state comes amid a media blitz as she appears on radio shows, cable channels and soon to be Saturday Night Live. The surprise lead for Harris is buoyed by independent women voters, which have been expected to break for the Democrat as men turn to Trump in droves. Harris has a 28 point lead with these women over Trump. Independent men, on the other hand, are breaking for the Republican. Whereas, another Iowa poll shows the race firmly in the Republican's grasp. Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. Trump and Harris are essentially tied across the country, and the margins in the seven battlegrounds that will likely decide the race are razor-thin The vice president was given a jolt on Saturday night with a poll showing she is ahead in the heavily-Republican state of Iowa and with DailyMail.com's election forecast showing her gaining on the 78-year-old former president Both Trump and Harris were in North Carolina on Saturday, one of the seven battlegrounds that will likely decide the winner An Emerson College poll found that the ex-president holds a 53 percent lead to Harris 43 percent. The 10 point lead for Trump in that survey is safely within the three point margin of error. Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds rejected the results of the poll on Saturday night by suggesting Republicans had an advantage in early voting. 'Iowa Republicans are leading in early voting for the first time in decades, and have increased our voter registration advantage by 130,000+,' Reynolds wrote on X. 'President Trump will win Iowa if we vote and turnout our friends. Lets prove the Des Moines Register wrong again!' she said. Both of the Iowa surveys were released on Saturday just three days before Election Day. The latest J.L. Partners election forecast model delivered to DailyMail.com Saturday also spells bad news for Trump. The model is trending away from 'lean' Trump into 'toss up' territory. Trump remains the favorite, and he wins in 62.2 percent of simulations. But that is a drop of 2.5 points since Friday and he has now lost seven points in five days, reflecting a string of polls favorable to Kamala Harris. Your browser does not support iframes. Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump watches a video screen at a campaign rally at the Salem Civic Center, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in Salem, Va Trump has a 10 point lead in Iowa, according to Emerson All the swing states have seen movement against Trump. Callum Hunter, J.L. Partners' data scientist, writes in his latest briefing note: 'It is now clear that the momentum of recent polling is in Harris' favor. Trump's win probability has dropped 7 points in five days and if more polling is released that shows similar patterns from recent days then the race will flip from LEAN Trump to TOSSUP before election day.' A former ABC host says the purpose the public broadcaster was created to serve 'has ceased to exist' and the $1billion spent on it is welfare for the 'upper-middle class' who should instead pay for a subscription service. Kel Richards, who hosted flagship ABC radio current affairs show AM and NewsRadio's weekend afternoons as well as working as a TV current affairs associate producer, said the $1billion 'wasted' on the ABC should be 'clawed back'. Writing for Sky News on Thursday, Richards argued the 'clear, well-explained reason' the ABC was commissioned in 1932 was to bring Australia 'together by providing a service that could be heard around the country'. 'That reason supported its continued existence and funding for many decades,' Richards wrote. 'Those grounds no longer exist. There is no longer any reason for the ABC to exist. It has become unnecessary.' Richards stated while the 'invaluable link between all Australians' was a 'worthwhile aim' in 1932, when commercial TV and radio stations were scattered around the continent, today 'it is not possible for any one media organisation to play that role'. He pointed out that when he grew up in Sydney there were eight radio stations, six commercial and two ABC stations, but now there were around 50 on AM, FM and digital bands. Also for many years there were also just a few commercial TV stations and the ABC in Sydney, but now there was a plethora of both free-to-air and subscription viewing along with streaming services and other content available online. Veteran broadcaster Kel Richards has argued the ABC, which he used to work for, no longer serves its founding purpose The same was true across Australia. 'In such a crowded media marketplace, everyones needs are being met - if not by a local media outlet then by a global one (all of which are now within reach),' Richards wrote. 'So, why are we spending a billion tax dollars to have an ABC? 'It now looks like what it has been for some years: middle class welfare.' Richards acknowledged there was an 'upper-middle' class section of the population that liked the ABC. But he argued it was 'unjustifiable for every taxpayer in the country to fund a media service for the select few ... especially when the national budget needs that billion back'. He proposed the 52 ABC regional radio stations, which he acknowledged 'still play a genuine public service role' be carved out into a separate service, which he called ARM (Australian Regional Media). Richards concluded his column by asking if any government, even a Coalition one, would have the courage to implement such radical changes at the ABC (pictured, ABC chairman Kim Williams) Richards argued that when the ABC was set up in 1932 it was to serve as a link between all Australians, a function is no longer serves These stations could continue to provide local programs and news, while being linked to provide national content as well. Everything else the ABC does should be provided on a Netflix-style subscription model, Richards argued. Richards concluded his column by asking if any government, even a Coalition one, would have the courage to implement such a radical change. He also echoed fellow News Corp pundits in saying the ABC lacked 'diversity of opinion' without a single conservative host or executive producer among the myriads of left-leaning progressive ones. Aussies are being slugged 'eye-watering' fines for not having a pet on a leash or not properly maintaining control of the leash, under a new state based crackdown. Several residents on the Gold Coast have gone to A Current Affair to share their stories about large fines issued under the regulations. Under new pet ownership laws that came into effect on July 31, if residents do not keep a dog under effective control when in a public place, there is an on-the-spot fine of $806 with further fines of up to $112,910 for more serious dog attack offences as well as up to three years imprisonment. 'Changes were made to the AMCDA due to a rise in complaints about aggressive dogs and dog attacks, and the large number of dog-attack victims admitted to hospital each year in Queensland,' the Queensland government said in a statement online. While the laws are state based, it is up to the discretion of individual councils to enforce the fines. Retiree John lives a few minutes away from Budds Beach, a tiny stretch of sand on the canal at Surfers Paradise. He was recently fined $806 for 'failure to exercise effective control of a non regulated dog in a public place', after walking his dog an estimated 10 metres from his van to the water where the pair kayak. Retiree John (pictured) copped a huge $806 fine for taking his dog to the beach unleashed 'I thought that it was very unfair as I was only travelling from my van to the water' John said. 'If I didn't pay it in 28 days, I would be charged extra.' There are signs further up on Budds Beach saying dogs must be on a leash at all times and that residents must pick up after their dogs. 'I wasn't wandering on footpaths or public areas, I was just travelling from the car to the water, I didn't think I did anything wrong,' John said. The retiree said he will be doing without things over Christmas because of the fine. The City of Gold Coast has fined two different dog owners for failing to secure their pets (pictured a sign warning dog owners of the fine) A second Queensland resident has also been fined under the same laws after having her dog leash under her foot during a coffee break. 'It's wrong, we are trying to survive and it is another stress I didn't need,' the fashion boutique owner said. 'She was on a lead and collar and she was behaving properly,' she said. A British law chief at the Hague who is accused of sexually assaulting a female colleague is to give a talk at Oxford University this week titled 'No One Above the Law.' Karim Khan KC - the chief prosecutor at the International Criminal Court - caused worldwide outrage after demanding arrest warrants for Israeli PM Benyamin Netanyahu and his Defence Minister Yoav Gallant over the Gaza war. But last month, he became engulfed in a different controversy after the Mail on Sunday revealed a female colleague complained against him. We revealed Mr Khan, 54, allegedly groped the woman in his office, and separately, got into her hotel bed and began 'sexually touching' her. He strenuously denies the claims. Karim Khan KC speaks during a press conference at the San Carlos Palace in Bogota, on April 25 Mr Khan (left) pictured with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at the International Criminal Court (ICC) The veteran barrister has kept a low profile since the row erupted, even not coming to work at the ICC, but preferring to work from home. But on Thursday, he will make his first public appearance, delivering a talk at Trinity College, Oxford, where he will be joined by Shehzad Charania, the Director of Legal Affairs and Mission at GCHQ, will make a rare public appearance. Mr Khan will discuss the reasons behind his applying for arrest warrants for Mr Netanyahu and Mr Gallant. But the law chief is likely to face questions about his own alleged sexual assault of the unnamed colleague, considering the ICC prosecutes others for sexual violence against women and rape. Last night, an Oxford University spokesman said: 'We are aware of the allegations regarding the Prosecutor, who fully remains in his role at the ICC and has asked the ICC's oversight mechanism to open an immediate independent investigation. 'It is important that we respect the integrity and confidentiality of any investigation, and not comment further while any investigation is ongoing.' The MoS understands that there is growing anger among ICC staff over how the sexual assault allegations were initially handled as new details have emerged. Initially, the alleged victim made tearful complaints to two colleagues, who informed the in-house watchdog, the Internal Oversight Mechanism. A lawyer who called for Benjamin Netanyahu to be arrested for 'war crimes' has been accused of misconduct by a female colleague Mr Khan is due to give a talk at Oxford University this week titled 'No One Above the Law.' But the IOM dropped the complaint as the alleged victim did not want to pursue it. However, three sources said the IOM 'bungled' the investigation, with one saying: 'It is frankly preposterous that there was no investigation, whether she wanted to issue a formal complaint or not. 'The IOM has often investigated allegations when the alleged victim did not want them to.' Last week, Mr Khan called for the IOM to launch a new investigation. But all three sources voiced fears about the IOM's impartiality, as its new head will be a colleague of Mr Khan who previously worked in the prosecutor's office. An ICC source said: 'How can you expect someone to investigate allegations concerning people they have worked closely with or even worked for?' Friends said she has been on sick leave since the controversy broke as she found it too 'distressing.' Last night, when the MoS asked Mr Khan's office if he would cooperate with an external investigation, his lawyers did not respond. Donald Trump has slammed Pretty Woman star Julia Roberts for a 'cringe' advert in which she tells women they can vote 'in secret' for his rival Kamala Harris. The Oscar-winning actress narrated a 30-second commercial likely to be seen by millions before Tuesday's presidential election which shows two women entering a polling booth, glancing at each other, then secretly casting their vote for Ms Harris. Ms Roberts says: 'In the one place in America where women still have a right to choose, you can vote any way you want and no one will ever know. Remember, what happens in the booth stays in the booth.' As they leave the polling centre, one woman's husband asks: 'Did you make the right choice?' to which she responds: 'Sure did, honey.' On Saturday morning Mr Trump told Fox and Friends: 'I'm so disappointed at Julia Roberts. She's going to look back at that and cringe. Donald Trump has slammed Julia Roberts for her 'cringe' advert urging women not to tell their husbands how they voted Trump said that Ms Roberts would 'look back at that and cringe', in reference to her advert encouraging women to keep their decision to themselves 'I happen to be married to a rather strong woman. I've surrounded myself with strong women. Can you imagine a wife not telling a husband who she's voting for? Did you ever hear anything like that? 'Even if you have a bad relationship, you're going to tell your husband. That's a ridiculous ad.' The advert, for liberal group Vote Common Good, provoked an immediate backlash. Toni Holt Kramer, founder of the Trumpettes, one of the most influential Republican women's groups in the US, said: 'Julia Roberts should stick to acting. What makes her think she can talk to anyone about politics? 'How patronising is it, in this day and age, to suggest women need permission to vote differently to their husbands? 'Women aren't stupid. Ms Roberts is absurdly condescending.' The attempt to persuade Republican women to switch their vote to Ms Harris has become a cornerstone of the election. Ms Harris has campaigned heavily on restoring abortion rights in Republican states Indiana Jones actor Harrison Ford has joined a list a stars endorsing Ms Harris Ms Harris has campaigned heavily on restoring abortion rights in Republican states after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v Wade, the case which made abortion legal throughout the US. Meanwhile, Indiana Jones star Harrison Ford has joined the chorus of stars voting for Ms Harris. In a video released last night, Ford, 82, said: 'Kamala Harris will protect your right to disagree with her about her policies or her ideas.' Taylor Swift, Beyonce and Leonardo DiCaprio have all publicly endorsed Ms Harris. Family farmers who have toiled the land for generations fear Labours massive tax raid will finally force them out of business. Robin Milton, 63, the eighth generation of his family to work a sheep farm near Withypool on Exmoor in Devon, said he may face a 1million tax bill after last weeks Budget. I had done all my succession planning to pass the farm on to my son now all of that will have to be ripped up, he said. What annoyed me more than anything is hearing Rachel Reeves tell us that if we do proper tax planning it shouldnt affect us. In which case, why do it? Why not be honest and admit that youre hitting farmers to bring in cash? Cattle and sheep farmer Robin Milton of Exmoor, Devon. Pictured (L-to-R) Chris Milton (son), Jennie (daughter-in-law), grandchildren Matilda (6) and Rupert (3) Robin and Wendy (Robin's partner). Working sheepdog Flo The fury comes as out of touch agriculture minister Steve Reed has also been criticised for wearing a 420 pair of designer wellington boots given to him by controversial donor Lord Alli Jilly Greed, 69, who runs a 600-acre beef farm near Thorverton, in Devons Exe Valley, feels betrayed The result will be that corporate investors will move in and buy land that farmers are forced to sell. They will leverage its carbon offset value plant trees and walk away. Jilly Greed, 69, who runs a 600-acre beef farm near Thorverton, in Devons Exe Valley, feels betrayed after Sir Keir Starmer promised the National Farmers Union conference last year that he would protect farmers. She said: Maybe Rachel Reeves does want to hit big businesses which take advantage of the agricultural tax break. But that net also pulls in farms run by decent, hard-working people which have been in the same family for generations. These are not wealthy folk. Many will have to sell some of that land to pay death duties, ultimately making their farms unviable. For years governments have told us to diversify. We borrowed heavily and restored barns to create a centre for small businesses. Now that will be caught up in this tax raid. Vice President Kamala Harris added a surprise stop in the final days of her reelection campaign, jetting to New York City for a cameo on Saturday Night Live. She is appearing on NBC's hit late-night show with just three days to go before the election, in a move designed to reach millions of TV viewers even if it's at the expense of another swing state event among the voters who count most. The network kept the details of her appearance under wraps, but Harris is almost certain to come face-to-face with SNL veteran cast member Maya Rudolph, who was specifically cast to play the vice president after Joe Biden dropped out of the race and who has taken digs at her famous phrases as well as her laugh. The visit is the latest in a long line of appearances by presidential candidates on the show, which celebrated its 50th anniversary this year. Although the details of her appearance was being kept quiet, the show has comedians set to play all the characters of the bizarre 2024 election. They include Dana Carvey who skewers President Joe Biden's speaking style, and James Austin Johnson, who has mastered Trump's mannerisms. The surprise visit to New York came during the final laps of the campaign, when travel schedules sometimes reveal where a candidate is making their strongest play. It directly followed a speech to an estimated 10,000 in Charlotte, a city where Trump was also campaigning their two planes were parked just 50 yards apart. There were some obvious signs in hindsight that there had been some advance preparations. Harris had just two events Saturday, one in Atlanta and one in Charlotte, at a time when campaigns are blanketing swing states with candidates and surrogates. Campaign advisors came back mid-flight to inform the press pool that she would be stopping in New York The appearance was no laughing matter for the Donald Trump campaign. 'Kamala Harris has nothing substantive to offer the American people, so thats why shes living out her warped fantasy cosplaying with her elitist friends on Saturday Night Leftists as her campaign spirals down the drain into obscurity,' said Trump campaign spokesman Steven Cheung. 'For the last four years, Kamalas destructive policies have led to untold misery and hurt for all Americans. She broke it, and President Trump will fix it,' he said. Trump has sued CBS over its editing of its '60 Minutes' broadcast, and has complained it was 'two against one' during his debate with Harris on ABC. Also potentially drawing viewers is singer Chappell Roan, who has been getting millions of weekly streams and appeals to younger listeners who Harris is keen to get to the polls. Harris kept closely to her schedule as she went from city to city Saturday. It wasn't until she was in mid-air after her second rally that advisors told the press pool traveling with Harris that she would be going to New York and even then they would not say why. Tellingly, seats had been made available aboard Air Force 2 for four still photographers, a signal of a high-profile event the campaign wanted to memorialize. The campaign avoided directly confirming Harris's Saturday night plans on the record, although it became obvious when the candidate motorcaded from New York's LaGuardia airport to Rockefeller Center, where NBC has its studios and the show is filmed. A long line of U.S. presidential candidates and presidents have appeared on the show, including Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, and former New Yorker Donald Trump. Earlier this week, Harris failed to lock in an interview with popular podcaster Joe Rogan another platform to reach the masses. He interviewed Donald Trump just over a week ago to record ratings of over 17 million views on YouTube in less than 24 hours. SNL gets less than five million views per episode, so her appearance tonight will reach considerably fewer Americans than a Rogan sit-down would have, although perhaps on more favorable terrain. Rogan confirmed that Harris refused to come on his podcast over scheduling conflicts and a clash about how long the interview would last. Kamala Harris seen waving to photographers as she lands at LaGuardia Airport on Saturday night ahead of her surprise appearance on SNL The podcast host opened up about why the 'very difficult' VP had failed to appear on his popular show that boasts 14 million subscribers and 18 million YouTube followers. Last month, fans of Saturday Night Live were up in arms over a sketch they say sought to save face for Kamala Harris after her 'disastrous' interview with Fox News' Bret Baier. The skit saw a recently cleared Alec Baldwin assume the role of Baier in a surprise appearance. The cold open contained several instances of Baldwin's Baier interrupting Rudolph, painting the personality's line of questioning as combative. Multiple onlookers online, however, remained unconvinced, claiming the display was a lame attempt at eliciting a more favorable judgment in the court of public opinion. Fans of Saturday Night Live are up in arms over a sketch that say sought to save face for Kamala Harris 'Well, Kamala is collapsing in the polls so a desperate @nbcsnl brought out its big "guns,"' wrote one such user on X. 'Yes, that was @AlecBaldwin playing the Fox News journalist! Too soon?' they then asked, referencing the regular host's recently wrapped manslaughter case. Earlier Saturday, Harris campaign advisors came back mid-flight after her rally in North Carolina to inform the press pool that she would be stopping in New York on the way to Detroit, Michgian. Aides initially did not respond directly to questions about what she will be doing in NYC. But the Harris motorcade pulled up to the Rockefeller Center just before 8 p.m., where SNL is famously taped. Harris still plans to head to Detroit after the surprise SNL diversion where she has a morning rally on Sunday. Donald Trump and Kamala Harris are spending their final weekend on the campaign trail with just three days before what could be one of the closest elections in history. More than 70 millions of Americans have already cast their ballots, but the candidates are still pushing to persuade the final critical voters who could take them to victory. Harris is likely to come face-to-face with SNL veteran cast member Maya Rudolph , who was specifically cast to play the vice president after Joe Biden dropped out of the race Your browser does not support iframes. DailyMail.com's polling partners J.L. Partners show Harris has the momentum going into sprint before November 5, with the race trending into tossup territory. Both held rallies earlier Saturday in the critical swing state of North Carolina where the polls have the race deadlocked. Trump also took the stage in Virginia, where he is trailing in the polls. He has another rally in Greensboro, North Carolina, this evening. MPs are being given emergency lessons in correct behaviour in the House of Commons after a series of embarrassing slip-ups. Parliament's clerks have hauled in groups of newly elected MPs in the past few weeks for 'refresher sessions' on how to conduct themselves in Westminster's historic Chamber. Recent gaffes include MPs addressing each other as 'you' instead of the 'Right Honourable' and misusing 'points of order' when an MP appeals to the Speaker that the rules of the House have been broken. One MP was admonished for walking into the Chamber barefoot, a source said. Another MP sent a written apology to deputy speaker Caroline Nokes after incorrectly addressing her as 'Madam Mayor'. A number of MPs have complained about the rules on 'bobbing' up and down to be called to speak. Last month a Labour MP was told off for drinking milk in the Chamber. Tory frontbenchers spotted new MP Steve Witherden taking a swig from a milk carton last week and tipped off deputy speaker Nusrat Ghani. The Speaker is also understood to have pointed out that Labour ministers were looking the wrong way. (Pictured: Commons Speaker Lindsay Hoyle) Tory frontbenchers spotted new boy Steve Witherden taking a swig from a milk carton Parliament has quietly banned MPs from hiring foreign interns amid fears they could be spies The House of Commons vetting team took the decision in July because of concerns the interns may pose a national security threat The 'Milkgate' incident, reported in The Mail on Sunday, led to a quiet rebuke for the Welsh MP and a reminder of the strict 'no food or drink' rules when in the Commons Chamber. Mr Witherden who won his Montgomeryshire and Glyndwr seat in July was apologetic, saying that he was still learning the rules of Westminster. The Speaker is also understood to have pointed out that Labour ministers were looking the wrong way to their right in the Chamber, as they did on the Opposition benches, instead of left at him, as they are now supposed to. 'They are so used to being on the other side,' a source said. The rule follows the convention that questions and answers in Parliament must go through the Speaker, with the aim of minimising clashes between MPs. A source said the crash courses were due to 'the sheer volume of new members who don't really understand the rules', adding: 'They don't know what to do. Particularly the ones who have never been a councillor and not used to talking through a third party.' Even Sir Keir Starmer has not been immune to the odd blunder, and has called Rishi Sunak 'the Prime Minister' by mistake since winning the election. A child is fighting for his life after he was struck by a Florida police patrol car while riding his dirt bike. Gerard Butler, eight, was riding his dirt bike on Monday evening when an officer leaving the scene of a call struck him at the intersection of 23rd Street and Maple Avenue. The officer screamed 'oh f***!' when he realized what he had done, gut-wrenching body camera footage revealed. He was airlifted to Johns Hopkins All Childrens Hospital, ABC7 reported, suffering a range of severe injuries. Gerard's mother, Regina Sanders, told WTSP her son underwent two brain surgeries and a knee operation. As of Wednesday, he was waiting to have jaw surgery. Shocking body camera footage showed a Sarasota police officer perform life saving measures on Gerard Butler, 8, after another officer struck him with a police car The eight-year-old's dirt bike ended up underneath the police car after he was hit Just moment after the accident, horrified community members and relatives frantically rushed towards the child, who was lying limp and unconscious on the ground. 'That's my nephew!' one man yelled as the chaos unfolded. More officers responded to the scene to perform life-saving measures before carrying Gerard into an ambulance. On Thursday, she told ABC7 that since the accident, the only progress Gerard has made is coughing and slightly moving his legs. The heartbroken mother believes the officer was speeding when he hit her son. Gerard was riding his dirt bike across an intersection when the officer hit him Footage from another body camera showed the child riding his dirt bike down the street before he was struck by a police car She said to WTSP: 'The cops you just see them flying at least hitting 60 miles and they don't care about the stop signs just flying through the roads. 'The cops teach us not to speed in residential areas. They have speed limits on the side of the roads for a reason. Whether he had a call or not, you had no business going that fast.' The Sarasota police department released a statement and the body camera footage on Wednesday. Chief Rex Troche said the police department is working with the Florida Highway Patrol to investigate the crash. He asserted the department is committed to transparency. The speed the officer was driving has not been confirmed. During the investigation, the officer has been placed on placed on restrictive administrative duty. Panicked relatives and community members rushed to Gerard as the officer jumped out of the patrol car More police arrived at the scene as terrified witnesses shouted 'Our thoughts are with the child and his family,' Troche said. The department said the officer was uninjured, but was 'shaken' by the incident. Sanders told WTSP that the dirt bike was Gerard's early birthday gift and only received it days before the nearly-fatal crash. Gerard was on his way home when he was hit because he was fearful of police activity in the area, she added. Chief Rex Troche issued a statement about the incident alongside the body camera footage 'I was inside and I just heard something scraping and then you just see the little minibike on there,' she added. As her son remains in the hospital, Sanders told ABC7 she is 'just trying to be strong' for her two other children. 'Ive never been through anything like this before,' the mother said. Zimbabwe could be readmitted to the Commonwealth despite concern over its human rights record following support from Baroness Scotland, the organisation's controversial Secretary-General. She has recommended the country be allowed to return more than 20 years after its expulsion for human rights violations under ex-president Robert Mugabe. The move comes despite allegations of election-rigging and detention of political opponents by president Emmerson Mnangagwa, who has also voiced support for Russia's invasion of Ukraine. An Informal Assessment Report by Baroness Scotland says that 'stakeholders' in Zimbabwe have 'reported an overall improved political environment', adding: 'I am certain that with the help of the Commonwealth family the country will flourish once again.' The Secretary-General was dubbed 'Baroness Brazen' after it emerged she spent 338,000 refurbishing her grace-and-favour Mayfair apartment and appointed allies to key posts after she got the Commonwealth job. She is to step down early next year. Commonwealth Secretary-General, Baroness Scotland (pictured) believes Zimbabwe should be readmitted to the Commonwealth Zimbabwe could be allowed to return more than 20 years after its expulsion for human rights violations under ex-president Robert Mugabe (pictured) Zimbabwe has been trying to rejoin the Commonwealth since 2018 for the prestige of being a member. (Queen Camilla and Commonwealth Secretary-General, Baroness Scotland) On Zimbabwe, she says that while the country was 'still in the early stages of its democratic journey and challenges remain, including the issue of political prisoners and upholding freedom of association, most of the core criteria have been sufficiently and broadly met'. She recommends Zimbabwe's membership progresses to the 'next stage', which entails her consultation with member countries. The publication Africa Confidential says she made the recommendation despite criticism of Zimbabwe's 2023 elections in a Commonwealth Observers' Report which has been slow to emerge. It found 'shortcomings with the process that call into question the credibility, transparency and inclusivity of the election'. It added Zimbabwe had passed laws that 'negatively impacted journalistic freedoms'. Zimbabwe has been trying to rejoin the Commonwealth since 2018 for the prestige of being a member and access to markets with low trade tariffs. A Commonwealth spokesman said: 'We have ascertained that all stakeholders (government, opposition, civil society, media, religious leaders etc) are eager to see Zimbabwe back in the family.' A woman who helped kill 16-year-old Betty Watts is going out with a paramedic who stole medicine from dozens of dying patients during the Covid pandemic. Shauna Hoare was jailed for 17 years after being found guilty of manslaughter. She was released on licence after serving eight and a half years behind bars. Her then boyfriend Nathan Matthews was given a 33-year prison sentence for murder of his step sister Becky by suffocating her before trying to tear apart her body to hide the evidence. But Hoare, 30, is now dating Jessica Silvester, was found to have snatched morphine from 25 Covid patients in end-of-life care in Kent. The drugs were prescribed to make the terminally-ill patients' final days as comfortable as possible. Shauna Hoare, 30, who was found guilty of manslaughter of 16-year-old Becky Watts, is now going out with another convicted criminal Hoare assisted her then partner Nathan Matthews in killing Becky (pictured) before dismembering her body to hide the evidence Along with her then fiancee Ruth Lambert, she was jailed for five years in prison after pleading guilty to posing as nurses to gain access to homes and steal the drugs. Silvester and Lambert also admitted to stealing a 14,000 ultrasound machine from the NHS. After serving just half of her sentence, Silvester, 32, was released and is now a house plant technician at an enterprise for ex-prisoners, the Mirror reported. She is now believed to be living together with Hoare in Maidstone, Kent. The pair appear to have grown close to each other and share updates online, including giving each other 'date days' and flowers. A source suggested that the couple were 'doing all they can to erase the past' and that Hoare moved into Silvester's home after leaving a hostel in Reading. They added that the two 'innately nasty people' seemed to enjoy each other's company. Hoare, who was pregnant at the time of Becky's murder, denied all knowledge that her then-boyfriend had murdered his step-sister while she was in Becky's family home in St George, loaded her body into the back of their car, drove it to their flat in Barton Hill and, over the course of the next few days, dismembered it. Jessica Silvester (left) stole morphine from end-of-life Covid care patients during lockdown, along with Ruth Lambert (right). Silvester is now believed to be living with Hoare in Maidstone, Kent But her and Matthews were found to have cling film, goggles and masks - all items used in the 'meticulously' process of packing up Becky's body parts. Tanya Watts, Becky's mother, recently revealed her fury at Hoare's release, saying: 'She's not even 30, she's got her whole life ahead of her and she's got a future, whereas when we go to talk to our daughter, we're talking to the ground.' Hoare's release conditions are thought to include a ban on returning to Bristol, but Home Office officials gave no details of the arrangements. Sir Keir Starmer is set to declare people smuggling a 'national security' issue - after more than 15,000 migrants crossed the Channel illegally under his watch. The Prime Minister is expected to use a speech at Interpol's general assembly next week to announce the creation of a specialist investigation unit that will use counter-terror powers to tackle people smugglers. But the news only comes as the Government has been questioned over its approach to the small boats - scrapping the Rwanda deportation scheme and processing tens of thousands of asylum applications the Conservatives had put on hold. From the beginning of this year to the general election on July 4, 13,574 people crossed the Channel while the Tories were in power. But since the beginning of the PM's leadership more than 15,000 people have arrived, Home Office data shows. Sir Keir is expected to use a speech at Interpol 's general assembly next week to announce the creation of a specialist investigation unit that will use counter-terror powers to tackle people smugglers A migrant reacts after boarding a smuggler's inflatable dinghy in an attempt to cross the English Channel, on Ecault beach in Saint-Etienne-au-Mont, near Neufchatel-Hardelot, northern France on October 30, 2024 'Anti-terror' tactics now being pledged by Sir Keir could include the ability to shut down bank accounts, cut off internet access and seize evidence before offences take place. Later in the week, he will hold talks with European leaders on the boats crisis at a summit in Hungary. Sir Keir told the Sun on Sunday: 'The UK is rebuilding its alliances across the world so we can take down these gangs that trade in human misery and the hope they find in their victims. 'No more gimmicks or wasted money, these gangs must be stopped, our asylum system brought under control and our borders secured.' Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. More than 30,000 migrants have made the perilous journey in small boats across the Channel so far this year (Pictured: Arrivals last month at Dover, Kent) More than 5,000 people made the crossing in October, making it the busiest month this year. And a total of 59 migrants have died in the Channel so far this year, the deadliest year since the crisis began at the end of 2018. Despite the surging number, Chancellor Rachel Reeves forecast significant savings on asylum - and slashed the Home Offices budget. Labour has also been accused of launching an asylum amnesty after starting to process tens of thousands of refugee claims which the Conservatives had placed on hold. A Number 10 source said the Government was 'not just ramping up funding to tackle this problem at source' but also 'stamping it on to the agenda in conversations with European leaders' and that 'the vile people smuggling gangs must be stopped'. The total number of people who have crossed the Channel in small boats this year now stands at 30,906, 15.8% higher than at the same point last year (26,699) but 22.6 per cent down on the same point in 2023. A mysterious banging noise heard while an American Airlines flight was in the air prompted an emergency landing. Flight 954 had departed Buenos Aires on Thursday at 9:15am and was heading to New York when the odd sound was heard by passengers and crew while 30,000 feet in the air. The plane was abruptly rerouted back to its starting destination at Ezeiza International Airport, Express US reported. The chilling incident led armed police officers to swarm the aircraft upon its return to Buenos Aires. The situation was all caught on dramatic footage taken by the passengers of the flight. A traveler referred to the ordeal as 'unusual' and something that seemed to be 'straight out of a movie'. American Airlines flight 954 made an emergency landing back in Buenos Aires after a mysterious pounding sound coming from the cargo hold was heard while 30,000 feet in the air The chilling incident led to armed officers storming the cargo hold upon return which was all caught on dramatic video footage Another woman who witnessed the incident described it as 'scary'. Flight attendants along with some passengers reported hearing a pounding noise coming from the cargo hold of the craft, sounding as if someone was trapped and attempting to ask for help. The cargo hold - which is sealed and not accessible while the plane is in the air - is an area that is used to transport luggage, not live cargo. The pilot initially announced to travelers that the flight would be turning back due to a problem, but later revealed that a person may be stuck inside the hold. Once the plane landed, armed police officers swarmed the plane - prepared to storm the area and locate the trapped person. The Special Tactical Assault Group, the Explosives and Special Weapons Control Group and the Canine Technology Binomial were additionally deployed to address the situation. Extra hands from the National Civil Aviation Administration, PFA firefighters and health were also involved in the operation. But after thorough inspection, it was concluded that there was no danger - and no one trapped inside the cargo hold. The plane was flying from Buenos Aires, Argentina to New York, but abruptly turned back shortly after take-off due to concerns that someone was trapped inside the cargo hold American Airlines took to X on Friday to confirm that there was no issue with the plane after a thorough investigation led to 'negative results' (stock photo) The investigation led to 'negative results'. 'The hold was opened and the unloading of the luggage containers began, without anything outside the normal parameters being seen at the time,' emergency services said. The flight was eventually cancelled, but due to an 'overdue crew' - the employees had exceeded the hours that they could continue working. On Friday, American Airlines took to X to confirm that there was no issue on the plane, saying: 'Reports of a person in cargo are not accurate'. 'Flight 954 returned to Buenos Aires due to a reported noise in the cargo hold, but after a thorough search, it was determined there was no issue. Our customers will be re-departing later today and we apologize for the inconvenience.' But passengers were left feeling frustrated at the airline after spending hours onboard the plane before hearing any official news of what was going on. The flight was later rescheduled, but the cause of the mysterious noise is still unknown. In a statement to The Mirror, American Airlines said: 'Safety is our top priority and we thank our crew members for their professionalism and our customers for their understanding.' All RAF pilots are to be trained in the US under radical new plans to reform Britain's military, it was last night claimed. The proposals, which have been branded 'reckless' by ex-Tory Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson, would see recruits train in the US before returning to undergo standard RAF conversion courses. Some 27 RAF pilots are already being trained in America and Italy at a yearly cost of 55million due to problems with the Hawk T2 trainer jets. But military chiefs have warned that shifting all training across the pond would bring 'radical changes', The Express has reported. Responding to the plans, Mr Williamson said: 'You cannot surrender our capability to decide who we will train and in what quantity. Our allies will think we are giving up.' 'If we ever find ourselves in armed conflict, we will be competing for resources with another nation,' he added. All RAF pilots are to be trained in the US under radical new plans to reform Britain's military (file picture) Former Minister Gavin Williamson attends the Conservative Party conference at Birmingham ICC Arena on September 29 Some 27 RAF pilots are already being trained in America and Italy at a yearly cost of 55million due to problems with half of the Hawk T2 trainer jets (file photo) 'We need to have the ability to turn the valve and increase the number of pilots. That won't be possible if we're zooming across the Atlantic with a begging bowl, as Ukraine is forced to do.' Penny Mordaunt, who was appointed Minister of State for the Armed Forces in 2015, described some of the considerations as 'deeply concerning'. She called for the Labour government to provide the Armed Forces with 'stability and sustainability'. The plans are being considered as part of Lord George Robertson's 'radical' defence review which will be published in the first half of next year. The review was launched by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer in July to reevaluate Britain's defence strategy amid an ongoing manpower crisis and questions over Britain's ability to fight a war. Among the plans being considered is a greater reliance on Britain's NATO partners and a 'complete recalibration' of the British Army. This may see the Army abandon heavy artillery for drones and the closure of several army bases as troops quit, according to The Express's report. It comes after Chancellor Rachel Reeves handed the Britain's Armed Forces a 2.9billion spending boost in this week's Budget. Some 400 million is expected to be used to hand troops a six per cent pay rise, backdated to April. The forces are currently hemorrhaging experienced personnel and struggle to attract new recruits. Chancellor Rachel Reeves handed the Britain's Armed Forces a 2.9billion spending boost in this week's Budget Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves operates a Max Evo drone as Defence Secretary John Healey looks on Some 400 million is expected to be used to hand troops a six per cent pay rise, backdated to April Last week Defence Secretary John Healey questioned whether Britain was currently able to fight a war, in the latest warning about the state of the military. The funding will also be used to buy weapons, with the aim of replenishing stockpiles depleted by donations to Ukraine. But a pathway to increasing defence spending to 2.5 per cent of national economic output, demanded by the Tories, will not be in the Budget. The Chancellor instead kicked the decision down the road, saying a date would be set at 'a future fiscal event'. Mr Healey was praised by his Tory predecessor Ben Wallace, who stood down as an MP at the election. He said: 'So credit where credit is due for John Healey. He got a one-year defence increase that leaves the door open for 2.5% of GDP in the future. 'In doing so he continues my record of reversing both previous LABOUR and Tories hollowing out over decades. 'The devil will be in the detailed split between revenue funding and capital funding but the increase continues and it is an important signal of a cross-party acceptance that defence needs more money.' A spokesperson for the Ministry of Defence said: 'We won't comment on speculation. 'The Strategic Defence Review will be published in the first half of 2025 and will establish the roles, capabilities and reforms required by UK Defence to meet the challenges, threats and opportunities of the twenty-first century.' MailOnline has contacted the department for further comment. A California property manager is under investigation after he claimed to vote for Donald Trump six times using ballots mailed to his tenants have had previously moved. The voter took to Reddit this week as early voting got underway in California to reply to an r/WordAdvice conversation, and said he received four ballots mailed to tenants that hadn't updated their voting address. 'I voted all four of them. NO on rent control. NO on school bonds. and Trump baby,' he wrote. 'I follow the Chicago rule for voting: vote early vote often.' California local news outlet KCRC reported that other Reddit users identified the person through his username ManCow2000, and forwarded his post to the FBI. A California man is under investigation after he claimed on a Reddit thread to vote for Donald Trump six times The property manager said he received four ballots mailed to tenants that hadn't updated their voting address, and used them to vote for the former president In his Reddit post, the user said he voted a total of six times for Trump because he used the four fraudulent ballots and also voted on behalf of his wife. His identity was traced to Redding, California, and his post was forwarded to the Shasta County Registrar Tom Toller, who told SFGATE he alerted the District Attorney's Office. 'A review of that social media posting provided sufficient detail for my staff to take the claim seriously,' Toller told the outlet. 'Election fraud of this type, voting more than one ballot, is particularly insidious because it dilutes the vote of every other registered voter in our county who votes one ballot according to the law. 'We referred this matter to the Shasta County District Attorneys Office for investigation of a possible criminal violation of California Election Code section 18500.' It comes as Donald Trump has floated the issue of voter fraud impacting the election yet again just days before the polls close in the presidential race Shasta County District Attorney Stephanie Bridgett (pictured) said her office has launched an investigation into the allegations Shasta County District Attorney Stephanie Bridgett told KCRC that her office has launched an investigation into the allegations. 'Every election, my office receives, from the Registrar of Voters, allegations of voter fraud,' the DA said in a statement. 'We look into each, often resulting in educating those involved in the election process on the resources available to them to ensure compliance with the law. 'We also, in appropriate cases, file criminal charges for violation of the elections code. The registrar of voters has referred the allegations against (the Reddit user) to my office.' The landlord said Friday that he had been fired from his job over the post, but insisted he 'did not engage in any illegal activities' and made up the claim online. He said his posts were hyperbole and were 'blown out of proportion' and 'so bogus.' Toller said that if it proves true that the man voted fraudulently, he would have committed a federal felony. 'If the investigation substantiates that election fraud did occur, a further referral will be made to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, since voting more than once is also a violation of 42 U.S.C. 1973i(3),' Toller said. 'The latter is punishable by up to five years in federal prison, underlining just how serious the allegation of election fraud is.' An Aussie woman found dead overseas after disappearing for two months had been hospitalised weeks earlier after suffering a miscarriage. Rehana Parvin, 37, was found dead in Bangladesh in September after travelling there from Queensland with her teenage daughter in June to manage her properties. It emerged on Sunday that Ms Parvin has been hospitalised after a miscarriage on July 3 and that was the last time her family heard from her. 'She was four months pregnant,' her sister Tania Parvin told the ABC. Rehana was initially treated at Nawabganj Upazila Health Complex and was later transferred to Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Nur Mohammad Khan, a police officer investigating her death, said. The mother-of-five was found buried next to a septic tank on her sister-in-law's property on September 12. It was reported in Bangladesh that at the time her body was discovered, much of the the local property she owned with her husband Awlad Hossain was in Ms Parvin's name. Mr Hossain, 48, had travelled to Bangladesh on June 29 and returned to Australia on July 13. There has been a huge twist in the investigation into the murder of an Australian woman Rehana Parvin (pictured) overseas The assistant superintendent in charge of the investigation said police had applied for an arrest warrant and are pursuing the extradition of Mr Hossain from Australia to Bangladesh. Ms Parvin had spent a night at her parent's home before travelling to her in-law's after travelling to her home country in June. Her mother reported her missing three days later. Daily Mail Australia does not suggest that Mr Hossain had any involvement in his wife's death, only that Bangladeshi police have applied for an arrest warrant. Ms Parvin's mother Irean Akter said in September she had 'worked hard to educate my daughter and send her to Australia, where she became a citizen'. 'My daughter earned and acquired property in Australia,' she said. 'I need help, I need proper action,' Ms Akter said. 'Rehana had five kids. Five kids lost their mother.' While there is no extradition treaty between Bangladesh and Australia, there is a mechanism for people to be extradited between Commonwealth countries, which both nations are part of. Mr Hossain's sister Papia Akhter and Amzad Hossain, a man from the village where Ms Parvin grew up, were arrested and confessed to having knowledge of Ms Parvin's disappearance, the local authorities said. Ms Parvin's estranged husband Awlad Hossain (pictured) arrived back in Australia on July 13 The police officer Mr Khan said Ms Parvin's died on July 5 between 8 and 10pm at Papia Akhter's house, where her body was found more than two months later. Mr Khan told ABC News that Ms Pavin 'was killed by pressing the face with a pillow'. Ms Parvin and Mr Hossain married in Bangladesh before moving to Australia almost two decades ago. They owned several properties in the Lockyer Valley in south-east Queensland, and Ms Parvin also owned land near Tara as well as in Bangladesh. Mr Hossain also owned a home in the Redbank Plains suburb of Ipswich. The Australian Federal Police said it 'will provide an update at an appropriate time'. Illustration: Chen Xia/GT Global TimesAccording to reports, the US-based Pamir Consulting has released a new report titled "Displays are the New Batteries," claiming that China's rise in the display manufacturing industry may bring "national security" concerns to the US. China's display industry has been in the US' crosshairs for a while. John Moolenaar, the newly appointed chairman of US House select committee on strategic competition with China, wrote to Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin in September, requesting that the Pentagon place two Chinese panel manufacturers on the DoD's blacklist as Chinese military companies. One of the authors of the new report was also the main black hand behind SMIC being placed on the US sanctions list. It seems that China's display industry is being sent to the assembly line of the US' suppressive policies in the name of "national security." It has to be said that from corn processing plants, cranes and TikTok to Chinese garlic and displays, the US has always given people a new understanding of the scope of its "national security" and sense of security. Some commentators said, "US security is like a basket, and things from all walks of life can be put into it." Others said, "The US may only feel safe if it dominates in all fields." In recent years, some Chinese industries have been inexplicably labeled as "threats to US security" after gaining relative competitive advantages. Perhaps it is not because US national security is weak. Behind this "fragile" sense of security, there is a hidden agenda of trade protectionism and industrial monopoly. One of the authors of the latest report on displays, in all apparent seriousness, stated that displays are increasingly important pieces of computerized military equipment, while the other author falsely claimed that the rise of China's display industry was due to government subsidies. "Securitization" is the typical approach to suppressing China's industries. With the hammer of "US national security" in the left hand and "Chinese government subsidies" in the right, every industry in China that rises will be targeted. Although the display manufacturing emerged in the US, Japan and South Korea had dominated it for many years. Why did the US never mention "security threats" when Japanese and Korean manufacturers led the global display industry, while some people started to hype "security threats" only after China showed its competitive advantages? Obviously, this is just an excuse for the US to contain and suppress China. Is it really about national security? When faced with this question, Christophe Fouquet, CEO of ASML, the Dutch semiconductor equipment maker that is under US pressure, said that much of ASML's business with China is focused on mature technology that is less relevant to national security concerns. According to the logic of the US scholars' report, all electronic products could pose a "security risk." Should the consumer market of global trade, worth as much as trillions annually, be reevaluated under this US sense of security? Who will foot the bill for the ensuing disruption to industry and supply chains? The narrative of "fragile" security that the US has made up to suppress China ironically spreads a pervasive sense of insecurity worldwide. What is even more concerning is that this is not only an attempt to smear Chinese companies but also sends a disturbing signal that emerging nations and the Global South countries' right to development might be at risk. China's display industry rose from nothing to being the world top in terms of industry-wide output value not, as the report claims, due to "subsidies" but because Chinese companies have grown step-by-step through self-driven innovation and steady progress in a competitive market. If China has any relative advantages, it lies in factors like its vast market, strong industrial chain supporting capabilities, and the rise of a series of consumer electronics brands, which together have provided a strong foundation for the growth of China's display industry. The R&D intensity of top Chinese firms in the "technology and electrical hardware and equipment" sector has increased 646 percent over the past 10 years, compared with a 67 percent increase for US firms. When developing countries like China work hard to establish their own industrial advantages, the US has resorted to non-market competition, citing "national security" in nearly absurd terms to suppress them. This casts a shadow over global development. Today, it is China's display industry; which industry from which country will it be tomorrow? Must other nations cease development for the US to feel "secure"? Obviously, the general development aspirations of the international community do not agree with this logic of the US. With the economic integration and industrial linkage of countries, only by relying on innovation and cooperation to make the development pie bigger can we achieve common prosperity and security. A second bombshell triple-0 call about a crash involving Daniel Andrews and 15-year-old Ryan Meuleman reporting the teenager 'had been run over' has emerged, casting doubt on the former Victorian premier's version of events. In his police statement after the crash and subsequent press conferences, Mr Andrews has always maintained that Ryan 'T-boned' his car in the Victorian Mornington Peninsula town of Blairgowie on Ridley Street on January 7, 2013. Martha, who lived at 10 Ridley Street just across from the accident, made the first triple-0 call received about the crash, despite Mr Andrews previously claiming he made his call 'immediately'. 'Someone's been run over, someone on a bike,' a worried Martha told the emergency operator. After inspecting the scene more closely she said: 'It looks like the car hit the boy on the bike'. On another recently emerged recording of Mr Andrews making his triple-0 call, he told the emergency operator 'we hit him (Ryan)'. Mr Andrews released a statement after the recording became public. 'The cyclist came flying through from the bike path at Ridley Street and T-boned our car at speed,' the statement said. 'This matter has been comprehensively investigated over many years by Victoria Police Professional Standards Command and IBAC. Ryan Meuleman spent 10 days in hospital after the 2013 Blairgowie crash and lost 90 per cent of his spleen 'While we are sorry that the cyclist was injured in the accident, we did nothing wrong.' In the recording the emergency operator asked Martha if Ryan had been hit by a car. 'I think so, yes,' Martha replied. The emergency operator organised an ambulance while Martha continued to walk towards the accident, which she said was about 20 metres away. Because Martha was on a cordless phone that can't get too far from its home connection, she warned the operator that she will drop out and the reception will get increasingly bad until it does. It's two further minutes before the emergency operator is able to call Martha back. Martha was heard confirming that only one boy was hurt and he looked about 15 or 16-years-old. Former Victorian Police Assistant Commissioner for Traffic and Operations Raymond Shuey has made a reconstruction of the accident in a report commissioned by the Meuleman's lawyers The operator asked if the teen was conscious and Martha replied 'just', but couldn't confirm if he was fully awake. The operator asked Martha, who said she was fetching a blanket to help out, if Ryan had any obvious injuries. 'Yes, it looks like he's got a grazed elbow but I can see blood through his T shirt,' she said. The operator asked if it was on his chest and Martha replied it was and under his arm. 'Is it squinting or pouring out or you're not sure?' the operator asked. 'I can't tell,' Martha said. Martha said there were three people with Ryan and one had called an ambulance and was getting instructions. In his triple-0 call, Mr Andrews was asked if any one had already called triple-0. 'My wife might be,' he said. The operator then said the call had been received from 10 Ridley Street to which Mr Andrews replied: 'Well, that's the one.' Dan and Catherine Andrews have always maintained Ryan t-boned their car in the 2013 accident Mr Andrews told the emergency operator he had walked 10 metres away from the accident to get a better signal. Mr Andrews was asked if 'there are any obvious injuries'. 'Not that I can see,' he replied. Asked if there was any serious bleeding, the then-Labor state Opposition Leader replied: 'I don't believe so'. When emergency services arrived at the scene, Mrs Andrews was not breath-tested with police at first saying they forgot, but later stating she didn't smell of alcohol. Mr Andrews told police in a statement taken weeks after the crash: 'I want to make it clear - the cyclist hit our vehicle'. But questions have been raised about the lead-up to the crash and the police handling of the situation after a report into the collision released in September showed the investigation was 'deeply flawed'. Former Victorian Police Assistant Commissioner for Traffic and Operations Raymond Shuey has made a reconstruction of the accident in a report commissioned by the Meulemans' lawyers. In 2013 another witness at the crash, Amber Smith, told the Herald Sun Mr Andrews came up to her and 'it was my wife who hit the boy'. Andrews' taxpayer funded Ford Territory after the crash with Ryan in Blairgowie in 2013 Jane Crittenden, who had to brake hard behind the accident to avoid hitting Mr Andrews' taxpayer funded Ford Territory, told the Herald Sun at the time: 'They (the Andrews) had hit this child'. She also told Dr Shuey that she saw Ms Andrews getting out of the passenger's side of the car. Police have not taken a statement from her, Ryan or any of the other witnesses of the crash but solely from the Andrews. Ryan was airlifted to Royal Melbourne Children's Hospital where he spent 10 days having five times his normal volume of blood pumped into his body to save his life. He lost 90 per cent of his spleen and according to his dad Peter Meuleman, suffered 'mental scarring' that has greatly and negatively impacted his life. Donald Trump called himself the 'father of fertilization' and bragged about his vigorous campaigning schedule in one of his final pleas to voters to give him a second term. In front of thousands of supporters in the swing state of North Carolina, Trump tried to cut his rally short at 30 minutes but was encouraged by the crowd to finish off his third rally of the day in his type long-form style. Trump claimed to be a staunch defender of access to in vitro fertilization (IVF) as Democrats say he wants to take away the treatment because some more radical pro-life views believe destroying fertilized embryos is a form of abortion. 'Fertilization I'm like the father I consider myself to be the father of fertilization,' the former president said during his rally in Greensboro just three days before the 2024 presidential election. Former President Donald Trump said he is the 'father of fertilization' during a rally in Greensboro, North Carolina on Saturday Previously, Trump had called himself the 'father of IVF.' Trump also held a rally in Gastonia, North Carolina and one in Salem, Virginia on Saturday before heading to Greensboro to finish off his last Saturday of campaign before the election. Speaking at the First Horizon Coliseum on Saturday night, Trump said: 'If I don't win this thing after all this talk, I'm in trouble.' He repeatedly urged those in the red-leaning swing state to vote if they hadn't already. 'I hope to hell you're going to get your a**es out and vote,' the former president said at one point. After taking a 'cheer-based' poll on who already voted versus who is voting on Tuesday, Trump said: 'I'm going to be voting on Tuesday, too.' He also assured his voters that his vigorous campaigning schedule of which he hasn't taken a day off in 62 days isn't to pander for more money. 'I didn't come here looking for your money. I don't want your money. All I want you to do is get out and vote,' Trump told his supporters. Supporters booed when Trump asked if he could cut his rally short after a vigorous day of campaigning just three days until the 2024 presidential election Trump spoke at a rally in Salem, Virginia on Saturday (pictured) before heading back to the swing state of North Carolina 'I was going to ask you, maybe I'll do a very shortened version, and will everybody be happy with that?' he asked. But the crowd booed, making it clear they didn't want Trump to cut his rally short. 'I didn't think so,' the presidential hopeful playfully replied. While Trump says he is confident that he is winning the election, he is worried that it will come down to the wire. 'When you're winning by a lot, you can still lose by a little,' the ex-president claimed. Willie Nelson, 91, made a surprising statement about his health after concerning fans with show cancelations over the summer. The country music icon said that death is one of themes in his new album - prompting him to reflect on his life and health. He told the Associated Press: 'Well, Im 91 plus, so, you know, Im not worried about it. I dont feel bad. I dont hurt anywhere. 'I dont have any reason to worry about dying. But I dont know anybody whos lived forever. I take pretty good care of myself.' Nelson, who gave up smoking marijuana after decades, added while laughing: 'I feel like Im in pretty good shape physically. Mentally? Thats another story.' Willie Nelson, 91, revealed his is in 'pretty good shape' after concerning fans with show cancelations. He performed last week at a Texas rally of Kamala Harris (pictured) Nelson sang and played the guitar in 1969 (pictured). He has been a beloved performer for decades This admission comes after Nelson missed the opening dates of his summer Outlaw Music Festival Tour due to his health. 'We regret to inform you that Willie Nelson is not feeling well and, per doctor's orders, has been advised to rest for the next four days,' the Grammy Award winner's team wrote in a statement. 'He is expected to make a quick recovery and join the Outlaw Music Festival tour next week. In the meantime, Lukas Nelson and the Family Band, along with a few guests, will perform a special set to include Willie's classics and other songs.' After doctors cleared him to perform, he still opted-out of a show in Mansfield, Massachusetts. Nelson has previously had to cancel other shows due to illness in recent years. Nelson has canceled performances multiple times over the years, pointing to health issues as the explanation In 2018, Nelson had to walk off the stage during a North Carolina show because he felt 'under the weather and had a stomach bug.' The following year, he canceled a tour with Alison Krauss, 53, as he announced 'a breathing problem' he had to have treated. One of his efforts to improve his health was to quit smoking weed, but it was later clarified that he still consumes other kinds of cannabis products. In 2020, Nelson shared his secrets to living a long life, while admitting he 'didnt ever think Id get this old.' He has credited cannabis as 'a good medicine and I'm glad that it's being accepted around the country, and I'll be glad when every state in the union legalizes it, because I think it will be healthy for everybody.' In addition to releasing his 75th solo studio album The Border in May, Nelson was also recently featured on the 'Smoke Hour' interludes of Beyonce's highly-anticipated Cowboy Carter album. In seemingly good health, Nelson performed at a Houston, Texas rally for Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris last week. His newest album, 'Last Leaf on the Tree,' was released on Friday. It is a collaboration with his youngest son, Micah. Although Willie and Micah were already extremely close, the pair took their relationship to the next level after spending hours in the studio at work. Nelson, pictured in 1978, said he is not worried about dying while discussing his newest album Micah produced the project and had a huge part in the song selection process. The 34-year-old told the Saving Country Music that he took a 'sculptor's approach' to their project, before noting that he and his father have worked extremely hard on the album. He said: 'It's an approach that I really love and have used a lot over the yearsjust throwing the clay down and stepping back, then maybe adding a little more, and then maybe shaving down here, and kind of building the tracks that way.' This album is Nelson's 76th solo album and 153rd album in general, the Associated Press reported. Kamala Harris was skewered for her laugh in a surprise cameo on Saturday Night Live where she came face-to-face with herself three days before the presidential election. The vice president took a break from one of the closest campaigns in history to appear for just over two minutes in the cold open as a mirrored version of Maya Rudolph, who plays her on the NBC sketch show. Rudolph is in her dressing preparing for a speech with husband Doug Emhoff when she wonders aloud if someone who has 'been in her shoes' can give her a pep talk. A laughing Harris then appears as Rudolph's reflection on the other side of the table and says to her the actress: 'You and me both sister'. The scene then quickly turned into a parody of adding 'ala' to phrases in reference to the Democratic nominee's 'Momala' nickname'. Harris' pitstop in New York City came on a day when she saw a shift in momentum in her favor and a shock poll showing her leading in the Republican-heavy Iowa. 'I'm just here to remind you, you've got this. Because you can do something your opponent cannot do. You can open doors,' Harris tells Rudolph. A giggling Rudolph asks if she's referring to video of Donald Trump opening a garbage truck door before his rally in Wisconsin last week. Kamala Harris was skewered for her laugh in a surprise cameo on Saturday Night Live where she came face-to-face with herself three days before the presidential election The Democratic nominee was then mocked for her cackle when she asked: 'I really don't laugh like that, do I?' Rudolph tilted her head and nodded in response in a scene similar to when Hillary Clinton was roasted just before the 2016 election. 'Kamala, reach out and take my palmala', Rudolph says to Harris. She adds: 'Kamala, the American people want to stop the chaos.' 'And end the drama,' the vice president responds with the audience laughing, 'The American people want to stop the chaos, and end the drama-la, with a cool new step mom-ala, get back in our pajama-laas and watch a rom-com-ala, like Legally Blonde-ala, and start decorating for Christmas, fa-la-la-lala. 'Because what do we always say? Keep calm-ala and carry-on-ala.' The Trump campaign immediately responded to her debut on the show, by claiming she used another 'fake accent'. The vice president was looking through a dressing room a mirror at Maya Rudolph, who is playing her in the sketch The vice president took a break from one of the closest campaigns in history to appear for just over two minutes in the cold open as a mirrored version of Maya Rudolph, who is playing her in the NBC sketch show A laughing Harris then appears as Rudolph's reflection on the other side of the table and says to her the actress: 'You and me both sister' Rudolph and Harris hug at the end of the skit on the iconic sketch show 'Kamala trying and failing yet again at appearing remotely funny, relatable, or entertaining in the slightest,' the MAGA War Room Twitter account posted. 'Her cameo was uninspiring - much like her candidacy.' The sketch started with Chloe Fineman playing CNN anchor Kaitlan Collins introducing a 'four-and-a-half hour' Donald Trump rally where he said 'where am I' and 'get me out of here'. Trump, played by James Austin Johnson, has a meltdown over microphones not working while wearing an orange workman's vest. President Joe Biden, portrayed by Dana Carvey, also made a confused appearance Harris made the surprise appearance after diverting Air Force Two at the last-minute to New York City. The trip was kept quiet and the press were only told after the plane had changed course from its expected destination, Detroit. Harris had just two events Saturday, one in Atlanta and one in Charlotte, at a time when campaigns are blanketing swing states with candidates and surrogates. While she was en route she a new poll dropped that sent shockwaves through the presidential campaign with less than 72 hours to go. The final Des Moines Register/Mediacom Iowa Poll has Harris leading Trump 47 percent to 44 percent among likely voters, less than three days before Election Day. It was a shocking result in a state the Democrats haven't won since Barack Obama in 2012 and could be an outlier. But it suggested that the gap between the two candidates could be getting even closer in what is expected to be a historically tight election on Tuesday night. The visit is the latest in a long line of appearances by presidential candidates on the show, which celebrated its 50th anniversary this year. Although the details of her appearance was being kept quiet, the show has comedians set to play all the characters of the bizarre 2024 election. Your browser does not support iframes. Rudolph is preparing for a speech when she wonders allowed if someone with the same roots could give her a pep talk Harris disembarks Air Force Two to begin her surprise stop in New York City on Saturday night Trump held campaign rallies in North Carolina and Virginia on Saturday with three days until Election Day The appearance was no laughing matter for the Donald Trump campaign. 'Kamala Harris has nothing substantive to offer the American people, so thats why shes living out her warped fantasy cosplaying with her elitist friends on Saturday Night Leftists as her campaign spirals down the drain into obscurity,' said Trump campaign spokesman Steven Cheung. 'For the last four years, Kamalas destructive policies have led to untold misery and hurt for all Americans. She broke it, and President Trump will fix it,' he said. Trump has sued CBS over its editing of its '60 Minutes' broadcast, and has complained it was 'two against one' during his debate with Harris on ABC. Kamala Harris was blasted for using her 'fake accent' during her surprise appearance on SNL on Saturday night. The VP has increasingly faced accusations of using a 'fake accent' in recent weeks, but with only days until the 2024 presidential election, she can't afford to lose any support, especially among black and younger voters both key to any victory. 'Kamala Harris spent three hours rehearsing for this cringe fest on SNL. Complete with the fake black accent. This is a tough watch. Good Lord,' one poster wrote. 'Just hearing Kamalas fake hood accent lowered my credit score by 50 points,' added another. 'Kamala has a new accent, these fake accents would be bad enough, if she was even halfway decent at them, but this is just pathetic, you know its bad if Im embarrassed for her,' added a third. Kamala Harris was blasted for using her 'fake accent' during her surprise appearance on SNL on Saturday night The VP, seen right, has faced accusations of a 'fake accent' in recent weeks, but with only days until the 2024 presidential election, she can't afford to lose any support While Harris is of Jamaican and Indian descent, she has still been mocked for whipping out a 'blaccent' because she changes her voice and speaking pattern depending on the race, class and other demographics of her audience. Last week the VP was roasted online for using a 'fake accent' to preach to a predominantly black audience. While speaking at a church in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, social media users highlighted a point where they said Harris began speaking like a southern Baptist preacher and quoted from the Bible's book of Psalms. 'Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. The path may seem hard, the work may seem heavy, but joy cometh in the morning. And church morning is on its way,' Harris said in a widely-shared clip. 'Holy smokes. Kamala just whipped out a preacher, MLK-esque accent in a Philadelphia church,' a pro-Trump account wrote on X. 'This is the craziest one yet. She is so unbelievably fake.' Kamala Harris, seen right, was also skewered for her laugh in a surprise cameo on SNL Not only are pro-Trump social media accounts saying the accent is made up, but they are also accusing Harris of being a 'fake' person. 'Kamala just unveiled a new accent at a church in Philadelphia. Everything about this woman is fake,' Libs of TikTok wrote on their X account. One user on X noted on a 20-second clip of the vice president: 'Kamala has a new pastor accent which she debuted at a black Philadelphia church.' Harris has for months faced a barrage of hate from pro-Trump users claiming her accent code-switching is offensive to black voters and a slap in the face to Americans. Last week Harris faced accusations of employing an accent to appeal to the crowd she is speaking to - this time a 'preacher' voice at a church in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Harris claps along during a service at Church of Christian Compassion in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania just nine days until the 2024 presidential election In September, Harris faced allegations of using an urban accent to relate to working class voters in Detroit, Michigan. 'You may not be a union member but you better thank a union member for the five day work week,' Harris said in a tone of voice atypical of the one she uses in her usual stump speeches. She went on: 'You better thank a union member for sick leave. You better thank a union member for paid leave. You better thank a union member for vacation time.' At another point an audience member shouted something about Harris' future beyond just the 2024 election. The VP, still employing this new accent, replied with a large smile and laugh before leaning over the podium and saying: 'Let's just get through the next 64 days.' 'New Kamala accent just dropped,' one user wrote on X at the time. A British-born restaurateur plans to give everyone in his swanky New York City restaurant a free bottle of champagne if Kamala Harris wins the presidential election. Balthazar owner Keith McNally, 73, who is also referred to as 'Mr. Nasty' due to his controversial social media feuds throughout the years, has been in the restaurant scene since the 1980s - even being dubbed as 'the restaurateur who invented downtown'. The notorious owner of the high-end restaurant took to Instagram on Saturday to announce that he'll be at his Parisian-style brasserie on election day. He also informed his followers of his plan to give every table at his restaurant 'a great bottle of champagne' - but only if it looks like Harris is going to win. 'Kamala Harris left such a powerful impression on me that I'm definitely going to vote for her to be the next president of the United States,' the caption wrote. The controversial British-born restaurateur, Keith NcNally, 73, announced to Instagram on Saturday that he plans to give everybody in his NYC restaurant a bottle of champagne if Kamala Harris wins McNally has been in the restaurant scene since the 1980s and is the owner of New York City's Balthazar along with dozens of sister restaurants McNally recalled being dragged to Jim Belushi's fourth of July party at his house on Martha's Vineyard in 2008 despite 'loathing' parties and fireworks. But he ran into a surprise on his way out. 'Jim or his wife, Jenny, introduced me to a woman in her mid-forties,' he wrote. 'The woman was African-American and alarmingly intelligent. 'She was also sassy, attractive and extremely witty. Even though I was anxious to leave the party, I wanted to talk with this woman more.' The woman's name was Kamala Harris. McNally posted this picture of Vice President Kamala Harris on Saturday and recalled how intelligent she was after meeting her at a fourth of July party in 2008 McNally recalled clicking with the now-Vice President, who was the District Attorney of San Francisco at the time. He noted how despite Harris being far more intelligent than him, she was interested in talking with him - so much so that they had a conversation for about 20 minutes and agreed to meet for coffee later that week. Although they never did get around to a coffee meet-up, the two exchanged emails a few times over the next year. 'One of the endless things I regret in life is not staying in touch with her,' McNally wrote. 'If it looks like Harris is going to win before the night's over, I plan to give every table at the restaurant a great bottle of champagne. It's the very least I can do.' But this wouldn't be the first time he's offered to give out free items from his eatery. Despite being considered 'New York's most provocative restaurateur' due to his dozens of internet feuds throughout the years, the comments under his most recent post supporting Kamala Harris were mostly positive This past June, McNally offered free dinner to any one of his 131,000 followers who could name the celebrity he singled out in a post that was immediately deleted for 'violent or graphic content' McNally - who is also considered 'New York's most provocative restaurateur' - has been the center of a slew of 'internet beef' throughout the years, including with Adam Platt, a restaurant critic, and comedian James Corden. In June of this year, the sharp-tongued owner spilled the beans on the celebrity whose identity was censored by Instagram after he offered the 'raw truth' about them. He was inundated with guesses after offering a free dinner to anyone naming the person he had singled out in a post that was immediately deleted for 'violent or graphic content'. 'Judging by the amount of individuals you have fallen out with, this bet has worse odds than the Euro lottery,' wrote one user. His 131,000 Instagram followers may have had in mind his torrent of abuse against Lauren Sanchez, fiancee of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, who he called 'absolutely revolting' in an April post. 'What an ugly and f***ing SMUG - LOOKING couple they make,' he added. 'Is this what having 1000 Billion dollars does to people?' In September of this year, he took to the platform again, slamming Lauren Sanchez and some of the Kardashian clan by calling them 'repulsive.' McNally is no stranger to internet beef and has used his 'razor sharp tongue' to call out food critics, comedian James Cordon and most notably Lauren Sanchez, Jeff Bezos' fiancee McNally said that a free bottle of champagne for the customers of his Parisian-style brasserie is the least he can do after Harris left a powerful impact on him 16 years ago In McNally's most recent post to Instagram, he told his thousands of followers that he will definitely be voting for Harris to become the next president of the United States But the comments under his most recent post were mostly filled with support, despite making headlines dozens of times throughout the years for savage social media posts. 'See you on Tuesday for that champagne!!!' one user wrote. Another said: 'FILL MY FLUTE!' 'Amazing!' another wrote. 'I sure hope it goes the way you are thinking! I'll be having champagne too!!!!! Cheers to that!!!' A California man ended up in the hospital after a dispute with his neighbor over his Donald Trump flag. John Muder from Orange County said his neighbor recently had their Kamala Harris and Tim Waltz outdoor sign stolen. Muder thinks the neighbor assumed he was the one who took it because of his pro-Trump display. He told FOX 11: 'He was thinking it was me because I have my Trump sign, which is the furthest from the truth.' The next thing Muder knew, the Trump banner hanging above his Ladera Ranch home's garage was missing. John Muder was left hospitalized after he and his neighbor allegedly had a political misunderstanding Muder's Trump flag that was hanging above his garage went missing and he suspected that his Harris-supporting neighbor was the culprit With an inkling this may have been an act of misdirected retaliation, he checked the garbage pale of the Harris-supporting neighbor and discovered his flag stuffed inside. 'I was on the sidewalk,' Muder told the outlet. 'I knew he had a Ring camera thing, so I said, "Hey, can you stay off my property?" I left. It was probably no more than 10 or 15 minutes later he came over to my house screaming and yelling.' Surveillance footage captured the heated argument between the two men. That is when the Trump-supporter said the situation took a violent turn. He claimed his neighbor assaulted him inside of his garage and left him there 'to die.' Muder explained: 'He knocked me out. I have a major brain bruise in the back of my head. I got kicked in the face, I believe. 'There was mass blood. He left me there basically on my own to survive.' Muder said he suffered from 'bleeding of the brain' and has been in the hospital for three days with a concussion. 'He could be dead right now and this man didnt care about it,' his wife, Lourdes Barrueto, said to FOX 11. 'All because we have a Trump flag.' Muder told the outlet: 'I just cant believe the violence this guy alluded to. For what? A flag? Are you kidding me? Muder and his wife told FOX 11 from the hospital that they do not understand why someone would turn violent over politics Lourdes Barrueto and Muder pictured before the dispute, which has sinc eleft him hospitalized for three days Muder said his neighbor beat him unconscious in his garage, leaving him with a severe concussion 'If youre willing to hurt someone over a political view, you need some serious help.' Police confirmed with FOX 11 that they did arrest someone from a Ladera Ranch home for a fight. He was taken into custody for assault and battery charges. The neighbor is allegedly out of jail on bond. This has been one of many politically-driven feuds arising just before Election Day. For instance, Algoma, Wisconsin is the most 'politically divided in America' and is being torn apart by locals warring over politics. The left-leaning neighbor allegedly torn down Muder's Trump flag and threw it in the trash The partition in 'friendly' Algoma is so deep it even runs between husbands and wives. The city of 3,200 people has always been tightly contested, but this election things are heating up even further. Residents have been drawn into screaming matches in the street and even say they fear being 'shot' for declaring their political allegiances too outwardly. Meanwhile, the intersection between the homes of two politically opposed neighbors has become so overrun with competing campaign signs it has been dubbed 'crazy corner'. Dennis Paul, a Republican and Abbey Bridges, a Democrat, recently got into an online spat which spilled over into the real world when Paul, 65, began hurling insults at Bridges, 40 as she walked her dog, the New York Times reported. Muder believes this argument stemmed from a misunderstanding. His neighbor's Harris-Waltz sign was stolen before the fight Bridges ended up calling the police after she claims Paul made threats against her, which he denied. She has resorted to keeping her shades drawn to avoid any further confrontations. 'He called me a whole bunch of things that really didn't make sense,' she told the outlet. 'Now, I am avoiding him like the plague.' Locals have banded together to support a beloved cafe owner after his venue was vandalised with a 'disgusting' three-word message left on one of the walls. Mandeep 'Sunny' Singh, 25, discovered one of his 4 Knots cafes had been vandalised on Sunday morning in Collaroy on Sydney's Northern Beaches. The vandal left stencil-sprayed images of cockroaches all over the cafe's side wall with a detestable message. 'The cockroach cafe,' it read. Residents of the easy-going Northern Beaches were disgusted by the message left for the small business owner and shared their support for Mr Singh on Facebook. Mr Singh told Daily Mail Australia he was not actively feuding with anybody in the community he hadn't received complaints upfront from customers about health, noise, or regulation issues. He's been left bewildered by an onslaught of pranks but believes one person simply does not want him in Collaroy. 'What is this all about? It's racism. In the best country in the world... the most multicultural country,' he said. Locals have banded together to support a beloved cafe owner after his venue was vandalised with a 'disgusting' three-word message left on one of the walls The vandal left stencil-sprayed images of cockroaches all over the cafe's side wall with a detestable message Mr Singh revealed it is just one of several acts carried out by vandals at his cafe. One morning, he arrived to find he and his staff had been left a bag of decaying prawns. Dog faeces was discovered at the cafe door on another morning. Then an outdoor bench was nicked from the side of the building. Random 'tip offs' have seen rangers trek repeatedly to the cafe only to report no wrongdoing back to the council, according to Mr Singh. A well-loved but faded store called Cherry Blossom previously inhabited the building on Pittwater Road and had to be sold. Mr Singh, who is also a Northern Beaches councillor, gave it a facelift and it opened just 15 weeks ago. He said he received more than 20 calls from people he didn't know in the area offering to bring paint or funds to repair the paint job after sharing images of the damage. 'I said no, I can do that myself, but I want to show the people this is happening to me. It's constantly happening,' he said. 'They're saying they feel sorry. But it's not just my business. It can happen to any other business as well.' 'It's a matter of respect here.' Mr Singh has been an active investor in Northern Beaches businesses, and found his way into a spot on the local council ward when he was the only Liberal member to submit his ticket during the late nomination saga that cost the party across Sydney. 'I'm just asking for justice to be myself and against racism in Australia. Our country is the best and better than that,' he said. 'My two kids, I want to make them feel "this is you're home, and you're going to live here, you're going to respect this country".' 'This country has given everything to us.' Mr Singh's community hit out at the mystery vandal. 'This coffee shop has the best food and staff! This type of behaviour is not acceptable,' one local wrote online. Mr Singh shared images from Sunday morning's discovery, met by dismay and sympathy from the Northern Beaches community 'Disgusting to have this done to them,' another said. One resident said she was 'embarrassed' by the vandal's behaviour. 'Sunny Singh is a true northern beaches gentleman. He has invested in cafes and restaurants and is always supportive of local community events. 'I feel embarrassed that we have such cruel people who are capable of this.' Mr Singh is now looking for avenues to prevent vandalism and address those issues causing it in his own electorate. 'We need to work better together as a community,' he said. A report has been made to the local police, and Mr Singh wants to hear out the vandal, so they can resolve whatever their grievance may be. A New South Wales Police spokeswoman said they were aware of the incident and their investigations are continuing. 'About 9.30am yesterday (Sunday, November 3), police attended a business on Malcolm Street, Narrabeen, following reports of malicious damage,' the spokeswoman said. 'Officers attached to Northern Beaches Police Area Command were told the exterior wall of a restaurant had been damaged with black spray paint.' As inquiries continue, anyone with information about this incident has been urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Mr Singh has been a Northern Beaches resident for over 25 years with his wife while raising their young children. An Australian mother and her teenage daughter were left injured and traumatised after they were allegedly attacked by an armed man during a cruise holiday. Leeson Hansen's family travelled to the South Pacific and Papua New Guinea onboard P&O Pacific Encounter last month. But the Brisbane family's dream holiday escalated into chaos on October 21 when their ship arrived in Rabaul - a small town in Papua New Guinea's north known for its volcanoes and scuba diving sites. Mr Hansen's wife Elizabeth and the couple's two teenage children joined several other tourists who disembarked to explore the nearby Rabaul Page Park Market. 'An armed man jumped out of the side of the market and cut my 16-year-old daughter's backpack off with a large knife, he then took a swipe at her with the knife which narrowly missed her chest due to her jumping back,' Mr Hansen told the Courier Mail. 'My wife turned to see what was going on and he then sliced her hand open. 'The locals were yelling but the guy sprinted off and my family were helped into a little van which drove them back to the ship.' Leeson Hansen says his wife Elizabeth (pictured) and teenage daughter were attacked with a knife during a day trip to Rabaul Elizabeth needed stitches following the terrifying ordeal during a voyage stopover Mr Hansen insisted his family did everything they could to try and stay safe by sticking to main roads and walked with other tourists. Staff on the Pacific Encounter treated and stitched Ms Hansen onboard and have offered the teens counselling following the distressing encounter. The family arrived home five days later and Ms Hansen's stitches were removed last Tuesday. Mr Hansen has spoke out about the terrifying ordeal to warn other holidaymakers that 'these ports are not safe as we have been led to believe'. '[P&O] have worked hard to follow up with trauma counselling for the kids but it really dampened a costly holiday,' he said. The Brisbane family were holidaying onboard P&O's Pacific Encounter at the time A P&O Cruises Australia spokesman confirmed the cruiseliner had helped three passengers following an incident in Papua New Guinea. He described the attack as an 'isolated incident' and said the company has been 'in regular contact with the family'. The Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary are investigating the alleged attack with local police. Daily Mail Australia has contacted P&O for further comment. A man has been arrested at Australia's best-known beach for wearing an allegedly 'offensive' anti-Israel shirt. The man, who is yet to be formally identified, was confronted by police at Sydney's Bondi Beach for wearing the 'provocative' shirt about 12.50pm on Sunday. The shirt featured Israel's flag alongside the words 'f**k Israel' and 'f**k zionism'. The scenes unfolded in front of large crowds of beachgoers who had flocked to Bondi to escape the heat as temperatures soared into the 30s on Sunday. Australian Jewish Association chief executive Robert Gregory claimed that the man, who is understood to be the son of a former Labor minister, had allegedly been seen wearing the shirt multiple times before his arrest. He added that many locals had encountered him in the t-shirt, as Bondi and surrounding areas in Sydney's east are the hub of the Jewish community in the city. 'The Jewish community has faced a wave of intimidation and vandalism over the past year,' Mr Gregory told Daily Mail Australia. 'This man has been repeatedly wearing a shirt designed to annoy residents in Sydney's east. 'Day after day, he is spotted in neighbourhoods where many proud Jewish people live, including Double Bay and Bondi. A man was arrested in Bondi on Sunday after wearing an allegedly offensive shirt (pictured) along the beach front The man, who is yet to be formally identified, was confronted by police at Sydney's Bondi Beach for wearing the 'provocative' shirt 'Given his background, it's hard to believe he doesn't own another shirt. Something must be seriously lacking to cause a man of that age to be so desperate for attention.' A NSW Police spokesperson confirmed to Daily Mail Australia the man was taken to Waverley Police Station and charged with two counts of behaving in offensive manner in/near public place and one count of stalk/intimidate intend fear physical harm. Mr Gregory claimed his shirt had caused great distress to Jewish families in Sydney's eastern suburbs. 'He presents as an ugly sight, particularly for families and children, who have been confronted by the hatred and swear words he is parading around,' he said. 'The Jewish community is peaceful and law-abiding, so if he is looking to cause an altercation, he is unlikely to succeed.' The man was later charged with two counts of behaving in offensive manner in/near public place and stalk/intimidate intend fear physical harm'. The man was bailed to appear before Waverley Local Court on January 22, 2025. Daily Mail Australia has contacted the man for comment. A heavily pregnant OnlyFans model days away from giving birth has been jailed over her involvement in a shocking assault outside a popular bar. Talia Jade Haythorpe, 23, was found to be the ringleader in the sickening attack on a tradesman after he left the Watermark Hotel in Glenelg, Adelaide in September 2021. The victim was approached in the early hours of the morning by Haythorpe and a group of people, the District Court of South Australia heard during the model's sentencing. Despite the conversation being friendly, things quickly escalated after the man walked away, The Advertiser reported. 'As the victim walked away from the conversation, he felt several blows to the back of his head and fell to the ground,' Judge Anthony Allen said. 'He felt excruciating pain to his right knee.' The court heard that Haythorpe stood over the victim on the ground and kicked him in the head while she was laughing. She then bit the man's arm and took his wallet while the group she was with kicked and punched him before his phone and keys were stolen. Talia Jade Haythorpe, 23, (pictured) was the ringleader of a sickening attack on a tradie in September 2021 The OnlyFans model (pictured) kicked the man in the head while she was laughing The attackers then left the scene but Haythorpe returned shortly afterwards. 'You approached the victim and asked for the PIN code to his phone and his bank details, before kicking him in the head once more,' Judge Allen told her. 'It goes without saying that this was a completely unnecessary and unprovoked attack.' Police found the badly injured victim lying across the road and footpath at 2.38am. The man was rushed to Flinders Medical Centre where he underwent knee surgery. The man described himself in his victim impact statement as having being a fit tradie before the attack, but was now unable to return to work. 'He describes that he will never fully recover from the injuries inflicted upon him,' Judge Allen said. The OnlyFans model pleaded guilty to aggravated robbery. The court was told Haythorpe had a traumatic childhood, was homeless since she was 14 and had a methamphetamine addiction. The tradie had left the Watermark Hotel in Glenelg when he was approached by Haythorpe and a group of people. When he walked away he received punches to the back of his head Now 38 weeks pregnant, Haythorpe's lawyer asked for a community sentence but the judge instead sentenced her to jail because the offence was serious (pictured the OnlyFans model) 'Against that background, it is somewhat remarkable that the offending that brings you before this court is your first incursion into criminal conduct,' Judge Allen said. Haythorpe's lawyer asked for a community based sentence because the model was now 38 weeks pregnant. But Judge Allen concluded the attack was too serious and sentenced Haythorpe to two years and 11 months behind bars. The mum-to-be was given a non-parole period of 14 months. 'You were the ringleader of a vicious street robbery against an innocent member of the public, resulting in life-changing injuries to your victim,' he said. The sentence was backdated to June 25. Haythorpe could be freed as early as August next year. An Aussie entrepreneur has revealed the argument that gave him the inspiration for his $12m business, marking the 'only time' his wife was wrong. Kenny Lee quit his 9-5 job to pursue his dream business, Light My Bricks, in 2018. Specialising in LED lighting for Lego sets, the 39-year-old from Ferntree Gully in Melbourne's east said the idea was sparked by his own Lego obsession. 'The idea came purely off the back of an argument with my wife when she was questioning my excessive Lego spending,' Mr Lee said. 'At the time we had kids, we had a mortgage to pay, a single income and I was going a bit crazy on my new-found passion. 'So I figured 'how do I win this argument by making these purchases guilt free?' Start my own business.' Mr Lee said he knew there was a gap in the market having seen adults spending just as much, if not more, as him on Lego. 'I figured if I could make these Lego purchases a tax write-off for business purposes then that's another win,' Mr Lee joked. Kenny Lee is the founder and chief executive of Light My Bricks. Picture: NewsWire / Aaron Francis 'Safe to say I won that argument, and if you ask my wife, she'd probably say that's the only time that she was wrong.' The very first piece of Lego Mr Lee lit up was a barber pole in a detective's office set. 'I'll never forget lighting up the little barber pole - the moment I put flashing lights into that to bring it to life was a crazy moment for me. I knew right away I was onto something,' Mr Lee said. He said the Covid pandemic was a turning point for his business, describing it as 'a scary moment' for him and other businesses. 'For me it was a scary time thinking I'd have to close the business,' he said. Faced with lockdowns, he and his team focused on digital advertising, with Lego - like many other indoor hobbies - gaining traction. 'Because of all the content (Lego fans) were seeing online, they naturally saw my bricks, and before I knew it my business went absolutely bonkers,' he said. 'The uncertainty turned into one of our biggest triumphs which helped us propel to that eight figures.' Mr Lee's obsession with Lego led him to start his own business. Picture: NewsWire / Aaron Francis Consumers can install the lights as they build Lego kits or add them to sets they've already built. 'It teaches people about electronics and adds a whole new dimension to it - a lot of our customers can't see Lego the same way anymore,' Mr Lee said. The market for Lego and Light My Bricks among adults is huge, with Matt Nardella from Melbourne's northeast revealing he's spent as much as $70,000 on Lego sets complete with Mr Lee's lighting kits. The Doncaster man said a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle-themed Lego set caught his eye about 11 years ago while he was shopping for a present for his niece. 'I had always played with Lego as a little kid but hadn't given it any thought or attention since,' Mr Nardella said, adding he purchased a set 'on a whim'. 'I got home, built that one set and from there I was simply hooked.' However, things changed when he discovered Light My Bricks after seeing pictures online, with all his own sets now lit up. 'Since discovering the light kits I haven't looked back. It just brings it all to life really!' Mr Nardella said. 'I think the difference between playing with Lego as a kid to collecting it as an adult, you really grow to appreciate the display you're left with once you've built the Lego set - and lights just take the display to that next level. 'I like to have a go at building everything, but whether it's a Star Wars or Batman scene, or a Lego City, part of the appeal is getting immersed in the world you're creating and lights are just that magical bridge that makes it all feel so real.' Light My Bricks has now turned over more than $12m in revenue. Picture: NewsWire / Aaron Francis Reflecting on his business's climb to success, Mr Lee said he had no idea it would take off as well as it had. 'One of the biggest challenges for me was overcoming that way of thinking ... 'How much money can you really make off this unique passion?'' Mr Lee said. He said he'd developed his own philosophy called 'create away', urging aspiring entrepreneurs to think outside the box. 'My advice is don't look for validation, lean into what is unique, because the more unique it is, the better it is,' Mr Lee said. 'I'm very passionate about sharing that message and inspiring people (with) that whole 'create away' message of not limiting yourself because, again, if you'd asked me all those years ago how much money can you make selling lights for Lego ... it's been a constant work of improvement and thinking outside the box.' Mr Lee revealed the next step was expanding outside of Lego, telling fans to 'stay tuned'. 'This whole time we've built our success on lights to do with Lego, but now we're branching out and looking above and beyond that,' Mr Lee said. 'I'm so grateful for what I've been able to build and it's been able to really give me a life that I love to live. I call it my ultimate life, and it's just the beginning.' Police are investigating a new allegation of sexual assault against Alex Salmond weeks after the former Scottish First Minister's death. A woman reported the incident - said to be non-recent - to police shortly after Mr Salmond's death aged 69 on October 12. Up to six women approached the SNP more than two years ago lodging complaints about Mr Salmond's behaviour, it previously emerged. The complaints, allegedly of a sexual nature, are understood to have been reported to the party's compliance officer, Ian McCann, who was in charge of disciplinary issues. They were then said to have been brought to the attention of the SNP's former chief executive, Peter Murrell, but were not taken any further. Alex Salmond (pictured) died suddenly in Macedonia during lunch at a conference on October 12 Now, the SNP is preparing for more women to possibly come forward with sexual claims against the former party leader. Mr Salmond's alleged inappropriate behaviour, which is said to date back almost 40 years, was apparently well known among leadership figures and aides, a senior party insider claimed. 'Around two years ago five or six complaints of inappropriate behaviour of a sexual nature were reported to the party and went as far as Peter Murrell,' the insider said. 'The allegations date as far back as the 1980s, including in Alex's Banff and Buchan constituency.' Mr Salmond left Edinburgh's High Court in March 2020, after being cleared of 14 counts of sexual assault and attempted rape. At the time of his death last month, the politician was in the middle of suing the Scottish Government for its handling of complaints against him. The Scottish Government had pledged to vigorously contest the legal action. This week, Mr Salmond was honoured and remembered with tears and laughter at his funeral as a leader who took Scotland 'so close to his dream of independence'. At the time of his death last month, Mr Salmond was in the middle of suing the Scottish Government for its handling of complaints against him Among the mourners were Mr Salmond's widow, Moira, and House of Commons speaker John Bercow, who gathered to pay tribute to the politician after he died suddenly in Macedonia during lunch at a conference. The former SNP leader, who later went on to set up the Alba Party, had been speaking at the event when he suffered a heart attack. At the funeral in Strichen, Aberdeenshire, where Mr Salmond lived, he was hailed by a number of giants in Scottish politics. Kenny MacAskill, justice secretary in Mr Salmond's government, called him 'a giant of a man, the leader of our country, the leader of our movement', before describing him as 'an inspiration, a political genius, an orator, debater and communicator without parallel'. Israel has hit back at claims that it targeted a Gaza vaccine clinic after four children were left wounded in a strike. The four children were among six people who were injured Saturday when a polio vaccination centre in northern Gaza was targeted. The World Health Organisation (WHO) only restarted the second round of vaccinations in northern Gaza on Saturday after being forced to suspend them earlier because of Israeli bombardments. WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the health centre was 'in an area where a humanitarian pause was agreed to allow vaccination to proceed' and the attack could off parents of children needing a second vaccine to be covered. He did not specify who carried out the strike but Israel rejected a claim by a Gaza source that one of its drones fired missiles at the centre. Palestinian children receive polio vaccination as a part of the second phase of the polio vaccination campaign resumed Saturday after being postponed for about a month due to the Israeli army's attacks in the northern Gaza Strip and Gaza City, on November 02 Palestinian children queue outside a tent for the second phase of polio vaccination at Abdel Aziz Rantissi hospital in Gaza City's Nasr district on November 2 Four children were among six people who were injured Saturday when a polio vaccination centre in northern Gaza was targeted. Pictured: Palestinian children receive polio vaccination on Saturday Israeli forces have repeatedly raided hospitals in Gaza over the course of the war, saying Hamas uses them for militant purposes, allegations denied by Palestinian health officials. Dr Munir al-Boursh, director-general of the Gaza Health Ministry, told the Associated Press that a quadcopter struck the Sheikh Radwan Clinic in Gaza City early on Saturday afternoon, just a few minutes after a United Nations delegation left the facility. The WHO and the UN children's agency, Unicef, which are jointly carrying out the polio vaccination campaign, expressed concern over the reported strike. 'The reports of this attack are even more disturbing as the Sheikh Radwan Clinic is one of the health points where parents can get their children vaccinated,' said Unicef spokeswoman Rosalia Bollen. 'Today's attack occurred while the humanitarian pause was still in effect, despite assurances given that the pause would be respected from 6am to 4pm.' An Israeli military statement said: 'The IDF (army) is aware of claims regarding the injury of Palestinian civilians in the Sheikh Radwan vaccination center in the northern Gaza Strip.' It added: 'Contrary to the claims, an initial review determined that the IDF did not strike in the area at the specified time.' 'We have received an extremely concerning report that the Sheikh Radwan primary health care centre in northern Gaza was struck today while parents were bringing their children to the life-saving polio vaccination in an area where a humanitarian pause was agreed,' Tedros said. 'Six people, including four children, were injured,' he added. A medic administers a polio vaccine to a Palestinian child at Abdel Aziz Rantissi hospital in Gaza City's Nasr district which was reopened on November 2 after sustaining heavy damage in Israeli bombardment of the area earlier this year This is the second round and final phase of polio vaccinations which the World Health Organisation said last week it had to postpone in north Gaza because of 'intense bombardment' Palestinian children are vaccinated against polio during the second round of a vaccination campaign on November 2 The Israeli military has been pounding northern Gaza for weeks in a major offensive it says is aimed at stopping Hamas militants from regrouping. UN agency chiefs have spoken of an 'apocalyptic' situation in north Gaza which has been 'denied basic aid and life-saving supplies'. The vaccination drive began on September 1 with a successful first round, after the besieged Palestinian territory confirmed its first case of polio in 25 years. 'A WHO team was at the site just before' Saturday's strike, Tedros said. 'This attack, during humanitarian pause, jeopardises the sanctity of health protection for children and may deter parents from bringing their children for vaccination,' he added. The WHO says some 119,000 children in the north are awaiting a second dose, while 452,000 have been vaccinated in central and southern Gaza. Typically spread through sewage and contaminated water, poliovirus is highly infectious. It can cause deformities and paralysis, and is potentially fatal, mainly affecting children under five. A scaled-down campaign to administer a second dose of the polio vaccine began in parts of northern Gaza on Saturday. It had been postponed from October 23 due to lack of access, Israeli bombings and mass evacuation orders, and the lack of assurances for humanitarian pauses, a UN statement said. The administration of the first dose was carried out in September across the Gaza Strip, including areas of northern Gaza that are now completely sealed off. The WHO says some 119,000 children in the north are awaiting a second dose, while 452,000 have been vaccinated in central and southern Gaza The WHO said the presence of a paralysis case indicates there could be hundreds more who have been infected but are not showing symptoms Health officials said the campaign's first round, and the administration of the second dose across central and southern Gaza, were successful. The final phase of the polio vaccination campaign had aimed to reach an estimated 119,000 children in the north with a second dose of oral polio vaccine, the agencies said, but 'achieving this target is now unlikely due to access constraints'. They say 90 per cent of children in every community must be vaccinated to prevent the spread of the disease. The campaign was launched after the first polio case in 25 years was reported in Gaza - a 10-month-old boy, now paralysed in the leg. The WHO said the presence of a paralysis case indicates there could be hundreds more who have been infected but are not showing symptoms. Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack, which started the Gaza war, resulted in the deaths of 1,206 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally of Israeli official figures. Israel's retaliatory military campaign has killed 43,314 people in Gaza, a majority civilians, according to figures from the Hamas-run territory's health ministry which the UN considers reliable. The BBC's newsroom is 'out of control' and 'biased' in its coverage of the Israel-Gaza war, its former director of television has claimed. Danny Cohen, who was at the corporation from 2013 to 2015, spoke out after Iranian propagandist, Mohammed Marandi, appeared on the BBC for a second time despite the broadcaster upholding complaints from his first appearance. Marandi, who was born in Virginia in the US before moving to Iran, previously acted as an adviser to Iran's nuclear negotiations team and served in the Revolutionary Guard Corps. Mr Cohen said the BBC's reporting had anti-Israeli overtones which were contributing to a feeling of unsafety amongst the Jewish community in Britain, The Telegraph reported. Despite previous criticism, Mr Cohen said the BBC had done little to address its reporting, noting how the corporation gave a platform to a woman who has repeatedly glorified the murder of Jewish people. 'Very serious problems continue in the BBC's coverage of the Israel-Hamas war,' Mr Cohen said. 'The scale and consistency of the issues suggests that the BBC newsroom is out of control. It is very hard to otherwise understand why the corporation continues to make so many errors.' The BBC 's newsroom is 'out of control' and 'biased' in its coverage of the Israel-Gaza war, its former director of television Danny Cohen (pictured) claimed Mr Cohen said the BBC's reporting had anti-Israeli overtones which were contributing to a feeling of unsafety amongst the Jewish community in Britain Turkish Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency (AFAD) distribute flour to Palestinians in Gaza, where there is a food crisis due to Israeli attacks (November 2) Mr Cohen produced a report on the BBC's coverage of the conflict at the end of September which was endorsed by the Board of Deputies of British Jews, the Jewish Leadership Council and the Community Security Trust. The three Jewish organisations demanded an independent inquiry after the report alleged the corporation made 'false and damaging claims about Israel's conduct' in the war in Gaza. Now Mr Cohen has produced an update to the report in which he says the BBC has continued to portray Israel as the aggressor. Marandi, whose father was a physician who served in Iran's government as Minister of Health as well as a Member of Parliament, appeared on the BBC on October 1 the day after Mr Cohen's original report came out and again on October 26. In a previous interview with the BBC, 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'. Marandi, whose father was a physician who served in Iran's government as Minister of Health as well as a Member of Parliament, appeared on the BBC on October 1 the day after Mr Cohen's original report came out and again on October 26 Palestinians wander amongst the rubble in Gaza City following Israel's attacks son the Nuseirat Refugee Camp Demonstrators hold placards during an anti-government protest calling for action to secure the release of Israeli hostages held captive since the October 7 Protesters wear costumes, forming the word "Hope", during a demonstration in support of Palestinians in Gaza on November 2 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.' Responding, the BBC said the professor had been challenged in the interview but admitted 'we accept we should have continued to challenge his language throughout the interview', which amounted to a 'lapse in our usual editorial standards'. A BBC spokesman said: 'The conflict arouses great passions, and the way contributors have chosen to post their views on social media in the past does not of itself disqualify them from giving eyewitness testimony within the editorial control of our programme makers. 'The BBC is not allowed access into Gaza, but we use a range of accounts from eyewitnesses and cross reference these against official statements and footage, including from the Israeli Defence Forces.' A burglar who tried to flee to Canada after going on a burglary spree across seven counties has been jailed. Leonardo Velasquez-Valencia, 37, attempted to evade police after carrying out 10 burglaries across Kent, Essex, London, Surrey, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire and Wiltshire. Kent Police received a report of a burglary at a property in Sevenoaks just before 7.30pm on February 8 this year. The suspect left the scene by foot prior to officers' arrival with items including jewellery, cash, a laptop, and a handbag. Velasquez-Valencia was identified as the suspect after an examination of the property in Sevenoaks found his DNA. Leonardo Velasquez-Valencia, 37, attempted to evade police after carrying out 10 burglaries After working with other forces, police found he was responsible for a number of burglaries between February 1 and March 29. Velasquez-Valencia fled to Canada on May 25 but was refused entry for having $6,700 Canadian and US dollars on his person and no valid reason for carrying such a large quantity of cash. He was arrested and remanded upon his return to the UK at Heathrow Airport in connection with the Sevenoaks burglary and a number of others. Velasquez-Valencia pleaded guilty on August 21 at Maidstone Crown Court in Kent. He was jailed for three years and nine months at a sentencing hearing at the same court on Thursday. He tried to flee to Canada after going on a burglary spree across seven counties but has now been jailed. Pictured is Heathrow Airport Investigating officer, Detective Constable Joshua Littley, said after the sentencing: 'Velasquez-Valencia committed a crime spree, for his own financial gain, giving little thought to the impact on his victims. 'He callously stole heirlooms, sentimental jewellery pieces, and caused substantial damage to a number of properties. 'His actions not only left victims feeling unsafe in their own homes but grieving the loss of items that held considerable meaning for them. 'I hope the offender's lengthy custodial sentence offers some comfort to those he wronged, and serves as yet another reminder to perpetrators and would-be criminals that crime does not pay.' The Metropolitan Police have performed a dramatic U-turn and are now investigating a protestor carrying a sign glorifying former Hamas leader as a potential terrorism offence. MailOnline revealed how officers refused to arrest the woman carrying the sign about Yahya Sinwar at the demo yesterday. She was pulled aside by the entrance to Vauxhall Bridge, after she was spotted carrying a piece of wood with the words 'Sinwar Stick' written on one side and 'Spirit of Resistance' on the other. It was held at a mass pro-Palestine demo attended by thousands in central London. The officer claimed that an allegation of inciting hatred had been made by a member of the public against her. MailOnline revealed how officers refused to arrest the woman carrying the sign about Yahya Sinwar at the demo yesterday Despite being threatened with arrest, the protestor declined to provide police with her name and address. The testy dispute was brought to an abrupt end after senior officers opted to let the protestor go, despite her insistence on not providing contact details. But last night officers made a u-turn. A new statement, issued after Mail Online published the original story and photos, said officers were now investigating. It said: 'At about 13:20hrs on Saturday, 2 November, officers policing the Palestine Solidarity Campaign march responded to an allegation of a suspected public order offence relating to a placard being carried by a participant close to Lambeth Bridge. 'An assessment of that allegation based on the information available at the time, led to no offences being apparent and no arrest was made. 'Further information has since come to light. This has been reviewed, and we have launched an investigation into a suspected terrorism offence.' One source said: 'It was a shocking thing to do. She was pulled aside by the entrance to Vauxhall Bridge, after she was spotted carrying a piece of wood with the words 'Sinwar Stick' written on one side 'And the original police response was not good enough. 'But this is a u-turn and the right thing to do.' Yahya Sinwar is widely considered to be the mastermind of the October 7 terrorist attacks which killed 1,269 people last year. After taking de-facto leadership of Hamas in August, Sinwar was killed in Gaza by Israeli forces last month. The Met Police estimate around 10,000 people took part in the march to the American Embassy. Police have launched an investigation after a seven-year-old boy was given cannabis edibles while out trick or treating with his brother. The little boy was handed a packet of 'Cannaburst', which is believed to contain the Class B drug and looks similar to the fruit-flavoured sweets Starburst. Terri Turnbull said her older son called her and told her that her seven-year-old son James had been handed the packet while the pair were out trick or treating for Halloween. Ms Turnbull said: 'Trying to explain to a seven-year-old that they can't have the sweets isn't easy. 'It's really concerning. I don't know what the world's coming to. I want parents to be aware. Check your kids' sweets.' Police have said they are investigating the incident. The Cannaburst sweets which contain the Class B drug (pictured) and look similar to Starburst James Turnbull, 7, (pictured) who was handed the Cannabis sweets while out trick or treating The family had been at the Stanley Halloween Festival in County Durham before the kids went 'the long way home' around the South Moor area to go trick-or-treating around 7.30pm as a group of five. A warning on the packet, which appears to be from the US says: 'This package contains cannabis, a Schedule I controlled substance. Keep out of reach of children and animals.' Cannabis is illegal to possess, grow, or deal with in the UK. A Durham Police spokesperson said: 'We are investigating after edible cannabis sweets were allegedly given to a child who was trick-or-treating in Stanley. 'Officers are urging parents to be vigilant and check their children's sweets as a precaution.' A great-grandfather was left gasping for breath and crying out in pain as he was forced to spend 12 hours sleeping on a hospital floor. Martin Wakely, who was later diagnosed with pneumonia, was rushed to Medway Maritime Hospital, in Kent, in an ambulance after his wife Tracy, 63, became concerned he was struggling to breathe. The 75-year-old resorted to sleeping on top of his dressing gown on the hospital floor as he has Multiple Sclerosis (MS), which means he is unable to sit up for long periods. The former gun dog trainer was left crying due to the pain in his back from being unable to lie down. He was later diagnosed with pneumonia and a trolley was provided, albeit out in the corridor with no privacy. Furious by the way he was treated, Mr Wakely eventually discharged himself after spending 51 hours in hospital altogether. His wife likened the desperate ordeal to being in a 'hospital in a third-world country'. Martin Wakely was forced to lay down in his dressing gown and sleep on the hospital floor as he waited 12 hours for a trolley Martin Wakely (pictured with wife Tracy) was left crying due to the pain in his back from being unable to lie down Bosses at Medway NHS Foundation Trust, which runs the hospital, have apologised but said it was continuing to see a high number of patients who needed admitting for treatment. Ms Wakely, who has been married to her husband for 23 years, compared the level of care to that of a 'third-world' country. The former council property inspector, from Bobbing, Kent, said: 'It was heart-breaking seeing someone I love put through it. 'It's disgusting that he has worked all his life, paid all his taxes, done everything right and he ends up on the floor with the rubbish. 'I've got nothing against the people who were there because they can only work with what they've got but the whole thing is stretched too far. 'I knew the NHS was in a state but until you're actually in that situation or you're there in amongst it you don't realise how bad it is. 'It's like what you imagine a hospital in a third-world country would be like. It is disgusting.' Ms Wakely called an ambulance on October 27 at 11am as Martin had been struggling to breathe and they arrived at the Medway Maritime Hospital at midday. As he suffers from MS, Mr Wakely cannot sit for long periods so he resorted to lying across the chairs. But he was told that these chairs were needed for other patients Mr Wakely, who is also a grandfather-of-four, is cared for by his wife at home and is virtually bedbound because of his MS which Ms Wakely said she made the paramedics aware of. Despite her plea, they were sent to the A&E waiting room which had nothing but plastic chairs which Mr Wakely struggled to sit on. He tried laying down across the chairs when his back pain became too much but Ms Wakely said a nurse told her husband that he would have to sit up as the seats were needed. Ms Wakely added that at 6pm she asked again how much longer it would be before blood test results came back but was told he had been wrongfully discharged. He was then seen by a doctor who prescribed antibiotics as he had pneumonia in one of his lungs, They also put him on a nebuliser to help him breathe as he sat inside a cubical. However, he needed an X-ray so they both returned to the A&E waiting room and Ms Wakely again asked for a trolley around 8.30pm. She said: 'He was in so much back pain that he was crying. Ms Wakely says she will be lodging a formal complaint with Medway Maritime Hospital but both she and her husband have been 'totally exhausted' by the experience so have yet to do so. Pictured: Mr and Mrs Wakely who have been married for 23 years 'But we were told to be patient and wait for one to become available. 'Other patients could see he was in pain and offered their seats so he could lay down, and coats for comfort, and showed a sense of camaraderie. 'Around 11.30pm he could not stand the pain and opted for the floor so I took him to a quiet place outside X-ray and laid his dressing gown down to make him comfortable. 'Half-an-hour later the nurse I had been asking for a trolley came and said she now had one. 'My husband struggled to get up and I struggled to pick him up off the floor. 'I wheeled him to the supposed trolley but a patient was still on it.' At 12.30am, Mr Wakely finally received a bed in the majors' department but was still in a corridor with no privacy. At 11am on Tuesday, October 29 - almost 48 hours after he arrived at the hospital - he told his wife he wanted to go home. Nurses said they needed the blood results before he could leave although that would be against their advice - but by 3pm Mr Wakely was 'fuming' and discharged himself. Ms Wakely said: 'They said 'you'll be back in a couple of days' but Martin said 'I won't, I'll be dead first'. 'There was no privacy, you can't wash properly or even get changed - you're in a corridor. 'It was hard for Martin to sleep as there were people constantly passing you. There were lights on and it was very noisy. 'People were asking to have their cannulas taken out as they couldn't stand it anymore. 'There was a man there whose head was bleeding and God knows how long he was there but he was there long before us. 'A lady was sitting in front of us who had been there 11 hours longer than us and she didn't even have a bed but was on a trolley.' Ms Wakely says she will be lodging a formal complaint with Medway Maritime Hospital but both she and her husband have been 'totally exhausted' by the experience so have yet to do so. Sarah Vaux, interim chief nursing officer for Medway NHS Foundation Trust, said: 'We are extremely sorry for Mr Wakely's experience and for the distress caused to him and his family. 'As soon as staff were aware Mr Wakely was lying on the floor he was moved on to a trolley for his comfort. 'Our hospital is very busy as we continue to see a high number of patients in our Emergency Department who need admitting for treatment. 'We are sorry that this means some patients wait longer than we would like and that at times patients may have to be moved to an alternative and safe location where we have a range of measures in place to support them. 'Our staff are working tirelessly to provide the best possible care for patients at all times. 'We encourage patients who have any concerns about their care to contact us directly so that we can address and learn from the issues raised.' The United States has launched a supersonic long-range bomber in South Korea as part of a joint air drill after Kim Jong Un bragged about having the 'world's strongest strategic missile' following successful test. The joint exercise by the US, Japan and South Korea took place three days after Pyongyang launched one of its most powerful and advanced solid-fuelled intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM), which experts say could reach targets in the mainland US. The drill mobilised the US' B-1B bomber, South Korea's F-15K and KF-16 fighter jets, and Japan's F-2 jets, Seoul's military said. 'The exercise demonstrates the commitment of the ROK-US alliance to integrated extended deterrence in response to the advancing nuclear and missile threats from North Korea,' said South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff in a press release. During the aerial manoeuvre, South Korea and Japan's jets escorted the US strategic bomber to a designated location south of the Korean peninsula, 'demonstrating an overwhelming capability to swiftly and accurately strike simulated targets,' it added. The United States has launched a supersonic long-range bomber in South Korea as part of a joint air drill. The joint exercise by the US, Japan and South Korea took place three days after Pyongyang launched one of its most powerful and advanced missiles North Korea's solid-fuelled Hwasong-19 intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM) was tested on October 31. Experts say the missile could reach targets in the mainland US The drill mobilised the US' B-1B bomber, South Korea's F-15K and KF-16 fighter jets, and Japan's F-2 jets, Seoul's military said The B-1B Lancer is a supersonic heavy bomber known for its high-speed performance with a payload of 75,000 pounds (34,000 kilograms) of munitions, including both conventional and precision-guided weapons. It was the fourth time this year the bomber was deployed to the Korean peninsula, the military said, and the second time for a trilateral aerial exercise to counter Pyongyang's military threats. The North's latest ICBM launch is said to have flown higher and further than any previous missile, according to North Korea as well as Seoul and Tokyo's militaries, which tracked it in real-time. The official Korean Central News Agency hailed it as 'the world's strongest strategic missile,' and leader Kim 'expressed great satisfaction' at the successful launch. The launch marked the country's longest ever ballistic missile test, with a flight-time of 87 minutes, according to South Korea, while state media in the North gloated that it set new records for its missile capabilities. Dictator Kim Jong Un attended the launch and said the test was a warning to enemies that have been threatening the country's security, KCNA state news agency said. 'The test-fire is an appropriate military action that fully meets the purpose of informing the rivals, who have intentionally escalated the regional situation and posed a threat to the security of our Republic recently, of our counteraction will,' Kim reportedly warned. North Korea 'would never change its line of bolstering up its nuclear forces,' the agency said. This picture taken on October 31, 2024 and released from North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) via KNS on November 1, 2024 shows North Korean leader Kim Jong Un (R) and his daughter Ju Ae witnessing a test-fire of the new Hwasong-19 intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), at an undisclosed location in North Korea This picture released by North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on October 31 shows the launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) during a test-fire This handout photo taken on November 3, 2024 shows a US Air Force B-1B bomber (L), South Korean Air Force F-15K fighter jets (C), Japanese Air Self-Defense Force F-2 fighter jets (bottom L) and US Air Force F-16 fighter jets (top R) flying in formation during a joint air drill The launch drew swift condemnation from the United States, Japan and South Korea, with Seoul warning Pyongyang could get missile technology from Russia for helping with the war in Ukraine. The muscle-flexing comes amid a storm of international condemnation and rising alarm over what the US and others say is North Korea's deployment of 11,000 troops to Russia - 3,000 of them close to the western frontlines with Ukraine. A day earlier than the launch on October 31, Seoul reported signs the North may test-launch an ICBM or conduct a seventh nuclear test around the US presidential election on Tuesday, seeking to draw attention to its growing military prowess. Shin Seung-ki, head of research on North Korea's military at the state-run Korea Institute for Defense Analyses, said the launch was likely to test improved booster performance of an existing ICBM - possibly with the help of Russia. 'North Korea will want to keep getting help like this, because it saves times and costs while improving performance and upgrading the stability of weapons system,' he said. Having come under pressure over its engagement with Russia, 'the intention may be to show that it will not bow to pressure, that it will respond to strength with strength, and also to seek some influence on the US presidential election,' Shin added. The launch early on Thursday saw the missile take off on a sharply lofted trajectory from an area near the North's capital, before it splashed down about 125 miles west of Japan's Okushiri island, off Hokkaido. People watch news covering of North Korea's firing of a new solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile at Seoul Station in South Korea File image shows dictator Kim Jong Un supervising artillery firing drills in North Korea in March It reached an altitude of around 4,300 miles (7,000 km) and flew a distance of 620 miles (1,000 km), the Japanese government said. The so-called lofted trajectory of a projectile flying at a sharply raised angle is intended to test its thrust and stability over much shorter distances relative to the designed range, partly for safety and to avoid the political fallout of sending a missile far into the Pacific. North Korea's last ICBM, dubbed the Hwasong-18, was tested in December last year. Fuelled by solid-propellant and fired from a road launcher, it was also launched at a sharply raised angle and flew for 73 minutes, translating to a potential range of 9,300 miles (15,000) on a normal trajectory. That is a distance that puts anywhere in the mainland US within range. A university Vice-Chancellor claims Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's plan to reduce student debt does not go far enough in tackling the 'broken' and 'deeply unfair' system. On Sunday, Mr Albanese vowed to wipe 20 per cent from existing student debts and reform payments in a move designed to ensure the education system is 'better and fairer'. About $16billion in student debt would be cut from existing student loan accounts as of June next year, meaning average HELP debts of $27,600 would be slashed by about $5,520. The reforms would also raise the threshold for repayment from $54,000 to $67,000 and lower the rate to be repaid. Western Sydney University Vice-Chancellor, George Williams, said the proposed reforms were 'extremely welcome' but warned they did not go far enough in addressing the cause of Australia's 'broken higher education system'. 'We continue to call for immediate action to deal with the root of the debt spiral problem,' he said. 'The system for setting student fees in the first place is broken and deeply unfair. Today's changes do nothing for new university students facing inflated fees.' Professor Williams called for 'a common sense and fair approach' to the cost of university degrees, some of which cost so much that students are 'priced out' of following their dreams. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (pictured addressing a Labor campaign rally in Adelaide on Sunday) has proposed sweeping reforms for student debt 'The fact that a three-year Arts degree now costs $50,000 is actively discouraging some students from considering or staying at university,' he said. 'We need action on all fronts: student loan repayments and the overall cost of degrees.' Professor Williams noted arts degrees have been an entry point to tertiary study for Indigenous, low socio-economic, first-in-family, and female students. 'Students cannot wait for a yet to be established Australian Tertiary Education Commission to potentially deal with the high cost of arts and humanities courses, we need to fix this unfinished business now,' he said. Mr Albanese's proposed reform would apply to all Higher Education Loan Program, Vet Student Loans, Australian Apprenticeship Support Loans and other income-contingent student loans. The PM's announcement has prompted calls for 'a common sense and fair approach' to the cost of university degrees. (stock image) The PM said the legislation would be introduced in June next year if Labor is re-elected during the upcoming federal election. 'It helps everyone repaying a student debt right now, and it also delivers a better deal for every student in the years ahead,' the Prime Minister said on Sunday. 'This is about putting money back into your pocket and putting intergenerational equity back into the system.' The student debt plan was criticised by senior Coalition senator Simon Birmingham, who argued it wasn't 'real reform' and accused Mr Albanese of trying to 'hoodwink' young Australians. University of Western Sydney Vice Chancellor, George Williams (pictured) said the reforms do not address the high cost of university degrees. 'This doesn't change the student fees that somebody who starts uni next year pays,' he told Sky News on Sunday. Labor's proposal comes after the Albanese reformed the way in which student loans are indexed earlier this year, which is set to wipe $3bn from student debts. A teenage P-plater is lucky to be alive after his car flipped onto the wrong side of a highway and hurtled towards oncoming vehicles during the evening peak hour. Dashcam footage has been shared to social media of the horror crash which unfolded on the Hume Highway at Casula, in south-west Sydney last Tuesday night. A man and woman were travelling together in the far right lane when they suddenly noticed a white Audi SUV flipping repeatedly on the opposite side of the highway after it crashed into a sedan. The SUV crossed to the median strip and headed towards them, forcing the motorist with the dashcam to slam on the brakes. 'Woah, woah!' the pair exclaimed. The airborne Audi ended up flipping across all three lanes, with debris strewn all over the highway, before it stopped upright after it slammed into a pole. 'Oh my God!' the woman screamed. The man added: 'Oh, Jesus. Man!' Dashcam captured the horrifying moment a SUV rolled towards oncoming traffic on the Hume Highway The SYUV flipped on the opposite side of the highway, across the median strip and into the path of oncoming traffic (pictured) Two other motorists were captured pulling over and rushing to the driver's aid. The dashcam car occupants were in shock at the state of the SUV as they drove past it. 'Are they OK?' the woman said. The woman asked if they should check on the driver but the man said 'I'm not involved man.' 'But you have the dashcam,' the woman argued as they drove past the crash before the clip ends. Emergency services were called to the scene. 'Officers attached to Liverpool City Police Area Command attended and were told an Audi SUV vehicle and a Mitsubishi sedan had collided,' a NSW Police spokeswoman told Daily Mail Australia. 'With the SUV rolling and coming to rest against a pole.' The spokeswoman added that the P-plate driver of the white SUV was a 17-year-old, who avoided serious injury. The 17-year-old P-plate driver's SUV stopped rolling and came to 'rest' against a pole. Two motorists pulled over to help him (pictured) '(He) was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics for lacerations and taken to Liverpool Hospital for further treatment and mandatory testing,' she said. It was also a lucky escape for the 25-year-old woman driving the Mitsubishi sedan, who was uninjured. A crime scene was established by police. An investigation into the circumstances of the crash is ongoing. The dashcam quickly went viral online and attracted more than 105,000 views within several hours of being uploaded on Sunday night. This is the moment a teenager was stalked through a city centre before being brutally stabbed to death by 15-year-old boys who thought he was someone else. 'Friendly and chatty' Muhammad Ali, 17, met up with a friend for a hot chocolate before sitting down for a chat in Birmingham when they were approached by two teenagers at 2.30pm on January 20 this year. The two 15-year-olds followed the pair before confronting them, demanding to know where they were from and if they were responsible for an earlier attack on one of their friends. After a conversation lasting about four minutes, Muhammad told them to leave because he didn't know what they were talking about. One of the boys 'suddenly pulled out a knife' and stabbed him in the chest in what police called a case of 'mistaken identity'. Teenager Muhammad Ali was followed through a city centre before being brutally stabbed to death by 15-year-old boys who thought he was someone else Police tracked the boys from CCTV and arrested them on January 23. The video shows two figures in dark coats with the hoods up walking together Muhammad Hassam Ali, 17, (pictured) died from his injuries Muhammad - who wanted to be an engineer - was rushed to hospital but the damage to his heart was too much and he sadly died that evening. While only one of the teenagers stabbed Muhammad, the second was shown to have encouraged the other. Police tracked the boys from CCTV and arrested them on January 23. The video shows two figures in dark coats with the hoods up walking together. It then cut to show they were following Muhammad and his friend, who go on to sit by a fountain to talk. The two younger teenagers then walk up and stand in front of the friends - before one pulls out a knife. One 15-year-old boy, who can't be named for legal reasons, was convicted of murder and possession of a knife earlier this year. The other was convicted of manslaughter and possession of a bladed article. Muhammad and his friend sit by a fountain to talk. The two younger teenagers then walk up and stand in front of the friends - before one pulls out a knife Pictured is the knife being raised by one of the boys At Birmingham Crown Court, the boy convicted of murder was ordered to be detained for at least 13 years. The other youth was jailed for five years. In a statement, Muhammad's family said: 'We as a family still can't even bear to think about how he died, even writing the word murdered destroys a little bit of us again. 'The loss of Muhammad, or any child, is devastating and life destroying but the fact that someone has so brutally taken his life in such a horrific way will always haunt us. It's so difficult to express how his death has affected our family's lives. 'His teachers told us how clever he was and the kindness he showed in helping others. 'The students told us how friendly and chatty he was to be around and they told us how they will miss him. He dream't of becoming an engineer and his passion was to work hard to achieve his goal. 'This dream will no longer come true, not for wanting to work hard but at the hands of another.' A large area of Victoria Square, right outside the city's council headquarters, was cordoned off Police added that after initial investigations took place, the cordon at the scene has been removed but officers will continue to be 'highly visible' in the area West Midlands Police said the teenager was found with serious injuries Det Insp Michelle Thurgood, who led the investigation, said: 'Sadly this is another case that of young men carrying a knife, and being willing to use it with catastrophic consequences. 'Muhammad had simply been enjoying a day out with a friend. There's no evidence at all that he knew either of the boys who went on to kill him, and no evidence he was involved in any earlier attack. 'This appalling violence which causes misery on families has to stop. We are relentless in our work to tackle knife crime, arresting those who do carry blades, and helping to educate those who could be drawn into that lifestyle. 'But we need help. We need help from parents, guardians, teachers anyone who cares for young people. I'd urge them to share Muhammad's story with the young people in their lives and to really consider the devastating consequences it has had for everyone involved.' 'Our fight against knife crime in the West Midlands is Project Guardian and sees us carrying out dedicated patrols in areas where we know there is a problem. But we also work with schools and youth organisations to educate young people on the dangers and consequences of carrying a knife.' Jeremy Clarkson has accused Labour of trying to 'nationalise the countryside' as fury continues to grow over the crackdown on inheritance tax on farmers. The Top Gear presenter said the new policy, introduced by Rachel Reeves in the Autumn Budget, could be 'the last straw for farmers who are already struggling to cope'. From April 2026, inheritance tax will be levied at an effective rate of 20 per cent on the value of business and agricultural assets over 1million. Writing in his column for The Times this week, Clarkson questioned whether fathers will be able to pass on the trading secrets of farming to their children because they may be forced to sell up. In the last five years Clarkson said agricultural land has become 'the must-have accessory for people in suits' causing prices to skyrocket. In his local area, he explained, some people have paid 15million for a 500-acre farm. Clarkson accused the Labour party of going after 'land owned by dukes and hedge-fund managers' but said 'Britain's farmers seem to have been caught in the crossfire'. And in doing so, Clarkson believes Rachel Reeves looks to have 'killed farming'. Jeremy Clarkson has accused Labour of trying to 'nationalise the countryside' as fury continues to grow over the crackdown on inheritance tax on farmers Clarkson (pictured on a tractor at Diddly Squat Farm) questioned whether fathers will be able to pass on the trading secrets of farming to their children because they may be forced to sell up From April 2026, inheritance tax will be levied at an effective rate of 20 per cent on the value of business and agricultural assets over 1million - pictured is Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves On an Instagram post by Clarkson's partner Lisa Hogan in which he says: 'One day all this will be Rachel Reeves'' However, as a note of consolation, Clarkson added that if the number of farms going onto the market each year does increase, he believes prices will effectively plummet which could mean many fall below the tax threshold of 1million. It comes as campaigners warned that the tax raid will affect almost all family farms, slamming the government for breaking 'clear promises' to protect the industry. TV presenter Kirstie Allsopp said: 'Rachel Reeves had f***ed all farmers, she has destroyed their ability to pass farms on to their children, and broken the future of all our great estates, it is an appalling decisions which shows the government has zero understanding of the what matters to rural voters.' Meanwhile, industry leaders accused the Government of breaking 'clear promises' not to tamper with exemptions for agricultural property. The National Farmers' Union predicted the change axing Agricultural Property Relief and Business Property Relief on farms worth more than 1million would 'snatch away the next generation's ability to carry on producing British food' and could lead to higher prices. Kirstie Allsopp has accused Chancellor Rachel Reeves of leaving all farmers 'f***ed' following her inheritance tax raid during an explosive broadside online. Mr Ridsdale fears the inheritance tax bombshell could destroy his family farming business And the Country Land and Business Association said the move, from April 2026, would hit 70,000 farms calling it 'nothing short of a betrayal' which would 'jeopardise the future of rural businesses'. Tory MP Neil O'Brien said: 'She has gone way, way too low with the threshold for agricultural property this is the end of the family farm.' Previously those owning farmland benefitted from Agricultural Property Relief, meaning they were exempt from inheritance tax. But now for those with farms worth more than 1million, the 'death tax' will apply with a 50 per cent relief at an effective rate of 20 per cent from April 2026. The rural community is up in arms over the changes to tax relief on farmland, with MPs in Britain's farming heartland already being bombarded with furious letters. Gary Lineker has rarely been spotted going out with women since his second marriage ended eight years ago - and he has even confessed that he enjoys spending time on his own. But the former England striker, 63, appears to be enjoying female company once again as he was spotted having dinner with a woman who bears a striking resemblance to his ex-wife, Danielle Bux. Following the breakdown of his marriages to his first wife, Michelle Cockayne, and his second, Ms Bux, the Match of The Day presenter has been growing close to visual artist Leila Bartell. The pair were spotted enjoying a night out at the popular Dorian restaurant in Notting Hill, west London, where Ms Bartell's art studio is based. Although drawn to art from an early age, Ms Bartell put her creative goals on hold at first to pursue a law degree. She returned to art when she was older and realised it was her 'true passion'. After growing up in both the Middle East and Europe, Ms Bartell, thought to be in her mid-40s, now describes herself as a 'London-based painter and film director'. Gary Lineker appears to have grown close to a woman who looks strikingly similar to his ex-wife The Match of the Day star was seen enjoying a night out with film director Leila Bartell Bartell bares a striking resemblance to Lineker's ex-wife Danielle Bux (pictured) Lineker at Leila Bartell's debut solo show with J Nicholls Projects on October 10 last year Leila Bartell spent a lot of time with Amber Heard in LA in 2017 following the actress' messy divorce from Johnny Depp Although she lives in the capital, Ms Bartell often shares photos of trips abroad to her 27,000 followers on Instagram. This year alone, she has enjoyed trips to Switzerland, Menorca, Dubai, Barbados - as as well as returning to Los Angeles where keen celebrity fans will remember she spent a lot of time with Johnny Depp's former wife, Amber Heard. In 2017, the pair spent a lot of time together in California and were seen dining together in LA following Ms Heard's explosive split from Depp. Ms Bartell has previously revealed that she first got into film directing by accident, having started out in art and law. In an interview with YG TV in 2018, Ms Bartell revealed: 'I've always been into a visual arts. As a kid, I acted in the theatre. I suppose it was just a natural path to me properly go into directing but it honestly happened by chance.' She explained: 'I heard about modern day slavery through a friend of mine and started researching the subject. I wrote a story, it was a script, that I sent to a producer friend of mine. 'About five minutes later, she came back to me and said 'I want to do it'. I said 'but who is going to direct it? And she said 'you will'. And I did, and I really enjoyed the whole process of it.' Ms Bartell was spotted leaving the Dorian restaurant with Lineker on Wednesday night, sharing an embrace after they left at around 10pm. Leila Bartell is pictured at her exhibition at Daniel Katz Gallery in London on October 23 Lineker and Ms Bartell on Wednesday following a cosy night out at a Michelin starred restaurant The couple left the venue just after 10pm on Wednesday Lineker and Ms Bartell leaving the popular Dorian restaurant in West London The former England striker is rarely seen out with women but spent an evening with Ms Bartell Ms Bartell was dressed in a suave black trouser suit on her night out with Lineker The two embracing each other after their cosy evening out at the popular west London bistro Lineker is rarely seen out with women and has not had a relationship since he divorced Ms Bux, a model and actress who was 18 years his junior, in 2016. His only other notable relationship was his first marriage, to beautician Michelle Cockayne, the mother of his four sons: George, Harry, Tobias and Angus. Discussing his relationship status in 2021, Lineker admitted to the Times: 'I like being on my own. I know it sounds a bit mad. 'I have lots of company. I've got lots of friends and I've also got my boys who come around a lot and I cook for them. I don't feel lonely. I have the odd date here and there, but nothing, not in terms of a long relationship. 'I've been married most of my adult life. Two really good marriages, I'm friends with both.' Lineker also attended Ms Bartell's debut solo show with J Nicholls Projects on October 10 last year. Meanwhile, in May, he was also spotted enjoying an evening with Ms Bartell and mutual friend Jemina Khan at Dorian again. The west London bistro is a favourite haunt of A-list celebrities including Victoria Beckham. Rumours were swirling then that Ms Khan and Lineker may have become an item. A year earlier, he attended her 50th birthday at her country estate, Kiddington Hall in Oxfordshire. Lineker has been officially partner-less since splitting for his ex-wife. His outing with Ms Bartell was the first time he was pictured with a female companion since coming to the same restaurant with Jemima Goldsmith Lineker has previously said he is 'very single', adding 'the sight of a female is very rare' Ms Khan was nowhere to be seen this week when her friends dined at the Michelin star restaurant, though she had joined Ms Bartell last week at her art exhibition at the Daniel Katz gallery in London's Mayfair. Ms Bartell has previously opened up about her childhood, spending time in Europe and the Middle East before moving to London which she says 'feels like home'. She told YG TV: 'I grew up in a very European way to be honest. I spent most of my time with my mother in Europe, before that even in the Middle East we were part of an international community so I never felt very local anyway.' In a more recent interview with The Lab Mag last July, she revealed: 'As a child, I had the opportunity to experience life in both the Middle East and Europe, which I believe shaped my dual identity and broadened my horizons from a young age. 'Even as a child, I was always drawn to art and expressing myself creatively through drawing and painting. However, I put my artistic pursuits on hold to pursue a law degree. 'It wasn't until later in life that I returned to art and realised that it was my true passion. Now, I am a full-time artist and I feel grateful for the journey that has led me here.' Lineker and his first wife, Ms Cockayne, divorced in 2006 after 20 years of marriage on the grounds of her husband's 'unreasonable behaviour'. Documents submitted to the court claiming that Lineker's had caused her 'stress and anxiety.' Lineker and Ms Bux, 44, split amicably. They revealed that their decision to end their seven-year marriage because she wanted more children but he didn't. Speaking about his love life in 2020, Lineker said: 'Yes, I'm very single, especially in lockdown. Even the sight of a female is very rare. 'But I've never been on a dating app and cannot ever visualise that happening. I've had lots of people sliding into my DMs but it's normally requests for plugging their book or their charity.' Lineker declined to comment. Ms Bartell has been approached for comment. Former Victorian premier Daniel Andrews has called on Jewish philanthropists to cut off funding to recipients who don't denounce antisemitism during a rare public speech. He was awarded the Jerusalem Medal by the World Zionist Organisation, the Zionist Federation of Australia and the Zionist Federation of Victoria during a special presentation on Sunday night. During his speech at the Melbourne event, a rarity since he stepped down as the state's longest-serving Labor premier a year ago, Mr Andrews urged the Jewish community to 'defund' organisations which refused to denounce antisemitism or showed support for Palestine. Specifically, he called for charitable members to stop funding creative endeavours which have been silent or unsupportive of Israel since the Hamas attacks began on October 7, 2023. The attacks claimed the lives of 1,200 people and launched continuing military operations from Israel against Gaza and Lebanon, which are understood to have killed more than 40,000. 'If people won't speak out against antisemitism, defund them. If people are happy to take your money while being antisemites, defund them,' Mr Andrews told event attendees, The Age reported. 'If you want to support Hamas, then get them to pay your bills, get them to fund your programs and build your buildings. I am serious. We are beyond tropes. Silence and much worse are only possible if there are no consequences.' The former premier added the Jewish community was the most generous and 'no state has a better developed culture, endowment and philanthropic giving than Victoria'. Former Victorian premier Daniel Andrews (pictured with his wife, Catherine) told Jewish philanthropists to be wary of who they donate to as he was awarded the Jerusalem Medal by Zionist organisations Mr Andrews urged Jewish community members to 'defund' organisations which refuse to denounce antisemitism or showed support for Palestine (pictured, a pro-Israel rally in Melbourne earlier this year) 'I would ask each of you respectfully, continue to review your giving. Check and check again that those who so happily benefit from your generosity are not in real terms pretend friends or worse, actually working against the Jewish community and decency itself,' he said. Mr Andrews, who has been an outspoken supporter of Israel since he was first elected to state parliament in 2002, was awarded the medal on Sunday for his 'outstanding contribution' in building ties between Australia and Israel and supporting the Jewish community. Other notable guests at the ceremony at the Central Synagogue in Caulfield South, included Israel's Ambassador to Australia Amir Maimon, federal Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus, federal Labor MP Josh Burns and state Liberal MP David Southwick. Mr Andrews revealed that his long-standing support of Israel was founded in his studies of history and politics of the Middle East at Monash University. 'My support for Israel has always been grounded in simple and fundamental logic,' he said. 'Israel is the only democracy in a despotic region. The only place with gender equality at law, the only place where people are free and safe to love who they love, criticise their government if they wish and organise in their workplaces. 'Over these last 12 months, I, like all of you, have been angered and saddened by those who know nothing of the history of this region yet opine about its future, those who know little of Israel or the Jewish people, yet feel obliged and able to criticise, and perhaps worst of all, those whose rank antisemitism has been exposed by the events of antisemitism and the conflict. 'The ferocity and brazenness of anti-Jewish and anti-Israel sentiment is like nothing that I have seen in my lifetime. It is a stain on the nation, and it shames us all.' Mr Andrews (pictured with his wife) was given the medal on Sunday for his 'outstanding contribution' in building ties between Australia and Israel and supporting the Jewish community As an example of the discrepancy in common Palestinian beliefs versus those held by those protesting on their behalf in Australia, Mr Andrews recalled seeing a pro-Palestine protester wearing a rainbow T-shirt. 'She was obviously a supporter of the LBQTI+ community, as I am. Try wearing that T-shirt in Gaza and see how that works out for you,' he said. Mr Andrews added he would 'publicly and loudly' support Jewish community members which rescinded philanthropic funding to organisations due its views towards Israel or Jewish people. The woman who was reportedly murdered by a British businessman after he tried ending their affair has been pictured for the first time. The lifeless body of Mevi Novitasari, 25, was found floating in a pond at the bottom of a waterfall in Waterfall Bay Park in the seaside community of Aberdeen, Hong Kong, on Monday. Novitasari, originally from Indonesia, was found with severe wounds to her head and police are working on the theory she was pushed off the edge and then drowned. Local Hong Kong media have speculated Novitasari and a Hong Kong resident Jamie Tzewee Chapman, 34, were having an affair but she did not work for him. Chapman was charged with her murder but did not enter a plea when he made his first appearance in court on Friday, and no request for bail was made. Mevi Novitasari has been pictured for the first time since her lifeless body was found floating in a pond at the bottom of a waterfall in Waterfall Bay Park in the seaside community of Aberdeen, Hong Kong , on Monday Chapman, who is British, was arrested on Tuesday in Hong Kong over the death of the domestic worker and is pictured being escorted to Eastern Court on Friday Chapman has been living in Hong Kong for more than ten years where he has run a coffee shop called Givres with his locally born wife The domestic worker Mevi Novitasari was found dead at the bottom of Waterfall Bay on Monday morning (file photo) MailOnline has established that Chapman has been living on the former British colony for more than ten years where he has run a coffee shop called Givres with his locally born wife. They were both arrested on Tuesday after travelling to mainland China but then returned to Hong Kong when Novitasari's body was found. Officials said Novitasari and Chapman had been seen entering the Aberdeen beauty spot together late on Sunday but he then left 30 minutes later on his own. Travel records show he and his wife left Hong Kong for China but then returned on Tuesday when they were initially both arrested but his partner was later released. Chapman and his 36-year-old wife were held on Tuesday at West Kowloon railway station after travelling back from China. Superintendent Sin Kwok-ming said that the case was being treated as murder because the suspect had done 'many unreasonable things, including not contacting police'. His wife had been held on suspicion of assisting an offender before being released on bail pending further investigation. Chapman is believed to be originally from London and he was educated at Loughborough University where he graduated in 2011 before moving to Hong Kong. Publicly available company records in Hong Kong show he set up Givres in 2015 and Chapman lives with his unidentified wife in Ap Lei Chau, around a mile from the waterfall. Novitasari, originally from Indonesia , was found with severe wounds to her head and police are working on the theory she was pushed off the edge and then drowned Jamie Tzewee Chapman, 34, did not enter a plea when he made his first appearance in court on Friday British Hong Kong businessman Jamie Chapman is being investigated for the murder of Mevi Novitasari after her body was discovered on Monday Chapman is believed to be originally from London and he was educated at Loughborough University where he graduated in 2011 before moving to Hong Kong Local Hong Kong media have speculated Novitasari and Chapman were having an affair but she did not work for him The family of Mevi Novitasari. Her young daughter is pictured on the knee of family member (name not known) On its website Givres which is based by the famous mid-level escalators in Hong Kong says: 'Be sure to try our signature handcrafted gelato roses and speciality coffee. 'We aim to serve not only the best coffee in Hong Kong but also the best ice cream in Hong Kong!' It adds the 'concept' was born in London and adds it is 'topped off with Great British customer service'. The coffee shop has a number of high-end clients including Tiffany & Co, Tissot, Dior and Salvatore Ferragamo. Givres has a four-star rating on TripAdvisor although the latest review from 2019 says 'staff could be a bit happier though'. Chapman was remanded in custody and is next due in court in January. Police have confirmed a man died after a 'severed head' was reportedly found in an Edinburgh street following a tragic smash involving a bus. A 74-year-old was killed after being hit by a bus in the Scottish capital's party district. Officers rushed to the Cowgate area at 7.25pm on Saturday and closed a number of roads while an investigation was carried out. The roads have since reopened but police are asking for any CCTV footage to help with enquiries. Police said the 'tragic incident' was isolated and there is no risk to the wider public. Forensic officers pictured at the scene in Edinburgh following a 'major incident' Police have set up a forensic tent at the scene which was taped off last night Police Scotland seen at a serious road traffic incident in the Cowgate area of Edinburgh Police have asked for social media users to stop sharing graphic pictures and videos of the incident. In one such video, seen by MailOnline, a group of revellers in fancy-dress can be seen reacting to finding what appears to be a decapitated head on the road. One resident told the Mail: The Cowgate is usually mobbed on a Saturday night but the bars and pubs inside the police cordon were all closed by 8pm. When some people heard what had been found on the road they thought it was a Halloween prank. That all changed when they saw the large numbers of police and the forensic tents being put up. Sergeant Louise Birrell, of the Road Policing Unit in Edinburgh, said: 'Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the man who died. 'Extensive enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances of this incident. 'Officers have spoken to a number of people who were in the area at the time and work is ongoing to check public and private CCTV footage. 'We are still keen to hear from anyone who has not yet spoken to police. If you have any information about what happened, then please get in touch. 'Anyone with information is asked to call the police via 101. Please quote incident number 3395 of Saturday, 2 November 2024.' Chief Inspector Trisha Clark, the local area commander, said: 'We are aware of videos and images circulating on social media which are causing distress to the deceased's family and those viewing them inadvertently. 'We would ask members of the public not to share them out of respect for his family, and to report them to the relevant social media platform to prevent further circulation. Authorities have sealed off a number of streets, with emergency services remaining on the scene Images captured by onlookers and shared across social media show Blair Street, Guthrie Street and Candlemaker Road closed off last night An image captured by witnesses shows cops standing by the scene which has been taped off 'There has been a lot of speculation, and I would like to reassure the local community that this was an isolated incident and there is no risk to the wider public. 'This was a tragic incident. We are investigating a crash, and our road policing officers, assisted by local officers, are continuing to carry out enquiries.' 'Anyone with concerns or any information which could assist the investigation should contact police.' An eyewitness at the scene told Edinburgh Live: 'Police just appeared and started putting tape up. Whatever it is, it looks pretty serious. 'There doesn't look to be any cars inside the cordon anyway'. A number of nightclubs and other venues in the vicinity of the incident were also closed for the evening, with Halloween-themed events put on hold with emergency services remaining at the scene. Nearby dance school Bachata Blues was one of the impacted businesses and released a statement reading: 'Following police instructions, all venues are going to be closed tonight due to a major incident. 'All ways to enter Cowgate are cut off. Unfortunately, we have to cancel tonight's event as Mash House will remain closed all night, following police instructions. We will be back soon and hope to reschedule our night as soon as possible!' Another one of the evacuated bars was popular student haunt Bannermans which had a live band playing at the time. A member of staff said: The police asked us to close the pub on Saturday evening, as they did others, to allow them to carry out their investigation. All we were told was that someone was knocked down and killed. Another Cowgate venue The Rowantree, owned by former Scotland rugby star Norrie Rowan was hosting a wedding reception at the time of the accident though its believed guests were allowed to remain. Meanwhile, a University of Edinburgh spokesman said: A number of student residences were impacted by the incident in Edinburghs Cowgate area, with some students unable to exit or return to their accommodation. Multiple tornadoes touched down in central and southern Oklahoma after midnight on Sunday, ripping the siding off homes, flipping cars and downing power lines. At 1:23am, the National Weather Service first warned about one of the tornados that was sweeping through eastern Oklahoma City and heading toward nearby Midwest City and Tinker Air Force Base. Tornado warnings were issued for more than 300,000 residents in parts of Oklahoma City - and so far, six people have been injured. Images depicting the aftermath of the storms showed severely damaged houses and downed power lines all throughout the city - as petrified locals revealed that they were awoken to howling winds and flying debris. Meteorologists predicted that severe thunderstorms will last throughout the northern Texas and Oklahoma all the way into Monday. The NWS said strong winds, flooding and more tornados are all possibilities in the coming hours. A home in southeastern Oklahoma City is completely destroyed in the aftermath This home is near SE 89th & Sooner Rd, where five of the six reported injuries occurred In the same area, a pickup truck was seen flipped into someone's yard Daniel and Cherry Haggard revealed they were awoken by loud noises and objects breaking their windows during the life-threatening weather front. 'We were laying in bed and we heard this big noise and it sounded like a train was going by,' Daniel told KFOR. 'Then we heard this thumping and crashing against the house. Stuff had blown in between our house and the house on our west side and it broke the windows in our bedroom. The couple explained that they had to scramble to get buckets to contain the water gushing into their home from the windows and their damaged roof. Joe Payne had a similar experience, telling KFOR just about everything he owns is now totaled. 'We were all in bed and when I heard the noise when the thing hit I thought it was just a direct hit by lightning,' Payne said. 'It was a loud pop. But it was the roof coming off the house.' Southeastern Oklahoma City was one of the hardest hit areas, News 9 reported. Daniel and Cherry Haggard, pictured, were sent scrambling in the middle of the night when debris flew into their home through their bedroom windows Joe Payne, too, said there was extensive damage to the roof of his home. He said most of his possessions are totaled So far, there have been at least six reported injuries, all of them non-life-threatening, according to the Oklahoma City Police Department KFOR's Chief Meteorologist Mike Morgan said there could have been up to seven tornados, with other outlets reporting the number was as low as three or as high as 13. NWS teams have already begun surveying the damage. They concluded that Valley Brook, a neighborhood in Oklahoma City, has been dealt EF-2 tornado damage. That level of destruction is caused by a twister with winds of 111mph to 135mph. So far, there have been at least six reported injuries, all of them non-life-threatening, according to the Oklahoma City Police Department. Five of the injuries happened near SE 89th & Sooner Rd, which is in the southeastern portion of the city. 'We have several structures that have sustained damage, along with downed power lines, traffic lights and trees,' the Oklahoma City Fire Department said. 'Utilities have also been affected, and five individuals were transported to local hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries.' Amateur video shot by a citizen shows the extensive damage to Newcastle Elementary School, which borders Oklahoma City to its southeast Home video shows the heavy rain hitting Oklahoma during the tornados and storms early Sunday morning There are over 50,000 Oklahomans that remain without electricity as of publishing, according to PowerOutage.us. In the areas surrounding Oklahoma City - including Tulsa, the Choctaw Nation and parts of western Oklahoma - there are roughly 16,000 customers without power. Amateur video shot by a citizen also showed the extensive damage to Newcastle Elementary School, which borders Oklahoma City to its southeast. The school's fourth and fifth grade center along with its gymnasium was missing its roof completely, KOCO 5 reported. The video also showed what appeared to be insulation from inside the walls of the school building strewn all over the grass, the sidewalk and the road. A massive powerline was thrown down during the storm, landing on the roof of a house This graphic from NOAA offers a probability outlook that tornados will form in the above areas This graphic, formed with NWS forecasting data, shows the possible amount of rain certain areas in Oklahoma could experience into Monday night Another devastating video revealed the damage to one homeowner's garage. The roof and what used to be the garage doors were completely gone, leaving the inside completely exposed. His cars were inside at the time of the storm, which led to them getting crushed by falling walls. The most recent weather radar images show the storm moving past Oklahoma City and over Tulsa. According to the most recent NWS forecast, heavy rain storms are expected to move east into the Mid-Mississippi Valley as well as Arkansas, Texas and Louisiana. 'The ongoing active weather system over the south-central U.S. will continue to trigger additional rounds of heavy rain and severe weather for the remainder of today, with the heaviest rainfall expected to impact central to eastern Oklahoma into portions of northwestern Arkansas and southern Missouri,' according to the NWS. Flash flood warnings remain in effect in several areas of southern Oklahoma, including parts of Marshall, Carter and Love counties. News anchors from a flagship news station in New York were seen reacting unfavorably to the saga surrounding Peanut the squirrel. Gus Rosendale and Pat Battle, both co-anchors for NBC 4 New York's 'Weekend Today in New York', appeared to express disdain over state officials' decision to put the pet down. Rosendale also seemed to make a snide comment about Albany's warped priorities, ahead of election week, as he sniped: 'All right - that's what Albany is focusing on,' while letting out an incredulous smirk and dropping his face. Peanut, who had become a social media sensation, was killed after a raid on owner Mark Longo's home on Wednesday. A raccoon was also seized and euthanized. The pet squirrel has since become a bizarre election talking point for conservatives, with the Trump campaign slamming the Democratic New York government for 'executing' Peanut - but failing to crackdown on the migrant crisis. Scroll down for video: Gus Rosendale, who has manned his network's news desks for more than a decade, couldn't help but deviate from the script and speak negatively about the state government - letting out an incredulous smirk The broadcast aired Saturday, days after the animal was taken from his owner Mark Longo's home Upstate. Longo took in the animal after its mother was hit by a car, and had been recording their exploits on social media During the Wednesday raid, Peanut bit an investigator - an act authorities used to justify euthanizing him to 'test for rabies.' The decision came in lieu of a less lasting quarantine, which would have seen officials only observe the animal for signs of rabies. Instead, they killed not only him but Longo's raccoon as well - spurring a reaction out of Rosendale, in particular. 'You might have heard this little guy has been making headlines this week,' Rosendale began by saying - before revealing how he and Battle had received confirmation on-air from the state government that the pet had been put down. 'Authorities seized Peanut from a home in Pine City, New York- a little town south of Elmira - apparently there had been multiple complaints,' Rosendale pressed on. 'Peanut's owner says the squirrel's mother was hit by a car and he had been taking care of the animal ever since. 'The owner runs an animal sanctuary, and says he knows it's illegal to own a wild animal without a license, and says he was working to get Peanut certified as an "educational animal." 'A raccoon take during the same raid was also put down,' he continued, both he and Battle visibly somber. 'The environmental department of conservation said all of this was done to "test for rabies."' At that point, the anchor who has manned his network's news desks for more than a decade couldn't help but deviate from the script. 'All right - that's what Albany is focusing on,' he said. Gus Rosendale and Pat Battle, both co-anchors for NBC 4 New York's 'Weekend Today in New York', appeared to express disdain over state officials' decision to put the pet down - painting it as perhaps premature During the Wednesday raid, Peanut bit an investigator, - an act authorities used to justify euthanizing the fatal test for rabies. Instead, they killed him, spurring outrage nationwide The segment ended there, but the outrage surrounding the internet-famous squirrel - centered around the New York State government - continues to swirl. 'What kind of person do these agencies employ?' one observer wrote Saturday of the at least six officers from the state Department of Environmental Conservation responsible for the squirrel's death. 'Who has it in them to murder a bloody pet squirrel?' This earned a response from none other than Elon Musk, who had a blunt assessment of the recent sequence of events. 'The government is a mindless and heartless killing machine,' he said - as an array of memes ensued. Even Musk took part, sharing an AI-generated image of a squirrel toting a Star Wars lightsaber and an accompanying Peanut-related play on words. 'President Trump will save the squirrels,' Musk wrote in another tweet that doubled as both a tribute and ringing endorsement. 'RIP PNut.' In another creation lampooning the Keanu Reeves-led John Wick, an AI-generated image circulation on X showed Reeves brandishing a gun - referencing how, in the movie, Reeves' character embarks on a killing spree after someone kills his dog. Even Musk took part, sharing an AI-generated image of a squirrel toting a Star Wars lightsaber and an accompanying Peanut-related play on words 'The government is a mindless and heartless killing machine,' he said in response to an angry influencer - as an array of memes ensued In another creation lampooning the Keanu Reeves-led John Wick, an AI-generated image circulation on X showed Reeves brandishing a gun - referencing how, in the movie, Reeves' character embarks on a killing spree after someone kills his dog Others called for someone to exact vengeance on behalf the squirrel, who had more than a half a million followers - and had touched the hearts of many more - on social media. Others called for someone to exact vengeance on behalf the squirrel, who had more than a half a million followers - and had touched the hearts of many more - on social media. Longo posted Sunday to further remember his old breakfast partner, who had a penchant for waffles. 'Breakfast will never be the same without you,' he wrote, after issuing a statement earlier in the weeks describing how he was 'heartbroken' An accompanying caption thus read: 'The Internet after hearing what they did to Peanut the Squirrel.' Others called for someone to exact vengeance on behalf the squirrel, who had more than a half a million followers - and had touched the hearts of many more - on social media. At the center of the outrage, the state Department of Environmental Conservation said it took the animals this past Wednesday after receiving complaints, with the state requiring people to get a license if they wish to own a wild animal. As Rosendale mentioned, Longo has said he was working to get Peanut certified, but the animal's life was snuffed out before he got the chance. Tests for rabies in animals are always fatal. Longo posted Sunday to further remember his old breakfast partner, who had a penchant for waffles. 'Breakfast will never be the same without you,' he wrote, after issuing a statement earlier in the weeks describing how he was 'heartbroken'. 'I love you mouse,' he added, as the heartbreak continues. Santa Comes Early This Year! Turbine Delivering 'Bumblebee' 'Transformers: Rise of the Beasts' & 'Sing 2' to 3D Blu-ray on December 19th Doctors in Boston have blasted a controversial move by the city's major hospital to halve the assessment time for transgender children who want life-changing medical interventions. Boston Children's Hospital reduced the time for in-person assessments from four to two hours, after which point doctors can recommend treatment including puberty blockers and hormone medication to kids. 'That's crazy in my mind,' Laura Edwards-Leeper, the former lead psychologist of the Boston Children's gender clinic, told the Boston Globe. But others say the shortened assessments were needed because of the gender clinic's increasing caseload in recent years. 'We were able to get all the information in much less time,' co-director of the clinic and psychologist Kerry McGregor testified at trial, per the Globe. The assessment policy, which was implemented in 2018, is facing fresh scrutiny in a discrimination lawsuit laying bare the inner workings of the gender clinic. Dr Laura Edwards-Leeper (pictured), the former lead psychologist of the Boston Children's gender clinic, said the two-hour assessment time-frame is 'crazy' and 'concerning' In 2018, Boston Children's Hospital reduced the time for in-person assessments from four to two hours, after which point doctors can recommend treatment including puberty blockers and hormone medication to kids, as revealed in a new lawsuit Former research director of the clinic Amy Tishelman, 68, launched the suit this year, claiming staff discriminated against her based on her sex and age before firing her in retaliation for her suing them. Boston Children's Hospital has hit back, saying Tishelman's claims are false and she was fired over a privacy breach. 'The hospital cannot comment on ongoing litigation,' a representative told the Globe. Tishelman's lawsuit also spotlights the in-person assessment policy because she had been working on research into what the long-term impacts of shortening the sessions would be when she was fired. She claims the hospital did not have enough data on long-term outcomes to safely implement the policy, which she called 'reckless'. 'The recommendations needed to go beyond just a simple up or down, yes or no for medication,' she said, adding that the treatments can have major impacts for children later in life including making them infertile. The doctor said she and at least one other psychologist, Peter Hunt, disagreed to cut the length of the analyses. McGregor confirmed at the trial that the in-person assessments time was four hours when she joined the clinic in 2016, but it was halved in 2017 or 2018. 'Some were not happy about it,' she said. 'I thought it was appropriate.'. 'In order to see our kind of growing patient population, it made sense to make that time more efficient,' McGregor added, per the Globe. 'We also could always ask for more time. It's pretty rare. But I could do it if I need it.' The Supreme Court agreed to decide the legality of a Republican-backed ban in Tennessee on gender-affirming medical care for transgender minors A giant trans flag is unfurled outside the Supreme Court during the Court's previous hearing of a case dealing with LGBTQ rights. The Biden administration asked the Court to take up the fresh case, after a lower court upheld a Tennessee ban on surgeries and treatments Edwards-Leeper told the Globe that the two-hour assessment time was 'highly concerning' because it's 'just not possible' to adequately analyse a child in that time. The psychologist said she designed a protocol which would take 20 hours, including around five hours of in-person time with the patient and their parents. Major issues surrounding transgender care are set to play out on a national stage in the Supreme Court after judges agreed to decide the legality of a Republican-backed ban on gender-affirming care for minors in Tennessee. Justices took up an appeal by Democratic President Joe Biden's administration of a lower court's decision upholding a ban on medical treatments including hormones and surgeries for minors experiencing gender dysphoria in Tennessee. The court will hear the case in its next term, which began this month. The challengers contend that banning care for transgender youth violates the U.S. Constitution's 14th Amendment's equal protection and due process guarantees by discriminating against these adolescents based on sex and transgender status. They add that banning the care also undermines parents' fundamental right to access and make decisions concerning the medical care for their children. Republican-led states have passed numerous similar measures in recent years targeting medications or surgical interventions for adolescents with gender dysphoria - the clinical diagnosis for significant distress that can result from an incongruence between a person's gender identity and the sex they were assigned at birth. Thousands of people marched through central London today to demand 'serious action' from the government in cleaning up the UK's rivers and waterways. Campaigners from River Action, Greenpeace, the Wildlife Trusts and British Rowing took part in the March for Clean Water event today, dressed in blue and carrying a banner which read: 'Stop poisoning Britain's water'. It comes as the country is currently facing a sewage crisis, as privatised water companies discharged raw sewage into the rivers and sea for approximately 3.6million hours in 2023. Four operators, Anglian Water, Southern Water, Thames Water and Yorkshire Water, were deemed responsible for 90 per cent of serious pollution incidents last year. Around 15,000 protesters met at the Albert Embankment on Sunday before heading along the River Thames to a rally in Parliament Square. Participants were asked to bring a sample of the waters they love and to wear blue to form 'a mass human river' on the march. TV presenters Chris Packham, Liz Bonnin, singer Feargal Sharkey and celebrity chef Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall were spotted amongst the crowd. Liz Bonnin (centre) and naturalist Chris Packham (centre right) take part in March for Clean Water demanding the new government enforce the current law and deliver new legislation that will end all pollution Campaigners marched behind a banner which read: 'Stop poisoning Britain's water' Demonstrators wearing blue take part in March for Clean Water demanding the new government enforce the current law and deliver new legislation that will end all pollution, and restore rivers Crowds holding banners which read 'End the sh*t show' and 'fishes hate faeces' The campaign calls for an immediate root and branch review of the regulator Ofwat and the Environment Agency, as well as the stricter enforcement of existing laws and regulations on water pollution. The campaign also wants to ensure all polluting industries invest in upgrading infrastructure, reducing water wastage and helping farmers restore habitats. Sculptures of marine and freshwater animals were raised to float above the crowd, including a whale, jellyfishes, a seagull, as well as blue effigies of the 'water goddess'. Marchers also wore signs reading 'Stop the plop', 'Species not faeces', and 'Cut the c**p'. They also chanted slogans such as 'Private water's full of c**p, take our water back!' Olympic rower Imogen Grant said the UK's rivers have experienced a 'horrendous decline' since she began her career. She said: 'Our rivers are in a terrible state. When I learned to row 10 years ago, they were just at the start of this horrendous decline that's been precipitated probably for the last thirty or forty years, but I've really noticed a difference. 'I spend hours and hours on the water training every day in the rowing boats during my sessions, and seeing nappies floating along, seeing plastic bags, seeing scum along the pontoons that we're training on... It's just not good enough and something needs to change.' Grant said she believes she has fallen sick in the past because of her daily contact with polluted river waters. Celebrity chef Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall also attended the march through London today Demonstrators protest against private water companies as they take part in March for Clean Water A large fish formed part of the March for Clean Water through central London today Campaigners called on the government to enforce the current law and deliver new legislation that will end all pollution, and restore rivers, waterways, seas and reservoirs to full health by 2030 The campaign calls for an immediate root and branch review of the regulator Ofwat and the Environment Agency She added: 'Frequently when we would train for weekends on the Thames in London, from a squad of thirteen girls, maybe one or two would get sick every time. 'And we're not even in the water. We're just on it. It's really scary.' Meanwhile Chris Packham criticised the Government for not mentioning climate in its Budget. Speaking outside Westminster in London, the naturalist and TV presenter said: 'Rachel Reeves gave a Budget in 2024, whilst Valencia was being flooded and people were losing their lives, and she didn't use the word climate or nature once in that Budget. Now that's scary.' Pointing at Parliament, Mr Packham added: 'I know there are plenty of MPs and ministers over there who are desperate to do what they need to do and do their job - but they need to be given access to the resources, and part of that is finance. Sculptures of marine and freshwater animals were raised to float above the crowd, including a whale, jellyfishes, a seagull, as well as blue effigies of the 'water goddess' (pictured) Chris Packham (pictured centre) criticised the Government for not mentioning climate in its Budget Chris Packham (pictured) took part in March for Clean Water demanding the new government enforce the current law and deliver new legislation that will end all pollution 'We're here in good natured mood because I think that we've got to give them time, and this is going to take some time, but you have to mitigate that against the urgency of the situation. Because it is an absolute crisis. 'Let's see what happens in the next few months, but if by the end of the summer we're not getting some serious action in terms of improving water quality and addressing those issues, we'll be back on the streets.' Packham said he was 'angry, frustrated, and disgruntled' by the state of the UK's fresh and marine water and called on the Government to 'act more rapidly' given the technology available to fix the issues. He added: 'Now we find ourselves in a ghastly mess where our rivers are in a parlous state - among the worst in Europe.' The Water (Special Measures) Bill, set out by the Government in Parliament last month, will aim to give regulators powers to issue harsher penalties to water companies that damage the environment, including severe and automatic fines, blocked bonuses and even two-year prison sentences for uncooperative executives. A Water UK spokesperson said: 'The March for Clean Water is right to demand change and we support its aims. We agree that the system is not working. It is too complicated, too slow and is not delivering for people or the environment. Marchers also wore signs reading 'Stop the plop', 'Species not faeces', and 'Cut the c**p' A demonstrator wearing a blue sea creature mask as part of the March for Clean water parade today 'No sewage spill is ever acceptable, and water companies want to invest a record 108 billion to ensure the security of our water supply in the future and end sewage entering our rivers and seas. 'Ofwat have proposed cutting this by 20 billion. As a direct result, more housing will be blocked, the recovery of our rivers will be slower, and we will fail to deal with the water shortages we know are coming. 'We cannot delay upgrading and expanding vital infrastructure any longer and need Ofwat to reconsider its approach.' Actor John Leguizamo failed to sway a group of undecided, Trump-leaning Latinos into voting for Kamala Harris. The lack of success came this past week on The Daily Show, during a segment that saw Leguizamo go undercover as a long-in-the-tooth interviewer. Seated opposite six 'Trump-curious' Latinos, the progressive Chef star proceeded to ask a series of questions while wearing an elaborate disguise. The questions sought to discern the reason for the candidate's 'surprising support in the Latino community', as showrunners put it - as Trump's popularity with the demographic has come into question. At one point, Leguizamo asked if any celeb endorsements could sway their votes - leading the group to shake their heads 'no'. When asked what they liked about Trump, one man simply said, 'He's not evasive' - leading to scenes difficult to forget. Scroll down for video: Actor John Leguizamo is seen in disguise here, failing to sway a group of undecided, Trump-leaning Latinos into voting for Kamala Harris Seated opposite six 'Trump curious' Latinos, the Chef star proceeded to ask a series of questions while wearing an elaborate disguise 'It's pretty clear, I mean, this is someone that's been at the forefront for a very long time speaking his mind,' the man behind the 'evasive' assertion went on to explain. A female voter at this point observed, 'When [Trump] was in the government, the economy was better than we have it right now. 'That's the only part that I like.' Leguizamo, meanwhile, listened in - wearing a wrinkled off-color hoodie and a false beard. The 64-year-old Colombian-born actor also donned a series of prosthetics, as he went on to produce a series of stills showing other Latino stars voting Harris. Photos of Eva Longoria, Bad Bunny, and Pitbull all failed to sway the crowd - leading the man behind the curtain to almost reveal his identity. 'John Legweeze-me-o?' he at one point asked - purposely mispronouncing his own name as he kept his cover from being blown One of the panlists proceeded to offer a correction, but no one else said otherwise - leading to an incredulous voiceover from the frustrated actor framed as a joke. The questions sought to discern the reason for the candidate's 'surprising support in the Latino community', as showrunners put it - as Trump's popularity with the demographic has come into question At one point, Leguizamo asked if any celeb endorsements could sway their votes, leading the entire group to shake their heads 'no'. Two of the six are seen reacting here 'Well f**k you too, then!' it said. A series of recordings from Trump rallies and interviews ensued, clearly curated to hone in on some of Trump's more disparaging comments. Centered mostly around immigrants, they included one where the former president flat-out said he'd 'begin the largest domestic deportation operation in American history.' Asked what they thought, one interviewee said the plan seemed like an 'excellent way to fix a very, very severe problem' - as another said, 'If he's saying immigration is a problem, it's like you have a leak in your house; You've gotta turn it off, the water supply.' 'Only after you fix it,' the person explained, can you 'then turn it on. 'Maybe that's what he's trying to do,' they posited. 'Like, let's close down the border for a while.' This paved the way for another joke from Leguizamo, whom appeared to be languishing by this point. Leguizamo, seen here at the Emmy Awards in September, was born in Colombia 'But who would you call to fix your leak if all the Latinos are gone?' the actor at one point, attempting to inject humor in the segment 'But who would you call to fix your leak if all the Latinos are gone?' he quipped. Several go on to laugh, including the man who just used the plumbing analogy. 'Mass deportation didn't seem to turn them off,' he said, still serious. 'Let's try something else.' In another aired snippet, Trump is seen painting many of the migrants crossing in the the US at the Southern Border as 'terrorists' from 'mental institutions' who are 'poisoning the blood of our country.' In another, the aspiring two-term president proclaimed the proclivity to murder is 'in their genes.' Of this, one voter, apparently still unswayed, conceded, 'I think maybe there's better words that can be used. We all misspeak sometimes.' A sarcastic Leguizamo quipped, 'He misspeaks from the heart.' Some, meanwhile, seemed more troubled by the parade of carefully chosen clips, saying, 'This is stereotyping Latinos, it's stereotyping immigrants, and the more that you demonize people, it doesn't bring us together.' In response, Leguizamo, again using humor to handle the situation, telling the attendee, 'You, sir, you definitely don't have the murder gene.' Some, meanwhile, seemed more troubled by the parade of clips, saying, 'This is stereotyping Latinos, it's stereotyping immigrants, and the more that you demonize people, it doesn't bring us together.' Another pointed out out the apparent agenda behind the clips and questions 'That's exactly why many who will tell you that they don't like them - is because of what he says,' one of the voters asserted, suggesting there are more important issues at play Leguizamo, meanwhile, used this as a way out - ending the segment by saying he was 'making some progress' for Harris' cause. He went on to shed some of his disguise, to the surprise of the panelists - who remained adamant they would still not vote for Harris Another panelist proceeded to point out the apparent agenda behind the sequence of clips and pointed questions. He said, 'With your questions and the questions that I'm listening to are about 'As you see this, what do you think?' I'd rather not see that,' gesturing to the TV playing the snippets. 'So it's better if we don't show these clips of him because they make you not wanna vote for him?' Leguizamo went on to respond. 'That's exactly why many who will tell you that they don't like them - is because of what he says,' the same voter asserted, suggesting there are more important issues at play. Leguizamo, however, used this as a way out - ending the segment by saying he was 'making some progress' for Harris' cause. He went on to shed some of his disguise, to the surprise of the panelists. He then asked, 'Now that I've shown you all these awful things about Trump, does that change your vote?' All of the panelists responded by again shaking their heads - their minds all still made-up. The result appeared to be not what showrunners had expected, with the segment ending there. The Pennsylvania man, infatuated with a beautiful young artist, confessed to her murder before killing himself less than 24 hours after the heinous crime, officials say. Thomas Gannon, 56, died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head hours after he killed Sabina Rosas, 33, at the Shou Sugi Ban House, an exclusive $1,200 a night hotel and resort nestled in Watermill in the ritzy town of Southampton, NY. Suffolk County police would not reveal details of Rosas' killing but said it was 'violent.' 'I confirmed the confession by reading a message the decadent sent to family member immediately prior to his death,' Wayne County Coroner Edward Howell said. Howell did not disclose the family member that Gannon spoke to before he took his own life, and whether the communication was through a call, text or email. Daily Mail learned that Sabina had been staying at the property with Thomas Gannon, shown with her and her mentor, above. Gannon fled the scene at 8am on Monday in an Uber, traveling four hours and 220 miles to Pennsylvania Sabina Rosas pictured with her friend Ryder Itawa, who she met while attending SUNY Purchase. He referred to himself as a 'fiance' and told DailyMail.com that the couple had a longtime proposal The glass sliding door on the balcony pictured shows shattered glass and a gaping size hole and glass on the floor Troopers from the Pennsylvania State Patrol were the first to arrive at the scene at Hidden Brook Drive in Berlin Township, approximately 220-miles from New York City, around 8.43pm. The Wayne County Coroner's Office were dispatched to the gruesome scene around 10pm followed by Coroner Howell and his Deputy Coroner Carol Lienert around 11.10pm. Howell examined Gannon and pronounced him dead at 11.12pm. In a statement, the coroner's office said 'the decadent confessed to committed the homicide immediately prior to taking his own life.' Law enforcement authorities told the Wayne County coroner's office that the deceased was the suspect involved in the October 28 homicide in Suffolk County, New York. When DailyMail.com arrived at Gannon's cabin hours after his suicide there was a young woman at the property. She did not disclose her name but identified herself as Justin Gannon's girlfriend, and was told by a family member not to speak. DailyMail.com observed a second sliding glass sliding door on the balcony that had a gaping hole in it and shattered glass on the floor. It remains unclear how the glass door was shattered. Sources said the couple had checked into the posh wellness treat on Sunday night. Rosas was found dead in the room around noon on Monday. A staff member made the shocking discovery. The body of 33-year-old Sabina Rosas was found in a $1,200-a-night room at the Shou Sugi Ban House in Water Mill Budding young artist Sabina Rosas, 33, was found dead in a room at the exclusive Shou Subi Ban House in Water Mill on October 28 Suffolk County Police told DailyMail.com that she was a 'victim of violence,' but did not provide further details, including the weapon that was used in her murder. On Friday when DailyMail.com contacted the Shou Sugi Ban House the person who answered said they were not making any comments about the ordeal. They said 'we are supporting our staff through this time,' and confirmed they are not taking reservations for the next two weeks. Gannon was described by some as a 'benefactor' who supported Rosas financially so she was able to pursue her artistic endeavors. Rosas was the co-founder of the Royo Journal whose mission was to highlight Central Asian art that she was passionate about. The family said in a post on Instagram on Friday that 'we implore the media to cease the scrutiny surrounding her death. The sensationalism from the tabloids has only added to our pain.' Liz Phillip, who had taught Rosas when she was a student at SUNY Purchase, and served as her mentor was traumatized when she heard the news of her brilliant young artist. 'This is all too crazy for me,' she said and was urgently trying to contact one of Rosas sisters when she heard the horrific news. A woman has told how she was made to have a 'needless' mastectomy by a disgraced surgeon who mutilated her and forced her to pay for it. Debbie Douglas, now 66, of Birmingham, was made to undergo the serious operation and a reconstruction by Dr Ian Paterson just days after finding a lump on her breast in 2003. Six weeks later the mother-of-three began chemotherapy, quickly losing all her hair and spending six months feeling extremely poorly. It wasn't until a decade later that Ms Douglas discovered she just needed a lumpectomy, and was one of 1,000 of Paterson's patients who had been unnecessarily operated on. Paterson - branded 'The Butcher Surgeon' - is now serving a 20-year prison sentence after he was found guilty of 17 counts of wounding with intent in 2017. This week, an inquest into the deaths of 62 of his former patients started - believed to be one of the largest ever inquests ever held in the UK. Debbie Douglas, now 66, (pictured) was made to undergo the serious operation by Dr Ian Paterson just days after finding a lump on her breast in 2003 Ian Paterson (pictured) is serving a 20-year prison sentence after he was found guilty of 17 counts of wounding with intent in 2017 Speaking to The Sun, Ms Douglas said: 'I was told he was the best consultant, and I was very lucky to have him. 'He felt where the lump was and said this is really going to hurt. He jabbed it in a number of times and it was like having a red hot poker in your breast.' She added: 'It was so painful.' When Ms Douglas woke up from surgery, she said she had been cut 'from hip to hip', adding that even her belly button was gone as part of the reconstruction surgery. The surgeon had used the fat and muscle from the stomach for blood supply to her new breasts. In 2020, survivors of the disgraced breast surgeon vowed to ensure lessons were learned from a damning report as relatives of those who died after Paterson's operations called for him to face manslaughter charges. Ms Douglas said all the recommendations from Bishop Graham James's inquiry must be implemented. In September 2017, more than 750 patients treated by Paterson received compensation payouts from a 37million fund. A decade later that Ms Douglas discovered she just need a lumpectomy, and was one of 1,000 of Paterson's patients who had been unnecessarily operated on Ms Douglas provided a first-hand account to the inquiry, adding: 'If you were a Paterson patient you were 50 per cent more likely to get a recurrence of breast cancer because you've been left with breast tissue, basically a time bomb, in your chest, ready to explode and ready to give you cancer because he didn't remove it.' Ms Douglas welcomed the inquiry's referral of individuals to authorities including the police. She said: 'The fight goes on until the legislation has changed. We don't want somebody from the Government giving us lip service. It sickens me. 'Lessons aren't learned unless legislations change. You look at the GMC why, when people have reported the same consultant over and over again, is that consultant still working?' An Iranian woman stripped down to her underwear in protest over hijab laws before allegedly being attacked by police as she was arrested and 'taken to a mental hospital'. The young unidentified woman was seen in footage walking around the campus of Tehran's Islamic Azad University science and research branch on Saturday before security guards detained her. The widely circulated video on social media shows the woman sitting and pacing back and forth with her arms crossed around the campus in her underwear. Another clip captured the moment she was detained by security forces and forcibly taken into a car. University spokesperson Amir Mahjoub confirmed the arrest on X, saying: 'Following an indecent act by a student at the science and research branch of the university, campus security intervened and handed the individual over to law enforcement authorities. An unidentified female student was arrested on Saturday in Iran after she was spotted walking around the campus of Tehran's Islamic Azad University science and research branch in her underwear The brave act was an apparent protest against the country's strict Islamic dress code The student reportedly sustained severe injuries following the assault during her arrest 'The motives and underlying reasons for the student's actions are currently under investigation'. According to Reuters, Mahjoub also added that: 'at the police station,...it was found that she was under severe mental pressure and had a mental disorder'. But some social media users suggested the woman's action was a deliberate protest. 'For most women, being ...in their underwear in public is one of their worst nightmares, ... This is a reaction to the (authorities') stupid insistence on the mandatory hijab,' a user on X, said in a comment accompanying the video. The student reportedly sustained severe injuries following the assault during her arrest, Iran International reported, citing a newsletter by the student group Amir Kabir newsletter. It said the student was 'disrobed after being harassed for not wearing a headscarf and having her clothing torn by security forces'. 'Blood stains from the student were reportedly seen on the car's tyres,' the newsletter said, adding that her head was struck either by a car door or a pillar which caused heavy bleeding. The fate of the woman was not known but the mass-circulation daily Hamshahri said on its website: 'An informed source said...the perpetrator of this act has severe mental problems and, after investigations, she will most likely be transferred to a mental hospital'. These claims, however, have not yet been confirmed. People in support of the Iranian community take part in the Freedom Rally for Iran demonstration against the Iranian regime on February 22, 2023 in Rome, Italy Mahsa Amini, 22, died on September 16, three days after falling into a coma following her arrest Amini died in custody after not observing Iran's ultra-conservative dress code, causing outrage across the country and beyond Amnesty International's Iran branch called on the Iranian authorities to 'immediately and unconditionally' release the student who was brutally detained on Saturday. 'Pending her release, authorities must protect her from torture and other ill-treatment & ensure access to family and lawyer,' it said in a post on X. 'Allegations of beatings and sexual violence against her during arrest need independent & impartial investigations. Those responsible must held to account,' it continued. Growing numbers of women have defied authorities by discarding their veils after nationwide protests that followed the death in September 2022 of a young Iranian Kurdish woman in the custody of the morality police for allegedly violating hijab rules. Mahsa Amini, 22, died after being captured by morality police for not wearing her hijab correctly. Her death spearheaded mass protests known as 'Women. life, freedom' which lasted months in the country. A year later, in October 2023, an Iranian teenager named Armita Geravand was injured in a suspicious incident on Tehran's metro while not wearing a head covering. She later died in the hospital after falling into a coma. NBC has been accused of a plot against Donald Trump by giving Kamala Harris airtime on the eve of the presidential election next week. Brendan Carr, the senior Republican commissioner on the Federal Communications Commission, blasted the Vice President's appearance on Saturday Night Live as a 'clear and blatant effort' to evade the equal time rule. 'The purpose of the rule is to avoid exactly this type of biased and partisan conduct - a licensed broadcaster using the public airwaves to exert its influence for one candidate on the eve of an election,' Carr wrote on Twitter/X. 'Unless the broadcaster offered Equal Time to other qualifying campaigns.' Carr said the FCC's 'equal time' rule means candidates must get the same air time, alleging that NBC 'structured this appearance in a way that evades these requirements'. NBC has been accused of a plot against Donald Trump by giving Kamala Harris airtime via Saturday Night Live on the eve of the presidential election next week Brendan Carr, the senior Republican commissioner on the Federal Communications Commission, blasted the Vice President's appearance on Saturday Night Live as a 'clear and blatant effort' to evade the equal time rule Carr (pictured) said the FCC's 'equal time' rule means candidates must get the same air time, alleging that NBC 'structured this appearance in a way that evades these requirements' Harris, 60, came face-to-face with her impersonator Maya Rudolph, 52, in a surprise cameo on the sketch show over the weekend - three days before the presidential election. The vice president took a break from one of the closest campaigns in history to appear for just over two minutes in the cold open as a mirrored version of Rudolph. Rudolph appeared in her dressing gown preparing for a speech with husband Doug Emhoff when she wondered aloud if someone who has 'been in her shoes' can give her a pep talk. A laughing Harris then appears as Rudolph's reflection on the other side of the table and says to her the actress: 'You and me both sister'. The scene then quickly turned into a parody of adding 'ala' to phrases in reference to the Democratic nominee's 'Momala' nickname'. Harris' pitstop in New York City came on a day when she saw a shift in momentum in her favor and a shock poll showing her leading in the Republican-heavy Iowa. 'I'm just here to remind you, you've got this. Because you can do something your opponent cannot do. You can open doors,' Harris tells Rudolph. A giggling Rudolph asks if she's referring to video of Trump opening a garbage truck door before his rally in Wisconsin last week. Kamala Harris was skewered for her laugh in a surprise cameo on Saturday Night Live where she came face-to-face with herself three days before the presidential election The vice president was looking through a dressing room mirror at Maya Rudolph, who is playing her in the sketch A laughing Harris then appears as Rudolph's reflection on the other side of the table and says to her the actress: 'You and me both sister' The Democratic nominee was then mocked for her cackle when she asked: 'I really don't laugh like that, do I?' Rudolph tilted her head and nodded in response in a scene similar to when Hillary Clinton was roasted just before the 2016 election. 'Kamala, reach out and take my palmala', Rudolph says to Harris. She adds: 'Kamala, the American people want to stop the chaos.' 'And end the drama,' the vice president responds with the audience laughing, 'The American people want to stop the chaos, and end the drama-la, with a cool new step mom-ala, get back in our pajama-laas and watch a rom-com-ala, like Legally Blonde-ala, and start decorating for Christmas, fa-la-la-lala. 'Because what do we always say? Keep calm-ala and carry-on-ala.' Rudolph and Harris hug at the end of the skit on the iconic sketch show Your browser does not support iframes. The Trump campaign immediately responded to her debut on the show, by claiming she used another 'fake accent'. 'Kamala trying and failing yet again at appearing remotely funny, relatable, or entertaining in the slightest,' the MAGA War Room Twitter account posted. 'Her cameo was uninspiring - much like her candidacy.' The Federal Communications Commission is an independent agency of the United States government that regulates communications by radio, television, wire, satellite, and cable across the US. An immigrant who fled Afghanistan when the Taliban took power has appeared in court after being accused of molesting a 14-year-old girl walking her dog. Gulahmad Oryakhail, 21, who was allowed into the UK under the Armed Forces resettlement scheme, is said to have forced his hands under the young teenager's bra and between her legs near Harbour Park Amusements in Littlehampton. He appeared in custody at Crawley Magistrates' Court, where he was sent to Lewes Crown Court for a plea and trial preparation hearing on November 26. He is charged with sexually assaulting the girl on October 25 and with stalking her between October 25 and October 27. The court heard Oryakhail repeatedly kissed the schoolgirl on the lips and neck, while asking for sex and tried to drag her towards a more secluded area. The 14-year-old was allegedly assaulted while walking the family dog near Harbour Park Amusements (pictured) The alleged attack happened on Windmill Road (pictured) but Gulahmad Oryakhail is contesting the charges Oryakhail appeared in custody at Crawley Magistrates' Court, where he was sent to Lewes Crown Court (pictured) for a plea and trial preparation hearing on November 26 Prosecutor Mr Jeremy King said Oryakhail then bombarded the complainant with phone messages over the next two days and was arrested near her home address. He has been in the UK for twelve months and lives with his parents. The girl's family were on the lookout for Oryakhail and were described by Mr King as 'angry and agitated' when police arrived to arrest him. The prosecutor asked for the young Afghani to remain in custody because: 'He would be a real risk to vulnerable young people in the area.' The magistrates agreed he should remain in custody. Long-haired and bearded Oryakhail, who required the assistance of an interpreter, had been riding his bike near the seafront and will contest the charges. Oryakhail claims the girl told him she was 18 years old and had consented to sexual contact with him as well as voluntarily giving him her phone number. Oryakhail, of Fairlight Court, Pier Road, Littlehampton, who works part-time in a local Wimpy bar, obtained UK residency via his brother, who assisted the British Armed Forces, enabling the entire family to settle in the UK. In 2021 the UK government agreed that Afghan citizens, who had served with or assisted our Armed Forces, were entitled to permanent residency under the Afghan Relocation and Assistance Policy. Their application can also include a partner, dependent children and additional family members and as of November 2023, there were still over 2000 eligible Afghans in the queue for UK residency. Former President Bill Clinton has defended his successor George W. Bush for not giving an endorsement in the presidential election despite a push for him to back Kamala Harris. Clinton, 78, said Bush is a proud Republican and wouldnt want to give up the party he has dedicated his life to by picking a side. Bushs daughter Barbara campaigning for Harris sparked calls for the former president to break his silence and disavow Donald Trump. But Bush, also 78, has instead chosen to remain on the sidelines when it comes to having his say on the top of the ticket. He last endorsed John McCain in 2008 and has since avoided campaigning in his post-presidency. In Texas he has shown support for local Democratic Rep. Colin Allred, who is running for the Senate against Senator Ted Cruz. Clinton said Bush referred to Allred as a good guy and congratulated him when he was first elected to Congress. Former President Bill Clinton has defended his successor George W. Bush for not giving an endorsement in the presidential election despite a push for him to back Kamala Harris But that was behind the scenes, and Bush has since been far more tempered with any public endorsements. First of all, hes spoken up, I think, more than hes gotten credit for, and he takes every opportunity that Ive seen to talk about how important immigration is and how we cant survive without it, Clinton told CNN of Bush on Sunday. He also knows, beginning with our relationship, its very different when youre out of political life, when there is no competition, no consequence, Clinton added. And I think he believes that since he was a proud Republican all those years, its enough for him to make clear what he believes with all this, without giving up the party hes been with all his life. Clinton, 78, said Bush is a proud Republican and wouldnt want to give up the party he has dedicated his life to by picking a side Bush looks on prior to Game One of the World Series between the Texas Rangers and the Arizona Diamondbacks at Globe Life Field on October 27, 2023 in Arlington, Texas Liz Cheney, daughter of Bush's former Vice President Dick Cheney, had already thrown her support behind Harris - alongside her father In September of this year a spokesman for Bush told DailyMail.com that he had no plans to make any public endorsement. 'He retired from presidential politics many years ago,' they said, adding that neither Bush nor his wife Laura would reveal who they are voting for in November. Former Republican Rep. turned Harris ally Liz Cheney urged Bush to come off the fence last week. His former communications director Nicolle Wallace has also came out and told WSNBC she hopes Bush has a 'change of heart' and takes a stand against Trump. She said: 'We have a right to hope that those who have stood for freedom and celebrated those who have protected it might have a last-minute change of heart in the closing hours of this campaign.' Despite Bush keeping mom, his daughter Barbara told People: 'It was inspiring to join friends and meet voters with the Harris-campaign in Pennsylvania this weekend. 'I'm hopeful they'll move our country forward and protect women's rights.' It was a low key gesture, but nevertheless made her the latest person identified with the pre-Trump Republican Party to throw her support to the Democratic candidate. The activist is no stranger to campaigning, although she keeps a low public profile. She spoke at the Republican National Convention in 2004 and campaigned for her dad's reelection in swing states. Her twin sister Jenna previously spoke about the personal toll politics takes when Joe Biden announced he wouldn't be seeking reelection. 'We've become a country that is so divided about politics that sometimes it's hard to think, 'Oh my gosh, he's a human,' Jenna told the Today show. 'I just hope we can get back as a country to a place where it's like, 'Oh yeah, he's a human and this must have been a really difficult decision,' and one in which his family helped probably support, but also are sad about and that is understandable,' It was a low key gesture, but nevertheless made her the latest person identified with the pre-Trump Republican Party to throw her support to the Democratic candidate Both Cheneys are former House Republican leaders with the elder Cheney serving two terms as George W. Bush's Republican vice president between 2001 and 2009 The former president is seen here alongside his wife Laura, and daughters Jenna and Barbara The registered Republican called his decision 'admirable' and said Biden had to make 'a hard decision because a lot of one-term presidents don't feel like the job has been done.' Trump continually mocked George Bush's younger brother Jeb - the sister's uncle - throughout his successful 2016 campaign. He has called their father's two terms in office 'a failed and uninspiring presidency,' while essentially taking over the party where the Bush dynasty held sway for years. Trump has also tore into Dick Cheney, while labeling his daughter Liz Cheney who is campaigning for Harris a 'warmonger.' 'Her father was responsible for invading the Middle East, killing millions of Arabs millions and this is the one that Kamala is campaigning with,' Trump said. Speaking on Thursday night at an event with former Fox News host Tucker Carlson, Trump sparked outrage after branding Liz Cheney a 'dumb war hawk'. He said: 'She's a radical war hawk. Let's put her with a rifle standing there with nine barrels shooting at her, okay, let's see how she feels about it. You know, when the guns are trained on her face.' 'She's a radical war hawk,' Trump began before speculating about a possible firing squad Democrats immediately criticized him for the comment but Harris took it a step further, saying Trump should no longer be in the presidential race. She told reporters: 'Anyone who wants to be president of the United States who uses that kind of violent rhetoric is clearly is disqualified and unqualified to be president.' Harris called Cheney 'a true patriot who has shown extraordinary courage in putting country above party.' 'Trump, however, considers his political opponents the enemy and is permanently out for revenge and increasingly unstable and unhinged. His enemies list has grown longer.' 'His rhetoric has grown more extreme, and he is even less focused than before on the needs and the concerns and the challenges facing the American people,' Harris added. The Democratic nominees said she has not spoken to Cheney since Trump's remark. Trump has long railed against Cheney, who criticized him for his role in the January 6th insurrection and was one of two Republican lawmakers who sat on the House committee investigating it. Back in March, Trump called for Cheney to be jailed over her role in investigating the January 6 attack on the Capitol. In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote that Cheney should 'go to jail along with the rest' of the select January 6 House committee. Three men have been taken to hospital following a triple stabbing in south-east London. Police paramedics, and an air ambulance rushed to Purneys Road in Eltham just before 1pm today following reports of a stabbing. The Metropolitan Police are yet to make any arrests in relation to the incident. Graphic pictures from the crime scene show what appears to be blood covering the floor close to the entrance of the house. Air ambulance and paramedic crews also attended - with the first medical responders arriving in six minutes, the London Ambulance Service (LAS) said. Police paramedics, and an air ambulance rushed to Purneys Road in Eltham just before 1pm today following reports of a stabbing It added: 'We sent a number of resources to the scene, including ambulance crews, paramedics in fast response cars, an incident response officer and London's Air Ambulance. 'The first of our crews arrived in six minutes. 'Our crews treated three male patients at the scene, before taking them to London major trauma centres by road, as a priority.' The Met told MailOnline that they are waiting on an update on the condition of the three victims. In a statement, they said: 'Police were called to Purneys Road, SE9 at 12.55pm on Sunday, 3 November following reports of three men stabbed. 'Officers, London Ambulance Service and Londons Air Ambulance all attended the location. Three men were taken to hospital. We await an update on their conditions. 'At this stage in the investigation there have been no arrests and enquiries continue. 'A crime scene is in place. 'Anyone with information that may assist the investigation is asked to call 101 and quote CAD reference 3279/03Nov. To remain anonymous please call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.' Donald Trump went on a wild nearly five-minute rant about bullet proof glass surrounding him at his outdoor rally in Pennsylvania on Sunday. He lamented about the protective measure, but said he was OK with the fact that if anyone wanted to try to assassination him again they would need to 'shoot through the fake news.' The former president again talked about how he likes to 'weave' during his rallies amid continued attacks over his tangent-filled speeches that regularly last longer than an hour. 'Most of them are failed writers they're not even good writers, okay, they're bad writers,' Trump said of the press at his rally. 'So they don't understand the weave today. They'll never be able to do it.' At one point during a ramble on Democratic 'cheating' in presidential elections, Trump demanded that the winner be announced on Election Day by 11:00 p.m. at the latest. Trump was speaking in Lititz, Pennsylvania for his first of three swing state rallies on Sunday. Former President Donald Trump went on a nearly five-minute rant at his rally in Lititz, Pennsylvania about the bullet proof glass surrounding him at the outdoor event With just two days until the 2024 presidential election, Trump is also holding rallies in North Carolina and Georgia, which are also battleground states this election cycle. But the Harris campaign says he is having trouble staying on message. At the same rally, Trump also said he shouldn't have left office in 2020, when he was defeated by Joe Biden. 'I shouldnt have left, I mean, honestly,' Trump said. 'We did so well, we had such a great ...' he said, cutting himself off. The outdoor rally in Pennsylvania included a near 360-degree casing of bullet proof glass around the former president's podium after two separate assassination attempts on him including at his July 13 rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. For a while, Trump was moving all his rallies into indoor stadiums and arenas. When he returned to outdoor events, the increase in bullet proof glass was noticeable. At the rally on Sunday, Trump said he didn't think there needed to be glass in certain areas because it made him look bad on television. 'To get me somebody would have to shoot through the fake news, and I don't mind that so much I don't mind,' he said with a chuckle. 'So I have a piece of glass here, and the problem with that glass is it's I don't look great on television when you have a four inch piece of glass that a howitzer can't go through,' he said in reference to the style of cannon. Trump continued, again pointing to the barrier between himself and the audience: 'The problem is, when you watch me tonight you'll say, 'the President doesn't look that good.' Well, how the hell do you look good? Look at the size of this sucker.' Trump's communications director, Steven Cheung, said the former president's remarks had nothing to do with members of the press being harmed and said he was expressing concern over their safety. 'The President's statement about protective glass placement has nothing to do with the Media being harmed, or anything else,' he said in a statement. 'It was about threats against him that were spurred on by dangerous rhetoric from Democrats.' 'In fact, President Trump was stating that the Media was in danger, in that they were protecting him and, therefore, were in great danger themselves, and should have had a glass protective shield, also,' the campaign communications director explained. 'There can be no other interpretation of what was said. He was actually looking out for their welfare, far more than his own!' Trump said, 'To get me somebody would have to shoot through the fake news, and I don't mind that so much,' as he lamented about the placement of the thick glass barrier In an earlier part of the speech on Sunday, the Republican presidential candidate said the results need to be finalized the night of Election Day on November 5. The former president said any flex time after that date is just used by Democrats to 'cheat.' 'I don't know what's going to happen, but for future elections I won't be even a part of it but you ought to damn well go to paper ballots, you ought to go to voter ID and you ought to have the election over by 9 o'clock,' Trump said. 'I'm hearing now they're going to take weeks. Can you imagine?' he complained. 'And what do you think happens during those 12 days?' Trump questioned the crowd, to which they shouted back: 'They cheat.' 'These elections have to be they have to be decided by 9 o'clock, 10 o'clock, 11 o'clock on Tuesday night.' It continues the former president's rhetoric building up claims that Democrats again cheated to 'steal' the 2024 presidential election after he claims that's how they won in 2020. This is the moment Israeli forces stormed a Hezbollah missile base hidden deep beneath a Lebanese mountain. Soldiers seized AK-47 rifles, anti-tank rockets and mortar shells within the underground compound, the IDF confirmed. As well as weapons, troops found logistical and medical supplies in the hideout, which was also equipped with military tents. The base also concealed surface-to-air missiles and a launcher aimed at civilian communities in northern Israel. It comes as the Israeli military ordered the evacuation of the Baalbek area in eastern Lebanon, warning that it was ready to strike Hezbollah targets there and in nearby Douris. IDF forces uncovered a Hezbollah missile base hidden deep beneath a Lebanese mountain A rifle discovered inside the Hezbollah missile base A cannon was found concealed within the mountain on a track, and pointing towards Northern Israel The concealed launcher that was discovered in the military base, which was found to contain surface-to-air missiles along with logistical and medical supplies A high-powered IED discovered during the operation carried out by Shayetet 13 commandos Mortar shells found within the Hezbollah compound, hidden deep underneath a mountainside The same commando unit captured Hezbollah operative Imad Amhaz overnight during the raid of a chalet in Batroun, south of the northern Lebanese city of Tripoli The latest discovery of a Hezbollah base was made by Shayetet 13 commandos. The same unit also carried out a snatch and grab mission to capture Hezbollah boss Imad Amhaz overnight. Amhaz is believed to be a significant source of knowledge' in the terror group's naval force. The Hezbollah operative was found during the raid of a chalet on the coast of Batroun, south of Tripoli, Lebanon. It comes as Israel's Home Front Command sounded sirens at regular intervals along the border as dozens of projectiles were identified crossing from Lebanon into Israeli territory since Sunday morning. The military said its forces continued to carry out 'targeted raids' in southern Lebanon aimed at eliminating Hezbollah fighters. 'You are currently located near the facilities and assets associated with Hezbollah, which the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) will be targeting in the near future,' the Israeli military's Arabic-language spokesman Avichay Adraee said in a post on X addressed to residents of Baalbek and Douris. Meanwhile, Israel hit back at claims it targeted children at a Gaza vaccine clinic, after four were left wounded by a strike. The World Health Organisation (WHO) said the health centre was 'in an area where a humanitarian pause was agreed to allow vaccination to proceed' and the attack could off parents of children needing a second vaccine to be covered. An Israeli airstrike targeting the Lebanese city of Baalbeck on Sunday A man climbs through the rubble of a collapsed building in the Lebanese town of Ghazieh Israel and Hezbollah have been locked in a deadly war since September 23 that has killed more than 1,900 people in Lebanon, according to Lebanese health ministry figures. Clashes between Israeli forces and the Lebanese terror group first erupted on October 8 last year when Hezbollah began firing rockets into Israel in support of its ally Hamas, a day after the Palestinian militant group launched an unprecedented attack on Israel from Gaza. A total of 43,341 Palestinians have died in Israeli strikes on Gaza, a majority of them civilians, according to figures from the Hamas-run territory's health ministry. Hamas's October 7 attack on Israel resulted in 1,206 deaths, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally of Israeli official figures. The Iowa pollster behind the bombshell survey that sent shockwaves through the presidential election on Saturday night has defended the results showing Kamala Harris leading in the conservative state. Ann Selzer has built a reputation as 'Iowa's Polling Queen' and the 'best pollster in politics' over decades of conducting the Des Moines Register polls. But the creditability of 'the polling Cassandra of Des Moines' was brought into question over findings that the vice president was ahead of Trump in the heavily-Republican Hawkeye State. The ex-president tore into the survey calling Selzer a 'Trump hater' and insisting that Iowa's farmers 'love' him. 'All polls, except for one heavily skewed toward the Democrats by a Trump hater who called it totally wrong the last time, have me up, BY A LOT,' he scathed on Truth Social. Iowa hasn't voted for a Democrat in the presidential election since Barack Obama in 2012 and was written off by the Harris campaign as an easy GOP win. Seltzer's poll was immediately decried as an 'outlier' and the Trump campaign pointed to an Emerson Poll that shows the Republican nominee leading comfortably. She hit back at the criticism on MSNBC and said she had evidence that backs the surprising conclusion. 'We don't have as much data as we might like about why this is happening' she told The Weekend Show. Ann Selzer has built a reputation as 'Iowa's Polling Queen' and the 'best pollster in politics' over decades of conducting the Des Moines Register polls 'But our consensus from the reporters who work this beat is that the abortion ban went into effect this past summer... I think it has gotten people interested in voting.' She said part of the reason Harris is leading is 'her strength with women... it's part of the boost that Kamala Harris has gotten this time.' Selzer went on to say that she's personally seen 'less Trump signs' than she did in 2020. And she admitted that 'there is still some swing that is left to be determined on election night' since neither candidate captured over 50 percent in her poll. The differing surveys show that the gap between the two candidates could be getting even closer in what is expected to be a historically tight election on Tuesday night. Gov. Wes Moore says, were watching an energy that has not been there for a while as he reacts to the new Selzer poll showing Harris ahead of Trump in Iowa. @iamwesmoore pic.twitter.com/Xp5eMDl2xa The Weekend on MSNBC (@TheWeekendMSNBC) November 3, 2024 Trump and Harris are essentially tied across the country, and the margins in the seven battlegrounds that will likely decide the race are razor-thin. More than 70 million Americans have voted early and millions more will cast their ballots on November 5. Kamala Harris is seeing a last-minute surge in momentum over Donald Trump in the final days of one of the closest presidential elections in history 'But our consensus from the reporters who work this beat is that the abortion ban went into effect this past summer... I think it has gotten people interested in voting,' Selzer said on MSNBC Your browser does not support iframes. The differing surveys show that the gap between the two candidates could be getting even closer in what is expected to be a historically tight election on Tuesday night. Trump and Harris are essentially tied across the country, and the margins in the seven battlegrounds that will likely decide the race are razor-thin. More than 70 million Americans have voted early and millions more will cast their ballots on November 5. Polling in Iowa September showed Trump with a four point lead over Harris and the campaign has insisted this is not what will happen in the race. In a memo on Saturday night, aides pointed to the poll by Emerson released Saturday that shows Trump in the lead by 10 points. That 'far more closely reflects the state of the actual Iowa electorate' says the Trump camapign. The campaign also ripped into the method used in the Des Moines Register poll and added that Republicans are seeing a massive surge in early voters in comparison to 2020. Polling in Iowa September showed Trump with a four point lead over Harris and the campaign has insisted this is not what will happen in the race Your browser does not support iframes. It picked apart ever aspect of the survey, including the suggestion Harris is leading among women by 20 points and seniors by 19. The former president had an 18 point lead for over President Biden in The Hawkeye State in June before he dropped out of the race. But the tables have since turned the new survey reveals, presenting a potential but highly unlikely new path to victory for Harris and her campaign. The three point lead for Harris is well within the margin of error of the poll and Trump is still the favorite to win the state by a comfortable margin. The Democrats had written off the state, with Harris instead focusing on the vital seven battlegrounds. Surprisingly the survey also found that independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. received three percent of the vote. The Kennedy notably had nine percent of the vote in the state according to polls conducted in June. Her improving in the Midwest state comes amid a media blitz as she appears on radio shows, cable channels and soon to be Saturday Night Live. The surprise lead for Harris is buoyed by independent women voters, which have been expected to break for the Democrat as men turn to Trump in droves. Harris has a 28 point lead with these women over Trump. Independent men, on the other hand, are breaking for the Republican. Whereas, another Iowa poll shows the race firmly in the Republican's grasp. Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. Trump and Harris are essentially tied across the country, and the margins in the seven battlegrounds that will likely decide the race are razor-thin The vice president was given a jolt on Saturday night with a poll showing she is ahead in the heavily-Republican state of Iowa and with DailyMail.com's election forecast showing her gaining on the 78-year-old former president Both Trump and Harris were in North Carolina on Saturday, one of the seven battlegrounds that will likely decide the winner An Emerson College poll found that the ex-president holds a 53 percent lead to Harris 43 percent. The 10 point lead for Trump in that survey is safely within the three point margin of error. Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds rejected the results of the poll on Saturday night by suggesting Republicans had an advantage in early voting. 'Iowa Republicans are leading in early voting for the first time in decades, and have increased our voter registration advantage by 130,000+,' Reynolds wrote on X. 'President Trump will win Iowa if we vote and turnout our friends. Lets prove the Des Moines Register wrong again!' she said. Both of the Iowa surveys were released on Saturday just three days before Election Day. The latest J.L. Partners election forecast model delivered to DailyMail.com Saturday also spells bad news for Trump. The model is trending away from 'lean' Trump into 'toss up' territory. Trump remains the favorite, and he wins in 62.2 percent of simulations. But that is a drop of 2.5 points since Friday and he has now lost seven points in five days, reflecting a string of polls favorable to Kamala Harris. Your browser does not support iframes. Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump watches a video screen at a campaign rally at the Salem Civic Center, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in Salem, Va Trump has a 10 point lead in Iowa, according to Emerson All the swing states have seen movement against Trump. Callum Hunter, J.L. Partners' data scientist, writes in his latest briefing note: 'It is now clear that the momentum of recent polling is in Harris' favor. Trump's win probability has dropped 7 points in five days and if more polling is released that shows similar patterns from recent days then the race will flip from LEAN Trump to TOSSUP before election day.' A lighting strike has killed at least 14 people, including a nine-year-old girl, and left over 30 more injured in Uganda. The victims were gathered for prayers in a church within the Palabek refugee camp, in northern Uganda, when the lighting struck on Saturday evening. Most of the victims are understood to be children including a nine-year-old girl. Police have not revealed the nationalities of the victims but the camp and others in the Lamwo district mostly hosts refugees from South Sudan - which borders the country. Fatal lightning strikes are common in the east African country, especially in schools where structures rarely have lightning conductors (stock image) Police have not revealed the nationalities of the victims but the camp and others in the Lamwo district mostly hosts refugees from South Sudan - which borders the country The victims were gathered for prayers in a church within the Palabek refugee camp, in northern Uganda, when the lighting struck on Saturday evening Most of the over 50,000 refugees who live in the camp had fled from South Sudan during a bloody civil war that gripped the country shortly after its independence in 2011. In a post on X, formerly Twitter, the Ugandan police said: 'The victims... had gathered for prayers when the rain started around 5.00pm local time, and the lightning thunder struck at 5:30pm.' Fatal lightning strikes are common in the east African country, especially in schools where structures rarely have lightning conductors. Kemi Badenoch today said Britain needs to work hard to make sure that multiculturialism isn't something that becomes divisive. The new Tory leader made the comment as she played down her own piece of history after becoming the first black leader of a major UK political party. Ms Badenoch appeared on the BBC this morning and said although it is great the country is multiracial it can't lead to people seeing themselves 'as being part of groups rather than all being British'. The warning came as she slammed Rachel Reeves for boasting about being the first female Chancellor and said it was 'astonishing ' how much she talks about her gender. Ms Badenoch made the barb as she sat alongside Ms Reeves on BBC's Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg. In a series of eye-catching interventions the day after winning the Tory crown Ms Badenoch: Insisted she will make the Tories a meritocracy but admitted forging her shadow cabinet will be 'tricky' after a slew of big beasts announced they do not want to serve; Said the Partygate scandal that consumed Boris Johnson's administration was 'overblown' but said the Conservatives lost the trust of the public; Dismissed Nigel Farage's claim that she was 'more of the same' as 'hilarious' because it is 'obviously' not true; Argued that taxes can be reduced without slashing public services, and committed to reverse Labour's move to add VAT to private school fees. Kemi Badenoch today slammed Rachel Reeves for boasting about being the first female Chancellor Signalled her combative style will continue in charge of the Opposition, Ms Badenoch said taking charge of No11 was a 'very, very low glass ceiling' and 'nowhere near as significant as what other women in this country has achieved' Ms Badenoch was making her first broadcast interview since being announced yesterday as Leader of the Opposition. She said she didn't want her skin colour 'to be the thing that ends up being talked about' as focusing on race or gender barriers could become 'divisive'. And she made a barb at Ms Reeves' success saying taking charge of No11 was a 'very, very low glass ceiling' and 'nowhere near as significant as what other women in this country has achieved'. Ms Badenoch said: 'The best thing will be when we get to a point where the colour of your skin is no more remarkable than the colour of your eyes, or the colour of your hair. 'We live in a multiracial country and that is great, but we have to work very hard to make sure that it doesn't become something divisive where people see themselves as being part of groups, rather than all being British. 'So, when I hear people say isn't this remarkable, we have a black female leader of the Conservative Party, I'm glad because it shows that my country and my Party are actually places where it doesn't matter who you are, what you look like. It's about what the offer is. What I don't want, is for that to be the thing that ends up being talked about.' Turning her fire on the Chancellor, Ms Badenoch suggested becoming first woman Chancellor mattered less than the three Tory female leaders who had become Prime Minister. 'I find it astonishing that Rachel Reeves keeps talking about how she's the first female chancellor, which in my view is a very low glass ceiling within the Labour Party, which she may have smashed,' she said. Kemi Badenoch gives a speech after becoming the new leader of the Conservative party after beating Robert Jenrick Ms Badenoch was declared the winner of the long-running battle to succeed Rishi Sunak yesterday, seeing off a challenge from former immigration minister Robert Jenrick Ms Badenoch was declared the winner of the long-running battle to succeed Rishi Sunak yesterday, seeing off a challenge from former immigration minister Robert Jenrick. However, questions have been raised about her mandate after turnout was relatively low and her margin of victory was smaller than previous leaders. In her speech at the announcement yesterday, Ms Badenoch said it was time to 'tell the truth' about where things had gone wrong for the Tories. Pressed on the BBC's Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg programme what had gone wrong with Boris Johnson's government, Ms Badenoch said: 'I thought he was a great prime minister, but there were some serious issues that were not being resolved and I think that during that tenure the public thought that we were not speaking for them or looking out for them, we were in it for ourselves. 'Some of those things I think were perception issues, a lot of the stuff that happened around partygate was not why I resigned. 'I thought that it was overblown. We should not have created fixed penalty notices, for example. That was us not going with our principles.' Stressing that the public was 'not wrong to be upset about Partygate', she said: 'The problem was that we should not have criminalised every day activities the way that we did. 'People going out for walks, all of them having fixed penalty notices, that was what ended up creating a trap for Boris Johnson.' Ms Badenoch said Britain needs fundamental change to stop getting 'poorer'. 'I think that there are hard truths not just for my party, but for the whole country,' she said. New leader of Britain's main opposition Conservative Party, Kemi Badenoch smiles beside her husband Hamish James Cleverly has ruled out serving on the new leader's front bench Shadow chancellor Jeremy Hunt has also declared he will be taking a break from frontline politics 'And that is that as a country we are getting poorer, we are getting older, we are being out-competed by many other competitor countries, and we need to look at how we can reorganise our economy to be fit for the future, not just doing what we always used to. 'And I think that there is an exciting challenge there. I'm very optimistic about what we can do. 'But simply just saying things and making promises to the whole country without knowing how you're going to deliver them, as we did on Brexit, as we did on net zero, I don't think is building trust.' But the Tory leader denied that reducing the tax burden mean reducing public services. 'If we start from the assumption that we can just tax and borrow our way through, we will keep getting poorer, and that is what has been happening,' she said. 'And we were a part of that, so when you ask what we did wrong, these were some of the things that I think that we got wrong. 'I think the tax burden was too high under the Conservatives. That doesn't mean that we have to cut public services, it means that we have to look at how we are delivering public services, and a lot of what government does is not even public services.' Ms Badenoch is understood to want her new shadow cabinet to be decided in time for a first meeting on Tuesday. There is strong speculation that frontbencher Andrew Griffith will be promoted to shadow chancellor. Jeremy Hunt has declared he will be taking a break from frontline politics. Former Deputy PM Oliver Dowden announced his own departure from the Tory senior team in his final clash with counterpart Angela Rayner last month Shadow home secretary James Cleverly has also revealed he will not seek a job, saying he did not want to be 'boxed back into a narrow band' after being 'liberated' by his own leadership bid. Mr Cleverly was seen as the favourite to take over from Rishi Sunak until his shock eviction in the final round of voting by MPs last month. The decision to step aside will fuel speculation that he is positioning for another tilt should Mr Sunak's replacement Kemi Badenoch crash and burn. Ex-Cabinet minister John Glen is also expected to take a step back. Former Deputy PM Oliver Dowden announced his own departure from the Tory senior team in his final clash with counterpart Angela Rayner last month. His valedictory tone fuelled rumours that he could even step down from the Commons, with ex-Cabinet veteran Grant Shapps said to be eyeing a comeback at a by-election. However, Rishi Sunak has moved to quash similar speculation about his own intentions, laughing off claims he is planning to move to California and become a tech executive. In his final appearance at PMQs last week he said: 'I'm happy to confirm reports that I will now be spending more time in the greatest place on earth where the scenery is indeed worthy of a movie set, and everyone is a character. 'That's right, if anyone needs me, I will be in Yorkshire.' This morning former environment secretary Steve Barclay said he will not be seeking a job on the front bench. Moldova's pro-EU president is fighting against an opponent dubbed a 'Russian Trojan horse', as the Kremlin is accused of 'massive interference' in the crucial vote. Moldovans have gone to the polls today as the former state prosecutor Alexandr Stoianoglo tries to unseat Maia Sandu as president. Government officials have accused the Kremlin of trying to fix the vote in favour of Stoigangolo and analysts have warned he may win. Stanislav Secrieru, Ms Sandu's national security adviser, said: 'We're seeing massive interference by Russia in our electoral process as Moldovans vote in the presidential run-off today, an effort with high potential to distort the outcome.' The allegations were supported by photographs from Baku, Instanbul and Mink where witnesses claimed that Russia flew planeloads of pro-Kremlin Moldovans to vote. Moldova's Presidential candidate Aleksandr Stoianoglo reacts afther he casted his vote for the presidential election at a polling station in Chisinau Moldova's incumbent President and presidential candidate Maia Sandu speaks to the media at a polling station There are only two polling stations in Russia where half a million Moldocans live and both are in Moscow. A Moldovan source who did not want to be identified said polling stations in Europe, the US and Britain could be targeted with bomb hoaxes by Moscow. Moldova is a poor agricultural nation of fewer than 3million people. Sandwiched between Romania and Ukraine, it is considered vulnerable to influence from Moscow. It also has a large ethnic Russian minority and the Kremlin controls Transnistria, a region of Moldova that broke away after a war in the 1990s. It has been in the spotlight since Russia began its full-scale invasion of neighbouring Ukraine in 2022. In the first round of the elections, held on October 20, Ms Sandu obtained 42 per cent of the ballot but failed to win an outright majority. A poll released by research company iData indicates a tight race that leans towards a narrow Sandu victory, an outcome that might rely on Moldova's large diaspora. Moldovans living in Russia stand in line at a polling station in the Moldova embassy building during the Moldovan presidential elections in Moscow A Moldovan woman residing in Romania casts her ballot at a polling station during the second round of the presidential elections, in downtown Bucharest, Romania Moldova's diaspora played a key role in a nationwide referendum which was also held on October 20 when a narrow majority of 50.35 per cent voted in favour of securing Moldova's path towards EU membership. But the results of the ballots including Sunday's vote have been overshadowed by allegations of a major vote-buying scheme and voter intimidation. Instead of winning the overwhelming support that Ms Sandu had hoped, the results in both races exposed Moldova's judiciary as unable to adequately protect the democratic process. On Friday, Moldova's Prime Minister Dorin Recean said that people throughout the country were receiving 'anonymous death threats via phone calls' in what he called 'an extreme attack' to scare voters in the former Soviet republic. 'These acts of intimidation have only one purpose: to create panic and fear,' Mr Recean said in a statement posted on social media. 'I assure you that state institutions will ensure order and protect citizens.' In the wake of the two October votes, Moldovan law enforcement said that a vote-buying scheme was orchestrated by Ilan Shor, an exiled oligarch who lives in Russia and was convicted in absentia last year of fraud and money laundering. Mr Shor denies any wrongdoing. Prosecutors say 39 million dollars (30 million) was paid to more than 130,000 recipients through an internationally sanctioned Russian bank to voters between September and October. In the first round of the elections, held on October 20, Ms Sandu obtained 42 per cent of the ballot but failed to win an outright majority Former state prosecutor Alexandr Stoianoglo has been dubbed a 'Russian Trojan horse' Moldovans living in Russia stand in line at a polling station in the Moldova embassy building Anti-corruption authorities have conducted hundreds of searches and seized more than 2.7 million dollars (2.08 million) in cash as they attempt to crack down. In one case in Gagauzia, an autonomous part of Moldova where only 5 per cent voted in favour of the EU, a physician was detained after allegedly coercing 25 residents of a home for older adults to vote for a candidate they did not choose. Police said they obtained 'conclusive evidence', including financial transfers from the same Russian bank. On Thursday, prosecutors also raided a political party headquarters and said 12 people were suspected of paying voters to select a candidate in the presidential race. A criminal case was also opened in which 40 state agency employees were suspected of taking electoral bribes. Cristian Cantir, a Moldovan associate professor of international relations at Oakland University, said that whatever the outcome of the second round, it 'will not deflate' geopolitical tensions. 'On the contrary, I expect geopolitical polarisation to be amplified by the campaign for the 2025 legislative elections,' he said. Moldovan law enforcement needs more resources and better-trained staff working at a faster pace to tackle voter fraud, he added, to 'create an environment in which anyone tempted to either buy or sell votes knows there will be clear and fast consequences'. Moldovan citizens living in Romania pictured lining up outside a polling station to vote By 8pm more than 1.6 million people - about 53.5 per cent of eligible voters - had cast ballots, according to the Central Electoral Commission A pro-Western government has been in power in Moldova since 2021, and a parliamentary election will be held in 2025. Moldova watchers warn that next year's vote could be Moscow's main target. In the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Moldova applied to join the EU. The sharp Westward shift irked Moscow and significantly soured relations with Chisinau. Polling stations will close at 9pm (7pm GMT). By 8pm more than 1.6 million people - about 53.5 per cent of eligible voters - had cast ballots, according to the Central Electoral Commission. Newly-elected Tory party leader Kemi Badenoch has appointed the first member of her new shadow cabinet. Rebecca Harris, the MP for Castle Point in Essex, had been given the title of chief whip, the BBC reported. Harris, first elected in 2010, will be charged with maintaining discipline and ensuring her party's MPs vote in line with the shadow cabinet's wishes. Harris, who was made a Dame in the 2024 Birthday Honours list, was re-elected this year with a decreased vote share of 38.1%, nearly half of the 76.7% she received in 2019. She most recently worked as the Comptroller for the Royal Household, which saw her walk in front of Queen Elizabeth's coffin at her 2022 funeral. Harris has also sat on the Commons' Business, Innovation and Skills committee, as well as the Regulatory Reform committee during her 14-year span in Parliament. Newly-elected Tory party leader Kemi Badenoch (pictured) has appointed the first member of her new shadow cabinet Harris most recently worked as the Comptroller for the Royal Household, which saw her walk in front of Queen Elizabeth's coffin at her 2022 funeral The Essex MP has also worked as an assistant whip for the Treasury, where she was also given the title Lord Commissioner. Her predecessor, Daventry MP Stuart Andrew, said on X: 'It has been an honour and a privilege to serve as the Conservative Party Chief Whip. 'Rebecca Harris is a great friend and a brilliant Whip. I wish her all the best in the role. 'I would like to thank the Whips and the MPs that have helped the Whips Office for their dedication and assistance in helping me steady the ship over the past three months. 'At an uncertain time for our Party it has been challenging at times, but we have kept the show on the road and had some great successes. 'I would also like to pay thanks to the Shadow Cabinet for taking on their roles and to the whole Parliamentary Party for their help in holding this Labour Government to account. Leader of the Conservative Party Kemi Badenoch arrives at CCHQ after being elected as Party Leader Badenoch won the Tory leadership contest on Saturday Harris has also sat on the Commons' Business, Innovation and Skills committee, as well as the Regulatory Reform committee during her 14-year span in Parliament 'I am pleased that we have started to hold this dreadful Labour government to account, the Conservatives have led the way in opposing the scrapping of the winter fuel payments, highlighting their tax and spend budget and their contempt for working people. 'Im pleased that we can now continue to do that.' The news of Harris' ascendancy comes ahead of the formal announcement of who will be joining Badenoch's cabinet on Tuesday. Badenoch was elected to lead the Tories on Saturday, following a bitter months-long fight after the party suffered its worst electoral defeat in its history. She won 53,806 votes to Robert Jenrick on 41,388, with the turnout at the hustings being just 72.8% - down from the 2022 contest that saw 82.2% of Tory party members vote. Other major Tory party members she beat included James Cleverly, Tom Tugendhat, Mel Stride, Priti Patel and Suella Braverman. Though she has not officially announced any names for her cabinet, she previously said she would offer all her leadership rivals cabinet positions. More to follow. Hundreds of lizards the size of dogs are causing chaos in South Carolina. The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) have issued a fresh warning about Argentine Black and White Tegu lizards that have been wreaking havoc in the state for years now. They were recently spotted in Cleveland, Charleston and in the Midlands. State Herpetologist Andrew Grosse said Friday that no evidence has been found that shows that the invasive lizards have been breeding, The State reported. Grosse said the first Tegu was discovered there in 2020, and since then the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) have confirmed 32 sightings across 17 counties. Of the 32, 29 were Argentine black and white tegu, while the other three were red. The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources have issued a fresh warning about Argentine Black and White Tegu lizards that have been wreaking havoc in the state for years now The agency received a total of 114 reports across 27 counties claiming to have seen the creature, but it can only confirm if there is an image of the species, or if it's captured, Grosse revealed. The non-native lizards have specifically been invading the state's natural ecosystem and consuming quail, turkey, alligator and ground-nesting bird eggs. They have also been feasting on gopher tortoises, fruit, vegetables, plants, carrion, small live animals, pet food, and chicken eggs. Tegu have also been known to eat grasshoppers and young gopher tortoises, an endangered species in the Palmetto State. The species have been banned in the state since Memorial Day weekend in 2021, making it illegal to bring the lizards there or breed them. Despite the ban, people who own tegu as pets were allowed to keep their lizards, but had to get them properly registered with the SCDNR. Although it is unclear why the species are still on the loose, experts believe that humans are possibly setting their pets free after they grow too large. The invasive lizards that can grow up to five feet long, have been spotted in Cleveland, the Charleston mountains and in the Midlands The non-native lizards have specifically been invading the state's natural ecosystem and consuming quail, turkey, alligator and ground-nesting bird eggs Tegu can grow to about five feet in length, and this specific kind has distinctive black and white scales along its body. They are not known to hurt humans, but are known as predators that feast on both plants and animals. They are native to Paraguay, northern Argentina and eastern Uruguay, the outlet reported. Compared to other lizards, Tegu can withstand the cold and can raise their body temperature 50 degrees above the current climate. Around this time of year, tegus start to brumate, or settle down and not move for weeks on end in the colder weather. There are wild tegus populations in Florida and Georgia. Compared to other lizards, Tegus can withstand the cold and can raise their body temperature 50 degrees above the current climate Rudy Mancke, a local naturalist who died last year, described how tegu lizards should be caught. 'You can take an old sheet and just throw it out in the air holding the ends, and let it just settle down on it, and that animal will just stay there until people come. 'Its hidden, figures nobody sees it. Its a great way to catch an animal. Ive had good success with that. Thats a safe way of doing it,' he said. Mancke made it clear that the lizard should not just be picked up, because although their bite is not venomous, it can be extremely strong and painful. The agency has urged anyone who sees a tegu to contact them immediately via phone or email, and send a photo if possible. Residents are allowed to shoot the invasive reptile, but only if it is legal to do so in that area. A hopeful homebuyer has criticised Australia's housing market after a property they wanted to purchase sold for $1million above its price guide. The four-bedroom home at 10 Murray Street Marrickville, in Sydney's inner-west, sold for $2.91million at auction on Saturday, despite having a price guide of $1.9million that was later adjusted guide to $2million. Bidding opened at $2.35million and quickly soared past the property's $2.4million reserve before a father from Bellevue Hill won the auction with a $2.91million bid, purchasing the home for his daughter. After the auction, one of the bidders expressed their disappointment and said they were stunned by the final sale price of $2.9million, given the original price guide. 'This seems like an example of an extreme unethical approach with unrealistic guides,' they explained. 'I can understand them setting the guide 10-30 per cent under what they really think it'll go for, but this is wild. 'The winning bidder was a wealthy dad who was clearly making an emotional purchase for his daughter, so am I right in thinking this is a fluke? 'Make it make sense. Is there someone I can lodge a formal complaint with about the under-guiding?' The four-bedroom home in Marrickville, in Sydney's Inner-West, sold for $2.91million - more than $1million above the property's original price guide One of the active bidders slammed the price guide as 'unrealistic' and questioned whether auctions across the country were being won by 'emotional' buyers. Pictured: Stock image of an auction Aussies said the winning bid was not out of the ordinary, and many auctions are won by those who have money and are making an emotional purchase. 'That's the thing about all the underquoting complaints. Everyone is willing to put in 'just a bit more' to win the house,' one person commented. 'We spent 18 months actively looking in the inner-west,' a second wrote. 'From our experience, what happened to you is sadly not unheard of and was almost expected by the end of our search.' 'Emotional purchases are what the agent wants. So, more the norm than not. And also because of the general unethical nature of the entire sector, under-quoting is rife,' a third said. A fourth advised: 'Just ignore price guides. Compare to similar sales in the area and set your expectations from there.' Others slammed the bidder for their final bid of $2.7million - $800,000 above the guide - claiming they were part of the problem. 'You bid $800,000 above advertised price. EIGHT HUNDRED THOUSAND. Dude. You're part of the problem as much as the $2.9m bidder,' one person wrote. 'They went 800k over and making it sound like just the other buyer is the problem,' a second person added. The man, from Bellevue Hill, who purchased the property had inspected the home only 30 minutes before the auction. He bought the property for his daughter, who had fallen in love with the home and told him she wanted to move back into the area. The daughter had previously rented in the neighbouring suburb of Newtown before returning to live with her parents in Bellevue Hill. The house's value more than quadrupled in price, with records showing it was last sold in 2007 for just $625,000. Prosecutors delayed charging Southport murder suspect Axel Rudakubana for up to fortnight due to fears it may spark riots, it emerged tonight. The 18-year-old accused of murdering three girls during a knife rampage in July was due to be charged with making the highly toxic poison ricin and possessing a study of an al-Qaeda training manual on October 18, but the CPS and Attorney General stalled due to fears it would lead to disorder. The mass stabbing at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport on July 29 which killed Bebe King, six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine and left 10 others injured sparked riots across Britain culminating in more than 1,000 arrests over the summer. Police chiefs feared the revelation that the suspect had allegedly been making ricin and possessed information likely to be useful to a terrorist would cause further unrest and accordingly made preparations to cancel police leave across the country over the weekend of October 19. At the time chief constables were also worried about the prospect of firearms officers downing their weapons in protest across the UK if Scotland Yard marksman Martyn Blake were to be found guilty of murdering gangster Chris Kaba in an unrelated police vehicle stop in September 2022. Axel Rudakubana is accused of murdering three girls during a knife rampage in July. He was due to be charged with making the highly toxic poison ricin and possessing a study of an al-Qaeda training manual on October 18 but this was delayed Rioters in Rotherham in August. The mass stabbing at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport on July 29 which killed Bebe King, six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine and left 10 others injured sparked riots across Britain In the event Blake was acquitted at the Old Bailey just days later which meant fears of a national firearms officer walkout did not materialise. Today the Sunday Times revealed that the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) first sought permission from the Attorney General's office to charge Rudakubana with possession of a biological weapon on October 15. While the CPS normally makes decisions to charge suspects independently, there are a small number of serious offences such as the biological weapons charge that require consent from the government's two law officers, the attorney general and solicitor general. Extensive plans were then made for a public charging announcement on October 18. On that day, sources say that as many as 1,000 riot police had been placed on standby in anticipation that the news could trigger another series of violent demonstrations. In the end, the Attorney General's office did not grant consent until a week later on October 22. It took a further seven days for the CPS to announce the charges on October 29. The postponement in announcing charges, which came more than two months after the teenager was charged with three counts of murder and ten attempted murders sparked immediate claims of a cover up. Rioters in Rotherham in August. Sources say that as many as 1,000 riot police had been placed on standby in anticipation that the news could trigger another series of violent demonstrations The three victims in the Southport attack from left to right: Bebe King, six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven and Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine. Ever since the Southport attack in July, social media has been awash with misinformation, rumours and lies about what happened Tory Party leader Kemi Badenoch said there were 'serious questions to be asked of the police, the CPS and also of Keir Starmer's response'. Ever since the Southport attack in July, social media has been awash with misinformation, rumours and lies about what happened and how the criminal justice system is handling the case Despite the risk that any delay could result in yet more questions being asked, the charging decision is said to have been put off following significant concerns among ministers and the CPS that the announcement could prompt public disorder. The Home Office, CPS and Attorney General's office have all refused to comment on why the delay occurred. But official sources said it was a complex case and time was taken to ensure decision-making was thorough and robust and that arrangements were made to properly inform all the affected families. Today it was suggested that the Attorney General's Office acted within days of the request being made and all decisions on timing, including when charges are announced, are for the CPS. But prosecution sources claimed the CPS acted as swiftly as possible on the basis of information available. Police are seeking urgent public assistance to help locate a 7-year-old girl who was reported missing in Brisbane. The girl, pictured, was last seen near Brett Place in Wynnum West at about 12.20am, and has not been seen since. Police and family are concerned for the girl's welfare due to her age. The girl is described as Aboriginal in appearance, with brown hair and hazel eyes. She was last seen wearing a blue short-sleeved buttoned shirt and white shorts with butterflies on them. Police believe the girl may be in the company of a man, known to her. If spotted, members of the public are asked to not approach and to call 000 immediately. More than 100 children as young as 13 have been caught supplying drugs in Scotland as charities warn growing numbers are being forced into crime. Gangs are known to coerce vulnerable youngsters into trafficking drugs across the UK using so-called county lines tactics. The practice sees dealers from cities often in England expand their operation by forcing children to act as drug mules, carrying packages of heroin or crack cocaine on buses and trains. They commonly coerce vulnerable youngsters using both the lure of gifts as well as the threat of violent reprisals if they leave. Now, a Mail probe can reveal more than 100 youngsters have been reported to the Scottish Childrens Reporter in the past five years over alleged involvement in drug supply. The youngest was just 13 years old. Police across the UK have carried out numerous operations to crack down on gangs Figures from the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service show a further 27 cases of children charged with drug supply offences in that period. It is not clear how many cases can be directly linked to county lines but charities believe the true scale of the problem will be far worse. Charity Action for Childrens national director for Scotland Fiona Steel said: This research reveals the shocking impact of criminal exploitation, including county lines, on children and young people in Scotland and across the UK. She added: Were concerned what we are seeing is a growing problem and official figures do not tell the full story. Police Scotland previously said intelligence indicated children primarily from care home backgrounds were used as drug mules in county lines dealing. The Mail asked the force for details on the number of children who were found to have been involved in county lines drug dealing. Young people have spoken of the tactics gangs used to force them into transporting drugs They said they had not collated this information and doing so would exceed the cost limits set out in freedom of information legislation. Ms Steel said: We need a clear legal definition and better coordinated reporting to track criminal exploitation across the UK. Linda Jardine, a director of charity Children First, said: Children are particularly vulnerable to being targeted by these deplorable criminal gangs because they are too young to understand what is happening and do not recognise they are being groomed and exploited until its too late. The charity said the rise of smartphones and social media means young people are more easily targeted by abusive individuals. Earlier this year Police Scotland arrested 16 people as part of a county lines crackdown. It safeguarded 22 vulnerable people. The force said it is working with the Scottish Prison Service and HM Revenue and Customs to find those responsible and bring them to justice. One exploited teenager shared his own harrowing experience of county lines dealers. Chris not his real name had a comfortable upbringing but after dabbling with cannabis his life spiraled when he was offered drugs to sell. He said: I got into debt over the drugs hundreds of pounds worth. They set you up to be robbed, so you lose the drugs theyve given you to sell. 'The only way to pay them back is to sell more drugs for them. After being referred to Action for Children, Chris was able to cut himself off from dealers. Hes back in education and working part-time. He said: Im the lucky one I got out in time. Anyone concerned that a child or young person is being exploited, can seek support from the Children First support line for further advice and help on 08000 28 22 33 free or at childrenfirst.org.uk Alex Salmond's legacy is being tarnished by a 'conspiracy of smears' according to friends and allies of the late SNP leader, as police confirm they received a new sexual assault complaint. A complaint about the former first minister regarding a 'non-recent' allegation is being 'assessed' by police officers. The details of the complaint emerged just days after the funeral of Mr Salmond at Strichen Parish Church, near his Aberdeenshire home. After details of the complaint were revealed yesterday, friends of the former leader of the Alba Party claimed he was the victim of 'conspiracy and smears' which were rejected in Scotland's highest court. Alba Party general secretary Chris McEleny said: 'Nicola Sturgeon's Government were humiliated after being found to have acted unlawfully against Alex Salmond and someone from her own Government leaked an unlawful document - subsequently reduced by Scotland's Supreme Court - intended to damage the character of Alex Salmond.' Alex Salmond (pictured) died suddenly in Macedonia during lunch at a conference on October 12 At the time of his death last month, Mr Salmond was in the middle of suing the Scottish Government for its handling of complaints against him Mr McEleny also urged an end to attacks and smears on Alex Salmond, adding 'allow him to rest in peace'. Police Scotland confirmed the existence of the recent allegation but no details are known about the identity of the complainant, where they worked or whether it relates to Mr Salmond's time as First Minister and SNP leader. Mr Salmond had faced 14 charges but was cleared at the High Court in Edinburgh in 2020. A Police Scotland spokesman said: 'We can confirm that we have received a report of a non-recent sexual assault. 'The information is being assessed.' Mr Salmond died last month after suffering a heart attack during a lunch event which was part of a political conference in North Macedonia. His funeral took place in Strichen, Aberdeenshire, last Tuesday, October 29. A judicial review at the Court of Session previously found that the Scottish Government's investigation into Mr Salmond had been unlawful and 'tainted by apparent bias'. A complaint about the former first minister regarding a 'non-recent' allegation is being 'assessed' by police officers Mr Salmond had faced 14 charges but was cleared at the High Court in Edinburgh in 2020 Some within the nationalist movement have claimed that there was a 'conspiracy' against Mr Salmond at the top of the SNP. In a 2021 book, former SNP deputy leader Jim Sillars said he had seen evidence which 'confirmed my belief that he had been the victim of a conspiracy'. During the Holyrood inquiry into the handling of complaints about Mr Salmond, WhatsApp messages were disclosed from Peter Murrell, then SNP chief executive and the husband of Ms Sturgeon, in January 2020 which said it was a 'good time to be pressurising' police and that the more fronts Mr Salmond 'is having to firefight on the better for all the complainers'. Extracts of the messages were leaked to Kenny MacAskill, now acting leader of the Alba Party, and fuelled claims that the party, government and prosecutors were colluding. But the inquiry dismissed the allegation that the messages showed a conspiracy against the former First Minister. The Scottish Government declined to comment on the new allegation against Mr Salmond. MailOnline contacted Police Scotland for comment. Anthony Albanese's plan to cut HECS debt by $14billion for university students if it wins the next election has been slammed by top economists. Mr Albanese said cutting the HECS debts of millions of university students will address the financial inequality experienced by younger Australians. But former Reserve Bank of Australia economist Ashley Craig said the plan would be a 'subsidy for those who are tertiary educated, paid for by those who are not'. Mr Craig, who is now a researcher at the Australian National University, told the Financial Review that making matters worse, it also divides university graduates by favouring the wealthier ones. He said graduates who never earn more than the proposed new $67,000 repayment threshold will get no benefit. 'The biggest benefit goes to high earners who would have otherwise paid it off fast. All that, and it does nothing to help with current cost of living.' The Prime Minister said in a speech in Adelaide on Sunday that the Labor government's plan 'is about putting money back into your pocket and putting intergenerational equity back into the system'. He added that it would be 'good for the cost of living, good for this generation and for generations to come'. Anthony Albanese's (pictured) plan to cut HECS debt by $14billion for university students if it wins the next election has been slammed by top economists But Chris Richardson, who is one of Australia's most respected economists, said taxpayers will pay for the higher debt cost if Labor wins the next election. 'Governments are increasingly shoving spending 'off budget' and hiding it, such as student loans, NBN and climate loans,' Mr Richardson said. 'Taxpayers still pay for it.' The federal Opposition is also vehemently against Mr Albanese's plan, saying it amounted to a cost of $1,600 for every Australian household. Sarah Henderson, the Coalition's education spokeswoman, said it discriminated against the millions of Aussies who did not have student loans. '(It) especially favours graduates who have racked up very large debts, many of whom will also be high income earners over their lifetimes,' she said. 'This is also grossly unfair to the millions of Australians who have, in good faith, worked hard to pay off their HELP debt with no discount.' Education Minister Jason Clare took a very different view, though, saying students now paid more than 40 per cent of the total cost of their degrees, compared to about 30 per cent of the cost in the early 2000s. 'For a lot of young people, they're straight out of uni, they're on a low income, they're paying the rent, paying the bills, trying to save for a mortgage, trying to start a family, and they already have to start paying off their HECS bill,' he said. 'It's just a simple fact that a lot of young people are doing it tough, doing it tougher than many other Australians.' Bruce Chapman, the architect of HECS for the then Labor government under Bob Hawke in 1989, had mixed views about Mr Albanese's proposal, saying 'the one-off debt forgiveness is more about politics than economics'. Mr Albanese said cutting the HECS debts of millions of university students will address the financial inequality experienced by younger Australians. Stock image Sarah Henderson (pictured), the Coalition's education spokeswoman, said the Labor's plan discriminated against the millions of Aussies who did not have student loans But he added that 'what the Government has done on repayment arrangements is really, really good and equitable'. 'The big outstanding problem is when the previous (Coalition) government changed the cost of degrees in 2020 they got all the prices wrong, which was the worst higher education policy in Australia ever,' Mr Chapman said. Mr Albanese said 'fixing this intergenerational unfairness ... will take time, but that's not an excuse to delay'. He said if Labor wins the election, which is due by next May, his HECS debt plan will be the first piece of legislation it brings in to parliament. Greens higher education spokeswoman Mehreen Faruqi said the debt reduction was a significant step forward, but needed to be done sooner. 'Instead of promising to wipe some student debt if they get re-elected, Labor should start wiping student debt now,' she said. 'Student debt relief shouldn't be dangled like a carrot on a stick and held hostage to the next election results.' Prince William's Duchy of Cornwall has been accused of acting like a 'rogue landlord' as furious tenants claim they are living in freezing homes riddled with mould. Scores of rented properties owned by the 1 billion business empire don't meet the minimum energy efficiency threshold that landlords are required to meet, according to an investigation. Some have no central heating causing the temperature to plummet during the winter months, while one is known to only have a wood burner and coal fire that heat just two rooms. The royal estate is owned by the heir to the throne and has more than 600 rental properties, with it raking in 23.6 million worth of profits in the last financial year. William, 42, is understood to pay income tax on the full amount, although annual accounts published in July did not specify how much he paid. Prince William's Duchy of Cornwall has been accused of acting like a 'rogue landlord' as furious tenants claim they are living in freezing homes riddled with mould Brown stains can be seen on the ceiling of one of the Duchy of Cornwall's properties in the Channel 4 Dispatches documentary The more than a year's probe by Channel 4 Dispatches with the Mirror newspaper found one in seven of the 500 Duchy residential rental properties identified have low Energy Performance Certificate ratings. Of those, 50 were rated F and 20 rated G, including six properties with the lowest EPC score of one point out of 100. Since April 2020, properties covered by the minimum energy efficiency standards regulations can not be let if the rating is below E - unless they have a valid exemption. Landlords do not have to pay more than 3,500 per property to make energy efficiency improvements. The Duchy's private estate was established in 1337 with many of the buildings more than a century old. In photos published by the Mirror, the corner of one room and the back of the wallpaper is covered in black mould. In another, brown stains can be seen on the ceiling. One tenant, speaking on the condition of anonymity, has mould appearing on soft furnishings and clothes, but claims the Duchy will not fully insulate the property because of the cost. 'But you don't want to say anything against your landlord for fear of eviction,' they told the Mirror. 'There could be consequences.' Another has been told their home is uninhabitable as others use blankets to fight off the bitter cold. One tenant claims they weren't allowed to have double glazing because 'Prince Charles doesn't like it'. 'Well he doesn't have to live here,' they snapped back. One property is known to only have a wood burner and coal fire that is used to heat just two rooms An investigation found one in seven of the 500 identified Duchy residential rental properties have low Energy Performance Certificate ratings A spokesman for the Duchy of Cornwall said William (pictured in September attending the Homelessness: Reframed exhibition in London) committed to an expansive transformation of the Duchy One told the Dispatches programme: 'It gets miserably cold in winter, I can only heat two rooms in my home. The Duchy does not understand.' Another said: 'The house is cold, and it is a struggle but there is nowhere else to live here When the wind blows the curtains start swinging. There's no heating upstairs at all.' Claire Williams, 53, lived in a former farmhouse in Essex where she says she struggled with cold and damp throughout her two decades living there. She was evicted last week over rent arrears dating back to 2005, which she disputes, but before then had allowed the Mirror inside the home in order to take photos. One snap showed black mould caked on the skirting board and bottom half a wall under peeling white paint. 'I've complained about it for 21 years,' she said. 'The repaint was done about a week before I moved in so you couldn't see it.' MailOnline understands a surveyor visited the property in May and found it had not been heated or ventilated properly. Jonathan Bean, of pressure group Fuel Poverty Action, said: 'It's a disgrace that a billion pound royal estate appears to be acting like a rogue landlord.' A Duchy of Cornwall spokesman told MailOnline: 'The Duchy of Cornwall is a private estate with a commercial imperative which we achieve alongside our commitment to restoring the natural environment and generating positive social impact for our communities.' In a short trailer released this week, Dispacthes said the Royal's wealth is 'shrouded in secrecy' 'Prince William became Duke of Cornwall in September 2022 and since then has committed to an expansive transformation of the Duchy. 'This includes a significant investment to make the estate net zero by the end of 2032, as well as establishing targeted mental health support for our tenants and working with local partners to help tackle homelessness in Cornwall.' Last year, William received about 6 million from the Duchy because he became the Duke of Cornwall half way through the financial year after the death of his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II. The Duchy had also asked to retain an extra proportion for the day-to-day running of the estate. Meanwhile, there were also revelations about King Charles making millions out of the cash-strapped NHS, according to a shocking investigation into secretive royal finances by Channel 4 and the Sunday Times. The Duchy of Lancaster, a property empire which provides a private income to the monarch, is charging one NHS trust at least 11.4 million in rent to store its ambulances over the next 15 years. Bombshell documents reveal the duchy is earning 830,000 a year from renting a two-storey warehouse to Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust in London. The Duchy of Cornwall also receives rent for Dartmoor Prison, with the Ministry of Justice paying 37.5million. Charities have paid millions to rent a 1960s office block in London. They include Macmillan Cancer Support and Marie Curie Cancer Care, where Charles is patron. The investigation also found private residential properties rented out by both duchies fail to meet minimum energy efficiency requirements The unprecedented audit of the Duchies of Lancaster and Cornwall, the Prince of Wales's private estate, shows taxpayers are shelling out millions every year to boost the wealth of the senior royals. As well as the NHS, the Ministry of Defence, local authorities and other public bodies are swelling the coffers of the Duchies, a Channel 4 Dispatches investigation broadcast last night found. Charities even those where the King is patron are also stumping up millions, the five-month investigation of more than 5,000 landholdings and properties shows. Duchy money is private income for Charles and William on top of the Sovereign Grant, which will pay the Royal Family 132 million next year, up 50 per cent on this year. The Duchies are run as commercial enterprises, but pay no capital gains tax nor corporation tax. Both Charles and William do pay income tax, but it is not clear how much. Dame Margaret Hodge, former chair of the Public Accounts Committee, led calls for greater transparency of royal finances and for the tax regime to be tightened up. The Duchy of Lancaster, which last year generated 27.4 million for the King, and the Duchy of Cornwall are not required to pay business taxes. Both estates claim they are not funded by the taxpayer, but the cache of documents obtained by Dispatches and the Sunday Times lay bare the huge income they receive from public services. As reported in the Daily Mail, the Duchy of Cornwall said it is 'a private estate with a commercial imperative... committed to restoring the natural environment', and said it was 'acting in a responsible and sustainable way' on mining. The Duchy of Lancaster said it 'operates as a commercial company' and 'complies with all relevant UK legislation'. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has faced yet another blow after voters described him as 'weak', 'useless' and 'incompetent' in a brutal new poll. The poll, published by JL Partners, surveyed more than 2,000 people between October 20 to 25 and found voters' opinion of the leader had fallen. Descriptions of Mr Albanese and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton had deteriorated for both leaders between the poll's May and October results. The most common words used to describe Mr Albanese in May were 'leader', closely followed by 'weak' and liar'. In the same poll, voters ascribed 'strong' followed by 'arrogant' then 'leader' and 'boring' for Mr Dutton. The word 'weak' became the most common word voters associated with Mr Albanese in the October poll, followed by 'leader', 'incompetent' and 'useless'. Meanwhile, the top five words voters used to describe Mr Dutton were 'strong', followed by 'arrogant', 'leader', 'untrustworthy', and 'bad'. The survey, which was jointly conducted by GXO Strategies, revealed the Coalition's primary vote was up by three points since May to 39 per cent. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has faced yet another blow after voters described him as 'weak', 'useless' and 'incompetent' in a brutal new poll In the same poll, voters ascribed 'strong' followed by 'arrogant' then 'leader' and 'boring' for Mr Dutton Labor's primary vote was up by one point since May to 32 per cent and is still 0.58 per cent below last election - which marked the ALP's lowest winning primary vote on record. The poll did not calculate a two-party preferred vote, however revealed 52 per cent of undecided voters would lean towards the coalition if pressed. Meanwhile, 46 per cent of undecided voters said they would favour Labor if pressed to choose between the two parties. The Coalition's primary vote increased almost entirely due to women, who switched in their support following Labour's failure to curb the cost of living. The cost-of-living crisis was named as one of the three greatest issues concerning Australians, the survey found. The issue was ranked as the biggest concern for 46 per cent of voters, with 75 per cent of respondents ranking it in the top three. Only 24 per cent of female voters believed the government was handling the cost-of-living issue well, compared to 31 per cent of male voters. The Coalition's primary vote among women jumped to 38 per cent in October, up from 32 per cent recorded in May's poll. Female support for the Labor party narrowly increased between May and October, rising by just one point to 31 per cent. The voting intentions of men remained relatively unchanged between May and October. Nate Silver has unveiled his latest prediction ahead of the presidential election - suggesting that the outcome will practically be a coin flip. The polling guru gave former President Donald Trump a 51.5 percent chance to win the electoral college, while Vice President Kamala Harris walked away with a 48.1 percent chance of victory. Silver, who left Five Thirty Eight in 2023 and took his forecasting model with him, made his latest prognostication on his Substack blog called the Silver Bulletin. He has Trump as the slight favorite, despite Harris being ahead in his aggregation of public polls by just under a percentage point. 'NYT swing state polls good for Harris but not great. Morning Consult swing state polls good for Trump but not great,' Silver wrote on X Sunday morning. 'Its a pure toss-up.' Nate Silver believes the race between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris is 'a pure toss-up' based on the final polls before Election Day Silver was first referring to the final poll done by The New York Times that showed Trump running behind Harris in four critical swing states: Georgia, Nevada, North Carolina and Wisconsin. That poll also showed Trump with a lead in Arizona, while the two were tied in Michigan and Pennsylvania. The Morning Consult poll results, as Silver mentioned, were slightly kinder to Trump. He led Harris by two points in Georgia and in North Carolina. Morning Consult also found that three states were in a dead heat: Arizona, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. Silver also said the bombshell poll from famed pollster Ann Selzer showing Harris beating Trump by three points in Iowa 'probably wont matter' in determining the electoral college winner. But Silver wasn't too quick to dismiss the results as totally meaningless, saying Harris supporters were right to have a strong reaction. 'I think Harris voters are reasonable in rejoicing over the Selzer survey,' Silver wrote. Nate Silver, pictured, said Trump's momentum 'petered out' in November, bringing the race back to a coinflip 'At the very least, it clinches the case that there will be plenty of numbers from high-quality pollsters in the final batch of polls that support a Harris victory - along with roughly as many that imply a Trump win,' he continued. 'If Trump had "momentum" in October, it has now petered out in November. And we will very likely go into Tuesday night with the race being truly a toss-up, not leaning or tilting toward Trump.' Selzer has built a reputation as 'Iowa's Polling Queen' and the 'best pollster in politics' over decades of conducting the Des Moines Register polls. The ex-president tore into the survey calling Selzer a 'Trump hater' and insisting that Iowa's farmers 'love' him. 'All polls, except for one heavily skewed toward the Democrats by a Trump hater who called it totally wrong the last time, have me up, BY A LOT,' he scathed on Truth Social. Selzer took the time to explain herself on cable television this weekend. Ann Selzer has built a reputation as 'Iowa's Polling Queen' and the 'best pollster in politics' over decades of conducting the Des Moines Register polls Your browser does not support iframes. 'We don't have as much data as we might like about why this is happening,' she told MSNBC's 'The Weekend.' 'But our consensus from the reporters who work this beat is that the abortion ban went into effect this past summer... I think it has gotten people interested in voting.' Iowa hasn't voted for a Democrat in the presidential election since Barack Obama in 2012 and was written off by the Harris campaign as an easy GOP win. Like the polls, the betting markets have also tightened in recent days, largely thanks to that favorable Iowa poll for Harris. As recently as Halloween, around 60 percent of bettors on platforms such as Kalshi, Polymarket and Predictit, were convinced that Trump was going to win. Trump's odds now are no better than 54 percent across all three websites. In fact, Harris is the 56 to 48 percent favorite on Predictit. The final DailyMail.com/J.L. Partners national poll before Election Day showed Trump overtaking Harris by three percentage points nationally. The poll of 1,000 likely voters, which has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.1 percent, shows that Trump is trending up, with the support of 49 percent to Harris' 46 percent. A new presidential poll has shocked the nation in the closing days of the 2024 election. Ann Selzer, a well-respected political pollster, released a survey on Saturday finding Vice President Kamala Harris had suddenly surged to a three percentage point-lead in Iowa. The surprising outlier survey made headlines across the country as the VP has been widely expected to lose the Hawkeye State by a lot. Iowa has been solidly red for years. The state backed Donald Trump in both 2016 and 2020 by almost ten percentage points. And Selzer's September poll showed Trump beating Harris by four points. Her survey in June (when President Biden was still in the race) had Trump leading by 18 points. A 21-point swing toward Harris, in a decidedly Republican state, would certainly be cause for concern for the Trump campaign - especially since the findings highlighted a glaring vulnerability for the former president his support among women. According to the Selzer poll, Harris leads Trump among women 56 to 36 percent. That rises to an astounding 63 to 28 percent among women over 65 years old. These findings were seen as evidence of a 'hidden Harris' voter in the 2024 electorate that have so far flown under the radar - and are now poised to upend the race, because the sentiments of Iowans are often shared by others in the region. Ann Selzer (above, right on MSNBC on November 3, 2024), a well-respected political pollster, released a survey on Saturday finding Vice President Kamala Harris had suddenly surged to a three percentage point-lead in Iowa . The surprising outlier survey made headlines across the country as the VP has been widely expected to lose the Hawkeye State by a lot. If this 'hidden Harris' voter exists in other Midwestern states (like Michigan, Wisconsin and even Pennsylvania) then Trump would have a big problem on his hands. Though, that's a big if. For one, everyone must be wary of reading too much into any single poll. While Ann Selzer has a strong track record of accuracy, no public opinion survey is infallible. Additionally, there is significant contrasting evidence to consider, including DailyMail.com's own findings. In the days running up to the Selzer poll drop, the J.L. Partners/DailyMail national poll for October showed a 3-point Trump advantage. In September, Harris held a one-point lead. Trump's swelling support appeared to come from voters abandoning independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr and undecided voters finally making their choice. (Only one in fifty voters now say they have not yet made up their minds.) Though, the Mail did detect another trend that may suggest Selzer is on to something. When we asked women how they felt about Trump, the plurality called him 'corrupt,' while Harris was seen as 'strong'. More specifically, the Mail's poll of undecided voters in Pennsylvania in October found one of their biggest hesitations in voting for Trump was 'what it would mean for women's rights.' With Republicans, like former Congresswomen Liz Cheney and Barbara Comstock, backing Harris and with voters remaining stubbornly loyal to ex-GOP candidate Nikki Haley long after she dropped out of the primary race it is plausible that right-leaning women could go to the vice president. Your browser does not support iframes. According to the Selzer poll, Harris leads Trump among women 56 to 36 percent. That rises to an astounding 63 to 28 percent among women over 65 years old. (Above) Woman voters in Orlando, Florida on October 17, 2024 And, indeed, since December 2023, Harris's advantage among women in the Mail's poll has grown steadily, from one percentage point late last year, to six-points in August 2024, to 14-points in late October. That is a significant gender gap - but it is balanced by Trump +22 lead among men. And, ultimately, that is why I don't see clear evidence that Harris can win solely on the backs of women. Of course, the Mail's poll was among voters nationally. Could it be that Selzer's 'hidden Harris' voter effect is only occurring in the Midwest? Again, there is reason to be skeptical. On the same day that the Selzer poll was released, another Iowa survey was published by an equally reliable operation, Emerson College Polling. This survey of 800 likely Iowa voters found 53 percent supported Trump and 43 percent backed Harris - and that the former president carried a majority among both genders. 'Both female and male voters in Iowa support Trump, women by a five-point margin, 51 percent to 46 percent, and men by a significant 17-point margin, 56 percent to 39 percent,' Spencer Kimball, executive director of Emerson College Polling, said. Selzer's finding and the Emerson's results cannot both be accurate. Perhaps an explanation for the discrepancy is found in how Selzer conducted her survey. Typically, after pollsters collect their results they 'weight' the numbers to ensure their findings are representative of the overall electorate. For instance, if only five percent of the poll respondents were young voters a pollster may inflate their influence to more accurately reflect the real percentage of young voters in the voting population. Your browser does not support iframes. Selzer 'weights' for age, gender and voting district, but not for party registration. That's not totally unusual - and it has delivered accurate results in the past. But in a state which has seen a surge in Republican registration in recent years, like Iowa, questions must be raised about the poll's results. Selzer hasn't publish data on the party registrations of the respondents, so it's impossible to know how much that factor may or may not have biased the sample. Finally, there is one last reason to query Selzer's poll as hard evidence of a 'hidden' female Harris voter - and that's the fact that Iowa (which is 85 percent white) is demographically different from Pennsylvania (75 percent white) and Michigan (74 percent white). Harris's challenge in winning across the Midwest is complicated by what has happened with non-white voters since 2020. A growing percentage of them have moved away from the liberal party. In a focus group that I conducted in Detroit last week, I was stunned by the number of black and Asian voters who told me they were backing Trump. Though Harris still leads decisively among these groups, Trump has made historic inroads with black, Asian and Hispanic voters. Taking all these factors together, I believe that Donald Trump goes into Tuesday with a marginal advantage over Kamala Harris. But anyone who claims to know who is going to win this race is lying to you. Kamala Harris refused to answer when asked how she would vote on a measure to impose harsher sentences on criminals in California. The vice president was taking questions from reporters in Michigan on Sunday when she discussed if she had cast her own ballot in the final hours of the race. The Democratic nominee confirmed she'd be voting by mail and hoped it would get to her home state in time. She was then grilled on how she voted on Proposition 36, a ballot measure that could be tough on crime. Harris is frantically campaigning across the swing states with less than 48 hours until what could be one of the closest presidential elections in history. She received a boost in the polls over the weekend, with a New York Times poll showing her trailing in only two of the seven swing states and a stunning Des Moines Register surveys showing her ahead of Trump in the deep red state of Iowa. Kamala Harris refused to answer when asked how she would vote on a measure to impose harsher sentences on criminals in California 'So I have my ballot, its on its way to California, and Im going to trust the system that it will arrive there, and I am not going to talk about the vote on that, because, honestly, its the Sunday before the election, and I dont intend to create an endorsement one way or another around it,' she said. Prop 36 would strengthen penalties for certain drug and theft crimes and reverse progressive criminal justice reforms under Proposition 47. It would upgrade crimes involving repeat shoplifting and fentanyl from misdemeanors to felonies and would crackdown on repeat offenders. The measure is unpopular among progressive Democrats and California Governor Gavin Newsom, it is overwhelmingly popular among Californians. Harris' record on crime and her record as a prosecutor in San Francisco has been a frequent attack line used by Republicans during the campaign. Trump and his allies have zeroed in on light sentences and criminals who have gone on to reoffend following their release from prison. The vice president was taking questions from reporters in Michigan on Sunday when she discussed if she had cast her own ballot in the final hours of the race Harris is frantically campaigning across the swing states with less than 48 hours until what could be one of the closest presidential elections in history The GOP have also linked the vice president to migrants who have committed violent offences after crossing the border. Harris at the same time has used her time as California's top law enforcement officer to prove she has the credentials to be President of the United States. In October she was again evasive when asked about Prop 36. 'Ive not voted yet and Ive actually not read it yet,' Harris told reporters ahead of a flight from Detroit to New Jersey, in response to a question about Proposition 36. 'But Ill let you know.' Harris also avoided taking a stance on Proposition 47 when it was on the ballot in California in 2024. The measure reduced the number of people serving prison sentences for nonviolent drug offences and sent millions to treatment and rehabilitation programs. It also called for anyone stealing goods valued at less than $950 to be charged with a misdemeanor. As a result, retail stores were left relatively helpless when stealing from their stores. Walmart and In-N-Out Burger are among the companies financing the campaign behind Proposition 36. Kemi Badenoch vowed to tell hard truths to her party and the country last night and shake-up Britains economy so it would be fit for the future. In her first day after being crowned Tory leader, Mrs Badenoch said her approach to the economy would be completely the opposite of Rachel Reeves. On Monday the new Opposition Leader will appoint her shadow cabinet team after saying yesterday she wanted to show that unity is back in the Conservative Party. Last night she appointed Rebecca Harris as the partys chief whip with a slew of other appointments expected to be made today. In her first interview since winning the vote of Tory members, she said yesterday she was very optimistic about what the party can pitch to voters. New Tory leader Kemi Badenoch vowed to tell 'hard truths' and shake up the nation's economy so it is 'fit for the future' Ms Badenoch gives a speech after becoming the new leader of the Conservative party after beating Robert Jenrick Ms Badenoch was declared the winner of the long-running battle to succeed Rishi Sunak yesterday, seeing off a challenge from former immigration minister Robert Jenrick On the economy, she said she was going to be thinking about it in a different way which amounted to completely the opposite of what Rachel Reeves is doing. She said that one of her principles will be that it is not the government that creates growth, its the business that creates growth. Its business that creates those real jobs, she added, saying the party will look at how we make life easier for business so that they can help grow the economy, so that people can invest, so that people can take those risks that help us to be more productive. If we start from the assumption that we can just tax and borrow our way through, we will keep getting poorer and that is what has been happening and we were a part of that. Speaking on the BBCs Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, she said among the hard truths she would tell the party and the country is that we are getting poorer, we are getting older. She added: We are being out-competed by many other competitor countries and we need to look at how we can re-organise our economy to be fit for the future, not just trying to do what we always used to, and I think there is an exciting challenge there. Im very optimistic about what we can do. But simply, just saying things and making promises to the whole country, without knowing how youre going to deliver them, as we did on Brexit, as we did on Net Zero, I dont think is building trust. Mrs Badenoch became the first black female leader of a UK political party on Saturday after earning just over 56 per cent of the 95,000 votes from party members. But she downplayed the importance of the milestone yesterday, instead suggesting the best thing will be when we get to a point where the colour of your skin is no more remarkable than the colour of your eyes, or the colour of your hair. She added it was great to live in a multiracial country but added we have to work very hard to make sure that it doesnt become something divisive where people see themselves as being part of groups, rather than all being British. Her combative style raised eyebrows as she went on to suggest that Ms Reeves only smashed a very low glass ceiling when she became Britains first female Chancellor. She said: I find it astonishing that Rachel Reeves keeps talking about how shes the first female chancellor, which in my view is a very low glass ceiling within the Labour Party, which she may have smashed. Nowhere near as significant as what other women in this country have achieved. Mrs Badenoch sparked further controversy by claiming the outrage over parties held in Downing Street during the Covid lockdown was overblown. The Bank of England. Ms Badenoch said her approach to the economy would be 'completely the opposite' of Rachel Reeves' policies The newly elected leader of the opposition said that promises had been made in the past without knowledge of how they would be delivered, such as Brexit (file photo) Ms Badenoch said she would take the 'opposite' approach on the economy to the Chancellor Rachel Reeves She said she would get back to telling the truth by talking about the genuine trade-offs that we need to have as a country in order to move forward. But she declined to be drawn into a post-mortem about the partys last few years in office - she served as a minister for each of the four last Tory Prime Ministers - but admitted the tax burden under the last government was too high. She also committed to reversing Labours decision to impose VAT on private schools if she came to power, describing it as a tax on aspiration that would not raise money. Since being elected in 2017, she has become a darling of the Tory right, including a failed leadership bid in 2022. Mrs Badenoch served as Business Secretary - and held the Women and Equalities brief - under Rishi Sunak. Prior to that, she held several junior ministerial roles. She said she was embracing the exciting challenge opposing Sir Keir Starmers faltering government, and said she would hold the Governments feet to the fire despite Labours landslide majority. She said:We have very few MPs. Were not going to be able to oppose anything in terms of getting legislation through. What we can do is make the argument about why we think what theyre doing is wrong, and I am making that argument that raising taxes in this way, whether its employer national insurance or elsewhere is not going to grow our economy and will leave all of us poorer. Mrs Badenoch, who quit as a junior minister in Boris Johnsons government, criticised Covid restrictions as she suggested Partygate was overblown. A lot of the stuff that happened around Partygate was not why I resigned. I thought that it was overblown. We should not have created fixed penalty notices, for example. That was us not going with our principles. We should not have criminalised everyday activities the way that we did. People going out for walks, all of them having fixed penalty notices, that was what ended up creating a trap for Boris Johnson. But Labour Party chair Ellie Reeves said: Listening to Kemi Badenoch dismiss Partygate as overblown will add insult to injury for families across Britain who followed the rules, missing loved ones deaths and family funerals, whilst her colleagues partied in Downing Street. Mrs Badenoch is expected to appoint her full Shadow Cabinet tomorrow, ahead of a meeting of the team on Tuesday. Those tipped for top jobs include Claire Coutinho, Andrew Griffith, Alex Burghart and Julia Lopez. The party leader is hoping to show the public a united front in opposition after years of infighting in government. Several of Rishi Sunaks team had already declared they would be taking a step back from frontline politics, including his shadow chancellor Jeremy Hunt. Ms Badenoch said that trust had been lost by pushing through policies without knowing how they would be delivered, including Net Zero (file photo) James Cleverly - who just lost out to Ms Badenoch and Robert Jenrick with MPs in the leadership contest - claimed he was liberated by his campaign and did not want to be boxed back into a narrow band. Former Deputy PM Oliver Dowden announced his own departure from the Tory senior team in his final clash with counterpart Angela Rayner last month. Mrs Badenoch said reforming the Conservative Party would help dismiss the growing electoral threat of Nigel Farage. Nigel Farage and the success of Reform are a symptom of the Conservative party in my view, not being clear enough and consistent enough about values and about how we were using those Conservative values to deliver to the British people, she said. If we get this right, then I think people will start to see that Reform is nothing but a spoiler for the Conservatives and just creates more and more Labour government. Volunteers staged a mass walkout after an RSPB manager of a nesting island was sacked over unfounded allegations he mistreated a Syrian refugee colleague. Dr Paul Morrison, 72, had worked on Coquet Island, off Northumberland, for 38 years but was suspended following claims he treated Dr Ibrahim Alfarwi like a modern-day slave. Dr Morrison's dismissal prompted a furious backlash from colleagues who said Dr Morrison who was also accused of ignoring safety protocols after a bird flu outbreak had been a 'truly devoted' worker who treated his team 'like family'. Dr Morrison, who denied the claims, was reportedly paid a sum of damages following a lengthy legal battle with the charity. It led one volunteer to accuse the RSPB of pushing their 'diversity agenda' by replacing a 'privileged old English white man', it was reported. Dr Paul Morrison, 72, (pictured) worked on Coquet Island, off Northumberland, for 38 years Dr Ibrahim Alfarwi (pictured) made complaints against Dr Morrison Lord Ridley, a Tory peer who regularly visits the nesting island which is home to 40,000 breeding seabirds including puffins and terns said he was 'shocked' by the treatment of Dr Morrison. Lord Ridley said: 'For us Northumbrians, the thriving bird colony on Coquet Island is a very special place: roseate terns breed nowhere else in Britain and Paul Morrison had found ways to increase their numbers fivefold, a remarkable achievement. 'When I was a trustee of the island's owners, I was able to visit the island annually and I am shocked by the way Paul has been treated.' Dr Morrison, a life member of the RSPB for 40 years, claimed he faced a barrage of allegations of 'unacceptable behaviours' and 'when one allegation was disproved, along came the next one'. In September 2022, he was called to a meeting with bosses and told he had been working illegal hours, and had not made proper arrangements for Dr Alfarwi to have time off and leave the island for two months. At the time, the island faced an outbreak of avian flu that had already killed 5,000 birds and left volunteers close to breaking point from the heavy workload. The weather was also making routine journeys to the mainland more complicated than usual. The RSPB allegedly said Dr Morrison was 'controlling, coercive and manipulative'. An aerial view of Coquet Island, Northumberland where the RSPB have a sanctuary He was also reportedly falsely accused of drinking while operating heavy machinery. Long-term volunteer Hilary Brooker-Carey, who worked on Coquet Island for more than 30 years but left after Dr Morrison's departure, said she found the accusations 'hard to believe' and said they were 'obviously untrue'. Video footage emerged of Dr Alfarwi chasing and stepping on the tail of a skua with suspected avian flu The charity had launched an investigation into working practices on the island in September 2022 and Dr Morrison said he would have no problem making any changes requested. But he was suspended for failing to assist Dr Alfarwi to leave the island at a specified time. The following January, the RSPB launched a second disciplinary process against Dr Morrison, and said he had not followed correct bird flu procedures. Dr Morrison said this was before bird flu had been confirmed on the island and he had followed guidelines. He was sacked in March 2023, and other volunteers quit in support. After Dr Morrison left his role, video footage emerged of Dr Alfarwi chasing and stepping on the tail of a skua with suspected avian flu. He allegedly wrung its neck and bashed its skull against a rock. Ibrahim Alfarwi claimed he was instructed by Dr Morrison, who was still in charge at the time, to 'end its suffering'. The RSPB cleared Dr Alfarwi of any wrongdoing Dr Alfarwi allegedly wrung its neck and bashed its skull against a rock. The RSPB cleared him of any wrongdoing Dr Alfarwi was not wearing PPE during the incident in August 2022, when avian flu was on the island. He claimed he was instructed by Dr Morrison, who was still in charge at the time, to 'end its suffering'. The RSPB cleared him of wrongdoing. Dr Morrison said he did not instruct Dr Alfarwi to kill the bird and said it was 'grossly irresponsible of him not [to] use the PPE which was available to him'. An RSPB spokesman said: 'It is correct that this individual no longer works for us. 'The RSPB takes pride in being an organisation committed to ensuring that all employees and volunteers are treated fairly and reasonably. 'We will not be making further comment on issues relating to previous members of staff.' Sir Keir Starmer has refused to remove the party whip from a Labour MP who shared a social media post accusing Kemi Badenoch of representing white supremacy in blackface. Dawn Butler, the Brent East MP, retweeted the comments shortly before the new Tory leader was elected. She has since removed the post - originally written by Nels Abbey, a Nigerian journalist - which offered tips for surviving the immediate surge of Badenochism (i.e. white supremacy in blackface). It contained Seven Rules for Surviving A Kemi Badenoch Victory, and described Mrs Badenochs win as a victory for racism. The Prime Minister was urged to suspend Ms Butler, but last night the party confirmed that she still had the whip. Labour MP Dawn Butler retweeted the comments shortly before the new Tory leader was elected Leader of the Conservative Party Kemi Badenoch arrives at CCHQ after being elected as Party Leader Ms Badenoch won the Tory leadership contest on Saturday Downing Street sources pointed to Sir Keir Starmers message to Mrs Badenoch, who on Saturday became the first black woman to lead a major European political party Former chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng led calls for her suspension, saying the comments were really hateful. On a personal level Ive always got on with her, but her race-baiting is completely crazy, he told The Camilla Tominey Show on GB News. And you can imagine that if Kemi had lost, shed have said exactly the same thing. Shed have said of course Kemi lost, because the Tories are racist and Britain is racist... In their logic, they put everything through the prism of race-baiting and divisiveness. I genuinely think that given what she said, she should have the whip removed from her. There should be some discipline and some disciplinary measure against this kind of really hateful divisiveness. Mr Kwarteng referenced comments by Labour MP Rupa Huq who was suspended from the party in 2022 after claiming he was superficially black. He said: I think this in a way what Dawn has said is worse, because shes accusing Kemi, unbelievably, of being a front for white supremacy. Everything that happens, they try to put it through the same channel, regardless of the circumstances. Fellow former Tory chancellor Nadhim Zahawi shared social media posts calling Ms Butlers comments vicious. And Tory MP Ben Obese-Jecty tweeted: It never takes much for Labours mask to slip. Dawn Butler is not alone on the Government benches in holding this view of Kemi. This will be a test to see whether Keir Starmer removes the whip, or effectively condones Butlers abhorrent approval of this smear? Downing Street sources pointed out that Ms Butler had undone the retweet. They pointed to Sir Keir Starmers message to Mrs Badenoch, who on Saturday became the first black woman to lead a major European political party. The Prime Minister wrote that her election was a proud moment for Britain. Palace officials must avoid virtue signalling to anti-monarchists by giving honours recipients the chance to drop the word empire, senior Tories said last night. Royal officials are considering offering those recognised with an OBE - Order of the British Empire - the option to receive an Order of British Excellence instead. Another option, the Order of Elizabeth, has also been proposed - but any changes would need to be signed off by No 10. In the past, several recipients, including Benjamin Zephaniah, have turned down the honour because of the word empire. The changes being discussed would ensure colonial-era titles would be retained for those who wanted to accept them. King Charles and Queen Camilla on a visit to Samoa. A new biography of the King revealed plans to drop the word 'empire' from British honours Ian Wright, from London, broadcaster and author, is made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire by the Prince of Wales at Buckingham Palace, London In the past, several recipients, including Benjamin Zephaniah, have turned down the honour because of the word empire Actor Alan Cumming is among stars who have returned honours. He handed back his OBE last year after saying he had 'misgivings about being associated with the toxicity of empire' Australians waving union flags with King Charles as they wait to greet the monarch and Queen Camilla in Sydney on October 20 Members of the public greet the King outside Parliament House in Canberra The move comes amid increasing calls to review the legacy of the British Empire, with Caribbean countries calling for the UK to pay hundreds of billions of pounds in reparations for the slave trade. Former Tory leader Iain Duncan Smith said last night: It would be a mistake. Everyone knows what they are for and respects the recipient. They are for a wide range of contributions with a link to historic endeavours. Those who attempt to sit in judgement of the past, as Churchill pointed out, will lose the future. I would say to the Palace officials thinking of this, stop trying to virtue signal to those who anyway dislike the monarchy, leave well alone. Ex-Cabinet Minister Jacob Rees-Mogg said: Some honours - for example, the Star of India or the Order of St Patrick, the Irish equivalent of the Garter, are no longer awarded and in that way the honours system evolves. A Royal Elizabethan order modelled on the Royal Victorian order is an attractive idea but bowdlerising the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire is not. Any alteration to the honours system would be down to Sir Keir Starmer's government The OBE Medal - The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire is an order of chivalry, the OBE signifies an Officer of the Order When asked about the honours proposal, a No 10 source said: We would not discuss any conversations with the Palace under any circumstances. Shadow Culture Secretary Julia Lopez said she expected the Tory leader - who did not comment on the issue last night - to be deeply sceptical of any such move. She told Sky News: My gut feeling is that she would be deeply sceptical towards that. Because theres an implication that the empire is something that is a source of shame. And I dont think that shes ever thought that it is. Reform to the honours system was first suggested by a Commons select committee in 2004. It recommended phasing out the Order of the British Empire as its title was now considered to be unacceptable, being thought to embody values that are no longer shared by many of the countrys population. It also suggested switching Empire for Excellence and changing the rank of Commander (CBE) to Companion as the former was said to have a militaristic ring. The suggestions were rejected by Tony Blairs Labour government. A school has apologised to the family of a 12-year-old girl who took her own life after backlash over the removal of her memorial and criticism of the principal's handling of the situation. Year 7 student Charlotte O'Brien died in September after experiencing relentless bullying while attending the Catholic school, Santa Sabina, in the inner-west Sydney suburb of Strathfield. Following her death, Charlotte's family created a memorial near the school, only for it to be removed days later, leaving her loved ones devastated. Last week, principal Paulina Skerman initially defended the decision to remove the memorial, citing advice from mental health experts at Headspace. 'On the advice of mental health experts including Headspace, who are working with the College, we removed the memorial because of the concerns that were raised about the impact this could have on other young people,' Principal Kerman said. But 2GB Sydney breakfast host Ben Fordham contacted Headspace, who challenged the principal's version of events. 'Headspace did not recommend Santa Sabina or Paulina Skerman remove the memorial dedicated to Charlotte. To say that they did is a straight-out lie,' Fordham told his listeners. He added: 'It never ever happened. Headspace did not advise Paulina Skerman or anyone at Santa Sabina to take it down.' The year 7 student tragically died by suicide in September Following the 12-year-old's tragic death, Charlotte's heartbroken family set up a memorial on a tree near the school with a small plaque, a picture and flowers (pictured: Charlotte's grandfather, Bill, pictured at the memorial site) But the shrine was mysteriously removed only a few days later, leaving her bereaved family devastated (pictured) Following Fordham's revelations last week, the school issued an apology on Monday morning. 'We are devastated for Charlotte's family and friends, and we acknowledge that some of the college's initial statements to the media were inadequate and hurtful. 'We apologise to Charlotte's family for this. It was never our intention to add to their pain. 'We acknowledge that, at times, our efforts have fallen short, and we are sincerely sorry. 'The choice to remove the public memorial was a difficult one, balancing the desire to honor Charlotte's memory with our responsibility to prevent further distress to students. 'Ms Skerman was grateful to visit Charlotte's parents, Kelly and Matt, to apologise to them personally. 'We are committed to working together to create a permanent memorial to remember Charlotte. She will not be forgotten.' Charlotte's family have been critical of the school following her death. They claim it could have done more to stop the bullying Charlotte experienced before she took her own life, with the issue being raised multiple times before her death. Paulina Skerman (pictured), principal at Santa Sabina, has personally apologised to the family of Charlotte O'Brien It follows 2GB host Ben Fordham exposing that the school's reasoning for removing the memorial was a 'straight up lie' 'She wrote a goodbye note specifically mentioning the bullying she received at the school,' Charlotte's mother said. 'She said life was too difficult for her to continue. 'When the most recent case of bullying was raised, the school simply said it was investigated and the girls denied it. That's it. Case closed. Move on. 'Well my beautiful daughter's life won't move on and I'll never get to say goodbye. 'These issues cannot be swept under the carpet. I will not let my daughter's memory be swept under the carpet either. 'How many more children need to lose their lives before they get it? How many parents need to feel the pain of never being able to pick up their child from school again before they get it? 'We're broken forever.' They also criticised the school's response after Charlotte's death, with Matt stating that it took weeks to arrange a meeting with Principal Skerman. When the meeting finally took place, they claim they were dismissed. 'That glimmer of hope that anything positive to come from that meeting was squashed the moment we arrived,' he said. 'We had to navigate ourselves across the school grounds, surrounded by other girls in their school uniform, knowing that we will never see our daughter again. That was incredibly hard for us. A memorial for Charlotte (pictured) outside the school was removed on Monday, further fuelling her parents' grief 'We arrived there and met with the principal. When I shared the feedback, she wasn't interested in receiving that. The feedback was interrupted. It was discounted. It was disagreed with. 'I sat across the room from a lady (the principal) that showed myself and the rest of the family no emotion or empathy at all.' When asked if the principal made any sort of apology for the death of their daughter, Matt said 'there was no accountability at all'. 'The questions we wanted answered were simply not answered at all. We were left to show ourselves out of the school ground,' he said. Santa Sabina College previously defended its handling of bullying, saying their anti-bullying policy was available on their website. 'In the past week, I have been overwhelmed by the number of emails and messages from our families that talk about their children feeling safe and cared for at Santa Sabina College,' Principal Skerman said. She said parents 'objected to the portrayal of our College as failing to deal with matters that cause distress among our students'. Help is available at LIFELINE AUSTRALIA 13 11 14 BEYOND BLUE 1300 22 46 36 A missing British tourist who is on holiday in Tenerife has not been heard from in three days. Kris Finney, 31 from Ramsbottom in Greater Manchester, travelled to the holiday island on Thursday morning to meet up with friends. Relatives have said that Mr Finney called his mother that afternoon to confirm he had arrived but that his phone was running out of battery. However, he failed to meet up with his friends in Tenerife and his family and friends have not heard from him in three days. They claim his phone is switched off and messages won't deliver. Kris Finney (pictured), 31 from Ramsbottom in Greater Manchester, travelled to the holiday island on Thursday morning to meet up with friends Mr Finney was last seen in the Playa de las Americas resort area of the island (pictured) It is understood that he was set to be saying at Casa Natalia, Armenime in the south of the island. He was last seen in the Playa de las Americas resort area of the island, near to the McDonald's restaurant. Speaking to the Manchester Evening News, Mr Finney's aunt Debbie said: 'He was going for a week away and meeting up with his friend. He flew out on Thursday morning last week. He arrived on Thursday afternoon. His mum got a text at 4pm from him, and that was the last we heard from him. According to some of his friends, they were speaking to him around 9pm that night. 'Since then, nobody has heard anything from him. He was supposed to meet up with his friend who is staying in a different hotel and never showed.' Debbie said that the family had since been in touch with the police in Tenerife and the Foreign Office. Photos of Mr Finney have been shared on the Missing Persons Tenerife group on Facebook, with over 10,000 members. Mr Finney is described as a white man, around 5ft 7ins tall, with short dark coloured hair. Today, millions of people will be assembling their favourite fillings between two slices of bread today in celebration of National Sandwich Day. Surely there's are few snacks that capture the world's heart like the sandwich, which was allegedly devised by John Montagu, the 4th Earl of Sandwich, in 1762. Famously, he was playing cards and did not want to leave the gaming table to eat, so he asked for a serving of beef placed between two slices of bread that he could eat with his hands. More than 250 years later, fierce debate still rages about the best fillings, the art of construction, and even how to eat it. Now, to settle the debate once and for all, food scientists have revealed the formula for the perfect sandwich. According to the academics, the perfect sandwich has a symmetrical arrangement with the wetter elements placed in the centre. These wetter elements tend to be the salad ingredients that give an essential crunch so tomato, lettuce, or perhaps some gherkin or pickled onion. 'Wet fillings, like slices of tomato, need to be sandwiched in middle and insulated from making the bread soggy,' said Charles Spence, professor of experimental psychology at the University of Oxford. According to scientists, the perfect sandwich has a symmetrical arrangement of fillings and between a robust bread spread with room temperature butter During construction, rather than building your sandwich from the bottom up, you should place both pieces of bread side by side and add each filling sequentially. 'The trick is to place both pieces of bread side by side, then spread, place primary fillers on each slice, and finally add salad in the middle and place them together,' said Alan Mackie, professor of food and nutrition at the University of Leeds. When choosing your bread, you need to opt for a loaf that won't get squashed or soggy easily, such as sourdough, wholegrain or brown. Professor Spence says: 'The fundamental purpose of the Earl of Sandwichs invention is to keep ones hands clean, so that might rule out greasy breads such as focaccia.' The two slices need to be not so thin that they risk falling apart, but not too thick that they're too difficult to eat about 0.7-inch (2cm) is the sweet spot. Next, some kind of fatty emulsion essential element should be spread right to the edges of the bread. This not only adds an unctuous fatty flavour but creates a seal that repels any moisture another trick to help prevent the bread from getting soggy. Professor Spence says butter should be the spread of choice over margarine which is an ultra-processed food, while another alternative, mayo, is 'simply disgusting'. You need to choose a robust bread that won't get squashed or soggy easily. While the choice of fillings is a personal one, scientists think it's important to consider how exactly they are arranged The butter should be at room temperature (20C/68F) so that it's soft enough for spreading, otherwise it could tear holes in your bread. Your chosen meat and cheese, which also contain a good deal of fat, further prevent any unwelcome moisture from getting anywhere the loaf. Professor Mackie thinks it's worth folding your meat if you can rather than lying it flat, which creates more of a barrier. But an additional precaution to 'prevent the sog' is to ensure you pat dry your lettuce, gherkin or onion with kitchen towel or use a salad spinner. Meanwhile, tomato is a risky addition because it has so much water in it, which can also dilute the overall flavour of the sandwich so you might want to heat it in an oven or a food dehydrator. If this sounds like too much hassle, Professor Spence stresses that the salad is an essential element to deliver the 'sonic crunch' when bitten into, with greater noise linked to enhanced satisfaction. 'Given that we all love crunchy, crispy, crackly foods, you should ensure some of the fillings appeal to the ear and help signal freshness,' he said. 'That is where gherkins come in, or a slice of fresh onion, although others cheat and add in some crisps in the middle of sandwich just before they eat it.' Surely there's are few snacks that capture the nation's heart like the sandwich, which was allegedly devised by John Montagu, the 4th Earl of Sandwich, in 1762 Also, getting as wide a range of colours into a burger can 'make what we eat look more attractive', from the green of the lettuce to the red of the tomato. 'The more vibrant the colours the better,' Professor Spence told MailOnline. 'Just think how dull a tuna mayo filling looks inside a white sliced bread sandwich.' Eaters must also ensure that their fillings are always visible sticking out of sandwich to make it more eye-catching. Finally, Professor Spence, who has written extensively about how people perceive food, warns that 'adding more layers isnt always better'. 'Never forget the narrow size of the aperture in which the sandwich should go the mouth,' he told MailOnline. 'Make sure the whole hangs together so that the filling doesnt fall out of your sandwich from plate to mouth.' From highland cows to red deer, Britain is home to some of the most incredible animals around the world. But experts have warned of an influx of a rather unexpected creature to British shores the Portuguese Man O'War. In its latest report, the Marine Conservation Society has revealed that 280 of the deadly creatures have been spotted on UK shores this year. That's a 16 per cent increase on the number of sightings last year. Often mistaken for jellyfish, the Portuguese Man O'War is actually a siphonophore - a colony of tiny zooids all working together as if one animal. While they're undeniably stunning to look at, experts have urged beachgoers to steer clear. 'The tentacles contain stinging nematocysts, microscopic capsules loaded with coiled, barbed tubes that deliver venom capable of paralyzing and killing small fish and crustaceans,' the National Ocean Service explained. 'While the man o' war's sting is rarely deadly to people, it packs a painful punch and causes welts on exposed skin.' From highland cows to red deer, Britain is home to some of the most incredible animals around the world. But experts have warned of an influx of a rather unexpected creature to British shores the Portuguese Man O'War In its latest report, the Marine Conservation Society has revealed that 280 of the deadly creatures have been spotted on UK shores this year This year's report covering 1st October 2023 to 30th September 2024 shows that a total of 1,432 jellyfish were spotted in the UK this year This year's report covering 1st October 2023 to 30th September 2024 shows that a total of 1,432 jellyfish were spotted in the UK this year. Moon jellyfish topped the list, with 286 spotted, followed by Compass jellyfish (280 spotted), and Portuguese Man O'Wars (280 spotted). Calum Duncan, Head of Policy and Advocacy at the Marine Conservation Society, said: 'The rise in Portuguese man o' war sightings in October may be attributed to strong westerly winds bringing them to our shores. 'Historically, these creatures have not been prevalent in UK and Irish waters, so their increase could be related to shifts in our climate or alterations in the marine ecosystem.' The Portuguese Man O'War is also known as the 'Bluebottle', and is typically found in warm, tropical and subtropical waters. However, it can sometimes be blown into UK seas on westerly winds and washed ashore on the west coast of the UK. This is usually the Isles of Scilly and Cornwall, but they are increasingly being sighted in West and North Wales, and even as far north as Cumbria. While the main body usually measures just 11 inches (30cm) long, the tentacles can stretch out as far as 65ft (20 metres). The Portuguese Man O'War is also known as the 'Bluebottle', and is typically found in warm, tropical and subtropical waters The strange creature has a large purple body, with the crest tipped with pink and long blue-purple tentacles While the main body usually measures just 11 inches (30cm) long, the tentacles can stretch out as far as 65ft (20 metres) And it's these tentacles that can land you in hot water. 'They are fearsome predators, catching small fish and crustaceans with their long stinging tentacles,' the Dorset Wildlife Trust has previously explained. 'It's these tentacles that you need to watch out for too - they can sting long after the animal has died.' The strange creature has a large purple body, with the crest tipped with pink and long blue-purple tentacles. They quickly lose their colour after stranding, and can appear translucent with just a tinge of purple. The experts believe the increase in sightings could be related to climate change, with the jellyfish and Portuguese Man O'Wars attracted to the warmer waters. 'Jellyfish populations are highly variable year on year, and depend on several environmental factors that are different each year, such as sea temperatures and storms,' said Dr Peter Richardson, Head of Ocean Recovery at the Marine Conservation Society. Idaho's state capital is increasingly considered a booming trendy hotspot in the US, but it doesn't usually rank among the world's top travel destinations. Now, National Geographic has selected Boise as one of the planet's 25 must-see bucket list locations for 2025. The mountain home to 236,000 people is scored alongside much more exotic locales from South Africa's Kwazulu-Natal safari area to the 200 Cenobitic monasteries scattered across Italy. Nathan Lump, the magazine's editor-in-chief, said the selection reflects a yearning among travelers to get off the beaten path and visit more quirky and unusual destinations. 'There's still so much to be excited about,' says Lump. Idaho's state capital, Boise, can look majestic, with its mountain backdrop, but seldom makes it on travel bucket lists Boise has one of the world's largest populations of Basque people outside of Spain, bringing character to the Basque block downtown NAT GEO'S TOP 25 Haida Gwaii, British Columbia Boise, Idaho Ocala National Forest, Florida Los Angeles, California Barbados Cerrado, Brazil Antigua, Guatemala Guadalajara, Mexico Cork, Ireland Stockholm Archipelago, Sweden Outer Hebrides, Scotland Greenland Brasov, Romania Cenobitic Monasteries, Italy Abu Dhabi, UAE Tunisia Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa Senegal Suru Valley, India Raja Ampat, Indonesia Bangkok, Thailand Kanazawa, Japan The Eastern and Oriental Express, Malaysia Northland, New Zealand Murray River, Australia Advertisement He urged travelers to 'get out and explore for yourself the incredible diversity of places and experiences around the world.' Boise can look majestic, set against its backdrop of the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. But it seldom even makes it on to travel itineraries for those touring just the Pacific Northwest. National Geographic says that could change next year when visitors come and 'party with the Basques.' Boise is home to one of the largest populations of members of the Basque ethnic group outside Spain, with as many as 15,000 living there. A Basque block in downtown Boise features ethnic taverns, restaurants, bars, and a heritage museum. It's set to come alive during the Jaialdi festival in July 2025, with street parties, dancing, wood chopping and wagon lifting. Boise is one of only three US destinations to on the list. The others are north-central Florida's Ocala National Forest, and a much better-known US hub: Los Angeles, California. The Mail presents here some highlights from the selection: Ocala National Forest, Florida Researchers described Ocala as a 'green oasis' that's home to manatees, black bears, rare plants and natural springs. The National Forest Foundation works hard to improve the 673 square mile expanse of pine scrub, lakes, and canoe trails. That includes conserving its crystal clear 72-degree, alkaline natural springs, says Clayton Coates, an aquatic ecologist. 'From native plants to catadromous fish species, our freshwater springs are part of the foundation for life itself here in Florida,' says Coates. Conservationists have worked hard to protect the 673 square mile expanse of pine scrub, lakes, and canoe trails. Los Angeles, California Destination Crenshaw has revived a downtrodden 1.3-mile stretch of LA's Crenshaw Boulevard with more than 100 artworks from black artists. Though Los Angeles already has a global reputation, it made it on the list thanks to a 'jolt of new energy' in the form of new cultural projects, researchers said. This includes Destination Crenshaw, a landscaped 1.3-mile stretch of Crenshaw Boulevard with more than 100 artworks from black artists. Other boxes to tick on an LA culture tour include the renovated LA County Museum of Art and an upcoming display of works collected by Star Wars creator George Lucas in Exposition Park. Adam Burke, president of LA Tourism recently talked up the city's 'vibrant, ever-evolving nature and its endless array of activities.' Senegal Visitors to Senegal should try some ceebu jen, the national dish of fish, rice, and vegetables. Researchers recommend a culinary tour of the French and local Wolof influences in this West African country. They suggest sampling ceebu jen, the national dish of fish, rice, and vegetables, and soupe kanja, a Senegalese gumbo. Senegalese-American actress and producer Issa Rae is set to highlight the cuisine in the forthcoming National Geographic series No Taste Like Home. She visited the country of some 17 million people with culinary star Antoni Porowski to make the show. 'This is such a beautifully welcoming country, you know I'm so proud of my family lineage,' says Rae. Greenland Overlooked Greenland will open to tourists next year with its first direct flight to New York City. Starting in June 2025, New Yorkers will be able to fly directly to Nuuk, Greenland's capital, for the first time. Once there, they'll have access to the world's largest island, with its colossal burgs, a unique indigenous Inuit culture, and stunning ice fjords The twice-weekly flights will be operated by United Airlines, and will take a little more than four hours. By one count, the new route could double the number of visitors to Greenland from the US. Jens Lauridsen, CEO of Greenland Airports, says he does not want to boost numbers so much that the island gets overwhelmed by tourists. 'Like in Barcelona, you get tired of tourists because it's too much, and it pushes out the locals,' says Lauridsen. 'It's finding this balance of showing the love for Greenland and showing the amazing possibilities, but not getting too much too fast.' Haida Gwaii, British Columbia, Canada The 'Galapagos of the North' is an ideal place to roam remote rainforests and spot humpbacks and dolphins. This archipelago of some 150 misty islands off the northern Pacific coast of British Columbia is also known as the Queen Charlotte Islands. The ancestral home of the Haida people is developing its infrastructure for tourism, following a 2023 agreement with the government for local indigenous autonomy. It is set to become an ideal place to roam remote rainforests and spot humpbacks and dolphins on whale-watching excursions. Its abundance of verdant beauty has led to comparisons to another island chain as the 'Galapagos of the North.' National Geographic also recommends meeting Haida artists who make traditional totem poles in the village of Old Massett. Northland, New Zealand Wildlife spotters will enjoy warm water diving and sightings of unusual species in the Poor Knights marine reserve. International travelers to New Zealand typically land in Auckland and head south for their adventures. National Geographic suggests an itinerary switch, and a journey northward to the little-visited Northland region. Wildlife spotters will enjoy warm water diving and sightings of mosaic moray and other unusual species in the Poor Knights marine reserve, they add. On dry land, sightings of the national bird are plentiful, thanks to the Kiwi Coast, a conservation project for the flightless animal. Ngaire Sullivan, a coordinator for the project, promises visitors a 'gorgeous and wonderful' experience. 'The fact that you can come up here and hear kiwi screeching through the night... it's just incredible,' she said. To find out more about National Geographic's Best of the World 2025 list, visit Natgeo.com/BestoftheWorld With the festive season creeping up, many of us are busy planning our holidays for Christmas and the New Year. But with the cost of living putting pressure on everyone's wallets, smart travellers are looking to save money on flights wherever possible. As Australia's largest loyalty program with more than 15 million members nationwide, Qantas' points-based Frequent Flyer program is a great way to save money on travel. And chances are you are making purchases every day without realising you could be accumulating Qantas points in the process. So, here's our guide to the easy things you can do today to start racking up as many points as possible. And remember, even the small stuff adds up! Getting fuel Qantas has partnered with BP to offer up to two Qantas Points for every litre purchased of BP Ultimate Unleaded and one point for every litre of other fuel. You can also collect additional Qantas points by buying eligible products in-store. As Australia's largest loyalty program with more than 15 million members nationwide, Qantas' points-based Frequent Flyer program is a great way to save money on travel To redeem, customers need to join BP Rewards, link it to their Frequent Flyer account and scan their Qantas card when making transactions. Shop smart for groceries Members of the Everyday Rewards program - the loyalty membership for Woolworths, Big W, BWS and select Ampol locations - can choose to earn Qantas Points rather than discounts. To redeem, simply switch your redemption preference to Qantas Points in the Everyday Rewards app and you'll earn 1,000 Qantas Points for every 2,000 Everyday Rewards points accumulated. Members can also use the app's features, such as Boosts or special offers, to accumulate points up to six times quicker. Everyday Extra members, Everyday Rewards' paid program, will earn points twice as fast as they earn double the Rewards points and have access to exclusive offers. Qantas has partnered with BP to offer up to two Qantas Points for every litre purchased of BP Ultimate Unleaded and one point for every litre of other fuel Walking Whether it's running errands or a regular afternoon stroll, any kind of movement can earn you Qantas Points on the airline's Wellbeing app. Once downloaded, the app will record how many steps you take every day and reward you with points for meeting movement goals. Additional points can also be earned by completing quizzes under the app's 'Check-up' sections. These include prompts to check your vehicle's brakes, fire alarm batteries and blood pressure. Each questionnaire earns up to 15 Qantas Points. Using up your leftovers Qantas has partnered with food waste reduction company Saveful to reward Frequent Flyers for using up their leftovers. The free app allows users to search for recipes using the ingredients they already have. To redeem Qantas Points, Saveful users need to link their app to their Frequent Flyers accounts and complete four weekly in-app surveys to earn 100 points. Linking Frequent Flyers and Saveful also puts users one step closer to Qantas' Green Tier - which includes a reward of choosing either 50 Status Credits, 10,000 Qantas Points, or to offset three tonnes of carbon emissions. Members of the Everyday Rewards program - the loyalty membership for Woolworths, Big W, BWS and select Ampol locations - can choose to earn Qantas Points rather than discounts Users of the Qantas Wellbeing app can earn Qantas Points for meeting their movement goals Online shopping Frequent Flyers members can download Qantas' free web extension called the Points-Prompter which will alert users when they could be earning points. When searching for products online, results in Google will show how many points can be earned by purchasing the same product through Qantas shopping. A similar prompt will also appear when shopping on one of Qantas' partner stores - such as Country Road, Apple, Jeanswest and more. The extension is available for Chrome, Firefox or Safari. Credit cards While it requires a bit more effort than our other point-earning hacks, Qantas has partnered with a range of banks to offer credit cards with Qantas Points perks. The card with the highest earning potential is the ANZ Frequent Flyer Black with up to 130,000 Qantas Points up for grabs for an annual fee of $425. Several cards also offer complimentary access to Qantas lounges - including the CommBank Ultimate Awards credit card, which offers two lounge visits and can earn a rate of up to 1.2 Qantas Points per $1 spent. To browse all the credit cards that offer Qantas perks, check the Frequent Flyers website. Uber offers Frequent Flyers members Qantas Points for rides to and from select major airports Getting to the airport Uber offers Frequent Flyers members Qantas Points for rides to and from select major airports. Reserved rides are worth one point for every $1 spent, while normal rides are valued at one point for every $2 spent. To start earning, users must link their Uber account to their Frequent Flyers account and can book eligible rides through either app. Sir David Attenborough fans were left bemused after noticing a change in the broadcaster's distinctive voice during his new show Asia on Sunday. The 98-year-old narrates the series, which explores the wildlife and natural wonders of the planets largest continent, with the latest episode following those dedicating their life to saving animals. However viewers couldn't help but point out that Sir David's voice appeared to be at a much higher pitch than usual and were convinced it was a result of autotune or AI. Taking to X one person said: 'Anyone else confused as to why the voice of the amazing David Attenborough sounds different? Its like its been auto tuned? #Asia'. While another replied: 'Yes! We are. Its not quite right, is it? Its definitely been tweaked in some way. To begin with I thought it was someone else narrating'. David Attenborough, 98, fans were left bemused after noticing a change in the broadcaster's distinctive voice during his new show Asia on Sunday The 98-year-old narrates the series, which explores the wildlife and natural wonders of the planets largest continent, with the latest episode following those dedicating their life to saving animals 'Definitely been tweaked': 'David Attenborough now sounds like a bad David Attenborough impersonator - slightly off, like the new faux-Sallis Wallace. Perhaps he's AI now?': 'Hi @BBCEarth Not sure having David Attenborough sound like a chipmunk is a fine example of post-production. What a shame. #bbcearthasia' Last week Sir David gave a sneak peek into his latest nature documentary after the crew crisscrossed the continent of Asia over four years. The series shows animals as far north as the Baikal seal in Russia and all the way down south to the Pangolin in Singapore. Thanks to their hard work, never-before-seen footage of rare animals was filmed. This includes a Gobi bear, one of just 32 left in the world, and it marks the first time the endangered species has been captured on camera. The crew also managed to snap a footage of one of the rarest birds in the world - the Javan green magpie. In Sri Lanka, the camera crew tried 50 times to get a shot of an elephant reaching into a bus looking for food. Meanwhile in Nepal, drones allowed the team to capture footage of tigers mating and hunting. However viewers couldn't help but point out that Sir David's voice appeared to be at a much higher pitch than usual and were convinced it was a result of autotune or AI Taking to X one person said: 'Anyone else confused as to why the voice of the amazing David Attenborough sounds different? Its like its been auto tuned? #Asia' Sir David, who has worked for the BBC since 1952, turned 98 while they were making the series. Series producer Matthew Wright revealed that the crew sang happy birthday to the national treasure. Mr Wright, in words reported by the Daily Mirror, said: 'We said "happy birthday". He was business-like. He said, 'Let's move on. What are we doing next?' Producer Mark Wheeler said: 'He's pretty remarkable. The British public look to him as a real authentic voice. He's as enthusiastic as ever.' It's the longest-running reality series in Australia's history. And after 20 seasons of The Block, there has been no shortage of shocking scandals. The show started life back in 2003 and ran for two seasons under host Jamie Durie. After a six-year absence, it was revived by Nine in 2010 with current host Scott Cam at the helm while co-host Shelly Craft joined the series in 2011. While The Block is meant to be about five teams competing to renovate and style properties before selling them at auction, the true draw for the long-running series is the drama. From shocking 'infidelity' scandals and dramatic walk-outs, to verbal spats and contestants bending the rules to get ahead, there has never been any shortage of drama on The Block. As the show's current 'flirtgate' scandal draws to a dramatic conclusion, Daily Mail Australia takes a look as some of the most shocking moments in The Block's history. After 20 seasons of The Block, there have been no shortage of shocking scandals amid all the hammering and painting. The 'Flirtgate' Scandal - 2024 The Block's most recent drama has seen contestants Kylie and Brad's marriage implode before viewers' eyes. The shocking scandal kicked off when Kylie sensationally quit the show and flew home to Cairns following Brad's flirty exchange with fellow contestant Mimi Belperio, remarking that he would 'follow' her OnlyFans account. It all came to a head on Wednesday's episode when Kylie returned to the Phillip Island site, declaring she and Brad were 'officially' over. The Block's most recent drama has seen contestants Kylie and Brad's marriage implode before our very eyes The shocking scandal kicked off when Kylie sensationally quit the show and fly home to Cairns following Brad's flirty exchange with fellow contestant Mimi Belperio (pictured) 'If I gave up we'd leave with nothing so, whatever we get, even if its 10 grand, I'm taking f***ing half of what you get and then I'm leaving your a**e, you can keep your f***ing house, and I'm f**king off,' she sensationally said on Wednesday night. 'I don't even know if I'm staying in Cairns to be honest there's nothing there for me anymore. 'You treat your partner like this you can f**king deal with it,' she continued to fume in an overheard argument between the couple, who have been married for seven years. It all came to a head on Wednesday's episode when Kylie returned to the Phillip Island site, declaring that she and Brad were 'officially' over She added: 'My biggest problem is the entire time we've been together, and even when we were starting out, you have never flirted with me like that in our entire relationship so you can only imagine how that makes me feel.' Kylie then went on to admit the flirtation between Brad and Mimi had been so bad she believed the pair had secretly slept together behind the scenes of The Block. 'Why are you talking to her about following her Only Fans?' Kylie began. 'When you were like: "I need to go to the toilet..." I honestly thought you guys had come in to f**k and then you guys were in here for ages. 'In my mind I feel like something happened. My biggest thing was I already voiced my concerns to you about her and how she felt about you.' Contestant Tanya Cuccione found herself in hot water on the 2021 Fans vs Faves season after secretly snapping a picture of the show's entire production schedule. The Stolen Production Schedule - 2021 Contestant Tanya Cuccione found herself in hot water during the 2021 Fans vs Faves season after secretly snapping a picture of the show's entire production schedule. The makeup artist was caught out after the Packham twins Luke and Josh confessed that both Josh and Tanya had seen the schedule in host Scott Cam's office near the crew's toilets, and she later returned to take a photo. After falsely claiming for weeks that an 'anonymous tradie' had sent it to her, Tanya finally admitted her wrongdoing in the series finale. The makeup artist was caught out after the Packham twins Luke and Josh, confessed that both Josh and Tanya had seen the schedule in host Scott Cam's office near the crew's toilets, and she later returned to take a photo. After falsely claiming for weeks that an 'anonymous tradie' had sent it to her, Tanya finally admitted her wrongdoing in the series finale Yet prior to her confession, Tanya made one last attempt to prove she was innocent by showing the producers a screenshot of a clearly doctored 'text message' she'd supposedly received from the fictitious tradie. The embattled renovator was brought to tears when making her confession. 'What I want to say is that I obviously take full responsibility for this situation and I am sorry, I am truly sorry. Yes, I did. I took the photograph,' she said tearfully. 'I am not a stupid woman but I did a stupid thing. We take responsibility for what happened and where it ended up after that was obviously out of my power, but I started it.' The Block's 2014 season saw New South Wales brothers Simon and Shannon Vos show Australia just how sneaky they can be Shannon and Simon Secretly Record Judges - 2014 The Block's 2014 season saw New South Wales brothers Simon and Shannon Vos show Australia just how sneaky they can be. The ruthless brothers shocked viewers after they were caught secretly recording the judge's comments after Simon left his mobile phone under a bed. As they were assessing the room, judge Darren Palmer found the phone under the bed and the recording of their discussions was immediately deleted. The ruthless brothers shocked viewers after they were caught secretly recording the judge's comments after Simon left his mobile phone under a bed A furious Darren stood up holding the smuggled iPhone and was heard calling the brothers 'cheeky monkeys', asking them why they had gone against the show's rules. Speaking about the incident in 2024, Darren revealed what he really said when spotting the phone. 'Yeah I didn't originally say ''cheeky monkeys'',' Darren said, hinting at a more expletive-laden remark towards the pair. 'We had to overdub ''cheeky monkeys'' as what I actually said was not suitable for the time slot.' During the broadcast, Darren's lips appeared to be saying 'cheeky f**kers', which is not an appropriate comment to air on the family friendly program. Despite the awkward blow-up, the lovable Vos brothers won fans over with their creative ideas and prankster reputation, winning the 2014 season after the hammer came down on their newly renovated pad at a $1.9million. Influencer Elle Ferguson and her ex-AFL star partner Joel Patfull shocked viewers in 2022 when they sensationally quit the show just after filming commenced Joel and Elle's Shock Exit - 2022 Influencer Elle Ferguson and her ex-AFL star partner Joel Patfull shocked viewers in 2022 when they sensationally quit the show just after filming commenced. The couple downed tools just two days into filming after Joel's mother Trish fractured her neck during a fall at her home. Host Scott Cam, 59, didn't mince words and straight-up called their departure 'un-Australian'. The couple downed tools just two days into filming, after Joel's mother Trish fractured her neck during a fall at her home The couple downed tools just two days into filming, after Joel's mother Trish fractured her neck during a fall at her home He recently accused the pair of fleeing The Block in the middle of the night and giving no explanation for their departure. He rubbished their excuse, telling News Corp at the time that while Joel's mother did injure herself before filming began, this wasn't the excuse the couple gave for throwing in the towel. 'They didn't give us a reason why they were leaving. They never mentioned anything to us about visiting their sick mother,' the long-time host said on Tuesday. Host Scott Cam, 59, didn't mince words and straight-up called their departure 'un-Australian' 'We flew them to Adelaide before The Block started for a week, and put them up in a hotel so they could see [Joel's mother], and they came back and said everything's fine,' he added. 'They never spoke to us [about quitting]; they just left in the middle of the night.' Scott previously said at the Logie Awards that Elle and Joel giving up so soon into the competition was 'unAustralian' and 'p**s poor'. The pressure of The Block reached boiling point for married couple Anastasia and Tim in 2011 with the pair walking away from the competition early Anastasia and Tim Leave After Unpaid Tradie Accusations- 2011 The pressure of The Block reached boiling point for married couple Anastasia and Tim in 2011, with the pair walking away from the competition early. Things began to unravel for the duo when they were confronted about their budget. 'I'm going home,' the brunette told her husband of four years after being confronted by the show's hosts Scott Cam and Shelley Craft for only having approximately $1500 left in their bank account. The couple's plasterer Paulie was one of the tradesmen concerned about whether he would be paid in full for his services, and confided in foreman Keith hours earlier. 'I'm going home,' the brunette told her husband of four years after being confronted by the show's hosts Scott Cam and Shelley Craft for only having approximately $1500 left in their bank account Keith suggested the hard-working tradesmen confront the couple, to ensure they will be able to pay the invoice of $19,000. 'I'm out of here. I'm not putting up with that,' she continued, grabbing her handbag and storming out of the apartment the pair were renovating. On her way to the car she was stopped by Scott and Shelley once again, the media personalities doing their best to change the emotional contestant's mind. 'Anastasia you've worked hard and now's not the time to leave,' 52-year-old Logie winner Scott said. But Anastasia begged to differ, insisting, 'It hasn't been a good experience for me at all'. But Anastasia eventually returned and she and Tim made themselves $755,000 at auction. Contestant Sarah-Jane found herself knee-deep in hot water back in 2022 after she was caught misusing the Channel Nine credit card Sarah-Jane And The Misused Credit Card - 2022 Contestant Sarah-Jane found herself knee-deep in hot water back in 2022 after she was caught misusing the Channel Nine credit card. Contestants were given the cards to buy building supplies, furniture and other items relating to their houses, but the 30-year-old social worker abused the privilege. Sarah-Jane had called for an audit earlier this week after Omar and Oz's 'dodgy dealing' on their baby grand piano. Scott Cam obliged her request only to discover half-way through Sarah-Jane had been misusing her Channel Nine credit card to buy cigarettes. As Scott and Shelley Craft did their walk around the houses, they stopped by House One for a little chat about what he dug up in the audit Sarah-Jane and Tom requested. 'There's a couple of maybe personal purchases out of my money,' he revealed. Sarah-Jane instantly understood what he was talking about and jumped straight into her excuse as Scott and Shelley had a laugh. 'It's my ciggies and it was one time and I didn't have my purse on me,' Sarah-Jane said. Shelley said, 'They all say that,' as Tom seemed more concerned with how much the cigarettes cost. Afterwards, Sarah-Jane came clean to the cameras, saying: 'Guilty as charged ma'am. There's no objection, Your Honour, from here. I own it. I did it.' Back in 2014, feisty contestant Deanne 'Dee' Jolly did not mince her words when slamming judge Shayna Blaze's assessment of hers and Darren's ensuite. Shayna Blaze Is Slammed By Contestants... Twice - 2014 and 2016 While she is known for offering her critiques of the contestants efforts, judge Shayna Blaze has copped her fair share of criticism too. Back in 2014, feisty contestant Deanne 'Dee' Jolly did not mince her words when slamming the judge's assessment of hers and Darren's ensuite. While brothers Simon and Shannon took out the challenge, Dee let out a slew of controversial comments, saying the judge has 'no f****** idea.' 'You're a bogan from (Melbourne suburb) Wantirna and you've got no f****** idea and I will out style you any day,' Deanne said Shayna also fell foul of contestant Carleen in 2016 after the judge gave her critique of her's and partner Dan's terrace As soon as the score reveal was over, Dee began unleashing her inner thoughts to her peers, boldly saying: 'I hate Shaynna.' 'Tell you what she'd wanna keep away from me at the wrap party if she shows up,' the opinionated blonde stated. 'You're a bogan from (Melbourne suburb) Wantirna and you've got no f****** idea and I will out style you any day.' Shayna also fell foul of contestant Carleen in 2016 after the judge gave her critique of her's and partner Dan's terrace. After hearing Shaynna's negative feedback of their space, Carleen said to camera: 'Just love it when a middle aged woman picks on another middle aged woman.' Shaynna handed the couple a score of 7.5 points out of ten, with Carleen saying to Dan: 'What a b***h, she just killed us.' Jana Hocking recently advised Phoebe Burgess to drop ex-husband Sam Burgess' surname. 'Let me put it bluntly: it's time to give up the ghost of husbands past,' Hocking wrote in her Daily Mail Australia Mail+ column. 'Yes, I'm talking about your Instagram handle @mrsphoebeburgess,' she added, before suggesting keeping the name makes Phoebe seem 'a little hung up on the past when it's clear your ex-husband has long since moved on.' Sam Burgess recently married his new wife Lucy in a lavish Roman wedding. Sam and his ex wife Phoebe married in 2015, separated in late 2018 and resumed their relationship in early 2019. They split permanently on October 2 that year and later divorced - with Phoebe holding onto her husband's name despite the acrimonious parting. But the ex-wife of the newly remarried NRL star isn't the only WAG who has refused her maiden name long after separation. Many Aussie WAGs, who have built careers as influencers and businesswomen off the back of those surnames, have done the same. Phoebe Burgess, ex-wife of the newly remarried NRL star Sam Burgess, isn't the only Aussie WAG who has kept her famous last name long after separation Nadia Bartel The Henne fashion brand founder and ex-wife of AFL star Jimmy Bartel is another WAG who has kept her married name. In 2020, the influencer said she didn't want to have a different surname to her sons Aston and Henley. 'Right now, I want to have the same name as the boys. I can't imagine having another surname,' she told the Daily Telegraph at the time. Nadia Bartel, the Henne fashion brand founder and ex-wife of AFL star Jimmy Bartel is another WAG who has kept her married name. Both pictured Nadia's maiden name is Coppolino, and she has no plans to revert to it - however, she also admitted that one day she might see things differently. 'If I didn't have children it would be a different story. I don't know what I might do in the future,' she added. Nadia announced her split from retired AFL star Jimmy in August 2019, five years after they tied the knot on the Bellarine Peninsula. In 2020, the influencer said she didn't want to have a different surname to her sons Aston and Henley. 'Right now, I want to have the same name as the boys. I can't imagine having another surname,' she told the Daily Telegraph at the time. Pictured last month Sophie Cachia Controversial former WAG Sophie Cachia still uses her AFL star husband Jaryd's surname for business reasons. The Australian Survivor star was married to the Carlton player from 2015 to 2019 and continued to use his surname on social media for years after their split. Though the influencer now lists her name as Sophie Shaw on her Instagram profile, her profile address is still @sophiecachia_ and her women's clothing label still bears the surname. It is believed the use of the name Shaw is only for her personal life, and for branding purposes she has retained the name of her ex-husband. Controversial former WAG Sophie Cachia (pictured) still uses her AFL star husband Jaryd's surname for business reasons. The Australian Survivor star was married to the Carlton player from 2015 to 2019 and continued to use his surname on social media for years after their split Though the influencer now lists her name as Sophie Shaw on her Instagram profile, her profile address is still @sophiecachia_ and her women's clothing label still bears the surname Tania Buckley Tania Buckley split from AFL Nathan Buckley in January 2020, but did not confirm their break-up until December the following year. After being separated for more than a year, Tania made the decision in June 2021 to remove Nathan from her Instagram profile. Tania had triumphantly returned to social media just days earlier to debut her stunning transformation as a single woman, updating her fashion sense and paying tribute to friends who had supported her. While she changed her look, Tania kept the last name 'Buckley' on her Instagram handle. Tania has since moved on with a new partner, Marcus 'Marco' Kelly, a former Australian Formula 5000 speedway champion. Tania Buckley split from AFL Nathan Buckley in January 2020, but did not confirm their break-up until December the following year. Both pictured Tania kept the last name 'Buckley' on her Instagram handle. She has since moved on with a new partner, Marcus 'Marco' Kelly, a former Australian Formula 5000 speedway champion. Both pictured Line of Duty and Ludwig star Anna Maxwell Martin spoke movingly this week of how her world was turned upside down when her ex-husband Roger Michell died four years ago. Now details have emerged of how double BAFTA-winner and Notting Hill director Michell, 65, died - and the aftermath for the family. His death by heart attack came on the same day in September 2020 that he completed the final sound mix of what would be his final film, the Prime documentary Elizabeth: A Portrait in Parts, which was released posthumously. According to his death certificate, issued two weeks later, a post-mortem examination showed that Michell died from a) Acute myocardial infarction (heart attack) and b) left coronary atheroma (a fatty deposit build-up on the coronary artery). The Senior Coroner for Hertfordshire, Geoffrey Sullivan, certified the death, but no inquest was held. Roger Michell, the ex-husband of Line Of Duty star Anna Maxwell Martin (pictured with him in 2013), died of a heart attack and a fatty build up in his coronary artery Maxwell Martin, 47, spoke movingly this week about how Michell's death left her with a sense of 'financial terror' The couple (seen in 2008) first met when Michell directed Martin in the 2004 adaptation of Ian McEwan's novel Enduring Love. She was 26 at the time, while he was 48 Maxwell Martin said she experienced a sense of 'financial terror' with Michell's sudden passing, more than a year after the couple had announced their separation. The actress said her immediate priority was to protect their daughters, Maggie, 15, and Nancy, 13, while facing an uncertain financial future. Anna spoke as her new four-part true crime drama, Until I Kill You, is launched on ITVX on Sunday in which she plays nurse Delia Balmer, who endured a relationship with convicted double murderer John Sweeney. Anna told BBC's Women's Hour: 'My husband died three years ago and things were really difficult on every aspect of our lives. 'One of those was that there's a lot of stuff that comes with grief, and one of them is financial terror. And then there are real practicalities around your children and their mental health, and supporting them, which is your priority.' The couple first met when Michell directed Martin in the 2004 adaptation of Ian McEwan's novel Enduring Love. She was 26 at the time, while he was 48. Father-of-four Michell had been living in Hitchin, Hertfordshire and the Register Office was informed by his grown-up son Harry, according to the document. Writer, director and actor Harry and his theatrical agent sister Rosanna were from Michell's first marriage to actress Kate Buffery. In an interview published just days before Roger's death, Anna said the pair were still on good terms and were planning to spend Christmas together. Michell died age 65 the same day in September 2020 that he completed the final sound mix of what would be his final film, the Prime documentary Elizabeth: A Portrait in Parts This week she told Woman's Hour how it took her a long time to come to terms with his death. She said, 'Looking back, I was probably in a state of shock, and fear, and a heightened state, for a long time actually, until very recently 'I don't know anybody who's been through what my children have been through. So my focus was just on them, and I didn't really start to grieve for Roger until probably six months ago.' She compared the experience with the loss of her father Ivan when she was aged just 24. 'I've trod this road before, of grief, and sudden traumatic death. I've done it before, and so in a way I could pick myself up and do it again. 'It was horrible to have to see my children walk that road, but I'm pretty gritty, I'm pretty strong, and I think I'm quite deft, I hope, at navigating life. And I thought, "I've just got to keep the motor chugging on".' Describing her first experience of loss, she explained: 'When it happened to me and I was 24, I was very lonely. I was very isolated because no-one had been through what I'd been through. I didn't know those people. 'And then when it happened with Rog, I saw it more as, "We've all got to keep it together for the kids".' She pointed out that as a woman in her 40s she was grateful for 'having the best friends and best people around'. She added, 'You'll have stopped making mistakes in that area of your life. And I really did, I had exceptional friends, an exceptional support network.' When Anna announced her split from Michell in 2020 in an interview with the Mail on Sunday's You magazine, she said: 'Our marriage has ended and we've been separated for quite some time. 'I haven't really spoken about it because it isn't fair on all the people involved. 'There are four children to think about. It's taken an enormous amount of time, but we are all getting through it in a healthy way.' The actress said her immediate priority was to protect their daughters, Maggie, 15, and Nancy, 13, while facing an uncertain financial future Michell's sudden passing came more than a year after the couple had announced their separation, though they remained on good terms. They are seen in 2012 Michell's best known film was Notting Hill, the romcom written by Richard Curtis and starring Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant in 1999. The film was a huge commercial success and was nominated for three Golden Globes. His other films included 2002's Changing Lanes with Ben Affleck and Samuel L Jackson, Venus, the last film of Peter O'Toole, and two movies with Daniel Craig: The Mother, in 2002, and an adaptation of Ian McEwan's Enduring Love the following year. Michell had been in talks to direct Craig in the 2006 James Bond film Quantum of Solace but jumped ship shortly before production, citing concerns over the script. He also pulled out of directing Captain Corelli's Mandolin after suffering a heart attack in 1999, shortly after the release of Notting Hill. He confesses to have been singlely-singley-single-single following his divorce from second wife Danielle Bux. But eight years after his marriage split, has Gary Lineker grown close to a stunning brunette who makes a striking resemblance to his ex? The Match of the Day presenter was seen enjoying a night out at the popular Dorian restaurant with Leila Bartell, a friend of Johnny Depps former wife, Amber Heard, on Wednesday night. The West London bistro is a favourite haunt of A-list celebrities including Victoria Beckham, Dressed in a suave black trouser suit, Ms Bartell, a Notting Hill-based artist and film director, left with Lineker, 63 at around 10pm. Gary Lineker appears to have grown close to a woman who looks strikingly similar to his ex-wife The Match of the Day star was seen enjoying a night out with film director Leila Bartell Bartell bares a striking resemblance to Lineker's ex-wife Danielle Bux (pictured) Lineker at Leila Bartell's debut solo show with J Nicholls Projects on October 10 The pair on October 31 following a cosy night out at a Michelin starred restaurant The couple left the venue just after 10pm on Wednesday Lineker and Ms Bartell leaving the popular Dorian restaurant in West London The former England striker is rarely seen out with women but spent an evening with Ms Bartell, thought to be in her mid-40 Ms Bartell was dressed in a suave black trouser suit on her night out with Lineker The two embracing each other after their cosy evening out Lineker has been officially partner-less since splitting for his ex-wife. His outing with Ms Bartell was the first time he was pictured with a female companion since coming to the same restaurant with Jemima Goldsmith They then embraced in the street following dinner. The former England striker is rarely seen out with women but spent an evening with Ms Bartell, thought to be in her mid-40s, and mutual friend Jemina Khan in May. Rumours were swirling then that Ms Khan and Lineker may have become an item. A year earlier, he attended her 50th birthday at her country estate, Kiddington Hall in Oxfordshire. Ms Khan was nowhere to be seen this week when her friends dined at the Michelin star restaurant though she had joined Ms Bartell last week at her art exhibition at the Daniel Katz gallery in Londons Mayfair. Back in 2017, Ms Bartell spent a lot of time with Ms Heard in California. The pair were seen dining together in Los Angeles after her split from Depp. Speaking of not finding love since his divorce, Lineker has said: Yes, Im very single, especially in lockdown. Even the sight of a female is very rare. But Ive never been on a dating app and cannot ever visualise that happening. Ive had lots of people sliding into my DMs but its normally requests for plugging their book or their charity. Lineker has previously said he is 'very single', adding 'the sight of a female is very rare' Lineker's first marriage was to beautician Michelle Cockayne, the mother of his four sons. The couple split up after 20 years of marriage He was then married Danielle Bux. The two split amicably because she wanted more children while he didn't Lineker has been officially partner-less since splitting with Ms Bux, who is 18 years his junior. His only other notable relationship was his first marriage, to beautician Michelle Cockayne, the mother of his four sons: George, Harry, Tobias and Angus. She filed for divorce in 2006 after 20 years of marriage on the grounds of her husbands unreasonable behaviour. Documents submitted to the court claiming that Linekers had caused her stress and anxiety. Lineker and Ms Bux, 44, split amicably. They revealed that their decision to end their seven year marriage because she wanted more children but he didnt. Saturday Night Live veteran Cecily Strong has announced she is pregnant. The Schmigadoon star who is engaged to a man she has only ever identified as Jack shared two photos: a mirror selfie in which Cecily, 40, wore a t-shirt that said 'pregnant, pro choice and proud,' and a shot of her baby bump. The accompanying caption explained her journey to getting pregnant and urged people to get out and vote for the candidate that will protect women's reproductive rights and health. 'A couple years ago I did a piece on SNL as Goober the Clown who had an abortion the day before her 23rd birthday. Im happy to report that same clown is now very happily pregnant from IVF at 40,' she began. Saturday Night Live veteran Cecily Strong was thrilled to announce she's pregnant 'It's kind of insane and scary to disclose all of this. But for me - its much scarier to think about what could happen after Tuesdays election. I currently live in a state where I will be able to receive all the healthcare I may possibly need,' she wrote. 'But we wont be safe anywhere in the US if there is national ban like the one promised by Project 2025. The Supreme Court has already decided its ok to let some of us die depending on our geography and the current Republican nominee brags about being responsible for that Supreme Court decision,' she passionately stated. Having conceived through IVF, Cecily has spent a lot of time in doctor's waiting rooms and offices. 'Ive been in lots of waiting rooms with other women throughout my life. Feeling terrified and lonely all those years ago at a clinic in California, to feeling frustrated and anxious in fertility offices in New York the past couple of years, to giddily talking everyones ear off and wishing everyone around me good luck like I was Forrest Gump the day of my transfer.' Cecily shared that her Goober character didn't come out of left field, it was based on her own story of getting an abortion at 23. 'I had family and strangers reach out after Goober and tell me of their own experiences - some of whom had never shared with anyone before. Ive seen so many women in these waiting rooms going through their own struggles and journeys with their reproductive health and family planning and bodily autonomy.' She noted that a range of emotions are going through each and every woman in those waiting rooms. 'Some look relieved. Some look excited. Some look fearful. Some look like they are carrying the deep sadness of prior losses and the even deeper hope of some good news finally. The Schmigadoon star who is engaged to a man she has only ever identified as Jack shared two photos: a mirror selfie in which Cecily, 40, wore a t-shirt that said 'pregnant, pro choice and proud,' and a shot of her baby bump The Schmigadoon star shared two photos - a mirror selfie in which Cecily, 40, wore a t-shirt that said 'pregnant, pro choice and proud,' and a shot of her baby bump The accompanying caption explained her journey to getting pregnant and urged people to get out and vote for the candidate that will protect women's reproductive rights and health 'A couple years ago I did a piece on SNL as Goober the Clown who had an abortion the day before her 23rd birthday. Im happy to report that same clown is now very happily pregnant from IVF at 40,' she wrote. Seen here in May 2024 'Some look as simply dumbstruck happy to be there as me as Forrest Gump on my transfer day. But the one thing nobody in those rooms has ever looked is unable to make her own decisions,' she wrote. She reminded her fans and followers that a woman's right to make those decisions for herself and her body are currently on the ballot as Americans go to the polls next week. 'Lets all please vote to protect and uplift and support all of us that share or have shared those waiting rooms together. 'And for the future ones like the little miss thing Im really really hopeful Ill get to meet next spring,' she concluded. Mark Hamill has commended his former Star Wars co-star Harrison Ford for endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election. The 73-year-old actor who paid tribute to James Earl Jones in September thanked Ford, 82, after he formally called on Americans to vote Harris-Walz in Tuesday's quadrennial election. Taking to X after the Shrinking star shared three videos in partnership with the Harris-Walz campaign, he said, 'Thanks, pal. #HarrisWalz2024,' adding a thumbs up emoji. The Indiana Jones actor said in a video shared on Saturday: 'I've been voting for 64 years, never really wanted to talk about it very much, but when dozens of former members of the Trump administration are sounding alarms, saying "for god sake don't do this again," you have to pay attention.' He continued, 'They're telling us something important. These aren't soft people they are governors, generals, standing up against the leader of the party they spent their lives advocating for.' Mark Hamill has commended his former Star Wars co-star Harrison Ford for endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election; pictured in September Ford explained in some cases people will be voting Democrat for the first time in their life over fears of Trump winning the race to the White House. 'For many of them, this will be the first time they've ever voted for someone who doesn't have an R next to their name. 'They know this really matters,' the longtime entertainer noted. The truth is this: Kamala Harris will protect your right to disagree with her about her policies or her ideas. As we have done for centuries, we'll debate them. We'll work on them together, and we'll move forward,' Ford stressed. Not mentioning Kamala's competition, former President Donald Trump, he continued, 'The other guy, he demands unquestioning loyalty, says he wants revenge. I'm Harrison Ford. I've got one vote same as anyone else and I'm going to use it to move forward. I'm going to vote for Kamala Harris.' In another clip released in collaboration with the Harris campaign, Ford said that he doesn't agree with every policy, nor does he think it's perfect. Referring to Harris and running mate Tim Walz, the Hollywood fixture explained: 'These two people believe in the rule of law. They believe in science. They believe that when you govern, you do so for all Americans. 'They believe that we are in this together. These are ideas I believe in. These are people I can get behind.' Ford admitted that he's frustrated with issues in the country but warned: 'The other guy, he spent four years turning us against each other while embracing dictators and tyrants around the world.' He declared, 'That's not who we are. We don't need to make America great again. Come on, we are great, but what we need is to work together again. What we need is a president who works for all of us again.' The 73-year-old actor thanked Ford, 82, after he formally called on Americans to vote Harris-Walz in Tuesday's quadrennial election; pictured October Harrison pleaded with undecided voters to throw their support behind Vice President Harris Taking to X after the Shrinking star shared three videos in partnership with the Harris-Walz campaign, Mark said, 'Thanks, pal. #HarrisWalz2024,' adding a thumbs up emoji Ford admitted that he's frustrated with issues in the country but warned: 'The other guy, he spent four years turning us against each other while embracing dictators and tyrants around the world' Hamill previously endorsed Harris over the summer, taking to Instagram where he boasts 6.3 million followers.' Posting a photo smiling alongside the former Attorney General of California in July, he wrote in a caption: 'I want to offer my full support & endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year- @JoeBiden 'Vote for the candidate who will both honor & further his legacy: @KamalaHarris. #HamillHeartsHarris.' And on September 20, he shared a snapshot of Kamala by herself, writing, '47 days til shes 47.' It sounds like an upstairs-downstairs love story that could have come from the pages of a DH Lawrence novel. Lady Delphi Primrose, below, the Tatler cover girl and 21-year-old daughter of the Earl of Rosebery is dating Dominic Inglis-Jones, a former beater at Belvoir Castle, I can reveal. For a season, he was employed on shoots at the Duke of Rutlands estate in Leicestershire, raising game birds by striking at the ground cover. I also hear he sometimes played the piano for guests and served wine at candlelit dinners in Belvoirs grand dining rooms. My source tells me he very much enjoyed the glamour of working at the estate and struck up a sweet friendship with Emma Manners, the Duchess of Rutland. She was charmed by him, says my source. Now Inglis-Jones has charmed Lady Delphi too, with some suggesting fanciful parallels with DH Lawrences controversial 1928 novel Lady Chatterleys Lover, in which a titled woman embarks on an affair with gamekeeper Oliver Mellors. Hon Delphi Primrose attends the Paul Costelloe show during London Fashion Week September 2024 Dominic Inglis-Jones is a former beater at Belvoir Castle and he is now Lady Delphi's boyfriend As Lady Delphis boyfriend, the mullet-sporting Inglis-Jones can expect to visit Dalmeny House, the Earl and Countess of Roseberys Gothic Revival family seat in north-west Edinburgh. Or their small 13th Century castle, Barnbougle, which is on the Dalmeny estate. Or perhaps he will join the traditional family sojourn in St Moritz in the Alps this winter. I hope hes brave: the clan including the Earl of Rosebery, the chairman of Sothebys auction house love tobogganing down the Cresta Run, a death-defying three-quarter-mile-long ice chute. Its still early days though for Lady Delphi and Inglis-Jones. The couple are said to have kissed a year ago at a party but only started dating officially recently. Hopefully their love story will run smoother than that depicted in DH Lawrences novel. Heirs hoping... George Spencer-Churchill, Marquess of Blandford and Camilla Blanford attend the Blenheim Ball in aid of Starlight Children's Foundation at Blenheim Palace on March 4, 2022 in Woodstock Are the Marquess and Marchioness of Blandford going to have a male heir to the family seat, Blenheim Palace? I can reveal the couple are expecting their second child, a sibling for four-year-old Lady Olympia Arabella Kitty Spencer-Churchill. The Marquess is the son of the Duke of Marlborough and may be hoping for a son to inherit the title, as dukedoms only pass down the male line. My spies tell me the Marchioness was displaying her bump at a party recently. ...Also pregnant is Willa Keswick, a scion of the Jardine Matheson dynasty, which owns the Mandarin Oriental hotel group. The heiress is expecting a baby with husband Jake Morant. The former nightclub owner, 40, displayed her bare baby bump, right, at Poppy Delevingnes party celebrating her fashion tie-in with Veronica Beard. Also pregnant is Willa Keswick, a scion of the Jardine Matheson dynasty, which owns the Mandarin Oriental hotel group. The heiress is expecting a baby with husband Jake Morant Willa, shares a daughter with Jake, and has another daughter, Freida, with musician Alex Robbins. Is Lolas next outfit to be a bridal gown? Talk about the Lady in Red! For a Halloween party last week, Lady Lola Bute donned latex gloves, a crimson sequined dress and vivid red wig to dress up as cartoon sex symbol Jessica Rabbit. But could this glamorous socialite be playing another part soon? Perhaps, say, a bride? For I hear that the 25-year-old caught the bouquet at the wedding of Misha Metcalfe, heir of the Pret A Manger and Itsu chains, this summer. For a Halloween party last week, Lady Lola Bute donned latex gloves, a crimson sequined dress and vivid red wig to dress up as cartoon sex symbol Jessica Rabbit Whether or not an engagement is on the cards, my spies tell me that Lady Bute the daughter of the late John Crichton-Stuart, 7th Marquess of Bute and fashion designer Serena Bute is smitten with her Dutch model boyfriend, Parker Van Noord. Better latte than never Can someone get Jodie Comer a matcha latte? The star allegedly demanded the beverage while on set recently despite being in the middle of the countryside. Assistants were at a loss as the nearest bijou coffee shop was a two-hour round trip away. I hope Killing Eves Villanelle wouldnt kill for a coffee! Sir Ian McKellen, 85, has a secret passion for trendy trainers. He has a big Nike Air Max collection, one guest at a party at the actors London home tells me. Not only that, the Lord Of The Rings star has the prop sword he used as Gandalf hanging on a wall, and a drawer-full of designer Hermes scarves. Sir Ian McKellen, 85, has a secret passion for trendy trainers. He has a big Nike Air Max collection Such disHonor for Tildas girl! How are the mighty fallen! After playing Princess Beatrice in A Very Royal Scandal, the TV drama about Prince Andrews Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis, I can reveal Honor Swinton Byrnes latest role is as a Ukrainian sex worker. The 27-year-old daughter of Tilda Swinton and playwright John Byrne admits times in the acting world are tough. Im this close to selling feet pics! she jokes. Phoebe Burgess made a rare public appearance at Derby Day held at Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne on Saturday. The ex-wife of rugby league player Sam Burgess turned up at the spring racing carnival event looking stunning in white. 'Heading in to the most spectacular Birdcage marquee,' she gloated on her Instagram Stories. 'Up up up to level three.' The Birdcage enclosure at Flemington racecourse is a place of unrivalled luxury, where big name sponsors spare no expense to lavish Australian socialites, business people, influencers and minor celebrities with front row seats and ammenities at the Melbourne Cup Carnival. For her outing there, Phoebe wore a country-inspired frock with puffed sleeves, leg slit and a built in tie-up bow at the front. Perched at bar overlooking the race track, with one heeled foot peeping out from underneath her skirt, she wrote: 'Picking winners, and a couple non-winners, from the top.' The sheer white fabric had lacey detailing and a chic button up decolletage. Phoebe Burgess made a rare public appearance at Derby Day held at Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne on Saturday. The ex-wife of rugby league player Sam Burgess turned up at the spring racing carnival event looking stunning in white. Pictured Phoebe wore country-inspired frock with puffed sleeves, leg slit and a built in tie-up bow at the front Other guests treated to the VIP experience on Saturday included Snezana Wood, Khan Hong, Tayla Broad, Tim Robards, and Rebecca Judd. In the grand tradition of racing fashion, Phoebe went for statement headwear. Her large, wide-brimmed white hat with a golden chain attached, matched the rest of the outfit, and she completed her look with white pumps. After sharing the images of her ensemble to Instagram, Phoebe's fans went wild in the comments. 'You look gorgeous in that dress,' wrote one follower, while another said, 'You look gorgeous - hope you have a win.' 'Stunning in white,' said another, while one more told the influencer that she looked 'sensational.' It comes as Jana Hocking recently advised Phoebe to drop ex-husband Sam Burgess' surname. 'Let me put it bluntly: it's time to give up the ghost of husbands past,' Hocking wrote in her Daily Mail Australia Mail+ column. The sheer white fabric had lacey detailing and a chic button up decolletage. In the grand tradition of racing fashion, Phoebe went for statement headwear Her large, wide-brimmed white hat with a golden chain attached, matched the rest of the outfit, and she completed her look with white pumps 'Yes, I'm talking about your Instagram handle @mrsphoebeburgess,' she added, before suggesting keeping the name makes Phoebe seem 'a little hung up on the past when it's clear your ex-husband has long since moved on.' Sam Burgess recently married his new wife Lucy in a lavish Roman wedding. Sam and his ex wife Phoebe married in 2015, separated in late 2018 and resumed their relationship in early 2019. They split permanently on October 2 that year and later divorced - with Phoebe holding onto her husband's name despite the acrimonious parting. Cara Delevingne clarified that she is still sober after sharing Instagram photos of herself posing with champagne as she recreated an iconic moment from the early 2000s. The supermodel, 32 - who recently attended a Halloween bash as Christina Bale from American Psycho - was also joined by Mean Girls star, Renee Rapp, 24, for the fun photo session in Hollywood. The pair dressed up as Cameron Diaz and Drew Barrymore when they had walked to the NYC premiere of Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle in 2003 while holding champagne in their hands. Delevingne - who began her sobriety journey in 2022 - doubled down that she was still sober after a fan wrote in the comment section, 'I thought you were working on your sobriety.' Cara then simply penned in response, 'I am still sober.' Cara Delevingne, 32, clarified that she is still sober after sharing Instagram photos of herself posing with champagne as she recreated an iconic moment from the early 2000s The pair dressed up as Cameron Diaz and Drew Barrymore as they walked to the NYC premiere of Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle in 2003 while holding champagne bottles in their hands (seen above) In the caption of the latest post, the British-born star also typed out, 'I love gay Halloween!' 'What do you mean you are Drew Barrymore and Cameron Diaz on the way to the Charlie's angels full throttle premiere in 2003. #stillsober.' Delevingne opted to dress up as Diaz from the iconic night and wore a one-shoulder, dark purple dress - similar to what Cameron had previously worn. The model slipped into a pair of open-toed, silver strappy heels while her hair was parted to the side, and flowed down straight past her shoulders. Rapp portrayed Barrymore while donning a pair of low-waisted, black leather pants as well as a short-sleeved, gray printed shirt. Cara and Renee were seen strolling through the streets of West Hollywood in their looks as Delevingne held a glass filled with champagne and Rapp easily carried the bottle. The two stars later stopped by a restaurant located on Sunset Boulevard and Rapp could be seen pouring more champagne into a glass in her hand. Another image in the Instagram carousel was a closeup of two bottles of champagne that were placed on top of a table. Delevingne - who began her sobriety journey in 2022 - doubled down that she was still sober after a fan wrote in the comment section, 'I thought you were working on your sobriety' Cara then simply penned in response, 'I am still sober' Delevingne opted to dress up as Diaz from the iconic night and wore a one-shoulder, dark purple dress - similar to what Cameron had previously worn The model slipped into a pair of open-toed, silver strappy heels while her hair was parted to the side, and flowed down straight past her shoulders Rapp portrayed Barrymore while donning a pair of low-waisted, black leather pants as well as a short-sleeved, gray printed shirt Cara and Renee were seen strolling through the streets of West Hollywood in their looks as Delevingne held a glass filled with champagne and Rapp carried the bottle Cara - who is currently dating musician Minke - and Renee flashed cheerful smiles while sitting inside a vehicle while celebrating Halloween together. Other pictures, including a black and white snap, showed the pair walking down a busy street in West Hollywood. Drew Barrymore has previously opened up about the iconic moment while strolling to the Charlie's Angels 2 premiere in NYC. Back in 2020, she uploaded throwback images to her Instagram page and reflected on the big night. The actress wrote, 'It was the NYC premier of Charlie's Angels 2 and I had hired an old school bus with Christmas lights and hanging rubber chickens to take us there!' 'And I was like "trust me! This is going to be so fun to show up in!" And then it broke down! Literally "smoking from the hood" broke. And so we walked the rest of the way.' Drew added, 'But not before I grabbed the champers and said "well this is good too" and off to our fun evening we went. And we're all still peas in a pod).' In 2022, Cara began her sobriety journey after checking herself into a 12-step program shortly after photos emerged of the model looking disheveled and jittery at Van Nuys airport. The two stars later stopped by a restaurant located on Sunset Boulevard and Rapp could be seen pouring more champagne into a glass in her hand Another image in the Instagram carousel was a closeup of two bottles of champagne that was placed on top of a table Cara - who is currently dating musician Minke - and Renee flashed cheerful smiles while sitting inside a vehicle while celebrating Halloween together Other pictures, including a black and white snap, showed the pair walking down a busy street in West Hollywood At the time, sources informed DailyMail.com that Delevingne had just returned from attending Burning Man. 'She had just spent days in the desert, not eating all that much and she looked disheveled because she hadn't had time to scrub up yet...,' an insider said. While talking to Variety earlier this year in May, Cara opened up about being sober and stated, 'You're not alone.' She then encouraged, 'If I can do it, anyone can. But you need to communicate and be honest about it as much as you can - especially with yourself.' 'I think that's what I've always done with anything in this business. Whether it's been being vocal about anxiety, depression, recovery, anything, it's just you owe it to people to talk about your struggles...' 'Because being in this world is not perfect. No one is perfect. So to be honest, it's the least I can do.' And during an interview with Vogue last year, Cara got candid about her decision to check into the 12-step program in 2022. 'Before I was always into the quick fix of healing, going to a weeklong retreat or to a course for trauma, say, and that helped for a minute, but it didn't ever really get to the nitty-gritty, the deeper stuff.' In 2022, Cara began her sobriety journey after checking herself into a 12-step program shortly after photos emerged of the model looking disheveled and jittery at Van Nuys airport; seen in June in London The model explained, 'This time I realized that 12-step treatment was the best thing, and it was about not being ashamed of that.' 'The community made a huge difference. The opposite of addiction is connection, and I really found that in 12-step.' And in July of this year, Delevingne revealed that she has gotten 'her power back' amid her sobriety while talking to The Times. 'I used to think drugs and alcohol helped me copebut they didn't, they kept me sad and super depressed. I feel like I've got my power back and I'm not being controlled by other things.' Cara then reflected in the notorious photos of herself at Van Nuys airport and stated, 'It was a stupid decision to go straight from a festival to work.' And during an interview with Vogue last year, Cara got candid about her decision to check into the 12-step program in 2022; seen in October in L.A. Earlier this week on Thursday, Cara joined other celebrities at Vas J Morgan and Michael Braun's star-studded Halloween bash in West Hollywood (seen above) 'I should have waited a day. But it was going to happen to me anyway, there were plenty of photos out there of me looking wasted.' However, the star credits the photos to helping her get sober and expressed that being around people who do drink 'doesn't mess her up.' Earlier this week on Thursday, Cara joined other celebrities at Vas J Morgan and Michael Braun's star-studded Halloween bash in West Hollywood. Delevingne donned a black, pin-striped suit as she portrayed Christian Bale's character of Patrick Bateman in the 2000 film, American Psycho. Chris Hemsworth has shared a rare health update after revealing that his career could be 'killing' him earlier this year. The Thor star, 41, is working with Dr. Adeel Khan, a global leader in regenerative medicine and stem cell therapy. 'Really enjoyed meeting Dr. Khan,' Chris wrote on Instagram Saturday. 'His work with MUSE cells an incredible type of regenerative stem cell, is unique.' Chris looked the picture of health as he posed for a photo with the world-renowned Canadian doctor, in a pair of black shorts and loose tank top outside one of his Eterna clinics. Dr. Kahn, who posed for a picture arm-in-arm with Chris, has treated Royal families, celebrities like Zac Efron and Justin Baldoni, and elite athletes with his cutting-edge stem cell therapy. Muse cells, which are found in the bone marrow and connective tissue of nearly every organ, have a tremendous capacity to function as restoring cells for a wide range of tissues and organs. They are able to recognise damaged tissue and selectively accumulate at the site of the damage by intravenous injection. Hollywood star Chris Hemsworth pictured with world-renowned regenerative stem cell scientist Dr. Adeel Khan 'The fact that Dr. Khan collaborates directly with Professor Mari Dezawa, who pioneered these cells, made me feel confident that I was in the hands of someone at the very forefront of regenerative medicine,' Chris continued in his caption. In May, it was reported the beloved actor was filming the Limitless series in 2022 when he found out he is 'between eight and 10 times' likelier to develop Alzheimer's than the general population. Shortly after the news broke, Chris took a step back from Hollywood and rumours swirled about the Hollywood star retiring, or had already developed the disease. 'The imagined scenario is always worse than the reality,' the Aussie actor recently told Body + Soul magazine ,as he got back to work in Los Angeles filming thriller Crime 101 with Mark Ruffalo. Chris spent one year recovering from a back injury, which he sustained while filming Thor: Love and Thunder, and coming to terms with his diagnosed genetic predisposition. At 41, the father-of-three said he's never been more optimistic about his health, or about getting back on set in Los Angeles, where he relocated for a stint of filming at the start of October. The upcoming movie is based on the Don Winslow novella, which focuses on a detective called Lou Lubesnick who investigates jewel thefts across the Pacific Coast. Although he's back at work, Chris' health scare has set him down a path of seeking out the world's best health and wellness practitioners to keep him fighting fit. Chris Hemsworth attends the European premiere of Transformers One at Cineworld Leiscester Square on September 19, 2024 'Our stem cells are engineered with the goal of restoring normal function to damaged tissues and organs by repairing or replacing them with new, fully functional cells and tissues,' a description on Dr. Kahn's website reads. His Eterna clinics, one of which Chris posed outside, are based in Mexico, Canada, Lithuania and Dubai. 'I would go from job to job and be stressed,' Chris admitted about his poor work/life balance prior to the health scare. 'I was always giving an extra 20 per cent of my time. Sometimes it just ended up being excessive, and sometimes it had diminishing returns.' Chris realised that pushing himself to his mental and physical limits would force something to give, and it was better that something was one film, rather than his ongoing wellbeing. Chris Hemsworth took a planned break from making movies to slow down and spend time with his wife Elsa Pataky and three children. Pictured at the Transformers One premiere in Sydney 'There may be a project Id love, but doing it means less time at home,' he said in the magazine interview. 'Alternatively, I can see that Ive been at home enough to feel like Im not going to go to work and be full of guilt that I should be home. And thats sort of the daily conversation we all have in our lives, whether youre in this business or another.' And so he planned some time to spend with his wife Elsa Pataky and their three children in their sprawling Byron Bay compound - surfing, riding dirt bikes, and horses. 'I used to have the mentality that if Im not crawling out of the gym, I havent worked hard enough, which isnt necessary,' Chris said. 'I'm also listening to my body more, being patient with the process and not just smashing myself in every single session.' Despite having a net worth of over AU$220million, Chris admitted he still felt unresolved 'stress' stemming from his troubled upbringing doing acting to pay off his parents' debts. After having bloodwork done for the program, he is one of only two to three percent of people with two copies of the gene APOE4. Chris lives in a $30million mansion with his wife Elsa and daughter India Rose, 12, and twin sons, Sasha and Tristan, 10. Pregnant Charlotte Dawson and her fiance Matt Sarsfield appeared stronger than ever as she shared a sweet Instagram photo on Saturday, dressed as Barbie and Ken. The reality star, 32, recently revealed it is taking her a 'long time' to rebuild the trust in her relationship, but is trying her hardest to work through things with Matt, 33, following his sexting scandal. In August, Charlotte revealed she and Matt were expecting their 'surprise' third child - just weeks after news broke he had been sexting another woman. But proving to her 1.4million followers they are still a very much loved-up couple, Charlotte posted a hilarious snap of them dressed in a couples costume. She captioned her post: 'Barbie well preggo Barbie & Ken are back b******!! Ps maybe blondes do have more fun.' Pregnant Charlotte Dawson, 32, and her fiance Matt Sarsfield, 33, appeared stronger than ever as she shared a sweet Instagram photo on Saturday, dressed as Barbie and Ken The reality star recently revealed it is taking her a 'long time' to rebuild the trust in her relationship, but is trying her hardest to work through things with Matt following his sexting scandal It comes after Charlotte said Matt is banned from using social media as she admitted it's taking her a 'long time to rebuild the trust' with him. Speaking to The Sun, Charlotte revealed: 'We're just seeing how things go really, still taking it very very slow. I think the thing is, trust takes a long time, I wouldn't say it's fully there yet, but it's just taking it day by day, step by step. 'He's not back on social media and he won't be for a while, maybe never. And it's probably better for him as well, because he used to look at peoples lives. 'You know what it's like...you end up in a rabbit hole on social media, scrolling - so it's probably better. He's a lot happier as well not being on it.' Charlotte made light of Matt's sexting scandal recently as she showcased their hilarious his 'n' hers Halloween costumes on Tuesday. But despite the troubles in their romance, Charlotte proved that she has a wicked sense of humour as she stood over his 'dead body' in mock revenge for his actions. The TV personality showcased her growing baby bump as she slipped into a sexy red devil costume, with Charlotte wowing in a low-cut satin bodysuit teamed with mesh gloves, devil horns and killer nude heels. Charlotte also held onto a knife prop as she posed next to a dead body prop wrapped in bin bags, which was seemingly meant to represent her partner. In August, Charlotte revealed she and Matt were expecting their 'surprise' third child - just weeks after news broke he had been sexting another woman Charlotte said Matt is banned from using social media as she admitted it's taking her a 'long time to rebuild the trust' with him But despite the troubles in their romance, Charlotte proved that she has a wicked sense of humour as she stood over his 'dead body' in mock revenge for his actions Captioning her post, Charlotte penned: 'Mine & Matthews Halloween costume this year' before going on to promote her Dawsylicious tanning range Captioning her post, Charlotte penned: 'Mine & Matthews Halloween costume this year' before going on to promote her Dawsylicious tanning range. Keen to emphasise that the photos and costumes were all in jest and has no desire to kill her fiance, Charlotte added: 'Ps this a joke, its light hearted. And we both found it hilarious.' Charlotte has been with the rugby league player for eight years, but was left hurt and humiliated after discovering he had sent intimate texts to another woman. Earlier this year it was revealed the star's fiance had been sexting another woman with Charlotte addressing the devastating news on her podcast My Naughty Corner. But just weeks after the news broke, Charlotte shocked fans by revealing she is pregnant with their 'surprise' third child - already sharing sons Noah, three, and one-year-old Jude. Giving an update on the pair's relationship, Charlotte admitted the pair were taking each day as it comes and admitted he is 'trying' to fix things. She explained: 'Yeah, it's been It's been emotional, but it's been like an actual rollercoaster everything. But now I feel a lot better. 'I feel a bit like everything's been lifted a little bit. We're taking each day as it comes obviously we have children together and obviously got another baby on the way and he is trying so I just want to shake him.' Commenting on her decision to talk about her difficult personal life on her podcast she said: 'I'm open and honest. I think that's just the way I've always been. 'It was difficult for me to be so open about my private life because I know I'm, like, open about fun, things and stuff. So it was quite hard for me, and I felt like the podcast was the best place to do it. It's like my safe space. 'I had to address it obviously because everyone was talking about it.' An agency launched by supermodel Naomi Campbell and multi-millionaire Umar Kamani is recruiting interns for jobs that require extensive experience. Mr Kamani, the founder of online fast-fashion giant PrettyLittleThing, and Ms Campbell, who is reported to be worth 50 million, set up Dubai-based talent agency KC Global Partnerships in September. In a job advert posted on Instagram, the firms director of public relations, Amy Simon, said: I am looking for full-time interns. Please note this is a full-time office role (10-5pm) and travel expenses will be covered. The advert states that they are looking for candidates who are confident in working across a range of admin tasks, a keen interest in social media and be confident in uploading content for agency channels, assist directors with their daily tasks including market research, assisting on new business decks and liaising with clients. An agency launched by Naomi Campbell and Umar Kamani is looking for interns for jobs that require extensive experience Naomi Campbell at Paris Fashion Week on October 1. The new advert has high prerequisites for an intern position It also said that experience of working in a busy PR/Talent office is preferred but not essential. The advert makes no mention of salary but did say the agency would pay travel expenses. Yesterday when contacted by The Mail on Sunday, the firms spokeswoman said that internships are commonplace, adding: Discussions around hourly rates are suggested during interviews for transparency, depending on the candidates involvement. One source familiar with the company says the role appears to be more than just a bit of work experience. The insider added: The skills being asked for are pretty high-level for an intern. Skills like that are usually meant for jobs that pay around 30,000 to 40,000. In May, Mr Kamani, 36, who is reported to have a fortune of 700 million, splashed out 20 million on his wedding to model Nada Adelle, 31. A week after he and Ms Campbell announced their business venture, it was revealed that she had been banned from being a charity trustee after a UK watchdog found funds were spent on luxury hotels and spa treatments. Kylie Jenner is celebrating the one year anniversary of her clothing line Khy with a traditional birthday cake. In an Instagram post on Friday, the brand's founder proudly posed alongside a gorgeous yellow cake that came complete with four black ribbons and a single black candle in the middle. For the milestone images, the Kylie Cosmetics founder got decked out in a black leather ensemble that appeared to include a Halter top and skirt combination. She's seen in the cover photo leaning over her cake with her raven tresses flowing down long with added volume and natural waves with a part in the middle. 'One year of @khy,' she gushed in the caption of the post, which also included a short video of the reality star turned businesswoman reaching down to blow out the candle as she hold her hair back from the flame and yellow cake icing. Kylie Jenner, 27, is celebrating the one year anniversary of the launch of her fashion brand Khy, which had a huge debut on November 1, 2023 The post ended with a third image showing just the yellow icing cake sitting on a table. Jenner, 27, first launched the Khy fashion brand on November 1, 2023, with a debut 12 piece collection that the company partnered with Nan Li and Emilia Pfohl, the founders of Namilia. Aiming to carve out its own niche in the affordable fashion world, the Keeping Up With The Kardashians alum has long intended Khy to be a high-fashion brand that's more accessible in price and size. The items consisted of faux-leather clothing, such as pants, coats, and tops, in sizes XXS to 4X, with prices ranging from $48 to $198, according to Pop Sugar. The Khy brand, which features wardrobe basics, staples, and investment pieces, was inspired by Jenner's personal style. Jenner celebrated the launch with her older sister Kendall Jenner and their friend Hailey Bieber at Giorgio Baldi in the Santa Monica neighborhood of Los Angeles. The Khy business venture has been successful straight out of the gate, with the line selling out of several items and surpassing $1 million in sales within the first hour of its launch. For the milestone, the Kylie Cosmetics founder celebrated with a yellow cake and candle, while decked out in a black leather ensemble that appeared to include a Halter top and skirt combination The Kylie Cosmetics founder made a point of recognizing Khy being in business for a year At the center of the celebration is a gorgeous yellow icing cake adorned with black ribbons Always seeming to be in promo mode when it comes to social media, the beauty mogul also took to her Instagram page to share her excitement for the weekend Saturday morning The youngest of the Kardashian-Jenner brood would also share a full body picture of herself in black slacks, yellow hoodie, and black leather shoes, all while she puckered up her lips The Keeping Up With The Kardashians alum would step up the cool factor with dark shades There's also a shot of the Calabasas, California native reaching under her hoodie in a selfie photo that cuts off the top part of her head The reality star turned businesswoman shared her excitement for the weekend Always seeming to be in promo mode when it comes to social media, the beauty mogul also took to her Instagram page to share her excitement for the weekend Saturday morning. 'It's tha weekenddd,' Jenner declared alongside a photo of herself flashing a sultry look at the camera while dressed in a yellow hoodie. She would also share a full body picture showing her in black slacks, the yellow hoodie, and black leather shoes, all while she puckered up her lips for a selfie snap. There's also a shot of the Calabasas, California native reaching under her hoodie in a selfie photo that cuts off the top part of her head. While some say the Khy clothing is versatile and can be styled in many ways, Jenner describes its various items and piece as 'redefining the modern wardrobe.' Teddi Mellencamp was seen for the first time since announcing her shock divorce from Edwin Arroyave after 13 years of marriage in L.A. on Saturday. The Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills alum, 43 - who shared a statement to reveal the news of their split on Instagram - was spotted holding a phone conversation while on a solo stroll. She dressed down for the daytime excursion wearing an oversized, light gray hoodie as well as a tan-colored, Los Angeles Dodgers cap on top of her head. The sweatshirt had the words, 'Two Ts In A Pod,' printed on the left side - referencing to her podcast that she co-hosts with Tamra Judge. Mellencamp also slipped into a pair of nude-colored leggings and comfy sneakers that were secured with laces for a finishing touch. Teddi Mellencamp, 43, was seen for the first time since announcing her shock divorce from Edwin Arroyave after 13 years of marriage in L.A. on Saturday The Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills alum - who shared a statement to reveal the news of their split on Instagram - was spotted holding a phone conversation while on a solo stroll While walking through a quiet neighborhood, Teddi seemingly still wore her wedding ring on her left hand - despite her separation from Arroyave. The pair had tied the knot in in 2011 and share three children: son Cruz, 10, and daughters Slate, 12, and Dove, four. Upon marrying, the star - who has been open about her battle with skin cancer - also became stepmother to Edwin's daughter, Isabella, 15, from a previous relationship. On Saturday, she took to her main Instagram page and penned to her fans and followers, 'After a great deal of care and consideration, I have made the difficult decision to file for divorce.' 'My priority is my children and ensuring that every care is taken with their privacy and wellbeing throughout this new chapter.' Teddi added, 'Making a public statement is not something I wanted to do but in an effort to protect my family from undue speculation and rumors, I felt being open, honest and vulnerable was the best path forward.' Just one week before the divorce announcement, Edwin posted a heartfelt tribute to Teddi after they attended the Cure Melanoma gala together. Teddi, who herself fought a recent battle with the disease, was the compere of the event at Cipriani 25 Broadway in New York City. She dressed down for the daytime excursion wearing an oversized, light gray hoodie as well as a tan-colored, Los Angeles Dodgers cap on top of her head The sweatshirt had the words, 'Two Ts In A Pod,' printed on the left side - referencing to her podcast that she cohosts with Tamra Judge While walking through a quiet neighborhood, Teddi seemingly still wore her wedding ring on her left hand - despite her separation from Arroyave On Saturday, she took to her main Instagram page and penned to her fans and followers, 'After a great deal of care and consideration, I have made the difficult decision to file for divorce' 'I always say life and pain are inseparable,' he had written in the caption at the time. 'And to see @teddimellencamp embrace her pain and use it for the greater good again last night as she emceed the @curemelanoma gala, was a beautiful reminder of what she is capable of,' he wrote. 'Her story has already saved lives. And I couldn't be prouder that she will continue to save more. Love you, Teds,' Edwin continued, adding with a crying laughing emoji: '(So much so that I missed the Rams game to be there).' The accompanying photo album included a romantic snapshot of Teddi and Edwin kissing, offering no indication of the split to come. Teddi, the daughter of legendary rocker John Mellencamp, met Edwin at a Los Angeles nightclub in 2009 and married him two years later. They then welcomed their son Cruz, 10, and daughters Slate, 12, and Dove, four, together. When Teddi joined The Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills in 2017, she and Edwin had reached a crisis point in their marriage and were on the brink of splitting up. During her 'first day' of filming, Teddi thought to herself: F***, at what point do I tell everybody that I'm getting a divorce?' Just one week before the divorce announcement, Edwin posted a heartfelt tribute to Teddi after they attended the Cure Melanoma gala together When Teddi joined The Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills in 2017, she and Edwin had reached a crisis point in their marriage and were on the brink of splitting up; seen in 2023 She recalled: 'We are at our worst absolute phase, because truthfully, for us, it was really about a power struggle,' on her podcast Two Ts In A Pod, which she co-hosts with Orange County Housewife Tamra Judge. 'We were always kind of equals when we were together. I rode horses, I was competitive and I was all these things,' Teddi remembered. 'Then I couldnt get pregnant naturally, I did all these IVFs. Then, all of a sudden, he was in charge of our finances, and I had never been that. I never not had my own money, I had been working since I was 17. Then I just started hating him.' She and Edwin were ultimately able to patch up their differences, and she enjoyed a three-season run as a full-time Real Housewife Of Beverly Hills. Although Teddi lost her position in the main cast in 2020, she has since guest-starred on the show a number of times as a 'friend' of the Housewives. In July 2023, she posted a candid Instagram post about the occasional tensions in her marriage - and the way she and Edwin went about addressing them. 'When was the last time you really told your significant other exactly what you want and need?' she penned. 'I often times don't and then let things build up and fester. I mean aren't our people mind readers? Can't they tell what my heavy annoyed breathing means? The answer is no.' They then welcomed their son Cruz, 10, and daughters Slate, 12, and Dove, four, together. Teddi is also stepmother to Edwin's daughter Isabella, 15, from a previous relationship 'I tried out being 100 percent direct with @tedwinator yesterday for my birthday and guess what - it worked like a charm. I said: You can work until 11am while I take the kids riding. After we get back I want a date of my favorite things,' she further wrote. The date would consist of: 'Lunch. Walk around BH people watching. A couple's treatment at my fave spa, an early dinner and then some romantic time and early to bed.' 'I asked if he could be off of his phone, because when he texts, even though I know its work, I get my feelings hurt.' The experience was, for her, 'an excellent reminder that we have to spell out what we both want and need in this marriage. I woke up with tears in my eyes so grateful for all the laughs, important convos and silly fluff we talked about.' She summed up her caption by explaining: 'Marriage isnt easy and we all have high highs and low lows but if we are vulnerable and open up, it can lead to one of the best days you have had in a long time.' A few months later, Teddi also shared an 'appreciation post' for her husband, hailing the way he cared for her during her battle with skin cancer. She recounted a recent ordeal during which the toll from my immunotherapy treatment hit new levels,' leaving her crying as 'extreme pain from the inside-out, sores, vomiting and sadness rushed over me.' In July 2023, she posted a candid Instagram post about the occasional tensions in her marriage - and the way she and Edwin went about addressing them A few months later, Teddi also shared an 'appreciation post' for her husband, hailing the way he cared for her during her battle with skin cancer; seen in October in L.A. Teddi lovingly remembered: 'Edwin could have tried to give me a quick fix or tell me I am OK or give me a pep-talk. Instead, he comforted me, held my hair back and showed me love and compassion.' She reflected: 'So often we want to be strong for our partner, pretending to be super-human for the sake of optics or a fear of being seen as weak.' 'But last night, I felt a strength from Edwin that radiated through both of us - and it's something I still feel as I write this.' Arroyave has yet to publicly make a statement of his own in regards to their divorce. Paul Mescal has been spotted unwinding in Sydney amid backlash to his viral exchange with Saoirse Ronan on The Graham Norton Show. The Gladiator II star is in Australia enjoying some down time after walking the red carpet for Ridley Scott's long-awaited sequel at Darling Harbour on October 30. The Irish actor, 28, was spotted smoking a cigarette on Thursday afternoon and soaking up the views from the balcony of his hotel room, which overlooks Sydney Harbour. Embracing the balmy sunshine, Mescal was pictured shirtless during the balcony session, where he was joined by two unidentified women and one tattooed man. At the time Mescal was photographed, he was blissfully unaware that in the next 24 hours he'd find himself at the centre of a global media firestorm as a pre-recorded episode of the Graham Norton Show went to air in the UK. The Normal People star appeared to be in jovial spirits as he took a few drags of a cigarette and admired the picturesque view of the harbour with his friends. Mescal's Gladiator II co-star Saoirse, 30, set social media alight during Friday's appearance on the show, when she made a remark about gender-based violence while sat alongside an otherwise all-male panel of Paul, Denzel Washington and Eddie Redmayne. In the terse exchange, Saoirse silenced the all-male panel with her one now-viral response to Mescal. Paul Mescal has been spotted in Sydney partying with some female company. The Gladiator II star, 28, is in Australia promoting the new ancient Rome-themed film. Pictured And over the weekend, the Irish actor was seen enjoying the view while staying at a hotel on Sydney Harbour During the Graham Norton interview, Eddie, 42, explained that amid his training for The Day of the Jackal, an upcoming Peacock miniseries, he received instruction on how to use a phone to retaliate in the event of an attack. Paul then joked: 'Who is actually going to think about that? If someone actually attacked me, I'm not going to go 'phone.'' Graham mimicked holding a phone to fend off an assailant, saying, 'Can you hold on a second?' to which Eddie said, 'That's a very good point.' Having been talked over in the chat, Saoirse finally found a moment to speak and declared: 'That's what girls have to think about all the time.' The brutally honest comment prompted a moment of silence from the panel. 'Am I right, ladies?' she then asked the crowd, eliciting a huge round of applause from the studio audience. Saoirse set social media alight when she made a joke about self-defence while sat alongside the actor, Denzel Washington and Eddie Redmayne Speaking in his first interview since then, Paul addressed his appearance on the BBC show while walking the red carpet at the Gladiator II Australian premiere in Sydney. Asked by 9Honey about a comment Denzel made on The Graham Norton Show, saying that Paul had 'delivered' with his performance in the new movie. Paul replied: 'I'm totally comfortable saying this but I got absolutely emotional when he [Denzel] said that.' He continued: 'Because he's just been both so generous with his talent, his performance in the film is just extraordinary but he's been totally paternal in a non-condescending way entirely on this press tour. 'And to get that from somebody who is so fundamentally talented is so, it feels incredibly generous and kind.' He was not asked directly about the awkward interaction with Saorise, who defended her 'dear friend' on Virgin Radio UK. 'Paul being one of my very dear friends, I've had conversations like that with him before and he completely gets that and completely understands that,' Saoirse said. 'But I think the fact that there was a moment like that that happened on a show like Graham Norton, which is something that the entire nation channels and to watch and even overseas, it's something that people tune into, it seems to have had an accessibility which seems to have really gained traction, which I think is amazing.' Paul was shirtless and bared his buff physique while he entertained his guests, enjoying a laugh with his companions Paul Mescal has broken his silence after that awkward moment with Saoirse Ronan during a discussion on The Graham Norton Show (pictured in Sydney) While Paul is living it up Down Under, his rumoured girlfriend Gracie Abrams is on tour with Taylor Swift, supporting her on the final leg of the American Eras tour. Gracie, 25, opened for Taylor, 34, in New Orleans a few nights ago and will continue in this role for the next few months. Gracie, whose father is the A-list Hollywood director JJ Abrams, was first seen with Paul in June at a restaurant in London. Two weeks ago, the loved-up pair were seen chatting outside a restaurant on a date night in New York City while they puffed on cigarettes. Paul is currently busy promoting the upcoming sequel to Russell Crowe's smash hit 2000 movie Gladiator, in which he takes on the leading role. Discussing filming the epic while in Australia, Paul admitted he couldn't bring himself to give up drinking or smoking while working on his ripped physique for the role. 'I was petrified that they were going to take away everything, like drinking and I smoke. Everything fun,' he told The Project earlier this year. The Normal People star appeared to be in jovial spirits as he took a few drags of a cigarette and admired the picturesque view of the harbour with his friends Paul confessed that he asked his fitness trainer Tim Blakeley to help him work drinking and smoking into his rigorous training regime. 'I very earnestly was like, 'Look, Tim, I'm going to keep drinking and smoking for a little bit if I can. 'He very kindly incorporated them, not into the workout routine, but just into my life.' Paul first rose to prominence alongside Daisy Edgar Jones in an adaptation of Sally Rooney's novel Normal People and has since starred in an array of high-profile releases. He has racked up credits in Aftersun, Foe and All of Us Strangers, and told GQ Magazine that though he misses his anonymity, he wouldn't trade in his Hollywood career for anything. 'I do miss anonymity, but I don't miss a life before getting the opportunities that come with making films,' he shared. 'I love this job more than I miss anonymity, because I'm not naive to assume that you can really have one without the other, mourning that is less useful. 'I make incredible friends through this job, and I work with people like Ridley Scott, so it's all good,' the actor said. Celebrity stylist Jamie Azzopardi slammed Married At First Sight lovebirds Evelyn Ellis and Duncan James over their 'tone deaf' choice of Halloween costume. But then over the weekend, raised eyebrows by hosting a Halloween event at a Sydney nightclub dressed up as a bottle of Sean 'P Diddy' Combs' baby oil. 'Tonight DJ Helena Ellis and I are going to a hip hop inspired Halloween party and our outfits are risque and topical!' Jamie teased in a post shared to Instagram Stories on Friday. 'Any guesses what we're going as?' For the Halloween bash hosted at Albion Fridays, Jamie and Helena coordinated a duo costume as a bottle of baby oil and J. Lo. In photos shared to Instagram Stories, Jamie flaunted a white T-shirt with a printed image of a cartoonish baby oil bottle with the word 'Diddy' written on it and posed with the Australian DJ, who carried a crafted purse with the same 'Diddy Oil'. 'You're right and Helena was J.Lo the night she hid the gun,' Jamie captioned a mirror selfie of the pair posing together before the party. It came after the Sydney identity criticised Evelyn and Duncan's decision to dress up in drag as each other for the holiday for the second year in a row. Celebrity stylist Jamie Azzopardi and DJ Helena Ellis dressed up as a bottle of 'Diddy' baby oil and J.Lo for Halloween Jamie Azzopardi slammed MAFS couple Evelyn Ellis and Duncan James for their 'tone deaf' Halloween costume, dressed as each other from the Logies, before posting these photos Jamie said the MAFS couple's choice to recreate their Logies 2023 outfits as call it 'scary' was offensive. 'I love Duncan and Evelyn and I know he has queer friends and family, so this move was out of character for them,' Jamie told Daily Mail last week. 'I dont think either of them are homophobic. Thats not my point. But if you're saying "This is scary", then you're making fun of people like me.' A concerned Daily Mail reader, who attended the event at Albion Hotel on Friday, said she was 'deeply disturbed' by Jamie's decision to dress up as Diddy's 'baby oil'. 'It's troubling to see someone who so readily criticises others choose to portray a person of colour who is facing serious allegations, including accusations of sexual assault and trafficking,' the reader wrote. 'Notably, there have been recent allegations involving P Diddy and a 10-year-old boy, which are absolutely horrifying. 'How can Jamie call out others for their choices, while dismissing the implications of their own actions?' 'This double standard is alarming, and it's no surprise that there's considerable discussion and upset online regarding this incident. It's crucial to engage in a thoughtful dialogue about respect and accountability in our community.' Celebrity stylist Jamie Azzopardi has slammed Married At First Sight lovebirds Evelyn Ellis and Duncan James over their 'scary' choice of Halloween costume Evelyn and Duncan shared a carousel of photos of themselves dressed up as each other to Instagram on Thursday In the indictment against Diddy that was unsealed, it was claimed that federal raids on his Miami and Los Angeles mansions led to the discovery of over 1,000 bottles of baby oil and lubricant. It is alleged that the rapper would coerce and manipulate victims into taking part in days-long sexual performances, which he dubbed 'freak offs.' Diddy's associates would allegedly ply victims with drugs to keep them compliant and would make threats against anyone refusing to engage, in claims similar to those made in a civil lawsuit brought by Diddy's ex-girlfriend Cassie last year. JLo and Diddy were one of the most high profile couples of the late nineties and early noughties, dating between 1999 and 2001. JLo and Diddy were one of the most high profile couples of the late nineties and early noughties, dating between 1999 and 2001 (pictured in 2000) When asked by a fan to comment on the allegations against her ex last month, and the latest lawusit alleging Diddy raped a 13-year-old girl in front of two celebrities, Lopez stopped singing and stormed off. Evelyn and Duncan shared a carousel of photos of themselves dressed up as each other to Instagram on Thursday. Duncan, 39, went full red carpet glam as he donned drag, wearing a handmade replica of his girlfriend's 2023 Logies ensemble. Meanwhile, the MAFS' 'hot bride', 28, wore a black tuxedo and wig paired with faux facial hair. 'Spooky szn (season),' she wrote in the caption. 'This year we decided to take things a little further and fully commit, this took so bloody long haha and was one of the scariest things weve ever done. 'It's unfortunate that its posed like the "scariest thing" you could do in life is cross dress,' Jamie told Daily Mail Australia on Thursday. 'I don't know how else to read that caption. It's tone deaf.' Duncan, 39, went full red carpet glam as he donned drag, wearing a handmade replica of his girlfriend's 2023 Logies ensemble 'This day is about ghouls and goblins and scary things,' Jame continued. 'Tomorrow, Im going to dress up as a Diddy Oil and Im ready for the backlash, whatever that might be. 'The reason I find that to be an acceptable costume is because it's a topical thing that is genuinely scary in peoples' minds.' DJ Helena wore a white tube top, headband, and denim shorts for her Jennifer Lopez costume, paired with a handcrafted purse made out of the same baby oil bottle image. DJ Helena wore a white tub top , headband, and denim shorts for her Jennifer Lopez costume, paired with a handcrafted purse made out of the same baby oil bottle image When contacted by Daily Mail, Evelyn maintained she doesn't see anything wrong or offensive about her and Duncan's costume. 'Im sorry, but your partner looking like you is scary!!!' she said. In the conclusion to his lengthy response, Duncan wrote to Jamie: 'I do think we always need to be mindful of all genders and all people that live on this planet. 'I would like to think that both Ev and I show through our actions that are extremely supportive and understanding of the wider community.' 'I'd welcome any discussion if people think that I shouldn't be allowed to dress up as my partner or cross dress if I want to.' Advertisement Kim Kardashian had all eyes on her as she joined Blake Lively and Kaia Gerber at the star-studded 2024 LACMA Art And Film Gala in Los Angeles on Saturday. The reality star, 44, wowed in a plunging skintight white gown that highlighted her ample cleavage and draped a floor-sweeping, cream-colored coat over her arms. She accessorized with Princess Diana's amethyst cross necklace, which she famously wore at a charity gala in 1987. The entrepreneur added a pearl choker resembling another piece of the late royal's and wore her raven tresses in a short style to show off the necklaces. Meanwhile Lively, 37, put on a leggy display in a metallic mini dress, with a dramatic orange cape trailing behind her. And Gerber, 23, looked chic in an elegant, fringe mint green gown that clung to her enviable model figure. Kim Kardashian, 44, had all eyes on her as she joined Blake Lively, 37, and Kaia Gerber, 23, at the star studded 2024 LACMA Art And Film Gala in Los Angeles on Saturday The reality star, 44, wowed in a plunging skintight white gown that highlighted her ample cleavage, accessorizing with a large cross necklace Lively wore a chainmail-inspired minidress adorned with shimmering diamond-shaped and gemstone details. The It Ends With Us star donned baby pink sandal heels with rhinestone-covered, criss-cross straps to add inches to her height and highlight her toned legs. She left her long, blonde hair down with her perfectly tousled beach waves swept to the side. For makeup, she opted for a sun-kissed, glowy look featuring bronze eyeshadow and a bright pink glossy lip. As for Gerber, the supermodel put on an elegant display in a flapper-inspired, long gown featuring a satin balconette bust, iridescent fringe throughout and fluffy feathers at the bottom of the skirt. She styled her chocolate brown hair in silky and smooth bombshell waves seemingly inspired by chic, old Hollywood-esque 'dos. She looked radiant with a cool-toned smoky eye paired with a nude pink lip to complete her glamorous look. At the soiree, Emily Ratajkowski, 33, also put on a show-stopping display in a fabulous dress. She further completed the look by adding a pearl choker The mom-of-four wore her raven tresses in a short style The star looked absolutely breathtaking She rocked a dark and smoky eyeshadow look paired with a nude pink gloss to complete her look She highlighted her ample curves with her necklaces. She accessorized with Princess Diana's amethyst cross necklace, which she famously wore at a charity gala in 1987. The entrepreneur added a pearl choker resembling another piece of the late royal's As she walked, her long, cream-colored coat trailed behind her like a train Kim's perilously plunging dress flaunted her more than ample assets Lively wore a chainmail-inspired minidress adorned with shimmering diamond-shaped and gemstone details The blonde beauty wore her tresses cascading down The It Ends With Us star donned baby pink sandal heels with rhinestone-covered, criss-cross straps to add inches to her height and highlight her toned legs She opted for delicate makeup Blake showed off her dramatic cape Gerber put on an elegant display in a flapper-inspired, long gown featuring a satin balconette bust, iridescent fringe throughout and fluffy feathers at the bottom of the skirt Kaia showed off her supermodel looks She styled her chocolate brown hair in silky and smooth bombshell waves seemingly inspired by chic, old Hollywood-esque 'dos At the soiree, Emily Ratajkowski, 33, also put on a show-stopping display in a fabulous dress. The brunette bombshell donned a reddish-brown, silk gown with off-the-shoulder, long sleeves and a velvet, drop skirt Sofia Richie Grainge, 26, was also present at the star-studded gala alongside her husband Elliot Grainge, 30. The founder and CEO of record label 10K Projects donned a sharp suit with a black blazer and matching tie as he joined his wife at the event For the special occasion, the model put on a stylish display in an espresso brown, flowing gown with just one, long sleeve The brunette bombshell donned a reddish-brown, silk gown with off-the-shoulder, long sleeves and a velvet, drop skirt. For the special occasion, Ratajkowski also styled her hair in side-swept, old Hollywood waves. To match her dark hair and deep brown dress, she rocked a sultry smoky eye paired with a glossy nude pout. Sofia Richie Grainge, 26, was also present at the star-studded gala alongside her husband Elliot Grainge, 30. The founder and CEO of record label 10K Projects donned a sharp suit with a black blazer and matching tie as he joined his wife at the event. For the special occasion, the model put on a stylish display in an espresso brown, flowing gown with just one, long sleeve. She left her long, pin-straight hair down and accessorized with chunky gold jewelry, several of which were encrusted with diamonds, in the form of hoop earrings, bangle bracelets and statement rings. Cara Delevingne, 32, looked striking at the gala, modeling a glamorous black gown with a sexy midriff cutout, which showcased her ribcage tattoo. Cara Delevingne, 32, looked striking at the gala, modeling a glamorous black gown with a sexy midriff cutout, which showcased her ribcage tattoo. She pinned back her hair in a slicked back updo with micro bangs framing her face The dress showed off her intricate cherry blossom tattoo Cara's backless dress also revealed a selection of her other inkings The actress looked incredible for the star-studded occasion Then, the vivacious Viola Davis was seen arriving at the gala in an elegant, Gucci gown, which was adorned with sparkly sequin details She was joined by her longtime partner Julius Tennon, who looked handsome in a sharp tuxedo that complemented her look She pinned back her blonde hair in a slicked back updo with micro bangs framing her face. The model accessorized with various statement rings to complete her glamorous and bold look. Then, the vivacious Viola Davis was seen arriving at the gala in an elegant Gucci gown, which was adorned with sparkly sequin details. The EGOT-winning actress, 59, took the plunge in a figure-hugging gown with dramatically long sleeves that transformed into a cape cascading down behind her. Teamed with the sparkly gown, she accessorized with a striking, gold pendant necklace and stunning gemstone earrings. She was joined by her longtime partner Julius Tennon, who looked handsome in a sharp tuxedo that complemented her look. Anna Kendrick, 39, looked elegant in a bright yellow, strapless gown with a brown, velvet ribbon tied in a bow around her waist. The Pitch Perfect actress pinned back her brunette hair into a chic updo and rocked a deep, red lip. Kathy Hilton was also seen at the gala with her husband Richard Hilton. The reality TV personality looked pretty in pink in a floral-patterned gown with a matching cape. Anna Kendrick, 39, looked elegant in a bright yellow, strapless gown with a brown, velvet ribbon tied in a bow around her waist. The Pitch Perfect actress pinned back her brunette hair into a chic updo and rocked a deep, red lip Kathy Hilton was also seen at the gala with her husband Richard Hilton. The reality TV personality looked pretty in pink in a floral-patterned gown with a matching cape. Her longtime husband wore a black blazer teamed with a matching scarf and a satin tie The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills alum paired the romantic and feminine dress with a dazzling diamond necklace and dangling earrings to match Vittoria Ceretti was also present at the gala. The girlfriend of Leonardo DiCaprio put on a chic display in a lavender-colored gown with a halter-style neckline and a sexy cutout at her side. The dress also featured a long, flowing cape lined with purple feathers The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills alum paired the romantic and feminine dress with a dazzling diamond necklace and dangling earrings to match. At her side, her longtime husband wore a black blazer teamed with a matching scarf and a satin tie. Vittoria Ceretti was also present at the gala. The girlfriend of Leonardo DiCaprio put on a chic display in a lavender-colored gown with a halter-style neckline and a sexy cutout at her side. The dress also featured a long, flowing cape lined with purple feathers. To complete her monochromatic outfit, she carried a small purse with a gold chain and she also rocked a purple eye makeup look. Charli XCX looked phenomenal in a chic two-piece set adorned with small, circular mirrors. She was eye-catching in a tiny bra top, which she teamed with a matching maxi skirt and a string tied around her waist. Andrew Garfield, who put on a dapper display in an aubergine-colored suit with his shirt halfway unbuttoned, was seen at the gala with Laura Dern. Charli XCX looked phenomenal in a chic two-piece set adorned with small, circular mirrors he was eye-catching in a tiny bra top, which she teamed with a matching maxi skirt and a string tied around her waist Andrew Garfield, who put on a dapper display in an aubergine-colored suit with his shirt halfway unbuttoned, was seen at the gala with Laura Dern Dern sizzled in a delicate black lace gown Her blonde tresses were styled in light waves Sarah Paulson wore a striking white blouse with dramatic, scalloped layers and a long, black skirt. Ellie Goulding slipped into a slinky, black slip dress with a pale blue cowl neck detail for her look Ellie wore her blonde locks straight with a glamorous coat of make-up She styled her gown with a pair of sheer mesh heels The actress put on a sultry display in a sheer, lace gown with a plunging neckline and a long, tiered skirt. Tina Knowles put on a chic display as she went topless underneath a black blazer with feathers at the bottom of her sleeves. She sported matching trousers and completed her look with patent leather pumps, which were lined with sparkly rhinestones for an additional touch of glamour. Anna Wintour turned up the glamour in a cream-colored gown adorned with teardrop crystals and sparkling gems. Over her shoulders, the Vogue editor-in-chief wore a metallic silver trench coat and matching heels. The fashion icon also showed off a massive gem she wore around her neck as a pendant necklace. Sarah Paulson wore a striking white blouse with dramatic, scalloped layers and a long, black skirt. The American Horror Story actress completed her look with polished updo and a bold, red lip. Ellie Goulding slipped into a slinky, black slip dress with a pale blue cowl neck detail for her look. She paired the effortlessly stylish dress with pointed-toe pumps and gold, teardrop statement earrings. Rachel Zoe put on a glamorous display in a dress made out of metallic gold, string that draped perfectly around her body Anna Wintour turned up the glamour in a cream-colored gown adorned with teardrop crystals and sparkling gems. Over her shoulders, the Vogue editor-in-chief wore a metallic silver trench coat and matching heels Tina Knowles put on a chic display as she went topless underneath a black blazer with feathers at the bottom of her sleeves. She sported matching trousers and completed her look with patent leather pumps, which were lined with sparkly rhinestones for an additional touch of glamour Rachel Zoe put on a glamorous display in a dress made out of metallic gold, string that draped perfectly around her body. Ricky Martin looked dapper in a mustard yellow suit, which he paired with a black turtleneck and shiny dress shoes. Michelle Rodriguez looked striking in a strapless jumpsuit with a silver, sculptural detail in the middle of the bust and a wrap skirt design. Mikey Madison put on an elegant display in a white, sleeveless dress with a long, floor-sweeping cape trailing behind her. Lisa Ann Walter looked fabulous in a figure-hugging, black gown with a figure-hugging silhouette and a dramatic, voluminous shawl draped around her upper arms. Malcolm Washington looked effortlessly stylish in a brown, silk robe coat, which he threw on over his white button-down and black, string tie. Stella Maxwell slipped into a skintight, black dress with a corset-style bodice and a mermaid-tail skirt. She donned black, leather gloves to match her dress and rocked a sultry, smoky makeup look to complete her edgy-chic look. Stella Maxwell slipped into a skintight, black dress with a corset-style bodice and a mermaid-tail skirt Michelle Rodriguez looked striking in a strapless jumpsuit with a silver, sculptural detail in the middle of the bust and a wrap skirt design. Mikey Madison put on an elegant display in a white, sleeveless dress with a long, floor-sweeping cape trailing behind her Lisa Ann Walter looked fabulous in a figure-hugging, black gown with a figure-hugging silhouette and a dramatic, voluminous shawl draped around her upper arms Ricky Martin looked dapper in a mustard yellow suit, which he paired with a black turtleneck and shiny dress shoes Malcolm Washington looked effortlessly stylish in a brown, silk robe coat, which he threw on over his white button-down and black, string tie Notables from the art, film, fashion, and entertainment industries gathered for the LACMA for 13th annual Art+Film Gala, which was sponsored by Gucci. It supports the museum's curatorial programming, exhibitions, acquisitions and more programs that explore the intersection of art and film. This year's event honored Elvis writer and director Baz Luhrmann and sculptor Simone Leigh, while LACMA trustee Eva Chow and actor Leonardo DiCaprio served as co-chair of the event for the 13th consecutive year. Proceeds from the annual Art+Film Gala go toward underwriting LACMAs initiative to make film more central to the museums curatorial programming, while also funding LACMAs broader mission. This includes exhibitions, acquisitions, and educational programming, in addition to screenings that explore the intersection of art and film. Tori Spelling showed off a new addition of body jewelry as she stepped out for a fast food run with her kids in Los Angeles on Friday. The 51-year-old former Beverly Hills, 90210 star bared her flat midriff, which was adorned with a set of dermal piercings. The blonde bombshell was clad in a cropped black tank top and low-rise black cargo pants that teased the white waistband of her Calvin Klein underwear The mother-of-five, who shares her brood with ex-husband Dean McDermott, 57, was joined by 16-year-old daughter Stella and seven-year-old son Beau. Stella, who wore a nearly identical outfit to her mom's, sported the same piercing on either side of her lower abdomen. Tori Spelling showed off a new addition of body jewelry as she stepped out for a food run with her kids in Los Angeles on Friday The 51-year-old former Beverly Hills, 90210 star bared her flat midriff, which was adorned with a set of dermal piercings The blonde bombshell was clad in a cropped black tank top and low-rise black cargo pants that teased the white waistband of her Calvin Klein underwear Spelling rounded out her casual, youthful look with a pair of black and white Converse Chuck Taylor sneakers. Her lengthy locks were arranged in a center part as they flowed down her back and beyond her waistline. The podcaster wore a full face of matte makeup underneath a pair of sepia-tinted, black-framed glasses. And her long, pointy nails were manicured in a vampy, glossy, burgundy hue as she clutched a bag of food and a tray of beverages. She and her brood grabbed a bite to eat from a local Taco Bell chain. Her mini-me teenage daughter wore her hair in an off-center part, showing off her bright blonde and pink highlights throughout. In addition to Stella and Beau, Tori is also mother to Liam, 17, Hattie, 13, and Finn, 12. The family recently enjoyed an annual, seasonal outing at Universal Studios' Halloween Horror Nights. The mother-of-five, who shares her brood with ex-husband Dean McDermott, 57, was joined by 16-year-old daughter Stella and seven-year-old son Beau Spelling rounded out her casual, youthful look with a pair of black and white Converse Chuck Taylor sneakers. Her lengthy locks were arranged in a center part as they flowed down her back and beyond her waistline She also accessorized with some jewelry She completed the outfit with yellow tinted sunglasses The star had her hands full as she carried out a number of beverages Stella, who wore a nearly identical outfit to her mom's, sported the same piercing on either side of her lower abdomen The mother and daughter duo were seen chatting together The busy mom carefully navigated the sidewalk with her drinks She was pictured getting into her car Exes Tori and Dean McDermott share Liam, 17, Stella, 16, Hattie, 13, Finn, 12, and Beau, seven; pictured in April 2023 About her post-divorce relationship with McDermott, Tori recently told People: 'We co-parent really well, we're good friends, and he's one of my biggest supporters.' She filed for divorce from the Chopped Canada host on March 29, 2024, citing irreconcilable differences. The date of separation was listed as June 17, 2023. Spelling and McDermott tied the knot in 2006, but the final years of their marriage turned tumultuous, which Dean has taken responsibility for. 'All Tori's ever done, to this day, is want me to be happy and healthy and I inflicted a lot of damage and pain on that woman,' he admitted to DailyMail.com in November 2023. 'I'm taking accountability for that today. And it's the biggest amend that I'm ever going to have to make,' he added. A stack of famous faces were spotted out at Derby Day's after party over the weekend. After the glitz and glam of the spring racing carnival event at Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne on Saturday, the celebrities gathered at Bar Bambi for the VIP Derby Day After Party, hosted with Tequila Don Julio 1942. The exclusive guests carried on the Melbourne Cup Carnival festivities in style. Nadia Bartel led arrivals wearing a sleek, figure-hugging outfit from her fashion brand, Henne. The former WAG, 39, chose a nude miniskirt paired with a sheer top that offered a glimpse of her bra underneath. She posed with model Kate Waterhouse, who is the daughter of celebrity horse trainer Gai Waterhouse. Rebecca Judd turned heads in a stunning strapless white gown that flowed to the floor. The 41-year-old's dress was accentuated by striking cape details that draped elegantly from her toned arms. The wife of former AFL player Chris Judd wore pointed white heels in matching white. A stack of famous faces were spotted out at Derby Day's after party over the weekend. After the glitz and glam of the spring racing carnival event at Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne on Saturday, the celebrities gathered at Bar Bambi for the VIP Derby Day After Party, hosted with Tequila Don Julio 1942. Pictured: Nadia Bartel The former WAG, 39, chose a nude miniskirt paired with a sheer top that offered a glimpse of her bra underneath. She posed with model Kate Waterhouse (pictured right), who is the daughter of celebrity horse trainer Gai Waterhouse The Jaggad athleisurewear founder went for a bronzed makeup look, and wore her hair down over her shoulders. Celebrity stylist Lana Wilkinson went for a sleek black dress and black heels, and as she worked her angles revealed slinky strapped leggings underneath. Anna Heinrich was also present and looked elegant in a black mini dress with a bolero-style black jacket over her shoulders. Rebecca Judd turned heads in a stunning strapless white gown that flowed to the floor. Pictured The 41-year-old's dress was accentuated by striking cape details that draped elegantly from her toned arms The Bachelor star, 37, wore her blonde locks out and went for a natural makeup look with a nude lipstick. Bar Bambi owner Nick Russian and his influencer wife, Rozalia, were also at the after party. Rozalia, who boasts 267,000 Instagram followers, wore an elegant off-the-shoulder white number. Celebrity stylist Lana Wilkinson went for a sleek black dress and black heels, and as she worked her angles revealed slinky strapped leggings underneath. Pictured Lana was also spotted enjoying some tequila with Nadia Bartel. Both pictured She wore her dark hair up and completed the outfit with dark grey heels. The after party brought a much different vibe from earlier in the day, when the stars gathered at Flemington. Bec Judd and Nadia Bartel stole the show as they arrived at the exclusive Birdcage marquees for the races. Queen of WAGs Bec stunned in a strapless white gown which hugged her torso and showed off her assets. Anna Heinrich was also present and looked elegant in a black mini dress with a bolero-style black jacket over her shoulders. The Bachelor star, 37, wore her blonde locks out and went for a natural makeup look with a nude lipstick. Pictured She looked a classic beauty in her large hat, with the former Nine News presenter, 41, clutching a tiny white designer handbag as she flaunted the cape draping from her sleeves. The mother-of-four showed off her massive wedding ring as she elevated her look with a pair of chunky gold earrings. She opted for her usual natural makeup look, slicking on a smoky eye and nude lip, while tucking her long tresses behind her ears. Bar Bambi owner Nick Russian and his influencer wife, Rozalia, were also at the after party. Rozalia, who boasts 267,000 Instagram followers, wore an elegant off-the-shoulder white number. Both pictured She wore her dark hair up and completed the outfit with dark grey heels Meanwhile, friend Nadia, who is the ex-wife to AFL star Jimmy, matched her dear friend in an angelic white dress which featured a plunging neckline. The Henne co-founder donned a more conservative sleeve with her shoulders completely covered by a tall collar. She opted for a touch of black in her elegant look, hiding her dark locks beneath a wide-brimmed black hat which matched her chunky earrings, heels, and Saint Laurent handbag. Rozalia Russian and her club baron husband Nick arrived arm-in-arm with the Melbourne influencer, 35, looking very glamorous in a short white skirt and matching jacket. Her frosty looking frock was decorated with tiny clear flowers for a unique look, matching her chunky headband. Meanwhile, Anna Heinrich and Tim Robards wore contrasting looks as they graced the Birdcage. Anna wore a unique white strapless Mariam Seddiq gown, while Tim, 42, looked sharp in an oversized charcoal Marle suit. A statue immortalising Australian music industry icon Ian Molly Meldrum has been vandalised for a second time. The statue of the 81-year-old Countdown host was created by artist Louis Lauman and stands in Wangaratta Street Park in Richmond, Victoria. He's depicted in his famous Stetson hat and an Egyptian themed T-shirt offering a thumbs up with one hand, while he carries his beloved dog Ziggy in the other. Last month the larger-than-life effigy was a victim of foul play when hooligans attempted to dig up the bronzed guru. While it's unclear whether they attempted to steal the sculpture, or topple it, the unauthorised digging left significant damage to the local monument. The City of Yarra Council have since removed the statue for repair. It's not the first time the tribute to Molly has come under attack. In 2023, Molly's statue was defaced with red paint and graffiti. A statue immortalising Australian music industry icon Ian Molly Meldrum (pictured) has been vandalised for a second time Last month the larger-than-life effigy was a victim of foul play when hooligans attempted to dig up the bronzed guru. Pictured The vandals left the likeness crying tears of blood, his leg and coat were tagged, even Molly's dog wasn't sparred. The pampered pooch's body was coloured red. The news comes as Molly continues to struggle with poor health. Meldrum looked frail in several recent images shared by his boyfriend, Thai businessman Yan Wongngam. They stand in stark contrast with his more energetic appearance at the Australian Open in January. In one photograph shared to social media, the bald television legend seems to be sleeping on a couch in the couple's Melbourne home, without one of his trademark hats and with his mouth open. In another picture Meldrum appears bearded and lying on the verandah with one slender hand over his chest for what appears to be a daytime snooze. Meldrum has been 'struggling' with his health and has largely withdrawn from public life, a close source revealed November will mark 50 years since Countdown, the long-running ABC music show that shot Meldrum to stardom, debuted on Aussie TV screens. Meldrum, who has been in headlines for the wrong reasons in recent years, was a notable no-show at a Royal Australian Mint event in Melbourne last Wednesday to launch a commemorative Countdown coin. The show's announcer Gavin Wood revealed his longtime mate had struggled with his health ever since falling off a ladder in December 2011 almost killed him. It's not the first time the tribute to Molly has come under attack. In 2023, Molly's statue was defaced with red paint and graffiti. Pictured Worrying photographs of Australian music icon Molly Meldrum have emerged as the 81-year-old continues to struggle with his health. Meldrum is pictured with boyfriend Yan Wongngam In one photograph the bald television legend seems to be sleeping on a couch in his Melbourne home, without one of his trademark hats and with his mouth open 'The fall, it is all down to the fall, was a horrible thing to have happened,' Wood told the Herald Sun. 'He is 82 in January. He has been a public figure all his life and I think he is just enjoying a quieter life. 'He is still Molly, still interested in music and still has it turned up to 11. He is still naughty, he has still got that spark that we love, but I think he is enjoying life being a normal person.' Although Meldrum did not attend the coin launch, he did release a statement and sneaked in his famous catchphrase whenever he recommended an artist on the program. 'Do yourself a favour and get one,' he said. 'Iconic Countdown lives on. 'I am left with such fond memories of those days and a show that will never be forgotten. 'We made a difference to the music industry in Australia and so I am thrilled to see commemorative coin being made.' Wood said his former colleague would be 'chuffed' to see something 'as beautiful and as imaginative' as the coins commemorating the show that made him a household name. In another picture Meldrum is bearded and lying on a cushioned behind on the verandah with one slender hand over his chest for what appears to be a daytime snooze Jessie Roberts has vowed to wreak hell on four teenage thieves following a brazen robbery. The Melbourne-based influencer took to Instagram on Sunday to reveal a car was stolen from her father-in-law's house in the early hours of Sunday morning while her children slept inside. The blonde beauty unleashed her fury on Sunday in an irate post shared to the social media platform alongside footage of the criminals. 'My kids where inside asleep. And 4 teenagers came in and were in the house for 10 mins and stole my father in-law car and other items,' she began. 'But little shits didnt know we have cameras inside the car, inside the house. And a car tracker. And weve got full faces in colour... 'Run for your life kids. Because we know who you are!' she continued. She then issued another warning to the delinquents. 'Note - Don't rob a house when [the owner is] from Johannesburg! she added. Jessie Roberts has vowed to wreak hell on four teenage thieves following a brazen robbery. Pictured at Derby Day The blonde beauty unleashed her fury on Sunday in an irate post shared to the social media platform alongside footage of the criminals (pictured) 'We are built for this type of crime and we always find you. Had cars stolen a few times over the last 2 years and weve always found them and the cars. Ive already put two guys in jail. My friends dont call me Harley Quinn For no reason.' In the clip, one of the thieves is seen discovering a surveillance camera, before four individuals file on the property. 'Oh yay. You found the one camera out of the eight,' wrote Roberts. On Saturday, Roberts was all smiles when she attended Derby Day with AFL WAG Bec Judd (centre), Michelle Greene (left) and Jacqui Dixon (right) 'But sorry girls youre the ones that have given us the identity - Ill make your life a living hell that you stepped into a home my kids where (sic) in.' On Saturday, Roberts was all smiles when she attended Derby Day with AFL WAG Bec Judd, Michelle Greene and Lana Wilkinson. Roberts stunned in a chic all-black ensemble that featured a dress by Atoir. She paired the look with shoes by Lana Wilkinson and a black bag by Italian design house Fendi. Kylie Baker's journey on The Block has come to an explosive end, with the hairdresser spectacularly clashing with the show's judges, host Scott Cam, and even her own team of tradies. In recent weeks, Kylie and husband Brad saw their seven-year marriage implode on-air when the Cairns-based tradesman told fellow contestant Mimi Belperio he would 'follow' her OnlyFans account if she had one. In a dramatic lead-up to the final round of judging on Sunday night, tensions reached boiling point when Kylie ordered her team to stop work just hours before the last reveal. 'F**king leave it, all of you. I want everyone gone, I'm not kidding,' she instructed, before telling Brad to 'get them OUT. GET. THEM. OUT. Tell them to leave, I don't want their help.' Brad, left with no choice, relayed her orders to their stunned tradies, who reluctantly packed up and left. Explaining her decision, Kylie claimed, 'I just feel like everyone is against us.' The following day, as host Scott Cam called 'tools down' for the final time, Kylie was noticeably absent from the celebration. In an emotional confession on camera, she shared that she and Brad initially joined The Block for a 'holiday,' adding, 'We're always working, always being parents.' Kylie Baker's journey on The Block has come to an explosive end, with the hairdresser spectacularly clashing with the show's judges, host Scott Cam, and even her own team of tradies. Pictured with husband Brad In a dramatic lead-up to the final round of judging on Sunday night, tensions reached boiling point when Kylie ordered her team to stop work just hours before the last reveal The following day, as host Scott Cam (pictured) called 'tools down' for the final time, Kylie was noticeably absent from the celebration. She revealed that, unlike her husband, who runs a 'very successful' business, she lives 'pay cheque to pay cheque' and was hoping to make some much-needed money from her time on the show. After a gruelling week, Kylie and Brad were met with criticism from the judges, who pointed out that their front yard seemed unfinished. Shaynna Blaze noted the outdoor area required 'more thought and planning,' while Marty Fox commented it felt like they'd 'checked out.' A tense exchange erupted between Kylie and Scott Cam during feedback. 'Alright, let's wrap it up,' Kylie interjected as Scott read the judges' critiques. When Scott replied, 'I'm not going to wrap it up... this is part of the deal,' Kylie muttered under her breath, 'I fking hate this guy...' The feedback session concluded with a frustrated Kylie dismissing the critiques as a 'f**king joke.' The feedback session concluded with a frustrated Kylie dismissing the critiques as a 'f**king joke' Drama continued when the judges revealed their scores, with Darren Palmer awarding them a seven out of ten. Disillusioned, Kylie fumed, 'I'm leaving, I'm not dealing with this s**t,' before railing against her fellow contestants, claiming they 'don't even need money'. 'I need to go home and make money,' she said. 'I'm wasting my time here... it's as simple as that.' As the other contestants celebrated the week's winners, Courtney and Grant, Kylie immediately stormed out, followed closely by Brad The explosive episode reached a climax when the results placed Kylie and Brad in fifth place with 26 points out of 40. As the other contestants celebrated the week's winners, Courtney and Grant, Kylie immediately stormed out, followed closely by Brad. A frustrated Scott Cam attempted to call them back, only for Kylie to threaten to 'break the f**king camera' if the crew kept filming her. The Block star Kylie Baker, 37, (left) split from her husband Brad, 32, (right) on national TV during Wednesday night's episode, following his flirtatious comments to Mimi Belperio With her dramatic exit, Kylie sealed her promise to boycott auction day, even if it means forfeiting any potential profits from her time on The Block. Baker split from her husband Brad on national TV during last week, following his flirtatious comments to Mimi Belperio. The couple, who share four children together, saw their relationship implode when the plumber, 32, told Mimi he would 'follow' her OnlyFans account if she had one. Kylie sensationally quit the show after the flirty exchange and flew home to Cairns, only to return to the Phillip Island construction site on Wednesday to dump her tradie husband on TV. 'If I gave up we'd leave with nothing so, whatever we get, even if its 10 grand, I'm taking f***ing half of what you get and then I'm leaving your a**e, you can keep your f***ing house, and I'm f**king off,' she sensationally said 'If I gave up we'd leave with nothing so, whatever we get, even if its 10 grand, I'm taking f***ing half of what you get and then I'm leaving your a**e, you can keep your f***ing house, and I'm f**king off,' she sensationally said on Wednesday night. 'I don't even know if I'm staying in Cairns to be honest there's nothing there for me anymore. 'You treat your partner like this you can f**king deal with it,' she continued to fume in an overheard argument between the couple, who have been married for seven years. She added: 'My biggest problem is the entire time we've been together, and even when we were starting out, you have never flirted with me like that in our entire relationship so you can only imagine how that makes me feel.' 'I'm sorry,' Brad attempted, but Kylie cut in with: 'Sorry doesn't fix anything.' Kylie then went on to admit the flirtation between Brad and Mimi had been so bad she believed the pair had secretly slept together behind the scenes of The Block. 'Why are you talking to her about following her Only Fans?' Kylie began. 'When you were like: "I need to go to the toilet..." I honestly thought you guys had come in to f**k and then you guys were in here for ages. 'In my mind I feel like something happened. My biggest thing was I already voiced my concerns to you about her and how she felt about you.' As Brad could do nothing but listen to his wife slam him, Kyle then dealt the final blow. 'You've just completely gone with it and completely annihilated our entire relationship,' she said. 'What you need to understand is just by me talking to you does not mean I'm okay. Just so you know. This is us being separated. We are officially single people.' The couple, who share four children together, saw their relationship implode when the plumber told Mimi, 28, (pictured) he would 'follow' her OnlyFans account if she had one Kylie sensationally quit the show this week after overhearing Brad remark that he would 'follow' Mimi's OnlyFans account if she had one in a 'flirty' exchange. The controversial conversation, which was not aired, came as Brad and Mimiwho is married to Kristianshared a drink at his house while Kylie napped beside them. On Tuesday night, Mimi broke her silence on The Block's 'flirtgate' scandal recounting her version of events to producers and her husband Kristian, admitting that she did not find Brad's comments flirtatious. Olivia Colman and Antonio Banderas cosied up as they led the famous faces at star-studded Paddington In Peru premiere in London on Sunday night. The actress, 50, stunned in a pink jumpsuit for the event in Leicester Square where she put her arm around the actor, 64. The leading pair joined the likes of Hugh Grant and Hugh Bonneville at the premiere. Paddington In Peru will be released on November 8 after a long seven-year wait since Paddington 2. Olivia - who plays The Reverend Mother - showed off her sophisticated sense of style in the pink outfit which she wore with simple black heels to boost her height. Olivia Colman and Antonio Banderas cosied up as they led the famous faces at star-studded Paddington In Peru premiere in London on Sunday night The actress, 50, stunned in a pink jumpsuit for the event in Leicester Square where she put her arm around the actor, 64 She accessorised with a statement red clutch bag and earrings and wore her brunette tresses in a short, cropped style. By her side Antonio - who plays Hunter Cabot in the highly-anticipated film - looked smart in a navy suit and buttoned jumper. Downton Abbey star Hugh Bonneville, 60, looked dapper in a bright blue suit and red tie, while Hugh Grant, 64, opted for a tweed jacket and grey jumper. The premiere comes after it was revealed that Queen Elizabeth II will make a surprise cameo in the Hollywood blockbuster. The late monarch's cameo will feature a brief glimpse of her having afternoon tea with Paddington - which is taken from a short video that was made as part of her 2022 Platinum Jubilee celebrations. In order to obtain this special moment for the feature movie - an approval from Buckingham Palace was needed, with the Royal Family 'very happy for it to happen'. Ron Halpern, head of global productions at France's StudioCanal assured it came 'with the consent and agreement of the royal household', according to Variety. Paddington In Peru is set to be released November 8 in UK theatres, while Columbia Pictures will release it in the U.S. on 17 January 2025. '[The royal family] were actually very happy for it to happen,' producer Rosie Alison told the publication. Olivia - who plays The Reverend Mother - showed off her sophisticated sense of style in the pink outfit which she wore with simple black heels to boost her height By her side Antonio - who plays Hunter Cabot in the highly-anticipated film - looked smart in a navy suit and buttoned jumper She accessorised with a statement red clutch bag and earrings and wore her brunette tresses in a short, cropped style Hugh Grant, 64, opted for a tweed jacket and grey jumper as he arrived at the premiere in London The premiere comes after it was revealed that Queen Elizabeth II will make a surprise cameo in the Hollywood blockbuster Downton Abbey star Hugh Bonneville, 60, looked dapper in a bright blue suit and red tie He stood out from the crowd in the bold ensemble Emily Mortimer has stepped into the role of Mrs. Brown and looked stunning in a sheer pink gown Ben Whishaw who voices the bear himself wore a quirky brown suit The cast all posed together 'But we don't like to make a big deal of it, because Paddington's obviously a very modest fellow.' Meanwhile The Crown favourite Olivia revealed she was over the moon and 'signed without hesitation'. The actress will transform into a nun to play the Reverend Mother in the franchise. 'Paddington is just the best person in the whole wide world,' she said thrilled. 'Imagine if everyone was like Paddington, wouldn't that be lovely?' Last month, it was revealed that Paddington has been granted an official UK passport from the Home Office. The co-producer of the upcoming third instalment in the film series revealed the Peruvian-born character was given a passport for his travels in the upcoming movie. Rob Silva told Radio Times: 'We wrote to the Home Office, asking if we could get a replica, and they actually issued Paddington with an official passport there's only one of these. 'You wouldn't think the Home Office would have a sense of humour, but under official observations, they've just listed him as Bear. The passport also includes Paddington's birthdate, June 25, his surname Brown and his gender as well as his British nationality and South American country Peru as his birthplace. The film follows the iconic bear, brought to life through animation and voiced by Ben Whishaw, as he travels abroad to visit Aunt Lucy in his homeland. Directed by Dougal Wilson, it sees Hugh Bonneville return as Mr. Brown and Imelda Staunton will once again play Aunt Lucy. Whishaw explained that taking Paddington to Peru will give audiences a different side of the beloved character. The actor told Empire: 'He connects with his country, and his bearishness. 'It's the thing that makes him relatable, strangely. On the one hand, he's learned how to be polite and civil and do the correct British thing. 'And on the other, he's a bear who's clumsy and leaves chaos in his wake. 'That's why children like him, because children are in the same position.' However fans were left shocked as they realised Sally Hawkins is not returning as Mrs. Brown, and has instead been recast. Emily Mortimer, who is best known for starring in HBO's The Newsroom, has stepped into the role as the family set off on their latest adventure. Talking about her decision to step away from the film, Sally previously explained: 'For me it has felt the right time to hand the reins over to another, and one cant get much better than the truly wonderful Emily Mortimer, she is extraordinarily special. 'She will embody the essence of Mary Brown and yet make it utterly her own. However, I am, and will always be in love with Paddingtons world. 'I already greatly miss my on and off-screen family the experience of making the first two films has truly been some of the best and most creative times I have had in the world of film.' She added: 'They both gave me so much joy. I will forever hold them so very close to my heart indeed.' As the trailer begins, Paddington struggles to get to grips with the photo booth as he attempts to pose for his passport photo. Removing the marmalade sandwich he always makes sure to keep in his hat for when he is feeling peckish, Paddington leaves the booth with some rather chaotic snaps after he loses control of the spinning chair. Strictly's JB Gill attended with his daughter The film also stars Julie Walters, Madeleine Harris, Samuel Joslin, Carla Tous and Jim Broadbent (seen) Actress Carla Tous wore a busty white dress Madeleine Harris attends the Paddington In Peru world premiere in Leicester Square Cast member Ben Miller and Jessica Parker pose at the premiere Rosie Alison wore a black dress and glitzy jacket Minister of Foreign Trade and Tourism of Peru Ursula Desilu Leon also attended in a flowery suit The late monarch's cameo will feature a brief glimpse of her having afternoon tea with Paddington Paddington 3 will hit cinemas on November 8, 2024 Later on as the family arrive at the Home for Retired Bears, the Reverend Mother breaks the news that Aunt Lucy's whereabout are unknown. 'I am afraid she has set off on some sort of quest deep in the jungle, and we have no idea where she is,' the actress explains. Determined to find her, Paddington adds: 'Aunt Lucy found me when I was a cub, and now I have to find her. We have to try'. The film also stars Antonio, Julie Walters, Madeleine Harris, Samuel Joslin, Carla Tous and Jim Broadbent. Paddington 3 will hit cinemas on November 8, 2024. Keira Knightley and Hannah Waddingham joined their co-stars as filming continued on Netflix's The Woman in Cabin 10 at Spencer Mathews' family estate Glen Affric in Scotland this week. Keira, 39, looked sensational in a backless maroon gown for the scenes as the characters attended a swanky dinner inside a huge glass marquee. Meanwhile Hannah, 50, slipped into a little black dress which she teamed with a sparky pink blazer and dazzling diamond necklace. Co-star Guy Pearce, 57, was also on set and cut a dapper figure in a classic tuxedo as he and Keira took to the stage during one tense looking scene. The 56-mile wide Glen Affric estate boasts incredible Highland views as well as luxury 12K-a-night accommodation, where Spencer, 36, wife Vogue, 39, and three children opted to spend their Christmas last year. Keira Knightley, 39, (L) and Hannah Waddingham, 50, (R) joined their co-stars as filming continued on Netflix 's The Woman in Cabin 10 in Scotland this week Keira looked sensational in a backless maroon gown for the scenes as the characters attended a swanky dinner Filming took place in a huge glass marquee overlooking a gorgeous loch It's located 15 miles from Loch Ness and was purchased by Spencer's businessman father David in 2018. The film is based on the best-selling novel of the same name by Ruth Ware and stars Keira as a travel journalist on a cruise who witnesses a murder but no one believes her. Last month while filming in the coast town of Portland Harbour, Dorset the production left residents 'terrified' after setting off fireworks from a superyacht. Although a warning had been issued to residents in advance of the series of five-minute long firework displays, many locals were left fuming by the din that was stretched out over three hours. Many complained the spectacle was incredibly loud and disturbed sleeping children, frightened pets and some even said it sounded like a war had started. One resident said: 'Would have been good to have been warned. Our windows rattled on first blast and our young dog is petrified...Does no one think of the animals?'. While another explained she had a dog having a meltdown and a herd of frightened horses. And a third said: 'Flipping loud and past my bed time, just when I thought they'd finish, it would start again.' Hannah slipped into a little black dress which she teamed with a sparky pink blazer and dazzling diamond necklace Co-star Guy Pearce, 57, was also on set and cut a dapper figure in a classic tuxedo as he and Keira took to the stage during one tense looking scene The dramatic scenes saw Keira struggle with the Aussie actor for the microphone as she battled to make a speech The film is based on the best-selling novel of the same name by Ruth Ware and stars Keira as a travel journalist on a cruise who witnesses a murder but no one believes her The set was full of extras who played other guests at the bash as well as security Numerous cameras captioned all the action Following filming Keira wrapped up warm a padded jacket Hannah was slipped on a coat and swapped her heels for a pair of comfy boots Glen Affric estate boasted luxury 12K-a-night accommodation, where Spencer, 36, wife Vogue, 39, and three children opted to spend their Christmas last year (pictured) Some said the bangs were 'rattling my windows', saying: 'I thought we were being bombed' and 'I thought the Russians are coming'. But one resident said: 'It's time all the haters get a grip on their lives. This has brought thousands of pounds into the local area. There has been notices issued. 'If this was a 'normal' firework display on the seafront in Weymouth, everyone would be ecstatic about it. It's a movie production, I'm guessing this is better than the council would ever put on? Dorset Council has been working with the producers and have previously said they are keen to encourage film crews to the area. A spokesperson said: 'Dorset Council is keen to support the creative industries with a film-friendly environment and welcomes requests from production companies seeking to film in the area. The estate's gothic main house overlooked the marquee The other actors all arrived in wam coats over their costumes The estate (pictured) is located 15 miles from Loch Ness and was purchased by Spencer's businessman father David in 2018 Spencer pictured with his father and mother Jane in 2016 'We encourage film and high-end TV productions to consider Dorset because we recognise the benefits these projects can bring the wider economy, boosting tourism and hospitality, generating income for local people and businesses. 'Our Film Dorset team help facilitate filming permissions for Dorset Council owned locations, and our local teams at country parks, harbours and properties assist operationally with local knowledge and experience. 'As a film-friendly council we seek to work with responsible production companies who recognise our role in protecting Dorset's unique environment and support our ambitions to make Dorset a great place to live, work and visit.' Lily James is reaching death defying new heights in her latest role and taking over for a silver screen legend. The Pam and Tommy star, 35, is filming the reboot of the 1993 film Cliffhanger and stars in the role once inhabited by Sylvester Stallone, 78. In the first shots from the Austrian production, the British actress is shown hanging from a rock face in a shot that mimics one from the original film Lily plays Naomi, the eldest daughter of seasoned mountaineer Ray Cooper (Pierce Brosnan). The father-daughter duo 'run a mountain chalet in the Dolomites. During a weekend trip with a billionaire's son, they are targeted by a gang of kidnappers,' an official synopsis reads. Lily James is reaching death defying new heights in her latest role and taking over for a silver screen legend 'Ray's older daughter Naomi, still haunted by a past climbing accident, witnesses the attack and escapes.' Ray is kidnapped while climbing with the son of a billionaire and Naomi must 'save her family' while fighting 'for survival in the Italian Dolomites,' the synopsis concludes. The film is shooting in Austria, Italy and Germany and also stars Nell Tiger Free, Franz Rogowski, Shubham Saraf, Assaad Bouab, Suzy Bemba and Bruno Gouery. 'Shooting our movie on location in the Dolomites using large format cameras was imperative for us to show the scope and scale of the story we're telling. 'We're going to bring the audience a truly thrilling and visceral, premium theatrical experience,' director Jaume Collet-Serra said in a statement per Variety. 'Lily in particular has gone above and beyond for the role, putting in real training and learning to climb. 'Her dedication has allowed us to capture some incredible shots we couldn't have achieved otherwise, and the whole crew is blown away by her commitment.' Stallone played park ranger and mountain climber Gabe Walker in the 1993 film which took place in the Rocky Mountains. The Pam and Tommy star, 35, is filming the reboot of the 1993 film Cliffhanger and stars in the role once inhabited by Sylvester Stallone, 78 In the first shots from the Austrian production, the British actress is shown hanging from a rock face in a shot that mimics one from the original film Lily's Italian getaway marks the latest sun-soaked holiday for the star, coming only days after her trip to Ibiza for well-deserved break from her busy acting schedule The Mamma Mia! star shared a gallery of snaps from her recent vacation, including a daring descent down a cliff, and hours of sunbathing He was haunted by his past as he got caught up in a high-stakes heist. The film co-starred John Lithgow, Janine Turner and Michael Rooker. When the reboot was originally announced in 2023 with director Ric Roman Waugh attached to direct Stallone was attached to star. Waugh is no longer helming the film. Instead, Jaume Collet-Serra will direct the high-octane action thriller and he's brought a whole new cast and storyline to the project. The film is being called a father-daughter take on Die Hard and is based on a story by Ana Lily Amirpour from screenwriter Mark Bianculli. Dawson's Creek star James Van Der Beek has revealed he has been diagnosed with colorectal cancer. The actor, 47, said he has been 'privately dealing with this diagnosis and have been taking steps to resolve it with the support' of his incredible family. 'I have colorectal cancer,' he told People. 'Theres reason for optimism, and Im feeling good.' Colorectal cancer starts in the colon or the rectum, according to the American Cancer Society. Following his diagnosis, Van Der Beek, who shares six children with his wife, Kimberly, has kept working. Dawson's Creek star James Van Der Beek reveals he was diagnosed with colorectal cancer; seen in 2019 Most recently, he appeared on an episode of, Walker, and is next set to star in Sidelined: The QB and Me, which comes out later this month. In June, he and his family enjoyed a trip to visit the ancient Egyptian pyramids and temples. At the time, he revealed on Instagram that he had taken a trip out to see the remains of ancient Egyptian culture, including the iconic pyramids at Giza, just outside Cairo, and the Dendera Temple complex, which is several hours away via car. The actor, who moved away from Los Angeles four years earlier to start a new life with his family in Texas, shared photos of his family sampling the stunning sights, and his caption illustrated how awed he was by the monumental structures. He gushed that how 'magical' the trip was in his post, and he admitted that was 'caught off-guard at just how deeply i felt the spiritual resonance of these temples.' '#Egypt With all my vocabulary, Wow, is what fell out of my mouth most of the time,' he began his post. 'We were gifted a magical experience, one Im still processing - and might be for the rest of my life.' He praised his children Olivia, 13; Joshua, 12; Annabel Leah, 10; Emilia, eight; Gwendolyn, six; and Jeremiah, two for being 'rock stars' on the major intercontinental voyage, and he wrote that his 'friends became brothers' on the trip. 'Despite all the travel and time zone crossing and early-morning alarms, I feel re-charged,' he gushed. The actor, 47, revealed that he has been 'privately dealing with this diagnosis and have been taking steps to resolve it with the support' of his incredible family (seen with his wife and six kids) 'I have colorectal cancer,' he told People . 'Theres reason for optimism, and Im feeling good' (seen in 2023) James added that he was shocked at the 'spiritual' experience he had around the structures, many of which originally had religious significance. 'Id anticipated a metaphysical element to the trip, but I was caught off-gaurd [sic] at just how deeply I felt the spiritual resonance of all these temples,' he admitted. 'I mean, they are temples, after all (duh), but whatever assumptions I had about these otherworldly structures being antiquities faded as soon as I stepped into them. 'These were holy places, built to connect to the divine as best they understood it at the time. I left with reverence and awe my eyes, heart, and soul expanded,' he added. 'Deepest thanks to everyone who made it possible.' James' marriage to Kimberly is his second, after he was married to the actress Heather Ann McComb from 2003 to 2009. Van Der Beek is best known for his role as Dawson Leery in the hit series, Dawson's Creek, which ran from 1998 to 2003 He and Kimberly married in August of 2010 in Israel, and they welcomed the first of their six children just a month after wedding. Previously his wife suffered a pregnancy loss in November 2019 and another in June 2020. Mrs Hinch has announced she and husband Jamie are expecting their third son, just two months after opening up about her ongoing grief following the sudden death of dad Alan. The cleaning influencer, 34, real name Sophie Hinchcliffe, took to Instagram in emotional post as sons Ronnie, five, and Lennie, three, painted the news of the new arrival on a wall in their home. Mrs Hinch joked there would be more 'carnage' ahead by adding another boy to her brood, before showcasing her blossoming bump. Slipping into skin-tight black workout gear she lovingly cradled her tummy while posing with a huge smile in front of her bedroom mirror. Mrs Hinch then shared in a gushing post and said she was convinced her third son was a gift from her father in heaven. Mrs Hinch, 34, has announced she and husband Jamie are expecting their third son, just two months after opening up about her ongoing grief following the sudden death of dad Alan The cleaning influencer, real name Sophie Hinchcliffe, took to Instagram with an emotional post as sons Ronnie, five, and Lennie, three, painted the news of the arrival on a wall Mrs Hinch joked there would be more 'carnage' ahead by adding another boy to her brood, before showcasing her blossoming bump (pictured with husband Jamie) Writing: 'Heaven was too far to visit, so you sent us a special gift from up above. I have no doubt you sent him to us Dad, to fill our hearts with so much love'. 'Ronnie and Lennies Baby Brother. Our Baby Boy No.3.Joining us in 2025. 3 Musketeers. Before joking: ' Bring on the absolute carnage boys'. BFF Stacey Solomon rushed to the comments writing: 'I love you. And Im so so happy for this beautiful blessing on all of you. Dad must be beaming'. While Molly-Mae Hague said: 'Oh my goodness. I am so so so happy for you'. Michelle Visage wrote: 'CONGRATS TO YOU ALL' alongside EastEnders' Danielle Harold who added: 'So beautiful Congratulations to you all'. Charlotte Dawson also commented: 'Soooo happy for you all'. In September Mrs Hinch sobbed in an emotional social media video as she appealed to her fanbase for support during her ongoing battle with grief after losing her father. Slipping into skin-tight black workout gear she lovingly cradled her tummy while posing with a huge smile in front of her bedroom mirror All the family joined in to finish the art work Mrs Hinch then shared in a gushing post and said she was convinced her third son was a gift from her father in heaven (Mrs Hinch and her father pictured together) Mrs Hinch tragically lost her father Alan in April and told followers she was convinced her third son was a gift from heaven Famous friends rushed to the comments to offer their congratulations She said: 'When youve been through something like this, its a bit like an out of body experience. 'The world looks different, feels different, smells different, just everything is different,' she said in her stories in August. Sophie announced her father's death on Instagram in May, writing that he 'passed suddenly but so peacefully whilst he slept. 'My life, our whole world, has been turned upside down. A deep unimaginable pain I cannot put into words.' Sophie continues to struggle with her grief as she told her fans: 'I thought I was doing alright or managing a bit yesterday. 'And then I had a dream last night... I don't understand how we have this grief that is with us all the time but when you try and do better you're sort of knocked back on the floor again.' 'I really want to do better but I can't. I don't know if anyone's got any advice on starting again every few days it seems.' Mrs Hinch is best known for her cleaning tips and organisational hacks and she discovered her passion for all things DIY through Alan. As a child she would watch New Yankees Workshop with her father and the pair would dream of having a similar workshop themselves. In September Mrs Hinch sobbed in an emotional social media video as she appealed to her fanbase for support during her ongoing battle with grief after losing her father The cleaning influencer announced that her dad Alan had died suddenly in his sleep on April 25, a month after he was hospitalised with respiratory issues Then, when the family moved in 2021, Sophie surprised him with his own dedicated space and tools after he retired - something he had wanted 'since he was a little boy'. Describing the workshop as the 'most emotional part of the house', Alan created his own workshop bench and stool and the pair pinned up a whiteboard to write out their upcoming projects. Sophie ordered all her dads favourite tools for the workshop and shared her excitement to upcycle as much as she could alongside her father. She wrote: 'I just can't wait for us to upcycle and make things in here together. Dad has worked so hard his whole life to look after us all and I felt like I could finally give him something back.' Irina Shayk turned heads as she went braless in a striking sheer silver bejewelled mini-dress for a vegan beauty brand event in Milan. The supermodel, 38, oozed sophistication at the D'Alba Piedmont New Product Line Presentation at Palazzo Viscon on Sunday. Irina looked sensational in her nude sheer halterneck dress, which was covered in rows of tiny silver jewels. She dressed down the sparkly dress with a very casual black hooded sweater for the event and sported a pair of strappy nude heels. Her dark locks were styled straight sleeked back and behind her shoulders, showing off a pair of diamond earrings. Irina Shayk turned heads as she went braless in a striking sheer silver bejewelled mini-dress for a vegan beauty brand event in Milan on Sunday The supermodel, 38, oozed sophistication at the D'Alba Piedmont New Product Line Presentation at Palazzo Viscon It comes after Irina made a very convincing Lara Croft in her Halloween costume as she was spotted out in New York City carrying a tomb shaped pinata with Jack Skellington on it. Co-parents Bradley Cooper and supermodel Irina made heads turn while out enjoying the frightening festivities. Shayk, 38, looked aged defying as she modeled a black tank top and booty shorts paired with a golden-buckled belt for a Tomb Raiderinspired costume. She added a sexy touch to her look with garters and calf-high boots while carrying a pumpkin themed tote bag for her sweet treats. Her long brunette locks were tied back in a braid as she donned a full face of glamorous makeup that brought out her plump pout and bright eyes. Bradley who shares a six-year-old daughter with the Russian vixen dressed up as a Yorkshire Terrier in a furry suit with just his hands visible. The former couple were first linked in April 2015 when they were seen at a performance of the Broadway musical Finding Neverland in the Big Apple. They welcomed their daughter, Lea De Seine, in 2017 before going their separate ways in June 2019 after four years of dating. Irina looked sensational in her nude sheer halterneck dress, which was covered in rows of tiny silver jewels She dressed down the sparkly dress with a very casual black hooded sweater for the event and sported a pair of strappy nude heels Her dark locks were styled straight sleeked back and behind her shoulders She showed off a pair of diamond earrings Last month, Irina was seen passing her beloved dog Peanut over to ex-fiance Bradley during a custody handoff outside his $13million West Village townhouse in Manhattan for the sake of their daughter Lea De Seine. Lea clearly adores her tiny canine companion as seen in a rare snap Irina posted on October 13 from a Hamptons beach. Irina and the IF actor - who employ no nannies - share 50/50 joint legal and physical custody of little Lea following the end of their four-year romance in 2019. 'We both take Lea everywhere with us,' Irina (born Shaykhlislamova) told ELLE last November. 'She's super easy. Two days ago, I had to go to the gym, so I just got her a drawing book and said, "Mama's working out." She was drawing for an hour. Irina made a very convincing Lara Croft in her Halloween costume Irina was spotted out in New York City carrying a tomb shaped pinata with Jack Skellington on it 'Then we went to the Michael Kors fitting. She met all the girls. Michael gave her a bag. She drew him a kitty cat.' The Society Management Model continued: 'We always find a way. He's the best father Lea and I could dream of. It always works, but it always works because we make it work.' Both Irina and Bradley's girlfriend Gigi Hadid strutted their stuff in the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show held at the Brooklyn Navy Yard on October 15, but he was not in attendance. Filming on the latest season of Real Housewives of Sydney has ceased following an on-set altercation. The incident has left producers with no choice but to undertake some careful editing after a fight between cast members, reported the Daily Telegraph on Sunday. Following the incident, some of the women declined to return for the next scheduled filming date, forcing producers to edit the series using the footage they had already captured. In addition to this, some cast members are threatening to boycott the reunion unless they're allowed to view the entire season before it airs. One insider revealed that 'viewing the series prior isn't [an] uncommon practice.' 'But many of the women who returned for season three didnt view season two before it went live, and they didnt love their edit.' Despite the on-set drama, production company in charge of the third season of the reality show said they are on track to deliver all 10 episodes for the Binge series. Over the weekend, Matchbox Pictures issued a statement that insisted it provides a safe working environment for the cast of Sydney socialites. Filming on the latest season of Real Housewives of Sydney has ceased following an on-set altercation. Pictured: Nicole O'Neil, Dr Kate Adams, Sally Obermeder, Terri Biviano and Caroline Gaultier Following the incident, some of the women declined to return for the next scheduled filming date, forcing producers to edit the series using the footage they had already captured. In addition to this, some cast members are threatening to boycott the reunion unless they're allowed to view the entire season before it airs 'We are committed to a respectful work environment and anything that violates our policies is immediately investigated,' the statement read. It comes as Krissy Marsh and Nicole O'Neil teased that the upcoming series could see some more familiar faces return to the franchise. 'We're super proud of what we've created. It's been highly entertaining and has sold to so many countries,' Krissy told Daily Mail Australia at an event last year. One insider revealed that 'viewing the series prior isnt uncommon practice. But many of the women who returned for season three didnt view season two before it went live, and they didnt love their edit' The original season of The Real Housewives of Sydney aired in 2017 before being cancelled for being 'too mean'. It was famously rejected by U.S. network Bravo, who opted not to air it because the extreme catfights and bad language was deemed far too extreme. 'A lot of the women in this show were nasty for nastys sake and have no redeeming features,' Foxtel boss Brian Walsh said at the time. Lisa Oldfield and Athena X Levendi were particularly singled out for their foul-mouthed antics, which even turned physical on one occasion. The original season of The Real Housewives of Sydney aired in 2017 before being cancelled for being 'too mean' due to its foul language and physical altercations Producers only brought back Krissy and Nicole from the original series, opening space for Kate Adams, Terry Biviano, Caroline Gaultier, and Sally Obermeder to come on board. Krissy emphasised to Daily Mail Australia that the strong ensemble of the seven cast members have collectively contributed to a show they are all proud of this time around. 'And they're all amazing women. Including us!' she added with a smile. James Van Der Beek's second wife Kimberly shared a touching message of support to him on Sunday mere hours after he went public with his colorectal cancer battle. The 42-year-old 'medical intuitive' Instastoried How Things Work's post about Northern cardinals being romantic because they 'mate for life, travel together, sing before nesting, and feed each other seed beak-to-beak during courtship.' Kimberly captioned her message with a rose emoji and wrote: 'Hi baby @vanderjames!' The 47-year-old Dawson's Creek alum originally met Van Der Beek (born Brook) in Israel back in 2009, and they celebrated their 14th wedding anniversary on August 1. '14 years I always say it doesn't feel like that long. You always say it does,' James - who boasts 3M social media followers - gushed at the time. James Van Der Beek's second wife Kimberly shared a touching message of support to him on Sunday mere hours after he went public with his colorectal cancer battle (pictured last Thursday) 'Nothing could have prepared us for this past year - except perhaps the previous 12. Thank you for being the most incredible partner. Youve broken me open in spots I didn't even know were locked, and taught me how to receive more love than I thought possible. 'In the past, I feel like you've always set the pace for our co-evolution, but this year, as I've gone through my own radical transformation, you've tirelessly put in the work and somehow managed to match it. Thank you for your courage, your strength, your vulnerability and your tenderness. I'm thrilled and grateful to get to do this life with you. And now let's have a laugh. I love you beyond. Happy anniversary. Thank you for being in the world.' The Van Der Beeks just celebrated Halloween on their 36-acre Texas ranch with their six children - daughter Olivia, 14; son Joshua, 12; daughter Annabel, 10; daughter Emilia, 8; daughter Gwendolyn, 6; and son Jeremiah, 3. Earlier on Sunday, the Connecticut-born blond confirmed to People: 'I have colorectal cancer. I've been privately dealing with this diagnosis and have been taking steps to resolve it, with the support of my incredible family. There's reason for optimism, and I'm feeling good.' It's unclear what stage of colorectal cancer James has, but it reportedly starts in the colon or the rectum for one in 23 men on average with 65% surviving past five years. Van Der Beek will strip down to raise awareness for colorectal cancer in Anthony Anderson's two-hour special The Real Full Monty, which airs December 9 on Fox. Actors Taye Diggs and Tyler Posey as well as Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones and Dancing with the Stars judge Bruno Tonioli will also appear in the special inspired by Peter Cattaneo's 1997 hit film The Full Monty. Acting-wise, the Walker guest star - who commands $300 on Cameo - will next portray Drayton Lahey's (Noah Beck) father in Justin Wu's high school romance Sidelined: The QB and Me, which premieres November 29 on Tubi. The 42-year-old 'medical intuitive' Instastoried How Things Work's post about Northern cardinals being romantic because they 'mate for life, travel together, sing before nesting, and feed each other seed beak-to-beak during courtship' Kimberly captioned her message with a rose emoji and wrote: 'Hi baby @vanderjames!' The 47-year-old Dawson's Creek alum originally met Van Der Beek (born Brook) in Israel back in 2009, and they celebrated their 14th wedding anniversary on August 1 The Van Der Beeks just celebrated Halloween on their 36-acre Texas ranch with their six children - daughter Olivia, 14; son Joshua, 12; daughter Annabel, 10; daughter Emilia, 8; daughter Gwendolyn, 6; and son Jeremiah, 3 Earlier on Sunday, the Connecticut-born blond confirmed to People: 'I have colorectal cancer. I've been privately dealing with this diagnosis and have been taking steps to resolve it, with the support of my incredible family. There's reason for optimism, and I'm feeling good' (pictured June 20) It's unclear what stage of colorectal cancer James has, but it reportedly starts in the colon or the rectum for one in 23 men on average with 65% surviving past five years Van Der Beek will strip down to raise awareness for colorectal cancer in Anthony Anderson's two-hour special The Real Full Monty, which airs December 9 on Fox Lady Gaga finally revealed who she will be voting for on Sunday - just two days ahead of the US presidential election. 'It's time to get ready to vote,' the 38-year-old pop diva - who boasts 233.1M social media followers - announced. 'I'll see you guys in Pennsylvania.' Lady Gaga (born Stefani Germanotta) didn't name names, but there was a caption over her video reading: 'Harris Walz 2024!' It's not exactly surprising that the outspoken Democrat chose Vice President Kamala Harris considering President Joe Biden appointed her co-chair of the President's Committee on the Arts and Humanities last year. Lady Gaga finally revealed who she will be voting for on Sunday - just two days ahead of the US presidential election Lady Gaga famously put her two-octave, mezzo-soprano pipes to use belting the National Anthem at the 81-year-old politician's inauguration ceremony in 2021. The native New Yorker joined forces with Biden as far back 2016 to promote the 'It's On Us' campaign, which addressed the issue of sexual assault on college campuses. Lady Gaga name-dropped Pennsylvania because she's scheduled to perform at the Harris Walz campaign's Vote for Freedom Rally on The Rocky Steps at the Philadelphia Museum of Art this Monday from 5-10pm EST. Guest speakers for the political event include Oprah Winfrey, DJ Jazzy Jeff, and Fat Joe. Special musical guests include Ricky Martin, The Roots, DJ Cassidy, Jazmine Sullivan, Adam Blackstone, and Freeway & Just Blaze. The Harris Walz campaign is also hosting a swing-state Vote for Freedom Rally in Pittsburgh on Monday featuring celebrity performers Katy Perry, Andra Day, and D-Nice. Last Tuesday, the 13-time Grammy winner released the Tanu Muino-directed music video for her new single Disease, in which she vomits black liquid. The new song - which is No. 19 on the US Pop Airplay chart - is the lead single off Lady Gaga's next studio album dropping in February. The 38-year-old pop diva - who boasts 233.1M social media followers - announced: 'It's time to get ready to vote. I'll see you guys in Pennsylvania' Lady Gaga (born Stefani Germanotta) didn't name names, but there was a caption over her video reading: 'Harris Walz 2024!' It's not exactly surprising that the outspoken Democrat chose Vice President Kamala Harris considering President Joe Biden appointed her co-chair of the President's Committee on the Arts and Humanities last year Lady Gaga famously put her two-octave, mezzo-soprano pipes to use belting the National Anthem at the 81-year-old politician's inauguration ceremony in 2021 The native New Yorker joined forces with Biden as far back 2016 (pictured) to promote the 'It's On Us' campaign, which addressed the issue of sexual assault on college campuses Lady Gaga name-dropped Pennsylvania because she's scheduled to perform at the Harris Walz campaign's Vote for Freedom Rally at the Philadelphia Museum of Art this Monday night Oprah Winfrey (L) will serve guest speaker duties while other musical guests include Ricky Martin (M) and The Roots (R) Last Tuesday, the 13-time Grammy winner released the Tanu Muino-directed music video for her new single Disease, in which she vomits black liquid City officials of Miami Beach, Florida have striped Sean 'Diddy Combs' of his Key to the City, nine years after the disgraced mogul received the honor. According to TMZ, the city decided to part ways with the 54-year-old rapper due to his declining reputation amid his arrest and accumulation of sexual assault accusations and lawsuits. An insider told the outlet that the move was made at a hearing on Wednesday, which yielded a unanimous vote from the Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner and the city commission. However, Meiner has yet to sign the resolution making it official. The outlet also reported that Commissioners Joe Magazine, David Suarez, Tanya Katzoff Bhatt, and Alex Fernandez sponsored the decision. City officials of Miami Beach, Florida have striped Sean 'Diddy Combs' of his Key to the City, nine years after the disgraced mogul received the honor; seen in October 2015 Back in 2015, the former mayor, Philip Levine, presented the honorary key to the city to Combs during the Revolt Music Conference at the Fontainebleau in the vibrant city. At the time, he was presented the key because of his musical talents and hand in forming the Revolt Music Conference in Miami Beach. The city has also awarded keys to the city to other Hollywood stars including Combs' ex, Jennifer Lopez. And several months ago, Combs was also asked to return New York's Key to the City. The rapper returned the Key to the City to New York City in June after Mayor Eric Adams requested it back in a letter. In his letter, he asked for the key to be reclaimed after the emergence of a video showing Combs assaulting his ex-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, in hotel surveillance footage and the ensuing controversy. The mayor sent the embattled rapper a letter, in which he stated that he stands with survivors of domestic abuse. He also noted that the Key to the City is awarded to model citizens and said that Combs no longer met the criteria for selection. Disturbing footage of the Democrat leader of the Big Apple, who is currently facing criminal charges himself, handing Combs the key resurfaced in September, a year after it was presented to him. Previously, Combs was also awarded Chicago's Key to the City in October 2006, receiving the honor from former Mayor Richard Daley. It is unclear if the Windy City has also followed suit in rescinding the key. Back in 2015, the former mayor, Philip Levine, presented the honorary key to the city to Combs during the Revolt Music Conference at the Fontainebleau in the vibrant city; seen in October 2016 And several months ago, Combs was also asked to return New York's Key to the City; Mayor Eric Adams and Diddy seen in September 2023 Previously, Combs was also awarded Chicago's Key to the City in October 2006, receiving the honor from former Mayor Richard Daley; seen in May 2022 The city of Miami Beach has also awarded keys to the city to other Hollywood stars including Combs' ex, Jennifer Lopez; seen in 2000 Combs' trial for sex trafficking and racketeering charges is scheduled to begin on May 5, 2025; seen in a throwback snap Combs is currently in a Brooklyn jail after he was arrested by federal agents in New York City in mid-September. He is facing sex trafficking charges and is awaiting his impending trial as well as also facing more than 100 sexual misconduct allegations against him. Weeks ago, an attorney announced that he is representing 120 accusers who have come forward with sexual misconduct allegations against the hip-hop mogul. Combs' trial for sex trafficking and racketeering charges is scheduled to begin on May 5, 2025. Protests erupt in Bangladesh as international voices express concern over escalating human rights crisis Tens of thousands of minority Hindus in Bangladesh took to the streets on Friday, demanding immediate protection from ongoing violence and harassment following the recent political upheaval. The protests, primarily held in the southeastern city of Chattogram, saw around 30,000 Hindus gather, raising slogans for justice and security. The demonstrations were heavily guarded by police and military personnel, as Hindu community leaders urged the interim Government to intervene amid rising attacks on their community. The protests follow a series of reported attacks against the Hindu minority, which has been particularly vulnerable since the overthrow of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasinas secular government in August. After Hasinas departure, Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus was appointed to lead an Interim Government, which has faced criticism for its alleged inability to maintain order and protect minority groups. The influential Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council claims that over 2,000 attacks on Hindus have occurred since August, a period marked by escalating violence from hard-line Islamist groups. Hindus represent approximately 8 per cent of Bangladeshs population of nearly 170 million, while the Muslim majority makes up around 91 per cent. Despite being a significant minority, Hindu communities say they are inadequately protected and often targeted amid political and social instability. The unrest has also affected other groups; reports indicate that supporters of Hasinas Awami League party and its ally, the Jatiya Party, have faced violence as well. The recent spike in violence has sparked international concern. United Nations human rights officials, along with global advocacy groups, have voiced alarm over the human rights situation in Bangladesh under the Interim Government. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed concern over the attacks, while US President Joe Bidens administration announced that it is monitoring the situation closely. Adding his voice to the chorus, former US President and current presidential candidate Donald Trump condemned the barbaric violence targeting Hindus, Christians, and other minorities, describing Bangladesh as in a total state of chaos. The Hindu activists who have been rallying since August are pressing the Government with a list of eight key demands which include the establishment of a minority protection law, the creation of a dedicated ministry for minority affairs, and a specialised tribunal to address and prosecute incidents of violence against minorities. Fridays protest in Chattogram was partly fuelled by recent sedition charges filed against 19 Hindu community leaders. As Bangladesh continues to grapple with political and religious tensions, minority communities remain on edge. With increasing international attention and escalating domestic demands for protection and justice, the Interim Government must restore peace and address the rights and safety of its minority groups, else there is a clear danger of it plunging into anarchy and eventually into a civil war. The Mumbai police have forwarded a proposal for extradition of jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi's younger brother Anmol Bishnoi, who has been named as an accused in some high-profile crimes, including the Baba Siddique murder case, an official said. The proposal was sent after the US authorities informed the Mumbai police about Anmol Bishnoi's presence in their country, the senior police official said on Saturday. Last month, the Mumbai police's crime branch moved the special Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) court here stating that it intends to "initiate the extradition procedure of fugitive criminal Anmol Bishnoi". Mumbai police filed an affidavit "for further necessary action", which was allowed by the special court. Both Lawrence and Anmol Bishnoi have been named as wanted accused in the April 14 firing incident outside the Bollywood actor Salman Khan's Galaxy Apartment in Mumbai's Bandra area. Vicky Gupta and Sagar Pal had carried out the firing. They, along with Sonukumar Bishnoi, Mohammed Rafiq Choudhary and Harpal Singh, were arrested and are currently in judicial custody. One accused Anujkumar Thapan committed suicide during his police custody. In the chargesheet filed in the case, police have shown Lawrence Bishnoi and Anmol Bishnoi as wanted accused in the case. NCP leader and former MLA Baba Siddique was shot dead by three gunmen near the office of his MLA-son Zeeshan Siddique on October 12. The police have so far arrested 15 persons in connection with the murder. The role of Bishnoi brothers, who hail from Fazilka in Punjab, is suspected in the case. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) recently announced a reward of Rs 10 lakh for information leading to the arrest of Anmol Bishnoi. Lawrence Bishnoi is currently lodged in a jail in Sabarmati in Gujarat. A lookout circular was issued in April against Anmol Bishnoi, who had claimed responsibility for the firing incident outside Salman Khan's residence. An FIR was also registered by the NIA against nine accused, including both the Bishnoi brothers, in August 2022 for being part of a conspiracy to "raise funds, recruit youth to carry out terrorist acts in the Union Territory of Delhi and other parts of the country" besides "targeted killings of prominent persons". New Delhi BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj on Sunday visited Satpula DDA Park near Chirag Delhi village and restarted the Chhath Puja arrangements, which she alleged were being obstructed by Delhi Minister and senior AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj. Delhi Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj is a symbol of political hypocrisy, whose political business is of spreading lies and confusion. His entire political strategy is negative, and he repeatedly misuses his power for self-promotion, she said. The BJP MP alleged that as Minister of the Department of Art and Culture, he abuses his position to promote himself by organizing events in his constituency, Greater Kailash, at public expense and plastering the area with hoardings and posters featuring his photo. Saurabh Bharadwaj engages in shameful politics, from organizing Sundarkand recitations to Ramleela and Chhath Puja, she claimed. Delhi residents have not forgotten how in 2022, Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj announced that AAP MLAs would organize monthly Sundarkand recitations in their constituencies, yet these recitations soon ceased to happen. This year, Saurabh Bharadwaj also created controversy around the Ramleela event held near his village, Chirag Delhi, Swaraj asserted, while questioning Saurabh Bharadwaj on his partys unfulfilled promise to clean the Yamuna and perform the Aarti. Swaraj also demanded answers as to why Bharadwaj is preventing Jan Seva Samiti, which has been allocated land in Satpula Park, from initiating Chhath Puja arrangements. Further, she claimed that the violence exhibited by Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj against Jan Seva Samiti members and BJP workers at Satpula Park in recent days, noting that such behavior is unprecedented, and the people of Delhi, especially those of Chirag Delhi, will never forgive him. Leader of Opposition in the Delhi Assembly Vijender Gupta on Sunday appealed to the public to ask AAP leaders about the failures of the ruling government over the past 10 years while demanding a special session of the assembly for answering the questions. Addressing a press conference, Gupta appealed to the public to ask AAP leaders why citizens over 70 years of age in Delhi are not receiving benefits from the Ayushman Bharat scheme and raised the question of why 90,000 poor people in Delhi are not being issued ration cards. Show them the garbage in their neighborhoods, the broken roads, clogged sewers, drinking water issues, and ask why pollution in Delhi is so high. Ask them why Yamuna is so polluted, why stubble burning in Punjab cannot be prevented, why Delhis transport system has deteriorated so badly, how the Delhi Jal Board ended up in a 73,000-crore deficit, why sewage treatment plants were not set up, and why CAG reports are not being presented in the Assembly, he said. The LoP remarked that the AAP has now become a party of deceit. Misleading people and making false promises has become their habit. The government is also deceiving the marshals. Ignoring the order issued by the Lieutenant Governor on November 1 to deploy 10,000 defense volunteers on pollution control duty, the government is politicizing this issue, he added. Gupta alleged that Atishis accusations against the BJP are mere theatrics, and she does not want the marshals to be deployed. He pointed out that in the October 5 meeting with the Lieutenant Governor, it was decided to set up a committee to regularize the marshals through a formal proposal. However, she has taken no action on this decision for a month and has not acted even after the Lieutenant Governors order on October 24. This clearly shows that the Delhi government neither wants to deploy nor regularize these marshals. The delay tactics are evidence of their lack of commitment, he claimed. The LoP demanded a special session of the Assembly to address these issues and provide answers to the public. The people deserve to know how the AAP has become completely incompetent and has been deceiving them for the past decade. It is time to remove them from power, he asserted. Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva on Sunday lashed out at Chief Minister Atishi over the delay in the appointment of civil defense volunteers and stated that they will demonstrate outside her official residence on Monday demanding their reinstatement. It is strange and ironic that Chief Minister Atishi is so agitated by our demand to follow the Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxenas directive to reinstate the Civil Defense Volunteers/Bus Marshals. She is citing examples from Kashmir to Kanyakumari, yet she fails to explain why her government hasnt reinstated them from November 1 despite the clear orders from the Lieutenant Governor, Sachdeva said. Punjab Speaker advocates responsible fertilizer use among farmers Chandigarh: Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan on Sunday urged the farmers to use fertilizers judiciously during the upcoming wheat sowing season, emphasizing that excessive fertilizer usage diminishes land fertility. He advised reducing urea and utilizing DAP fertilizer as recommended by experts, suggesting NPK as a phosphorus alternative. To support farmers, he encouraged contacting the Veer Kisan Call Center (toll-free: 18001801551) for guidance. Sandhwan also highlighted the importance of in situ management of paddy straw to enhance soil fertility and commended farmers who refrain from stubble burning, promoting an eco-friendly agricultural approach. Haryana Govt invites applications for state level Women Award till Dec 27 Chandigarh: Haryana Government on Sunday invited applications for the state level Women Award, recognizing women who have made significant contributions across various fields. Interested candidates can submit their applications until December 27. Spokesperson informed that the primary aim of this award is to provide special recognition to women excelling in diverse areas, by awarding them the Indira Gandhi Mahila Shakti Award, the Kalpana Chawla Shaurya Award, Behan Shano Devi Panchayati Raj Award, and Lifetime Achievement awards. Additionally, certificates and monetary awards will be presented to ANMs, nurses, female MPWs, women sportspersons, government employees, social workers, women entrepreneurs, and literate women group members. Punjab secures more PMAY funds than Haryana: BJP leader Chandigarh: Punjab BJP vice-president Arvind Khanna on Sunday claimed that Punjab has received more funds under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) than Haryana. According to recent RTI data, Punjab secured Rs 1,825.78 crore, surpassing Haryanas Rs 1,673 crore. Khanna criticized Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann for diverting attention from pressing state issues, including law and order, youth drug problems, and economic mismanagement. He urged the State Government to prioritize governance and accountability instead of engaging in unwarranted slander against the Centre. Nirankaris message of peace and nature protection resonates with thousands Yamunanagar: Thousands of devotees from Haryana, Punjab, Chandigarh, and Himachal Pradesh congregated in Yamunanagar on Sunday to welcome Nirankari Satguru Mata Sudiksha Ji Maharaj during the Nirankari Sant Samagam. The event emphasized the profound message that Pollution, whether inside the mind or in the environment, is harmful, a reminder of the spiritual and environmental responsibilities we hold. During her address, Satguru Mata Ji called for collective efforts to maintain purity of nature, stating it is our social responsibility to leave the environment as pristine as we found it. Today BJP released its manifesto, on BJP's manifesto, the state Congress chief spokesperson Lal Kishore Nath Shahdev said, when the Home Minister of the country was releasing the party's manifesto for the Jharkhand assembly elections, the state BJP president Babulal Marandi was also present with him, who had reduced the reservation of OBCs. Today, when the Home Minister talked about increasing the reservation of OBCs to 27% after the release of BJP's manifesto, will the Home Minister tell that he has discussed with Babulal Marandi to increase the OBC reservation? Shahdev said that we also do not want to play with the future of students and youth. We want strict laws to be made for paper leak and the accused should be punished by the fast track court, but the Jharkhand Pradesh Congress Committee strongly criticizes the language used by the Home Minister today. Shahdev said that the BJP which took the price of LPG cylinder from 400 to 1200, today in the elections the same BJP is promising that the gas cylinder will be given for 500, if this is not ridiculous then what is it. The central government which ignored the problems of the farmers, worked to crush their movement, hundreds of farmers were martyred during the movement due to the BJP, the same BJP is today talking about giving MSP to the farmers. Shahdev did not stop here, he said that there is a BJP government in the neighboring states and they should tell what schemes are running there. The BJP's Go-Go Didi scheme is just a copy of our government's Maiya scheme. Shahdev said that the Home Minister should tell when will Jharkhand's outstanding amount of 136000 crores be given. The Prime Minister Housing Scheme has been stopped in Jharkhand, the Home Minister should have given an explanation on this. Shahdeo said that the people and voters of the state are no longer going to be misled by the BJP. The entire manifesto of the BJP is a bundle of false promises, on which the people no longer trust. At a spirited public meeting in Ulidih Mango, Kalpana Soren, often referred to as the lioness of Jharkhand, energized the crowd with a powerful call to action, urging them to support Banna Gupta, the India Alliance candidate from Jamshedpur West. Emphasizing the continued struggle for tribal identity even after the creation of Jharkhand, she highlighted the importance of a unified fight for rights under the leadership of Hemant Soren. In her address, Kalpana Soren criticized the central government for allegedly targeting Hemant Soren over the implementation of the Maiya Samman Yojana, a scheme aimed at supporting Jharkhands women. "The central government is afraid of Hemant Sorens dedication to Jharkhands mothers and sisters and responds by attempting to silence him," she said. She accused the opposition of trying to divide the community, while commending the India Alliance for its efforts to unite the state. Highlighting the coalition governments accomplishments, Kalpana Soren noted that 55 lakh women have received benefits from the Maiya Samman Yojana. "Hemant Soren is working for half the population, ensuring that our women, our water, forest, and land are protected," she asserted. She urged the crowd to vote for Banna Gupta by selecting the paw symbol, emphasizing that it represents the realization of the dreams of Dishom Guru Shibu Soren. She also addressed a gathering in support of Jamshedpur East Assembly candidate Ajoy Kumar. Banna Gupta also addressed the gathering, accusing the opposition of misleading voters. Those who once opposed the BJPs lotus symbol now try to disguise it as a gas cylinder. The public is aware of their deception, he said. Gupta praised the Hemant Soren government as one that values and respects the mothers and sisters of Jharkhand, positioning it as a compassionate administration working to uplift every family. Independent MP from Purnia, Pappu Yadav, joined the rally in support of Gupta, commending the coalition governments work over the past five years. He claimed that the central government has tried to stifle Hemant Sorens progress by sending him to jail, but that Kalpana Soren has continued the fight with unwavering strength. Yadav urged the people to vote for a government that stands for the rights of the poor and marginalized. Lohardaga: Neha Mahato, wife of former Deputy Chief Minister Sudesh Mahato assuming the election command of Lohardaga, while marching in various villages of Kairon block, Hanhat, Kairo Bazar, Nagjua, Tati on Sunday, said that the entire Lohardaga assembly has been colored in the colors of AJSU. This time NDA candidate Neeru Shanti Bhagat will win. The people here will make the outside elements run away from here by making Neeru Shanti Bhagat win. The public has seen in the last 5 years that the area cannot develop if an outsider becomes MLA. Late Kamal Kishore Bhagat had prepared the blueprint of development and initiated the development. In which wide road from Kisko to Richughuta, wide road from Shankha river to Chandwa, Dahar Bati project. He had made a very good start. But this government, which came to power by deceiving the public, did the work of cheating only for 5 years, and by giving a lollipop of Rs 1000 at the last moment, it is again making the mistake of fooling the public. The public is understanding everything and will respond in time. NDA candidate Neeru Shanti Bhagat AJSU and hundreds of BJP workers participated in this padyatra. A lot of support is being received from the people through village visit. Together we will visit each village and each street. The love given by the people of Lohardaga is unforgettable. After visiting villages like Cairo, Hanhat, Geetalgarh, Nagjua etc., we came to know that there is lack of even basic facilities, we will remove it together. Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, reviewing the availability of DAP fertilizer with the senior officers of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Department on Sunday, made it clear that there is no shortage of DAP in the State and there is no need to panic buying among farmers. Saini said that in October 2023 during the Rabi season, the total consumption of DAP was 1,19,470 Metric Tons (MT), whereas the consumption in October 2024 is 1,14,000 MT. The availability of the DAP in the state is 24,000 MT as on Sunday and rake planning has been done for daily infusion of DAP for the farmers. The Chief Minister further said that during the 2023 Rabi season, a total of 72697 MT was consumed in November. As a result of the State Government's efforts, the Centre has allocated 1,10,000 MT of DAP fertilizer for the month of November, of which 41,600 MT has been planned on the rake movement for the first week of November and another 40,000 MT for the second week and will taper to another 20,000 MT in the third week of November 2024. Meanwhile, an official spokesperson informed that the rake planning for DAP has been prepared. Bhiwani, Dadri, Rohtak, Mahendergarh, Karnal, Panipat, Kurukshetra and Jind would receive rakes on November 3, Hisar, Fatehabad, Kurukshetra, Jhajjar, Sonepat and Rohtak on November 4, Kurukshetra, Yamunanagar, Karnal, Hisar, Sirsa and Jind on November 5, Ambala, Kurukshetra, Panchkula and Yamunanagar on November 6 and Palwal, Nuh, Faridabad and Gurugram would receive rakes on the November 7. The Government assured that all the districts are being covered. There will be no shortage of DAP, and there is no need for panic buying. The CM has consistently been in touch with Union Minister JP Nadda to ensure timely supply of the allocated fertilizer to the State. An official of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Department said that the farmers have utilized 1.15 lakh MT DAP fertilizer in October this year compared to 1.19 lakh MT during the corresponding period last year. This year, the Centre allocated 85,000 MT DAP to the state in October against the promise of 1.10 LMT supply. However, the state already had 24,500 MT DAP fertilizer. That way, the state has no shortage of DAP fertilizer and the farmers need not to worry, he added. Haryana has received a substantial supply of 60,000 MT of NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium), with 29,000 already distributed to farmers and the remaining stock strategically positioned at market places. NPK is a balanced fertilizer providing all essential nutrients and is recommended as an effective substitute for DAP, the officer said. Moreover, the Rabi season officially commenced from October 1, marking a pivotal moment for Haryanas agricultural sector. With targets set, wheat is projected to be sown across an impressive 25 lakh hectares, while oil seed crops will cover a substantial 10 lakh hectares. About 80 percent of oil seed crop sowing has already been completed, and wheat sowing is progressing at a brisk pace. The farmers who have sown mustard this season have been desperate for the supply of DAP fertilizer. At several places, the police were called to control the crowd of farmers who had gathered in front of the offices of cooperative societies for the fertilizer. With the wheat season also beginning in the state, the Haryana Government has made its preparations for the supply of Urea fertilizer too. This season, the projected total consumption of Urea stands at 11LMT and the state already boasts a robust inventory of 4.26 lakh MT of the fertilizer. Urea is Indias most widely used fertilizer, with its consumption or sales rising from 26.7 million tonnes (MT) to 35.7 MT between 2009-10 and 2022-23, said sources in the Department. In a heartwarming gesture, the Department of Pediatrics at AIIMS Bhopal celebrated Diwali with children undergoing treatment for cancer. < Prof. (Dr.) Ajai Singh, Executive Director of AIIMS Bhopal, lauded the initiative, saying, "Our team has always worked to make our young patients feel at home, especially during such challenging times. Diwali is a festival of hope and light, and today, we aimed to bring that light into the lives of these brave children. I am deeply moved by the joy and resilience these children display. I extend my warmest wishes to them and their families for a swift recovery and a happy Diwali." Aimed at bringing the festive spirit to children who often face long hospital stays, the event provided a sense of home and joy within the pediatric ward. The celebration saw the young patients, along with nursing staff and doctors, express their talents in singing and poetry, adding warmth and laughter to the atmosphere. A delicious cake was enjoyed by all, and children received special gifts distributed by Cankids-Kidscan, a support organization dedicated to aiding young cancer patients. The pediatric ward was festively adorned with vibrant rangoli designs and diyas, a combined effort by parents and staff, creating a festive ambiance to uplift everyone's spirits. Prof. (Dr.) Shikha Malik, Head of the Department of Pediatrics, extended heartfelt Diwali greetings to all the children and their families. She commended the efforts of Pediatric Oncology support staff members Ms. Kanchana Bharambe, Ms. Bharti, Priya, Mr. Prashant, and Ms. Savita for their hard work and dedication in organizing this memorable celebration. The Pediatric Department's Diwali celebration brought smiles and hope to the children, reaffirming AIIMS Bhopal's commitment to patient-centered care and the well-being of every child battling illness. To enhance effective crop residue management, Punjab Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Department has sanctioned 21,958 Crop Residue Management (CRM) machines. This year alone, farmers have procured 14,587 machines, contributing to a total of over 145,000 machines since 2018. Punjab Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian on Sunday announced that the Super Seeder has emerged as the most popular CRM machine, with 9,010 units sold. Other notable machines include the Zero Till Drill (1,383 units), RMB Plough (627), Baler (595), and Rake (590). Additionally, 620 Customer Hiring Centres (CHCs) have been established across the state to assist small and marginal farmers in accessing CRM equipment post-harvest. Khudian said: Thanks to the efforts of the state government, Punjab has recorded a remarkable 68 percent decline in stubble burning incidents, with 4,132 reported so far this year compared to 12,813 during the same period last year. Farmers are encouraged to adopt CRM practices, with individual farmers eligible for a 50 percent subsidy on equipment costs, while cooperative societies and panchayats can receive up to 80 percent subsidy. This reduction in stubble burning underscores the collaborative commitment of the Punjab government and its farming community to protect the environment. Moga DC Takes Action: Notices Issued to Officials over Stubble Burning Incidents Moga Deputy Commissioner Vishesh Sarangal has adopted a zero-tolerance approach, issuing show cause notices to various officials, including nodal officers, cluster officers, and SHO-level personnel. This comes in response to 105 reported stubble burning cases, with 87 confirmed incidents, leading to FIRs against 61 individuals and fines totaling Rs 1,72,500. Among those receiving notices are Moga SDM Sarangpreet Singh Aujla, Baghapurana SDM Beant Singh Sidhu, and several others. Legal action is underway against nodal officer Pargatjeet Singh for negligence, with potential penalties of up to Rs one crore or five years in prison. DC Sarangal emphasized the districts commitment to curbing stubble burning following directives from the National Green Tribunal. Active monitoring teams are deployed across villages, supported by a comprehensive awareness campaign educating farmers on sustainable practices. Punjab Government has distributed 7,401 subsidized agricultural machines to assist with stubble management. With 146 nodal officers supervised by 23 cluster officers monitoring compliance, Moga's administration has set up control rooms at the sub-division level to facilitate rapid responses to fire incidents and support farmers in accessing stubble management resources. Strict action will be enforced against violators, including fines and red entries in land records. As Punjabs lush fields transform from harvest to preparation for the upcoming planting season, the state grapples with the persistent environmental challenge of stubble burning. In a groundbreaking initiative, Punjab Police are taking decisive action to mitigate this yearly crisis by actively engaging with farmers, educating them on sustainable practices, and even virtually dousing flames in the fields. From Moga to Batala, and Ferozepur to Faridkot, police are stepping beyond traditional roles, demonstrating a commitment to environmental stewardship that transcends law enforcement. In Batala, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Suhail Qasim Mir leads a comprehensive campaign that combines education, community outreach, and on-the-ground intervention. Recognizing the importance of collaboration, the Batala Police have forged strong partnerships with local farmers and community leaders to combat the practice of stubble burning. This initiative has yielded significant results; between September 21 and October 31, 2024, only 135 instances of stubble burning were recorded in the joint areas of Gurdaspur and Batala a dramatic decline from the 818 incidents logged in 2022. The proactive approach of the Batala Police is evident in their dual focus on enforcement and education. They have filed 44 FIRs and levied fines amounting to Rs 1.05 lakhs against offenders, but their efforts extend far beyond punitive measures. Officers have been seen actively extinguishing fires, showcasing their hands-on commitment to preserving the environment. Our objective is to educate and inform, said SSP Mir. The decrease in stubble burning incidents reflects a positive response from the farming community, who are increasingly aware of the environmental consequences of their actions, he added. Throughout the state, similar initiatives are being mirrored in other districts. Faridkot Police are conducting field-based awareness sessions, directly engaging with farmers about the adverse effects of stubble burning on both health and the environment. These meetings are vital for cultivating a sense of responsibility among our farmers, explained a Faridkot Police spokesperson. We are encouraging sustainable practices that benefit our communities and the ecosystem alike. In Fazilka, police have reached out to farmers in grain markets, ensuring that crucial information is readily accessible. This proactive outreach aimed at instilling a sense of urgency regarding the need for change and to foster dialogue around alternative methods of crop residue management. As stubble fires ignite across the countryside, the visible presence of police personnel acts as both a deterrent and a source of reassurance for the community. To further enhance their efforts, the formation of Field Surveillance Teams (FSTs) has been instrumental in monitoring high-risk areas and swiftly responding to incidents. These teams are not only identifying fire-prone locations but also promoting a culture of collective responsibility. The momentum is shifting in Punjab, where the fight against stubble burning is increasingly viewed as a shared endeavor. SSP Mirs vision for Batala extended beyond immediate enforcement; he aimed at sustaining ongoing dialogues with farmers and Kisan Unions to explore viable alternatives to burning, such as modern technology and eco-friendly methods of managing crop residue. As this campaign unfolds, the emphasis remains clear: Punjab Police are not merely enforcers but partners in fostering a sustainable agricultural future. The progress we are witnessing is just the beginning, SSP Mir remarked, adding, With the continued support of our farmers and community leaders, we can protect our agricultural heritage while ensuring a healthier environment for future generations. Punjabs Farm Fires Cross 4k Punjab has crossed the 4,000-mark in farm fire incidents, with 216 new cases reported on Sunday alone, according to the Punjab Remote Sensing Centre. This brings the total number of farm fires recorded from September 15 to November 3, this year, to 4,132. While significantly lower than the 12,813 cases reported during the same period in 2023, the persistent stubble burning remains a pressing issue, especially for pollution in neighbouring Delhi. The ongoing paddy harvest has driven a rise in stubble-burning cases as farmers seek rapid field clearance to sow wheat. The highest number of cases for this season was recorded on November 1 a day after Diwali celebrations with 587 incidents. Out of the total 351 residue-burning incidents detected across six states on Sunday, Punjab reported the highest number at 216, signaling a continuing challenge for authorities aiming to reduce air pollution from agricultural fires. In particular, Sangrur emerged as the district with the highest number of recent cases, logging 59 incidents on Sunday alone. In terms of cumulative numbers, Amritsar leads with 600 cases this season, followed by Tarn Taran with 563 and Sangrur with 552. Despite these surges, Punjab has made strides in reducing overall farm fire incidents, registering a 26 percent drop from the previous years numbers. The government has been ramping up efforts to educate farmers on alternative residue management practices and has increased subsidies for stubble management equipment. However, the gap between awareness and adoption remains substantial. Environmental experts warn that without a comprehensive shift in agricultural practices, stubble burning will continue to contribute to seasonal pollution spikes in northern India. The state governments commitment to finding long-term solutions is being tested as it navigates the balance between supporting farmers and safeguarding air quality. Sudden fire engulfed the seized vehicles parked in front of Talaiya police station in the state capital on Saturday, two auto-rickshaws and a car were burnt to ashes due to the fire. The reason for the fire is being said to be the negligence of the municipal corporation's sanitation workers. However, even after the incident, the police have not registered an FIR against anyone. Station in-charge CB Rathore said that on Saturday afternoon, smoke was suddenly seen rising from the confiscated vehicles parked in front of the police station. Within a short time, flames of fire started rising. The policemen and local residents present on the spot immediately started trying to control the fire. After about 15 minutes of hard work, the fire was brought under control. According to station in-charge CB Rathore, the municipal corporation's sanitation workers had set fire to the garbage accumulated near the confiscated vehicles. Due to this, a car and two autos also caught fire. All three vehicles were very old as well as confiscated. Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) said that Amit Shah became so biased that he started calling Bengali speaking people as Bangla Deshi. He said, two-thirds of Santhal, two-thirds of Kolhan and two-thirds of the population from Koyalanchal to Chotanagpur is Bengali speaking, he made everyone Bangladeshi. Addressing a press meet on Sunday JMM General Secretary cum Spokesperson Babul Supriyo took a dig at BJP's manifesto that is Sankalp Patra and said that only Modi is visible in it and yes, it was good to see Babulal Marandi on the cover. Bhattacharya said that Babulal has got such a place after a long time. He said that Amit Shah has asked some questions to Hemant Soren in today's public meeting. Shah has asked that we had talked about giving five lakh jobs in five years. On this Supriyo said that Babulal is not fighting this election, Modi is fighting, so Amit Shah should answer about giving jobs to 2 crore people per year in 11 years. Did 22 crore people get jobs as per his promise or not. The JMM leader said that leave aside 22 crore, talk about 2 crore only. He said that instead of giving jobs, the BJP Government has snatched the jobs of 20 crore people in these 11 years, whether it is the service sector, telecom sector, Government sector or recruitment in the army. It is surprising that you are asking us for answers after snatching 20 crore jobs in 11 years, he said. Bhattacharya further said, the Supreme Court has said that infiltration takes place through Assam and its Chief Minister is sitting here today. Addressing Amit Shah, he said, you said there is corruption. He said that all the big corrupt people today are in your party, some are ministers and some are Chief Ministers. If we start with the Vyapam scam, Shivraj Chauhan was also the Chief Minister. He is also a minister today and is also the election in-charge. JMM Leader said that the water gate of Assam, against whom Himanta was a minister during the Congress rule, he is the CM of Assam today. He said that Himanta Biswa Sarma was made the CM by stabbing a Dalit in the back and today he is also the election in-charge here. Whose property worth Rs 17000 crore has been seized by the ED, today you have made him the Deputy Chief Minister in Maharashtra. Bhattacharya took the name of Ajit Pawar during this time. He asked Amit Shah, how did you make Yudyarappa the CM. He said that you should leave aside the talk of outside leaders. "Why did you take Kamlesh Singh here? Why did you take Madhu Koda along? How did you take Bhanu Pratap Shahi along? Who went to Harinarayan's door? He said that Amit Shah should answer all these things. Your government is in power since 2014. The last census was in 2011. If there has been infiltration in the country in 11 years, then who is responsible for it," he said. JMM Leader said, you implemented NRC in Assam. What is its result? What is the condition of detention camps? You implemented UCC in Uttarakhand. What did you get there?, he added. Bhattacharya said, Amit Shah has told that UCC and NRC will be implemented here and who are you scaring by saying this? If you have guts then do it. It will not be implemented here, he added. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said that promoting cow rearing in Madhya Pradesh is contributing to the economic empowerment of farmers and cattle keepers. He said that cow-sheds will be established in cities to care for cows, replacing the traditional Kanji Houses. Yadav highlighted efforts to boost milk production across more than 51,000 villages in the state, aiming to make Madhya Pradesh the leading state in dairy production nationwide. Additionally, he emphasized the goal of advancing from third to first place in the upcoming livestock census. The Chief Minister also mentioned a new initiative to provide credit cards for cow rearing. Recognizing the tradition of Govardhan Puja, which farmers and cattle rearers celebrate after Diwali, he noted that for the first time, these ceremonies are being organized at the government level across the state to honor and preserve the state's ancient cultural heritage and respect for cows. Yadav conveyed his best wishes to the citizens gathered for Govardhan Puja during the state-level celebration at Ravindra Bhavan in Bhopal. He inaugurated the festivities by lighting a lamp on the Ravindra Bahiranga stage. Yadav said that a strategic plan has been developed to boost milk production in Madhya Pradesh through a partnership with the National Dairy Development Board. He highlighted the significant contributions of Iron Man Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, who energized the milk cooperative movement, leading to the national and international success of "Amul" products. Inspired by the Gujarat model, the state has taken concrete steps to support farmers and cattle rearers in the milk cooperative sector. Dr. Yadav shared that alongside traditional dairy products like milk, ghee, and butter, innovations such as cow-dung wood and artifacts made from cow dung are being promoted. To encourage cow rearing, the state government has doubled the grant for each cow in cow-shed from Rs 20 to Rs 40, and special grants will be given to those who rear 10 or more cows. The goal is to increase the state's share of national milk production from the current 9 percent to 20 percent, starting with enhanced milk output in 11,000 villages through cooperative societies. Activities through milk unions will also be expanded to all villages, and this year, the state is celebrating the Gau-Vansh Raksha festival. Chief Minister Yadav stated that adequate measures are being implemented to ensure the protection of cows in the state, which has a significant cow population. He emphasized that strict arrangements have been put in place to prevent cow slaughter, including a legal provision that mandates a imprisonment of up to 7 years for those found guilty of this offense. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav highlighted that Madhya Pradesh has a significant cow population, with approximately 1.39 crore cows. As per the 2019 animal census, the state currently ranks third in the country, and efforts are underway to secure the top position in the next census. He detailed various government initiatives and schemes aimed at supporting cow-herders and promoting cow protection. Additionally, Dr. Yadav mentioned that cow ambulances are being operated across the state to provide timely veterinary care. Yadav stated that Madhya Pradesh is actively working in various areas, including cow conservation, to fulfill the vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. He noted that India is currently the fifth-largest economy in the world and is on track to become the third-largest. Emphasizing the importance of animal husbandry and cow rearing, he explained that these activities, alongside agriculture, play a crucial role in boosting the economic prosperity of farmers in villages. Two Delhi traffic police personnel were injured in a hit and run accident after they tried to stop a car for jumping the signal while on duty in southwest Delhis Kishangarh area. In a video surfacing on the internet, two police officers can be seen on the bonnet of a white coloured car (DL 9 CBC 7528) while they tried to stop it from evading prosecution. However, the car speeds up in second, dragging them for about 20 minutes and injuring the officers on duty. According to the police on Sunday, the incident occurred on Saturday evening at around 7.45 pm at the Ber Sarai traffic light near Vedant Deshika Marg. "On Saturday, a PCR call was received at the Kishan Garh police station stating that an unknown vehicle had hit traffic officers on duty and fled the scene," Deputy Commissioner of Police (Southwest) Surendra Chowdhary. He said that in the meantime, a team was immediately sent to the spot and it found that the two injured personnel had been rushed to Safdarjung Hospital by a PCR van. The team reached the hospital and found Assistant Sub-inspector (ASI) Pramod and Head Constable Sailesh Chouhan were in a conscious and stable condition. According to their statements, they were conducting routine challans for traffic violations when at around 7.45 pm, a vehicle jumped the red light. Thereafter statement of ASI Pramod was recorded wherein he has alleged that on Saturday he along with HC Sailesh (Vasant Vihar Traffic Circle) was doing Mobile prosecution challan on Vedant Deshika Marg (Ber Sarai market Road) and around 07.45 PM a Car No DL-9C-BC-7528 jumped the red light and came towards them, the DCP stated. At first, when HC Sailesh signaled the car to stop, the driver did initially compile. However, when the officer asked the driver to come out of the car, the driver tried to run away from the spot and dragged them for about 20 meters on the car and later hit them and ran away from the spot. "Both of them received minor injuries in the accident. A crime and forensic team inspected the area where the incident occurred, another police officer said, adding that as per the statement given by the officers, the alleged car driver had created obstruction in the official duty and had further tried to kill the above police officials by dragging them on his car for over 20 meters. A case under attempt to murder and obstruction in discharge of official duty and charges for endangering the lives of public has been registered," said the officer. An FIR was registered on Sunday under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) sections 109(1) (attempt to murder), 221 (obstructing public servant in discharge of public functions), 132 (assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of his duty), 121(1) (voluntarily causing hurt or grievous hurt to deter public servant from his duty), and 3(5) (joint liability). Search of the offending vehicle and accused is being made. The offending vehicle is found registered on the name of Jai Bhagwan, resident of Vasant Kunj. Further investigation is going on, the officer said. A 19-year-old youth was shot dead in Delhi's Shahdara following an altercation over a minor dispute, police said on Sunday. According to the police, three juveniles have been apprehended in the case and the incident occurred on Saturday in the Kailash Nagar area. "On Saturday, information was received at Gandhi Nagar police station regarding shooting of a person at Gali No. 8, Chanderpuri, Kailash Nagar. Police teams were rushed to the spot immediately. The victim was identified as 19 year old Sufian and had suffered serious injuries. He was rushed to Jag Pravesh Hospital where he was declared dead," a police officer said. Accordingly, a case under section 103(1) (punishment for crime), 3(5) (joint liability) of BNS and 25, 54 and 59 of Arms Act was registered at Gandhi Nagar police station and during the investigation of the case three separate teams were constituted for nabbing the accused persons who shot at the deceased, the officer said. During the initial investigation, the police found that an argument broke out between Sufian and the accused over a cap. Amidst this, Sufian reportedly slapped two of the accused, who later plotted his murder. Police have apprehended three juveniles from different locations in Delhi and Ghaziabad. They recovered a country-made pistol and a scooter from their possession. They are also searching for one more suspect and the mother of one of the accused who reportedly aided in providing the weapon, he added. The Kerala government's ambitious K-Rail semi-high-speed rail project is back in the news again as the Centre assured on Sunday that the project can be taken forward if the technical and environmental issues in its design are addressed by the state authorities. The multi-crore project has been shelved for some time due to intense protest from opposition parties and the general public and also for want of permission from the union government. Giving a fresh hope to the project, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav said that he had discussed the matter with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan when they had last met in New Delhi. "I requested the CM that whatever technical and environmental issues are there in the design of the K-Rail, please address them expeditiously, so that, this project can also be taken forward. Because, from our side - the NDA government - we believe in cooperative federalism," he told reporters here. The union minister further said that the Centre is committed to constructing the Sabari rail from Angamaly to Erumely as per the original alignment. Vaishnav said that the state government recently sent a letter to the Centre with attaching certain conditions. "So, we will be very soon sending a format to the Kerala government which we have done with the government of Maharashtra," he said. Once the state authorities fill up the format, then the project (Sabari rail) can start and move forward, the union minister added. The K Rail, a semi-high speed rail corridor, aims to ease transportation along the entire north and south stretch of Kerala and reduce the travel time to less than four hours, as against 12 to 14 hours at present. The SilverLine would cover a 530-kilometre stretch from Thiruvananthapuram to Kasaragod and be developed by K-Rail, a joint venture of the Kerala government and the Ministry of Railways. The Opposition Congress and the BJP in Kerala have been protesting against the SilverLine project, saying it will affect the families who will be displaced due to its implementation. A joint meeting of the legislature parties of the National Conference and alliance partner Congress to chalk out a strategy for the maiden session of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly began on Sunday. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah was among those present at the meeting, which started at 7:30 pm. The joint meeting is also likely to finalise the nominee for the speaker's post. Earlier, the two parties held separate meetings of their respective legislature parties. The first session of the legislative assembly of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir is scheduled to meet for a five-day session from Monday. According to the provisional calendar for the session issued by the Assembly Secretariat, the House will elect the speaker during the first sitting on Monday. The House will meet after a gap of more than six years, with the last session held in early 2018 -- a year before the reorganisation of Jammu and Kashmir into two Union territories. Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Sunday said there is no shortage of DAP fertilizer in the state and asserted that farmers should not not engage in panic buying. Saini's remarks came days after opposition Congress leaders alleged that farmers in some Haryana districts are grappling with a DAP (diammonium phosphate) fertiliser shortage. On Sunday, a state government spokesperson said the Centre has allocated 1.10 lakh metric tonne (MT) of DAP fertiliser for November. Chief Minister Saini was reviewing the availability of the DAP fertilizer with senior officers of the agriculture and farmers welfare department here. "There is no shortage of DAP in the state and there is no need for panic buying," he said in a statement. The availability of DAP in the state is 24,000 MT as on Sunday and rake planning has been done for daily infusion of the fertiliser for farmers, said the spokesperson. "As a result of the state government's efforts, the Centre has allocated 1,10,000 MT of DAP fertiliser for the month of November, of which 41,600 MT has been planned for the rake movement for the first week of November and another 40,000 MT for the second week, and will taper to another 20,000 MT in the third week of the month," the spokesperson said. In October 2023, the total consumption of DAP was 1,19,470 MT, whereas the consumption in October this year was 1,14,000 MT. During the 2023 Rabi season, a total of 72,697 MT was consumed in November. The spokesperson further said that the rake planning for the DAP fertiliser has been prepared. Bhiwani, Dadri, Rohtak, Mahendergarh, Karnal, Panipat, Kurukshetra and Jind would receive rakes on November 3, Hisar, Fatehabad, Kurukshetra, Jhajjar, Sonepat and Rohtak on November 4, Kurukshetra, Yamunanagar, Karnal, Hisar, Sirsa and Jind on November 5, Ambala, Kurukshetra, Panchkula and Yamunanagar on November 6, and Palwal, Nuh, Faridabad and Gurugram would receive rakes on November 7. A few days ago, the Congress claimed that several districts in the state were grappling with DAP shortage for sowing wheat and other crops. Long queues of farmers were seen at some places in the state and even the police had to be called in for crowd management. Targeting the government, Congress general secretary and Sirsa MP Kumari Selja had said the government failed to take appropriate steps in time. She had alleged that the shortage of DAP fertiliser, essential for the cultivation of mustard, wheat and some other crops, has forced farmers to stand in long queues and still they were not able to get enough to meet their needs. DAP contains nitrogen and phosphorus, which are primary nutrients for mustard, wheat and some other crops. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Sunday hit out at the BJP, which is slated to hold a state-wide protest on Monday on the "Waqf issue", alleging that their motive is purely political, with no genuine interest in protecting the welfare of farmers. He said, the BJP's true nature is to stoke communal strife for political gain, and this protest has no intention of safeguarding farmers' interests; instead, it threatens the harmony of Karnataka. "I call on the people of Karnataka to reject this divisive, destructive agenda and stand with us in building a Karnataka that unites, progresses, and prospers for all," Siddaramaiah said. Following allegations by a section of farmers in certain parts of the state that their lands were marked as Waqf properties, the BJP has announced a state-wide protest on Monday, accusing the ruling Congress of "land jihad", and demanding the sacking of Waqf Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan from the Cabinet. This, even after Siddaramaiah on Saturday directed officials to immediately retract all notices sent to farmers concerning Waqf land issues, emphasizing that no disturbances should be caused to the farmers. "I urge the people of Karnataka to see through the Karnataka BJP's true intentions. Even after our government ordered the immediate withdrawal of notices issued to farmers over Waqf property issues, BJP leaders persist in their protests. Their motives are purely political, with no genuine interest in protecting the welfare of our farmers," Siddaramaiah said. Noting that on the Waqf property matter, his government has already directed that all notices issued to farmers be immediately revoked, and any unauthorised amendments in land records without due notice must also be nullified, in a statement he said, "I have made it clear to officials: no decision should be taken that inconveniences farmers. Yet, BJP leaders choose to protest. The question remains, why? Issuing notices for property clarification is a standard administrative procedure, Siddaramiah said and claimed that governments under former BJP Chief Ministers B S Yediyurappa, D V Sadanand Gowda, Jagadish Shetta, and JD(S) leader H D Kumaraswamy, too had issued similar notices regarding Waqf properties. "My colleagues, M B Patil, Priyank Kharge and others, have already clarified these facts to the people," he pointed out. Pointing out at a video that shows former CM Basavaraj Bommai addressing the Muslim community, stating, "Wakf property belongs to Allah, and those who encroached on it will answer to Him if they don't return every inch", the chief minister said, this video exposes the BJP's hypocrisy. "They stir up communal sentiments when it benefits them, but now they play innocent in their protest drama," he alleged. Bommai, however, on his part, has clarified that he had only asked the Waqf Board to reclaim the Waqf properties encroached by Congress leaders, as per the Anwar Manippady report, and not farmers' properties. The BJP in Karnataka resembles a firecracker about to burst, with infighting on full display, Siddaramaiah said. Daily, BJP leaders accuse one another, revealing their cruel ambitions to the people, and while their leaders quarrel, the BJP high command remains indifferent, watching from a distance with amusement, he said. "It is evident that Karnataka's BJP leaders hold little value in their party's eyes - mere pawns in a game they don't control. To escape this humiliation, BJP leaders keep creating distractions, trying to pull people's attention away from their failures," he said. "Our government's guarantee schemes -- empowering the poor, farmers, women, and workers across all communities-- have rattled the BJP. Their game plan is clear: by reducing funds, they (BJP with govt at centre) hope to financially undermine Karnataka and block our welfare programmes," he further alleged. From the prime minister down to local BJP foot soldiers, an orchestrated smear campaign against the state government's schemes is in full swing, the CM said, and added that on the other hand, the Central government deprives Karnataka of its rightful share of taxes and grants. "But let me make this clear. We will neither yield nor falter. We will stand firm and fight politically against every injustice imposed upon Karnataka," he said. "No amount of slander will deter our beneficiaries from trusting our schemes. BJP leaders stay up at night, worried that people no longer believe their lies," he added. The CM's assertion over his government's schemes, comes amid a spat between Congress and BJP leaders both at state and national level, following Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Wednesday indicating about revisiting the scheme -- 'Shakti' -- which provides free bus travel for all women domiciled in the state. The New Zealand Asia Pacific Film Festival (NZAPFF) 2024, showcasing films from China, South Korea, Japan and New Zealand, was launched on Friday night. Chairman of NZAPFF Bo Li stressed the festival's commitment to diversity in his opening speech. "At this year's festival, we have maintained strong international inclusion, inviting filmmakers and artistic panels from all backgrounds to share their unique stories. This commitment to diversity enriches our festival and deepens our understanding of the world through the lens of the film," Li said. Glen Katu from the NZ Maori Tourism said the festival is "a remarkable celebration of the diverse cultures and stories that shape our vibrant Asia Pacific region." "Storytelling is foundational in both Maori and Asian cultures, serving not only as a bridge between generations but also as a heritage. This connection is visible tonight as we gather to share stories, a universal language that transcends boundaries and brings us all together," said Katu. The opening ceremony concluded with lucky draws and a film screening of the award-winning movie "A Place Called Silence." This year marks the 12th anniversary of the NZAPFF. It also features the first New Order Youth International Film Festival (NOYIFF), which is the brand of the NZAPFF short film unit to encourage young filmmakers to participate in the event and discover their talent. The NOYIFF has received 5,691 submissions from 120 countries, with the award to be given at the closing ceremony of the NZAPFF next week. The New Zealand Asia Trust, the New Zealand Culture and Arts Foundation, and the New Zealand Maori Tourism co-organized this year's festival. The opening ceremony was attended by over 600 people including representatives from the Maori Tourism Board, diplomatic envoys, community leaders, movie lovers, celebrities and artists. Two months after Virginia state Sen. John McGuires narrow victory over incumbent U.S. Rep. Bob Good in the 5th Congressional Districts Republican primary, and less than two weeks after a recount confirmed it, McGuire came to GOP voters with a message. Weve got to, at this time, put our petty differences aside. Its time to unite, McGuire told a crowd at the August grand opening of a Donald Trump campaign office in Farmville. If you voted for me, I love you, and if you did not vote for me, I love you. Fresh off the campaign trail of what he called a spirited primary, McGuire geared up for a general election against Democratic nominee Gloria Witt. If past is prologue, McGuire should be a shoe-in. The deep-red 5th District, which runs from Albemarle County to the North Carolina border, from Lynchburg to the suburbs of Richmond has only voted in a Democrat once in the past 20 years, and then only during the nationwide blue wave that swept Barack Obama into office; former Rep. Tom Perriello of Charlottesville served only a single term. Experts say Witt is undeniably the underdog. But McGuires message of unity, a clear olive branch to those who voted for Good, may also be a sign that things are not so unified in the 5th District GOP. Now, with some Republican voters vowing to write in Goods name, the biggest threat to McGuires campaign is no longer Witt, but his fellow Republicans. McGuires campaign defeated Good by pursuing a clear strategy. In a district where former President Donald Trump is beloved, McGuire attacked Good as insufficiently loyal to the current Republican presidential nominee. Capitalizing on Goods endorsement of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis in the presidential primary, McGuire called Good a backstabber and brought in MAGA surrogates, such as bombastic Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, to help spread the word. The strategy worked, but only just, as McGuire ousted Good by some 366 votes. And it came at a cost. My opponent has no integrity. Hell lie, cheat and steal to win an election, Good told The Daily Progress in May. For many Republicans, McGuires attacks on Good, known in Washington as a hardcore conservative himself, were dishonest and beyond the pale. Good has spent years building loyalty among Republicans in the district, and those loyal to him did not want to see him challenged, much less defeated. According to McGuire, the race was never personal. He says he had fun meeting people on the campaign trail, visiting hundreds of churches and building a coalition among the different factions of the party. But that coalition doesnt include everyone. This was a bruising primary, so there are folks who would still like to see Bob Good elected by write-in ballot. But write-in ballots are notoriously prone to failure, Rich Anderson, chairman of the Republican Party of Virginia, told The Daily Progress in September. And as far as I can tell, Bob is not pushing that. Some of his supporters are. It is improbable that Good can win with a write-in campaign. A more precarious scenario is enough Republicans defect from McGuire, helping to propel Witt to victory. Good has plenty of supporters, for instance, in the solidly conservative Appomattox County. How many of those Good supporters would write his name on their ballot is unclear. Appomattox GOP Committee Chairwoman Robin Wolfskill told The Daily Progress after an Oct. 1 meeting that she wasnt sure how many local Republicans might refuse to vote for McGuire, in part because she did not ask. A lot of people are probably still a little upset about how the primary went, but I dont know what theyre going to do here. And I dont want to know, Wolfskill said with a laugh. Former state Sen. Amanda Chase still expects McGuire to win in November, but shes heard Good loyalists suggest that they may write in his name or perhaps even vote for Witt. Most of them are very upset he challenged Good, Chase told The Daily Progress. Witt recognized the Republican rift months ago. At a July rally in Charlottesville, she told The Daily Progress that conservatives in the district are divided. You either love McGuire or you hate him. You either love Good or you hate him. And I think itll play in my favor, Witt said. In late September, her campaign tried to capitalize on that division. In an email to supporters, the campaign linked to a Virginia Mercury story about Republican officials in the district being asked to sign a loyalty pledge. The Republican Party in Virginias 5th District is currently facing serious turmoil, with party leaders ousting their own members and engaging in fierce battles over loyalty pledges, the email reads. This deepening division continues to present us with unique opportunities to gain even more momentum for our campaign. Election Day will reveal just how deep those GOP divisions are. According to Miles Coleman, an editor at the University of Virginias Center for Politics, Witt would need thousands of Republicans to defect. Offering a comparison, Coleman noted Trump won the district in 2020 by 35,000 votes. Thats a decent chunk of votes, Coleman told The Daily Progress. To me, the Good write-in effort would have to pull a lot out at least 5% of the vote. I dont know if thats realistic. The write-in campaign would carry more weight if it had Goods backing, but the incumbent has not publicly endorsed it. Doing so would run afoul of party rules. The Center for Politics still considers the 5th a safe Republican seat, but Coleman believes the write-in campaign adds some intrigue. He was struck that Witt outraised McGuire in the third quarter, with her campaign boasting more cash on hand. The fundraising numbers may indicate the seat is so safe that many Republicans dont see a need to donate. But it could also mean that Democrats see an opportunity to flip the district or that Goods attacks against McGuire have had lasting damage. There were a lot of untruths told during that race, McGuire told The Daily Progress in August. All of his attacks were false. They were all false. He didnt land any real hits. It was all false, but a lot of people unfortunately believe that. McGuires critics have pointed to a video recorded in January of last year in which McGuire, then running for state Senate in Virginias 10th District, said Good had done a great job and that he would support Bob Good for reelection. Just one week after winning his state Senate seat, McGuire announced he would challenge Good. That rubbed Republican voters such as John Hinkle the wrong way. At the Appomattox GOP meeting in October, Hinkle told The Daily Progress that McGuire doesnt keep his promises. The minute he got elected to the state Senate, he turned right around and started campaigning, Hinkle recounted. Coleman suspects that Goods reputation as a bomb-thrower and rabble-rouser may have appealed to many Republicans in the district. Good was often criticized as a disrupter as a member and former chair of the hard-right House Freedom Caucus. Occasionally, that meant voting against bills supported by Trump. McGuire, meanwhile, has vowed to support Trumps agenda fully. Like him or not, Good was seen as a fighter, said Coleman. And now you have McGuire maybe just phoning it in. For some McGuire supporters, to ever disobey Trump is a grave sin. Hinkle doesnt see it that way. So [Good] voted for something Trump didnt like. Big deal. Thats politics, Hinkle said. You dont throw the baby out with the wash when youve got somebody who is a solid conservative that the people love. Hinkle voted early. He declined to say who he voted for but suspected McGuire may be in jeopardy. Not only does he think people will write in Goods name, but he and others believe McGuire only won because he got support from Democrats. Now those Democrats, he said, will be voting for Witt. Ironically, McGuires supporters have theorized that it was Good who received support from Democratic voters in the primary. David Toscano, who formerly represented Charlottesville and surrounding Albemarle County in the Virginia House of Delegates and served as House minority leader, told The Daily Progress that if Witt is going to win, shell need to change the mix of the electorate in the district. That means more Democrats turning out and more Republicans staying home. Republicans in the Trump-loving district will likely turn out for the highly anticipated presidential election. But that doesnt mean theyll all vote for McGuire, particularly if theyre upset by how the primary played out. They may just say Im going to vote for Trump, and then Im going home, Toscano said. Its very hard to predict that. McGuire has preached a message of unity since the primary. On Tuesday, hell learn if Republican voters heard it or if Goods loyalists got their revenge. I cant control people. I told my kids, you cant control other people. You control yourself, McGuire said. But I think they see my work ethic, and they see my heart. To raise money for Children in Crossfire, a Derry woman is preparing to climb Kilimanjaro. Monica McGuigan will embark on the challenge in February 2025 as she attempts to raise money for the charity. This is not her first charity-raising adventure, as she had previously, on a number of occasions, walked 100 miles in a month and participated in a skydive for the charity founded by Richard Moore, which looks to improve the lives of the most disadvantaged young children, with a particular focus on Early Childhood Education (ECE). Mrs McGuigan said: I remember one day at work at Dohertys Bakery on Bishop Street, when Covid ended, the staff of Children in Crossfire came in to get their lunch, and Aisling Cunningham said to me one day about doing a skydive. I said, Dont you let that door hit you on the way out there; catch yourself on; Im not doing that.' She asked me to think about it, but the answer was still no, but then there was a day I was standing in the bakery and I was making sausage baps, and I thought there has to be more to life than sausage baps, and so I thought I would do it. There were all these burly men telling me not to do it, but I raised 5000 for that, as I got a great response and people were more than generous as the community donated to me." And it was a similar attitude to this challenge; it is for a brilliant charity, and it is something you dont often get to do in your life. At the time of writing, Mrs McGuigan has raised over 7,000 and has been donated a Celtic FC top by the club, signed by the current squad and staff, to raffle off and raise further funds. She said she has been overwhelmed by the support she has had thus far. Mrs McGuigan said: I am incredibly grateful for the club sending it to me so I can raffle it off to raise further funds. Celtics support and endorsement have been well felt. I want to let everybody know that having helped me with the fundraising has been incredible, and I am grateful to each and every person. People are so generous, with individuals helping in the fundraising, people giving money to the cause, and then others who walk into the bakery on Bishop Street handing me envelopes of money. You cant fault the generosity of the people of Derry; it is a special place, and they support people like me to raise money for charity; it is the most generous city. Mrs McGuigan has welcomed the advice of others who have climbed the highest freestanding mountain in the world and taken that into her training. And this has led to one strange tactic in getting ready for the challenge in Tanzania. She said: Those that have done it say, if you can sustain a day's work and go for a four or five-mile walk at the end of that day, I will be grand. In saying that, I have climbed Mount Errigal a few times and the Inishowen head, and Im doing the An Grianan backwards regularly. You are learning all these wee tricks. It is point six of a mile, and we have walked up it backwards to strengthen the muscles in your leg. To donate towards the challenge undertaken by Mrs McGuigan, you can click on this link to her Just Giving page. PICTURED ABOVE: Launching the 'Black Heritage in NI: Hidden History Project', funded and supported by National Lottery's Heritage Fund. From left are: Former North West Migrants Forum Programmes Manager and Research Dr Naomi Green, Dr Philip McDermott of Ulster University, Olive Hill of the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Mayor of Derry City and Strabane and Chief Executive of the Migrants Forum, Lilian Seenoi Barr, Chair of the North West Migrants Forum, Marija Stuke, Margaret Henry of the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Migrants Forum Board Member Beverly Simpson. The North West Migrants Forum is to take an in-depth look at the hidden contributions made by black people to Northern Ireland, following an award of 500,000 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund for the Black Heritage in NI: Hidden History Project. The heritage project aims to mainstream black history in Northern Ireland and will emphasise the local stories of black people and highlight the contributions black people have made to everyday life. It will apply a global lens, connecting the history of Northern Ireland to the history of slavery, colonialism, segregation and black innovation. The Hidden History Project was launched during the fourth annual Black History Summit held in Ulster University and follows a successful two-year development phase. The project team will now work with researchers and educators to create a black history curriculum and materials for schools, colleges and community groups. The annual Black History Summits will continue and a new exhibition, the first of its kind in Northern Ireland will cover black history from Viking time to the modern day, combining historical records and modern photography. A website will be created to track the projects progress and keep the public up to date with development. A book and a map documenting local black history, culture and heritage will be part of the projects legacy. Chief Executive of the North West Migrants Forum, Lilian Seenoi Barr, said it was important for people to recognise black history is a part of Northern Ireland, not apart from it and to shift the perception of Northern Ireland being two communities. We are delighted to receive this continuing support thanks to National Lottery players and are very excited about what it will enable us to do. Were looking forward to changing how black people both in the past and in the present are viewed and to share knowledge and understanding around black history and heritage. In the frame for the launch of the Black Heritage in Northern Ireland: The Hidden History Project are North West Migrants Forum staff members Eva Kasmetli, Ei Mon Thant and Aynaz Zarif and volunteer Ahmed Al Moshgi. Black people can be viewed as outsiders and newcomers, even though they settled here decades, in some cases even centuries, ago. "The Hidden History Project aims to bridge existing knowledge gaps through education, discussion, debate and by celebrating the contributions black people have made and continue to make to our society and our communities. An example of one story the project will share is the contribution of Dr Raphael Armattoe, the Ghanaian scientist whose research led to the development of the Abochi drug which earned him a Nobel Prize in Medicine nomination in 1948. His research saved millions of lives in Africa in the 1940s due to how effective it was in treating water-borne diseases. During his life Dr Armattoe lived and worked on Derrys Northland Road where a blue plaque was unveiled in his honour in 2012. Olive Hill of The National Lottery Heritage Fund Northern Ireland Committee speaking at the Black History Summit. Ms Hill told those gathered that Heritage Fund was pleased to support the North West Migrants Forum in researching and sharing the untold stories of black people here. Olive Hill from The National Lottery Heritage Fund Northern Ireland Committee said: "Inclusive heritage is very important to us at The National Lottery Heritage Fund which is why we are pleased to support the North West Migrants Forum to research and share the untold stories of black people here. READ NEXT: Popular Christmas Craft and Food Fayre set to return to Cumber House, Claudy Many people have played a significant role in shaping the culture and heritage of Northern Ireland and this project will illuminate and acknowledge a lesser-known aspect of local heritage and broaden understanding in the wider community." You can keep up to date with the Black Heritage in NI: Hidden History Project on the North West Migrants Forums website, www.nwmf.org.uk, and on all the charitys social media platforms. A man has been charged to court after an alleged assault on Green Party leader Roderic OGorman while he was on an election canvass. The incident happened in Mr OGormans Dublin West constituency on Saturday. A man in his 30s was arrested and has been charged. He is due before Blanchardstown District Court on Monday. Mr OGorman said he was grateful to a Garda protection officer who he said intervened in the incident. The Minister for Children, who said he had provided a statement to gardai, said the alarming incident had marred an otherwise positive canvass. I have been canvassing in Dublin West for more than 20 years, he said. Its my home. Meeting people and chatting through the issues has been and always will be at the heart of my work as a public representative. Speaking more generally, Mr OGorman said he was concerned about an increase in abuse and threats politicians have been facing in recent weeks. He also voiced concern about rampant misinformation on social media that he said was driving extreme views. ActionAid Ireland is urging young people from Louth to enter ActionTalks, a speechwriting competition on important global themes open to young people aged between 14 and 18 years-old. The competition, now in its 11th year, is aimed at encouraging students to explore the underlying causes of both local and global injustices, giving them a platform to share their perspectives. There are three themes this year: The climate crisis, womens leadership in emergencies, and the role of overseas aid and womens rights organisations. Since the competition was launched in 2003 more than 1,100 students from over 200 schools are Ireland have taken part. There were over 100 entries in last years competition alone. Karol Balfe, CEO of ActionAid Ireland, said: "Were thrilled to kick off the eleventh year of ActionTalks, which gives young people all over Ireland a unique opportunity to have their voices heard. Its inspiring to see so many young people from Co. Louth engaging with critical global challenges and bringing such thoughtful insights to the conversation. Their enthusiasm and dedication gives us real hope for the future." She added: The themes for this year reflect the huge challenges faced by women around the world today. The climate crisis is having devastating effects globally, with countries in the Global South being particularly hard-hit. Women are disproportionately affected, as their rights and livelihoods are often jeopardized by the consequences of climate change. In addition. women around the world face greater poverty and more frequent violations of their rights than men. Despite this, only 5% of Official Development Assistance is allocated to efforts aimed at ending violence against women. ActionAid Irelands mission is to support women and girls in leading on claiming their rights and holding those in power accountable. It runs a Womens Rights Programme, funded by Irish Aid through the Department of Foreign Affairs, which focuses on eliminating violence against women and girls. Irish Aid programmes contribute to Irelands important role in global development. Karol added: I cant wait to hear the creative and well-researched perspectives students bring this year, reflecting their experiences of growing up in Ireland. We also look forward to seeing how they explore the link between the concentration of resources in the Global North and its impact on communities in the Global South." A new study that grades every states laws regarding public school open enrollment the ability for families to choose which school they want their children to attend gives Virginia an F, tying for second to last place with Alabama. Only four states scored worse. The study from the Reason Foundation, a libertarian think tank, graded Virginia with a zero on six of its seven best-practice measures, which include school districts being free to all students and open to all students. Virginia has no cross-district open enrollment, meaning a student whose primary residence is in the city of Charlottesville could not legally attend a public school in, say, Albemarle County. Some school divisions allow transfers within the division, but state code does not bar school divisions from charging tuition to transfer students. At least 55 of the states 131 school divisions charge tuition to transfer, averaging $4,000 per transfer, according to the study. Eight divisions charge fees of more than $10,000, according to the study, peaking at $24,000 per high school transfer in Falls Church in Northern Virginia. An outlier Well, its a problem if you think that access to education shouldnt be tied to ZIP code, Andy Rotherham, a member of the Virginia Board of Education and a partner at the national education nonprofit Bellwether, told the Richmond Times-Dispatch. And obviously financing the education system is important, but there are plenty of states, led by Democrats and Republicans, that have different kinds of open enrollment and public choice plans, and the sky hasnt fallen, he added. Virginia is an outlier in terms of the hostility to giving parents almost any choice at all, even as we celebrate the range of choices we can offer in early ed and higher ed. Virginia allows for limited within-district open enrollment. According to state law, however, divisions are not required to inform rejected applicants in writing on why they were rejected, and state law does not prohibit denying an applicant based on disability. There is no outside entity to which people who are rejected can appeal the decision. During this years state legislative session, lawmakers considered a bill that would have encouraged open enrollment within school divisions by directing the Virginia Department of Education to create model policies and guidance regarding open school enrollment by Aug. 1. Local school boards would have had the authority to accept the guidance, alter it or leave it. The House version of the bill, sponsored by Del. Jason Ballard, a Giles County Republican, passed the full House on a 68-29 vote. But the Senate version was killed in the Senate Education and Health Committee on a 9-6 party-line vote, with Democrats voting to kill it. Current law permits, but does not require, each school board to establish and implement policies providing for open enrollment. State Sen. Mark Peake, Lynchburg Republican who sponsored the Senate bill, told the Times-Dispatch in January that the legislation aims to give children more opportunities while putting pressure on underperforming schools to improve to keep families from leaving. The Reason Foundation Study recommended that Virginia policymakers improve their open enrollment options in three ways: require all public schools to participate in cross- and within-district open enrollment, make public schools free to all students, and make public schools open to all students regardless of their ability or disability. Limited options Compared with other states across the U.S., Virginias range of school choice options is limited. The state, for example, has only seven charter schools, while neighboring states such as North Carolina and Maryland each have upward of 100. School choice bills introduced in the General Assembly in the past few years have been killed by legislators. Some scholars have linked Virginias opposition to charter schools and other school choice programs to the states history with Massive Resistance to school desegregation in the 1950s and 1960s. Changes to the Virginia Constitution in 1956 the year of Brown v. Board of Education, the U.S. Supreme Court decision that ordered the end of government-sanctioned school segregation allowed taxpayer money to fund private schools. The General Assembly subsequently increased support for private schools, especially in 1959 to 1960. These changes were enacted to allow for more alternatives to federal court orders that mandated desegregated public schools. The politics of school choice are not clean, partisan divisions. Over the past 25 years in Virginia, resistance to charter schools and other school choice initiatives has largely come from Democrats and rural Republicans. Some education officials and politicians believe that school choice is the fix for school segregation in Virginia, where students remain largely separated by race and economic class although segregation is no longer mandated by public policy. Research is mixed on the effects of school choice on school segregation. Louth author Oisin McKenna has been nominated for the Sunday Independent Newcomer of the Year award at the An Post Irish Book Awards 2024 for his book Evenings and Weekends. The shortlist for the An Post Irish Book Awards 2024 features a diverse and exciting mix of exceptional writing from new and established writers across 20 categories. Now in its 19th year, the An Post Irish Book Awards celebrate and promote Irish writing to the widest range of readers possible. Each year, the An Post Irish Book Awards bring together a vast community passionate about books readers, authors, booksellers, publishers and librarians to recognise the very best of new and established Irish writing talent and 2024 will be no different. This year, the An Post Irish Book Awards has introduced the Hodges Figgis History Book of the Year category to celebrate Irelands history writers and acknowledge the importance of historical writing and its contribution to the Irish literary landscape. Additionally, the awards have expanded the Cookbook of the Year category and renamed it as the Food and Drink Book of the Year category to reflect the evolving tastes and interests of readers who enjoy culinary literature. The Best Short Story and Best Poetry Award categories are now in partnership with the Irish Independents New Irish Writing competition. Formerly known as the Hennessy Literary Awards, New Irish Writing has been a platform for unpublished writers since its establishment in 1968. It has helped launch the careers of numerous Irish literary stars, including Colum McCann, Anne Enright, Joseph OConnor and Claire Keegan. The monthly winners are published on the last Saturday of each month online and in the Review supplement of The Irish Independent. The shortlist of six for the Short Story and Poetry categories was selected from the monthly winners between November 2023 and October 2024 by Ciaran Carty, New Irish Writings Editor since 1988, and Associate Editor Dermot Bolger. The overall winners of both categories will be chosen by two of New Irish Writings most successful and respected alumni John Boyne and Paula Meehan. Other categories include Novel of the Year, Childrens (Junior and Senior), Newcomer, Lifestyle, Crime Fiction, Biography, Popular Fiction, Non-fiction, Sports, Teen and Young Adult and Irish Language. To tie in with the announcement of the An Post Irish Book Awards shortlist, the public are now being asked to have their say and cast their votes for the best books of the year on the An Post Irish Book Awards website anpostirishbookawards.ie/vote. All voters will be entered into a prize draw to win one of five 100 National Book Tokens vouchers. Voters may cast their votes from 8pm on 24th October until voting closes on the 14th November at 5pm. Meanwhile, a one-hour television special, hosted by Oliver Callan, will be broadcast on RTE One on 19th December giving viewers an exclusive insight into the six books and the authors competing for the accolade of An Post Irish Book Awards Book of the Year 2024, culminating in the reveal of this years overall winner. Read Next: Dundalk gardai arrest novice driver who tested positive for cocaine Larry Mac Hale, Chairperson of the An Post Irish Book Awards, says: The shortlist for this years An Post Irish Book Awards is, once again, remarkable, showcasing the immense talent of Irish writers and the strength of our literary community. Each category highlights exceptional writing, with well deserving authors, publishers, illustrators, and booksellers being recognised. The An Post Irish Book Awards is a key event in the literary calendar, and it is wonderful to see the growing enthusiasm for this initiative. I would like to wish all the nominees the very best of luck and look forward to celebrating the winners on the 27th November. PJ Brigdale, Head of Brand at An Post, says: We are thrilled to announce this years shortlist for the An Post Irish Book Awards and celebrate the incredible talent and diversity of Irish writing. Each shortlisted book reflects the rich storytelling tradition we cherish, and were proud to honour the authors, publishers, booksellers and readers who make these awards so special. As a brand, we are especially proud to support and foster a love of reading across Ireland, helping to ensure that it remains a vital part of our culture and communities for generations to come. Team NarConnect has been named winners of the 2024 I-Days competition at Dundalk IT. The team developed an innovative Bluetooth-enabled patch designed to assist in symptom recognition and analysis to alert users of impending narcoleptic episodes and reduce the need for frequent visits to clinical practitioners and increase safety for the person living with narcolepsy. Hosted by the Connected Health and Wellbeing Cluster in partnership with dConnect, the EIT Health I-Days returned to Dundalk Institute of Technology for its third consecutive year. This event brings together students from multiple disciplines to tackle real-world health challenges. The event, which took place on the 15th and 16th of October, featured around the theme of "Narcolepsy," with participants tasked with developing innovative solutions to improve the quality of life for those living with the disorder. The event was structured around a series of workshops, brainstorming sessions, and hands-on activities. Guided by mentors, students were encouraged to think outside the box, using empathy and creativity to design solutions that could have a real-world impact. The winning team comprised of DkIT students across disciplines and included James Sands (Maths & Data Analytics), Jordana Hamilton (Bioscience), and Raphael Frogoso (Software Development). Their solution was lauded for its user-centered design and the potential to significantly improve the quality of life for people living with narcolepsy. Competing against 16 other teams, Team NarConnect stood out for its practicality and scalability, earning them the top prize. The prize included an iPhone 15, 200 in One-4-All voucher for each team member and the honour of representing DkIT at the EIT Health I-Days Finals in Budapest this November. As Team NarConnect prepares for the EU Finals in Budapest, they will continue to refine their solution under the mentorship of Breanndan Casey from the Connected Health and Wellbeing Cluster and Ceara Treacy, of dConnect in addition to other mentors from the day. The DkIT community is eager to support their journey, anticipating the potential impact their innovation could have in the field of narcolepsy care. Breanndan Casey, manager of the Connected Health Cluster said, Over the course of one and a half action-packed days, more than 70 students from diverse academic backgrounds - spanning biosciences, data analytics, entrepreneurship, engineering and software development - collaborated in multidisciplinary teams. Applying Design Thinking methodologies, participants explored creative ways to address the management and care of narcolepsy, all while receiving mentorship from leading industry experts. It was great to see so many Cluster members support the students directly with advice and mentoring. Among the facilitators were Elaine Armstrong and Alan Hickey from Narcolepsy Ireland, who provided valuable insights into the daily challenges faced by individuals with narcolepsy, further fuelling the innovative spirit of the event. Prominent professionals such as Adrian Coyle (Market Access, Value Based Partnerships, Digital Health, Takeda), Des OToole (Innovation at Health Service Executive), Deirdre O'Rourke (Consultant Neurologist at St. Jamess Hospital), Laura Caden (HIHI Health Technology Innovation Specialist), Sinead Sexton (EIT Health), Ann Quinn (Head of Innovation at Children's Health Ireland), Brian Markey (Senior Project Manager at Health Service Executive), Dolores Donegan (Innovation and Change Management Agent), Thelma Pentony (Business Operations, Training Manager at Technology and Transformation, HSE), Claire Staple (Vice President of Strategy & Country Manager for Ireland), Bridget Kelly (Lecturer), Dara Keeley (Project Manager), and many more. Read Next: Dundalk gardai arrest novice driver who tested positive for cocaine The success of the event was made possible through the generous support of key sponsors, including Takeda UK and Ireland, HSE Technology and Transformation, and Nordic Global. Their financial contributions and mentorship offerings not only incentivised participation but also ensured a rewarding experience for all involved. The 2024 EIT Health I-Days in DkIT were a resounding success, demonstrating the value of student-led innovation in health. The winning solutions and the enthusiasm displayed by all participants reflect the bright future of healthcare and the promise of Design Thinking as a tool for solving complex problems. We look forward to seeing the continued success of these talented individuals as they carry forward the spirit of innovation and positive change For more information on EIT Health I-Days and upcoming events, visit EIT Health I-Days. The volunteer crew from Clogherhead RNLI came to the aid of a fisherman after a boat got into difficulty south of the Drogheda Bar in the early hours of last Monday morning. Drogheda Coast Guard was also involved. The Dublin Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre requested the assistance at 2.27am following a report that a fishing vessel had sustained engine malfunction south of the Drogheda Bar off the coast of County Meath. The all-weather Shannon class lifeboat was launched under Coxswain Tomas Whelehan with crew Derek Shevlin, Carol Holcroft, Barbara Kirk and Brian Sharkey onboard. They immediately made their way to the scene arriving at 3.09am. The Drogheda Coast Guard inshore RIB crew were also on scene. Weather conditions at the time were calm. On arrival, the lifeboat crew assessed the situation and noted that due to the engine failure, the fisherman could not make any safe onward progress. A decision was made to attach a towline to the vessel and return the fisherman to the nearest safe port at Port Oriel where everyone arrived at 4.35am. Read Next: WATCH: 'So welcoming' - Dundalk's 'most popular' chipper gets the food-reviewer treatment The crew then returned the Michael O'Brien to Clogherhead RNLI lifeboat station at 5.35am with the assistance of shore crew members Brian Boylan, Shanie McEvoy and Martin McKenna. Clogherhead RNLI Coxswain Tomas Whelehan said: Without our assistance this fisherman would have been unable to return to port, so he made the right call to ask for assistance at 2.20am when his engine failed. Thanks to only 5 knots of wind and calm sea conditions it was a straightforward rescue to get this fisherman back to Port Oriel. We would encourage anyone with a job such as fishing at sea, to ensure their vessel is regularly checked and maintained and that you can stay afloat in an emergency with a lifejacket, can secure your position with a suitable anchor and that you can stay in touch with a radio or phone. If you do get into difficulty call the Coast Guard on VHF channel 16 or by phone on 999 or 112. Clogherhead RNLI came to the aid of seven fishermen on Wednesday night after their fishing trawler got into difficulty 15 miles northeast of Clogherhead when fishing nets became snagged in its propeller. The all-weather Shannon class lifeboat, the Michael O'Brien, was launched at 7.24pm under Coxswain Tomas Whelehan and with mechanic Ronan King and crew members Sean Reilly, Derek Shevlin and Carol Holcroft onboard. The volunteer crew reached the 18m fishing trawler and found that the fishermen onboard who were all wearing lifejackets, were all safe and in good spirits but on assessment of the situation, notes the trawler could not make any safe onward progress because of its fouled propeller. Read Next: Dundalk's Cllr Butler urges local schools to apply for free solar panels It was decided that the best course of action was to tow the vessel to the nearest safe port, Port Oriel where they arrived at 11.30pm and where Clogherhead Coast Guard was present to provide assistance. Speaking following the call out, Clogherhead RNLI Coxswain Tomas Whelehan said: The fishing trawler snagged a net in its propeller which is a common occurrence especially in strong tidal conditions like the Irish Sea. With little marine traffic in the area and strong tidal conditions, although not in any immediate danger, the experienced skipper made the correct call to contact the Coast Guard when help was required. For anyone working at sea, we would encourage you to keep your vessels stability in mind so you can significantly reduce the risk of capsize, ensure your vessel is well maintained and make sure you can stay afloat in an emergency with a lifejacket, stay in touch with a radio or phone and stay put with a suitable anchor to secure your position. If you do get into difficulty, call the Coast Guard on VHF channel 16 or by phone on 999 or 112. The National Womens Council (NWC) is urging Louth residents to support a call for a public childcare system, to help support families who are paying up to 249 per week for one child in full time childcare. For many, the NWC says, this is simply an unaffordable amount and places significant financial strain on households. The NWC is urging families in Louth to join its newly launched childcare e-action campaign, calling on political party leaders to commit to a public system of early childhood education and care in their political party manifestos during the election campaign, and in the next Programme for government. It says that this email action provides an easy-to-use online tool for families, parents and individuals across Ireland to demand better a childcare solution through a simple, collective action. The action is part of NWCs ongoing Together for Public campaign, which is supported by an alliance of over 30 civil society organisations, trade unions, academics, and childcare providers. The Alliance is calling for the delivery of a Public System of Early Childhood Education and Care as the best way to deliver affordable, accessible, quality childcare for children and families. Rachel Coyle, Head of Campaigns and Mobilisation, NWC said: "Childcare in Ireland has long been unaffordable and inadequate, placing an unjust burden on women, who cannot fully participate in society, often reduce their working hours or leave the workforce entirely. "With the General Election imminent, we need a commitment from political party leaders to urgent and substantial change. Despite increased investment in recent years, our current childcare system has not delivered the accessibility or affordability that families need." She continued: Childcare must be available from the age that parents need it, including school-aged children. All children, irrespective of their background, any additional needs they may have or their location, should be entitled to early education and care. "We need to see that reflected in legislation that guarantees a place for every child. Early years educators, the majority of whom are women, need decent pay and working conditions that is reflective of their training and experience to keep them in this crucial sector. The only solution to the childcare crisis is a public system, and we are calling on the political party leaders to commit to building that system, in their election manifestoes and the subsequent Programme for Government. Specifically, the pre-drafted email calls on political party leaders for commitments to: Guarantee every child the right to an early years education through legislation Pilot a public-delivered model of childcare in areas with limited provision Reform and support existing schemes to include fee-capping Make the State take responsibility for negotiating and paying appropriate educators wages Create a buy-out scheme for struggling or retiring private providers so they can become part of the public system Donal Swan, Womens Economic Equality Coordinator said: Our e-action campaign empowers women and families to make their voices heard and ensure that the Government cannot ignore the needs of families any longer. This is an opportunity for women and families to take collective action and demand a childcare system similar to other EU countries. "A public system would create a more equal Ireland and, when combined with better paid and longer family leaves and a right to flexible working conditions, would mean parents have real choices when it comes to caring for their child. Louth businesses will feature in a business campaign by broadband operator, SIRO, and supported by Guaranteed Irish, which kicks off with a live online business webinar at Droghedas The Mill Enterprise Hub on Wednesday 6 November next from 10.30 to 11.30 am. The webinar will be recorded live from The Mill and featured a range of Louth companies and business representatives from the area. The campaign known as Success in the Heartlands is a campaign focusing on businesses around the country, acknowledging their challenges, celebrating their successes, hearing their businesss unique story and offering their advice and insights to other business looking to grow and scale their business. The webinar, MC-ed by Guaranteed Irish CEO Brid ODonoghue, will feature Martin McElligott, Town Centre Commercial Manager, CEO, Dundalk Business Improvement District; Ronan Whitty, CEO, The Mill Enterprise Hub, Drogheda; Donal Quinn, CEO and Founder of Enso, a Drogheda-based SME Sustainability Consultancy and Emma Harte, CEO of Customer Perceptions, a market research company based in Dundalk. Interested business who want to hear from their local peers and gain valuable tips and insights to drive their own business success can tune in live to the webinar on the day. Commenting on the event, SIRO Director of Corporate Affairs Amanda Glancy noted: Smaller but growing local business are the heartbeat of every town in Ireland, and this is particularly true in Louth. They are also significant employers and generators of wealth and prosperity within their local area. "At SIRO, our broadband connection is proudly supporting many of these businesses with 100% fibre broadband. But we want to recognise and celebrate their contribution and help other local Louth businesses to learn from their experience and expertise. We encourage local businesses to register for the webinar and join us in hearing and learning more from these local business owners on their business journey to date. Guaranteed Irish CEO Brid ODonoghue noted: Im thrilled to spotlight inspiring business stories from Drogheda and Dundalk. Hearing about how these business leaders have overcome challenges and driven growth in their communities. Martin McElligott CEO, Dundalk Business Improvement District Scheme stated: Im excited to discuss Dundalks vibrant business landscape and share the success stories of local SMEs. Lets explore the challenges and opportunities that define our towns business community. Businesses and individuals interested in hearing more than register for the webinar via the following Eventbrite link here. The Minister for Justice Helen McEntee has announced the funding of two Louth projects under the Community Safety Fund. Over 3 million worth of funding to 33 projects through the Community Safety Fund has been allocated nationally. The aim of the fund is to allow the proceeds of crime, seized by the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) and An Garda Siochana, to be directed into local community safety projects. Grants ranging from 27,000 to 183,000 have been awarded to organisations and community groups that have made proposals to improve community safety. The two Louth projects to be funded include the Connect Family Resource Centre and the The Red Door Project. The Connecting Communities project run by Connect Family Resource Centre focuses primarily on parents and families to include programmes, initiatives and activities to build resilience, confidence and feelings of safety in the community, promote positive mental wellbeing, build social capital by improving social connections. Read Next: Government's Covid-19 review falls short, leaving Dealgan House families without answers, says Dundalk TD The Prison Links Worker project run by The Red Door Project supports individuals with a substance use issue both entering and exiting prison Minister McEntee said: "At the heart of our approach to community safety is the principle that every community has the right to thrive and flourish. This funding will help the people who best understand the safety needs of their community to develop proposals to make a real positive difference. The successful projects have demonstrated their understanding of the safety needs in their community and put forward strong proposals which I believe will lead to improved safety in their areas. "An Garda Siochana and the Criminal Assets Bureau have had continued success in disrupting the activities of criminals by seizing their ill-gotten gains. Putting this money back into the community is a real way to show that the efforts of law enforcement can directly contribute to making people feel safer. "I have ensured that under Budget 2025, the Community Safety Fund will be increasing to 4 million." Dundalk Green Party representative, Cllr Marianne Butler, is urging schools in Dundalk and across Louth to apply for for free solar panels, through the Solar for Schools Programme. Minister for Education Norma Foley and Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, Ossian Smyth announced on Wednesday, that the Solar for Schools Programme will be extended to all school nationwide. The scheme provides eligible schools with up to 6 kilowatts peak of roof-mounted solar photovoltaic (PV) installations on their roofs, which equates to approximately 14 solar panels. Since the launch of the first phase of the programme late last year, more than 1,100 schools have been approved for PV panels on their roofs in eleven areas around the country. Urging schools in Louth to avail of the programme, Cllr Butler told the Dundalk Democrat that, "I really welcome that local schools in Dundalk and the County will be able to apply for free solar panels. This will firstly help reduce their electricity bills by up to 1,600 per year! "Many local schools will be working towards their Green Schools energy flag and installing Solar PV is a great way to learn about energy! I would urge all local schools to apply for Solar PV, applications are open from Monday 11th November." The Solar for Schools Programme is funded by the Governments Climate Action Fund in line with the Governments recognition that taking action on climate change is central to Irelands social and economic development. It is assisting schools in reducing their energy costs and carbon footprint as part of the response to meeting the 2030 and 2050 Climate Action Plan targets for the schools sector. The solar PV panels in schools are being connected to the electricity grid, so that solar energy can power other homes and businesses when schools are closed at weekends and during school holidays. The typical amount a school can save will depend on a number of factors. However, by way of example, a school with a 6 kW Solar PV installation could expect to save in the region of 1200-1600 per annum on their bill, including credit for their electricity export. The overall programme will see up to 24 megawatts of installed renewable energy provision on schools with associated savings in the region of 5.5 million per year across 4,000 schools. Monitoring software is also being provided to each school to allow review and discussion of the energy generated each day for staff and students. As well as the obvious financial and climate benefits, the visibility of the solar panels on schools is also delivering the added benefit of encouraging discussion and uptake of the technology in the wider community. The final phase of the scheme will open for applications on Monday 11th November 2024. All remaining eligible schools will be contacted by the Department and invited to apply from that date. The scheme is designed to be as streamlined as possible for schools using an online system to facilitate communications with schools. In this regard, the Department of Education has set up School Hub, an online platform which is part of the Departments geographic information system (GIS).The online platform provides a simple, clear and efficient application and approvals process for schools applying to take part. Schools will be required to get five quotes from suppliers and submit to the Department of Education via the School Hub for review. Some schools may not be able to avail of scheme funding immediately due to infrastructure that is not compatible with the new technology solar panels; this may include incompatible roofs or electrical systems. The Department will be in contact with any schools that applied, but did not have their PV installations delivered during Phase 1, to discuss next steps. These schools will be treated as a priority in this next and final phase. Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) Mechanical Engineering Graduate and Dragons Den (UK) participant, Colin OBrien, recently returned to the Institute to speak with and provide inspiration to current Mechanical Engineering, Entrepreneurship and Business, and Accounting & Finance Students. Mr OBrien spoke to students at the launch of this years Year Three Product Design & Marketing Projects, and provided a valuable insight into how his career in Product Design has developed. He discussed in detail, the design and commercial development of the Rollaer cabin suitcase. Colins invention, luggage with durable wheels that can navigate multiple terrains, was successfully premiered in early 2024 on Dragons Den UK. Addressing students during a Q&A session, Colin shared his top tips for success, including how technical ability combined with passion and doing whatever it takes to identify what the market actually needs are fundamental to any new design enterprise, and that old fashioned hard work and an honest recognition of any skills gaps are then key to growing that business. DkIT says that Colins career trajectory also demonstrated that embracing engagement with professionals of different disciplines is fundamental to success in the global marketplace. The Year 3 Product Design & Marketing Projects are a collaborative annual assessment conducted by the School of Engineering and School of Business & Humanities. Now in its 15th year, the collaboration lasts eight weeks and offers small teams of mechanical engineering and accounting students the opportunity to partner up on a design project with a distinct market focus. The aim is to introduce interdisciplinary awareness and engage in market driven, user focused design projects. Design examples for 2024 include a Powered Urban Goods Transport Device and a Powered Lift for Animal Handling. Colins design career came full circle when he was presented with the first product that he collaborated on the design of - his own Year 3 Design Team Project (developed in 1999) a petrol fuelled mobility scooter for urban transport. Sinn Fein in Louth has announced that popular North Louth Councillor Antoin Watters will run as a third candidate in the constituency alongside incumbent Ruairi O Murchu TD and Cllr Joanna Byrne from Drogheda. Speaking today, Cllr Watters said: When I was asked by the Party to run as a candidate I didnt hesitate. We must give people a clear choice between the status quo and a Party that will deliver change. We must be bold, we must be brave, we must increase our seats if we are to form a government and I am honoured to play my part in that badly needed change. It is incredible that successive Fianna Fail and Fine Gael Governments supported by their cohorts in the Labour Party and the Green Party have consistently and systematically been failing us as a State and get away with it. The people cant take any more and the squandering and waste of public money is unforgivable: 635,000 for a bike shed, 1,000,000 for a security hut, the Childrens Hospital to name a few. The final straw for me was the allocation of 9,000,000 (9 million euro) in Budget 2025 for mobile phone pouches to keep students off their phones during school hours. They then insulted peoples intelligence by selling this waste as positive well-being and mental health as the latest figures for those waiting for CAMHS shows 695 people in Louth of whom 115 have been waiting over 52 weeks. Why dont we tell students to switch off their phones or keep them in their lockers and invest that 9 million in CAMHS? Cllr Watters who is a father of two young children said he despaired of their future if things dont change. I have 3 brothers and all of them have been forced to emigrate and I certainly dont want to lose my own children to emigration so we need a progressive housing and planning policy to allow children born in rural North Louth to stay in their community if they so choose. "Sinn Fein has that policy (Housing For All) which includes the building of 60,000 self-build rural homes (state-wide) accompanied by meaningful reform of planning laws to solve problems faced by those wanting to build on their own land in their own communities. Rural areas like Cooley, Omeath, Faughart, etc have been ignored and left behind by successive Governments almost to the point of decimation. We had to beg and plead for adequate broadband, we have little or no public transport infrastructure and recently a report from the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council (IFAC) detailed the staggering failure of Government to invest in infrastructure across the State. "People living in Cooley are not surprised at this: we have lived with Governments indifference to us for decades. Thats why Sinn Fein has committed to a Rural Health Commission to deliver health-care, home care and disability services to areas such as Cooley, Faughart and surrounding areas. We deserve better and as a Councillor I have worked hard to deliver locally and now I am asking people to support me as I take the next step and go to the Dail with Ruairi O Murchu and deliver on the progressive policies of Sinn Fein. I am angry at the empty promises of Fianna Fail, Fine Gael, Labour and the Greens. I am asking the electorate to also get angry and stand up and say enough! No more! and vote for change. This election is a clear choice between Government parties that are standing over their abysmal record or a Sinn Fein government committed to delivering change. Sinn Fein has suspended one of its Belfast city councillors after an allegation that he exchanged inappropriate online messages with a minor. The party said it had suspended JJ Magee without prejudice having referred the matter to social services and the PSNI. Solicitors for Mr Magee said he absolutely denies any allegation of inappropriate conduct. KRW Law said the complaint against its client had been made to the Northern Ireland Local Government Commissioner for Standards, adding that Mr Magee has lodged a 12,000-word, 38-page rebuttal with the commissioner. The solicitors said Mr Magee had not made Sinn Fein aware of the complaint as there was no substance to it and he believed the matter would be resolved quickly by the commissioner. In a statement on Sunday night, Sinn Fein said: Sinn Fein national chairperson Declan Kearney has stated that the chief executive of Belfast City Council has been notified that the Sinn Fein party whip has been removed from councillor JJ Magee. Councillor Magee has been suspended from the party without prejudice following receipt of an allegation that inappropriate online messages were exchanged between him and a minor. This has been forwarded to the social services and the PSNI, in compliance with Sinn Fein child safeguarding policy. The party will not be making any further comment as this matter is under active investigation by the appropriate authorities. KRW Law said: Our client absolutely denies any allegation of inappropriate conduct and in particular any conduct which may have occasioned a breach of the code of conduct for councillors. The law firm insisted the complaint was selective and involved editing of signification portions of messages sent and received over a three-month period. Our client asserts that there is not a single line in any message sent by him which could be considered to be inappropriate, the statement added. Our client further confirms that he did not make Sinn Fein aware of this complaint as there was no substance to the complaint and he believed that the matter would be resolved quickly once all the facts were provided to the commissioner. KRW Law said Mr Magee has disclosed every single message exchanged with the complainant and has fully engaged with the commissioner. Our client looks forward to being exonerated and having his good name restored, said the statement. The solicitors said Mr Magee would not be making any further comment. The development is the latest internal issue to hit Sinn Fein in recent months. The party has faced criticism over its handling of a series of controversies, including those involving former press officer Michael McMonagle and ex-senator Niall O Donnghaile. In September, McMonagle, 42, from Limewood Street, Londonderry, admitted a series of offences including attempting to incite a child to engage in sexual activity. It subsequently emerged that two other press officers, who have since resigned from the party, provided job references for him after Sinn Fein had suspended him amid police inquiries. The references enabled McMonagle to get a job with the British Heart Foundation in 2022, with the charity unaware of the allegations. Last month former Sinn Fein senator and Belfast lord mayor Mr O Donnghaile revealed that he stepped down from the Seanad and left the party last December because of a complaint that accused him of sending inappropriate text messages to a teenager. Sinn Fein referred that matter to the PSNI and social services last September, but no criminal investigation was undertaken. Separately last month, it emerged that a Sinn Fein member had resigned from the party after admitting involvement in an incident where a portrait of former DUP lord mayor Lord Wallace Browne was damaged at Belfast City Hall. Earlier in October, high-profile Sinn Fein TD Brian Stanley resigned from the party amid a controversy relating to a complaint against him. He claimed he was subjected to a character assassination by a clique within the party and likened its processes to a kangaroo court. Sinn Fein rejected his claims and insisted it handled the matter in accordance with proper procedures. His resignation came days after fellow Sinn Fein TD Patricia Ryan quit the party. She said her departure was in response to the party undermining her. A Cork author has said he is humbled to receive a prestigious international arts award for following my own heart, indulging my passion, and living my dream. At a ceremony in McGill University in Montreal, the World Cultural Council (WCC) presented its Leonardo da Vinci World Award of Arts 2024 to Devonshire Street novelist Conal Creedon. The WCC is an international organisation that promotes cultural values, goodwill, and philanthropy. Founded in 1982 and based in Mexico, every year it awards outstanding artists, scientists, and educators who have contributed positively to the cultural enrichment of mankind. In its citation this year, it states: Conal Creedon, an award-winning novelist, short-story writer, playwright, documentary film-maker, essayist, and collaborative artist, has been awarded the Leonardo da Vinci World Award of Arts 2024. His creative practice has been described as an exploration of the spaghetti bowl of streets in downtown Cork City, Ireland, where his family has lived and traded for over a hundred years. His detailed investigation of such a tight-knit neighbourhood reveals insights in to the universal nature of the human condition and constitutes a significant contribution to the artistic legacy of creative expression. In his acceptance speech, Mr Creedon said he was humbled to receive the award and thanked the WCC. Its a great personal honour for me to accept this award, he said. It is an honour for my home place of Cork city in Ireland. And, indeed, it is an honour for Irish people across the world. He added that it was extremely special to have the luxury of working at what he loves doing. So, it is very humbling for me to receive the World Cultural Council Leonardo da Vinci Award of Arts for effectively following my own heart, indulging my passion, and living my dream, he said. Travellers are waiting six to eight months to get water and heating set up in trailers for which they had to borrow 40,000 to buy. The Cork Traveller Visibility Group (TVG) has called the system discriminatory. A report by the joint committee on issues affecting the Traveller Community looks at the caravan-loan scheme, which began with a pilot in Cork city in 2021 and via which Travellers take out a loan from the council to purchase a trailer and repay monthly. In 2023, Cork City Council allocated just five trailers. Brigid Carmody, of Cork TVG, told the committee: We work with some families who do not have their mobile homes connected to water or heating. People are waiting six to eight months to get heating and water. If a family takes out a 40,000 loan through the caravan-loan scheme, and it is not connected up to heating and in this weather the damp will be setting in the caravans do not last the length of the loan, because they start rotting before they are paid off. John OSullivan, of Cork TVG, said that since the scheme was launched, 37 applications have been made in Cork city, while only five loans have been allocated, and that it will take seven years to provide a loan to the remaining 32, not accounting for people who apply in future. Mr OSullivan said: Travellers should not be asked to take out a 40,000 loan for a temporary accommodation solution, while they await long-term accommodation. They are the only ethnic group being asked to take out a loan for a social-housing option. We feel this practice is discriminatory and not fit for purpose. Breda ODonoghue, of Cork TVG, agreed: We are caught between a rock and a hard place, in that we do not want the scheme. We think it is discriminating against families. There are families in dire need. However, nobody wants to take out a 40,000 loan to accommodate themselves. I believe it should be scrapped and we should look at a rental scheme. It is not working and there are not enough loans to meet the need anyway, even if it was working. Brian Geaney, assistant chief executive of Cork City Council, told the committee that a loan of 40,000 is insufficient for the purposes of purchasing a first-hand trailer of suitable size, quality, and durability. Sinn Fein Cork East TD Pat Buckley, a member of the committee, told The Echo: Some Travellers are happy to live in a house, but, for others, its a cultural thing and theyd prefer a trailer. Its about just giving them a choice, and its a rights-based thing: Theyre entitled to proper homes. The committee concluded: Members of the Traveller community are entitled to an energy-efficient home of a good standard. The caravan-loan scheme, as it is currently operated, falls well short of this goal. They noted that loans provided are insufficient, and called for an increase to the amount available. They also reiterated that an audit of all trailers be undertaken, and all defective units replaced. They suggested that pricing for trailers should cover all ancillary costs, including utility connection. The inclusion of modular homes in the scheme was another recommendation, as was providing funding to all local authorities for a rental scheme as well as the loan scheme. A Dubliner with a 32-year heroin addiction was caught in Actons Hotel in Kinsale with a 4,400 stash of heroin and cocaine two years ago. He has undertaken residential treatment. Judge Helen Boyle said that she would impose a four-year sentence on the 49-year-old Eamon Kane, but suspend it. The judge did warn that the period of the suspension was long at four years and that if Kane committed any further offences in that period he could face a custodial sentence. Kane was one of three people found in a room in that hotel on January 20, 2023, with the stash of drugs. Detective Garda David Barrett said that he received confidential information of suspected drugs being located in the room where two people other than Mr Kane had booked in that day. Gardai arrived and found the stash. The Sherrif St man pleaded guilty to his part in the drug-dealing crime. Passing sentence last Thursday, Judge Boyle said the accused did what was expected in terms of the requirement to go into residential treatment. The judge noted that the accused travelled from Dublin to Cork with 4,400 worth of cocaine and that he has a serious number of previous convictions, all of them related to the misuse of drugs. Mahon Corkery, defence barrister, said that, in mitigation, the defendant signed pleas of guilty and saved the State the time and expense of a trial. He said that Kane had been dealing with addiction for 32 years. Det Garda Barrett said that Kane got a sentence of four years and nine months back in 2016 for another drug-dealing offence and had three other dealing convictions as well. Mr Corkery said that the accused had twice been a shooting victim and had been subjected to a number of serious assaults as a result of his lifestyle. His mother died when he was only four months old and his father had no role in his life, Mr Corkery said. When Mr Corkery put it to Det Garda Barrett, at part of the sentencing hearing earlier in the year, he suggested that the accused had been co-operative when questioned. The detective replied, Yes, to some extent, he told us a story and we wrote it down. And you dont expect him in Cork again? the barrister suggested. The detective replied, I hope not. A man has been arrested following an alleged assault on Minister for Children and Green Party leader Roderic OGorman during an election canvass at the weekend. Mr OGorman is said to be shaken by the alleged incident which occurred during a door-to-door canvass on Saturday in the Blanchardstown area of Dublin. Sources close to the Minister told The Irish Times that the alleged assault occurred on a doorstep. Mr O'Gorman did not sustain injuries and the alleged assault was prevented from escalating following intervention by a garda who was present. Mr OGorman told The Irish Times: On Saturday, while out canvassing in Dublin West, what was otherwise a positive canvass was marred by an alarming incident with one individual. I am grateful to the Garda Protection Officer assigned to me who was forced to intervene, and I have given a statement to the gardai on the matter. The man in his 30s was arrested and is due to appear before Blanchardstown District Court on Monday. A Garda spokesperson said: A man in his 30s, arrested by gardai following the alleged assault of an elected representative canvassing in his local community in Dublin on Saturday, 2nd November 2024, has been charged. He is scheduled to appear before Blanchardstown District Court on Monday, 4th November, at 10:30am. Alan Rachins has died. Alan Rachins has died The 82-year-old actor, who was best known for his roles in 'L.A. Law' and 'Dharma and Greg' passed away in his sleep from heart failure in the early hours of Saturday (02.11.24) morning at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, his wife, actress Joanna Frank, told The Hollywood Reporter. Alan was best known for his long-running role as law partner Douglas Brackman Jr. in 'L.A. Law', in which he starred from its inception in 1986 until it ended in 1994. After the legal drama ended, Alan turned his hand to comedy, playing Lawrence 'Larry' Finklestein, the hippy father of Jenna Elfman's Dharma, playing the patriarch in all five seasons of 'Dharma and Greg', which ran from 1997 to 2002. He also had roles in movies including 'Showgirls' and 'Terminal Voyage' and made appearances in the likes of 'General Hospital', 'Grey's Anatomy' and 'NCIS', as well as voice parts in projects such as 'Scooby-Doo!', Rugrats', and 'The Spectacular Spider-Man'. His last credited role was in the short film 'The Lights Above' in 2023. Alan and Joanna met in acting class and married in 1978. They played a married couple in 1985's 'Always', and the actress also had a recurring role in 'L.A. Law' as Sheila Brackman, the wife of her spouse's character, with whom he had a tricky relationship. Alan is survived by his wife and their son Robert. Kelsey Parker hopes Liam Payne's family can "ride the waves of grief" following his tragic death. Kelsey Parker knows what Liam Payne's family are going through after her husband Tom Parker's death The One Direction star passed away aged 31 last month after falling from a hotel balcony in Argentina and Kelsey who lost her husband Tom Parker to brain cancer in 2022 knows how difficult the coming weeks will be for his loved ones. Speaking to Britain's HELLO! magazine, Kelsey said: "Liam's family should just take each day as it comes and do what's best for them as a family. "If that is all sitting down together and crying, then you do that. But it is so tough and so hard." Kelsey also urged Liam's girlfriend Kate Cassidy to make the late star "proud" despite her own anguish. She said: "When your partner is taken from you, it feels cruel and you feel as though you've been robbed of your future. "So all Liam's girlfriend can do now is make him proud. If you told me when we lost Tom that I would be where I am now, I would never have believed it because you think: 'Oh my God, this is the end. How am I going to cope?' "But you just have to ride the waves of grief and if it does knock you down, you've got try to get yourself up and build yourself back up again." Kelsey took solace in the fact that Tom left a legacy behind thanks to his music work with The Wanted and she hopes that Liam's family particularly his son Bear, seven, who he had with former partner Cheryl can do likewise with his One Direction material. The star who had daughter Aurelia, five, and son Bodhi, four, with Tom said: "I can't speak for Liam's family, but for me, what Tom achieved in 33 years on this planet is more than anyone would ever achieve in a lifetime. "He's given me stories to tell the kids and there are so many videos. It's the same for Liam's son Bear the children have so much footage to remember their dads." Sir Michael Caine has revealed Tom Cruise came to him for advice when he was starting out in Hollywood. Sir Michael Caine always knew Tom Cruise was destined for greatness The 91-year-old screen icon has revealed that around the time of the Hollywood star's standout performance in 1981's 'Risky Business', the 'Mission Impossible' star, 62, picked his brain on how to achieve longevity in the acting business. Caine quipped that whatever it was that he told him didn't do him "any harm" and insists he always knew Cruise was destined for big things. He told The Sunday Times newspaper: I turned around and there was this young actor, very polite, asking questions about how not to be just a flash in the pan. That was Tom, probably around the time of Risky Business. I cant remember what I said, but it obviously didnt do him any harm! There was something special about him. He had a great attitude, this sense of poise. What interests me is that he is really one of the last true stars in movies. People will go to see a film just because hes in it. Brad Pitt is a star, Morgan Freeman has some of that quality too. There are so few nowadays not like John Wayne or Humphrey Bogart or Cary Grant. The pair have remained friends all these years later, and he was "very touched when his wife, Shakira, Lady Caine, 77, had Tom be a surprise guest at his 90th birthday last March. He added: [Shakira] arranged for Tom Cruise to come to my dinner at the River Cafe as a surprise. I was very touched. Caine has starred in more than 160 films over a career that spanned eight decades but retired from acting after last year's 'The Great Escaper' because he doesnt want to play the old man. He told the BBC's 'Today' programme: "I keep saying I'm going to retire, well I am now, because I figured, I've had a picture which is I played the lead and it's got incredible reviews. The only parts I'm liable to get now are old men, 90-year-old men, and I thought well I might as well leave with all this. I've got wonderful reviews. What am I going to do to beat this?" Police have asked prosecutors to consider bringing charges against Russell Brand. Russell Brand may be charged The disgraced comic has been interviewed by cops three times since a joint investigation by the Sunday Times, The Times, and 'Dispatches' in September 2023 uncovered multiple allegations of historical emotional and sexual abuse, including rape, against the 'Forgetting Sarah Marshall' star, and now a file of evidence has been sent to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) to see if the claims will be taken further. The Metropolitan Police confirmed they had had received a number of reports of sexual offences from women following the original investigation. They added: "A man in his 40s had been interviewed by officers under caution on three separate occasions. "A file of evidence has now been passed to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) for their consideration." And the CPS confirmed they had been handed a file to consider charges in relation to allegations of historical sex offences. Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy, whose team is leading the investigation, said: "We have a team of dedicated officers providing specialist support to the women who have come forward." "We are committed to investigating sexual offences, no matter how long ago they are alleged to have taken place. Russell - who has three children with wife Laura Gallacher and was married to Katy Perry from 2010 to 2012 - previously said it was"very, very painful" to be accused of what he "considers to be the most appalling crimes". He insisted the allegations were untrue. He told Tucker Carlson on the controversial presenter's X show: " Of course, I deny any allegations of the kind that have been advanced and what I have seen is the significance of family and the importance of beliefs that are transcendent of this. I reject the allegations in the strongest possible terms." The original investigation alleged the incidents took place between 2006 and 2013, when the 'Get Him to the Greek' star had a number of high-profile jobs, including on BBC Radio 2 and Channel 4, and he claimed he had been in a "vulnerable" position because of his lifestyle at the time. "Attacks like this, accused of what I consider to be the most appalling crimes, is very painful and hurtful. But there are consequences to the foolish way I lived in the past." Actress Margot Robbie and her husband, producer Tom Ackerley, have officially embraced parenthood, welcoming their first child, a baby boy, on October 17. The couple, who met on the set of Suite Francaise in 2013, has kept their personal lives relatively private, surprising fans with the happy news after nearly eight years of marriage. According to reports, Margot gave birth two weeks before her expected due date, with both families soon arriving in Los Angeles to meet the newborn. The two first sparked romance rumours on set, marrying in an intimate ceremony in Byron Bay, Australia, in December 2016. Reflecting on their relationship, Margot had previously shared how her friendship with Tom blossomed into a love she initially thought was one-sided, ultimately leading to a partnership that made so much sense. On the professional front, Margot will soon portray Catherine Earnshaw in Wuthering Heights, directed by Emerald Fennell, alongside Jacob Elordi. With production beginning in 2025, the film will explore the dark romance of Bronte's characters. Her upcoming movie, A Big Bold Beautiful Journey, releases in May 2025, promising fans another look at her range. Las Vegas, Nevada--(Newsfile Corp. - November 2, 2024) - From October 29 to 31, the SupplySide West exhibition took place successfully in Las Vegas, USA. This event brought together industry giants from sectors such as nutrition, health supplements, and functional foods. As a leading company in the probiotics industry, BioGrowing made a stunning appearance as an official sponsor, showcasing its in-depth research and application solutions in probiotic technological innovation and diversified health. Figure 1 To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8722/228690_498dc8ee744c3a39_001full.jpg BioGrowing continued its sustainable exhibition design philosophy at this event, showcasing high-end, multifunctional probiotics, postbiotics, and starter cultures with a refreshed display. All products were unveiled in new packaging, making the presentation more consumer-oriented, international, and visually appealing. As a source manufacturer of probiotics, BioGrowing demonstrated its comprehensive and vivid service capabilities to clients. The company will also continue to assist clients in providing a better purchasing experience for their end consumers. Figure 2 To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8722/228690_498dc8ee744c3a39_002full.jpg Beyond aesthetics, BioGrowing's professionalism was evident throughout the exhibition. During the event, the core business team actively engaged in multi-faceted industry discussions, promoting the sustainable development of the probiotic industry. Figure 3 To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8722/228690_498dc8ee744c3a39_003full.jpg On October 29, the Education session "Women's Health: The Trends, Clinical Studies, and Ingredients Helping Women Thrive," sponsored by BioGrowing, was successfully held. This session invited female experts in the health field to discuss the unique health needs of women. BioGrowing showcased its specially developed vaginal health products for women, which received unanimous praise for their professional research mechanisms, simple and elegant design, and unique flavors. Figure 4 To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8722/228690_498dc8ee744c3a39_004full.jpg Figure 5 To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8722/228690_498dc8ee744c3a39_005full.jpg On the public speech held during the exhibition, Dr. Hongwei Wang, Chief Technical Officer of BioGrowing, delivered a speech themed "Why We Should Live with Probiotics?" detailing the significance of probiotics for human health. He introduced BioGrowing's star strains from the Flora-Focus series, including the oral solution featuring "Lactobacillus paracasei LPc-G110" and "Ligilactobacillus salivarius LS-G60," the "Lactiplantibacillus plantarum Lp-G18" solution for Anti. H-pylori, and the "Lactobacillus crispatus Lc-G22" solution for women's personal care. Figure 6 To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8722/228690_006full.jpg Among these, the Lactiplantibacillus plantarum Lp-G18 has successfully been awarded one of the top 3 spots for "Microbiome Modulation Ingredient of the Year" at the NutraIngredients Asia Awards(https://nutraingredientsasia-awards.com/live/en/page/2024-finalists). Furthermore, the Ligilactobacillus salivarius Lc-G22 has shown impressive results in alleviating symptoms of vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) and inhibiting pathogenic bacteria, especially when used in conjunction with clotrimazole, providing a new solution for women's intimate health. During the exhibition, BioGrowing also presented ODM/CDMO finished products addressing various health needs, including gut health, oral health, immune health, weight management, IBS, women's health, and mental health. It launched a range of innovative dosage forms, including quick-release powders, chewy candies, postbiotic gummies, and probiotic chocolates. These products expanded the functional applications of probiotics, improved taste and form, and offered consumers a new experience, showcasing BioGrowing's rich R&D and production capabilities and its innovative strength. Figure 7 To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8722/228690_498dc8ee744c3a39_007full.jpg In addition to the professional products and solutions, on the afternoon of October 30, BioGrowing delighted attendees with a large chocolate cake featuring the BioGrowing logo and beverages. The combination of beautiful presentation and delicious flavor attracted many guests. In a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere, attendees tasted the delicious cake and drinks while having in-depth discussions with BioGrowing's expert team. Figure 8 To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8722/228690_498dc8ee744c3a39_008full.jpg With its leading technology, BioGrowing provides customized formulations for various enterprises, helping customers launch market-leading probiotic products and contributing to the growth of the entire probiotic industry. Figure 9 To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8722/228690_498dc8ee744c3a39_009full.jpg As an outstanding representative of China's probiotic industry, BioGrowing's participation in the SupplySide West exhibition in the USA not only strengthened its collaborative relationships with global clients but also solidified its commitment to advancing the global health industry. BioGrowing will continue to represent the Chinese probiotic industry on the world stage, facilitating innovation and development in the global health and probiotic sectors and contributing to human health. Media contact To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/228690 SOURCE: Global News Der Volkswagen-Konzern steckt tief in der Krise. Das zeigen auch einmal mehr die am heutigen Mittwoch veroffentlichten Quartalszahlen. Volkswagen hat im dritten Quartal einen herben Gewinneinbruch hinnehmen mussen. Die ohnehin bereits schwachen Analystenprognosen wurden verfehlt. Die Aktie von Volkswagen steht am Morgen erneut deutlich unter Druck.Ein schwaches Branchenumfeld mit weniger Fahrzeugverkaufen sowie der angestoene Kapazitats- und Stellenabbau im Konzern sorgten fur eine Milliardenbelastung. ... Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. Virginians may have to go no farther than their own backyards for clues to the outcome of the 2024 presidential election. Across the state on the college campuses of the Blue Ridge, in the heavily Black counties of the old tobacco belt and in the increasingly multihued Richmond suburbs fueled by White flight during the school desegregation fights of the 1960s and 1970s there may be telling signs of the nations direction Tuesday. Virginia is no longer the political equivalent of Brigadoon, the fictional Scottish village of the hit musical of the same name, shielded from the outside world by an impenetrable, magical fog that lifts for one day every 100 years. Virginia has been nationalized: The majority of its residents are out-of-state come-heres. Two-thirds of its citizens live in cities and suburbs, many along the Interstate 95 corridor. Roughly 15% of Virginians are foreign-born and nearly 4 in 10 are Black, Asian or Hispanic. Over the past half-century, these factors have had a moderating effect on Virginias once-stubbornly conservative politics. The states purple hue shifts blue in higher-turnout elections, most notably those for president. Thats why Virginia is expected to tip to Kamala Harris, extending the Democratic presidential winning streak here from 2008. But as Gov. Glenn Youngkins victory in 2021 shows, Republicans can prevail statewide with the right message and the right candidate as long as both are not perceived as too right-wing. Ahead of Election Day, which is actually in a state with 45 days of early voting that began in September and ended Saturday the last day to cast ballots, here are some things you might keep in mind while theyre being counted: A suburban bellwether beyond Virginia? Chesterfield County, just south of Richmond, was comfortably carried by Joe Biden in 2020 and won by Donald Trump four years earlier by a margin that was roughly a third of Bidens. Chesterfield, which used to produce 2-to-1 majorities for Republicans, has faded as a GOP stronghold since 2005. Its blue-ing politics the countys governing board has a Democratic majority mean that Chesterfield could reflect evolving, vote-rich suburbs elsewhere. A Harris win in Chesterfield by the way, the county usually reports early on election night would all but confirm that she carries Virginia. Chesterfields performance might augur the outcome in, say, Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, a suburb of Charlotte. There are lots of Democrats there, though their turnout history is uneven. Should Democrats flood the polls in Charlotte-Mecklenburg, red-trending North Carolina might fall to Harris, who would be the first Democrat to carry the state in a presidential race since Barack Obama in 2008. Will the call of history drive Black voters? Obamas candidacy was a magnet for Black votes in Virginia, particularly in 2008. Turnouts were high in metropolitan areas, where the minority vote is concentrated, but there were noticeable spikes in the countryside. Could Harris candidacy have a similar impact, despite suggestions in national polling that some Black men prefer Trump and his history of pulling lopsided numbers of White voters, particularly in rural areas? Harris would be the first woman and first woman of color to achieve the presidency. Along the Virginia-North Carolina line, in Halifax County, where Blacks make up more than one-third of the population and where segregationist Dixiecrat Strom Thurmond won in 1948, Obama lost to John McCain in 2008 and Mitt Romney 2012, roughly 52% to 46%, with the gap narrowed by Black voters. But in 2016 and 2020, with Trump atop the ballot, not only did total turnout jump in Halifax but he won the county running away, roughly 60% to 40% against Hillary Clinton and Biden. This affirmed Trumps powerful appeal in the countryside, especially among Whites, and it could endure this year. Can Harris expand Democrats appeal? Between Southside Hampton Roads and Northern Virginia, there are 10 cities and suburban counties, with populations north of 200,000 and 1 million, that if Democrats carry them there arent enough votes in the rest of state for Republicans to catch up. Virginia has 38 cities and 95 counties. In sweeping these increasingly blue vote troves, as they most recently did in the 2017 gubernatorial election, Democrats spotlighted their isolation from rural Virginians. At the congressional and legislative level, Democrats have been largely shut out west, south and northeast of Richmond. However, in a presidential year with turnout expected to exceed 70%, perhaps matching or surpassing the 2020 level of 75% Republican areas of the state, especially those with colleges and universities brimming with young voters targeted by Democrats, can be competitive or better. Montgomery County, in near Southwest Virginia, is home to Virginia Tech. The county has elected Republicans and Democrats to the state legislature but, since 2008, went Democratic for president in 3 of 4 elections. The party lost, in 2012 the Obama-Romney year, by about 100 votes among 39,000 cast. Another national audition for Youngkin? The governor, who kept his distance from Trump in 2021, and the former president are currently if only for purposes of personal political expediency in the throes of a full-on, MAGA bromance. Youngkin complemented Trumps oft-stated, unsubstantiated claims of election fraud by prevailing thanks to a ruling this week by a U.S. Supreme Court with a three-member Trump bloc in continuing a disputed purge of the Virginia voter rolls that, he says, is only about keeping noncitizens from the polls. News reports show, however, that Youngkin has kicked off eligible Virginians. Youngkin has advocated early voting, long viewed by Trump as a scheme to rig elections. But a snapshot of early voting by the Virginia Public Access Project shows that more Republicans are getting in on the practice a trend for which the governor, as a measure of organizational acumen crucial in a presidential campaign, presumably can take credit. In-person early voting by Republicans, about two weeks out, narrowly exceeded that for Democrats, though Democrats remained way ahead in voting by mail. Overall, though, early voting is down about 23% from 2020, when it was widespread because of the coronavirus pandemic. There is little doubt, based on the response on social media and by conservative news outlets, that Youngkin particularly by way of his voter purge has affirmed his Trump bona fides. That can only help with GOP primary voters in 2028, particularly if Trump is defeated this year, ensuring a free-for-all for the presidential nomination. The purge has, in the view of Democrats, erased any pretense of Youngkin bipartisanship. But there is one nagging consideration for Youngkin, though: That the anvil Trump can be for down-ticket Republicans, notwithstanding the results next week, if unfavorable for the GOP, will be held against the governor. Its already happened twice. In 2022, Youngkin pulled out the stops for three congressional candidates and only one, for a swingy seat in Southside Hampton Roads now targeted by Democrats, was victorious. The following year, Youngkin lost control of the General Assembly, with Democrats taking back the House of Delegates and retaining the Virginia Senate. Third time could be the curse. Houston, Texas--(Newsfile Corp. - November 3, 2024) - Founder and lead attorney Omar Saman is proud to announce a major milestone for Omar Saman Criminal Defense Law: 1500+ cases successfully dismissed. Omar Saman Criminal Defense Law Celebrates Major Milestone with Over 1,500 Criminal Cases Dismissed To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8814/228693_d11722c944be1b4c_002full.jpg In a statement, Saman disclosed that this achievement is a new landmark in the firm's journey. "Helping more than 1,500 clients avoid convictions is a huge honor and a source of pride for our entire team," said Saman. "This success reflects our commitment to serving clients and fighting for their rights." Omar Saman Criminal Defense Law has built its reputation on relentless dedication to its clients. It has helped thousands avoid life-altering convictions and move forward without criminal records. Known as one of the best criminal defense law firms in Houston, Texas, the firm is thrilled to mark this milestone and looks forward to furthering its impact in the Houston community. For Saman, celebrating this milestone goes beyond the 1,500+ dismissed cases; it's about reaffirming the firm's role as a trusted advocate for clients across Texas. "Every case dismissal is a life impacted, a story defended. As we celebrate, we know our work isn't done-there are more people who need us, more lives to help, and more challenges to overcome," Saman added. Omar Saman Criminal Defense Law has a long-standing track record of securing dismissals for various charges, from misdemeanors and expunctions to non-disclosures. The firm is known for its 24/7 availability, affordable payment plans, and services in English, Arabic, and Spanish, ensuring clients can understand their cases and make the best decisions possible. This client-centered approach, coupled with a deep knowledge of the legal system, has been pivotal in the firm's high success rate. Omar Saman Criminal Defense Law remains committed to adapting and refining its strategies to serve Houston's diverse community better. Saman believes that continued legal education, as well as an understanding of local nuances, will play a key role in the firm's ongoing success, as will a renewed focus on client empowerment and transparency. Looking ahead, Saman and his team are motivated to build on this legacy, furthering their reputation as one of the top criminal defense law firms in Houston, Texas. With over two decades of success, Omar Saman Criminal Defense Law stands ready to take on new challenges while remaining steadfast in its mission: to fiercely protect clients and deliver justice. About Omar Saman Criminal Defense Law Since 2003, Omar Saman Criminal Defense Law has been one of Houston's highest-rated criminal defense and personal injury law firms, led by nationally recognized attorney Omar Saman. Known for his tireless commitment to client advocacy and effective legal strategies, Saman has built a practice trusted by thousands across Houston. Visit Omar Saman Criminal Defense Law to book a free consultation or learn more about its services. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/228693 SOURCE: Plentisoft Oklahoma City, Oklahoma--(Newsfile Corp. - November 3, 2024) - Cain Injury Law is excited to announce a major expansion after more than thirty years: a new office in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The new location at the historic Kennedy Building, 321 S. Boston, Suite 300, Tulsa, OK 74103, will provide Tulsa residents with greater access to the firm's celebrated car and truck accident lawyers. Cain Injury Law Announces Expansion into Tulsa, Oklahoma, with New Office in Historic Kennedy Building To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8814/228692_36f080a2b4431b71_002full.jpg In addition to its two other offices - one in South Oklahoma City and one in Edmond - the new Cain Injury Law office in Tulsa expands the firm's footprint in Oklahoma. Founder Monty Cain emphasized the importance of this expansion, describing it as a logical next step in the firm's growth strategy as it continues to provide elite injury services to car and accident victims in Oklahoma. "We are excited to bring our team of top-tier injury lawyers to Tulsa," he said. "This expansion allows us to provide the full range of our client-focused injury law services to Tulsa residents, providing them with the dedicated representation they deserve." For over 30 years, Cain Injury Law, under the leadership of Monty, has consistently been recognized as a leading firm in OKC by numerous organizations, including the Million Dollar Advocates Forum. With Cain Injury Law's car and truck accident lawyers now in Tulsa, the firm aims to build on its reputation of persistently working on behalf of injured Oklahomans. Cain Injury Law in Tulsa, Oklahoma, will cover car accidents, motorcycle accidents, truck accidents, workplace injuries, product liability, medical malpractice, slip and fall injuries, and wrongful death. Residents of Tulsa can now expect comprehensive personal injury services with a high standard of care, support, and representation. Beyond its elite injury services, the firm is also offering 24/7 personal injury lawyer availability in Tulsa. Residents will be able to have an experienced car and truck accident lawyer work on their case immediately and only pay once compensation is recovered. Cain Injury Law's team in Tulsa will offer house calls (hospital calls and wherever else clients are) for those who cannot go to the office. "We are eager to become part of the Tulsa community," added Monty. "Having a presence in Tulsa will allow us to establish strong relationships with the individuals and families who need our help in their most challenging times. This new office will build our roots in the community and showcase our commitment to serving Oklahomans wherever they live." Cain Injury Law is a leading personal injury law firm specializing in car and truck accident cases in Oklahoma. The firm has been advocating for the rights of Oklahomans for over 30 years, focusing on helping injury victims secure successful outcomes for their personal injury cases. Cain Injury Law's office in Tulsa, Oklahoma, is now open and offering complementary consultations. Visit Cain Injury Law to learn more about personal injury law and how to access legal representation for personal injuries. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/228692 SOURCE: Plentisoft A celebration of family, community and the joy of storytelling LONDON, Nov. 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- This year, Fenwick is bringing a twist on 'The Twelve Days of Christmas' through its 2024 Fenwick Christmas Window display. Cleverly reimagined by celebrated author and illustrator Chris Riddell and brought to life by family-owned British design and production house, Propability. The window series tells the heartwarming story of Foggy a determined partridge with a special Christmas wish. Chris Riddell, Author & Illustrator comments: "When I was asked by Fenwick if I could transform one of my favourite Christmas carols into a Fenwick window series, I was intrigued by the process. I got to work and created a character 'Foggy the Partridge', who's on a journey to make his Christmas wish come true. My drawings and narrative have been brought to life through brilliant 3D creatives and fantastic moving characters - with the support of traditional mechanical movement. I'm absolutely thrilled with what we have created and hope everyone enjoys the windows as much as I do." The journey through Fenwick's Christmas Window follows Foggy's quest to find Santa and make his pear tree grow. Beginning in the Broom Cupboard of Santa's workshop, where our hero tends to his struggling sapling, visitors follow Foggy's adventure through a series of enchanting scenes. The story unfolds through Santa's Design Studio, where Two Turtle Doves, Three French Hens, and Four Calling Birds are hard at work. Moving through to the Secret Workshop, Foggy discovers five golden rings in a dazzling display, before reaching Santa's Private Office, filled with six geese a-laying and seven swans a-swimming. Mia Fenwick, CMO at Fenwick comments: "Our Fenwick Christmas windows exhibits the talent of iconic British illustrator Chris Riddell and the fantastic family-owned production team at Propability, who's craftmanship has spun a modern take on a festive favourite, 'The Twelve Days of Christmas'. We hope people get to see our Fenwick Christmas windows either in person or online and get swept up in the joy of storytelling with family and friends this festive season." The tale reaches its crescendo as Santa's helpers spring into action - eight maids a-milking, nine ladies dancing, and ten lords a-leaping all pitch in to help Foggy's tree grow. With a sprinkle of Santa's magic, delivered by eleven pipers piping, and celebrated by twelve drummers drumming, Foggy's Christmas wish finally comes true. Paul Baptiste, Head of Creative at Fenwick comments: "This festive season, we're bringing a touch of the unexpected. Our take on the classic Christmas carol honours timeless traditions of a familiar Christmas, while offering a fresh Fenwick perspective, with a dash of surprise." Tyrone Cano, Head Honcho, Propability Ltd comments: "It was a privilege to produce this year's Fenwick Christmas windows for the flagship store in Newcastle. Having partnered with Fenwick for many years to produce seasonal windows and in-store displays, it was testament to our capabilities and relationship to collaborate for a project of this scale for the festive season. Furthermore, it was particularly special to be trusted with bringing Chris Riddell amazing characters to life and at the same time retaining a level of creative input for the environment these characters would be placed in. We've had so much fun and as always it's been a pleasure to work with the Fenwick team." The 2024 Fenwick Christmas window display will be open for all to view from Monday 4th November and throughout the festive season. Visits to the window will be soundtracked by a bespoke rendition of 'The Twelve Days of Christmas' created and performed by Tyneside band 'The Unthanks' in partnership with The Glasshouse International Centre for Music. Becky and Rachel Unthank, add: "We grew up visiting the Fenwick windows as kids, and now we have our own, we take them every year, so we were really excited to be asked by The Glasshouse and Fenwick to create the music this year. It ties in beautifully with our own release this Christmas, The Unthanks In Winter. Our version of The Twelve Days of Christmas is inspired by Santa's workshop, the physicality of the moving characters and the factory line. We can't wait to go and see it in action at Fenwick." Through this year's Christmas window, Fenwick continue its commitment to supporting the local community with a partnership with Newcastle Foodbank. You can support their vital work helping people in crisis by purchasing a Fans Supporting Foodbanks T-shirt for 20, with all profits going to the Newcastle Foodbank. The shirts, which will be displayed as part of this year's window, are available from the Fenwick Newcastle Concierge. The magical world of Foggy the Partridge was unveiled in front of a small number of invited guests, including children and families from Fenwick's partner schools, hospitals and charities as well as the Christmas Window Reveal competition winners. Visit your nearest Fenwick store or Fenwick.co.uk as we share in Foggy's journey and celebrate this unique interpretation of a Christmas classic. Re-watch the moment our Christmas Window was revealed on the Fenwick Official YouTube channel. About Fenwick Britain's family of style pioneers since 1882. Fenwick offers a curated edit of luxury across fashion, beauty and lifestyle, presented in an inspirational shopping environment across eight stores and digital. Fenwick is the largest family-owned group of department stores in the United Kingdom offering in-store events, bespoke services, treatment rooms and innovative restaurants. Fenwick.co.uk @FenwickOfficial About Chris Riddell Chris Riddell, OBE, is the creator of an extraordinary range of books which have won many awards including the UNESCO Prize, the Greenaway Medal (on three occasions) and the Hay Festival Medal for Illustration. As an author his work includes the highly-acclaimed Ottoline and the award-winning Goth Girl. Chris has also achieved global success through his New York Times best-selling collaboration on The Edge Chronicleswith Paul Stewart and through his illustration work with other high-profile figures including Michael Rosen and the musician Phoebe Bridgers. Chris is also a renowned political cartoonist whose work appears in the Observer, the Literary Review and the New Statesman. He is a past president of the Schools Library Association, and an ambassador for Booktrust and Amnesty International. He is a passionate advocate for reading for children - as well as drawing for everyone - and was the UK Children's Laureate 2015-2017. About The Glasshouse International Centre for Music The Glasshouse International Centre for Music is a home for live music lovers. It's a place where you can hear rock legends or pop icons on the same night as folk trios or string quartets. Where new musicians are nurtured and showcased on the same stages as platinum-selling performers. And where youth choirs and tambourine-shaking toddlers practise in the same spaces as its acclaimed orchestra, Royal Northern Sinfonia. Because as an international centre for music they're focused on creating and celebrating outstanding music - whether that's unearthing or growing talent from the region or bringing the world's best artists to their stages. And as a charity they're focused on making sure all of that is available to anyone - no matter where you're from, how old you are, how much money you have, or what challenges you face. Which is why every year more than 2 million people are able to join for top-notch gigs, concerts, and classes - in their venue at Gateshead Quays, out in communities across the North East, and through livestreamed performances and digital lessons. Whether you're making it up or taking it in, you'll find music lives and grows there. About The Unthanks The Unthanks have been described as a take on tradition that flips so effortlessly between jazz, classical, ambient and post-rock, it makes any attempt to put a label on them a waste of time. Their 15th record, Sorrows Away, has been described as "a masterpiece of nuanced drama" (9/10 Uncut Albums of the Year), "a landmark album by an extraordinary band that will resonate for generations to come" (album of the Month - Record Collector) and "a comfort blanket in daunting times" (Folk Folk's Sake). Using traditional music of the North East of England as a starting point, the influencer of Miles Davis, Steve Reich, Sufjan Stevens, Robert Wyatt, Antony & The Johnsons, King Crimson and Tom Waits makes The Unthanks a unique band, earning them a Mercury Music Prize nomination and international acclaim along the way. Previous Fenwick Christmas Windows 1971 - Camberwick Green 1972 - Chigley 1973 - Rupert Meets Santa 1974 - Sooty's Circus 1975 - Aladdin 1976 - Fairytale Christmas with Cinderella 1977 - Treasure Island 1978 - Storybook Christmas 1979 - Wonderful world of Pantomime 1980 - A Christmas Carol 1981 - Alice in Wonderland 1982 - Arabian Nights 1983 - Fly to Fenwick's for Christmas 1984 - Gulliver 1985 - Fairytale Christmas with Pinocchio 1986 - Christmas Circus 1987 - Magical Winter Wonderland 1988 - Purrfect for Christmas 1989 - Jungle Fantasy 1990 - Good Old Santa 1991 - It's A White Christmas 1992 - Santa's Christmas Party 1993 - Alice in Wonderland 1994 - Christmas Village 1995 - Santa's New Store 1996 - Fairytale Christmas 1997 - Santa's Christmas Pantomime 1998 - A Christmas Carol 1999 - Peter Pan 2000 - Christmas in Poodletown 2001 - Santa's Journey 2003 - Santa's Workshop 2004 - The Christmas Story 2005 - The Snowman 2006 - Gulliver 2007 - Winter Wonderland 2008 - Oliver Twist 2009 - The Christmas Story 2010 - The Night Before Christmas 2011 - 40 Years of the Fenwick Christmas Window 2012 - The Reindeer Express 2013 - The Fairy Tale Forest 2014 - Alice in Wonderland 2015 - Once Upon a Christmas 2016 - The Magic of Beatrix Potter 2017 - Paddington Bear 2018 - We're Walking in the Air: The Snowman 2019 - Charlie and the Chocolate Factory 2020 - The Wind in the Willows 2021 - Shaun the Sheep 2022 - Clarice Bean - Think Like an Elf 2023 - The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe About Newcastle Foodbank "The foodbank was there when we really needed it, it was an absolute lifeline." Newcastle Foodbank opened in March 2013 and is one of the busiest foodbanks in the UK, providing more than 18,000 food parcels annually. They offer emergency food assistance to people in the west end of Newcastle; which is one of the most economically and socially deprived areas in the North East. With the belief that no one in the community should have to face going hungry, they provide three days' nutritionally balanced emergency food and support to local people who are referred to them in crisis, along with ongoing support and guidance. They work in partnership with specialist agencies to help people overcome the often complex underlying problems that have led to them needing the foodbank, such as: household debt, worklessness, risk of homelessness, addiction and not claiming full benefit entitlements. Newcastle Foodbank's approach has proved successful in helping people break their dependency on the foodbank, re-engage with employment support and encourage social integration within the community. They are part of a nationwide network of foodbanks, supported by The Trussell Trust, working to combat poverty and hunger across the UK. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2547671/Fenwick_display.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2547672/Fenwick_Foggy.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2547673/Fenwick_pipers.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2547684/Fenwick_window.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2547685/Fenwick_Santa.jpg View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/fenwick-reveals-its-2024-christmas-windows-the-12-days-of-christmas-reimagined-by-chris-riddell-302294876.html Kiran Rao has spoken about the current co-parenting phase and confessed that she is still finding difficulty in balancing with Aamir Khan read more Ever since Aamir Khan and Kiran Raos separation in 2021, the duo has been co-parenting their son Azad together. However, due to his hectic schedule, Aamir doesnt give enough time to his kids, which the Thugs of Hindostan star has confessed many times. Now, Kiran has spoken about the current co-parenting phase and confessed that she is still finding difficulty in balancing with Khan. Aamir has no clue about school, Kiran said. Its tricky. He is a very busy father. Honestly, even when we were married, I was doing lot of the actual primary parenting. Once we got separated and then divorced, I think Aamir also sort of realised how much of that he will have to factor into his life because when you are living together in the same house, it somehow gets managed. But, in order to make time for Azad, it became much more of a conscious decision recently, said Kiran in a conversation with Kareena Kapoor on the chat show What Women Want. Advertisement Now, its much smoother and Aamir is more involved in it. Luckily, right now, we are upstairs and downstairs, but whenever we will leave, we wont be far away. Azad is enjoying his time with his dad lot more as he is now older. It has reached a place where it is really nice. I feel like I can relax and leave Azad with Aamir, she added. Only Aamir knows nothing about School. I think its majority of the dads problem. They are always like, Dont get us involved in school-related activities, we will take up other things, the filmmaker complained. Kiran Raos last directorial Laapataa Ladies is Indias official entery for the upcoming Oscars. She expressed her gratitude in a statement and said, I am deeply honored and delighted that our film Laapataa Ladies has been chosen as Indias official entry to the Academy Awards. This recognition is a testament to the tireless work of my entire team, whose dedication and passion brought this story to life. Cinema has always been a powerful medium to connect hearts, transcend boundaries, and ignite meaningful conversations. I hope that this film will resonate with audiences across the world, just as it has in India. Advertisement I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the selection committee and to everyone who believed in this film. It is indeed a great privilege to be selected from among such amazing Indian films this year - who are equally worthy contenders for this honor. My deepest thanks go to Aamir Khan Productions and Jio Studios for their unwavering support and faith in this vision. It has been a privilege to work alongside such a passionate and talented team of professionals who shared my commitment to telling this story. I also want to extend my heartfelt thanks to the entire cast and crew, whose immense talent, dedication, and hard work made this film possible. This journey has been one of incredible collaboration and growth. Advertisement To the audience, your love and support mean the world to us, and it is your belief in this film that continues to inspire us as filmmakers to push creative boundaries. Thank you once again for this incredible honor. We look forward to taking this journey ahead with great enthusiasm. The authority noted that the move was not related to Combss detention but was preplanned and coordinated to ensure the safety and security of staff and inmates. read more US rapper Sean "Diddy" Combs, currently in custody, is scheduled to appear in court today for the next status hearing in his case. Federal authorities confirmed on Saturday that they have seized drugs, homemade weapons and electronic devices during a sweep of the jail where Sean Diddy Combs is being held on sex trafficking conspiracy charges. The infamous rapper is imprisoned at the Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) in Brooklyn, and his case is scheduled to go on trial next year. The Bureau of Prisons, which headed up the interagency sweep of the Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) in Brooklyn began the process on Monday. The authority noted that the move was not related to Combss detention but was preplanned and coordinated to ensure the safety and security of staff and inmates. Advertisement The jail houses 1,200 inmates and has been under renewed scrutiny after two men were fatally stabbed over the summer. Five inmates were later charged with the murder in the case. Meanwhile, four other detainees and a guard were also charged with assault over an incident that included a man who was stabbed 44 times by three gang members. The infamous detention centre In recent years, the detention centre has held Jeffrey Epsteins co-conspirator Ghislaine Maxwell and currently holds cryptocurrency swindler Sam Bankman-Fried along with Combs. In the past, Diddys lawyers have asked for bail due to the poor conditions in the jail. While the music impresario is facing over a dozen civil claims of sexual assault, he has asked the 2nd US Circuit Court of Appeals to grant his release after twice being denied bail by two separate judges in Manhattan. The argument regarding this will be held on Monday. Meanwhile, the US Justice Department said the requests were a thinly veiled attempt to restrict the governments proof at this early stage of the case and to hijack the criminal proceeding so the defendant can respond to civil lawsuits and poses to witness security. Earlier, American tabloid TMZ, published what it said was a non-disclosure agreement that Combs asked party-goers to sign for attending one of his notorious gatherings, or freak offs.The document barred signatories from taking photographs, filming or recording Diddy or anyone in his orbit without his written consent. The NDA also names specific social media sites where attendees cant post photos without Combss permission. Advertisement With inputs from agencies. Fraud targeting seniors has become the leading crime in Canada, driven by scammers using advanced technology to carry out increasingly sophisticated schemes. From voice simulation to fraudulent cryptocurrency investments, fraudsters exploit seniors trust and lack of digital familiarity, raising the question of how they can be better protected read more Senior fraud abuse is on the rise, thanks to new technologies such as artificial intelligence. Representational Image/Pixabay With technology evolving rapidly, the amount of fraud against seniors is increasing at an alarming rate. Fraud is now the leading crime committed against seniors in Canada. Todays scammers are taking advantage of new technological tools that make their schemes both more credible, and harder to detect. From fraudulent phone calls using voice simulation systems, to sophisticated online hustling, scams are becoming increasingly complex. Despite alerts and warnings, fraud continues to flourish in the age of technology. Advertisement As an expert in the field of technological fraud, I will try to provide some answers to the following question: Why is fraud against seniors on the rise when it is so highly publicised? And how can seniors protect themselves? Exploiting technological vulnerability While fraud affects different segments of the population, some specifically targets seniors because of their vulnerability. For example, grandparent fraud, where a fraudster pretends to be a loved one in difficulty, exploits seniors trust and encourages them to send money in a hurry. The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) has identified 2,494 victims of these schemes, for a total loss of $9.4 million. Romance scam is another common trap. These fraudsters establish an online relationship over an extended period in order to extract money from victims under the pretext of being in financial difficulty, or experiencing a personal emergency. This type of fraud has intensified with modern technology. In 2023 it was responsible for the third-largest financial loss to Canadians, according to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. In 2022, Canadians lost more than $59 million to this type of fraud, according to CAFC. Exploiting through fictitious identities Fraudsters also use dating platforms and social networks to create convincing profiles of fictitious identities using stolen photos. Artificial intelligence and image manipulation software are then employed to make these scams all the more realistic, boosting victims confidence and making fraud harder to detect. Recent warnings have been issued to alert the Canadian public to romance scams where scammers manipulate their victims into investing in fraudulent cryptocurrencies. Phishing, which has also become more sophisticated thanks to new technologies, is another common fraud technique used against seniors, with the CAFC listing losses for Canadians at around $58 million in 2022. Scammers send e-mails or text messages pretending to be companies or financial institutions and prompt recipients to click on fraudulent links, or divulge personal information. Artificial intelligence and automated systems allow fraudsters to target victims on a massive scale and create a sense of urgency that pushes seniors to act without thinking twice. Advertisement Why elder fraud is on the rise Fraud targeting seniors is on the rise for a number of reasons. Because seniors often have more free time and are more socially isolated, they are more inclined to respond to calls, e-mails or text messages from strangers. Their solitude also makes fraudulent interactions more credible, while their accessible savings make them attractive targets. Although many seniors use the internet, a large majority are not comfortable with technology. This makes them more vulnerable to online scams. According to one study, while 67 per cent of seniors surf the internet regularly, only 26 per cent feel very confident using computers and smartphones. Seniors continue to fall into these traps despite numerous awareness campaigns, since fraudsters skilfully exploit seniors lack of familiarity with digital technologies and constantly adapt their methods to circumvent warnings. Whats more, the emotional impact of a well-crafted scam can override caution, making warnings less effective in these situations. How to protect seniors from fraud To protect themselves from fraud, there are a number of essential behaviours seniors must adopt. They should never share personal information, such as PINs or passwords, by telephone, e-mail or text message. Its also important not to respond to any unsolicited offers whether they are received by e-mail, text or telephone. If a specific case requires action, its best to type the financial institutions web address, rather than click on a link provided. Seniors should never make hasty decisions. If a child or grandchild claims to be in an emergency and is asking for financial assistance, seniors should ask them personal questions to verify their identity. Finally, trusting ones intuition remains essential: if something seems suspicious, its best to heed your gut and take extra precautions. Advertisement At a time when technology is advancing rapidly, fraudsters have never been better equipped to target the elderly. Although seniors are increasingly connected, being less familiar with digital tools makes them all the more vulnerable. Scams whether romantic scams, phishing or telephone fraud exploit their trust and isolation. Because of this threat, its crucial to inform and educate seniors so they can protect themselves against these increasingly sophisticated scams. What is the solution But prevention is not enough: collective awareness is also necessary. By supporting our seniors, we can help reduce fraud and better protect this vulnerable population. Collective awareness means making sure the community is committed to monitoring, alerting and protecting those who are most at risk. This can be achieved through concrete actions carried out on a regular basis to raise awareness among seniors, but also by encouraging seniors loved ones to be alert to signs of potential fraud. Advertisement It would also be a good idea to involve local players, such as financial institutions or community centres, to offer ongoing training and reminders about common frauds. In the long run, it is only by combining prevention, education and solidarity that we will be able to truly limit the impact of this fraud, and offer seniors the protection they deserve in an increasingly digital world. Annie Lecompte, associate professor, Departement des sciences comptables, Universite du Quebec a Montreal (UQAM) This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. The Bangladesh National Partys pro-Islamist stance suggests that minority protection would not be a priority. Instead, the focus would be on maintaining political alliances and appeasing hardline outfits read more Given the BNP's pro-Islamist stance, the return of Khaleda Zia to power would likely exacerbate the plight of Hindus in Bangladesh. Image: File photo / REUTERS As Bangladesh approaches the three-month mark under the interim leadership of Nobel laureate Mohammad Yunus, the situation remains dire, particularly for the Hindu minority community. Following the departure of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who fled amid escalating unrest, Yunus was appointed as the chief advisor to a caretaker government, raising hopes of stability. However, his leadership has not only fallen short in curbing the widespread violence against Hindus but has also failed to quell the unrest in Bangladesh overall. Advertisement The Hindu community, often targeted as a vulnerable minority, has faced systematic attacks and intimidation. This crisis has prompted condemnation from international leaders, including former US President Donald Trump, who voiced concerns over the escalating violence against Hindus in Bangladesh. While Indias ruling party, the BJP, has spoken out on the issue, opposition leaders, typically vocal on minority issues within India, have remained relatively quiet on Bangladeshs Hindu plight, offering only limited statements. Despite Yunuss initial promises to strengthen protections for minorities, delay elections for better preparedness, and reform political institutions, his administration has struggled. In the meantime, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has ramped up its calls for early elections. Led in absentia by former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and her son Tarique Rahman, the BNP is poised to gain from the rise in Islamist extremism and public unrest. However, if Zias party were to assume power, significant change for Hindus seems unlikely. The BNP has historically aligned with Islamist factions, such as Jamaat-e-Islami, and lacks a record of enacting protective measures for minorities. Without systemic reforms to protect minority rights, an early election or a new government will offer little relief to Bangladeshs Hindu community. Persistent Violence and Harassment: Despite the political upheaval and the ousting of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the Hindu community in Bangladesh continues to face relentless violence and harassment. Since Hasinas departure, there have been over 2,000 reported attacks on Hindus. The interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, has been unable to restore order and ensure the safety of minority communities. This ongoing violence underscores the deep-rooted issues that plague the Hindu population in Bangladesh. The interim governments efforts to curb the influence of hard-line Islamist groups have been largely ineffective, allowing these groups to continue their campaign of terror against Hindus. The lack of minority protection laws further exacerbates the situation, leaving the Hindu community vulnerable and without recourse. Activists have long demanded the establishment of a ministry for minority affairs and a tribunal to prosecute acts of oppression, but these demands remain unmet. Advertisement In this context, the prospect of early elections or if Zia comes to power offers little hope for immediate relief or safety for the Hindu population. The political instability and uncertainty that accompany such elections are unlikely to address the systemic issues that contribute to the violence and harassment faced by Hindus. Until there is a stable and committed government that prioritises the protection of minority communities, the plight of Hindus in Bangladesh is unlikely to change. Pro-Islamist Stance of BNP Khaleda Zias Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has long been associated with pro-Islamist stances, primarily due to its historical alliances and policy positions. The BNP has maintained a close relationship with Jamaat-e-Islami, Bangladeshs largest Islamist party, which has been known for its hardline views and opposition to secularism. This alliance has significantly influenced the BNPs political strategies and policy decisions. Advertisement The BNPs alliance with Jamaat-e-Islami has been a cornerstone of its political strategy. Jamaat-e-Islami, which was banned from contesting elections by the Awami League government, has been a major ally of the BNP. This partnership has allowed the BNP to mobilise a substantial voter base that supports Islamist ideologies. The BNPs reliance on Jamaat-e-Islami for political support has often led to the promotion of policies that align with Islamist principles, including opposition to secularism and support for Sharia law. Given the BNPs pro-Islamist stance, the return of Khaleda Zia to power would likely exacerbate the plight of Hindus in Bangladesh. The Hindu community, which constitutes a minority in the country, has historically faced violence and discrimination, particularly from hardline Islamist groups. The BNPs alliance with Jamaat-e-Islami, a party known for its involvement in anti-Hindu violence, raises concerns about the protection and rights of Hindu minorities under a BNP-led government. Advertisement During Khaleda Zias previous terms as Prime Minister, there were numerous reports of violence and discrimination against Hindus. The BNPs government was often criticised for its failure to protect minority communities and for turning a blind eye to attacks on Hindus. The rise of Islamist groups during her tenure further marginalised the Hindu population, leading to increased fear and insecurity. Need for Stringent Laws to Protect Hindus The Hindu community in Bangladesh has been vocal about their need for protection. Activists have demanded the establishment of a ministry for minority affairs, a tribunal to prosecute acts of oppression, and comprehensive laws to protect minorities. These measures are crucial to address the ongoing violence and ensure that perpetrators are held accountable. Without such legal frameworks, the Hindu community remains vulnerable to attacks and systemic discrimination. Advertisement The interim government has struggled to restore order and protect minority communities, highlighting the deep-rooted issues that persist in Bangladesh. The lack of minority protection laws further exacerbates the situation, leaving the Hindu community without recourse. The establishment of stringent laws is essential to provide a legal basis for protecting minorities and ensuring their rights are upheld. Zia has historically maintained close ties with Islamist groups, particularly Jamaat-e-Islami. This alliance has significantly influenced the BNPs policy decisions and political strategies, often at the expense of minority rights. Given this context, it is unlikely that Khaleda Zia would prioritise the protection of Hindus if she returns to power. The BNPs pro-Islamist stance and historical alliances suggest that minority protection would not be a priority. Instead, the focus would likely remain on maintaining political alliances and appeasing hardline groups. This approach would leave the Hindu community vulnerable and without the legal protections they desperately need. The need for stringent laws to protect Hindus in Bangladesh is clear. The ongoing violence and harassment faced by the Hindu community underscore the necessity for robust legal frameworks to safeguard their rights. However, the potential return of Khaleda Zia to power raises concerns about the likelihood of such laws being enacted. The Hindu community is vulnerable and continues to face violence and discrimination. Without significant political will and a departure from alliances with hardline groups, the plight of Hindus in Bangladesh is unlikely to change. The author, a columnist and research scholar, teaches journalism at St. Xaviers College (autonomous), Kolkata. He tweets at @sayantan_gh. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. About 495,000 people in Gaza, or about 20 per cent of its population, are facing starvation, and around 96 per cent of the Gazan population is facing high levels of food insecurity read more Mahatma Gandhi had said that there are people in the world so hungry that God cannot appear to them except in the form of bread. Hunger is one of mankinds worst enemies and has driven millions of people to desperation; it has also provided the subject matter for some powerful literature, an outstanding example being the French writer Victor Hugos classic Les Miserables. In her article Let Them Eat Bread: The Theft That Helped Inspire Les Miserables which appeared in the npr (National Public Radio) in March 2017, Nina Martyris wrote: Advertisement On a bitterly cold day in February 1846, the French writer Victor Hugo was on his way to work when he saw something that affected him profoundly. A thin young man with a loaf of bread under his arm was being led away by police. Bystanders said he was being arrested for stealing the loaf. He was dressed in mud-spattered clothes, his bare feet thrust into clogs, his ankles wrapped in bloodied rags in lieu of stockings. It made me think, wrote Hugo. The man was no longer a man in my eyes but the spectre of la misere, of poverty. In his novel, Hugo portrays the familys circumstances in these few, short lines: A very hard winter came. Jean had no work. The family had no bread. No bread literally. Seven children! Jean Valjean is sentenced to five years hard labour for stealing a loaf of bread! He attempted to escape four times, and each time his sentence was lengthened by three years; he also received an extra two years for once resisting recapture during his second escape. After nineteen years in prison, he was released, but by law he had to carry a yellow passport that announced that he was an ex-convict, an outcast. Hugo uses that loaf to attack societys criminal indifference to poverty and hunger and to highlight the injustice of the penal system. Les Miserables should have awakened mankinds conscience, but one must ask oneself if it has succeeded in doing that. As former US President Dwight Eisenhower said, Every gun that is made, every warship launched, every rocket fired, signifies in the final sense a theft from those who hunger and are not fed, those who are cold and not clothed. Advertisement As the humanitarian organisation Mercy Corps puts it, Hunger and malnutrition are the biggest risks to health worldwidegreater than AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis combined. Globally, food deprivation still claims a childs life every three seconds, and nearly half of all deaths in children under five are attributable to undernutrition. Eveyone.org, another charity organisation, says, Every hour of every day, 300 children die because of malnutrition. Its an underlying cause of more than a third of childrens deaths2.6 million every year. There is an urgent need to take action on war footing against such a situation. Sadly, the global famine-related situation is only worsening. According to a United Nations report released on October 31, 2024, acute food insecurity is set to increase in both magnitude and severity across 22 countries and territories. The reportHunger Hotspots: FAO-WFP Early Warnings on Acute Food Insecurityissued by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) and the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) calls for urgent humanitarian action to save lives and livelihoods and prevent starvation and death in hotspots where acute hunger is at high risk of worsening between November 2024 and May 2025. Advertisement According to the report, Palestine, Sudan, South Sudan, Haiti, and Mali remain at the highest alert level and require the most urgent attention. Conflict is the primary driver of hunger in all these areas. All hotspots of the highest concern have communities already facing or at risk of famine or facing catastrophic conditions of acute food insecurity. Chad, Lebanon, Myanmar, Mozambique, Nigeria, the Syrian Arab Republic, and Yemen are hotspots of very high concern, with a large number of people facing critical acute food insecurity, coupled with worsening drivers that are expected to further intensify life-threatening conditions in the coming months. It warns that the La Nina weather pattern could impact climates through March 2025, threatening fragile food systems in already vulnerable regions. Advertisement The report also warns that the spread of conflict, particularly in the Middle East, coupled with climate and economic stressors, is pushing millions of people to the brink of famine. The report spotlights the regional fallout from the crisis in Gaza, which has seen Lebanon engulfed in conflict. The need to end the humanitarian crisis in Gaza cannot be overstated. The official death toll in Gaza now stands at 43,259 people, with 101,827 wounded, but the real number of casualties is believed to be much higher. Moreover, if people dont die from Israeli bombardment, they will die of hunger. The UN report asserts that about 495,000 people (20 per cent of Gazas population) are already facing starvation, and 96 per cent of Gazas population is facing high levels of food insecurity. Furthermore, 41 per cent of the population, or 876,000 people, will face emergency levels of hunger from November until the end of April. Advertisement Ceasefire hopes appear to have faded as the Israeli onslaught on Gaza and Lebanon continues with deadly strikes, killing hundreds more almost every day and displacing countless others. Hamas reportedly received a proposal from mediators Egypt and Qatar for a short-term truce in Gaza but rejected it as it does not include a permanent cessation of aggression, nor does it entail the withdrawal of the Israeli army from the Gaza Strip. According to the Israeli militarys own figures, a little over 26,399 tonnes of food aid entered all of Gaza in October, compared with nearly 76,000 in September and an average of 95,513 tonnes allowed in each month this year, and not all of those shipments have reached people inside. More than 500 trucks remain trapped on the Gaza side of the border, where the UN says it has difficulty retrieving the cargo because of Israeli military operations, lawlessness, and other obstacles. The Israeli Parliaments decision on October 28 to ban the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA) has further impeded the delivery of critical aid to Gaza as Israel continues its assault there. Set to take effect over the next three months, the ban is part of an effort by Israeli officials to dismantle it following Hamass October 7, 2023, attacks on Israel. Israel accused 19 UNRWA workers of involvement in the attacks; a UN investigation concluded that 10 may have been involved and fired those individuals, but it did not find evidence supporting the other cases. Gazas humanitarian crisis is worsening due to the ban on the UNRWA. Cindly McCain, Executive Director of the World Food Programme, has said, Its time for world leaders to step up and work with us to reach the millions of people at risk of starvationdelivering diplomatic solutions to conflicts, using their influence to enable humanitarians to work safely, and mobilising the resources and partnerships needed to halt global hunger in its tracks. QU Dongyu, FAO Director-General, has echoed these sentiments: If we are to save lives and prevent acute hunger and malnutrition, we urgently need a humanitarian ceasefire and to restore access to and availability of highly nutritious food, including reactivating local food production. World leaders must prioritise conflict resolution to protect the most vulnerable populations on the brink of famine. We need longer-term stability and food security. Peace is a prerequisite for food security. Access to nutritious food is not just a basic needit is a fundamental human right. In conclusion, we, as individuals, also have responsibility. We should not ignore the sight of hunger whenever we see it. In such trying times, the words of Mother Teresa should guide us: If you cannot feed a hundred people, then feed just one. The writer is a retired Indian diplomat and had previously served as Consul General in New York. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. The Bolivian military confirmed that an irregular armed group had kidnapped military personnel and seized weapons and ammunition from the base situated near the central Bolivian city of Cochabamba read more Police detain supporters of former President Evo Morales who were blocking roads to prevent Morales from facing a criminal investigation over allegations of abuse of a minor while in office, in Parotani, Bolivia, Nov. 1, 2024. AP Tensions in Bolivia continued to escalate after an armed group took control of a military post in the central region, holding more than 200 soldiers hostage. On Friday, the Bolivian military confirmed that an irregular armed group had kidnapped military personnel and seized weapons and ammunition from the base situated near the central Bolivian city of Cochabamba. The Bolivian Foreign Ministry later stated that more than 200 military personnel had been taken hostage during the whole ordeal. Amid the chaos, Bolivian president Luis Arce said that the armed group was affiliated with former president Evo Morales. However, he did not provide any evidence to support his allegation. Meanwhile, Morales is yet to comment on the matter. Advertisement As the rebel group barged into the military barracks, the armed forces urged the group to leave the region immediately and peacefully, emphasizing that these actions would be considered treason to the country. The incident joins the list of all the unrest that has jolted the nation before Morales and Arce clash ahead of the 2025 election. Morales supporters cause rampage In recent weeks, Morales supporters have set up blockades on major highways across the country, including in Cochabamba. The demonstration came in reaction to the governments decision to launch human trafficking charges against Morales. The blockade which was described by the Bolivian police as violent has led to a shortage of food and fuel in several major cities across the country. As the tussle between Morales and the government continues, both sides traded accusations over an exchange that occurred in Cochabamba last weekend. Bolivian Minister of Government Eduardo Del Castillo alleged that individuals in a car carrying Morales opened fire on police while trying to evade a checkpoint set up to deter drug trafficking. However, the former president denied the accusation and claimed the government was trying to assassinate him by firing at his vehicle. With inputs from agencies. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban backs former president Trump, the Republic candidate, to beat Democratic candidate Kamala Harris in Tuesdays U.S. election. read more Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump gestures at a campaign rally at First Horizon Coliseum, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in Greensboro, N.C. Image- AP Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban stated on Sunday that Europe might have to reconsider its support for Ukraine if Donald Trump wins the U.S. presidential election, as the continent will not be able to bear the burdens of the war alone. Orban, who has opposed military aid to Ukraine, expressed confidence that Trump whom he supports over Democratic candidate Kamala Harris would pursue a negotiated peace settlement for Ukraine if elected. We (in Europe) need to realize that if there will be a pro-peace president in America, which I not only believe in but I also read the numbers that way, if what we expect happens and America becomes pro-peace, then Europe cannot remain pro-war, Orban said. Advertisement Ukraine will be high on the agenda when European leaders meet in Budapest in the coming week, he said, referring to a European Political Community meeting and a more informal meeting of EU leaders due to take place. Europe cannot bear the burden of [the war] alone, and if Americans switch to peace, then we also need to adapt, and this is what we will discuss in Budapest, Orban said. Europe is jittery about how the outcome of the U.S. election will affect the war in Ukraine and the continents security. Orban has angered Brussels with his close ties to Russia and opposition to aid for Ukraine. Hungarys foreign minister Peter Szijjarto said in July that the Hungarian government sees Trump as a chance for peace in Ukraine. In July Orban said his team was assisting Trumps aides with policies on families and migration. On Thursday, he called Trump to wish him good luck ahead of Tuesdays election. With inputs from agencies. Sanchez was evacuated from the scene, according to Spanish broadcaster RTVE, when the official contingent started to walk the mud-covered streets of Paiporta, one of the hardest hit areas where over 60 people perished and thousands of lives were shattered read more Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and King Felipe VI were ridiculed on Sunday as they visited the flood-hit areas with distressed people pelting mud and calling them assassins. King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia visited the town of Paiporta, one of the most affected by the floods that have killed more than 200 people, alongside Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and other officials. While Spains top leadership came under scrutiny, the crowds anger was mostly directed at Sanchez and the head of the Valencia region, Carlos Mazon. Mazon resign! some shouted. How many deaths?! Out! Advertisement - The arrival of King Felipe VI in Paiporta was marked by protests, local residents and volunteers threw objects and mud in his direction, accompanied by shouts of Murderers! Security teams had to protect him with an umbrella. Queen Letizia was also the target of pic.twitter.com/qrV4NuMpOT The Informant (@theinformant_x) November 3, 2024 Sanchez was evacuated from the scene, according to Spanish broadcaster RTVE, when the official contingent started to walk the mud-covered streets of Paiporta, one of the hardest hit areas where over 60 people perished and thousands of lives were shattered. The King, however, refused to leave despite being asked to seek protection. King Felipe continued talking to the affected residents with speckles of mud on his face. One person appeared to have wept on his shoulder. He shook the hand of a man. Meanwhile, the queen, along with Mazon spoke to women with small glops of mud on her hands. We dont have any water, one woman told the queen. The floods in Spain are one of the deadliest natural disasters the country has seen in the recent past and it has claimed the lives of over 200 people with several still missing. Advertisement The floods had started filling Paiporta with crashing waves when the regional officials issued an alert to mobile phones that sounded two hours too late. And more anger has been fueled by the inability of officials to respond quickly to the aftermath. Most of the cleanup of the layers and layers of mud and debris that have invaded countless homes has been done by residents and thousands of volunteers. With inputs from agencies In August, Reza Valizadeh apparently posted two messages suggesting he had returned to Iran despite Radio Farda being viewed by Irans theocracy as a hostile outlet read more This handout satellite image released by Maxar Technologies on October 17, 2022 shows one of the buildings (C-L) in Iran's Evin prison complex in Tehran. AFP file/Representative image Reza Valizadeh, an Iranian-American journalist, has reportedly been detained in Iran for months now, US authorities confirmed on Sunday. The US State Department told the Associated Press that Valizadeh, who worked for an American government-funded news outlet, is currently incarcerated at the Evin Prison. The development comes as the US is engaged in a virtual war of words with Iran over Israeli strikes on the country which were retaliatory in nature following Tehrans attack. It also followed Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei threatening both Israel and the US the day before with a crushing response as long-range B-52 bombers reached the Middle East in an attempt to deter Tehran. Advertisement Who is Reza Valizadeh? The journalist has experience working in various media outlets including Radio Farda, an outlet under Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty that the US Agency for Global Media oversees. Valizadeh holds dual citizenship in the US and Iran. What happened to him? Things went south for Valizadeh when he returned to Iran. In August, Valizadeh apparently posted two messages suggesting he had returned to Iran despite Radio Farda being viewed by Irans theocracy as a hostile outlet. I arrived in Tehran on March 6, 2024. Before that, I had unfinished negotiations with the (Revolutionary Guards) intelligence department, the message read in part. Eventually I came back to my country after 13 years without any security guarantee, even a verbal one. It was not initially confirmed whether he had been detained, but later, the Human Rights Activists News Agency, which monitors cases in Iran, said that he had been detained on arrival to the country earlier this year but was released soon after. He was subsequently rearrested and sent to Evin Prison, where he now faces charges in Irans Revolutionary Court. This court is known for holding closed-door sessions where defendants are presented with secret evidence, according to the agency. It also noted that Valizadeh had previously been arrested in 2007. US looks into matter Advertisement The State Department told the AP that it was aware of reports that this dual US-Iranian citizen has been arrested in Iran when asked about Valizadeh. We are working with our Swiss partners who serve as the protecting power for the United States in Iran to gather more information about this case, the State Department said. Iran routinely imprisons US citizens and other countries citizens unjustly for political purposes. This practice is cruel and contrary to international law. Iran, however, has not responded to Valizadehs alleged arrest. With inputs from AP Israel has carried out airstrikes in Syria multiple times over the past year, targeting members of Lebanons Hezbollah and officials from Iran, the close ally of both Hezbollah and Syria. But it has not previously made public any ground forays into Syria. read more Women carry their children while crossing from Lebanon into Syria on foot at the Masnaa border crossin. Image- Reuters The Israeli military conducted a ground raid in Syria, capturing a Syrian citizen linked to Iranian networks. It was the first time in the current war that Israel announced its troops operated in Syrian territory. The Israeli military said the seizure was part of a special operation that took place in recent months, though it did not say exactly when it occurred. The seized individuals involvement with Iranian networks underscores the complex web of alliances in the region. Israel has been actively targeting Hezbollah, a Lebanese militia backed by Iran, and Syrian officials aligned with Iran. This raid is part of Israels broader campaign to disrupt Iranian influence in the region. Advertisement The disclosure of the raid comes as Israel has waged an escalated campaign of bombardment in Lebanon for the past six weeks, as well as a ground invasion along the countries shared border, vowing to cripple Hezbollah, On Saturday, an Israeli military official said naval forces carried out a raid in a northern Lebanese town, seizing a man they called a senior Hezbollah operative. The army in its statement Sunday did not specify where in Syria the raid took place or when. It identified the man it seized as Ali Soleiman al-Assi, saying he lives in the southern Syrian region of Saida. It said the man had been under military surveillance for many months and was involved in Iranian initiatives targeting areas of the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights near the border with Syria. Body camera footage of the raid released by the army showed soldiers seizing a man in a white tank top inside a building. The man was brought to Israel for interrogation, the military said. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited the border with Lebanon on Sunday, saying his focus was trying to keep Hezbollah from rearming itself through the oxygen lifeline of Iranian weapons transferred to Lebanon via Syria. Israel says its campaign in Lebanon aims to push Hezbollah away from the border and put an end to more than a year of fire by the group into northern Israel. Advertisement Israels strikes in Lebanon have killed more than 2,500 people over the past year. In Israel, 69 people have been killed by Hezbollah projectiles. Meanwhile, Israeli forces continued their campaign in Gaza. In the southern part of the territory, an Israeli strike hit a group of people gathered outside in an eastern district of Khan Younis, killing at least eight Palestinians, including four children and a woman, the Gaza Health Ministrys emergency services said. The citys Nasser Hospital, which received most of the bodies, confirmed the figures. Palestinian officials said an Israeli drone strike on Saturday hit a clinic in northern Gaza where children were being vaccinated for polio, wounding six people including four children. The Israeli military denied responsibility. Advertisement Dr. Munir al-Boursh, director general of the Gaza Health Ministry, told The Associated Press that a quadcopter struck the Sheikh Radwan clinic in Gaza City early Saturday afternoon, just a few minutes after a United Nations delegation left the facility. The World Health Organisation and the UN childrens agency, known as UNICEF, which are jointly carrying out the polio vaccination campaign, expressed concern over the reported strike. The reports of this attack are even more disturbing as the Sheikh Radwan Clinic is one of the health points where parents can get their children vaccinated, said Rosalia Bollen, a spokesperson for UNICEF. Todays attack occurred while the humanitarian pause was still in effect, despite assurances given that the pause would be respected from 6 am to 4 pm. Lt Col Nadav Shoshani, an Israeli military spokesman, said that contrary to the claims, an initial review determined that the (Israeli military) did not strike in the area at the specified time. It was not possible to resolve the conflicting accounts. Israeli forces have repeatedly raided hospitals in Gaza over the course of the war, saying Hamas uses them for militant purposes, allegations denied by Palestinian health officials. Hamas fighters are also operating in the north, battling Israeli forces. Advertisement Northern Gaza has been encircled by Israeli forces and largely isolated for the past year. Israel has been carrying out another offensive there in recent weeks that has killed hundreds of people and displaced tens of thousands. A scaled-down campaign to administer a second dose of the polio vaccine began Saturday in parts of northern Gaza. It had been postponed from Oct 23 due to lack of access, Israeli bombings and mass evacuation orders, and the lack of assurances for humanitarian pauses, a UN statement said. The administration of the first dose was carried out in September across the Gaza Strip, including areas of northern Gaza that are now completely sealed off. Health officials said the campaigns first round, and the administration of the second dose across central and southern Gaza, were successful. Advertisement At least 100,000 people have been forced to evacuate from areas of north Gaza toward Gaza City in the past few weeks, but around 15,000 children under the age of 10 remain in northern towns, including Jabaliya, Beit Lahiya and Beit Hanoun, which are inaccessible, according to the UN. The final phase of the polio vaccination campaign had aimed to reach an estimated 119,000 children in the north with a second dose of the oral polio vaccine, the agencies said, but achieving this target is now unlikely due to access constraints. They say 90% of children in every community must be vaccinated to prevent the spread of the disease. The campaign was launched after the first polio case was reported in Gaza in 25 years a 10-month-old boy, now paralysed in the leg. The World Health Organisation said the presence of a paralysis case indicates there could be hundreds more who have been infected but arent showing symptoms. The war began on Oct 7, 2023, when Hamas-led militants stormed into southern Israel, killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducting another 250. Israels offensive has killed over 43,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health authorities, who do not say how many were combatants but say more than half were women and children. With inputs from agencies. The aircraft resumed flight operations earlier this year, but the Ospreys use remains controversial particularly in Okinawa, where residents have questioned its safety record. read more FILE - U.S. MV-22 Osprey transport aircraft are parked at the U.S. Marine Corps Air Station Futenma in Ginowan, south of Okinawa, southern Japan, Sept. 6, 2023. - AP Japan has grounded its fleet of V-22 Osprey aircraft after an incident last Sunday, in which one aircraft tipped unexpectedly and struck the ground during takeoff. The Osprey was participating in the Keen Sword joint exercise with the U.S. military and was carrying 16 passengers, including three U.S. service members. During takeoff, the aircraft became unstable, swaying before its left wing and lower structure made contact with the ground, causing damage and aborting the flight, according to Japans Ground Self Defense Forces. Advertisement This was the first significant incident with Japans V-22 fleet since a US Air Force Osprey crash last November off Japans coast, which killed eight service members and led to a prolonged grounding of the fleet in both countries. Although operations resumed earlier this year, the Ospreys presence remains controversial, especially in Okinawa, where safety concerns persist among residents. The Osprey in last Sundays incident was able to land and no one was injured, however Japan will keep its fleet of more than a dozen V-22s grounded while it investigates the incident, Defense Minister Gen Nakatani told reporters last week. We believe there is no safety problem with Ospreys, although ensuring flight safety is a prerequisite for aircraft operations, Nakatani said. The Pentagons V-22 joint program office is supporting Japans investigation into the incident, spokesman Neil Lobeda said Saturday. The V-22 was operating on the Japanese island of Yonaguni during the joint exercise Keen Sword. Yonaguni is only 100 kilometers (62 miles) east of Taiwan. With inputs from agencies. The man was kidnapped on Friday in a suspected Israeli naval operation in Batroun, about 30 kilometres north of Beirut. The Lebanese authorities maintained that the abductee was a sea captain and denied that he was a Hezbollah operative read more As the tensions in West Asia continue to escalate, Lebanon on Saturday said that it will file a complaint to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) after Israel abducted a Lebanese national. The Israeli Defence Force (IDF) argued that the Lebanese citizen they abducted was a Hezbollah operative. The man was kidnapped on Friday in a suspected Israeli naval operation in Batroun, about 30 kilometres north of Beirut. The Lebanese authorities maintained that the abductee was a sea captain and denied that he was a Hezbollah operative. Prime Minister Najib Mikatis office released a statement on the matter which stated that the Lebanese premier instructed his Foreign Minister Abdullah Bouhabib to file a UN complaint over the abduction. Advertisement The statement said that Mikati had contacted Army Commander General Joseph Aoun to be briefed on the ongoing investigation into the circumstances of the case. The prime minister also reached out to the command of the UN peacekeeping mission (UNIFIL), which confirmed that it is conducting the necessary investigations and coordinating with the army on this matter. What we know so far In the Saturday statement, Mikati emphasized the need to expedite the investigations to clarify the circumstances of this case and to set matters right. Meanwhile, multiple media reports named the abductee as Imad Amhaz. The Israeli forces went on to call him a significant source of knowledge in the Iran-backed militant groups naval force. According to The Times of Israel, Amhaz was taken to Israel to be questioned by the Military Intelligence Directorates Unit 504 which specializes in HUMINT, or human intelligence on Hezbollahs naval operations. While speaking to a Lebanese news outlet Ali Hamie, the countrys Minister of Public Works and Transport, claimed that Amhaz was a captain of civilian ships and was studying at a civilian naval institute. Images posted to social media showed Amhaz in what appeared to be a navy uniform. Amid the chaos, the IDF confirmed on Saturday that around 2,000 Hezbollah operatives have been killed by ground troops and in airstrikes since the start of the ground offensive in southern Lebanon a month ago. The Israeli forces have escalated air campaign in Lebanon since late September against what it claims are Hezbollah targets in an escalation from year-long cross-border warfare between Israel and Hezbollah since the start of Israels brutal war on the Gaza Strip. Advertisement With inputs from the agencies. Moldovans voted in a tense presidential election runoff that could decide whether the ex-Soviet country continues on a pro-European path or tilts back toward Russias influence. read more Moldova's President Maia Sandu speaks to the media after casting her vote during a presidential election runoff, in Chisinau, Moldova, Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024. Image- AP Moldovans voted in a crucial presidential runoff on Sunday, featuring pro-Western incumbent Maia Sandu against a Russia-friendly opponent amid allegations of voter fraud, electoral interference and intimidation, raising concerns about democracy in this EU candidate country. Situated between war-torn Ukraine and the EU, the election comes just two weeks after a narrowly passed referendum on EU membership. In the first round held on October 20, Sandu secured 42% of the votes but fell short of an outright majority. Her challenger, Alexandr Stoianoglo, a former prosecutor general, exceeded expectations with nearly 26% of the vote. Advertisement Polling stations were set to close at 9 p.m. (1900 GMT). By 2 p.m., over 1 million votersnearly 35% of those eligiblehad participated, according to the Central Electoral Commission. A poll by research company iData suggests a close race, favoring a narrow victory for Sandu, which may depend on Moldovas substantial diaspora. The presidency holds significant influence over foreign policy and national security and serves a four-year term. No Kremlin relations Sandu, a 52-year-old fervent pro-Western former World Bank economist, blamed foreign interference for the narrow EU vote result, when 50.35 percent backed membership. Police said they had uncovered a Russian vote-buying scheme that could have affected up to a quarter of the ballots. On Sunday, police said in a statement that there are reasonable clues of organised transportation of voters both abroad and domestically. Today more than ever we have to be united, to keep the peace, to protect our vote, to protect our independence, Sandu said after casting her ballot. The thieves want to buy our vote, the thieves want to buy our country, but the power of the people is infinitely greater than any of their foul play, she added. Ahead of the vote, Sandus camp intensified campaigning on social media and in door-to-door visits in villages to try to counter any vote buying. Advertisement In messages sent to mobiles and even broadcast on supermarket loudspeakers, police have told people to refuse if they are offered money for their votes. Police have reported a massive phenomenon of people receiving calls, emails, even death threats, to influence ballots. Prime Minister Dorin Recean has called it an extreme attack to create panic and fear so that people will be afraid to go out and vote. Sandu applied for Moldova, which has a population of 2.6 million, to join the EU after Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022. Accession negotiations formally opened in June. While Stoianoglo, 57, says he also favours joining the EU, he boycotted the referendum, describing it as a parody, and promised voters a balanced foreign policy that would repair links with Moscow. Advertisement If he wins, Moldova could formally maintain its EU ambitions, but he may take decisions that thwart them, analysts say. When voting on Sunday, he said he wanted to create a Moldova that does not beg, but develops harmonious relations with both East and West. I have no relations with the Kremlin, nor with representatives of other states, nor with special services, said Stoianoglo, who usually gives speeches that mix Russian with Romanian, the official language. I have never participated in vote buying, the party that supports me in this election does not participate in vote buying, he said. Deeply polarised Moldova is already deeply polarised. A large diaspora and the capital mostly favour joining the EU, while rural areas and the pro-Russian separatist regions of Transnistria and Gagauzia are against. Advertisement We trust Maia Sandu to take us down the right path (but) here there is still a Soviet flavour. And this Soviet flavour runs deep to the bone, a 56-year-old pensioner who only gave her name as Acsenia said. Others, like Zinovia Zaharovna, 75, said they reject joining the EU, wanting Moldova to be an independent country. Many people fear war and see a candidate who would have a good relationship with Moscow as a guarantee that we will not be attacked as well, Andrei Curararu, an analyst at the Chisinau-based WatchDog think tank, told AFP. The vote is being closely watched internationally for signs of Russian interference. Advertisement For Curararu, the pressure is unprecedented with more than $100 million estimated to have been spent on destabilisation activities. Moldova is paying a high cost for aiming to move away from Russia, he said. Polling stations opened on Sunday at 7:00 am (0500 GMT) and will close at 9:00 pm, with the first partial results expected an hour later. With inputs from AP. The government has also imposed a ban on three-wheelers known as rickshaws and halted construction in certain areas to reduce the pollution levels. Factories and construction sites failing to comply with these regulations could be shut down, she said. read more Pakistan has been ranked as the second most-polluted country (Photo: AP) Record-breaking air pollution in Lahore, Pakistans second-largest city led authorities to impose emergency measures on Sunday including work-from-home directives and a week-long closure of primary schools. Lahore topped the global list of the worlds most polluted cities on Sunday after reaching an unprecedented pollution level of 1900 near the Pakistan-India border, according to provincial data and IQAir. Senior Punjab Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb advised parents to ensure children wear masks and urged residents to stay indoors, close windows, and limit travel. Hospitals have also been equipped with smog counters as the city remains shrouded in thick smog. Advertisement To reduce vehicle pollution, 50% of office employees would work from home, said Aurangzeb. The government has also imposed a ban on three-wheelers known as rickshaws and halted construction in certain areas to reduce the pollution levels. Factories and construction sites failing to comply with these regulations could be shut down, she said. Aurangzeb described the situation as unexpected and attributed the deterioration in air quality to winds carrying pollution from neighbouring India. This cannot be solved without talks with India, she said, adding the provincial government would initiate talks with its bigger neighbour through Pakistans foreign ministry. The smog crisis in Lahore, similar to the situation in Indias capital Delhi, tends to worsen during cooler months due to temperature inversion trapping pollution closer to the ground. With inputs from agencies. The crowd saw the event listed on the My Spirit Halloween website. After they reached the location, they had to be dispersed by locals who told them no such parade was taking place, they eventually suspected a scam read more A Pakistan-based firm had to issue an apology after it mistakenly advertised a nonexistent Halloween parade in Dublin, Ireland. The ad led thousands of Dubliners to gather on the citys main street, OConnell Street, awaiting the phantom event. The company stated that it was a human error on their part. Videos recorded on Thursday night showed throngs of people lining both sides of OConnell Street waiting for a supposed procession of giant Halloween puppets made by one of Irelands best-known theatre groups, the Galway performance company Macnas. Film-maker Bertie Brosnan took to X, formally known as Twitter to share what exactly went down on the Halloween night. Advertisement I was there filming for 40 minutes. From Parnell Square West both sides of the street people were packed five to 10 deep, lined up all the way down around the corner as far as the spire. Thousands were there. The Luas [tramline] was completely blocked on both lines," she wrote in her post. The SCAM Halloween Parade in Dublin City Centre (everyone was ghosted ) Definitely thousands, potentially into 10's of thousands, showed up. This happened on the 31st of October from 7pm at the top of O'Connell Street in Dublin City.#halloweenparade #hoaxparade pic.twitter.com/ldt2Skr2CI Bertie Brosnan (@BrosnanBertie) October 31, 2024 The crowd saw the event listed on the My Spirit Halloween website. After they reached the location, they had to be dispersed by gardai who told them no such parade was taking place. They eventually suspected a scam or some seasonal trickery. The man behind the website says he was depressed The companys website showed that the make-believe event was scheduled to take place between 7 pm and 9 pm on Thursday. It was later found that a member of their team had copied and pasted the notice for last years event and inserted it into this years calendar. Advertisement The Pakistani man behind the website later apologised saying he was depressed and embarrassed. We are highly embarrassed and highly depressed, and very sorry, the man named Nazir Ali told the Irish Times. It was our mistake and we should have double-checked it to make sure it was happening. But newspapers are reporting that we posted it intentionally and this is very, very wrong, he added. I'm crying Hundreds gathered on Dublins O'Connell Street for a rumoured Halloween parade that turned out to be a hoax. Artur Martins pic.twitter.com/rnwLcp0dGP Volcaholic (@volcaholic1) October 31, 2024 Advertisement Following the whole debacle, Gary Gannon, a member of the Irish parliament said that the whole ordeal showed the power of misinformation and deepfakes. He referred to a deepfake of Taylor Swift endorsing the Kerry politician Michael Healy-Rae. That was quite funny, but all of a sudden when that becomes something a little bit more serious and people are putting out AI images of me, for example, saying something that I would never say contrary to my own values, thats something thats not too far off the horizon, he told RTE. Advertisement Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Sunday that Russia had launched around 900 guided aerial bombs, 500 drones and 30 missiles against Ukraine over the past week. read more Moscow launched 96 drones and a guided air missile into Ukraine overnight into Sunday, Ukrainian officials reported. Ukraines Air Force said that it destroyed 66 of the drones, along with the missile. Another 27 drones were reportedly lost in various areas, likely due to electronic jamming, while one entered Belarusian airspace. No casualties were reported in the attack. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Russia has launched approximately 900 guided aerial bombs, 500 drones, and 30 missiles against Ukraine over the past week. Advertisement Zelenskyy appealed Sunday on X to Ukraines allies to provide long-range capabilities for our security, saying that these attacks would have been impossible if we had sufficient support from the world." Kyiv is still awaiting word from its Western partners on its repeated requests to use the long-range weapons they provide to hit targets on Russian soil, including for preemptive Ukrainian strikes on camps where North Korean troops are being trained. The Ukrainian President also urged partners to enact truly effective sanctions to prevent Russia from importing critical components for drone and missile production. This appeal followed an address on Saturday, in which he said over 2,000 drones and missiles still using Western components were launched against Ukraine in October, and underlined the need for more stringent export controls to prevent sanctions evasion. In Russia, the Defense Ministry said that 19 Ukrainian drones were shot down overnight into Sunday in three regions of Russia: 16 in the Rostov region, two in the Belgorod region and one in the Volgograd region. A man died Sunday in a Ukrainian drone attack in the Belgorod region, according to regional Gov. Vyacheslav Gladkov. With inputs from agencies. The US presidential elections are just around the corner and some people are still undecided. Heres a simple guide for those who are yet to make up their mind and why one must cast their poll this voting season read more If you are still undecided and mulling your pick for president, there are clear differences between Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris that are important to understand. The Conversation has from more than a dozen scholars looking at the records of the two candidates. We had an anthropologist provide our readers with a window into why both Trump and Harris supporters favour their presidential pick. And we have also looked at why, even if you dont like either candidate, it still doesnt make sense to sit out the election. Advertisement Here is a roundup of stories to help you evaluate the candidates: Its no surprise that Harris and Trump have contrasting records on policy issues like LGBTQ+ rights and gun violence. The differences dont stop there. While Harris has consistently supported protecting and expanding abortion rights, Trump took actions while president that made it harder for people to get an abortion, explains legal scholar Rachel Rebouche. Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris and running mate Minnesota Governor Tim Walz appear at the Fiserv Forum during a campaign rally in Milwaukee. File image/AP And while Harris has consistently opposed the death penalty, Trump has supported it, explains political science scholar Austin Sarat. In other cases, their differences are not as clear-cut. Both candidates have supported restricting immigration to the US, writes immigration scholar William McCorkle. And both of them tried to lower drug prices, writes pharmacy practice scholar C. Michael White. Here are some stories to explain the candidates records on other issues: , space policy, , artificial intelligence, science research funding, clean energy, drug prices, health care, oil and gas production, foreign policy and labour. Reason for Trump and Harris popularity Alex Hinton, an anthropologist who researches both the far right and political polarisation in the US, helped answer why, after all of the controversies and alleged wrongdoing, people still support Trump. Many people have thoughtful reasons for voting for Trump, even if their reasoning as is also true for those on the left is often inflamed by populist polarisers and media platforms, Hinton writes. There are a few central factors that keep Trumps supporters loyal. These include the fact that some people recall whether accurately or not having more money when Trump was president and that the economy seemed better. They are upset about immigration. And some supporters like his outlandish persona. Advertisement And then theres the other side to understand: Why people are voting for Harris. Hinton explained that many people deeply dislike and distrust Trump, as well as the extreme direction they think he can take the country. In contrast, they contend that Harris combines steady leadership with a message of change, calm, honesty and hope for a better future, he writes. Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Republican vice presidential nominee Senator JD Vance in New York. File image/AP Harris support of abortion rights and health care, as well as her commitment to international alliances and bipartisan governing, are other reasons people want her as their president. Some voters also support Harris because they see her as a candidate of change, Hinton writes. After Harris replaced President Joe Biden as the Democratic presidential nominee, voters across a range of demographics were immediately galvanised by her relative youth, biracial identity, articulateness and positive message of change and possibility, as opposed to fear. Advertisement Why you should vote Its possible that none of this information resonates with undecided voters and that they are considering backing a third-party candidate instead, or not voting at all. But the logic that an individual vote wont matter anyway is not accurate, according to behavioural economics scholar Daniel F Stone. Every single vote matters, especially in an election like this one that is incredibly close in all of the important swing states, Stone says. This matters if the difference between Harris and Trump is just 5,000 votes in a state like Pennsylvania, for example. A drop slot for voting ballots and absentee applications is shown outside of the Warren City Hall complex in Warren, Michigan. AP So, if the 10,000 unhappy voters do vote for one of the two major-party candidates, they can swing the election, Stone writes. Even if someone boycotts an election and doesnt support either of the two viable candidates, One of them is going to win whether you like it or not, Stone writes. Advertisement This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the . With just a few days left for the 2024 US Presidential election, Michigan Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib has declined to endorse Harris as she called out the Democratic Partys stance over the Gaza war. Tlaib became the first squad member to not endorse Harris read more With just three days left to the upcoming US presidential elections, Michigan congresswoman Rashida Tlaib has declined to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris. The first Palestinian American woman to serve Congress refused to support Harris as she addressed a union rally in Detriot, where the war in Gaza is the top issue for the largest block of Arab American voters in the country. With this, Tlaib became the only Squad member who has not endorsed the Democratic presidential nominee. The other three membersAyanna Pressley of Massachusetts, Ilhan Omar of Minnesota, and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New Yorkendorsed Harris in July. Advertisement Dont underestimate the power you all have, Tlaib told a get-out-the-vote United Auto Workers rallygoers. More than those ads, those lawn signs, those billboards, you all have more power to turn out people that understand weve got to fight back against corporate greed in our country," she added. It is pertinent to note that Tlaibs non-endorsement of Harris came at a time when several surveys suggested on Friday that around 43 per cent of Muslim American voters support the Green party candidate, Jill Stein. Will this cost Harris-Walz the election? Following former Secretary of State Hillary Clintons loss to ex-President Donald Trump in 2016 polls, multiple Democrats blamed Stein voters for the loss of Michigan and Wisconsin to the Republican candidate. Some Democrats are now fearing that the same scenario could play out again next week. Earlier this year, during the presidential primaries, about 100,000 Michigan voters marked their ballots uncommitted as a mark of protest against the Biden administrations support of Israels operation in Gaza after the October 7 attack. Tlaib has been an ardent critic of the Democratic Partys position on the escalating conflict. It was hard not to feel invisible, she said after the party did not include a Palestinian American speaker at its convention in Chicago in August. Our trauma and pain feel unseen and ignored by both parties, she said in an interview with MSNBC, earlier this year. One party uses our identity as a slur, and the other refuses to hear from us. Where is the shared humanity? Ignoring us wont stop the genocide," she added. Advertisement While addressing a rally in Dearborn on Friday, Tlaib slammed Republican presidential nominee, Donald Trump, who the Muslim mayors of Dearborn Heights and Hamtramck have endorsed. Trump is a proud Islamophobe + serial liar who doesn't stand for peace. The reality is that the Biden admins unconditional support for genocide is what got us here. This should be a wake-up call for those who continue to support genocide. This election didn't have to be close. https://t.co/xufIYRR8Xn Rashida Tlaib (@RashidaTlaib) November 1, 2024 Trump is a proud Islamophobe + serial liar who doesnt stand for peace, the Democratic congresswoman later posted on X, formerly known as Twitter. The reality is that the Biden administrations unconditional support for genocide is what got us here. This should be a wake-up call for those who continue to support genocide. This election didnt have to be close," she added. Hundreds of posts made by individuals, Republican backers and Democrat groups on social are giving a hard time to election officials who have to take out time from their usual polling duties to debunk these rumours read more Voters cast their ballots in early voting in New York City on November 1, 2024. AFP As the US inches closer to election day, a plague of disinformation has taken over social media and experts observing the polling event are concerned by its widespread impact on voters. While the two presidential candidates, Kamala Harris and Donald Trump make their final election pitches, a wave of rumours, misleading claims and lies are parallelly trying to undermine their campaigns. Hundreds of posts made by individuals, Republican backers and Democrat groups on social are giving a hard time to election officials who have to take out time from their usual polling duties to debunk these rumours. Advertisement What do the posts say? Among the most viral social media posts that have caught the eyes of American voters are: Posts that support Trump campaigns claim that he had won the 2020 election and that it would not be a surprise if he loses this election by means of cheating. Earlier this week, the former president himself fraud in key swing states saying, Pennsylvania is cheating, and getting caught, at large scale levels rarely seen before. REPORT CHEATING TO AUTHORITIES. Law Enforcement must act, NOW! His reaction was in response to three Pennsylvania counties that said they will work with local law enforcement to identify fake voter registration applications Some posts verified by BBC imply that non-citizens find it easy to cast their votes while others falsely claim the inefficiency of voting machines. Many of these allegations are made on social networking sites and chat groups that are viewed by millions of people One particular video showed Haitians casting their votes in Georgia. This was debunked by US officials last week who said that the video was made by Russian influence actors. Another post on X showed a Canadian citizen voting, as he said, Figured I would drive across the border and vote Cases of exaggeration Experts note that isolated cases of ballot fraud and administrative errors are a common occurrence in US presidential elections, which span all 50 states and, in 2020, involved over 150 million voters. Authorities have even acknowledged isolated cases of ballot fraud but say that they are being shared excessively on social media making the issue greater than it actually is. In Southern California, dozens of ballots were discovered in a storm drain. Although the circumstances surrounding the incident were unclear, online partisans quickly speculated that it was an act of deliberate fraud. Who is behind these posts? There are multiple groups and individuals, regardless of their allegiance to either Democrat or Republican, that are responsible for warping voters decision-making. Organisations such as Texas-based True The Vote, founded in 2009, have been at the forefront of raising concerns about election security. On their app, VoteAlert, supporters share examples of supposed election irregularities. Our hope is we see exactly nothing at these drop boxes, said True the Vote founder Catherine Engelbrecht. Elon Musks America political action committee has launched a community on X, similar to a message board, which is filled with rumors and allegations about voting. With 50,000 members, new posts are made nearly nonstop, with several appearing every minute. Advertisement Voters in the United States will head to the polls to choose their next president in what appears to be the closest race in over two decades. Kamala Harris and Donald Trump are neck and neck. However, this wont be the first time the US will witness such a closely fought contest read more A woman casts her ballot on the day of the South Carolina Presidential Primary in Union, South Carolina, US, February 29, 2020. Reuters Americans will head to the polls next month to elect their next president in what could be the closest race in over two decades. US Vice President Kamala Harris and former president Donald Trump are the two candidates vying for the White House, with polls showing a neck-and-neck contest. Election analysts have predicted that either candidate could claim victory on November 5. Mail-in ballots reflect how close the race is, with Democrats at 20.4% and Republicans at 21 per cent. Advertisement The path to the presidency is anything but simple, as the outcome will depend on the Electoral College. Each state contributes to the total of 538 electors, based on population, and a majority of 270 is needed to win. Notably, Harris has held a narrow lead over Trump in national polling averages since she entered the race in late July, and she remains ahead, according to the BBC. Her campaign saw a polling surge in its early weeks, giving her a lead of almost four percentage points by the end of August. However, the margin between the two candidates has recently narrowed. This would not be the first time the US has seen such a close election. Throughout history, several presidential races have been decided by close margins. From John Quincy Adams vs Andrew Jackson in 1824 to George W Bush vs Al Gore in 2000, many battles for the White House have been tightly contested. Lets take a look at some of the closest presidential elections in American history: The B-1B Lancer is a supersonic heavy bomber known for its high-speed performance with a payload of 75,000 pounds (34,000 kilograms) of munitions, including both conventional and precision-guided weapons read more This handout photo taken on November 3, 2024 and provided by the US Air Force via South Korean Defence Ministry shows a US Air Force B-1B bomber (R), South Korean Air Force F-15K fighter jets (bottom), Japanese Air Self-Defense Force F-2 fighter jets (L) and US Air Force F-16 fighter jets (top L) flying in formation during a joint air drill. AFP South Korea, Japan, and the United States on Sunday conducted a joint air drill involving a heavy bomber, Seouls military said, in response to North Koreas latest long-range missile test. The exercise took place three days after Pyongyang launched one of its most powerful and advanced solid-fuelled intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM), which experts say could reach targets in the mainland US. The drill mobilised the US B-1B bomber, South Koreas F-15K and KF-16 fighter jets, and Japans F-2 jets, Seouls military said. The exercise demonstrates the commitment of the ROK-US alliance to integrated extended deterrence in response to the advancing nuclear and missile threats from North Korea, said South Koreas Joint Chiefs of Staff in a press release. Advertisement During the aerial manoeuvre, South Korea and Japans jets escorted the US strategic bomber to a designated location south of the Korean peninsula, demonstrating an overwhelming capability to swiftly and accurately strike simulated targets, it added. The B-1B Lancer is a supersonic heavy bomber known for its high-speed performance with a payload of 75,000 pounds (34,000 kilograms) of munitions, including both conventional and precision-guided weapons. It was the fourth time this year the bomber was deployed to the Korean peninsula, the military said, and the second time for a trilateral aerial exercise to counter Pyongyangs military threats. The Norths latest ICBM launch is said to have flown higher and further than any previous missile, according to North Korea as well as Seoul and Tokyos militaries, which tracked it in real-time. The official Korean Central News Agency hailed it as the worlds strongest strategic missile, and leader Kim expressed great satisfaction at the successful launch. North Korea would never change its line of bolstering up its nuclear forces, the agency said. The launch came amid growing international scrutiny over Pyongyangs purported deployment of thousands of troops to Russia to support Moscows war efforts in Ukraine, raising concerns North Korean soldiers in Russian uniforms could soon engage in combat. Advertisement A senior US official revealed that Washington has informed Tehran it would not be able to prevent Israel from reacting or ensure that any response would remain as limited and precise as before read more Amid the brewing tensions in West Asia, reports are emerging that the United States has warned Iran that it wont be able to restrain Israel if Tehran attacks the Jewish nation. The warning came as Iran prepares plans to retaliate to the Israeli strikes in the country. The Israeli forces described the strikes which took place last month as a retaliatory attack on Irans missile attack on October 1. In the past, the White House has urged Israel not to target Irans nuclear and oil facilities. However, Washington warned that these areas could be attacked if Israel is provoked once again. Advertisement According to Axios, a senior US official revealed that Washington has informed Tehran it would not be able to prevent Israel from reacting or ensure that any response would remain as limited and precise as before. Interestingly, this communication marked a rare diplomatic exchange between Iran and the United States. White House reiterated its stance on the matter The official noted that the message was transmitted via the Swiss diplomatic channel, a longstanding conduit for US-Iran communications. White House declined to comment on the matter and neither Irans mission to the United Nations said anything on the issue. However, on Friday, White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre reiterated that Iran should avoid any response, underlining continued US support for Israel in case of Iranian aggression. Meanwhile, Pentagon spokesperson Gen. Pat Ryder announced additional military measures, including deploying destroyers for missile defence, a fighter squadron, refuelling aircraft, and long-range B-52 bombers to the region. While sharing the information about the deployment at a press conference, Ryder emphasised that US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has made clear the US would act decisively to protect its forces and interests should Iran or its proxies strike. Amid the chaos, recent Israeli intelligence assessments have indicated that Tehran is preparing to launch an attack on Israel from Iraqi territory, potentially within days and possibly before the US presidential election. Both Israel and the US believe that if Iran uses militias in Iraq, it aims to avoid a confrontation that could provoke another Israeli strike on its territory. The officials from both countries maintained that the Israeli response would be based on the scale and the impact of the Iranian attack. Advertisement Iran warns of tooth-breaking retaliation On Saturday, Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed to retaliate against the Israeli attack, calling it an aggressive action by the zionist nation. The enemies, both the USA and the Zionist regime should know that they will definitely receive a tooth-breaking response to what they are doing against Iran, the Iranian nation, and the resistance front," the Iranian supreme leader said while he was speaking to students in Tehran. Khameneis remarks referred to Irans alliance with several Tehran-supported groups across the region, including Yemens Houthi rebels, Lebanons Hezbollah movement and the Palestinian group Hamas. With inputs from agencies.